Abstract: Systems and methods for converting ordinary circular rotary motion into any non-circular motion that can be defined as a non-overlapping proper function in polar coordinates are provided. Embodiments disclosed teach how to make and use devices that can use the rotary output from motors, turbines and other sources of circular rotary motion to create motion that follows square, rectangular, triangular, or other useful paths. Such devices can be usefully employed as a replacement for conventional devices in applications where the desired path or area of coverage is not circular, including air-moving (fans), air-energy capture (turbines), surface finishing (sanding, polishing, cleaning), among many others.

Abstract: Embodiments of positioning systems and methods are disclosed herein. Embodiments of such positioning systems may include a hierarchy of positioning systems. Each of the positioning systems in the hierarchy may be adapted to move each positioning system lower in the hierarchy along with one or more end-effectors. A control system may control the positioning systems of the hierarchy using a control method comprising a coarse step, a refinement step, or an adaptive step.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing fluidity of a shear-thinning material during transit using an energizer which is coupled to a conveyance and configured to impart energy to the shear-thinning material as it is transported by the conveyance, thereby increasing the fluidity of the Material source Conveyor Form material. The conveyance may comprise any of a wide variety of transport means, including pumps, hoses or other conduits, conveyor belts, bins or buckets, chutes, hoppers, or the like. The energizer may use elements that generate mechanical vibrations, electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, or the like to transfer energy to the shear-thinning material. The energy-imparting elements may be at a localized portion of the conveyance, or at multiple locations along a transport path of the conveyance, and may be controlled by a controller based on such parameters as sensed characteristics of the shear-thinning material or environmental conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of positioning systems and methods are disclosed herein. Embodiments of such positioning systems may include a hierarchy of positioning systems. Each of the positioning systems in the hierarchy may be adapted to move each positioning system lower in the hierarchy along with one or more end-effectors. A control system may control the positioning systems of the hierarchy using a control method comprising a coarse step, a refinement step, or an adaptive step.

Abstract: Embodiments of positioning systems and methods are disclosed herein. Embodiments of such positioning systems may include a hierarchy of positioning systems. Each of the positioning systems in the hierarchy may be adapted to move each positioning system lower in the hierarchy along with one or more end-effectors. A control system may control the positioning systems of the hierarchy using a control method comprising a coarse step, a refinement step, or an adaptive step.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for additive manufacturing of objects by molding or casting materials using a dynamically configurable form. A head for dispensing material includes an adjustable form configurable to define a forming chamber into which the material is dispensed. A method for additive manufacturing includes moving the head to a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of dispense locations in a build volume, configuring the adjustable form to shape the forming chamber for each of the plurality of dispense locations; and casting a three-dimensional object. Casting the three-dimensional object comprises dispensing a portion of the material into the forming chamber at each of the plurality of dispense locations.

Abstract: Interposer assemblies may be inserted between a traditional shelf and traditional supports for the shelf. Each of the interposer assemblies may be configured to generate signals corresponding to changes in loading on the traditional shelf, and information regarding the changes may be determined to identify items placed onto or removed from the traditional shelf, and locations at which the items were placed or from which the items were removed. The interposer assemblies may include one or more load cells, such as strain-gage load cells, and analog signals generated by the load cells may be processed to determine a mass of an item placed on the shelf or removed therefrom. The item, and a location corresponding to the item, may be determined based on the mass and according to standard equilibrium procedures.

Abstract: Footprint data of an item that is representative of a boundary of the item and where that boundary is located is obtained using occlusion of a projected line. Line projectors are arranged at opposite sides of a conveyor belt and at an angle that is acute with respect to a plane of the conveyor belt and produce lines on the conveyor belt within a measurement area. As an item moves past the measurement area, the sides of the item occlude a portion of the projected lines. Cameras acquire a series of images as the object moves with respect to the measurement area. The images are processed to determine where the projected lines were occluded. An edge point is then determined representative of that location. One or more lines may be fitted to a plurality of edge points to determine the boundary of the item.

Abstract: Interposer assemblies may be inserted between a traditional shelf and traditional supports for the shelf. Each of the interposer assemblies may be configured to generate signals corresponding to changes in loading on the traditional shelf, and information regarding the changes may be determined to identify items placed onto or removed from the traditional shelf, and locations at which the items were placed or from which the items were removed. The interposer assemblies may include one or more load cells, such as strain-gage load cells, and analog signals generated by the load cells may be processed to determine a mass of an item placed on the shelf or removed therefrom. The item, and a location corresponding to the item, may be determined based on the mass and according to standard equilibrium procedures.

Abstract: An ink that is detectable using infrared (IR) light may be used to apply machine readable codes, such as a barcode. The indicia, once applied, may be either invisible or difficult to detect with visible light, such as with the human eye. The ink may include one or more materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), particles of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), metals, and so forth. These materials may be used to enhance one or more of the reflectivity to IR light or the fluorescence of the ink under IR light. The fluorescent ink may be deposited in a single pass, or as part of a two-pass process in which a reflective substrate, such as a resin with encapsulated TiO2, is applied and then the fluorescent ink is deposited atop the substrate. The markings are machine readable even when overprinting markings that are readable under visible light.

Abstract: Interposer assemblies may be inserted between a traditional shelf and traditional supports for the shelf. Each of the interposer assemblies may be configured to generate signals corresponding to changes in loading on the traditional shelf, and information regarding the changes may be determined to identify items placed onto or removed from the traditional shelf, and locations at which the items were placed or from which the items were removed. The interposer assemblies may include one or more load cells, such as strain-gage load cells, and analog signals generated by the load cells may be processed to determine a mass of an item placed on the shelf or removed therefrom. The item, and a location corresponding to the item, may be determined based on the mass and according to standard equilibrium procedures.