Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for picking up, conveying, and delivering a foodstuff product to a processing machine which preferably has an upright magazine tube, said system including: a handling device, a gripping device releasably attachable to the handling device, a transporting apparatus, and a control unit; wherein the transporting apparatus has a transporting portion on which the foodstuff product that is to be picked up by the gripping device may be positioned in a pick-up position allowing the foodstuff product to be picked up by the gripping device, and the control unit is connected at least to the handling device of the gripping device and to the transporting apparatus; wherein the control unit is configured for detecting when the foodstuff product to be picked up has reached the pick-up position.

Abstract: Sensors having a deformable layer and an outer cover layer and robots incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor includes an inflatable diaphragm operable to be disposed on a member, wherein the inflatable diaphragm includes a port. The sensor further includes an outer cover layer disposed around the inflatable diaphragm, wherein the outer cover layer is fabricated from a material having a strength of greater than or equal to 35 cN/dtex, and a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the port and operable to detect a pressure within the inflatable diaphragm.

Abstract: A print job includes a container page, product pages, and a stacking pattern. Methods and systems automatically pattern a first material according to a container pattern specified by the container page to output a flat and patterned container sheet to a stacking location, and automatically fold the flat and patterned container sheet at the stacking location to form a three-dimensional container. Further, such methods and systems automatically print markings specified by the product pages on additional sheets of material. Then, after forming the three-dimensional container and printing the markings, such methods and systems automatically pattern the additional sheets of material according to a product pattern specified by the product pages to output product items to the stacking location. Further, such methods and systems automatically stack the product items in the three-dimensional container. The container pattern has a specific size and shape to accommodate the stacking pattern.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus includes at least one pair of substantially vertical columns defining a frame. A tie bar and a carriage are selectively securable to the at least one pair of columns and oriented substantially perpendicular to the columns. A lifting device connected to the tie bar at a first end and to the carriage at a second end. The lifting device is operable to cause movement of the tie bar relative to the at least one pair of columns when the carriage is secured to the at least one pair of columns and to cause movement of the carriage relative to the at least one pair of columns when the tie bar is secured to the at least one pair of columns. The hoisting apparatus is connectable to a counterweight of a belt conveyor for raising or lowering the conveyor in a series of incremental hoisting steps.

Abstract: A method of handling a generally cylindrical conduit includes positioning a lift cylinder within the generally cylindrical conduit. The lift cylinder includes an inflatable bag, an inflation port, and an attachment point. The method also includes connecting a fluid source to the inflation port, inflating the inflatable bag with the fluid source such that an outer surface of the inflatable bag engages an inner surface of the generally cylindrical conduit, connecting a winch to the attachment point, and moving the lift cylinder and the generally cylindrical conduit with the winch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic actuator composed of cuts of a gas-tight film which are interconnected so as to form hollow film elements that are gas-tight towards the outside. The hollow film elements are interconnected by means of air ducts while forming a fan-shaped structure from a cross-sectional perspective. The actuator, which is fastened to a component, is swiveled about a common edge of the hollow film elements when compressed gas is delivered via a connection. The swiveling movement of the actuator can be used for gripping and holding objects or transmitting optical signals.

Abstract: A gripping fixture suitable for use in stent securement testing is described. The gripping fixture includes a housing having a chamber, a rigid perforated tubular member positioned within the chamber, a multiplicity of radially extending pins arranged to slide in the perforations in the tubular member, and an elastic sheath that circumscribes the outer ends of the pins and surrounds the tubular member. A pressure chamber is formed between the housing and the elastic sheath. The gripping fixture also includes a pressure controller for controlling the pressure within the pressure chamber. The pressure applied in the pressure chamber acts on the elastic sheath and may be used to cause some of the pins to engage a stent during the stent securement test to hold the stent in place relative to the gripping fixture while the tensile force required to dislodge the stent from a catheter is measured.

Abstract: An automated yarn creeling method and apparatus for the textile industry. Preferably, the present yarn creeling system is used in the carpet tufting industry to automate, ultimately, the intelligent transfer of packages of yarn from the shipping pallets to the bullhorns of a creeler. The apparatus preferably comprises a service arm assembly, a vertical support, a base support, and automated weighing and control systems.