Abstract: An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body, a first vacuum channel defined within the body, and a first locating pin attached to the body. The first locating pin has a shaft portion arranged within a surrounding portion of the body. The first locating pin is configured to engage a first alignment feature of a hard drive component at a first contact area to align the hard drive component with the assembly tool. The body is configured to couple the first vacuum channel to a vacuum source and to facilitate particle evacuation from the first contact area via the first vacuum channel when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source.

Abstract: A motor includes: a driven unit having a cylindrical shape; an actuator having a protrusion abutting on the driven unit; and an impelling unit impelling the actuator against the driven unit, wherein, assuming that the trajectory of the protrusion is disposed to abut on a side surface of the cylindrical shape at a contact point P and a point of action where an impelling force is exerted on the actuator is a point of action Q, the relation between an angle ?1 between the impelling direction of the impelling unit and a direction connecting a rotational center R of the driven unit and the contact point P and an angle ?2 between the impelling direction of the impelling unit and a direction connecting the contact point P and the point of action Q satisfy a relationship of ?1<?2.

Abstract: A spiral cam has a tubular shaped portion defined by an interior cavity and an exterior surface that includes a cam contour. A linear slide assembly having a length defined along a rotational axis is defined to slide lengthwise into the interior cavity of the spiral cam. The linear slide assembly allows for movement of the spiral cam along the rotational axis and prevents rotation of the spiral cam relative to the linear slide assembly. A cam roller is fixed at a position proximate to the exterior surface of the spiral cam. The cam roller is disposed separate from the linear slide assembly and within the cam contour of the spiral cam. The cam roller engages the cam contour to move of the spiral cam along the rotational axis when the linear slide assembly and spiral cam are rotated in unison about the rotational axis relative to the cam roller.

Abstract: A thumb and linkage assembly for covering the bucket of an excavator is shown and described. The thumb and linkage assembly includes a bracket coupled to a lift arm of an excavator or prime mover. The assembly also includes a base link and a thumb link. The base link has a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the bracket. The base link also has a distal portion pivotally coupled to a proximal portion of the thumb link. The thumb link has a distal portion pivotally coupled to at least one thumb of a plurality of thumbs. The plurality of thumbs are coupled together and pivotally coupled to the bracket. The bracket includes a first lock hole for locking the assembly in a stored position. At least one of the proximal portion of the thumb link, the distal portion of the base link or one of the thumbs include a second lock hole that is in axial alignment with the first lock hole when the assembly is in the stored position.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is provided on an equilateral triangular base of a mobile mechanism, and three joints are attached to the base at the three vertexes thereof. Links are attached to the three joints respectively. On each link is provided a steering mechanism. The equilateral triangular base of the mobile mechanism is moved or rotated by periodically driving the three joints while steering the four steering mechanisms.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a support arm, a grasping member, and a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly connects the support arm with the grasping member. A base is fixed to the support arm, and the holder is fixed to the base. The holder defines an assembling hole, and a perimeter of the assembling hole increases along a direction towards the base. The connecting member has a first assembling portion received in the assembling hole of the holder. The elastic member is positioned between the base and the connecting member, thus producing an elastic force to drive the connecting member to resist the holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed, for construction and operation of an all terrain polymorphic tracked vehicle. This invention extends and improves on the prior art disclosed in USPTO patent pending “A polymorphic tracked vehicle”, filed August 2009, USPTO application Ser. No. 12/540,391. The improvement concerns a mechanism and method of operation by which a track mechanism can be polymorphic, but can also distribute the weight of the vehicle over multiple supporting wheels. In contrast, in most configurations of the mechanism disclosed in application Ser. No. 12/540,391, the weight of the vehicle rests on just two wheels per track (i.e. on four wheels if the vehicles possesses a left track and a right track).

Abstract: The pinching fingers implement of the present invention provides independent grasping claws that can be independently opened or closed, and also independently rolled forward and backward, to provide for the secure and versatile grasping, manipulation and transport of irregular items. An attachment bracket may extend between two pairs of pinching fingers to allow connection of a secondary implement between the pinching fingers. The attachment bracket and the secondary implements may be structured such that the secondary implement may be attached without tools by rotating the pinching fingers forward, scooping up the implement, rotating the fingers backwards and securing the secondary implement with rotatable stands.

Abstract: A controlled relative motion system comprising a base support, a manipulable support, and a plurality of hinged doubled pivoting links rotatably coupled to the base support and rotatably coupled to the manipulable support. A plurality of force imparting members has at least one coupled to one of the plurality of doubled pivoting links so as to be able to cause it to rotate. Also, at least one is coupled to the base support so as to be able to cause that base support to move toward or away. This joint can be used with a similar control joint, coupled thereto by coupling shafts held apart by a slidable separator, to form an extended length inserter for inserting an object positionable by the insertion joint in an obstructed location reached along a constricted passageway. These structures, positioned within a barrel, can rotate together but an activator slider, positioned at least partially about that barrel though not rotatable therewith, is coupled to the separator to cause sliding thereof.

Abstract: According to one exemplary aspect there is provided a work tool for attachment to a machine, comprising a supporting tool portion. The actuatable tool portion is pivotally connected to the supporting tool portion via a hinge construction. The hinge construction includes a hinge drive having an outgoing, rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft has a single outgoing end that is configured to carry the actuatable tool portion. By providing the work tool with a hinge construction that includes a hinge drive with an rotatable shaft that carries the actuatable tool portion on a single outgoing end a directly driven hinge construction is obtained that is both compact and reliable. A hinge drive and method of operating a work tool for a machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a gripping device, a displacement-type force sensor is provided on a side of a driving mechanism opposite fingers to which the driving mechanism is connected to form a grip section. The driving mechanism is supported on a housing with an elastic member being disposed therebetween at a position closer to the fingers than the center of gravity of the grip section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular pouch transfer system, in which a gripper mount bar is rigidly mounted an drive arms, which are driven by driving means and mounted to them such that gripper means moves along a circular path. With the continued rotational cycle in one direction there is no reversal of direction reducing stress on the drive components and gears, providing smoother and more reliable operation. The motion at the transfer where the pouch is loaded into the bag clamp is near vertical allowing for the height of the pouch in the bag clamp to be easily adjusted for alteration of pouch height in the bag clamps during active machine operation. This reduces the need for other methods to adjust the pouch height by other means. The transfer gripper means opening and closing occurs during the rotational cycle.

Abstract: A gripper assembly is provided. The gripper assembly comprises an actuator and a plurality of gripper fingers. The plurality of gripper fingers are slidably mounted on the actuator. The actuator is configured to slide each of the plurality of gripper fingers along a respective radial path perpendicular to a central axis of the gripper assembly. Each of the plurality of gripper fingers comprises a body and a vacuum evacuation path defined within the body. The body is configured to couple the vacuum evacuation path to a vacuum source and to evacuate particles from a grip area of the gripper assembly via the vacuum evacuation path when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source.

Abstract: Provided is a system and process of controlling motion. The system and process provide a force to substantially maintain a relative position in response to an external force being applied to at least one of one or more movable members or generate an internal force to adjust the relative position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cable-driven manipulator comprising an operating unit having a drive motor, and a pulley rotated by the drive motor. An upper arm is coupled, through a joint, to one side of the operating unit. A forearm coupled, through a joint, to the other side of the upper arm by the cable. A gripper of an end effector operably coupled to the forearm, a cable compensation device is installed between the upper arm and the forearm so as to maintain constant the length of the cable that transmits the power of the operating unit to the end effector during the pivoting of the forearm. It is thus possible to prevent the variation of tensile force due to the variation of the length of the cable for operating the end effector during the pivoting of the forearm or the unintended malfunction of the end effector.

Abstract: A tool-changing device includes a tool gripper and a stroke and pivoting actuator for operating the tool gripper. The stroke and pivoting actuator can be driven by a first direct drive for producing a linear movement and by a second direct drive for producing a rotational movement, wherein the first and the second direct drives have a common rotor which serves as the stroke and pivoting actuator.

Abstract: An optical position detecting device includes a plurality of light source sections which emits detection light, a light detection section which receives the detection light reflected by a target object located in an emitting space of the detection light, a light source driving section which turns on some light source sections among the plurality of light source sections in a first period and turns on, in a second period, light source sections different from the light source sections turned on in the first period, and a position detecting section which detects the position of the target object on the basis of a light-receiving result of the light detection section in the first period and the second period. Each of the light source sections includes a plurality of light-emitting elements arrayed in a direction intersecting the direction of the optical axis of the detection light.

Abstract: In an optical position detecting device, a position detecting section detects the position of a target object on the basis of a result obtained by receiving detection light, which is emitted from a light source section and reflected by the target object, using a light detection section. As seen from an emitting direction of the detection light, the light detection section is located inside a region surrounded by a closed circuit passing through a plurality of the light source sections or inside a region pinched by the plurality of light source sections. The plurality of light source sections has a first light-emitting element, and a second light-emitting element located closer to the light detection section side than the first light-emitting element. The light source driving section alternately turns on the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element.

Abstract: A robotic arm compensator includes a housing, a lock mandrel, a first lock slide, a second lock slide and an instrument attached to the lock mandrel. A method of using the robotic arm compensator includes moving the first and second lock slides in a direction toward each other to engage the lock mandrel in a first state and moving the lock slides apart from each other to disengage the lock mandrel in a second state for providing exceptional radial movement, large lateral travel relative to overall size, zero force to utilize the compensation travel and no axial compressibility.

Abstract: A retrofittable lifting apparatus for use on an articulated robotically controlled device is disclosed. The lifting apparatus includes a structure for mating the apparatus to the robotic device and a mechanism for the remotely controlled lifting of an ordnance or other object. Actuation of the lifting mechanism may be provided by existing sources of motion on the robotic device, or by additional sources of motion attached to the robotic device.

Abstract: A workpiece picking device and method for reducing the cycle time of a picking operation of workpieces, by omitting or reducing the movement of a robot manipulator when an image of the workpieces is captured. An image processor of the picking device includes a camera controlling part for reading image data from a camera, a memory for storing the image data, a workpiece detecting part for extracting one or more images from the memory and detecting one or more workpieces in the image, and a workpiece selecting part for selecting a workpiece to be picked among the workpieces detected by the workpiece detecting part. The image processor further includes a stacked condition judging part for determining whether the condition of the stacked workpieces in a container is changed.

Abstract: A material handling system for engaging and transporting material. The material handling system includes a mouth and a hydraulic actuator for pivoting a tooth within the mouth. Once a material has been positioned within the mouth, the hydraulic piston actuates the tooth to secure the material within the mouth. The tooth is preferably configured and oriented to move into tighter engagement with the material as gravity or other forces attempt to remove the material from the mouth. The hydraulic piston allows an operator to release the tooth whenever desired. The material handling system includes a vehicle mounted boom coupled to the mouth so that material engaged by the mouth may be transported to another desired location.

Abstract: In a robotic assembly, a body adapted for mounting on an arm is provided. A connection is adapted to couple the body and an end effector to allow deflection of the end effector with respect to the body between an open position and a closed position. A conduit allows fluid flow between the body and the end effector. A seal is adapted to engage the conduit to provide a fluid seal when the end effector is in the closed position and allow fluid flow when the end effector is in the open position. Further, end effector deflection can be detected based on the fluid flow and utilized to regulate movement of the robotic assembly.

Abstract: Featured is a gripper for a tailgate; such a gripper includes a rotation pad at each regulation surface of a locator and a clamper of each clamping unit, where a swivel ball is mounted on the rotation pad. Each clamping unit is movable in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction by a movement means of a frame so as to be adaptable to angle differences of each regulation surface of the tailgate. Such a tailgate gripper further includes a frame having a tool mounting portion to mount a tool changer of a robot in a lower portion of a rear surface thereof.

Abstract: A manipulator includes an end effector, a support member that supports the end effector, and a fixing member provided to the support member and made of a tube-shaped flexible film with a space therein. In the manipulator, a fluid is supplied to the space of the fixing member to inflate the fixing member so that a flexible cover for covering the end effector is fixed to the support member. Accordingly, cleanness of the end effector is restored.

Abstract: A system for transporting planar SOFC stack is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, for carrying a cell stack; a robotic arm, for grabbing and holding the cell stack; and a driver, coupled to the frame and the robotic arm and being used for driving the robotic arm. With the aforesaid system, the cell stack can be moved in and out a high-temperature furnace smoothly and rapidly, and then into a fuel cell control system while keeping one's balance without worrying the cell stack being damaged or tipping over by collision or losing of balance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling system for transporting, removing or inserting rod-like elements from or into a storage frame (18), the rod-like elements, like smoking rods, serving for storing products, each having a sausage-shaped body (44) and a loop (42) for a pendulously storage of the products (W). The handling system comprises a robotic device (22) with at least one robotic arm (24) being movably in three dimensions, at least one gripping device (26) for reversibly gripping the rod-like elements, wherein the gripping device (26) is attached to the robotic arm (24) of the robotic device (22). Moreover, a preventing unit (52) for preventing uncontrolled movement of the products (W) hanging up on the rod-like elements is provided.

Abstract: A support arm for a clamping and/or centering element of a gripper frame for holding three-dimensional components includes an adjustment mechanism, such as a ball that can pivot or a cylindrical pin that slide and rotate, held in a clamping and release unit with clamping jaws that can be radially clamped and are configured as shells engaging on opposing halves of the ball or the cylindrical pin and whose separation distance can be set by a means of adjustment. A radially directed compression force can be applied to the clamping jaws by a ring-shaped hydraulic force generator that is arranged about the jaws.

Abstract: A gripping device includes a gripping-device body mounted to an end of a working arm; two gripping members pivotably supported by this body in an opening-closing direction; and a driver that drives the gripping members to open and close them. At least one of the gripping members includes one of various kinds of detachable sections each including a gripping segment; a holding section pivotably connected to the gripping-device body about a central pivot shaft and selectively holding the detachable section in a detachable manner; and a coupling member for detachable coupling. The detachable section has a restrained segment having a detachable-section through-hole extending parallel to the central pivot shaft. The holding section has an opening-closing-direction restraining segment that restrains the restrained segment in the opening-closing direction and a holding wall to which the restrained segment is fastened with the coupling member from a direction parallel to the detachable-section through-hole.

Abstract: A method for manipulating an object with a remote vehicle having a manipulator attached to a manipulator arm. The manipulator comprises a jamming or other phase change material in a housing. The method comprises pressing the manipulator housing to the object, activating the jamming or other phase change material to cause the manipulator to grasp the object, and moving one or more of the manipulator arm and the remote vehicle to manipulate the object.

Abstract: A component transfer device according to the present invention includes a holding mechanism (20) that positions and holds a component on a carrying surface (S) located at a predetermined height and a pull-out unit (40) that pulls out the component held on the carrying surface by the holding mechanism in a horizontal direction. The pull-out unit includes a grasping member (43, 44) that can separably grasp the component from a vertical direction, a cam member (42) that causes the grasping member to perform a component grasping operation and a component releasing operation at predetermined timings by exercising a cam function to the grasping member, a driving mechanism (41, 46, 47) that drives the cam member and the grasping member.

Abstract: Loading device using a pendular movement for the displacement of cargo. The loading device consists of a pole (2) and a cable (6), which may be attached to a winch (5). The pole may be telescopic enabling the loading device to obtain different heights.

Abstract: A latch is capable of automatically latching and unlatching an implement, such as a thumb used on the stick of a hydraulic excavator. The thumb may be moved to a stored, inactive position by the operator and automatically latched, or locked, in that position by the latch. To automatically engage the latch, and latch the thumb in its stored position, the operator moves the thumb to its stored position under the force of the thumb actuator. To automatically disengage the latch, and unlatch the thumb, the operator moves the thumb out of its stored position. The force of the thumb on the latch will overcome the latch's unlatching force. But unintentional drifting of the thumb will not cause a force great enough on the latch to overcome the unlatching force and disengage the latch. Also, the latch can be easily manually disengaged by a technician.

Abstract: In a device for relocating a product, in particular a blister, in a packaging machine and with an associated method, the product is received at a supply location and deposited at a deposition location. The relocating device has a first pivotable relocating arm and a second pivotable relocating arm which each have a holding mechanism for the product. The relocating arms can be adjusted along different trajectories between a transfer position at the common supply location and a deposition position at the common deposition location, and pass each other during their adjustment motion.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot for handling hazardous material, such as explosive devices, includes a support frame, an articulating arm having a proximal end coupled with the support frame and a distal end remote therefrom, and a gripper connected with the distal end of the articulating arm, the gripper having gripper fingers that oppose one another. The robot includes a transporting assembly, such as wheels or a track, coupled with the support frame for selectively moving the robot to a desired location. The robot includes a tool basket disposed adjacent the proximal end of the articulating arm. The tool basket includes a plurality of tool receiving slots adapted to receive tools, with different tools stored in each of the slots. By carrying a plurality of tools in a basket, the robot may stay downrange when changing tools, rather than requiring the robot to return up range for changing tools.

Abstract: A parallel gripper for handling multiwell plates in an automated analysis system, moves individual multiwell plates between a plate storage array unit (i.e., plate hotel) and an imaging station. More particularly, the gripper has two parallel plate-gripping arms that move in equal, but opposite linear directions and are controlled using a stepper motor. Each of the arms has a shelf that provides support for the corresponding side edge of a multiwell plate.

Abstract: A device for mounting a pneumatic tire onto a vehicle wheel rim comprises a handling robot, including a robot hand (7), which is movable about a plurality of axes and comprises a rotationally drivable flange (8) and a gripper (2) attached thereto, the gripper including a base element (10) and at least two gripper arms (15) which are movable radially relative to the centre axis of the gripper (2). The gripper arms (15) are coupled to a synchronization device, which synchronizes the radial movement of the gripper arms (15) and includes a disc (23), mounted on the base element (10) of the gripper (2) so as to be rotatable about the centre axis of the gripper and rotationally drivable via a motor, and coupling members (25) fixed to the disc (23) and the gripper arms (15) via hinged joints (26,27) in such a way that a rotation of the disc (23) produces a synchronous radial movement of the gripper arms (15).

Abstract: A moving robot includes a first arm portion is coupled to a first joint on a side portion of a main robot body. The first arm portion has concave portion with an opening. A folding mechanism is accommodated in the concave portion. In the folding mechanism, a second arm portion is connected to the first arm via a second joint portion. A third arm portion is also connected to the second arm portion via a third joint portion. The first arm portion is rotated around the first joint to orient the opening in an upper direction. The second joint portion can be slid along the concave portion to take out the folding mechanism through the opening. The third arm portion can be rotated around the third joint portion to extend the third arm portion.

Abstract: A self-propelled robot is used to handle explosive charges and is of the type that is remote controlled by a control console. The robot can be used to handle explosive devices and charges as well as perform special, dangerous operations. The self-propelled robot includes a chassis, and two laterally spaced-apart endless tracks having adjustable lateral spacing, and an adjustable-length scraper disposed at the front thereof. The robot also includes an articulated arm having a first segment which takes the form of a fork that is actuated by a pair of cylinders and which terminates in a clamp. The articulated arm is foldable between an extended position and a folded condition.

Abstract: An prehensile excavator bucket includes a bucket and a reinforced thumb hingedly affixed to the bucket and that is controlled in conjunction with the bucket for purposes including seizing very heavy items. The thumb may be a single internally-static unit having multiple tines reinforced with metal tubes. The prehensile bucket may have a quick couple receptor so that it can be quickly attached to and detached from an excavator stick with a quick couple mechanism. Because the thumb is permanently attached to the bucket, the thumb and bucket together form a single unit strong enough for gripping and moving very heavy items.

Abstract: A machine includes a chassis and a boom assembly. The boom assembly is movable relative to the chassis. The machine further includes a grapple assembly suspended from the boom assembly. The grapple assembly comprises a grapple head fluidly connected to a first hydraulic circuit for actuating the grapple head to a grasping configuration, and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to a second hydraulic circuit for rotating the grapple head. The second hydraulic circuit includes a bypass valve. The bypass valve has a first position configured to block a fluid flow between a first port of the hydraulic motor and a second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve also has a second position configured to allow a fluid flow between the first port of the hydraulic motor and the second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve allows the grapple head to rotate freely when the grapple head is in a grasping configuration.

Abstract: An industrial robot device includes a swivel with an attachment mechanism for the attachment of a tool. The attachment mechanism includes at least two different attachment devices for two different kinds of tools. A first attachment device includes a positioning mechanism defining a certain angular position of an attached tool relative to the swivel. A second attachment device is arranged for allowing an arbitrary angular position of an attached tool relative to the swivel. Also contemplated is an industrial robot that is provided with the invented device and to a method for manipulating objects.

Abstract: An equidistance pick-and-place device for ICs is disclosed. It comprises a housing, a driving device, a guideway structure, a moving structure, a lazy tongs, a plurality of pick-and-place structures, and a transmission structure. The housing supports the equidistance pick-and-place device. The guideway structure is set on the housing. The moving structure slides on the guideway structure. The pick-and-place structures are set on the moving structure. The free end and the shafts of the lazy tongs are fixed in the moving structure. The transmission structure is connected with the driving device and the moving structure for driving the moving structure. The equidistance pick-and-place device utilizes the lazy tongs to drive the pick-and-place structures moving with equidistance to pick and place a plurality of ICs at a time. Therefore, the present invention can improve the efficiency and reduce cost.

Abstract: Automated testing system arrangements using a docking station. One system includes a unit including: a) a polygonal base having a plurality of sides, a number of the plurality of sides including a docking station for mating with a mobile equipment carrying cart; and b) a robotic arm having a stationary base positioned on or in the polygonal base and configured to interact with the equipment on each mobile equipment carrying cart.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are proposed for removing a covering film from a container. The apparatus has at least one gripping apparatus and a mechanism for producing a predetermined breaking point on a container. After production of the predetermined breaking point, the gripping apparatus grips a gripping face which is delimited by the predetermined breaking point, for removing the covering film from the container, and separates the gripping face during the removal of the covering film from the container.

Abstract: A compact micro-manipulator with low energy consumption accurately and quickly positions a micro-material in a visual field of a microscope. A micro-manipulator operable to grip micro-material by bringing leading ends of the gripping fingers in close proximity includes an XY drive unit that drives a handling unit in X and Y directions, a drive unit that changes a positional direction of the handling unit in order to swing the gripping fingers around leading ends of the gripping fingers, and a Z drive unit that drives the handling unit in the Z direction.

Abstract: Robotized device to move an object, comprising a manipulator having gripping elements lying on a determinate plane of manipulation, a first electric motor with which a first movement unit is associated, in turn associated with the manipulator, and a second electric motor with which a second movement unit is associated, in turn associated with the manipulator, wherein the first movement unit and the second movement unit define with the respective motor and with the manipulator a pantograph mechanism. The first movement unit comprises connection elements able to keep the gripping elements substantially parallel to the plane of manipulation during the functioning of the pantograph mechanism.

Abstract: The pinching fingers implement of the present invention provides independent grasping claws that can be independently opened or closed, and also independently rolled forward and backward, to provide for the secure and versatile grasping, manipulation and transport of irregular items.

Abstract: A robot system and method for the repair and/or inspection of cast surfaces in an automated comprising a robotic manipulator of at least 4 degrees of freedom and a gripping mechanism which allows taking a repair device from a tool holder rack located at one of its sides and moving it through a defined path to a repair and inspection area, where a repair process will be carried out in a sequential and programmed way to a number of cast faces to be defined. Additionally, the system allows carrying out an inspection process of the surfaces in a sequential and programmed way through the use of a vision system by taking from a tool holder rack or carrying an advanced vision system for the inspection of surfaces.

Abstract: A sugar cane loader is provided with a C-shaped chain piler including a grab pocket flanked by a pair of guide rails and including a third guide rail located at a central lower region of the grab pocket. The shape of the chain piler is such as to increase the movement of the stalks for better cleaning during piling, while the guide rails cause the grab to be moved forward during loading such that the cane stalks are moved ahead of tines projecting from the piler chains so that the tines and/or chains are not damaged when the loaded grab is lifted.