Abstract: A method for supporting designing and operation of a robotic system includes operating a computer-based Inventory configured to operate in a robotic system having Hardware Modules to perform a task, the Inventory including Hardware Module Descriptions including a unique identifier, a description of physical characteristics, a current status and historical data the Hardware Module. The method including the steps of collecting status data of the Hardware Module; collecting operating data representing usage of the Hardware Module and updating the historical data accordingly; and at least one of the steps of scheduling maintenance actions to be performed on the Hardware Module; deriving or modifying, based on the operating data, historical data that is associated with a type of the Hardware Module.

Abstract: A Hardware Module for a robotic system includes at least one sensor for measuring an internal property of the Hardware Module, a communication unit for communicating with other Hardware Modules, a data storage unit and an embedded controller. The embedded controller is configured to collect collected data, the collected data including: status data representing the current status of the Hardware Module; and operating data representing usage of the Hardware Module wherein at least part of the collected data is determined from sensor data from the at least one sensor, and the embedded controller is configured to perform at least one of: storing the collected data on the data storage unit; and transmitting the collected data via the communication unit.

Abstract: A robotic system includes at least two Hardware Modules, each having at least one sensor for measuring an internal property, a communication unit, a data storage unit and an embedded controller. The embedded controller is configured to collect collected data including status data representing the current status of the Hardware Module; and operating data representing usage of the Hardware Module. At least part of the collected data is determined from sensor data, and the embedded controller is configured to store or transmit the collected data. The robotic system including a central computation and command unit configured to receive the collected data; and to control operation of the robotic system by controlling operation of at least one actuator of the at least two Hardware Modules.

Abstract: A robotic system includes at least two Hardware Modules, each having at least one sensor for measuring an internal property, a communication unit, a data storage unit and an embedded controller. The embedded controller is configured to collect collected data including status data representing the current status of the Hardware Module; and operating data representing usage of the Hardware Module. At least part of the collected data is determined from sensor data, and the embedded controller is configured to store or transmit the collected data. The robotic system including a central computation and command unit configured to receive the collected data; and to control operation of the robotic system by controlling operation of at least one actuator of the at least two Hardware Modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition which comprises as active ingredients a combination of melatonin, ginkgo biloba and biotin. The composition is particularly suitable for producing formulations for topical application in the hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable container for a medicament or cosmetic agent for topical application, containing a single dose of melatonin or of a melatonin derivative which corresponds to a locally effective dose but which does not cause any systemic effect.

Abstract: An implanted hearing aid or hearing device includes at least one permanent magnet (15) positioned in the area of the middle ear, as well as at least one coil (17), with at least one permanent magnet (15) attached to the promontory (13).

Abstract: A percutaneous or transcutaneous connecting device, featuring at least one passage or a passage-free connection through the outer surface and in particular the skin of a living being, incorporates a permanent magnet (7) which is positioned in the area of the outer surface such as the skin (1, 3) with its poles essentially extending parallel thereto. In the case of a percutaneous connecting device, physical passages (9) are provided which extend through the outer surface of the living being, whereas in the case of a transcutaneous connecting device the transfer of electrical or electromagnetic signals and/or electrical energy takes place without physical passages, instead employing for instance coils.

Abstract: A hearing aid implant to be mounted in the ear includes a housing and an actuator mounted on the housing. The actuator is movable relative to the housing. An electromechanical drive transducer works between the housing and the actuator. The housing is attached to the outer ear part of the ear drum area and the actuator has an end facing away from the housing that works in the middle ear.

Abstract: A percutaneous or transcutaneous connecting device, featuring at least one passage or a passage-free connection through the outer surface and in particular the skin of a living being, incorporates a permanent magnet (7) which is positioned in the area of the outer surface such as the skin (1, 3) with its poles essentially extending parallel thereto. In the case of a percutaneous connecting device, physical passages (9) are provided which extend through the outer surface of the living being, whereas in the case of a transcutaneous connecting device the transfer of electrical or electromagnetic signals and/or electrical energy takes place without physical passages, instead employing for instance coils.

Abstract: An implanted hearing aid or hearing device includes at least one permanent magnet (15) positioned in the area of the middle ear, as well as at least one coil (17), with at least one permanent magnet (15) attached to the promontory (13).

Abstract: In order to achieve a higher compaction ratio with a wafer transfer apparatus for transferring wafers stacked in an interspaced manner in a first holding device, e.g.

Abstract: A hearing aid implant to be mounted in the ear includes a housing and an actuator mounted on the housing. The actuator is movable relative to the housing. An electromechanical drive transducer works between the housing and the actuator. The housing is attached to the outer ear part of the ear drum area and the actuator has an end facing away from the housing that works in the middle ear.

Abstract: A transfer device for wafers stacked in magazines has a vertically displaceable frame of a platform, with which the cover of the box surrounding the magazine in the closed condition. The magazine remains in the original position on the base of the box and is then supplied by a gripping device from this position to a processing system in which the wafers are removed from the magazine and are processed. A gripping device preferably has two extension arms arranged on both sides of the magazine as well as one stop element which can be caused to impact on the wafer edges. The stop element preferably has two lips consisting of an elastic material which lips can be caused to impact on the wafer edges. The device permits a very fast loading and unloading into or out of the processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a strip consisting of a stiff material and cambered in the transverse direction includes a rotary member having a contact surface against which at least a portion of the strip bears in such a way that in that portion the strip exhibits a longitudinal curvature about at least one transverse axis, with the transverse camber being at least reduced resiliently. In order for the strip to be supported on the apparatus in a substantially play-free and slip-free manner so that the strip can carry a compression loading in a longitudinal direction thereof towards the apparatus, the apparatus further includes first and second lateral support surfaces which are disposed in mutually opposite relationship on respective sides of the contact surface and which are inclined towards each other so as to converge in an outward direction.

Abstract: Formulations for oral care and dental care, which contain tin (II) salts and water, are stabilized against hydrolysis of the tin salts by the addition of certain cationic surfactant diamine salts. The additive fully preserves, or even potentiates, the inhibiting action of tin salts on plaque formation an dental caries. The formulations advantageously also contain a non-ionic, water-soluble addition product of ethylene oxide which further improves the stability.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and preparing cables use a grip head having a cable gripping device which is swingable by a drive between end positions delimited by a shock absorber and which is mounted on one end on a shaft rotatable about an axis extending rectangularly to a cable run. A force-transmitting element is coupled to be swingable with the grip head in spaced relationship to the mentioned axis, and a link is disposed between the force-transmitting element and the shock absorber. The force-transmitting element is positionable in a mid-position between end positions thereof opposite to the shock absorber and on a line intersecting the mentioned axis at right angles. The force-transmitting element may be arranged on a drive power link which is mounted on the same end of the shaft as the grip head.

Abstract: Arranged along a cable path of travel is a first cable guide, a pair of retractable transport rolls, a second cable guide, and a cable gripper unit possessing actuatable grippers. The gripper unit is pivotable throughout a predetermined pivot angle about a pivot axis arranged perpendicular to the cable path of travel and into a cable fitting or processing position. There is also provided a cutter unit. All of these components are arranged in succession in the feed or travel direction of the cable as it moves along the cable path of travel. The pivot axis of the gripper unit is arranged between the end of the first cable guide and the clamping point or nip of the pair of transport rolls. The cable fitting or processing position encloses with the cable path of travel an angle of approximately 90.degree.. The pivot axis piercingly extends through the cable path of travel.

Abstract: The generation of tape tension, based on the capacity for elastic flow of elastomeric incompressible layers, in a tape transport apparatus employing at least one capstan in contact with supply and take-up reels of tape is accomplished by producing a higher compressive force at the point of contact between the take-up reel and the resiliently deformable peripheral portion of the capstan than at the point of contact between the supply reel and the capstan. The difference in compressive forces is brought about by an additional force which is produced by means of a drivable rotating body and is transmitted to the tape reel carriers by means of a cable which is guided over this rotating body.

Abstract: An oral composition for the care of the mouth and teeth which contains as an active ingredient, a compound of the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 in formulas I and II, may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, chloroethyl, hydroxyethyl, aminoethyl, carbethoxymethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, 1-methylpropyl, t-butyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl, benzyl, phenyl, chlorophenyl, methoxyphenyl, chloronitrophenyl or dimethylnitrophenyl.