Abstract: Pre-plating systems and related methods are disclosed. A pre-plating system includes a press, an infeed robot configured to deliver a structural member to the press, and an outfeed robot configured to remove the structural member from the press. The press is configured to secure a plate to the structural member while the structural member is held in position by at least one of the infeed robot or the outfeed robot. A pre-plating system includes a press, a transfer pedestal, a plate picking robot, and a press loading robot. The plate picking robot is configured to pick a plate from a container and position the plate on the transfer pedestal. The press loading robot is configured to transfer the plate to the press. The press is configured to press the plate into a structural member positioned within the press.

Abstract: Pre-plating systems and related methods are disclosed. A pre-plating system includes a press, an infeed robot configured to deliver a structural member to the press, and an outfeed robot configured to remove the structural member from the press. The press is configured to secure a plate to the structural member while the structural member is held in position by at least one of the infeed robot or the outfeed robot. A pre-plating system includes a press, a transfer pedestal, a plate picking robot, and a press loading robot. The plate picking robot is configured to pick a plate from a container and position the plate on the transfer pedestal. The press loading robot is configured to transfer the plate to the press. The press is configured to press the plate into a structural member positioned within the press.

Abstract: A fastener gun may include a driver configured to drive a fastener of a fastener strip a plate coupled to the driver, wherein the plate is configured to receive the fastener strip a nose piece coupled to the plate, wherein the nose piece is configured to hold the fastener strip adjacent the plate, and a feeder mechanism coupled to the plate and configured to advance the fastener strip towards the driver.

Abstract: A fastener strip magazine may include a plate and a post attached to and perpendicular to the plate, wherein the post is configured to rotatably support a spool configured to support a fastener strip. The spool may include a strap configured to wind about the spool and a clip attached to the strap and configured to attach to a first end of the fastener strip. The magazine may further include a guide bar attached to the plate and configured to direct a second end of the fastener strip to a feeder as the fastener strip uncoils.

Abstract: Pre-plating systems and related methods are disclosed. A pre-plating system includes a press, an infeed robot configured to deliver a structural member to the press, and an outfeed robot configured to remove the structural member from the press. The press is configured to secure a plate to the structural member while the structural member is held in position by at least one of the infeed robot or the outfeed robot. A pre-plating system includes a press, a transfer pedestal, a plate picking robot, and a press loading robot. The plate picking robot is configured to pick a plate from a container and position the plate on the transfer pedestal. The press loading robot is configured to transfer the plate to the press. The press is configured to press the plate into a structural member positioned within the press.

Abstract: Pre-plating systems and related methods are disclosed. A pre-plating system includes a press, an infeed robot configured to deliver a structural member to the press, and an outfeed robot configured to remove the structural member from the press. The press is configured to secure a plate to the structural member while the structural member is held in position by at least one of the infeed robot or the outfeed robot. A pre-plating system includes a press, a transfer pedestal, a plate picking robot, and a press loading robot. The plate picking robot is configured to pick a plate from a container and position the plate on the transfer pedestal. The press loading robot is configured to transfer the plate to the press. The press is configured to press the plate into a structural member positioned within the press.

Abstract: Pre-plating systems and related methods are disclosed. A pre-plating system includes a press, an infeed robot configured to deliver a structural member to the press, and an outfeed robot configured to remove the structural member from the press. The press is configured to secure a plate to the structural member while the structural member is held in position by at least one of the infeed robot or the outfeed robot. A pre-plating system includes a press, a transfer pedestal, a plate picking robot, and a press loading robot. The plate picking robot is configured to pick a plate from a container and position the plate on the transfer pedestal. The press loading robot is configured to transfer the plate to the press. The press is configured to press the plate into a structural member positioned within the press.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide an RFID system for safely controlling an auto guided vehicle, an automated robot or other moving object (“AGV”). The system may include a plurality of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags, and each may store a unique identification in a first memory location, a position in a second memory location and/or an instruction in a third memory location. An AGV having an RFID transceiver or antenna and a computer with a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a predetermined table may read one or more of the memory locations. The table comprises a plurality of data elements with certain data elements associated with particular RFID tags. The AGV safely determines its location upon matching the one or more memory locations read with one or more data elements, or triggers a fault upon failing to match. The AGV may also predict the next RFID tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided relating to utilizing a plurality of RFID tags in conjunction with a circuit comprising at least one reed switch to facilitate determination of operational states and actions based thereon. A magnet can activate the reed switch causing a first RFID tag to be activated and transmit an associated RFID identifier from which a position/operation associated with the first RFID can be determined. The magnet can be removed to activate a second RFID tag whereupon a second RFID identifier is transmitted from which a second position/operation can be determined. The circuit comprising the reed switch and RFID tags can have an induction coil enabling the circuit to be activated when the induction coil is brought into proximity of a second induction coil and inductively coupled.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided relating to utilizing a plurality of RFID tags in conjunction with a circuit comprising at least one reed switch to facilitate determination of operational states and actions based thereon. A magnet can activate the reed switch causing a first RFID tag to be activated and transmit an associated RFID identifier from which a position/operation associated with the first RFID can be determined. The magnet can be removed to activate a second RFID tag whereupon a second RFID identifier is transmitted from which a second position/operation can be determined. The circuit comprising the reed switch and RFID tags can have an induction coil enabling the circuit to be activated when the induction coil is brought into proximity of a second induction coil and inductively coupled.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided relating to utilizing a plurality of RFID tags in conjunction with a circuit comprising at least one reed switch to facilitate determination of operational states and actions based thereon. A magnet can activate the reed switch causing a first RFID tag to be activated and transmit an associated RFID identifier from which a position/operation associated with the first RFID can be determined. The magnet can be removed to activate a second RFID tag whereupon a second RFID identifier is transmitted from which a second position/operation can be determined. The circuit comprising the reed switch and RFID tags can have an induction coil enabling the circuit to be activated when the induction coil is brought into proximity of a second induction coil and inductively coupled.

Abstract: A modular, self-supporting elevator hoistway system and method includes stackable cages to replace structural building hoistways. Vertical corner columns, extending upward from an adjustable footing anchored in the elevator pit, form planar sides surrounding the hoistway. Fireproof sheeting between the columns isolates the hoistway interior from the rest of the building. Adjustable sill supports extending from adjustable horizontal cross members allow precise alignment with building floor doorways. Vertical elevator guide rails coupled to cross members cooperate with guide shoes on elevator cars to deter horizontal oscillations and smooth vertical motion of the car. A hoist beam atop the uppermost cage may support of an elevator car during maintenance. Cages may be assembled separately and installed in modular segments as the height of the building progresses, and may be erected before construction of building floors, allowing floors to be built to match hoistway sills.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide an RFID system for safely controlling an auto guided vehicle, an automated robot or other moving object (“AGV/BOT”). The system may include a plurality of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags, and each may store a unique identification in a first memory location, a position in a second memory location and/or an instruction in a third memory location. An AGV/BOT having an RFID transceiver or antenna and a computer with a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a predetermined table may read one or more of the memory locations. The table comprises a plurality of data elements with certain data elements associated with particular RFID tags. The AGV/BOT safely determines its location upon matching the one or more memory locations read with one or more data elements, or triggers a fault upon failing to match. The AGV/BOT may also predict the next RFID tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided relating to utilizing a plurality of RFID tags in conjunction with a circuit comprising at least one reed switch to facilitate determination of operational states and actions based thereon. A magnet can activate the reed switch causing a first RFID tag to be activated and transmit an associated RFID identifier from which a position/operation associated with the first RFID can be determined. The magnet can be removed to activate a second RFID tag whereupon a second RFID identifier is transmitted from which a second position/operation can be determined. The circuit comprising the reed switch and RFID tags can have an induction coil enabling the circuit to be activated when the induction coil is brought into proximity of a second induction coil and inductively coupled.

Abstract: A staple removing tool comprises a shaft having a working end at which opposed sloped surfaces are formed, such that shaft, in side elevation, the working end of the shaft substantially comes to a pointed end. A notch is formed in the forward end of the tool, and a slot extends rearwardly from the apex of the notch. The tool is rotated to remove staples from furniture and can be adapted to be received in an electric drill or screwdriver.

Abstract: A conductive clip is placed over a component mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) to form a conductive path between terminals of the component. In one embodiment, a conductive clip is placed over a surface mount technology (SMT) component, with the clip having ends that include a flared portion and a sharp triangular retainment detent. In another embodiment, the clip has a shoe box shape and includes two sides having retainment detents that are disposed to engage an area between an edge of the component and the PCB. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is adapted for use with through hole mounted components having axial leads, with each end of the clip including a slot that engages a lead when the clip is pressed onto the component. The present invention allows a PCB to be designed to support multiple configurations without using DIP switches or headers/jumpers.

Abstract: A character (2) capable of forming facial expressions is provided. The character includes a hollow head (4) with a face defining a mouth (6) thereon. The mouth has a length and includes a first end portion (6A), a second end portion (6B), and a central portion (6C). The character further includes, externally or within the hollow head, a mechanism (7) for causing various facial expressions. The mechanism includes a main frame plate (8), a mouth assembly (10) fixedly mounted on the main frame plate, and a drive assembly (12) also mounted on the main frame plate. The mouth assembly includes an upper lip chain (14), which is formed from a plurality of links (16) and has a first end (14A), a second end (14B), and a center portion (14C). The upper lip chain is disposed to underlie the mouth.

Abstract: A character (2) capable of forming facial expressions is provided. The character includes a hollow head (4) with a face defining a mouth (6) thereon. The mouth has a length and includes a first end portion (6A) and a second end portion (6B). The character further includes, externally or within the hollow head, a mechanism (7) for causing various facial expressions. The mechanism includes a main frame plate (8), a mouth assembly (10) fixedly mounted on the main frame plate, and a drive assembly (12) also mounted on the main frame plate. The mouth assembly includes an upper lip chain (14) which is formed from a plurality of links (16) and has a first end (14a) and a second end (14b). The drive assembly is adapted to move at least one of the first and second ends of the upper lip chain and, hence, at least one of the corresponding end portions of the mouth, to cause various facial expressions, such as a smile, frown, or mumbling mouth.