A manipulator system having a positioner having a primary rail, a first coupling linkage, and a second coupling linkage. The first coupling linkage couples the primary rail to a base and positions the primary rail along a first plane. The system has another positioner having a secondary rail, a third coupling linkage, and a fourth coupling linkage. The third coupling linkage couples the secondary rail to the base and positions the secondary rail along a second plane which is parallel to the first plane. A common link couples to the primary and secondary rails via linkages. Each of the second and fourth coupling linkages includes a joint for linear motion along the respective rail, and a revolute joint for relative pivoting between the respective rail and the common link. A position and orientation of the common link are adjustable by the joints and revolute joints.

Disclosed is a two-turn-one-movement parallel mechanism with a large turning angle, comprising a machine frame, a movable platform, a first branch and two second branches, characterized in that the first branch comprises a machine frame turning pair, a first moving pair slider, a first moving pair guide rod and a first universal joint; each one of the second branches comprises a second moving pair guide rail, a second moving pair slider, a second universal joint, a connecting rod and a movable platform turning pair; in the two second branches, the axis of the first turning pair of each one of the second universal joints is superimposed with and parallel to the axis of the machine frame turning pair in the first branch, and the axis of each one of the movable platform turning pairs is parallel to the second turning axis of the first universal joint in the first branch.

A compensated constant force spring device includes a bracket, a drum rotatably supported by the bracket, and a constant force spring wound on the drum. A motor is fixed to the bracket and provides a compensating force to the drum. The motor may be located in an interior volume of the drum. A control module may coupled to the motor to control the compensating force. A position sensor may be coupled to the control module. The compensating force may be responsive to a signal from the position sensor. The constant force spring may support a load and counterbalance gravitational forces on the load. The compensating force may be adjusted when the load approaches an end of a range of travel.

A positioning unit includes two control carriages and a work carriage, it being possible to move the two control carriages and the work carriage on tracks that extend in parallel with one another. There is a working arm being articulated on a work base point on the work carriage and a control arm being articulated on a control base point on each of the control carriages. The control arms are articulated on the working arm at a control point of the working arm, the control point being spaced apart at a predefined lambda distance (d) from an end of the working arm that forms a working-point end and faces away from the work base point, and the two control base points and the work base point defining a triangle. At least two carriages of the two control carriages and the work carriage are movably arranged on a shared guide.

A semi-automatic precision positioning robot apparatus and method for use of the same to hold, position, orient and/or move a workpiece are provided. The positioning apparatus utilizes an actuator system of a given configuration to manipulate a workpiece holding unit with multiple degrees of freedom to achieve various positions and orientations. An associated tool may further be provided to interact with the workpiece in various positions and orientations. The positioning apparatus enables an operator to obtain high degrees of maneuverability while maintaining precision and consistency in the manufacture and production of various products and components.

The parallel robotics system is disclosed. The parallel robotics system includes a base, a plurality of first active joints each moving independently from each other in a first direction in the base, a plurality of second active joints connected to the first active joints, respectively, and each moving independently from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a truss structure connected to the plurality of second active joints and moving depending on a movement of each of the plurality of first active joints and a movement of each of the plurality of second active joints.

A compensated constant force spring device includes a bracket, a drum rotatably supported by the bracket, and a constant force spring wound on the drum. A motor is fixed to the bracket and provides a compensating force to the drum. The motor may be located in an interior volume of the drum. A control module may coupled to the motor to control the compensating force. A position sensor may be coupled to the control module. The compensating force may be responsive to a signal from the position sensor. The constant force spring may support a load and counterbalance gravitational forces on the load. The compensating force may be adjusted when the load approaches an end of a range of travel.

The disclosure relates to a machine comprising; a fixed lower platform having a first connecting area; a movable upper platform having an operating area and a second connecting area; at least three limbs, each limb comprising a lower section, an upper section and an intermediate section between the lower section and the upper section; wherein each limb interconnects the fixed lower platform and the movable upper platform by joining the first connecting area and the second connecting area, wherein the lower section of each limb comprises a first part of a first prismatic joint, wherein, the first connecting area comprises a cooperating second part of the first prismatic joint; wherein the lower section of each limb further comprises a first revolute joint; wherein the intermediate section of each limb comprises a second prismatic joint, wherein the upper section of each limb comprises a second revolute joint; wherein each limb is pivotably movable relative to the movable upper platform; wherein each of the limbs comprise an actuation arrangement for moving the movable upper platform relative to the fixed lower platform.

A parallel kinematic manipulator system having three degrees of freedom and a method of controlling and visualizing work objects using force feedback and oscillation algorithms is provided. Three co-planar linear actuators operate symmetrically and parallel to an effector arm and are pivotally connected by three magnetic disc swivel joints to a base plate. The disc swivel joints each include a convex upper and lower swivel member having two dimensional gear patterns structured into their contacting and non-sliding surfaces. A pulsed illumination source consists of an annular LED array and is synchronized to the oscillation frequencies of the system to provide visual filtering capabilities. A control unit includes a method for keeping a work object balanced by force feedback and without the need for angle sensors at the end-effector, as well as methods for rotation of work objects and control of the pulsed illumination source. Sound trap ridges are included as part of the housing to reduce system noise.

A compensated constant force spring device includes a bracket, a drum rotatably supported by the bracket, and a constant force spring wound on the drum. A motor is fixed to the bracket and provides a compensating force to the drum. The motor may be located in an interior volume of the drum. A control module may coupled to the motor to control the compensating force. A position sensor may be coupled to the control module. The compensating force may be responsive to a signal from the position sensor. The constant force spring may support a load and counterbalance gravitational forces on the load. The compensating force may be adjusted when the load approaches an end of a range of travel.