A -- SUSPENDED DRY-DOCK PLATFORM

Notice Date

June 19, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Acquisition and Logistics Division, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301, Room B129, Mail Stop 3571, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899-3571

ZIP Code

20899-3571

Description

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are working on the following technologies: A able-supported platform can precisely manipulate workers, tools/equipment and loads using position, velocity and force control modes. The platform has a plurality of cables (6 or more) that attach to 4 support points so as to provide constraint/control of the suspended platform. The cable lengths can be independently controlled by hoist drive-mechanisms and coordinated to achieve intuitive platform movement in all six degrees-of-freedom. The platform consisting of servo components (I.e. hoist, amplifier, servo interface, sensory feedback), can be rapidly reconfigured to adjust to new applications. Applications immediately address worker/equipment access challenges in dry dock ship repair and conversion. It can be used for construction, high bays, and open pits (e.g., nuclear waste burial pits). Various combinations of manual and automatic control can also be implemented. The hoists can be controlled manually by multi-axis joystick, or can be automatically controlled by computer. For further information, contact: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Office of Technology Partnerships, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2200, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899; This is not an announcement of a contract action or a grant.

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOC/NIST/AcAsD/NISTDOCKETNumber00-028PA/listing.html)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010621/SPMSC011.HTM (D-170 SN50P3C0)