Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot, an end-effector assembly disposed at a distal end of a main boom, rotatable parallel frame rails, and tool support branches. Tool modules are connected to a tool support branch and rotatable/translatable with respect to a respective branch axis. A configuration tool has a control block engaged by a wrist of the robot and a work tool. A controller commands the robot to automatically configure the end-effector assembly by adjusting the frame rails and/or tool support branches or tool modules using the work tool, doing so in response to an identified work task. Engagement of the wrist with the tool changer is commanded and the identified work task is executed using the end-effector assembly. A configuration stand may automatically flip the end-effector assembly to a configuration location, command engagement of the wrist with the tool changer, and configure the end-effector assembly.

Abstract: System and method for dispensing product to a washing machine. A chemical dispensing system includes a system controller, machine interface, and pump controller that communicate through serial data buses. The system controller provides a user interface, retrieves washing machine status information from the machine interface, and issues product dispensing commands to the pump controller. The pump controller monitors pump status and dispenses product in response to commands from the system controller. The pump controller: (1) determines pump activation periods based on calibration data stored in a pump controller memory; (2) tracks pump usage and adjusts the activation period to compensate for pump wear as the pump ages; (3) disables the pump if conditions exists that preclude operating the pump; (4) monitors product levels, and (5) reports pump status to the system controller. Integral channels are included in the pump housing to provide stress relief to a squeeze tube.

Abstract: Crossover protection system graphical user interfaces, crossover protection systems that display graphical user interfaces, and methods for pairing tank delivery connectors with product delivery vehicle systems are provided. A tank delivery connector reads a tank tag with a tank tag reader, and transmits a tank tag indicator associated with the tank tag with network interface hardware. An electronic control unit receives the tank tag indicator with network interface hardware, determines a distribution tank fuel type associated with a distribution tank based on the tank tag indicator, determines that the tank delivery connector is associated with a tank compartment of a product delivery vehicle based on the tank tag indicator, and displays a graphical user interface on the display. The graphical user interface includes a tank delivery connector graphic displayed proximate a tank compartment graphic to indicate that the tank delivery connector is associated with the first tank compartment.

Abstract: A camera system and associated method for aligning a component with a footprint on a PCB including: a housing having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a first image sensor positioned on the first side of the housing and pointing to a first direction away from the housing to capture an image of the component and generating a first image signal, wherein the first image sensor includes a first lens assembly without a prism; a second image sensor positioned on the second side of the housing and aligned with the first image sensor pointing to a second direction opposite to the first direction to capture an image of the footprint on the PCB and generating a second image signal, wherein the second image sensor includes a second lens assembly without a prism; a mixing circuit for mixing the first image signal with the second image signal and generating a mixed image signal; and a processor for processing the mixed image signal and displaying a superimposed image of the component and the footp

Abstract: A pneumatic lock assembly for securing a valve comprises a lock pin engaging a contact surface on a poppet assembly. The head of a poppet creates a sealing relationship with an end of the valve. A guide with a bore extends between the exterior and interior of the valve terminating at a sleeve. The sleeve slidably receives a stem extending from the poppet head. A spring biases a pin, slidably received within the pylon bore, into engagement with a contact surface on the valve stem for securing the valve head in a closed position. The pin may be pneumatically disengaged from the groove by forcing air from a pneumatic power source into a bore in the pin. A cap assembly at the exterior of the valve provides protection for the lock assembly and allows for manual disengagement of the pin from the groove.

Abstract: A clamping device has a removable handle to move a clamp between an opened and clamped position. A receiving member is on the clamp to receive the handle. The handle has a latching member to couple with the receiving member. An actuating member is coupled with the handle to move the clamp from an opened to clamped position. A release mechanism is coupled with the clamp or handle to move the clamp from a clamped to an opened position.

Abstract: An actuating device has a drive element with a cylinder (1) and a piston (2) having a piston rod (3). A toothed rack (4) is provided outside the cylinder (1) on the piston rod (3). The toothed rack (4) is implemented to cooperate with a gear element (5). An actuating element (6), pivotable in relation to the drive element, is situated in a rotationally-fixed manner with the gear element (5). An intermediate gear element (7) is situated between the cylinder (1) and the gear element (5). The intermediate gear element (7) cooperates, on one side, with the toothed rack (4) and, on the other side, with the gear element (5).

Abstract: A sterilization system for a sterile liquid transfer port system includes an isolation wall having a first and second side, an alpha assembly spanning a port in the isolation wall between the first and second sides of the isolation wall and a beta assembly configured for connection with the alpha assembly from the first side of the isolation wall for sterile transfer of a product. The system further includes a docking cover on the first side of the isolation wall which can mate to the beta assembly during a sterilization process.

Abstract: A controlled latch clamp including a base and a handle pivotally connected to the base. The clamp has a link pivotally connected to the handle and to a plunger. The plunger also being pivotally connected to the base. The clamp includes an arm connected to an end of the plunger.

Abstract: A suction cup assembly has a housing with an actuator in the housing. A flexible cup is coupled with the housing. The actuator movement causes the flexible cup to move between at least two positions. In a first position, the flexible cup moves into an increased volume position. In a second position, the flexible cup moves into at least a neutral volume position. In the increased volume position, the flexible cup seals with a surface. In the neutral volume position, the flexible cup releases from the surface.

Abstract: A modular chemical dispensing system includes a plurality of rail members combining to define a wall-mounted grid for supporting dispensing and chemical source modules. The grid is easily secured to a wall and the modules moved laterally onto the grid with rotatable locks securing the modules to the rails. Chemical source modules have lockable doors preventing unauthorized access to chemicals therein and preventing unauthorized module removal. A variety of module configurations are provided, reducing inventories of custom parts. Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.

Abstract: An electric cylinder has a cylinder housing and a clamping assembly in the cylinder housing. An electric motor assembly is coupled with the clamping assembly to drive the clamping assembly between a first and second position. The electric motor assembly has an electric motor with a rotary output. The clamping assembly has a drive pulley assembly coupled with the rotary output. A lead screw is rotatably coupled with the drive pulley for axial movement. The lead screw moves between the first and second positions. A compliance coupling is positioned between the lead screw and the drive pulley. The compliance coupling is axially movable in the pulley assembly for absorbing shock when the piston assembly encounters a stop.

Abstract: The present invention is a tubing centralizer for use within casing within a wellbore. The tubing centralizer has a tubing centralizer cage comprising a top ring, a middle ring, and a bottom ring and a plurality of springs, where each spring connects the top ring to the middle ring and the middle ring to the bottom ring and where each spring has a double arcuate shape such that the springs arc radially outward between the top ring and the middle ring and again between the middle ring and the bottom ring. The springs may be sized such that they exert outward pressure against the inside wall of the casing such that the tubing centralizer resists movement along the casing. The tubing centralizer may further comprise a tubing centralizer mandrel, where the tubing centralizer mandrel is part of the tubing string and extends through the tubing centralizer cage.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the levels of product in a chemical dispensing system. A probe assembly is operatively disposed in a container holding product to be dispensed. A detection circuit including an oscillator sensitive to the impendence coupled to the detector is selectively coupled to the probe assembly and produces a signal in response to the impedance of the probe assembly indicating if the level of product in the container has dropped below the probe assembly. The probe assembly includes conductive probes formed from corrosion resistant material infused with carbon and separated by an angle. The level of the first and second conductive probes is adjustable to provide control over the level of product to be detected. Multiple probe assemblies may be selectively coupled to the detection circuit in a repeating sequence by a multi-probe monitoring unit to allow monitoring of multiple containers by a single remote alarm.

Abstract: Arrays of resonator sensors include an active wafer array comprising a plurality of active wafers, a first end cap array coupled to a first side of the active wafer array, and a second end cap array coupled to a second side of the active wafer array. Thickness shear mode resonator sensors may include an active wafer coupled to a first end cap and a second end cap. Methods of forming a plurality of resonator sensors include forming a plurality of active wafer locations and separating the active wafer locations to form a plurality of discrete resonator sensors. Thickness shear mode resonator sensors may be produced by such methods.

Abstract: A communications network is provided for a water treatment system. A controller is in communication with a plurality of network elements using digital communications. The network elements have a connection configured to connect the network element to the controller or another network element. The controller sends a message to the network elements to configure the network elements for communication with the controller. The controller receives a response from the network elements including a network address and a header. If the network address is a default address, configuration information is sent to the network element for communication on the network. If the network address is not a default address, communication is established with the network element. Messages sent from the controller to a network element having a network address not matching the network address of the network element are sent over the network to a next network element.

Abstract: A catch for securing a door to an object includes an engagement member connected to the door engaging a receiving member of a mount on the object. The door includes a first arm with an oblong hole for pivoting about a pin connected to the mount, and an engagement pin. Moving the door from a closed position causes the engagement pin to rotate with the door about the pivot pin. The door slides downward along the pivot pin as the pivot pin travels within the oblong opening, and the engagement pin makes contact with the receiving member, thereby retaining the door in an open position. Moving the door upward moves the pivot pin downward within the oblong opening disengaging the engagement pin from the receiving member, allowing the door to rotate to a closed position. A latch opposite the first arm retains the door in a closed position.

Abstract: A centering and clamping device has a housing (1) with a drive mechanism (2) situated in its interior for actuating a clamping hook (5). The clamping hook (5) is active outside the housing (1). The clamping hook (5) engages a seal element (3) that is positioned in an opening (4) on the housing (1). The seal element (3) has a passage opening (6) for receiving the clamping hook (5). The passage opening (6) fits exactly with the clamping hook (5) in every position. The seal element (3) is mounted so that it is rotatable in the opening (4) of the housing (1). A portion of the sealing element projects, at all times, outside of the housing (1) so that the opening (4) of the housing (1) is completely closed in every rotation position of the seal element (3).