This article provides complete documentation for purchasing, constructing, programming, and operating a Pneumatic Arm Truss. The PAT supports a two-degree FOM pneumatic arm for inclusion in the BMI Workbench.
System Operation
Startup
- Inspect T-35HD Air Compressor Filter. Rinse with soap & water as necessary.
- Inspect T-35HD air tank for water (valve on bottom of tank). Tilt tank and drain if necessary. Ensure valve is closed prior to use. (Stem will be at its longest when closed.)
- Inspect LFR-D-MIDI & LF-D-5M-MIDI regulators for condensate. Release condensate if it is within 10mm below filter element by opening the lower blue plugs during system operation.
- Adjust the LFR-D-MIDI regulator. Pull blue pressure setting button upwards to unlock it (away from housing). Turn pressure setting button in the ‘-’ direction as far as possible.
- Place T-35HD power switch in auto position. The pump will automatically maintain between 100 – 140 PSIG.
- Turn the LFR-D-MIDI pressure setting button in the ‘+’ direction until the desired pressure is shown on its manometer. (Note: The input pressure must be at least 1 bar greater than the output pressure.)
- Press the the LFR-D-MIDI pressure setting button down to secure it against unintentional turning.
Operation
- To Be Completed.
Shutdown
- Remove supply pressure. Adjust the LFR-D-MIDI regulator. Pull blue pressure setting button upwards to unlock it (away from housing). Turn pressure setting button in the ‘-’ direction as far as possible.
- Power OFF compressor
- Release compressor tank pressure and excess condensate via drain valve.
- Power OFF setpoint voltage
- Power OFF supply voltage
Schematics
Software
videoInput
- http://www.muonics.net/school/spring05/videoInput/
- a free windows video capture library
AutoCAD
NI
Hardware
Festo
- http://www.festo.com/cms/en-us_us
- 1.847.759.2600
- Account #20344983
- Customer Service: 1.800.993.3786
- Our Representative: Pat Sabharwal 1.847.759.2629 (Cell: 630.487.0479)
- Tech Support: 1.866.463.3786
| Component Name | Part # | Pubs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFR-1/4-D-MIDI Filter/Regulator | 186481 | Specifications |
|
| LF-D-5M-MIDI Filter | 186460 | Specifications |
|
| VPPM-6F-L-1-F-0L10H-V1N-S1 Proportional Pressure Regulator | 543432 | Specifications |
|
| VABM-P1-SF-G18-4-P3 Sub-base | 542254 | See VPPM-6F-L-1-F-0L10H-V1N-S1 Proportional Pressure Regulator | |
| Sub-base Blanking Plug | 3570 | ||
| D-3/8I-1/2A Reducing Nipple | 3585 | ||
| DMSP-10-360N(or 240N) RM-RM Fluidic Muscles | 541403 | Manual |
|
| QSL-H-1/8-1/4-U-M Push-in/threaded L-fitting | 533235 | Specifications |
|
| QS-H-3/8-1/4-U-M Push-in fitting | 533222 | Specifications |
|
| QS-H-1/4-1/4-U-M Push-in fitting | 533219 | ||
| DMSP Blanking Plug | 3568 | ||
| ESK-1/4-1/4 Double Nipple | 151521 | ||
| PUN-1/4X3/64-U-BL Polyurethane Tubing | 546584 |
|
|
| SIM-M12-8GD-5-PU Plug Socket with Cable | 525618 |
|
8020
- http://www.8020.net/
- Distributer: TECO, tecoinc.com, 800.521.3285
- Salesman: Jim Gordon, jgordon@tecoinc.com
| Component Name | Part # | Pubs (Page #) 8020 Interactive Catalog |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3060 T-Slotted Aluminum | 1515 | 46 |
|
| 3320 5/16-18 x 11/16 Flanged BHSCS & Economy T-Nut | 3320 | 120 | |
| 15-Series Base Plate | 2130 | 303 | |
| Economy Anti-Vibration Mounts | 2207 | 308 | |
| 8 Hole Inside Corner Bracket | 4304 | 127 | |
| 6 Hole Inside Corner Bracket | 4311 | 125 | |
| 6 Hole Inside Corner Bracket | 4301 | 123 | |
| 4 Hole Tee Joining Plate | 4341 | 143 | |
| 1515 End Cap with Fasteners | 2030 | 266 | |
| 1530 End Cap with Fasteners | 2045 | 266 | |
| Pivot Joint | 14017 | 998 | |
| 5/16-18 x 1″ Socket Head Cap Screws | 3122 | 101 | |
| 2 Hole Inside Corner Bracket | 4302 | 121 | |
| Top Mount Bearing Pads | 6898 | 337 | |
| #10 x 5/6 Pad Screw | 40-3628 | 976 | |
| 1/4″ Black Haircell ABS Panel | 2313 | 251 | |
| 3″ Single Panel Retainer | 7150 | 397 | |
| 1.5″ Single Panel Retainer | 2434 | 242 | |
| Velcro Fastener | 3273 | 281 |
National Instruments
- See here.
Thomas
Ultra Air-Pac T-35HD Electric Air Compressor
- 3 gallon air storage
- Pressure switch maintains 100 PSIG (689.5 KPa) -140 PSIG (861.9 KPa)
- Air Displacement: 4.5 CFM (127 LPM) @ 0 PSI
- Air Delivery: 2.9 CFM @ 50 PSI (83.5 LPM @ 345 KPa)
- 2.55 CFM @ 100 PSI (72.22 LPM @ 689.5 KPa)
- 115V, 60Hz, 10A (@ working pressure), 15A fuse
- Weight: 48 lbs
- Requires no lubrication (do not apply oil or damage may result)
- Motor is equipped with thermal overload protector. If protector trips, the user should manually turn the pump motor off and let the system cool for 5 minutes.
Relevant Papers
- (Boblan et al 2007) A Human-Like Robot Torso ZAR5 with Fluidic Muscles: Toward a Common Platform for Embodied AI
- (Boblan et al 2006) A human-like robot torso with fluidic muscles Biologically inspired engineering
- (Boblan et al 2004) A Human-Like Robot Hand and Arm with Fluidic Muscles: Biologically Inspired Construction and Functionality

