Abstract: A holding system includes a force control module configured to generate a force signal to cause a holding device to perform at least one of a hold stroke and a release stroke. The hold stroke includes transitioning a gripping element of the holding device to a first position to grip an object. The release stroke includes transitioning the gripping element to a second position to release the object. The holding device is non-backdrivable. A stall detection module is configured to (i) monitor a sensor signal received from a sensor of an electric motor assembly of the holding device and (ii) detect a first stall condition of an electric motor based on the sensor signal. A shut off module is configured to shut off current to the electric motor based on the detection of the first stall condition during or at an end of the release stroke.

Abstract: A replacement glove assembly has a replacement access element defining an outermost shoulder end and an innermost hand end configured to receive a hand of a user. A replacement sealing assembly engages the outermost shoulder end of the replacement access element and defines a leading radial face defining a first coupling structure, a trailing radial face defining a second coupling structure, and an outer annular surface configured to be received by a glove port. A first glove cap has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side defines a first mating structure sealably engaged with the first coupling structure of the leading radial face. The second side defines a second mating structure that is configured to sealably engage the second coupling structure of the trailing radial face of the replacement sealing assembly.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for wirelessly communicating with various system controllers of a facility through a wireless interface module. A mobile computing device may wirelessly connect with the wireless interface module to transmit information to and receive information from the wireless interface module. Specifically, a washing machine may be coupled to the system controller and may require various chemicals to perform the underlying washing tasks. As the chemicals are utilized, system controllers provide usage data and any other relevant data to the wireless machine interface, which may in turn provide the data to the mobile computing device upon request. Similarly, the mobile computing device may transmit system setting information, updated formulas, or other information to the wireless interface module for incorporation into one or more system controllers.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for wirelessly communicating with various system controllers of a facility through a wireless interface module. A mobile computing device may wirelessly connect with the wireless interface module to transmit information to and receive information from the wireless interface module. Specifically, a washing machine may be coupled to the system controller and may require various chemicals to perform the underlying washing tasks. As the chemicals are utilized, system controllers provide usage data and any other relevant data to the wireless machine interface, which may in turn provide the data to the mobile computing device upon request. Similarly, the mobile computing device may transmit system setting information, updated formulas, or other information to the wireless interface module for incorporation into one or more system controllers.

Abstract: A gripper has a body with a jaw support portion and powering portion. A powering assembly is positioned in the powering portion. A stationary jaw is secured to the jaw support portion. A movable jaw is pivotally secured to the jaw support portion about a pivot pin. A rod from the powering assembly connects in a slot on the movable jaw. The pivot pin is positioned on an opposite side of an axis of the rod on the clevis portion away from the stationary jaw. The non-clamping end of the movable jaw is incapable of extending below an end plane of the body of the stationary jaw side of the gripper.

Abstract: A clamping device has a clamp and a removable handle. A pair of clamping arms is on the clamp. A pivoting device includes a clamp bushing linked with each of the clamping arms of the pair of clamping arms to move the pair of arms between an opened and closed position. The removable handle couples with the clamp bushing. The removable handle includes a release mechanism to actuate the pivot mechanism to move the clamping arms between the open and clamped positions.

Abstract: A universal mounting housing for a linear actuator has a housing with a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface with at least one bore to enable securement of the housing. The at least one bore has an axial open portion that enables passage of attachment members. The at least one bore has a first and second diameter portion. The first diameter portion extends a length of the open portion. The diameter is of a size necessitating the attachment members to be axially moved into the at least one bore. The second diameter portion is larger than the first diameter portion. The second diameter portion receives a head portion of the attachment member.

Abstract: A replacement glove assembly has a replacement access element defining an outermost shoulder end and an innermost hand end configured to receive a hand of a user. A replacement sealing assembly engages the outermost shoulder end of the replacement access element and defines a leading radial face defining a first coupling structure, a trailing radial face defining a second coupling structure, and an outer annular surface configured to be received by a glove port. A first glove cap has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side defines a first mating structure sealably engaged with the first coupling structure of the leading radial face. The second side defines a second mating structure that is configured to sealably engage the second coupling structure of the trailing radial face of the replacement sealing 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: 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 a 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: A holding system includes a force control module configured to generate a force signal to cause a holding device to perform at least one of a hold stroke and a release stroke. The hold stroke includes transitioning a gripping element of the holding device to a first position to grip an object. The release stroke includes transitioning the gripping element to a second position to release the object. The holding device is non-backdrivable. A stall detection module is configured to (i) monitor a sensor signal received from a sensor of an electric motor assembly of the holding device and (ii) detect a first stall condition of an electric motor based on the sensor signal. A shut off module is configured to shut off current to the electric motor based on the detection of the first stall condition during or at an end of the release stroke.

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.