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: 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: 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: 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: A switchable drive pulley system that allows driving engagement or disengagement of a pulley from the shaft of an accessory drive. The pulley is mounted to the shaft by a bearing having an inner ring that rotates with the shaft and an outer ring that rotates with the pulley. A friction disk is arranged adjacent to the bearing inner and outer ring. When axial pressure is applied to the friction disk, relative motion between the inner and outer bearing rings is stopped, allowing transfer of torque from the pulley to the shaft to drive the accessory drive, with the pulley and shaft rotating at the same speed. When pressure is removed from the friction disk, the pulley and the outer bearing ring can spin independently of the inner ring and shaft. The shaft can therefore remain stationary while the pulley continues to turn driven by the accessory belt drive.

Abstract: A switchable drive pulley system that allows driving engagement or disengagement of a pulley from the shaft of an accessory drive is provided. The pulley is mounted to the shaft by a bearing having an inner ring that rotates with the shaft and an outer ring that rotates with the pulley. A friction disk is arranged adjacent to the bearing inner ring and outer ring. When axial pressure is applied to the friction disk, relative motion between the inner and outer bearing rings is stopped, allowing the transfer of torque from the pulley to the shaft in order to drive the accessory drive, with the pulley and shaft rotating at the same speed. When pressure is removed from the friction disk, the pulley and the outer bearing ring can spin independently of the inner ring and shaft. The shaft can therefore remain stationery while the pulley continues to turn driven by the accessory belt drive.