Patent ID: 11904459
Assignee: TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Field: Thermal processes and apparatus (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B  F  H  Y | IPC B  F  H

Claim 0:
1. A robotic coupling joint system with a wide range of motion, the system comprising:
a stand;
an end effector coupled to the stand, wherein the end effector comprises optical elements, and the end effector is capable of tracking sunlight;
a spherical joint coupling the end effector to the stand, wherein the spherical joint allows axial motion about at least one axis of the spherical joint, and the spherical joint comprises
a first plate with at least one socket,
a second plate secured to the stand or the end effector,
a connector, and
at least one sphere positioned in the socket and positioned between the first and second plates, wherein the connector secures the sphere between the first and second plates;

a mobility system linked to the end effector, wherein the mobility system is capable of actuating the end effector, and the mobility system comprising
two or more linking elements with a first end of each coupled to the end effector, and
a motor coupled to the linking elements, wherein the motor shortens or lengthens the linking elements to actuate the end effector relative to the stand.