Abstract: Shape-shifting fingers may enable parallel-jaw gripper to re-grasp objects. In some embodiments, a gripper includes two fingers each having a flexible membrane which is moveable between an extended state and a retracted state in response to pressure applied to a cavity at least partially formed by the membrane. In the extended and retracted state the shape of the flexible membrane may change based on the pressure and/or a force applied to the membrane and may attain two distinct geometric forms to facilitate distinct manipulation functionalities. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane switches between a wedge-shaped geometry in the extended state and a V-shaped geometry in the retracted state. The wedge-shaped geometry may provide a point contact on a cylindrical object so that the object may pivot to a vertical position under the effect of gravity. The V-shaped geometry may localize the object in a vertical position and securely hold it.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.

Abstract: Aspects described herein include an end effector capable of prehending items using impactive and astrictive forces. The end effector includes an interface system having a deformable mounting plate and a pliable body member attached to the mounting plate. The end effector further includes a linkage system between a plurality of actuators and the interface system. The linkage system connects to lateral portions of the mounting plate.

Abstract: An apparatus including a base, a guide arm pivotable relative to the base, the guide arm movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A tension linkage has a distal end extending away from the base, the tension linkage supported by the guide arm when the arm is in the raised position. A tension linkage guide is disposed on the guide arm, the tension linkage guide movable along the tension linkage as the guide arm moves between raised and lowered positions. A hook is connected to the distal end of the tension linkage. When the hook is engaged with an object, the tension linkage forms a first tension angle and a second tension angle when the guide arm is in the raised position and the lowered position respectively, the second tension angle being less than the first tension angle.

Abstract: A transfer support adapted to contact a plurality of elements is provided. The transfer support has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a recess located on the second surface, a plurality of platforms protruded from the first surface, a plurality of supporting pillars distributed in the recess and a plurality of through holes. The platforms have carry surfaces adapted to contact the plurality of elements. The through holes extend from the carry surfaces of the platforms to the recess, and two of the adjacent supporting pillars are spaced apart from each other to form an air passage. In addition, a transfer module is also provided.

Abstract: A chuck for holding a mounting component including: multiple claw units each having multiple claws configured to contact a section to be held of a component to be mounted on a board, the claw units being arranged at predetermined positions separated from each other; and a claw unit opening and closing mechanism configured to open and close each of the multiple claw units.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a pivoting assembly, to tools including the pivoting assembly, and to their methods of use in, e.g., collecting lunar samples. One embodiment comprises a shaft coupled to a handle at one end and coupled to a pivoting assembly at the opposite end. The pivoting assembly may comprise a slotted axle, a locking rod having a head engageable with a slot of the slotted axle, and a release handle coupled to the locking rod. The release handle is movable to move the head of the locking rod into a locked position and an unlocked position. A rotatable arm is coupled to the pivoting assembly and is rotatable relative to the handle when the head of the locking rod is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: Method and device for disposal of waste including, without limitation, human or animal waste. Disposal device includes a bag-like member coupled to an absorbent member. The bag-like member may be folded for compact storage prior to use and unfolded during use thereof. A method for collecting, removing, and/or disposing of waste utilizing the disposal device including the steps of: unfolding the bag-like member; inserting a hand therein; collecting waste with the absorbent member; inverting the bag-like member so as to effectively wrap the absorbent member and waste within the bag-like member; optionally sealing the bag-like member; and disposing of the disposal device, the waste contained within the disposal device.

Abstract: A sling gear (1) for single-arm operation by a remotely controlled gripper may have a closure (4) that can be moved from a closed position (5) into an open position (82), a sling body (2) that is closed in the closed position (5) of the closure (4) and open in the open position (82), and an push-button (18) for opening the closure (4). The push-button (18) may have a gear section (68), which couples the closure (4) with the push-button (18), by transmitting movement. In order to improve the reliability in operation, also under adverse circumstances, for example in a heavily soiled environment on the seabed, the push-button (18) may be equipped with an locking area (56), which, in the closed position (5), is to be found engaged with the closure (4), and locks the closure (4) in the closed position (5).

Abstract: A new fecal matter scooper for pets is described. The fecal matter scooper includes a frame having a first end portion and a second end portion, a pair of actuating scoop jaws driven by a motor disposed on the first end portion of the frame, a handle disposed on the second end portion of the frame including a switch, the pair of scoop jaws configured to be actuated from an open position to a closed position by the switch, a bag including a pair of slots on an openable and closable end portion of the bag, each slot receiving one of the scoop jaws therethrough.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for conducting immunoassay test. The apparatus includes a groove unit having a groove along a vertical direction configured to hold a rod-shaped portion of a probe along the vertical direction, and a push pin configured to move along a horizontal direction, the push pin being capable of residing at a first position and a second position. A tip of the push pin is capable of pressing the rod-shaped portion of the probe against the groove when the push pin resides at the first position. The distance between the tip of the push pin and the groove is larger than a diameter of the rod-shaped portion of the probe when the push pin resides at the second position.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating a workpiece including a locking side pull hoist ring removably attachable to a side surface of the workpiece. The locking side pull hoist ring comprises a load bearing structure, a rotation mechanism attached to the side surface of the workpiece that rotates about a rotation axis extending through the rotation mechanism, a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state, and a support member connecting the load bearing structure and the rotation mechanism. The support member rotatably supports the rotation mechanism for rotation about the rotation axis and rotatably supports the load bearing structure for rotation about a second axis. In the locked state, the locking mechanism prevents rotation of the rotation mechanism by securing the rotation mechanism to the support member.

Abstract: A magnetic holder for painting and displaying toy vehicles. An upright T-shaped member fits in a receiving cup affixed to a horizontal plate. The top of the T-shaped member has at least one outwardly facing magnet that latches a corresponding magnet in a toy vehicle.

Abstract: A tool for removing an annular part mounted around a shaft of a turbomachine, includes a holder configured to cooperate with a lifting system, a system for coupling and holding the annular part, the coupling and holding system being secured to the holder, the system for coupling and holding having an opening designed to receive the shaft of the turbomachine during the removal of the annular part, the coupling and holding system being rotatable with respect to the holder between a first position and a second position by a rotation system for tilting the annular part with respect to the holder when the coupling and holding system is fastened to the annular part.

Abstract: A lifting device includes a base part, a connecting part, and at least one shackle drop brake. The base part attaches to an object, such as a loading platform or a load. The connecting part serves to attach a sling, lifting, lashing or tensioning means and is pivotable about a swivel axis relative to the base part. The base part also has a bearing surface which defines an assembly plane. The shackle drop brake acts between the base part and the connecting part. The shackle drop brake has at least one holding point configured to hold a weight of the connecting part when the connecting part is in a swivel position that is angled with respect to a vertical axis extending from the assembly plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating assembly components into desired configurations and a method for using same, where the assembly component includes a first and second bore set at a first and second transverse angles, for receiving attaching members. The apparatus includes a pair of attaching members that engage the bores to extend toward each other, and a manipulating member securing the base portions of the attaching members to each other. The attaching members may include side struts that relieve side pressure on the bores and may also include internal air passageways. The manipulating member has a length that prevents the secured attaching members from disengaging from their bores, and provides a location for a moving device to indirectly connect to the assembly component. The moving device can move the assembly component in a different directions to achieve different configurations.

Abstract: Scooping devices are presented including: a scoop forming a planar top surface and a bottom surface, the scoop defining a leading edge, a trailing edge, a proximate edge, and a distal edge, where the bottom surface includes a grooved hinge that extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a proximate handle portion located along the trailing edge, the proximate handle portion forming a cavity and extending inward from a raised edge adjacent to the proximate edge; a distal handle portion located along the trailing edge, the distal handle portion forming a cavity and extending inward from a raised edge adjacent to the distal edge, where a gap is formed between the proximate handle portion and the distal handle portion; and a flexible handle wrap.

Abstract: Swiveling hoist ring assemblies have a single cross pin extending through a housing with an opening for a mounting bolt to pass through both of the cross pin and the housing. The cross pin provides a strong shaft for supporting loads while still permitting axial rotation of the hoist ring assembly. Optional retainers on the end of the cross pin create a tamper-proof assembly. The hoist ring assemblies provide 360 degrees of rotation in the horizontal plane and at least 180 degrees of rotation in the vertical plane about the cross pin axis.

Abstract: A modular gripper has a body with a trident section and cylindrical section. A powering assembly is positioned in the cylindrical section. A pair of oppositing jaws is pivotally secured between a center wall and a pair of side wall, respectively, of the trident section. The piston rod moves a cam assembly on the center wall. The cam assembly passes through a body having a trident section and cylindrical section. The trident section comprises a trident structure that includes, at one end, a pair of side walls along with a center wall. The cylindrical section includes a fluid driven powering assembly. A pair of opposing jaw member are pivotally secured to the trident portion about separate pivot pins. A cam assembly is operatively connected to a piston rod of the fluid driven powering assembly. The cam assembly extends laterally outward with respect to a cylinder bore axis to receive a cam bush that engages with a through slot on each of the pair of opposing jaw members.

Abstract: A compact animal waste collector kit includes a hinged lid receptacle which is sized and shaped to be hand-held and support an animal waste bag; and an animal waste bag sized and shaped to fit over an open end of the hinged lid receptacle and in the hinged lid receptacle.