An embodiment is developed for a cylindrically shaped, elliptical rolling robot that has the ability to morph its outer surface as it rolls. The morphing actuation alters lengths of the major and minor axes, resulting in a torque imbalance that rolls the robot along faster or brakes its motion. A control scheme is implemented, whereby angular position and horizontal velocity are used as feedback to trigger and define morphing actuation. A goal of the control scheme is to cause the robot to follow a given velocity profile comprised of steps and ramps. Equations of motion for the rolling robot are formulated, which include rolling resistance torque caused by deformation of the outer surface tread. A computer program solves the equations of motion, and resulting plots show that by automatically morphing its shape in a periodic fashion, the rolling robot is able to commence from an initial position, achieve constant average velocity and slow itself.

An embodiment is developed for a cylindrically shaped, elliptical rolling robot that has the ability to morph its outer surface as it rolls. The morphing actuation alters lengths of the major and minor axes, resulting in a torque imbalance that rolls the robot along faster or brakes its motion. A control scheme is implemented, whereby angular position and horizontal velocity are used as feedback to trigger and define morphing actuation. A goal of the control scheme is to cause the robot to follow a given velocity profile comprised of steps and ramps. Equations of motion for the rolling robot are formulated, which include rolling resistance torque caused by deformation of the outer surface tread. A computer program solves the equations of motion, and resulting plots show that by automatically morphing its shape in a periodic fashion, the rolling robot is able to commence from an initial position, achieve constant average velocity and slow itself.

Maneuverable ergonomic trailer stands are disclosed. An example portable trailer stand includes a frame having an upper ledge; an extendible leg coupled to the frame, the upper ledge being vertically movable to selectively engage and disengage an underside of a trailer parked on a driveway based on movement of the extendible leg relative to the frame; a wheel connected to the frame, the wheel to remain at a substantially fixed distance from the upper ledge as the upper ledge is vertically moved

Maneuverable ergonomic trailer stands are disclosed. An example portable trailer stand includes a frame having an upper ledge; an extendible leg coupled to the frame, the upper ledge being vertically movable to selectively engage and disengage an underside of a trailer parked on a driveway based on movement of the extendible leg relative to the frame; a wheel connected to the frame, the wheel to remain at a substantially fixed distance from the upper ledge as the upper ledge is vertically moved

A telescopic transmission assembly includes first and second stage rods, and first and second stage casings. The second stage rod is of a hollow structure having inner and outer surfaces and a through hole, the outer surface being provided with external threads, and the inner surface being devoid of threads. The first stage rod is disposed in the through hole to drive the second stage rod to rotate synchronously. The first and second stage rods are telescopically expandable or contractible relative to each other along an axial direction. The second stage casing sleeves over the first stage casing. The first and second stage casings have respectively first and second transmission nuts. The second and first stage rods are in a screw-thread fit with the first and second transmission nuts, respectively. The second stage rod is positioned with the first transmission nut in the axial direction in a rotatable manner.

A telescopic transmission assembly includes first and second stage rods, and first and second stage casings. The second stage rod is of a hollow structure having inner and outer surfaces and a through hole, the outer surface being provided with external threads, and the inner surface being devoid of threads. The first stage rod is disposed in the through hole to drive the second stage rod to rotate synchronously. The first and second stage rods are telescopically expandable or contractible relative to each other along an axial direction. The second stage casing sleeves over the first stage casing. The first and second stage casings have respectively first and second transmission nuts. The second and first stage rods are in a screw-thread fit with the first and second transmission nuts, respectively. The second stage rod is positioned with the first transmission nut in the axial direction in a rotatable manner.

A mounting plate for mounting a lifting unit in a lifting column which lifting column includes at least two guide tube segments that are insertable substantially concentrically one-into-another and that are movable with respect to one another along their direction of extension in order to change the length of the lifting column. The mounting plate includes a motor-accommodating structure for a drive motor of the lifting unit and an accommodating structure, different from the motor-accommodating structure, for a support component of the lifting unit that is connectable in a rotationally fixed manner to mounting plate. The support component is disposed on a side of the lifting unit remote from or facing away from the drive motor. Also, a lifting column including the mounting plate.

A mounting plate for mounting a lifting unit in a lifting column which lifting column includes at least two guide tube segments that are insertable substantially concentrically one-into-another and that are movable with respect to one another along their direction of extension in order to change the length of the lifting column. The mounting plate includes a motor-accommodating structure for a drive motor of the lifting unit and an accommodating structure, different from the motor-accommodating structure, for a support component of the lifting unit that is connectable in a rotationally fixed manner to mounting plate. The support component is disposed on a side of the lifting unit remote from or facing away from the drive motor. Also, a lifting column including the mounting plate.

A lifting column includes a drive unit, a lifting tube, and a transmission assembly. The lifting tube includes a first tube, a second tube, a third tube, a fourth tube, and a fifth tube. The transmission assembly includes a first screw rod, a second screw rod, a third screw rod, and a fourth screw rod. The drive unit is in transmission fit with the first screw rod and drives the first screw rod to rotate. A lower end of the second screw rod has a first nut in transmission with the first screw rod, a lower end of the third screw rod has a second nut in transmission with the second screw rod, a lower end of the fourth screw rod has a third nut in transmission with the third screw rod, and a lower end of the first tube has a fourth nut in transmission with the fourth screw rod.

A lifting column includes a drive unit, a lifting tube, and a transmission assembly. The lifting tube includes a first tube, a second tube, a third tube, a fourth tube, and a fifth tube. The transmission assembly includes a first screw rod, a second screw rod, a third screw rod, and a fourth screw rod. The drive unit is in transmission fit with the first screw rod and drives the first screw rod to rotate. A lower end of the second screw rod has a first nut in transmission with the first screw rod, a lower end of the third screw rod has a second nut in transmission with the second screw rod, a lower end of the fourth screw rod has a third nut in transmission with the third screw rod, and a lower end of the first tube has a fourth nut in transmission with the fourth screw rod.