Modules for use in an integrated intelligent assist system

• US 20020111712A1
• Filed: 02/12/2001
• Published: 08/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Northwestern University
• Original Assignee: Stanley Works Limited (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lipsey, James, Peshkin, Michael A., Colgate, J. Edward, Santos-Munne, Julio, Klostermeyer, Stephen H., Meer, David, Wannasuphoprasit, Witaya
• Granted Patent: US 6,813,542 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/230
• CPC Class Codes: B66C 13/18 Control systems or devices exclusively for rope, cable, or chain winding mechanisms B66D1/40
• CPC Class Codes: B66D 3/20 with driving motor, e.g. electric motor, and drum or barrel contained in a common housing

Abstract

An intelligent assist system having a modular architecture, coordinated by electronic communication links between the modules. Modules for motion, computation, interface, and programming are disclosed in exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. An intelligent trolley module for use in an assist system, comprising:

plurality of wheels;

an actuator for driving at least one of the wheels;

a computational node controlling actuation of the motor driving the wheels of the trolley; and

a communication interface providing input/output communication with other intelligent modules.

2. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 further wherein the actuator comprises a gearing.

3. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 further wherein the actuator comprises a motor.

4. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 further wherein the computational node implements a virtual limit controlling motion of the trolley.

5. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 further wherein the computational node implements a virtual limit controlling motion of the trolley.

6. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 further comprising a roller.

7. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 further comprising a manually operable roller release.

8. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 further comprising an automatic roller release.

9. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 further comprising a position indicator for indexing motion of the device.

10. The intelligent trolley of claim 9 where the position indicator comprises a hall switch.

11. The intelligent trolley of claim 1 furtherutilizing odometry for monitoring the motion of the trolley.

13. The intelligent lift module of claim 12 where the support comprises a cable.

14. The intelligent lift module of claim 12 where the cable is raised and lowered by a reel.

15. The intelligent lift module of claim 14 where the reel comprises a translating reel.

16. The intelligent lift module of claim 15 where the reel comprises a slidable translating reel.

17. The intelligent lift module of claim 15 where the reel further comprises a cam follower.

18. The intelligent lift module of claim 12 further comprising a replaceable guide unit containing a cam follower.

19. The intelligent lift module of claim 12 further comprising a position indicator.

20. The intelligent lift module of claim 18 further comprising a hall switch.

21. The intelligent lift module of claim 18 further comprising a motor encoder.

22. The intelligent lift module of claim 18 wherein the reel is indexed comprising a plurality of hall switches indexing multiple rotations of the reel.

23. The intelligent lift module of claim 12 comprising a virtual limit to the lift.

25. The input device of claim 24 wherein the input device comprises a pendant.

26. The input device of claim 24 wherein the proportional control provides for an up or down signal to lift a payload up or down respectively.

27. The input device of claim 24 wherein the proportional button comprises a shaft to rotate a magnet in the vicinity of a hall effect sensor to create the proportional signal output.

28. The input device of claim 24 further comprising a plurality of conventional buttons that can be assigned specific functions.

29. The input device of claim 28 wherein the specific functions comprise stop and reset.

12. An intelligent lift module for use in an assist device, comprising

a support moving a payload;

a computational node controlling movement of the payload; and

a communication interface providing input/output communication with other modules.

24. An input device for use in an assist system, comprising:

a handle for gripping; and

at least one proportional control;

wherein the input device is in communication with a multi-function hub having a physical interface for providing mechanical support within the assist system, and wherein the proportional control when pressed provides a proportional output signal to the hub.