Abstract: A mounting port that allows an article to be relayed between a worker and a conveying apparatus or a processing device in a clean room includes a shutter that raises little or no dust and has a simple opening and closing mechanism. The mounting port includes an article mounting stand, an apparatus-side opening that allows a conveying apparatus or a processing device to pass an article to and from the mounting stand, a passageway-side opening that faces a worker passageway, shutters that are provided at positions to open and close the apparatus-side opening and includes arc-shaped plates or plates, and a swing mechanism that swings the shutters between a state in which the apparatus-side opening is opened and a state in which the apparatus-side opening is closed.

Abstract: A robot mechanism includes a link formed from a first segment abutting a second segment at opposing faces thereof, at least one tendon passing from the first segment into the second segment, wherein the first segment is held in contact with the second segment by tension applied to the at least one segment.

Abstract: An articulated mechanism system includes a plurality of fingers (articulated mechanisms) arranged in parallel, each of which has a mounting member, a first digital part rotatably connected to the mounting member by a first connecting part, a second digital part rotatably connected to the first digital part by a second connecting part, and a first driving part rotatably connected to the second digital part by a fourth connecting part and connected to a third connecting part. By extruding the third connecting part toward the fourth connecting part, the first digital part and the second digital part are integrally rotated about the first connecting part, or the second digital part is rotated about the second connecting part when the rotation of the first digital part is blocked. The third connecting parts are driven by a single driving mechanism for the same distance and in the same direction at a time.

Abstract: A robotic finger assembly has a first phalange connected to a palm via a first joint, a second phalange connected to the first phalange via a second joint, and a third phalange connected to the second phalange via a third joint. A drive spool at the first phalange has a first and second tendon wound in opposite directions. A first spool is aligned with the second joint and has the first tendon wound to enter and exit the first spool on a first side, and has the second tendon wound to enter and exit the first spool on a second side. A second spool is aligned with the third joint and has the first tendon wound to enter and exit the second spool on the first side, and has the second tendon wound to enter and exit the second spool on the second side.

Abstract: A protective casing of a gripper for industrial automation is described, having two or more jaws, which makes the gripper also usable in clean-room. The casing comprises a base fixable to an outer actuator, for example a robotic arm, and a dome. The dome and the base are air tightly constrainable one to another and they together define a chamber for housing the gripper. The dome is provided with through slots at the jaws of the gripper; the edges of the through slots air tightly adhere to the corresponding jaw. At least the portion of the dome at the through slots is elastically deformable to follow the movements of the jaws. Preferably, the dome and the base are coupled and flush in order to limit or prevent particles or dust from building up between interstices.

Abstract: A robotic tool system includes a gripping mechanism having a pair of movable jaws that extend along a longitudinal axis. Each jaw has a convex inner surface relative to the axis that cooperate to define a first adaptor. A tool assembly includes a tool and a second adaptor connected to the tool and having a biconvex projection. The jaws are movable towards one another from a first condition spaced from the second adaptor to a second condition in which the first adaptor engages the second adaptor to securely fasten the tool assembly to the gripping mechanism.

Abstract: A device for driving mechanical griping jaws includes a first board; a screw connected to the first board; a second board connected to the screw and having slots; a driving board mounted around the screw; linkages each having: a first link with a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first axis is pivotally connected to the second board, and a second link with a third axis, a fourth axis and a fifth axis, wherein the third axis is pivotally connected to the driving board, and the fourth axis is pivotally connected to the second axis; connecting boards each being pivotally connected to the fifth axis and passing the corresponding slot; and linear movement modules each having a slide rail and a slider moving along the slide rail and being connected to the connecting board, so as to precisely position the griping jaws and eliminate griping errors.

Abstract: A robotic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a pair of hand units, a gripping mechanism that grips and releases an object by changing an interval between a pair of hands, a servomotor for a gripping action that drives the gripping mechanism, at least one spline shaft that supports the pair of hands so that the hands are able to move, a servomotor for an extending and contracting action that rotates the spline shaft, and an extension and contraction mechanism that is extended and contracted by rotation of the spline shaft so that the hands move to a gripping position or a releasing position.

Abstract: A prosthetic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.

Abstract: An end effector base and a finger unit are formed as separate members, and are disposed with a space therebetween. A force sensor is fixed to a finger base of the finger unit, and is disposed with a space between it and the end effector base. Three supporting members are supported by the end effector base, and are configured to be able to be moved by the driving of a driving unit to a position where they support the force sensor and a position where they are separated from the force sensor and support the finger unit.

Abstract: A robot hand includes a finger unit that is in contact with an object. The finger unit includes: a first member in which a tip portion and a base portion connected to the tip portion are formed as a single member; and a second member that covers a surface of the first member.

Abstract: A substrate gripper apparatus is provided. Substrate gripper apparatus includes a body, a first slide member moveable relative to the body, a first finger mounting member coupled to the first slide member, a first lower finger coupled to the first finger mounting member, and a first pivoting finger coupled to the first finger mounting member. First pivoting member may impose a force on a substrate due to gravity. Methods of operating the substrate gripper apparatus as well as other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool carrier unit of a tool magazine. The tool carrier unit of a tool magazine according to the present invention includes: a body frame installed across a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine; a clamping unit disposed at one side of the body frame and configured to clamp a tool accommodated in any one of the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine; an LM unit (liner motion unit) disposed at one side of the body frame and configured to guide a movement of the clamping unit; an actuator disposed at one side of the body frame and configured to move the clamping unit; and an unclamping unit disposed at the body frame and configured to unclamp the tool when the clamping unit reaches the first tool magazine or the second tool magazine.

Abstract: A compliant underactuated grasper includes a palm base and two fingers. Each of the fingers comprises: a proximal phalanx; a distal phalanx; a compliant flexure joint connecting the distal phalanx to the proximal phalanx; and a pin joint connecting the proximal phalanx to the palm base, the pin joint constraining angular movement of the proximal phalanx relative to the palm base to rotation about a pin pivot axis. The grasper further includes at least one actuator to move the fingers. The grasper has fewer actuators than degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A robot apparatus that performs the work of attaching a cable includes a gripper that grips the cable having first and second ends, the first end being fixed; an arm main body that guides the second end of the cable being gripped by the gripper to the interior of a guide area; a force sensor that is provided on the arm main body and detects that the gripper has come into contact with the second end of the cable; a camera that captures an image of the guide area when the force sensor detects that the gripper has come into contact with the second end of the cable; and an image processor that detects the posture of the second end of the cable based on the captured image. The robot apparatus performs the work of attaching the cable in accordance with the detected posture of the connector.

Abstract: A gripping arm for a clamping attachment for a forklift has a load engaging inner arm including portions defining a load face. The inner arm is pivotal about a first axis parallel to the load face and pivots about a second axis normal to the first axis to engage and secure a load.

Abstract: A robot, such as a bipedal robot, that includes three or more rigid links such as two legs and a pelvis. The robot includes joints pivotally connecting pairs of the rigid links and an actuator associated with each of the joints. The robot includes a universal balancing controller with an output feedback control module providing control signals to selectively drive the actuators to balance the robot on a support element which may be configured to provide a dynamic, unstable environment or to provide a static, stable environment. During use, the control signals are generated in response to processing of global robot data from sensors associated with the rigid links or the joints. The control signals are generated by the output feedback control module without any need for measurements of the support element or without any measurement of a dynamic environment.

Abstract: A method of determining an optimal grasp pose of an object by an end-effector of a robot in the execution of a task includes receiving a set of inputs via a controller, including a descriptive parameter of the object, a task wrench having a frame of reference, and a commanded end-effector grasp force. The method includes calculating a grasp wrench in the frame of reference of the task wrench, rotating and shifting the grasp pose, and then computing a resultant new grasp wrench via the controller until the task wrench and the grasp wrench are optimally balanced. Additionally, the method includes recording the optimal grasp pose as the grasp pose at which the grasp and task wrenches are optimally balanced, and then executing a control action via the controller using the recorded optimal grasp pose. A robotic system includes the robot and a controller programmed to execute the method.

Abstract: A movable instrument holding apparatus and method of retaining a medical instrument with a movable instrument holding apparatus are disclosed. The movable instrument holding apparatus includes a housing structure retaining a gripping structure. A rail is connected to the housing structure. A depressible arm is connected to the rail, the depressible arm having a first quantity of ratchet teeth, wherein the first quantity of ratchet teeth is movable with the depressible arm. A track is sized to receive the rail, wherein the track has a second quantity of ratchet teeth, and wherein the first quantity of ratchet teeth are engagable with the second quantity of ratchet teeth when the rail is positioned at least partially within the track.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for turning grilled, fried or otherwise cooked items without risk of dropping or breaking the foodstuff. The utensil has two pivotally connected handles, joined by a spring-loaded hinge at one terminus. Each handle is equipped with a large, fan-shaped wire spatula for grasping food. The fan-shaped spatulas are large enough to grasp food items without risk of portions breaking or falling off. Further, the utensil is equipped with a hook and eye closure mechanism to secure the spatulas together when not in use. The device may also have metal prongs extending from the outer edges of the spatulas to better grasp foodstuffs.

Abstract: A second member having an elongated shape is attached to a first member via a connecting member. The connecting member is rotatable around a first shaft in a direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the second member with respect to the first member and rotatable around a second shaft intersecting both the longitudinal direction and a direction along the first shaft with respect to the second member. Further, a first drive part that rotationally drives the connecting member around the first shaft is provided in the first member and a second drive part that rotationally drives the connecting member around the second shaft is provided in the second member. In this manner, a robot hand that can rotate the first member and the second member not only around the first shaft but also around the second shaft may be realized with a simpler and smaller structure.

Abstract: A grapple hoist system for an agricultural vehicle is disclosed that includes a mast-mounted hoist including a boom arrangement and a winch and adapted to receive a main hoist cable and a grapple assembly including a plurality of radially-spaced, converging hook-shaped claws pivotally mounted about a common bulkhead and including a cable link attached to each of the hook-shaped claws, a plurality of cable link pulleys mounted on the common bulkhead, each cable link pulley adapted to carry an associated cable link, wherein the cable links are joined at the main cable beyond the cable link pulleys; and mounting devices for mounting the mast to an associated container or vehicle in a manner that enables it to rotate.

Abstract: A gripper arm for a gripping device for grasping, holding and guiding containers, comprises at least one rotatably mounted control cam, the control cam designed and disposed such that the gripper arm can be moved from at least one first position into at least one second position and/or vice versa, wherein the gripper arm comprises at least one bore hole for at least partially receiving a bearing pin, wherein the bearing pin is designed such that the gripper arm can pivot in the gripping device, and wherein the gripper arm further comprises at least one seating for a closing means configured such that it can move the gripper arm from the second position into the first position and/or vice versa, and wherein the gripper arm comprises at least one gripping section at least partially of fork-like form. A gripping device, a transport mechanism and a transport system is also provided.

Abstract: The positions and orientations of one or more target objects are obtained from the result of measuring a set of target objects by using a first sensor. A robot including a grip unit is controlled to grip one target object as a gripping target object among the target objects by the grip unit. Whether the grip unit has succeeded in gripping the gripping target object is determined from the result of measurement performed by a second sensor for measuring the target object gripped by the grip unit. When the grip unit has been determined to fail in gripping the gripping target object, one target object interacting with the gripping target object is selected among the target objects. The robot is controlled to grip the selected target object by the grip unit.

Abstract: Technologies pertaining to a robotic hand are described herein. A protection apparatus is positioned in a joint of the robotic hand, where movement of a link about the joint is driven by a motor. The protection apparatus absorbs torque about the joint caused by an external force. At least a portion of the robotic hand can be covered by an anthropomorphic skin. An apparatus suitable for controlling operation of the robotic hand is also described herein.

Abstract: A mechanical finger comprises at least three phalanges, with a base phalanx pivotally connected at a proximal end to a base. At least one intermediate phalanx is pivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end of the base phalanx. An end phalanx is pivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end of a distal-most one of the at least one intermediate phalanx. The phalanges pivot about parallel pivot axes. A transmission linkage is between the base and the end phalanx. The transmission linkage has links and joints unconnected to any of the phalanges other than the end phalanx, the transmission linkage being configured so as not to constrain the degrees of freedom of the mechanical finger.

Abstract: A grasper includes a base, a finger, a tendon cable and a magnetic breakaway mechanism. The finger has a proximal end connected to the base by a proximal joint. The tendon cable is configured to move the finger relative to the base. The magnetic breakaway mechanism releasably couples the finger to the base.

Abstract: A grasper includes a base, a finger, a tendon cable and a magnetic breakaway mechanism. The finger has a proximal end connected to the base by a proximal joint. The tendon cable is configured to move the finger relative to the base. The magnetic breakaway mechanism releasably couples the finger to the base.

Abstract: An inexpensive and compact robot hand and a robot having the robot hand, wherein the robot hand is configured to rotate a cylindrical object gripped by the robot hand and does not negatively affect a cable, etc., connected to the robot hand. N number of fingers are moved by a first drive part so that a circumcircle of a N-sided polygon constituted by the fingers is arranged in a concentric pattern about the center axis of the object. Each first roller is rotatable about an axis parallel to the center axis of the object, and is configured to contact the inner peripheral portion of the object by movement of the finger relative to a hand base. By rotationally driving at least one first roller while a radially outward force is applied to the object, the object may be rotated relative to the hand base.

Abstract: A jointed mechanism including a segment coupled to a joint; and an elongated component coupled to the segment, where applying a pulling force to the elongated component rotates the segment around the joint, elastically deforming the elongated component; wherein the elastic deformation generates an elongated component elastic force sufficient to rotate the segment, in an opposite direction, in absence of the pulling force.

Abstract: To enable positioning a robot arm and a workpiece with high accuracy while reducing vibrations of a camera. According to the claimed invention for this purpose, a robot station 100 includes a pedestal 103 to which robot arms 101 and 102 are fixed, a camera 106 which images an area including a working area 209 of the pedestal 103, and a booth 104 to which the camera 106 is fixed. The pedestal 103 is fixed to a floor surface, and the booth 104 is fixed to the floor surface without contacting the pedestal 103. The booth 104 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a short side parallel to a workpiece conveying direction T and a long side perpendicular to the workpiece conveying direction T in a plan view.

Abstract: A gripper (42) for gripping an object (14), intended for a transfer device includes two jaws (64, 66). Each of the jaws includes: a recess (92), and a first clamping portion (94) and a second locking portion (96). The first clamping portion (94) of each jaw (64, 66) of the gripper (42) includes a supporting surface and, when the gripper (42) is closed around an object (14) occupying a predetermined reference position, the supporting surface is intended to engage with a portion of a bearing surface of a radial collar of the object.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus includes a plurality of holding sections. Each of the plurality of holding sections includes a flexible film-like member. The plurality of holding sections are capable of gripping a plurality of different kinds of objects to be gripped having different softness indexes in a range of 3 mm3/gf to 10 mm3/gf.

Abstract: A robot hand includes a finger unit that is in contact with an object. The finger unit includes: a first member in which a tip portion and a base portion connected to the tip portion are formed as a single member; and a second member that covers a surface of the first member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, A chucking apparatus includes an arm that is configured to hold a test tube, an opening/closing mechanism that opens/closes the arm, a motor that drives the opening/closing mechanism, and a supplying unit configured to supply electric power to the motor at two different supply voltages.

Abstract: A mechanical capstan amplifier. The mechanical capstan amplifier (60) having a first tensioner (64) with a first actuating rod (72) extending therefrom. The first tensioner (64) is configured to rotate the first actuating rod (72). The amplifier (60) also includes a drive motor (62) having a drive rod (78) extending therefrom. The drive motor (62) is configured to rotate the drive rod (78). A first cord (66), extending between the first actuating rod (72) and a first load to be moved also extends at least partially around the drive rod (78). Actuation of the first tensioner (64) causes the first cord (66) to tighten around the drive rod (78) and moves the load.

Abstract: A system for handling a bead apex comprises a first jaw having open and closed states, which is configured to engage a first surface of a bead apex in the closed state. The system further comprises a second jaw having open and closed states, and a plurality of grippers coupled to the second jaw. Selected ones of the plurality of grippers are configured to engage a second surface of the bead apex in the closed state of the second jaw. Further, at least one of the plurality of grippers comprises a tapered end surface.

Abstract: A mobile detonation-proof transport container designed for easier loading and unloading of detonation-dangerous objects is provided. The container is configured as an upright cylindrical container comprising a shell part, an open bottom part for the loading and unloading of detonation-dangerous objects in the container and a top part comprising a mounting plate having a bottom side and individually maneuverable gripping tools for the loading and unloading of detonation-dangerous objects in the container mounted on the bottom side of the mounting plate, wherein the individually maneuverable gripping tools comprise, firstly, vertical gripping tools for the maneuvering of detonation-dangerous objects in the vertical direction and, secondly, horizontal gripping tools for the maneuvering of detonation-dangerous objects in the horizontal plane. Also provided is a method for easier and safer handling in connection with the loading and unloading of detonation-dangerous objects in the container.

Abstract: A compliant underactuated grasper includes a palm base and two fingers. Each of the fingers comprises: a proximal phalanx; a distal phalanx; a compliant flexure joint connecting the distal phalanx to the proximal phalanx; and a pin joint connecting the proximal phalanx to the palm base, the pin joint constraining angular movement of the proximal phalanx relative to the palm base to rotation about a pin pivot axis. The grasper further includes at least one actuator to move the fingers. The grasper has fewer actuators than degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A robotic finger assembly can include a base for mounting the finger to a robotic hand, with the base having a motor, and at least three links. The links of the robotic hand are connected to each other and to the base by a series of joints. A joint shaft and a pivot shaft, where the pivot shaft can freely move within its respective joint shaft, is connected to a preceding link. The motor is activated for opening or closing the finger. The finger closes on an object with a distributed force across the links. Grasping also can mean engaging an object like a human hand, by closing the first finger link until it engages the object, then closing the second finger link until it engages the object, then closing the third link until it engages the object. A robotic hand assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tendon-driven robotic gripper is disclosed for performing fingertip and enveloping grasps. One embodiment comprises two fingers, each with two links, and is actuated using a single active tendon. During unobstructed closing, the distal links remain parallel, creating exact fingertip grasps. Conversely, if the proximal links are stopped by contact with an object, the distal links start flexing, creating a stable enveloping grasp. The route of the active tendon and the parameters of the springs providing passive extension forces are optimized in order to achieve this behavior. An additional passive tendon is disclosed that may be used as a constraint preventing the gripper from entering undesirable parts of the joint workspace. A method for optimizing the dimensions of the links in order to achieve enveloping grasps of a large range of objects is disclosed and applied to a set of common household objects.

Abstract: A robot hand (10) comprises an outside section that is not adapted for entry into a high-temperature area and an entry section adapted for entering the high-temperature area includes a frame (15) extending from the base unit and covering intermediate portions of the shafts; a distal end support (30) provided in the frame and adapted to support near distal end portions of the shafts; and holding units (13, 14) each attached to corresponding each of the shafts for holding a workpiece. The proximal end support is adapted to support the shafts via a bearing. The distal end support includes support holes larger than the outer diameters of the shafts such that the shafts are inserted into the support holes, respectively.

Abstract: A mechanical gripper being adapted to automatically perform a stable pinch grasp and an encompassing grasp and a method of determining a system geometry thereof. The gripper comprising at least one mechanical finger comprising. The at least one mechanical finger comprising a first phalanx and a second phalanx that are pivotally connected. When a load is applied on a stable pinch grasp region, an actuation mechanism is adapted to allow the second phalanx to translate and allow its contact surface to maintain a constant orientation in order to automatically perform a pinch grasp, when a load is applied on the first phalanx or below the stable pinch grasp region, the actuation mechanism is adapted to allow the second phalanx to pivot and automatically perform an encompassing grasp.

Abstract: Automated systems and apparatus for transferring tubulars (tubulars used in wellbore and derrick operations, such as casing, tubing, drill pipe, etc.) or stands of pipe from one location to another in a derrick, e.g. from a fingerboard to a well center are described. The system includes a fully automated drill pipe handling system to move and position the drill pipe through all the steps of the drilling process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and aligning a flange is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a flange is provided. The apparatus includes a first member having a first surface and a second surface, a first side member extending orthogonally from the first surface of the first member, a second side member extending orthogonally from the first surface of the first member in a spaced apart relation to the first side member to define a U-shaped structure, wherein each of the first side member and the second side member include an aperture formed therein along a longitudinal axis of the U-shaped structure, a lifting lug coupled to the second surface of the first member in a transverse axis of the U-shaped structure, and a plurality of set screws disposed through the first member on opposing sides of the lifting lug.

Abstract: An improvement for a bowling pinsetting machine. The bowling pinsetting machine of the present invention includes a tong operating device with an upper tong and a lower tong. The upper tong and the lower tong may be connected to an actuation gear which may drive the tongs together and apart. The tong operating device may be substantially made of plastic. At least one of the upper tong, the lower tong, and the actuation gear may include metal oil-filled bearings. At least one metal pin may run through the metal oil-filled bearing and thereby connect the upper tong, the lower tong and the actuation gear.

Abstract: A clamp assembly provides an attachment point for securely gripping pipe or other tubular goods including, without limitation, a section of coiled tubing. The clamp assembly beneficially includes a pad-eye member for attaching the clamp assembly (and any attached tubing) to a hook of a crane or other lifting mechanism. The clamp assembly also prevents partially unspooled coiled tubing from re-winding through a winding guide of a spool, thereby maintaining a distal outer end of the coiled tubing in an easily accessible location.

Abstract: A plurality of interconnected phalanges form robotic fingers configured to grasp an object. The phalanges interact with a resilient compliant element for adjustable resilient cushioning of movement of the phalanges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device, comprising a proximal member (10), a medial member (20), and a distal member (30), which are each pivotably supported on each other, and comprising an actuator (80), which is coupled to a slidably supported coupling element (50), wherein the coupling element (50) is arranged between the proximal member (10) and the distal member (30) and is connected in a force-transmitting manner both to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30). According to the invention, at least one lever (40) is arranged on the coupling element (50), which lever is connected both to the proximal member (10) and to the distal member (30) and kinematically couples the proximal member (10) with the distal member (30).