Abstract: A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

Abstract: A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

Abstract: A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

Abstract: A robotic storage and retrieval system is provided. The robotic storage and retrieval system may include a three-dimensional storage rack, a set of article holders, and a robot. In one embodiment, the storage rack has a plurality of rows, a plurality of columns, and one or more support members at each unique row and column position. Each set of article holders is located at one of the unique row and column positions, and each article holder within a set is vertically supported by the one or more support members. The robot is configured to store the article holders to the storage rack and to retrieve the article holders from the storage rack.

Abstract: A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

Abstract: A gantry robot system includes a bridge assembly and a carriage assembly. The bridge assembly and/or a mounting plate supported by the carriage assembly can be rotationally skewed.

Abstract: A holding assembly and a method of holding a workpiece are provided. The assembly and method include a plurality of multi-degree of freedom robotic devices, each device having a workpiece engaging device to hold a workpiece wherein and each robotic device is configured to move the corresponding workpiece engaging device to a desired position based on the workpiece to be held. A controller is operably connected to each of the freedom robotic devices to control each of multi-degree of freedom robotic devices so as to move the corresponding workpiece engaging device to a desired position based on the workpiece to be held.

Abstract: A robotic storage and retrieval system is provided. The robotic storage and retrieval system may include a three-dimensional storage rack, a set of article holders, and a robot. In one embodiment, the storage rack has a plurality of rows, a plurality of columns, and one or more support members at each unique row and column position. Each set of article holders is located at one of the unique row and column positions, and each article holder within a set is vertically supported by the one or more support members. The robot is configured to store the article holders to the storage rack and to retrieve the article holders from the storage rack.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to crane systems and/or hoists. One aspect includes in combination with a pair of runways in a crane system, a pair of hoist assemblies moveable on the runways, a pair of transfer rails selectively disposable transversely to the runways, the transfer rails including racks for at least a portion of one or both of the hoist assemblies to travel on, a spreader assembly locatable between the hoist assemblies and engaging the runways and/or the hoist assemblies to push the runways or hoist assemblies apart during insertion of the transfer rails between the runways.

Abstract: An opposed-rope driven telescoping mast assembly includes a stationary support and a longitudinal mast comprising a longitudinal section joined to move relative to the stationary support. A drive assembly drives the longitudinal mast and includes a frame and a rotatable drum assembly mounted to the frame. A first rope is joined to the drum assembly and to the longitudinal mast to pull the longitudinal section in a first direction, while a second rope is joined to the drum assembly and to the longitudinal mast to pull the longitudinal section in a second direction. A sensor is operably coupled to the drive assembly to sense overload tension in the first rope or the second rope.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus comprised of a stretchable adhesive tape which is detackified when stretched longitudinally. The tape is advanced through a stretching station to an array of articles to be unitized. Tension rollers are utilized on either side of the stretching station to ensure that the tape advances evenly and does not recoil. The dispenser apparatus also includes a first prime mover which advances the tape through the tension rollers and stretching station at a rate which ensures proper stretching (at predetermined intervals) and proper feeding of the tape to the array of boxed items. A controller simultaneously controls the z-axis motion (of the dispenser and rotation of the articles to be unitized. Therefore, both the number of wraps about the articles and the location of the wraps between the base of the articles and the top of the articles may be controlled.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automated vending system which uses a commercially available, multi-axis robot arm to retrieve an article from a storage location and deliver the article to a customer. The invention includes a control system which interacts with at least three entities: (a) the customers; (b) credit card agencies, as by verifying the customer's credit situation and by performing daily credit reconciliations; and (c) the control system of the robot arm, as by informing the robot which articles to retrieve. The invention includes a display which provides to the customer a catalog of articles, and allows the customer to choose an article for purchase from the catalog. The invention allows remote control of the vending system, by telephone, whereby the system can be shut down in case of malfunction. If the vending system is used to sell music recordings, the invention allows the customer to hear samples of selected recordings available for sale.