Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus related to memory devices. In one approach, an artificial intelligence system uses a memory device to provide inference results. Image data from a camera is provided to the memory device. The memory device stores the image data received from the camera. The memory device includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and static random access memory (SRAM). The memory device also includes a processor to run a neural network. The neural network uses the image data as input. An output from the neural network provides an inference result. In one example, the memory device has a same form factor as a conventional DRAM device. The memory device includes a multiply-accumulate (MAC) engine that supports computations for the neural network.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer ensures inherently safe decoupling operation by only providing pneumatic fluid to a decouple port of a pneumatic coupling mechanism in the case that the tool changer is seated on, and properly aligned with, a tool stand. Pneumatic fluid to decouple the pneumatic coupling mechanism is routed from an air source to the tool stand. A pass-through in the tool stand returns the pneumatic fluid to a pneumatic path in the tool changer leading to a decouple port of the pneumatic coupling mechanism. Hence, the tool changer must be seated on the tool stand for the decouple port to receive pneumatic fluid to operate. Furthermore, a safety coupling is interposed on the pneumatic path between the tool stand and the decouple port. The safety coupling requires the tool changer to be seated on, and properly aligned with, the tool stand to effect the flow of pneumatic fluid—otherwise, the pneumatic fluid is bled to the atmosphere.

Abstract: In an inherently safe robotic tool changer, a master unit couples to a tool unit via a first power source, and decouples from the tool unit using a separate, second power source. The second power source is only available when an attached tool is safely disposed in a tool stand. In embodiments where the first power source is not selectively applied, such as the constant bias provided by a spring, a detent mechanism maintains the master unit in a decoupled state when the master unit is removed from the tool unit. The detent mechanism allows the master unit to couple to a different tool unit upon physically abutting the new tool unit.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer ensures inherently safe decoupling operation by only providing pneumatic fluid to a decouple port of a pneumatic coupling mechanism in the case that the tool changer is seated on, and properly aligned with, a tool stand. Pneumatic fluid to decouple the pneumatic coupling mechanism is routed from an air source to the tool stand. A pass-through in the tool stand returns the pneumatic fluid to a pneumatic path in the tool changer leading to a decouple port of the pneumatic coupling mechanism. Hence, the tool changer must be seated on the tool stand for the decouple port to receive pneumatic fluid to operate. Furthermore, a safety coupling is interposed on the pneumatic path between the tool stand and the decouple port. The safety coupling requires the tool changer to be seated on, and properly aligned with, the tool stand to effect the flow of pneumatic fluid—otherwise, the pneumatic fluid is bled to the atmosphere.

Abstract: In an inherently safe robotic tool changer, a master unit couples to a tool unit via a first power source, and decouples from the tool unit using a separate, second power source. The second power source is only available when an attached tool is safely disposed in a tool stand. In embodiments where the first power source is not selectively applied, such as the constant bias provided by a spring, a detent mechanism maintains the master unit in a decoupled state when the master unit is removed from the tool unit. The detent mechanism allows the master unit to couple to a different tool unit upon physically abutting the new tool unit.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer ensures inherently safe operation by separating power sources for the “couple” and “decouple” operations of its coupling mechanism. The power for the decouple operation is available only when an attached robotic tool is safely disposed in its tool stand. Once the robotic tool leaves the tool stand, there is no power supplied to the coupling mechanism of the robotic tool changer to decouple the robotic tool from a robot arm. Accordingly, it is impossible for the robotic tool to inadvertently become disengaged from the robot arm—even if software were to erroneously assert a DECOUPLE signal, or otherwise initiate a decouple operation. Furthermore, since the design is inherently safe, neither interlock circuits, the redundancy of such circuits, nor the extensive and complex monitoring circuits necessary to ensure their proper operation, are necessary.

Abstract: A personal videoconferencing system includes a videoconferencing appliance connected to a personal computer through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or similar connection. The appliance is provided with a video camera and microphone for generating local video and audio streams. The local video and audio streams are compressed by a video and audio encoder residing at the appliance, and the compressed video and audio streams are conveyed to the personal computer over the USB connection. The appliance may be further provided with an audio decoder for decompressing a remote audio stream received by the personal computer through a network interface and conveyed to the appliance via the USB connection. A video decoder, located on the personal computer, is configured to decompress the local video stream (received through the USB connection) as well as a remote video stream received through the network interface. The decompressed video streams are then sent to a monitor for display to a user.

Abstract: A personal videoconferencing system includes a videoconferencing appliance connected to a personal computer through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or similar connection. The appliance is provided with a video camera and microphone for generating local video and audio streams. The local video and audio streams are compressed by a video and audio encoder residing at the appliance, and the compressed video and audio streams are conveyed to the personal computer over the USB connection. The appliance may be further provided with an audio decoder for decompressing a remote audio stream received by the personal computer through a network interface and conveyed to the appliance via the USB connection. A video decoder, located on the personal computer, is configured to decompress the local video stream (received through the USB connection) as well as a remote video stream received through the network interface. The decompressed video streams are then sent to a monitor for display to a user.

Abstract: A starting device has a rotary drive member that is operable by hand or power devices. The device has a detented or geared strip arranged to engage with a similarly detented or geared starting wheel. The teeth of these parts are designed to grab and lock with each other in the starting direction and to slip past each other in the opposite direction. Crimping, sticking and other failure modes of conventional wind up rope units are virtually eliminated. A more consistent pull is afforded owing to a constant radius interface with the starter wheel rather than a diminishing radius of the type delivered by a wound rope.