Abstract: A non-contact suction cup device (100) with flow recycling. The device is based on the recycling flow of fluid through one or more passage(s) (12) provided inside a suction cup chamber (51). The device further optionally includes a flow diverter (4) configured to divert the flow of fluid, and suction means (5) either directly or indirectly attached with the suction cup of the device (100), configured to suck or draw the fluid (11) from the periphery (52). The said passage (12) allow part of fluid to recirculate within the device chamber, hence causing a recycling effect on fluid used to create suction, which provides lower acoustic noise and higher energy efficiency.

Abstract: A multi-functional robotic end-effector, the method comprising a support platform, a gripper assembly supported from the support platform, and a negative pressure system to be supported, at least in part, from the support platform. The gripper assembly can comprise an opposable gripper arrangement having first and second grippers, at least one of the first or second grippers being actuatable in at least one degree of freedom. The negative pressure system can comprise a suction asset having an object interfacing component comprising an interfacing surface that defines a suction plane, the negative pressure system facilitating a negative pressure within the suction asset. The suction asset can be supported by one of the support platform or the gripper assembly, and can be positioned within a gripping region of the gripper assembly, or alternatively, the suction asset can be positioned outside of the gripping region of the gripper assembly.

Abstract: Provided are a gripper and a robot. The gripper includes a case, a plurality of gripping assemblies respectively assembled to the case, and a driving assembly configured to move the plurality of gripping assemblies. Each gripping assembly is provided with a fingertip at an end portion, and fingertips of the gripper are configured to cooperate with each other for grasping. Each gripping assembly further includes a gear set and a gear carrier rotatably connected to the case. The gear set includes a fixed gear, an intermediate gear and a fingertip gear engaged in sequence. The fixed gear is fixedly connected to the case, and the fingertip gear is fixedly connected to the fingertip. The intermediate gear and the fingertip gear are mounted to the gear carrier and respectively rotatably connected to the gear carrier. The driving assembly is configured to rotate the gear carrier.

Abstract: A gripper apparatus is configured to grasp a closed receptacle having a closure affixed to an open top end of a receptacle. Opposed jaw members capable of lateral movement between an open position, a first closed position, and a second closed position are configured to grasp the closed receptacle when the closed receptacle is situated between the jaw members at the first closed position and to release the closed receptacle at the open position. The gripper apparatus further includes a plurality of fingers configured to grasp a sidewall of the closure beneath a top surface of the closure when the closure is situated between the plurality of fingers and beneath a base of each of the jaw members as the jaw members move laterally toward each other from the open position to the second closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a deformable gripper are described. The deformable gripper comprises a base, a first inner membrane and a second inner membrane coupled to the base, an outer membrane attached to the base such that the outer membrane is positioned to enclose the first inner membrane and the second inner membrane, and an actuator operable to independently expand and contract the first inner membrane and the second inner membrane such that a portion of an outer surface of the outer membrane expands and contracts responsive to the expansion and contraction of at least one of the first inner membrane and the second inner membrane.

Abstract: An example of an apparatus to allow a user to support a can is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated body to engage with a hand of a user. In addition, the apparatus includes a connection mechanism disposed on a first end of the elongated body. The connection mechanism is to engage a rim of a can. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a base disposed on a second end of the elongated body. The base is to apply a force against a side of the can.

Abstract: A finger assembly of a robot hand includes a main frame, a tip portion rotatably connected to the main frame, and a band portion connected to the tip portion.

Abstract: A robotic article management system for acquiring and managing an article, the robotic article management system comprising a platform, a robot positioning member supported by the platform and having a robotic end effector interface, and a robotic end effector supported by the robot positioning member via the robotic end effector interface. The robotic end effector can include an extendable arm comprising a first support member, a capture device, and an article interface system having an actuatable article engagement device operable to interface with the article and to facilitate movement of the article toward the capture device. A computer-implemented method for acquiring and managing an article. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including instructions embodied thereon for controlling one or more components of a robotic article management system to acquire and manage an article.

Abstract: A vacuum adsorption system includes a cylinder including a cylinder block, a piston, and a piston rod mounted in the cylinder block, and a vacuum pressure control device controlling a vacuum pressure in an inner cavity of the cylinder block. The piston rod has a vacuum suction hole communicating with the inner cavity. The vacuum pressure in the inner cavity is controlled so that a contact force applied by the piston rod on an object adsorbed by the vacuum suction hole of the piston rod is less than or equal to a predetermined contact force.

Abstract: A system and method to provide a suction device adapted to provide gripping and suction forces to pick up and move a wide variety of objects. This is accomplished through a primary grasping interface composed of a suction compartment, a membrane compartment, deformable membrane sealing said membrane compartment, and at least one pressure mechanism. At least one pressure mechanism is in fluid connection with the suction compartment and is configured to modify properties within the suction compartment to assist in providing gripping and attractive forces. The device will grasp an object with the primary grasping interface by positioning the deformable membrane adjacent to said object, modifying the deformable membrane to conform to and create a seal with said object, and then depressurizing the suction compartment vis the pressure mechanism, providing a suction force onto said object within that sealed area sufficient to grasp said object.

Abstract: A pick-and-place tool includes a bond base and an attaching head. The attaching head is connected to the bond base and configured to attract a chip by a suction force. The attaching head has an attaching surface that is convex toward the chip, the attaching head has a plurality of suction holes penetrating the attaching surface, and the attaching head attracts the chip using the suction force via the suction holes.

Abstract: The present invention will provide a suction device adapted to provide gripping and suction forces to pick up and move a wide variety of objects. This is accomplished through a suction compartment, a membrane compartment, deformable membrane sealing said membrane compartment, and at least one pressure mechanism. The at least one pressure mechanism is in fluid connection with the suction compartment and is configured to modify properties within the suction compartment to assist in providing gripping and attractive forces. The present invention will grasp an object by positioning the deformable membrane adjacent to said object, modifying the deformable membrane to conform to and create a seal with said object, and then depressurizing the suction compartment via the pressure mechanism, providing a suction force onto said object within that sealed area sufficient to grasp said object.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus (10) for a pulley (12), the apparatus (10) including: a first beam section (14) adapted to couple to the pulley (12) in a fitted condition; and a second beam section (16) connected to the first beam section (14) in a spaced apart relationship extending parallel to the first beam section (14). The second beam section (16) includes a lifting arrangement (20) including a pair of lift couplings (22) and a plurality of notches (24), the pair of lift couplings (22) being moveable between a first condition in which each one of the pair of lift couplings (22) are able to be moved between the plurality of notches (24), and a second condition in which each one of the pair of lift couplings (22) is substantially retained in a respective one of the plurality of notches (24). A related method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A soft pneumatic module includes a first frame defining a first path portion, a second frame opposite to the first frame and defining a second path portion, a retainer connected to the first frame and the second frame, a plurality of first crease parts disposed along a circumference of the first frame at two sides of the retainer and obliquely disposed inward from the first frame, and a plurality of second crease parts connected to the plurality of first crease parts and the second frame, disposed along a circumference of the second frame at the two sides of the retainer, and expanded along with the plurality of first crease parts as a fluid is injected into the soft pneumatic module.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting the application of a contact lens to a wearer's eye includes a contact lens support having a viewing tube and a light transmitting tube. A first end of the light transmitting tube is positioned proximate a distal end of the viewing tube, while a second end is exposed to a light source. Light from the source is transmitted through the tube to create a lit fixation target at the first end, ensuring proper gaze alignment during lens application. In one embodiment, the light transmitting tube is a fiber optic shaped to convey ambient room light, with perpendicular local optical axes at its ends. In another embodiment, a passive radioluminescent source, such as tritium gas exciting a phosphorescent material, provides power-independent illumination. The recessed target generates a parallax effect, restricting visibility to a narrow angle for precise gaze alignment and lens placement.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a plurality of linkage arms connected one to another by one of a plurality of joints, wherein the plurality of linkage arms has a first end and a second end, and the first end is adapted to allow for removable attachment of a cold plate from a cooling assembly in a computer server, and a coupling that reversibly connects the second end of the plurality of linkage arms to a location on the cooling assembly, wherein the coupling is adapted to allow the plurality of linkage arms to be held in place at the location on the cooling assembly. The plurality of linkage arms are adapted to move along a predefined travel pathway and adapted to be reversibly converted between at least a lowered configuration and a service configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for rigging and lifting a joined, multi-section assembly of corrugated decking sections for attachment to a Cold-Form Steel. The system and method provide for the utilization of an adaptable rig that securely attaches to a multi-section assembly of corrugated decking sections which have be pre-joined by workers in a safe, preferably terrestrial, workspace. The adaptability of the rig enables it to provide attachment points for lifting and supporting the multi-sectioned decking assemblies of disparate sizes and materials. The location and number of these attachment points being a function of the size, gauge, area and aggregate weight of a given pre-joined multi-section assembly. The system and method are can be utilized with pre-joined multi-section assemblies consisting of individual decking sections fabricated from a variety of materials, including ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, as well as composite materials.

Abstract: A gripping tool, which can be used by a manipulator device for picking-up and handling pieces, includes a plurality of gripping devices (50), distributed in groups, each group consisting of one or more gripping devices. The gripping devices (50) of each group of gripping devices are mounted on a same supporting body (P), which is made in one-piece by an additive manufacturing technology.

Abstract: A system for lifting a deformable object includes a support structure, two pairs of opposing arms coupled to the support structure, and a fluid power driver operatively coupled in parallel to the pairs of opposing arms via a fluid power system. Each of the arms includes inclined surfaces configured to contact the deformable object. When the support structure is positioned above the deformable object on the surface, the fluid power driver is configured to increase pressure in the fluid power system until the pressure in the fluid power system reaches a predetermined level such that (i) each of the pairs of opposing arms independently closes a distance until the inclined surfaces are in contact with sides of the deformable object, and (ii) the pairs of opposing arms exert a compressive force on the deformable object that causes the deformable object to slide up one or more of the inclined surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and discharging drums (6) comprises an interface device comprising an open cylindrical tubular element (2) with its opposite ends (2a, 2b) closed by respective diaphragm closures (3, 4) having a respective first portion (3a, 4a) firmly fixed to said cylindrical tubular element (2) by quick-release fixation means (8) through changes in internal pneumatic pressure.