Load Positioners

An articulating arm is another type of load positioning device. The articulating arm does not include the actual handling aid. As the name implies a load positioner is any device that positions the part (or load) prior to placement.

Manipulating Arm Systems. Another piece of equipment that you should be familiar with for reaching in, around and under obstacles is an Arm system. These manipulator arms allow an operator to lift heavy loads and manipulate the load almost as he would if he could lift the load himself.

Wall/Column Mount Jib w/Articulating Arm. The crane pictured to the left can be mounted either on the wall or on a building column. Also, please notice that the container is positioned inside the bed of the truck using an articulating arm. The articulating arm gives the operator a full range of x,y motion even though the handling aid on the end of the jib is itself stationary, i.e., it can not move along the jib. Jib Crane

Pictured to the right, the operator is using an articulating arm to part of the body of an automobile. The articulating arm enables the operator to handle great loads and do so with relative ease. Operator controls are conveniently located on the handles that he is grasping, allowing him to move up/down, in/out and to clamp and unclamp the part.

Pictured to the left is a manipulator arm with a suction cup end effector for picking up large smooth objects. In this case, it is used to pick up the fiberglass fender of a truck body (not shown).