Abstract:
The invention relates to a cutting head, more particularly for a lawnmower with a rechargeable battery, comprising an electric motor (1) with a driving shaft (3) connected to a cutting disk (4) perpendicular to said shaft (3). The cutting disk (4) is provided with at least one blade (5) at its periphery. There is also provided a lower plate (7) parallel to and located under said cutting disk (4). The lower plate (7) is free wheeling around the axis though the use of a roller bearing (8). In the case of friction or jamming due to debris, the lower plate (7) starts to rotate to expel the debris by centrifugal effect.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an automatic, self-contained machine for continuously mowing grass. The machine is powered by means of photovoltaic cells (10) and can be wheeled (15) or tracked. A device comprising a microcomputer programmed by an algorithm allows to search for spots where the grass must be cut and to detect the boundaries of the surface to be mown. The obstacles (92) are detected and passed around by analysis of relative movements of an upper panel (9) comprising the photovoltaic cells (10) and a lower frame (1).
Abstract:
System of guidance and positioning relative to a fixed station (1) for an autonomous mobile robot (7) utilizing at least a directional infra-red beam (2′) emitted by the fixed station, the mobile robot being provided with a directional system of detection (10a, 10b) of infra-red emission connected to a microcomputer incorporated in the robot, the robot moving on a work surface in an essentially random manner, the microcomputer (44) including an algorithm able to control the return to fixed station (1) by displacement of the robot (7) towards the direction of emission of said infra-red beam (2′), characterized in that the infra-red beam (2′) is a narrow directional beam and in that the system of detection (10a, 10b) is located on a frame at the center of rotation of the robot (7), oriented in the direction of movement of the robot, precise positioning in the fixed station (1) being carried out by rotation of the machine around a vertical axis according to an algorithm based on the detection of the narrow beam (2′).
Abstract:
A system for picking up golf balls over a golf practice green consists of an automatic mobile machine equipped with a motor and a power source, for example a rechargeable battery, and provided with an onboard computer. The machine carries a mechanical device for gripping and storing the golf balls in a container, a device for emptying such container, a device for detecting the limits of the surface for picking up. The system further comprise at least a station for discharging the balls picked up and preferably a station for recharging the rechargeable batteries. Both stations are advantageously integrated to each other.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a navigation device for a mobile robot comprising means for measuring the amplitude and the phase of an electromagnetic signal emitted by a wire acting as limit for a working area of the robot. The measuring means samples the amplitude of the signal during each time interval, the result of each measurement is stored in a memory and the measurements are repeated for several time intervals, the collected results being added in said memories until the content of a memory reaches a reference threshold. The number of samples required and the content of each memory is interpreted by numerical analysis to determine the distance or distance variation relative to said limiting elements. Any phase change corresponding to a passage beyond the limiting wire is easily detected and results for example in a command returning the robot to its working area.
Abstract:
A system for picking up golf balls over a golf practice green consists of an automatic mobile machine equipped with a motor and a power source, for example a rechargeable battery, and provided with an onboard computer. The machine carries a mechanical device for gripping and storing the golf balls in a container, a device for emptying such container, a device for detecting the limits of the surface for picking up. The system further comprise at least a station for discharging the balls picked up and preferably a station for recharging the rechargeable batteries. Both stations are advantageously integrated to each other.
Abstract:
A system for resupplying power to self-contained mobile equipment, including a fixed station having an external power source and consisting of a high-frequency generator and an induction coil as well as, on or in the equipment, a pick-up coil, a current filtering and rectifying device, a rechargeable battery pack, and a microcomputer-controlled tracking system. The microcomputer is connected to the drive control system of the equipment and applies a drive algorithm to the fixed station when the battery charge level drops below a predetermined level, the algorithm being based on a measurement of the high-frequency generator signal reception strength gradient.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a floor dusting device comprising a self-contained mobile machine provided with two wheels and a suction means, a dust-container, an obstacle avoiding and detection means and an electronic control unit having a microprocessor. The device is also provided with a central device for discharging the dust, said device being stationary and associated to a guiding means enabling the mobile self-contained machine to reach the central dust and discharge device for emptying periodically the dust container. The device is also comprised of a charging unit integrated to the central device to recharge the rechargeable batteries contained in the mobile machine. The microprocessor is associated to an algorithm for avoiding the obstacles and searching the central suction device and the charging unit.