Abstract: An electrostatic induction-type vibration power generation device and method for improving a power generation amount, and extracting an external electric field from a spontaneous polarization electret. A pair of conductive plates is disposed with a gap therebetween. A charged body formed of a spontaneous polarization electret having predetermined thickness has a positively charged lower surface and negatively charged upper surface. The charged body is between conductive plates in contact with one conductive plate. The gap between the conductive plates is displaced in a direction vertical to the surfaces of the spontaneous polarization electret, whereby an electrostatic capacitance changes and electric power is generated. The other conductive plate is disposed at a position where an absolute value of an external electric field emitted outside from the charged body is between 2.7×107 V/m and 1.5×1010 V/m. Moreover, the thickness of the spontaneous polarization electret is between 1 mm and 60 mm.

Abstract: A sensor device for sensor networks capable of saving power and securing accuracy and a method for transmitting data to a sensor network. The device includes: an oscillation-type sensor that oscillates with a mechanical vibrator; a data processor and communicator that processes a signal output from the oscillation-type sensor and transmits data to an external apparatus; a power supply that supplies electric power to the oscillation-type sensor and the data processor and communicator; and a power supply control unit that controls connection of a power supply line between the power supply and the oscillation-type sensor and connection of a power supply line between the power supply and the data processor and communicator. The power supply control unit connects the power supply line between the power supply and the oscillation-type sensor and then connects the power supply line between the power supply and the data processor and communicator.

Abstract: A robot with a base, a first link connected to the base by a shoulder joint, and a second link connected to the first link by an elbow joint. A shoulder motor drives the shoulder joint, and an elbow motor drives the elbow joint. An upper elbow pulley is coupled to the first link. An end effector pulley coupled to the upper elbow pulley, and a dual-bladed end effector driven by the end effector pulley. The diameter of the upper elbow pulley and the diameter of the end effector pulley are related by a 1:2 ratio. Ferro-fluid seals are used to seal each joint. A static seal joins the seams of the links. Each arm link has a particle filter. The robot can communicate electrical signals through the revolute joints with a conductive slip-ring assembly. Alternately, the joint may have an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, and a cable may be coiled between the cylinders.

Abstract: A robotic arm utilizing two pulleys connected by two metallic drive bands wound in opposite directions and rotatably attached to the pulleys. The metallic drive bands may include multiple metal strips separated by a visco-elastic material. One end of one drive band is attached to the pulley by a pin. A positioning mechanism is provided to adjust the tension of the band. The positioning mechanism includes a retaining piece, a wedge piece and an adjustment piece. The retaining piece is laterally movable and has an attachment point to the metal band and a slanted face. The wedge piece is vertically-movable and has a face abutting the slanted face of the retaining piece. The adjustment piece attaches the wedge piece to the pulley and moves the wedge piece vertically.

Abstract: A robotic arm has a base with a top surface and an aperture therein. A shaft extends up through the aperture, and there is a gap between the shaft and an inner edge of the aperture. A splash guard may extend over said gap, and an indentation in said top surface may at least partially surround the gap. A seal, including a bearing and a barrier, is located in the gap. The bearing allows the inner and outer surfaces to rotate relative to each other. The barrier includes a plurality of annular outward-pointing flanges attached to an inner surface interleaved with a plurality of annular inward-pointing flanges attached to an outer surface. The flanges may be angled and have an upturned lip located at an inner edge of each flange. The seal may include a magnet attached to a flange.

Abstract: A robotic arm utilizing two pulleys connected by two metal drive bands wound in opposite directions and rotatably attached to the pulleys. The metal drive bands may include multiple metal strips separated by a visco-elastic material. One end of one drive band is attached to the pulley by a pin. The pin has a laterally movable retaining piece with a slanted face having an attachment point connected to one end of the metal band, a vertically movable wedge piece with a face abutting the slanted face, and an adjustment piece which attaches the wedge piece to the pulley and moves the wedge piece vertically.

Abstract: A rotary seal is located in a gap between an inner surface and an outer surface. A radial bearing allows the inner and outer surfaces to rotate relative to each other. A radial barrier includes a plurality of annular outward-pointing flanges attached to the inner surface interleaved with a plurality of annular inward-pointing flanges attached to the outer surface. The flanges may be angled and have an upturned lip located at an inner edge of each flange. The radial seal may include a magnet. A robotic arm has a first housing with a top surface and an aperture therein. A shaft extends up through the aperture, and there is a gap between the shaft and an inner edge of the aperture. A splash guard may extend over said gap, and an indentation in said top surface may at least partially surround the gap.

Abstract: A drying apparatus includes a plurality of dryer modules, each module creating a drying zone and having a plurality of tubes disposed above and below an upper surface of a conveyor that supports a product within the apparatus for transport therethrough. At least one circulation fan in each module causes heated air to circulate to the tubes, which direct the air flow to impinge upon and dry the product. Each module also includes a burner for heating the air within the module to a desired temperature. The circulation fan and burner of each module are independently controllable, so that the apparatus can produce an air-flow rate and an air temperature in at least one of the drying zones different than the air-flow rate and air temperature in at least one other of the drying zones.