Abstract: A line retrieval system comprises a retrieval device having a radially magnetized magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to an object disposed on an opposite side of a structure for drawing the object in a desired direction relative to the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular positioning robotic system and method of use of the positioning system. In general, the modular positioning robotic system is comprised of a controller module, a positioning module and a base that can be either a stationary base or drive module. The positioning module also allows for additional flexibility by allowing for designs with multiple allowable adjustments that can be changed for a change in turn diameter, length, width and weight of a fixture and part combination.

Abstract: A clamp adapted to be removably fixed to a further object. The clamp includes first and second clamp members, each being configured to apply a clamping force to the further object to which the clamp is removably fixed. One clamp actuator is adapted to drive movement of both the first and second clamp members with respect to each other along respective first and second axes. The first axis intersects the second axis.

Abstract: A pallet load stand and manipulator allows a pallet to receive a workpiece and the workpiece to be clamped to the pallet while the pallet is in a horizontal position. Once the workpiece has been clamped to the pallet, the pallet may be rotated to a vertical position so that the pallet may be loaded onto a machine tool that operates on a workpiece with the pallet in the vertical position. The pallet may also be rotated to an intermediate position, similar to an artist's easel, in which the pallet is held in an inclined position, between the horizontal and vertical positions by positive locating assemblies and positive stops.

Abstract: An automated assembly system for assembling a truss from a plurality of truss members and connection plates includes a plurality of rail assemblies, a plurality of trolleys, a plurality of press assemblies, and a control system. The rail assemblies include stationary rail assemblies and moveable rail assemblies. The trolleys are supported by the rail assemblies. The press assemblies are supported by the trolleys. The press assemblies are configured to embed the connection plates into the truss members. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the automated assembly system. An ejector system is configured to remove assembled trusses from the automated assembly system.

Abstract: A work carrier includes a movable clamp unit (15) having resiliently connected first and second sliders (26, 27) mounted on a guide rail (24), a lock lever (37) mounted on the second slider and normally urged in a direction to move a toothed portion (41) into meshing engagement with a rack (25), an operating lever (46) pivotally mounted on the second slider, and a cam mechanism (43, 38, 44, 45) operable in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever in one direction such that the second slider is locked in position against movement relative to the guide rail via meshing engagement between the toothed portion and the rack and, subsequently, the first slider and clamp member carried thereon are forcibly displaced away from the second slider while the second slider remains locked on the guide rail.

Abstract: A door and board lifting device comprising a foot operated lever and locking means wherein said locking means is operative to releasably secure the lever in a substantially fixed position.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for cleaning a substrate edge include a bristle brush unit that cleans bevel polymers deposited on substrate edges using frictional contact in the presence of cleaning chemistry. The bristle brush unit is made up of a plurality of outwardly extending vanes and is mounted on a rotating shaft. An abrasive material is distributed throughout and within the outwardly extending vanes of the bristle brush unit to provide the frictional contact. The bristle brush unit cleans the edge of the substrate by allowing frictional contact of the plurality of abrasive particles with the edge of the substrate in the presence of fluids, such as cleaning chemistry, to cut, rip and tear the bevel polymer from the edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning device is used to remove an alien substance adhering to a surface of an optical member arranged in front of a solid image sensing device inside a lens replaceable digital single-lens reflex camera. The cleaning device includes a supporting member that is supported by a user, and an elastic member having an adhesive surface 12 and being formed in a substantially square shape larger than equally divided four parts of a 135 format of a camera and smaller than an APS-C format of the camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having a first holding instrument (1) for a first wafer (5) and having a second holding instrument (7) for a second wafer (9) arrangeable parallel to the first wafer (5), the two holding instruments (1, 7) being fixable relative to one another. According to the invention, at least one of the holding instruments (1, 7), preferably both holding instruments (1, 7) respectively, comprises at least one gel film (2, 8) for holding the associated wafer (5, 9). The invention furthermore relates to the use of a gel film for holding integral wafers.

Abstract: The invention as depicted in a preferred embodiment is a retrofitted automated truss assembly jig setting system and one or more removable plank units used therewith. Removable plank unit includes a pair of drive motors each connected to a motor plate that is fixed to the bottom surface of a plank. A pair of rods extends along the length of the plank and each is operatively connected to a motor such that activation of a motor rotates a rod. Puck assemblies are carried by rods and are linearly transposed along rods when motors are activated. A computerized control system is operatively connected to provide for automated positioning of pucks. Planks on existing truss assembly tables may be removed and replaced with removable plank units to turn a traditional truss assembly jigging table into an automated truss assembly jigging table.

Abstract: A unique X, Y, ? (Rotary) positioning system is disclosed that may include a machine base assembly with a substrate slide moving on the machine base with either a recirculating or air bearing in Y direction and two integrated cross stages attached to the slide which can kinetically provide large movements of the slide relative to the base in the X direction as well as generating large motion of the slide in the rotary ? direction about a virtual center of rotation. The positioning system allows a user to position large format glass substrates and the like with precision control. Specifically, depending on the mounting configuration of the present invention, a user may correct for straightness in X, X? and Y directions, yaw in the A rotation direction and position in the X, X? and Y direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a window wiper of which the movement is not restricted and which is capable of wiping the entire surface of a windowpane, can be manufactured inexpensively, runs smoothly in any desired directions straight, and does not leave unwiped parts behind. The window wiper comprises a sticking unit 10 which sticks fast to a windowpane “W,” a wiping unit 20 which is mounted on the sticking unit 10 and wipes the windowpane “W,” and a running unit 30 which is mounted on the sticking unit 10 so that the former can turn freely. Accordingly, the running unit 30 can change its running direction without changing the posture of the wiping unit 20. Therefore, the corners of a windowpane too can be wiped clean by giving a shape with four corners to the wipe-off unit 22 of the wiping unit 20.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has a handle, a head with a carriers and a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. A motor is disposed within the handle. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. The shaft is operatively connected to the carrier to move the carrier in a first motion. The carrier is capable of moving in a second motion when subjected to user forces.

Abstract: A device and a method for assembling oriented objects, such as parts of a pipeline. The device includes means for rotational displacement about a rotational axis of a first and second base. The first base has a first main axis which is perpendicular to the rotational axis and includes first means for supporting objects that can be displaced in translation along the first main axis. The second base has a second main axis which is perpendicular to the rotational axis and includes second means for supporting objects and a revolving plate device for supporting and orienting one of the objects in an angular manner. The revolving plate device can be displaced in translation in relation to the second supporting means along the second main axis. Visualization means enable at least the rotational angle of the plate and the position of the second base to be visualised.

Abstract: A fuel insertion tube tool for installing a fuel tube on a barb. The tool has first and second arms that are pivotably attached through an arm pivot axis. Each arm has a grip to engage the fuel tube. A tab extends from the first arm and is pivotably attached to a proximal end of a bar with a pivot pin that defines a bar axis. The bar axis and the arm axis are perpendicular to each other. A hook is disposed at a distal end of the bar for engagement with an attachment site. The tab functions as a fulcrum to reduce the amount of force required to install the fuel tube on the barb. The bar has weight reducing holes and the grips have straight knurls for frictional engagement with the fuel tube.

Abstract: A line retrieval system comprises a retrieval device having a radially magnetized magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to an object disposed on an opposite side of a structure for drawing the object in a desired direction relative to the structure.

Abstract: A hydraulic floor jack has a tubular handle with a yoke at the distal end thereof with lateral axels pivotally attached to a pair of vertical side brackets. One side brackets has a series of arcuate upper surfaces concentric with the lateral axel of the yoke, including a large radius forward portion, then a small radius arcuate notch portion, then an intermediate radius rearward portion. The yoke has a barrel aligned radially over the circular upper surfaces of the side bracket, with a plunger therein having an upper end extending above the barrel and a lower end for extending below the barrel and into the arcuate notch portion. A plunger control level has a rectangular distal end that is pivotally attached to the upper end of the plunger.

Abstract: The disclosed vacuum cleaner has a smaller, separable vacuum unit that is releasably attached to a larger, base unit tank assembly. It provides a combination vacuum cleaner that has small- and large-capacity configurations suited for vacuum applications having different volumes, locations, or other features. The vacuum cleaner includes a single vacuum source sized for use with the larger tank structure, yet coupled to and removable integrally with the smaller vacuum unit. The smaller vacuum unit can be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the larger tank assembly to facilitate use of the vacuum cleaner in the desired configuration.

Abstract: A cutting board, including retaining holes in a side surface thereof, each retaining hole including a screw hole at an end side of the retaining hole and a first fitting portion at an opening side of the retaining hole; projecting rods inserted into the retaining holes each include a cylindrical second fitting portion and a threaded portion to be screwed onto the screw hole with ends of the second fitting portion projecting from the side surface of the cutting board; a remaining portion of each first fitting portion is fit into the fitting portion of each retaining hole; each projecting rod is pivoted in a forward and reverse direction to allow the threaded portion thereof to move in a left and right direction within the screw hole; the length of each of the projecting portions projecting from the side surface of the cutting board is adjusted to fasten each projecting rod.