Abstract: An object is to provide a robot hand and a robot that are compact and lightweight and can reliably hold various types of workpieces. To achieve this object, the robot hand and the robot include: a plurality of joint portions that rotates about respective rotation axes parallel with each other; a plurality of links that is connected via each of the joint portions in sequence from a distal end; a linking member that links rotations of the joint portions adjacent to each other; and a single drive source that drives only the joint portion at a proximal end to rotate the joint portion.

Abstract: A gripper assembly is provided for use in an autonomous mobile robot for grabbing and holding an object to be transported by the robot. The gripper assembly includes two rotatable shafts and two counter-rotating flippers, each fixedly connected to a different one of the rotatable shafts for engaging the object on opposite sides thereof. The gripper assembly also includes two drive elements, each engaging a different one of the rotatable shafts. Two drive arms engage the two drive elements to transfer torque and rotation from each drive arm to a respective drive element and rotatable shaft to open or close a respective flipper around the object. Each drive element can be disengaged from a respective drive arm and then rotated in order to adjust a radial position of a respective rotatable shaft and flipper relative to the drive arm so that objects of different sizes can be accommodated.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a workpiece container for storing at least one workpiece having a bottom surface and a peripheral edge. In one embodiment, a workpiece support structure is located within the container enclosure, which forms multiple vertically stacked storage shelves within the enclosure. Each storage shelf includes, in one embodiment, a first tine and a second tine for supporting the workpiece in a substantially horizontal orientation. The bottom surface and peripheral edge of a workpiece seated on a storage shelf extends beyond the outer edge of both the first tine and the second tine. An end effector according to the present disclosure may engage these extended portions or “grip zones” of the workpiece.

Abstract: A universal lifting device adapted to lift and support large pipe flange assemblies during installation and removal. The lifting device is hoist-supported and comprises a first and second member rotatably connecting to a common support pin. The rotatable members are elongated dog-bone sections offset from one another along the pin, rotatable along parallel planes and adapted to be positioned on opposing sides of a flange. The members connect to the pin at their proximal end, while their distal end allows a lifting bolt to be positioned therethrough and into an eye of the flange. Two lifting bolts are utilized to support the flange during deployment, while the common pin is supported by a crane hoist and the two members are offset using a plurality of spacers to prevent binding. The lifting bolts are secured using a hingeable latch that prevents their dislodgement from the distal end of each rotatable member.

Abstract: A robot finger driving module is driven by a driving motor installed in a robot hand. The robot finger driving module receives a driving force of the driving motor by a pulley gear connected to the driving motor through a driving belt. When the robot finger driving module is fixed, a driving direction of a first output gear is opposite to a rotation-driving direction of a second output gear. When the robot finger driving module rotates, even though any one of the first output gear and the second output gear is fixed, the other is driven to rotate in the rotating direction of the robot finger driving module, thereby exhibiting differential gear characteristics.

Abstract: Tongs for manipulating shish-kebob on a barbeque grill, the tongs having two arms, the two arms being in parallel relationship at an insulated handle end which includes the pivot point at one end, the arms diverging at the opposing end of the handle end, to form two opposing spaced apart arms having kebob engaging ends, each end having an aperture there through, the apertures engaging the ends of the skewer, the tongs then being compressed so that the kebob engaging ends engage the outer food items on the skewer preventing their rotation so that the kebob may be either flipped for even cooking on the opposing side, or removed from the grill for consumption without endangering the fingers of the user.

Abstract: A handheld grasper is provided that is adapted for collecting items from the ground. The grasper comprises an elongate member having a handled end and a working end. The grasper further has a pivoting arm having a proximal and distal end. A distal end of the pivot arm is pivotally connected to the elongate member. The handle further comprise a trigger and a tension cable. A distal end of the tension cable is operably connected to the trigger, whereas the proximal end is located within the elongate member and thereafter is connected to the pivot arm. Actuation of the trigger pulls on the tension cable, thereby bringing the working end and distal pivot arm ends together. The distal pivot arm and distal working ends comprise box half receiving members that support removable, interlocking box halves that lock together when mated by the actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: A transmission adapter for a medical instrument having a shaft, a transmission element that can move within the shaft and an operating device with a first part, which can be mechanically rigidly coupled with a proximal end of the shaft, and a second part, which can move with respect to the first part, includes a first coupling for releasable mechanical coupling with the second part of the operating device and a second coupling for releasable mechanical coupling with a proximal end of the transmission element.

Abstract: There is provided a pair of tongs for grasping items comprising a pair of gripping ends, having a silicone and/or plastic exterior surface, where a first of the pair of gripping ends further comprises a set of metal teeth projecting toward the second of the pair of gripping ends. Each of the first and second of the pair of gripping ends may comprises a body core at least partially covered by a (silicone) coating. In one embodiment, teeth are embedded within a plastic core. In another, the core comprises a metal frame from which the teeth project. The set of teeth may be spaced from a periphery of the gripping end. The second of the pair of gripping ends may also comprise metal teeth projecting toward the first of the pair of gripping ends.

Abstract: An operational space control solution is provided for rigid-body dynamical systems such as humanoid or legged robots. The solution includes an operational space controller that decomposes rigid body dynamics into task space dynamics and null space dynamics. Then, for systems that are fully actuated and have constraints, the controller provides control signals defining task space torques and null space torques for each actuator (e.g., a motor for a rotary joint between two rigid links). In some embodiments, a minimum torque vector is determined such that the controller is a minimum-torque operational space controller. For systems that are underactuated, task and null space dynamics are again considered, and underactuation is addressed by using null space forces to indirectly apply torque at passive degrees of freedom such as at active joints to create task-irrelevant motion that moves passive joints to facilitate task performance by the robot or rigid-body dynamical system.

Abstract: A robotic hand includes a finger with first, second, and third phalanges. A first joint rotatably connects the first phalange to a base structure. A second joint rotatably connects the first phalange to the second phalange. A third joint rotatably connects the third phalange to the second phalange. The second joint and the third joint are kinematically linked such that the position of the third phalange with respect to the second phalange is determined by the position of the second phalange with respect to the first phalange.

Abstract: A robot and a control method thereof which execute grasp planning of hands of the robot separately from motion planning of arms of the robot so as to apply a result of the grasp planning of the hands of the robot to the motion planning of the arms of the robot, and thus more rapidly, naturally and stably grasp an object in a grasp manner suited to a desired working purpose and judge whether or not grasping is executable prior to the motion planning of the arms of the robot, thereby more stably grasping the object.

Abstract: A mechanical finger comprises at least two phalanges. The phalanges have tubular bodies made of a semi-rigid material. One phalange is adapted to be secured to a base. Another phalange is connected to an adjacent phalange for pivoting movement with respect to the adjacent phalange. A skeleton member in the tubular bodies of the phalanges moves to actuate the pivoting motion of the phalanges with respect to one another. The skeleton member is connected to a degree of actuation to cause the pivoting motion of the phalanges with respect to one another. An assembly is also provided. The assembly comprises at least two of the mechanical finger, a palm actuator comprising a base for connection of the base phalange of each mechanical finger, and at least one degree of actuation connected to the skeleton member. The degree of actuation causes a grasping movement of the mechanical fingers.

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: This disclosure discloses a robot hand of underactuated mechanism. The robot hand includes a plurality of actuators, a plurality of joints where the number of the joints is more than the number of the actuators, a palm portion, three finger portions each including a plurality of links having bases coupled to the palm portion and coupled being capable of flexion, and a shape-fitting mechanism which is provided in at the finger portion, and which enables to grasp an object to be grasped in an enclosing manner with the finger portions by performing providing torsional displacement to the links.

Abstract: A robot includes a gripping section and a main body section to which the pair of finger sections are attached, having one end sections of the pair of finger sections rotatably connected to each other around a first rotating shaft disposed at a position separate from the main body section, and adapted to open and close the pair of finger sections by swinging the other side of the pair of finger sections on a plane parallel to a mounting surface on which an object is mounted centered on the first rotating shaft to thereby grip the object, a moving device adapted to relatively move the object and the gripping section, and a control device adapted to control the moving device to move the gripping section relatively toward the object, and grip the object with the gripping section at at least three contact points.

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: A robot hand, which has an arbitrary object grasping function in the same manner as a human hand and a high precision and stable grasping function in the same manner as an industrial gripper and performs a pose similar to a human hand while having complete opposability without any increase in complexity or degree of freedom. The robot hand includes a base part, and a plurality of finger connection parts, and a plurality of finger modules connected to the plurality of finger connection parts. The finger connection parts connected to the base part are connected to adjacent finger connection parts by roll joints such that each pair the finger connection parts connected by the roll joints is driven together, and the finger connection parts adjacent to the finger connection parts connected to the base part are driven separately from the finger connection parts connected to the base part.

Abstract: The robot hand includes a frame and finger units which are provided on the frame and grasp an object to be grasped. The finger units include a Scott Russell mechanism, a first parallel link mechanism, and a second parallel link mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanized gripping apparatus for grabbing collection containers of a range of sizes is disclosed. The apparatus has converging opposed cylinder-operated finger arrangements which pivot together to close about a container for gripping and open to release a container.

Abstract: A robot hand is provided, the robot hand including three finger sections, a supporting section which supports a proximal end of each of the three finger sections, and a circumferential movement section which circumferentially moves a second finger section and a third finger section of the three finger sections about a position where the three finger sections are supported on the supporting section is provided. The circumferentially moving second finger section and third finger section are circumferentially movable in a range of 180 degrees or greater in a circumferential direction substantially around a hand axis of the robot hand, about the position where the three finger sections are supported on the supporting section.

Abstract: A serial robot includes a base, first and second segments, a proximal joint joining the base to the first segment, and a distal joint. The distal joint that joins the segments is serially arranged and distal with respect to the proximal joint. The robot includes first and second actuators. A first tendon extends from the first actuator to the proximal joint and is selectively moveable via the first actuator. A second tendon extends from the second actuator to the distal joint and is selectively moveable via the second actuator. The robot includes a transmission having at least one gear element which assists rotation of the distal joint when an input force is applied to the proximal and/or distal joints by the first and/or second actuators. A robotic hand having the above robot is also disclosed, as is a robotic system having a torso, arm, and the above-described hand.

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: Disclosed is a clamping device for clamping a tubular member, like a thin walled tube or a pile, having a tube wall and provided with a flange at a tube end, and for hoisting the tubular member while being clamped only at its flange with the clamping device, wherein the clamping device includes: at least two clamping elements for engaging the internal flange and clamping the flange; and a clamping device frame that fixedly joins the at least two clamping elements for maintaining mutual position of the at least two clamping elements while hoisting the tubular member.

Abstract: A gripper formed as a single component includes a hoop portion connecting facing arms. Each arm may have a tang end, a jaw end and a pivot intermediate the tang and jaw ends and be attached to the hoop portion at the pivot to be pivotable to change the size of a jaw opening defined by the jaw ends. The hoop portion is cyclically loaded in use and configured to act as a stress concentrator for the gripper and provide a failure point for consistently initiating a failure crack in the hoop portion at time of failure of the gripper. Each of the facing arms is attachable to a base such that at failure, the fractured portions of the gripper are retained to the base.

Abstract: A reconfigurable gripping device for securely gripping, lifting, and transporting a work piece is provided. The reconfigurable gripping device may include at least a first finger and a second finger each secured to a base platform with a base support. Each of the respective fingers may have a first link, a second link, and a third link each having a corresponding drive mechanism to individually drive the respective link. The first link drive mechanism and second link drive mechanism are configured to control the grasp and adaptability of each of the respective fingers to place the third link upon a work piece. The third link drive mechanism is configured to drive the third link of each of the respective fingers to apply a clamping force upon the work piece.

Abstract: An end effector blade (201) is provided which has a region (203) defined thereon for receiving an article. The end effector blade is also equipped with a plurality of tabs (213) disposed about the periphery of said region. Each tab moves from a first position when no article is present in the region, to a second position when an article is disposed in the region, and each tab pressingly engages the article when it is in the second position.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a front loading waste collection vehicle. A gripper system is added to the fork tube of a front loading waste collection vehicle. The gripper system allows a front loader to lift and dump waste bins into the truck's hopper for the collection of trash, recyclables and/or other materials.

Abstract: A grapple mechanism is connected to a post driver on one side, rather than in the front of the post driver. The grapple connects to the post driver via a hinge which allows substantially 90 degrees of rotation between a horizontal position for picking up posts, and a vertical position for driving the post into the ground. A spring or other biasing mechanism preferably biases the grapple mechanism toward its horizontal position. However, the spring is preferably not so strong as to hold the grapple mechanism in the horizontal position even when a post is grappled. Preferably, the weight of a grappled post is sufficient to overcome the spring, causing the grapple mechanism to pivot about the hinge and into the vertical position. The grapple mechanism is therefore preferably sized, shaped and weighted so as to swing to a substantially vertical position when a post is grappled and lifted.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tong system which includes a tong assembly and at least one string gripping device. The tong assembly is configured to engage a rod or tubular string at the junction between a first rod or tubular and a second rod or tubular of a rod or tubular string and unthread the first rod or tubular from the second rod or tubular. The tong assembly can also thread the first rod or tubular onto the rod or tubular string. The string gripping device is configured to hold a tubular string for at least a portion of the time.

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 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 lift truck clamp arm assembly for engaging large cartons, which may contain large household appliances. Pivoting clamp pad support assemblies are adjustable to vary a radial spacing between a pivot pin and a clamp pad supported on the clamp arm assembly by attachment to the adjustable clamp pad support assembly, to provide desired pressure concentrations at selected parts of a carton to be gripped.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of tongs are disclosed herein having a locking feature disposed upon an arm thereof.

Abstract: An object is to provide a robot hand and a robot that are compact and lightweight and can reliably hold various types of workpieces. To achieve this object, the robot hand and the robot include: a plurality of joint portions that rotates about respective rotation axes parallel with each other; a plurality of links that is connected via each of the joint portions in sequence from a distal end; a linking member that links rotations of the joint portions adjacent to each other; and a single drive source that drives only the joint portion at a proximal end to rotate the joint portion.

Abstract: A tongs having a pair of arms secured to each other at a first end, and each arm being secured to a head at a second end. The tongs may include a plurality of arcuate tines extending along a height axis of the head from a spine and being secured to the spine.

Abstract: For use to enhance operations in a mechanized doughmaking facility, disclosed is a dough ball lifter comprised of a pair of opposing surrounds, having cutaways to minimize contact between the surrounds and the dough ball, and which lifter preferably is attachable to a robotic arm to move the surrounds from open to closed positions, so that the dough ball can be lifted and placed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gripper finger release assemblies for specimen gripper units are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include release elements to enable replacement of gripper fingers without the need of tools or without the need to demount and mount the entire gripper unit for exchange of gripper fingers. A release element may comprise a first sliding element and a second sliding element coupled to a plate such that pressing the second sliding element enables the first sliding element to release a gripper finger coupled to the first sliding element.

Abstract: A prosthetic or robot part, comprising a base, a proximal and a distal. The proximal is mounted on the base so as to be rotatable thereabout in a given sense. The distal is mounted on the proximal so as to be rotatable thereabout in the same sense to effect a gripping action of the prosthetic or robot part. The proximal and the distal are rotatable in the opposite sense to release the grip. One part of a drive of the part is pivoted to the base about a base pivot axis. Another part of the drive is pivoted to the distal about a distal pivot axis. The distal is also pivoted to the proximal about the said distal pivot axis. Thus the proximal, the distal and the said another part of the drive are all pivotable relative to one another about the said distal pivot axis.

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 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 C frame structure, a robotic system and an associated method are provided respond to and accommodate the loads placed upon the C frame structure during actuation of a working tool. The C frame structure includes a plurality of links and a plurality of pins interconnecting the links to form a pinned truss configuration. The pinned truss configuration is responsive to loads imparted in response to actuation of the tool such that each link is placed in compression or tension. The C frame structure also includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders connected to the links such that each hydraulic cylinder extends in parallel to a respective link. A first hydraulic cylinder operates in a compression mode in response to strain attributable to actuation of the tool. A second hydraulic cylinder operates in an extension mode in response to the first hydraulic cylinder operating in the compression mode.

Abstract: The gripping device is provided with a rod portion which is movable vertically along a rod axis, to the lower end is mounted a connecting block. A pair of opening and closing lever portions is disposed to face each other along the direction of a fore-to-aft or lateral axis, with intermediate portions which are pivotal about a fulcrum support shaft portion parallel to a left-right or longitudinal axis. A link mechanism connects the connecting block and the upper ends of the pair of the opening and closing lever portions and pivots the pair of the opening and closing lever portions in the direction of the fore-to-aft axis in response to the vertical movement of the rod portion. The pair of the opening and closing lever portions is formed with a cutout or notch at least extending from the intermediate portions to upper ends and is disposed against each other with the rod portion.

Abstract: A clamp and hoisting device serves the dual purpose of preventing a sleeve over a tubular or column like structure from sliding in an axial direction and also provides a connection point for a hoisting device. The device includes first and second arms composed of a plurality of arcuate links. Each arm is connected to an upper connector block and a lower connector block. The two arms are positioned over the tubular and the two lower connector blocks are secured to each other thereby forming a clamp. The upper connector block includes a connection point for attachment to a hoisting mechanism so that the clamp also serves as an attachment point for a hoisting mechanism.

Abstract: An elongate grabber tool that has a handle including an actuator on the first end of a first shaft, and grasping means located on the distal end of a second shaft. The shafts are connected together by a hinge, and linkage between the controller and engagement elements to control the grasping means is disclosed. Said second shaft includes a flexible element and an illuminating element. Said grasping means may include at least one magnetic element.

Abstract: A gripper for grasping and conveying objects while retaining the objects, and to a corresponding conveyor system and an operating method. The gripper has a gripper body and first and second gripper jaws. The gripper jaws each include at least one respective clamping region, can assume an open state and a closed state relative to each other, and can exert a clamping force on each other or on the object to be grasped. At least one of the gripper jaws includes a jaw body that is elastically deformable and is supported on the gripper body such that the body assumes a defined spatial position (resting position) when force is not applied to a control element and deforms and is deflected from the resting position when force is applied to the control element.

Abstract: A robot hand which can be formed in the shape of a human hand and improves maintenance performance, and generates fingertip force is provided. A robot hand (1) of the present invention is provided with a hand section (3) and an arm section (5). The hand section (3) corresponds to the portion of a human hand which is forward from the wrist thereof. The arm section (5) is provided with a drive device (d5) including a plurality of motors and generates driving torque for driving each movable section of the hand section (3). The hand section (3) and the arm section (5) are configured in such a manner that a group (g36) of wrist-mounted pulleys which are first driving torque transmitting members coaxially arranged and a group (r5) of arm pulleys which are second driving torque transmitting members coaxially arranged transmit driving torque generated by the drive device (d5) to each movable section of the hand section (3) via gears meshing with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an under-actuated robotic finger with joint locking mechanisms, including: a base body; a first finger part coupled rotatably to the base body; a second finger part coupled rotatably to the first finger part; a first hinge part adapted to rotatably connect the base body and the first finger part; a second hinge part adapted to rotatably connect the first finger part and the second finger part; a first locking mechanism adapted to restrict the rotation of the first finger part; and a second locking mechanism adapted to restrict the rotation of the second finger part.

Abstract: A two-piece grab arm housing for a grapple mechanism useable on a grapple attachment is described. The grab arm housing includes a lower arm housing with grab arms mounted to the lower arm housing, and an upper arm housing mounted to the lower arm housing. The upper arm housing and the lower arm housing are movable relative to one another in an x-direction and are moveable together in a y-direction perpendicular to the x-direction. In addition, the upper arm housing includes an opening through which a main beam of the grapple attachment can extend.

Abstract: A recess has a proximal-end-side surface and a distal-end-side surface. When an intersection between a straight line included in the proximal-end-side surface and a straight line included in the distal-end-side surface is a base point, a line passing through the base point is a base line, a line between two claw portions, passing through an end point of the recess and orthogonal to the base line is an orthogonal line, the angle ? made between the base line, and the straight line included in the distal-end-side surface is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the angle ? made between the orthogonal line, and the straight line included in the proximal-end-side surface is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and the length d from the base point to the orthogonal line is greater than 0.