BUBBLE LIFTER

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While strolling assiduously through my local Orchard Supply Hardware store one day, all the while hoping that some previously unfamiliar or overlooked item would jump out at me as a useful part for my robot, I chanced upon a new item: a telescoping PVC connection pipe. This strange object, whose true function remains a mystery to me (although it has been suggested to me that these items are used by swimming pool maintenance men), is a telescoping tube. It instantly struck me that this would make an ideal bubble lifter for my robot.

These connectors come in many sizes, but the one-inch size perfectly fit my aluminum radar section. Since I have three radars, I bought three connectors. These connectors have screw tops that attach them perfectly to the radar. A more perfect match could not have been found. The only alteration necessary was to cut off about an inch of the telescoping tube to give the connector the right maximum height for the robot's neck.

The neck bracket that I am using is a Mike Joyce B9 Creations design that has been executed by John Levenick. This bracket was not designed for my PVC connector, but it was simple to adapt it. I simply had the interior diameter of the bracket widened on a lathe to accommodate the telescoping tube of the connector. To insure a secure fit, I had two set screws installed in the bracket so that the bracket will never be in danger of separating from the PVC neck.

The only task that now remains is to attach my bubble lifting linear actuator to the telescoping tube. This should be a very simple operation.

Left: lower part of PVC connector visible through the bottom of the radar. A rubber ring used in plumbing jobs holds the PVC connector firmly in place on the underside of the radar. Right: PVC connector.

Altered neck bracket.

PVC connector mounted with neck bracket at full height

Rubber boot covering the PVC connector.