Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein relates, to an item manipulation system that can include a control system and an end effector. The end effector can include a tube defining a channel between a first end and a second end. The tube can include, a flexible suction cup that can be disposed within the channel of the tube. In some examples, the flexible suction cup can engage a surface of the item based on suction force generated through the flexible suction cup. The end effector also includes a linear actuator that can be mechanically coupled to the flexible suction cup. The end effector can be configured to: extend, the flexible suction cup towards the second end of the channel to position at least a portion of the flexible suction cup outside the tube and retract, the flexible suction cup within the channel to position the flexible suction cup within the tube.

Abstract: The invention is that of a lacrosse ball collection apparatus fabricated from materials such as plastics, metals and fabrics. The apparatus comprises a fabric which when in its open position forms a substantially triangular horizontal surface capable of fitting inside a lacrosse goal. When lacrosse balls are shot into the goal, they collect on the fabric. The apparatus is foldable at a front joint and comprises a spout located behind the front joint and in close proximity thereto, such that the apparatus may be used to carry the balls to a collection receptacle, where they may be poured out of the spout into the receptacle for reuse. The apparatus is further foldable at two side joints such that an apical joint is foldable toward the front joint and two front member segments are foldable inward to render the apparatus in a compact, closed position suitable for storage in small spaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for a vacuum tool having a switchable plate, such that a common vacuum tool may be adapted with different plates. A switchable plate may form the entirety of the vacuum tool's material contacting surface or a switchable plate may form a portion of the material contacting surface. The vacuum tool is effective for picking and placing one or more manufacturing parts utilizing a vacuum force.

Abstract: A wireless assembly for use with a long line, an aircraft and a battery is provided, the wireless assembly comprising: a hook, which includes an electro-mechanical actuator; a waterproof housing mounted on the hook; a wireless receiver which includes a microprocessor, is retained in the waterproof housing and is in electrical communication with the electro-mechanical actuator; a wireless transmitter, which includes a microprocessor; and a switch which is in electrical communication with the wireless transmitter, the wireless transmitter and the switch for locating in the aircraft. A method of wirelessly controlling the release of a load from the hook is also provided.

Abstract: A transport tray includes a carrier, a base plate, and a fixing member. The carrier is used to hold products. The base plate is provided with a groove. The carrier is received in the groove. The base plate and the fixing member are magnetic. At least a portion of the carrier is located between the base plate and the fixing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robot hand comprising a base, a first bracket provided on an upper portion of the base, a second bracket provided on an upper portion of the base and configured such that the other side of the second bracket is rotatable in a horizontal direction about one side of the second bracket, a plurality of finger modules coupled to upper portions of the first and second brackets, respectively, and configured to tilt in order to grip an object, finger drive units installed on the first and second brackets and configured to transmit driving power to the finger modules and a rotation drive unit installed at one side of the second bracket and configured to transmit driving power so that the other side of the second bracket is rotatable in the horizontal direction about one side of the second bracket.

Abstract: An end effector comprising: a driving roller and presser rollers configured to hold a threaded member; a motor; a linear guide and an air cylinder including a rod configured to move the threaded member linearly along the axis of the threaded member; a detector; a robot arm; and a controller configured to: provide the threaded member near a position coaxially facing a threaded hole member by controlling the robot arm based on the position and the direction of the threaded hole member detected by the detector; and insert and screw the threaded member into the threaded hole member by controlling: the air cylinder including the rod to advance the threaded member toward the threaded hole member and insert a tip of the threaded member into the threaded hole member; and the motor to rotate the threaded member about the axis of the threaded member.

Abstract: An implement for a person to manipulate a hose includes two elongated members each having a top end, a bottom end, and a pivot aperture traversing through the elongated member. A pivot rod traverses the pivot apertures of each elongated member such that each elongated member is pivotally joined at the pivot rod. A two-part hose holder comprises two elongated arcuate members each fixed with the bottom end of one of the elongated members such that concave surfaces of each elongated arcuate member are mutually opposingly disposed. The top end of each elongated member further includes at least one handle projecting orthogonally away therefrom. In use, the elongated members may be pulled mutually apart to open the two-part hose holder to at least partially encircle the hose, whereupon the elongated members are then pushed together to close the two-part hose holder about the hose to engage the hose.

Abstract: In attachment system provided with an industrial robot having a hand movable at an arm tip, a base is attached to the hand. The base supports a plurality of suction pads such that angles of virtual suction surfaces including suction pad ends intersect each other in a hand operating space. Under control of a control device, the respective pads suction a sealing material at the respective suction surfaces, and the position and orientation of the base is controlled in the operating space such that partial suction surfaces face a designated attachment position on the object. Further, an attachment surface of the sealing material is partially attached to the designated attachment position on the object, in a state the sealing material to part of which the partial suction pads are suctioned is still faced to the designated attachment position. Such steps are repeated for the remaining attachment positions of the object.

Abstract: A gripper for a container-transporter includes a system, first and second arms with corresponding inner faces and a controller disposed between the arms to pivot the arms. A spring pre-loads the arms towards one another. Rollers at the control unit rotate about a central control-axis thereof. The faces are shaped such that, in response to the rollers' movement, they carry out an equiangular and symmetric pivoting between an opened and closed position of the gripper.

Abstract: A multipurpose drain tool including a drain shovel “DROVEL™” and pry bar. The multipurpose drain tool includes a drain tool shaft, a proximal pry bar, and a distal drain shovel. The drain tool shaft carries at least one rubber hand grip, a proximal end cap, and a distal end cap. The pry bar is mounted to and extends outwardly from the proximal end cap. The drain shovel is mounted to and extends distally from the distal end cap. The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention offers a solution to the problem of clearing subsurface drains to restore drain functionality.

Abstract: A shovel includes a shovel blade, a handle assembly with a tubular section and hammer section, where the hammer section is configured to axially slide within the tubular section to function as an impact hammer. A locking assembly locks the hammer section in one of an extended position and a compressed position relative to the tubular section. Releasing the locking assembly allows the hammer section to axially slide within the tubular section.

Abstract: An end effector system is disclosed for a robotic system that includes a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector, and a secondary retention system that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the primary acquisition system, wherein at least a portion of the primary acquisition system may be drawn up within at least a portion of the secondary retention system such that the primary end effector system may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to secure the object for rapid transport to an output destination.

Abstract: A material movement apparatus and method includes a material support with a front, a rear, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom where the front includes a curved section that curves up from the bottom from the first side to the second side. A pull bar is connected with the top at the front within the front curved section, a pull point is connected with the pull bar from the bottom and a handle is located in one side.

Abstract: Embodiments of an active object mounting system secure an object of interest to a surface of a secured-to object using one or more vacuum mounting modules, wherein each vacuum mounting module comprises at least one vacuum pump controllably coupled to a microcontroller, a vacuum cup fluidly coupled to the at least one vacuum pump, and a transceiver that receives an instruction corresponding to one of a vacuum cup actuation signal or a vacuum cup release signal.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a suction cup, a fitting, and a filter. The suction cup defines an interior cavity with a first opening and a second opening. The fitting is coupled to the suction cup. The fitting includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the fitting defines a chamber. The second portion of the fitting is positioned within the interior cavity and is coupled to the first portion of the fitting to secure the first portion of the fitting to the suction cup. The filter is positioned within the chamber such that the suction cup and the fitting define a passage from the second opening, through the interior cavity, and through the chamber and the filter.

Abstract: A ball retrieving assembly for collecting balls on a surface includes a basket that has a pair of elastomeric openings integrated into the basket to pass a ball into the basket for transporting the ball. A plurality of rollers is each movably coupled to the basket each of the rollers is urgeable into a compressed condition to facilitate the basket to be lowered to the support surface. In this way balls lying on the support surface can pass through respective ones of the elastomeric openings for positioning the balls in the basket. A pair of handles is each removably attachable to the basket for urging the rollers into the compressed condition when handles are pressed downwardly.

Abstract: A pet caring diaper having an excrement-collection function includes a diaper body and a first collection bag. The diaper body is provided with a first hole, and the first hole is provided with a first connecting member around an outer side of the first hole; the first collection bag is provided with a second connecting member around a mouth of the first collection bag, and sealed at a bottom of the second collection bag; and the second connecting member of the first collection bag matches the first connecting member of the diaper body, and the second connecting member and the first connecting member are connected to each other. The pet caring diaper has advantages of being convenient and sanitary to use, having a low cost, and being comfortable to wear for animals.

Abstract: A programmable motion system is disclosed that includes a dynamic end effector system. The dynamic end effector system includes an end effector that is coupled via a dynamic coupling to the programmable motion system, wherein the dynamic coupling provides that at least a portion of the end effector may spin with respect to an other portion of the end effector.

Abstract: A carrier (1) for transporting objects, having a carrying limb (2) and a load handling limb (3), wherein at least one rotatably mounted load support is arranged in the region of a free end (7) of the load handling limb (3), wherein the load support includes a pivotably mounted segment (4) which lies on the free end (7) of the load handling limb (3) and, together therewith, forms a load-carrying bearing and at least one inner surface of the load handling limb (3) forms a bearing shell (5) on the free end (7) and supports the pivotably mounted segment (4).