TELEROBOTIC NOZZLE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOMATED ROADWAY DEBRIS

摘要

A telerobotic nozzle positioning system for a mobile debris vacuum vehicle or for fixed particulate vacuuming applications. The apparatus has a vacuum source coupled to an adjustable boom and nozzle assembly (10). The nozzle assembly is mounted to the boom with a compliant upper joint (36) that will allow the nozzle assembly to withstand impact with obstructions without shearing the nozzle assembly from the boom. A base (38) with an extensible fly (40) is pivotally coupled to the upper joint an can swing with respect to the joint upon actuation of a short stroke hydraulic cylinder (94). The distal end of the extendable fly has a nozzle bracket assembly (132) with a nozzle bracket, flexible hose and nozzle tip. The nozzlebracket and nozzle tip can pivot with respect to the fly. A pair of long hydraulic cylinders (42) allows the extension of the fly from the base as well as rotation of the nozzle bracket and tip.