Abstract: A robot hand module includes a thumb module, a plurality of finger modules, and a palm part to which the thumb module and the finger modules are coupled. The thumb module and the finger modules each include a phalangeal part movably coupled to the palm part, a cable part having a first side connected to the phalangeal part, and a driving part connected to a second side of the cable part and configured to operate the phalangeal part by extending the cable part to the outside or retracting the cable part, wherein each of the driving parts includes an inlet region from which the cable part is extended to the outside, and wherein an acute angle is defined between a first direction in which the inlet region is directed toward the outside and a second direction in which the driving parts are disposed.

Abstract: A coupling tool for connection to an outer end of a tubular element for the purpose of upending the element has an engaging mechanism with which the outer end of the element can be engaged, and a pivotable lifting member with which the coupling tool can be suspended from a lifting device such as a crane. Resilient arms are further mounted on the coupling tool, which arms can be moved from a starting position to a position against a wall part of the outer end of the element for the purpose of aligning the suspended coupling tool relative to the outer end, and for damping movements of the suspended coupling tool. Also described herein is a device which utilizes the coupling tool, and a method which makes use of the device.

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: A lifting apparatus (100) for hoisting a spider (200) of a gyratory crusher has a spreader (110) spanning between two leg members (120) each having an offset arm (121a), clearing arm (121b), cradle arm (121c), and securing arm (121d). The offset arm (121a) forms a second offset distance (131) with respect to an offset axis (C). The arms (121a-121d) form an opening (123) for receiving the spider (200). The leg members (120) oppose each other such that the clearing arms (121b) of the leg members (120) are provided on opposite sides of a plane defined by the horizontal axis (D) and vertical axis (A). The lifting apparatus (100) may be lowered over the spider (200), and rotated approximately 90 degrees in a direction (B) of rotation about the vertical axis (A) to cradle and support the spider (200) from below the spider (200).

Abstract: A grabber used, for example in the lifting and lowering of blocks, includes one or more arms with a damped self-centering mechanism at a distal end thereof. The damped self-centering mechanism dampen a contact force received thereon and facilitates a self-centering of the damped self-centering mechanism relative to a surface of, for example, a block when the grabber is moved relative to the block (e.g., when the arms are lowered through bores in the block).

Abstract: A support assembly including a coupler, a first arm having a proximate end movably coupled to the coupler, a distal end opposite the proximate end, and a second arm having a proximate end movably coupled to the coupler, a distal end opposite the proximate end. The support assembly is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. When moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the distal end of the first arm and the distal end of the second arm move toward each other.

Abstract: A spatula includes a shovel portion, a reinforcing piece, a shovel handle and a coating layer. The reinforcing piece is provided on the shovel portion. The shovel handle has a connecting end connected to the reinforcing piece. The coating layer coats the shovel portion and the reinforcing piece and extends to the connecting end. The spatula has the advantages of smaller thickness, good structural strength and smaller weight.

Abstract: A clamp device for retaining a container in a container-handling apparatus, for example for retaining a drinks container in a container-handling apparatus of a bottling plant, includes two clamp arms which can be moved relative to one another, wherein at least one clamp arm has an interchangeable clamp jaw with a retaining portion for retaining the container which is to be retained, wherein the clamp jaw has a latching element for undergoing a form fit with a recess formed in the associated clamp arm. A clamp jaw and a container-handling apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A robot configured to use a gripper to grasp one or more tools is disclosed. In various embodiments, the robot comprises a robotic arm having a gripper disposed at a free moving end of the robotic arm, and a set of two or more tools configured to grasped or otherwise engaged by the gripper. Each tool in the set of two or more tools may be disposed in a corresponding tool holder, optionally attached to the robot or situated near the robot. The robot is configured to use the gripper to retrieve a selected tool from its tool holder to perform a task; use the tool to perform the task; and return the tool to its tool holder.

Abstract: An attachment unit is configured to secure to an object, such as cargo. The attachment unit includes one or more portions that are configured to secure to the object. The one or more portions are further configured to one or both of mechanically or magnetically removably couple to a clasp assembly.

Abstract: A lifting devices can include a tube with a first slot and a second slot. The devices also include an insert with a first insert projection connected to a second insert projection by a central portion. The first insert projection extends through the first slot and the second insert projection extends through the second slot. A first plate and a second plate are each connected to the central portion of the insert. The lifting devices can be used in a method of lifting a tanker truck or other structures.

Abstract: A scoop-spatula that includes an elongated handle, a blade and a transitional connection between the elongated handle and the blade such that the handle is set above the blade. The blade includes a side edge, a rear wall, a front-side wall, a back-side wall and a top working surface that all define a trough on the top-side of the blade that is operable to hold ingredients and juices.

Abstract: System and methods for manipulating and sorting of objects being moved along a conveyor are disclosed, whereby control of the object is achieved through the application of one or more of vacuum, impaling, or mechanical grasping. One embodiment is directed to a robotic arm and vision detection system operable for detecting a target object to be grasped from a stream of objects being moved on a conveyor, and moving a suction head into position over the target object that has been detected on the conveyor, the suction head having a flexible cup section disposed at a distal end thereof, the vacuum item pick-up system/method using high subsonic air flow (e.g., on the order of 60 scfm or more) through a suction cup having a flow opening area large enough that an airflow of 60 scfm does not result in an airspeed exceeding Mach 0.2 under standard conditions of temperature and pressure, and further having a flow opening area whose ratio to cup opening area falls between 0.36 and 1.

Abstract: Pickup stick assemblies suitable for picking up objects and discharging the retrieved objects into a trash or other receptacle may include an assembly housing having a proximal housing end and a distal housing end. A spring retaining member may be disposed between the proximal housing end and the distal housing end. An assembly shaft may be slidably disposed in the assembly housing. The assembly shaft may have a proximal assembly shaft end protruding beyond the proximal housing end of the assembly housing and a distal assembly shaft end opposite the proximal assembly shaft end. The assembly shaft may be deployable in an extended shaft position in which the distal assembly shaft end protrudes beyond the distal housing end of the assembly housing and a retracted shaft position in which the distal assembly shaft end is recessed with respect to the distal housing end of the assembly housing. A shaft retention spring may be provided in the assembly housing.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a clamp having a linkage coupled to a first end of a first and second clamp member. Based on applying a first directional force to the linkage, the linkage generates a force that moves the second ends of the first and second clamp member towards one another, thereby biasing the clamp to the closed position. The clamp secures a strap when the clamp is in the closed position and releases the strap when the clamp is in an open position.

Abstract: A gripping device for the gripping, holding and guiding of in particular bottle-like containers includes at least one gripper arm pair of a first gripper arm as well as a second gripper arm of complementary form to the first gripper arm, wherein the gripper arms each include a respective base body and gripping section; at least one spring for closing the gripper arm pair from an open position into a gripping position as well as at least one cam for opening the gripper arm pair from the gripping position into the open position. The at least one spring or the at least one cam is thereby arranged on the gripping device so as to be replaceable.

Abstract: One example embodiment is a waste collection and storage device, comprising: (a) a disposable container with a body and a base; (b) a plurality of panels extended from the base, each of the panels has a panel distal end extending away from the body, the panel distal ends of the panels pointing inwardly and defining an opening therebetween in an open state; and (c) at least one locking mechanism disposed on at least one of the panels. When a force is applied on the body to the panel distal ends against a target surface having a waste, the panel distal ends move inwards towards each other and in turn close up the opening to form a closed state, and the body and the panels together create a cavity, such that the waste can be scooped up from the target surface and accommodated within the cavity. The locking mechanism locks the panels in the closed state to store the waste within the cavity. Other example embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A hygienic self-cleaning animal dropping collection and transfer device to collect and transfer an animal's droppings includes a support assembly having a support member with a handle on one end. A collection assembly is mounted to a lower portion of the support member and has a collection tray dimensioned to be positioned under a rear portion of an animal to collect the animal's droppings thereon. A cover assembly includes a cover member which is disposable between an open collection orientation and a closed transfer orientation relative to the collection assembly. A dispenser assembly includes a reservoir containing an amount of a cleaning fluid mounted to a portion of the support assembly, the dispenser assembly having a dispenser nozzle operable to dispense an amount of the cleaning fluid onto the collection tray. An illumination assembly may be mounted to a portion of the device for use at night.

Abstract: Systems are provided for gripping one or more workpieces. A tooling system includes a plurality of grippers configured to engage and grip the workpieces. An arm is connected with each gripper. A lock releasably locks each arm in a number of positions, including a home position. A pneumatic circuit is coupled with the grippers. A valve is disposed in the pneumatic power supply circuit and is positionable in an open state and in a closed state. When the arm is moved to the home position, in response the valve is mechanically moved to the closed state, idling the gripper.

Abstract: The robot joint structure includes a first body, a second body disposed to be spaced apart from the first body, a first joint configured to connect the first body and the second body, and a second joint disposed to face the first joint and configured to connect the first body and the second body. The first joint includes a first connector and a second connector that cross each other and the second joint includes a third connector and a fourth connector that cross each other.