Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting empty container includes acquiring a first image of a container using an imaging system, and after the first image is acquired, causing a perturbation device to perturb a content of the container. The method further includes acquiring a second image of the container using the imaging system after the perturbation, and processing the first image and the second image using one or more computer processors, to determine whether the container is empty based on whether there is a difference between the first image and the second image as a result of one or more objects inside the container being moved due to the perturbation.

Abstract: A robotic arm assembly is described that incorporates a distributed control arrangement. The robotic arm assembly includes a host computer, a set of robotic arm segments, and a set of actuators, each actuator being interposed between adjacent pairs of the set of robotic arm segments to affect a relative movement between the adjacent pairs of the set of robotic arm segments. The robotic arm assembly further includes an end effector controller configured with a first interface configured to support a first communication link between the end effector controller and the host computer, and a second interface, separate from the first interface. The robotic arm assembly furthermore includes an end effector adapter configured to provide a high speed data interface between the end effector controller and an end effector.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes a robot system with a robot having a modular platform and a controller operably coupled to the robot. The modular platform includes a plurality of mount connectors and a plurality of receiving port connectors. Each of the mount connectors is configured to attach to the robot and each of the receiving ports is configured to connect to an end effector such as a gripper, sensor or other tool. The modular platform is configured to mount to the robot in a plurality of orientations and to connect with a plurality of different end effectors.

Abstract: A sensor module is provided for adding functionality to a robot. The sensor module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The sensor module includes a sensor for monitoring a condition near the end effector. An output port of the module transmits sensor data to a processor outside of the sensor module for further processing.

Abstract: A communications module is provided for simplifying routing of communications pathways in a robot. The communications module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The communications module includes multiple input ports and at least one output port. A data switch within the module combines sensor data from multiple input ports into a single output stream that is transmitted from one or more of the output ports.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a material composition and configuration of a smoking pipe that facilitates more thorough cleaning by means of thermal desorption. Additionally, the invention describes bowl geometry that simplifies the installation of replaceable smoking pipe screens. The ridge helps position and shape the screen during installation for complicated or unintuitive bowl shapes and screen orientations.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes a robot configured to perform a task on a workpiece. A camera having a field of view is operably connected to the robot. A light system is configured to project structured light onto a region of interest having a smaller area within the field of view. A control system is operably coupled to the robot and the camera is configured to determine a depth of the workpiece relative to a position of the robot using the structured light projected onto the workpiece within the region of interest.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a smoking pipe. The pipe bowl of the current invention preferably directs heated airflow. Further, the invention is directed to an elongated cap and combustion chamber shape that facilitates manipulation of the combustion chamber contents. Further, the present invention is directed to a cap and pipe body that also provides a means to secure the cap to locations other than the pipe bowl.

Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of at least one camera observing a scenery includes the steps of: a) producing (S1) a moving pattern within a field of view of the camera; b) detecting a change (S2) in successive images from the camera; and c) determining (S4) that the camera is not in order if no change is detected.

Abstract: A robotic arm assembly is described that incorporates a distributed control arrangement. The robotic arm assembly includes a host computer, a set of robotic arm segments, and a set of actuators, each actuator being interposed between adjacent pairs of the set of robotic arm segments to affect a relative movement between the adjacent pairs of the set of robotic arm segments. The robotic arm assembly further includes an end effector controller configured with a first interface configured to support a first communication link between the end effector controller and the host computer, and a second interface, separate from the first interface. The robotic arm assembly furthermore includes an end effector adapter configured to provide a high speed data interface between the end effector controller and an end effector.

Abstract: A processing module is provided for improving performance of a robot. The processing module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The processing module includes a processor that processes sensor data received from one or more sensors. The processor generates lower bit rate processed sensor data from the incoming sensor data. The processed sensor data is transmitted from the processing module to another processor of a robot controller.

Abstract: A communications module is provided for simplifying routing of communications pathways in a robot. The communications module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The communications module includes multiple input ports and at least one output port. A data switch within the module combines sensor data from multiple input ports into a single output stream that is transmitted from one or more of the output ports.

Abstract: A sensor module is provided for adding functionality to a robot. The sensor module is attached between the robot tool flange and the end effector. Additional interchangeable modules may also be provided between the tool flange and the end effector. The sensor module includes a sensor for monitoring a condition near the end effector. An output port of the module transmits sensor data to a processor outside of the sensor module for further processing.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes a robot configured to perform a task on a workpiece. A camera having a field of view is operably connected to the robot. A light system is configured to project structured light onto a region of interest having a smaller area within the field of view. A control system is operably coupled to the robot and the camera is configured to determine a depth of the workpiece relative to a position of the robot using the structured light projected onto the workpiece within the region of interest.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes a robot system with a robot having a modular platform and a controller operably coupled to the robot. The modular platform includes a plurality of mount connectors and a plurality of receiving port connectors. Each of the mount connectors is configured to attach to the robot and each of the receiving ports is configured to connect to an end effector such as a gripper, sensor or other tool. The modular platform is configured to mount to the robot in a plurality of orientations and to connect with a plurality of different end effectors.

Abstract: The dual pivot, side-pull type caliper brake described in the current invention comprise of two brake arms. The first brake arm is pivoted to the second arm. The second brake arm pivots on a fixing bolt. The fixing bolt connects the brake caliper to the frame or fork of a bicycle. A Bowden wire actuates the brake arms. A centering spring aligns both brake arms relative to the fixing bolt. The centering spring is preloaded against the fixing bolt, as well as the second brake arm.