Tethered Remote Manipulator

Abstract

Remote-manipulator concept for retrieval or inspection of objects in outer space applied to underwater or in tanks of hazardous chemicals. System includes tether head on outer end of tether cable wound on motor-driven takeup reel. Head includes mounting plate with four canted thrustors facing rearward, solid-state camera with patterned sources of light facing forward, and pneumatic inflatable end effector. Also includes device to cut head loose in emergency. Intended for use in places beyond reach of jointed rigid-arm manipulator and where unsafe or impractical to send humans.