Object movement system and method

Abstract

Moves objects through two / three dimensional space via at least one movement line coupled with opposing sides of a platform. The movement line(s) control the horizontal and vertical (Z-axis) motion of the platform. Displacing a portion of the movement line(s) allows vertical displacement of the platform. There is no need for complex computer control since Z-axis displacement is substantially independent of horizontal movement. Nested embodiments utilizing one or more line allow for three-dimensional movement of an object or angular displacement of the platform with respect to the vertical axis. A mounting beam for positioning and supporting the Z-axis and horizontal axis motors may also be positioned independently of the platform. Many useful devices may be attached to the platform. Some embodiments may utilize two lines to provide redundancy and some of these embodiments may only drive one of the two lines for Y axis movement.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 906,621, filed Feb. 27, 2005 entitled “Object Movement System and Method” the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation in part of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application PCT / US2004 / 035092, filed Oct. 25, 2004 entitled “A Mounting System Reeved to Move an Object in Two-Dimensions and Methods Relating to Same” the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 709,918, filed Jun. 4, 2004 entitled “A Mounting System Reeved to Move an Object in 2-D and Methods Relating to Same” the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 605,778, filed Oct. 25, 2003 entitled “System and Method for Moving Objects within Two-Dimensional Space” the specification of which is hereby incorp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a mounting system configured to move objects throughout two-dimensional and three-dimensional space by using at least one line (e.g., rope, cable or other mechanism) that is optionally reeved about a mounting beam and coupled with both opposing sides of a platform either rotationally or fixedly and wherein the platform may comprise the object to be moved. One line, which may be coupled with the optional mounting beam, controls both the Y-axis motion and Z-axis motion of the platform and is designated the YZ movement line. A nested embodiment of the invention may comprise a second line or a portion of the first line that is mounted parallel or non-parallel with the first line as seen from above and may comprise an XZ movement line, or a second YZ movement line or any other axial combination with the Z axis. A buoyant embodiment may be configured by coupling the platform with a buoyant device (balloon for aerial based embodiments, or float for aquatic based embodiments, or ferromagnetic material for space based embodiments). Buoyant or non-buoyant embodiments may be nested with buoyant or non-buoyant embodiments in any combination or number. One and two line embodiments allow for one or both lines to be driven along the Y axis. In embodiments that drive only one of the two ropes, the other rope freely moves through the sheaves in the system to allow the other rope to move the platform.

[0016] Creating a two axis movement configuration from only one line driven from a point distantly located from the platform provides the advantages of allowing the motors to be large, power cables to be short and located near a large generator and optional control computer. Maintenance is readily performed in one location. The Z movement device in the system may also utilize a pulley arrangement that multiplies the Z-axis travel or may be constructed from levers, fulcrums, hydraulic or electronic actuators or any other device which can displace line.

Problems solved by technology

These systems fail to satisfactorily achieve the full spectrum of ease of control, compact storage, ease of transport, speed, load bearing, extensibility, maintainability and platform stability.

The device is self propelled and is heavy.

The device is limited in the amount of Z-axis displacement that can be effected.

The balloons may be raised or lowered but are cumbersome in enclosed environments and stadiums where they would block the view of spectators.

In addition, the speed at which items could be transported would be fairly slow since a balloon would have a large surface area and would not be capable of rapid horizontal movement.

In addition, no means for conveying messages or advertisements are contemplated and it appears that the device is intended for industrial operations where the stability of the supported object is of little concern.

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