Abstract: A programmable motion robotic system is disclosed that includes a plurality of arm sections that are joined one to another at a plurality of joints to form an articulated arm, and a hose coupling an end effector of the programmable motion robotic system to a vacuum source. The hose is attached to at least one arm section of the articulated arm by a pass-through coupling that permits the hose to pass freely through the coupling as the plurality of arm sections are moved about the plurality of joints.

Abstract: An end-effector system is disclosed for use with a programmable motion device. The end-effector system includes an arm attachment portion for attachment to an arm of the programmable motion device, an end-effector attachment portion for attachment to an end-effector for grasping objects, a rotational shaft portion for rotational attachment to the arm attachment portion, said rotational shaft portion being coupled to the end-effector attachment portion at a distal end thereof, and a motor system providing rotation of the rotational shaft portion as well as the end-effector attachment portion with respect to the arm attachment portion.

Abstract: A programmable motion robotic system is disclosed that includes a plurality of arm sections that are joined one to another at a plurality of joints to form an articulated arm, and a hose coupling an end effector of the programmable motion robotic system to a vacuum source. The hose is attached to at least one arm section of the articulated arm by a pass-through coupling that permits the hose to pass freely through the coupling as the plurality of arm sections are moved about the plurality of joints.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool plate configured to receive a robotic end effector is removably matable with a robot appendage via a quick-release mechanism.

Abstract: An end-effector for a programmable motion device is disclosed for use with a vacuum source. The end-effector includes an end-effector attachment portion for attaching the end-effector to the programmable motion device, the end-effector attachment portion including a vacuum channel coupled to the vacuum source, a contact portion of the end-effector for contacting an object to be acquired by the contact portion of the end-effector, a flexible intermediate section including a contact end of the flexible intermediate portion proximate the contact portion of the end-effector, the flexible intermediate section of the end-effector being intermediate the end-effector attachment portion and the contact portion of the end-effector, the flexible intermediate section including a bellows portion that extends radially outwardly of the vacuum channel, and a bellows insert that extends into the flexible intermediate section.

Abstract: A programmable motion robotic system is disclosed that includes a plurality of arm sections that are joined one to another at a plurality of joints to form an articulated arm, and a hose coupling an end effector of the programmable motion robotic system to a vacuum source. The hose is attached to at least one arm section of the articulated arm by a pass-through coupling that permits the hose to pass freely through the coupling as the plurality of arm sections are moved about the plurality of joints.

Abstract: A programmable motion robotic system is disclosed that includes a plurality of arm sections that are joined one to another at a plurality of joints to form an articulated arm; and a hose coupling an end effector of the programmable motion robotic system to a vacuum source, the hose being attached, in a joint portion of the hose, to at least two adjacent arm sections of the plurality of arm sections mutually attached to a joint of the plurality of joints such that the joint portion of the hose remains substantially outside of any plane defined by motion of the mutually adjacent arm sections when rotated about the joint.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool plate configured to receive a robotic end effector is removably matable with a robot appendage via a quick-release mechanism.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint preventing rotation of the ball about the axis of radial symmetry of the socket and restricting rotation of the ball about both axes orthogonal to the axis of radial symmetry to a predetermined angular value. The ball is irregular in shape and has grooves that receive ridges in the socket to accomplish the axial rotational restriction. The interaction of socket shape with ball shape accomplishes the rotational restrictions about the orthogonal axes. An exemplary use is for joining headset ear cups to headset side pieces to provide flexibility to accommodate a wide range of head shapes and sizes. The ball is preferably made of one piece with the headset side pieces and the socket is preferably made of one piece with the shell of the ear cup. Embodiments for head-mounted headsets and helmet-mounted headsets are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible and resilient covering, or ruggedizer, for an ear cup of a communications headset that provides noise reduction, additional water resistance, additional dust resistance, flotation of the entire headset, and improved mechanical shock resistance. The ruggedizer is preferably made of silicone rubber. Additionally, the ruggedizer may be made in various bright colors, each corresponding to a sub net of the communications network in which the headset is used, to make for easy identification of the headset's purpose. The ruggedizer has openings for headgear couplings, such as a head strap, a DC charging port, forward-facing microphone, an indicator light, and a base for a boom microphone. The ruggedizer has conformal portions over buttons and switches. The internal surface of the ruggedizer may be grooved to indicate cutting lines for adding optional equipment connections. Ruggedizers are preferably provided pairs (left and right) that are not identical.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint preventing rotation of the ball about the axis of radial symmetry of the socket and restricting rotation of the ball about both axes orthogonal to the axis of radial symmetry to a predetermined angular value. The ball is irregular in shape and has grooves that receive ridges in the socket to accomplish the axial rotational restriction. The interaction of socket shape with ball shape accomplishes the rotational restrictions about the orthogonal axes. An exemplary use is for joining headset ear cups to headset side pieces to provide flexibility to accommodate a wide range of head shapes and sizes. The ball is preferably made of one piece with the headset side pieces and the socket is preferably made of one piece with the shell of the ear cup. Embodiments for head-mounted headsets and helmet-mounted headsets are disclosed.