Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a protective member to be adapted about a roller of a moving assembly and to ride along a path of the roller. In this way, debris is prevented from contacting the roller. In one particular embodiment, the protective member may have an internal portion with a frusto-circular shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sensor that has an enclosure to house a photodetector and a pair of light sources. The photodetector may be used to detect presence of a workpiece in a machine based on reflected energy from a surface of the workpiece, and the light sources may be adapted on opposing sides of the photodetector to illuminate the workpiece.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sensor having a roller adapted on a shaft to roll along a workpiece surface, a compliant member adapted around at least a portion of the roller, and an encoder to code information regarding movement of the roller. In some implementations, the encoder may be in communication with a processor of a machine to provide information regarding workpiece movement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a protective member to be adapted about a roller of a moving assembly and to ride along a path of the roller. In this way, debris is prevented from contacting the roller. In one particular embodiment, the protective member may have an internal portion with a frusto-circular shape.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a compact, low-cost, lightweight, versatile and easy-to-operate, processor-controlled carving and multi-purpose shaping device (“PCCMPS machine”). The PCCMPS machine that represents one embodiment of the present invention is configured, in part, similarly to common, commercially available portable wood planers and ubiquitous laser and ink-jet computer printers, with work pieces fed into the PCCMPS machine in a horizontal direction. The PCCMPS machine includes a motor-powered cutting head that can power detachable bits to drill, cut, shape, and rout a work piece under processor and computer control. The cutting head may be translated, under processor control, back and forth across the surface of the work piece in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the work piece is fed into the PCCMPS machine and moved by motor-powered rollers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus including an adaptor body having a first end to be coupled to a rotary device and a second end having a tapered portion, and a tool adaptor dimensioned to fit within the tapered portion, the tool adaptor having a receiving end to receive a tool, such as a bit.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a compact, low-cost, lightweight, versatile and easy-to-operate, processor-controlled carving and multi-purpose shaping device (“PCCMPS machine”). The PCCMPS machine that represents one embodiment of the present invention is configured, in part, similarly to common, commercially available portable wood planers and ubiquitous laser and ink-jet computer printers, with work pieces fed into the PCCMPS machine in a horizontal direction. The PCCMPS machine includes a motor-powered cutting head that can power detachable bits to drill, cut, shape, and rout a work piece under processor and computer control. The cutting head may be translated, under processor control, back and forth across the surface of the work piece in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the work piece is fed into the PCCMPS machine and moved by motor-powered rollers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus including an adaptor body having a first end to be coupled to a rotary device and a second end having a tapered portion, and a tool adaptor dimensioned to fit within the tapered portion, the tool adaptor having a receiving end to receive a tool, such as a bit.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a compact, low-cost, lightweight, versatile and easy-to-operate, processor-controlled carving and multi-purpose shaping device (“PCCMPS machine”). The PCCMPS machine that represents one embodiment of the present invention is configured, in part, similarly to common, commercially available portable wood planers and ubiquitous laser and ink-jet computer printers, with work pieces fed into the PCCMPS machine in a horizontal direction. The PCCMPS machine includes a motor-powered cutting head that can power detachable bits to drill, cut, shape, and rout a work piece under processor and computer control. The cutting head may be translated, under processor control, back and forth across the surface of the work piece in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the work piece is fed into the PCCMPS machine and moved by motor-powered rollers.

Abstract: A compact robotic hand 10 includes a palm housing 16, a wrist section 12 and a forearm section 16. The palm housing supports a plurality of fingers 18, 20, 22 and one or more movable palm members 24, 25 that cooperate with the fingers to grasp and/or release an object. Each flexible finger 18, 20, 22 comprises a plurality of hingedly connected segments, including a proximal segment 16 pivotally connected to the palm housing. The proximal finger segment 16 includes at least one groove 122 defining first and second cam surfaces 126, 128 for engagement with a cable 60. A plurality of lead screw assemblies 54 each carried by the palm housing are supplied with power from a flexible shaft 92 rotated by an actuator 91, and output linear motion to a cable 60 move a finger. The cable 60 is secured within a respective groove 122 and enables each finger to move between an opened and closed position.