Abstract: Robots have the capacity to perform a broad range of useful tasks, such as factory automation, cleaning, delivery, assistive care, environmental monitoring and entertainment. Enabling a robot to perform a new task in a new environment typically requires a large amount of new software to be written, often by a team of experts. It would be valuable if future technology could empower people, who may have limited or no understanding of software coding, to train robots to perform custom tasks. Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and systems that respond to users' corrective commands to generate and refine a policy for determining appropriate actions based on sensor-data input. Upon completion of learning, the system can generate control commands by deriving them from the sensory data. Using the learned control policy, the robot can behave autonomously.

Abstract: A teaching device and a teaching method for a robotic arm are disclosed. The teaching device comprises a robotic arm, a control device and a gesture recognition module. The gesture recognition module detects a control gesture signal and transmits the detected control gesture signal to the control device. After receiving the control gesture signal, the control device teaches the robotic arm to move and switches between an arm movement mode and a hand movement mode. In an arm movement mode, the control device, aided by an arm ambient image shown on an eye frame and an arm control gesture, teaches an arm unit to move to a target at a high velocity. In the hand movement mode, the control device, aided by a hand vicinity image shown on an eye-in-hand frame and a hand control gesture, teaches a hand unit to move the processing target at a low velocity.

Abstract: A robot includes: a hand; and a control unit that operates the hand, in which the control unit generates three-dimensional point group information for a partial image forming a captured image obtained by an imaging unit, and causes the hand to hold an object included in the partial image.

Abstract: A method and system to optimize the parameters of a robot used in an assembly process. The assembly process is categorized based on its nature which may be cylindrical, radial and multi-stage insertion. The search pattern and search parameters are specified. The parameters are optimized and the optimized parameter set are verified and when a predetermined criteria such as assembly cycle time set and/or success rate is met the optimization process stops. When the optimization stops the verified parameters are used to cause the robot to perform the categorized assembly process. If the parameters do not meet the predetermined criteria, another round of optimization using the same or other parameters can be performed.

Abstract: A method and system to optimize the parameters of a robot used in an assembly process. The assembly process is categorized based on its nature which may be cylindrical, radial and multi-stage insertion. The search pattern and search parameters are specified. The parameters are optimized and the optimized parameter set are verified and when a predetermined criteria such as assembly cycle time set and/or success rate is met the optimization process stops. When the optimization stops the verified parameters are used to cause the robot to perform the categorized assembly process. If the parameters do not meet the predetermined criteria, another round of optimization using the same or other parameters can be performed.

Abstract: A jig for calibrating a Delta robot fixes the longitudinal axes of drive arms to be parallel. With this configuration, the jig always fixes the drive arms at the same reference angle no matter what the drive arm length is.

Abstract: A method, system, and one or more computer-readable storage media for controlling a robot in the presence of a moving object are provided herein. The method includes capturing a number of frames from a three-dimensional camera system and analyzing a frame to identify a connected object. The frame is compared to a previous frame to identify a moving connected object (MCO). If an unexpected MCO is in the frame a determination is made if the unexpected MCO is in an actionable region. If so, the robot is instructed to take an action.

Abstract: An anti-slip end-effector for transporting a workpiece, which is configured to be attached to a robotic arm, includes: a workpiece-supporting area for placing a workpiece thereon for transportation; at least one front protrusion disposed at a distal end of the workpiece-supporting area for engaging an edge of the workpiece to restrict movement of the workpiece placed on the workpiece-supporting area beyond the front protrusion; and at least one anti-slip protrusion disposed in the workpiece-supporting area for contacting and supporting the backside of the workpiece, said anti-slip protrusion having a top face having a static friction coefficient of 1.0 or more as measured against the backside of the workpiece, and having a surface roughness of less than 0.4 ?m.

Abstract: A passive universal gripper includes a mass of granular material encased in an elastic membrane. Using a combination of positive and negative pressure, the gripper can rapidly grip and release a wide range of objects that are typically challenging for conventional universal grippers, such as flat objects, soft objects, or objects with complex geometries. The gripper passively conforms to the shape of a target object, then vacuum-hardens to grip it rigidly; later using positive pressure to reverse this transition—releasing the object and returning to a deformable state. The apparatus and method enable the fast ejection of objects from the gripper, as well as essentially instantaneous reset time between releasing and gripping.

Abstract: A robot hand is a robot hand including a finger section. The robot hand includes an elastic body provided in the finger section and including an attracting section that attracts an object and a sensor provided in the finger section and configured to detect deformation of the elastic body.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for providing modular soft robots are disclosed. In particular, the disclosed modular soft robot can include a flexible actuator having a plurality of molded flexible units. Each molded flexible unit can include a mechanical connector configured to provide a physical coupling to another molded flexible unit, and the plurality of molded flexible units are arranged to form an embedded fluidic channel. The modular soft robot can also include an inlet coupled to the embedded fluidic channel, where the inlet is configured to receive pressurized or depressurized fluid to inflate or deflate a portion of the flexible actuator, thereby causing an actuation of the flexible actuator.

Abstract: An onion chopper includes a food reservoir supporting a blade tray and having a lid attached for pivotal movement toward and away from the lid and blade tray. The lid includes at least one grid of projections configured to push through a corresponding grid of blades in the blade tray to chop the onion. A cleaning grid is provided for attachment to the grid of blades. The grid of blades forms a peripheral skirt surrounding a lower container for collecting bits of chopped onion or other foods.

Abstract: A knife includes a knife body having two liners and a blade positioned between the two liners. The knife further includes two scales, each scale being removably coupled to one of the two liners. Each scale is configured for use as a tool separate from the knife body when removed from the knife body. A bottle opener may be formed in the knife body.

Abstract: A pair of herb shears includes blades that are sufficiently sturdy to trim herb stems, particularly including woody stems. The shears include a pair of opposing posts formed on the handles in which the posts join to form a channel as the handles are pivoted toward one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair clipping device, comprising:—a housing (12);—a cutting assembly (14) which is arranged on one end of said housing (12) and comprises a stationary blade element (22) with a circumferentially arranged toothed cutting edge (26) surrounding the stationary blade element (22) and a moveable blade element (24) with a circumferentially arranged second cutting edge (28) surrounding the moveable blade element (24), wherein the stationary blade element (22) and the moveable blade element (24) are arranged substantially parallel to each other; and—a motor (34) for driving a drive shaft (36) in a rotatory manner; wherein the drive shaft (36) is coupled to the moveable blade element (24) via an eccentric coupling mechanism (38) that translates a rotatory movement of the drive shaft (36) into an eccentric movement of the moveable blade element (24).

Abstract: A rotary electric shaver generally includes a handle assembly having a longitudinal axis, and a head assembly attached to the handle assembly. The head assembly includes a plurality of outer cutters and a plurality of inner cutters. Each of the inner cutters is paired with one of the outer cutters for cooperating to cut hair. The head assembly also includes a tray on which hair cut by a first one of the pairs of cooperating cutters is permitted to commingle with hair cut by a second one of the pairs of cooperating cutters. The head assembly further includes a fastener that extends longitudinally for attachment of the head assembly to the handle assembly such that the tray pivots relative to the handle assembly. The head assembly further includes a biasing element that circumscribes the fastener to bias the tray from a pivoted position into a non-pivoted position.

Abstract: Embodiments of automated hair cutting systems and user interfaces for use therewith are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an automated hair cutting system comprises a hair cutting device, the hair cutting device comprising a cutter head and at least one sensor, the sensor configured for determining orientation of the hair cutting device; a user interface for providing information to and receiving input from a user, wherein at least one input received from the user is a desired hair style; components configured for measuring hair thickness; components configured for mapping a user's head configuration and determining hair orientation; and a processor configured to prepare a hair cutting algorithm for the automated hair cutting system based on input received from the user, the at least one sensor, and one or more components configured for mapping at least one of a user's head configuration, hair thickness, and hair orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a razor (01) having a handle (03), a cutting unit (02) and a coupling portion (04, 12) for attaching in a detachable manner the cutting unit (02) on the handle (03). The cutting unit (02) comprises a razor blades unit (06) having one or multiple razor blades, wherein the razor blades unit (06) can be pivoted about a pivot axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the razor blades. The coupling portion comprises a mounting (12) and a rod (04) that is pivoted in the mounting. The pivot axis of the pivot bearing that is formed between mounting (12) and rod (04) basically extends perpendicularly to the pivot axis of the razor blades unit and basically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod (04), wherein the pivot bearing allows the cutting unit (02) to rotate in relation to the handle (03) at a rotation angle of at least 2° and at the most 20°.

Abstract: A razor comprises a first component comprising a first indicia on a surface of the first component. The razor also comprises a second component configured to rotate relative to the first component about a first axis of rotation, the second component comprising at least one blade and a second indicia on a surface of the second component, the second component configured to rotate relative to the first component about a second axis of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation and the first axis of rotation are non-coplanar. The second component is in a preloaded neutral position when at rest such that rotation about the second axis of rotation generates a return torque and wherein the first indicia and the second indicia are in alignment at rest and out of alignment when the second component has been rotated about the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A safety razor removes hair from skin using the cutting blade comprising a sharp edge along an elongated side of a planar surface. An outer comb has a row of outer teeth running along the planar surface on an outside of the cutting blade, each outer tooth is substantially perpendicular to the sharp edge and spaced with a gap between the row of the outer teeth and the planar surface of the cutting blade. Ends of the row of outer teeth comprise outer teeth tips. An inner guard runs along the planar surface on an inside of the cutting blade. The sharp edge of cutting blade is recessed up to a skin surface contour, the skin surface contour defined by the outer teeth tips and an edge of the inner guard. The sharp edge of cutting blade longitudinally bends to cause further recess relative to the skin surface contour.

Abstract: A wallboard cutting tool is provided which may simultaneously score or cut opposite sides of a wallboard. The cutting tool includes a blade safety guard assembly which encloses the cutting blades of the tool when the tool is not being used. The tool of this invention also includes a leg guide assembly positioned at the lower end of the legs of the tool. The tool of this invention also includes a push handle and a hold-down handle.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the present disclosure provides a novel slicing guide apparatus comprising in some examples: a cylindrical wall configured to create and receive perishable food items comprising a top and base; a first set of parallel pairs of vertical slots, wherein the slots extend from the base to below the top of the wall; and a second set of parallel pairs of vertical slots positioned perpendicular to the first set of pairs of vertical slots, wherein the slots extend from the base to below the top of the wall.

Abstract: While a cutting head of an edge shaving tool shaves a material, a resilient support for the cutting head is repetitively struck to impart shockwaves to the cutting head. An edge shaving tool operating in this fashion has a resilient cutting head support for supporting a cutting head at one end thereof and a shockwave generator mounted for repetitively striking a side of the resilient cutting head support.

Abstract: A saw has a system for sensing the torque on a cutting blade to signal when the blade begins to cut material. The saw has a drive belt extending between a driven wheel and a drive wheel and a belt tensioner that engages a side of the belt and maintains tension in the belt. The belt tensioner is movable to maintain the tension in the belt. A control system calculates the movement of the belt tensioner. The saw has a system for determining the size of the sacrificial blade. A through beam photoelectric emitter and receiver pair are positioned on opposite sides of the blade such that a largest cutting blade is moved above the beam regardless of a horizontal position of the cutting blade and sensor senses a vertical position of the axis of the blade. The sensor senses the vertical position of the blade axis when the blade is moved above the beam.

Abstract: A simple and compact rotary cutter unit capable of detecting a home position of a rotary cutter, and a printer device having the rotary cutter unit. A radially outwardly extending fin-shaped detected member is arranged on an end portion of the rotating blade opposed to a second gear of the rotating blade. A photosensor is arranged within a main frame of the printer device so that the photosensor may detect the fin-shaped member when the rotating blade is positioned at the home position. The fin-shaped member and the photosensor are not positioned outside relative to both ends of the rotating blade in relation to the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating blade. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the width of the printer device due to the presence of the fin-shaped member or the photosensor, whereby the printer device may be compactly constituted.

Abstract: A sheet-stapling apparatus mounts a center-folded booklet and staples the booklet at a fold of the booklet by a staple. The sheet-stapling apparatus has a supporting member that mounts the center-folded booklet, a pushing member that pushes the booklet to the supporting member, a stapler that penetrates the staple through the booklet and a clincher that clinches legs of the staple to bind the booklet. The pushing member has a groove that pushes the fold of the booklet and maintains the fold of the booklet at a pushing angle. The supporting member forms the space between the clincher and the booklet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for optimizing wood panel creation. An exemplary apparatus is configured to receive information related to a customer order; assemble, based at least partially on the received information, a plurality of wooden staves; adhere the plurality of wooden staves to one another such that a ribbon of staves is formed; position the ribbon of staves on a first conveyor belt such that it is transferred to a portion of the device for curing; cure the ribbon of staves using the fourth unit of the production device; resize such that a panel is formed, wherein resizing the ribbon of staves comprises removing an excess portion of the ribbon of staves; and return the excess portion of the ribbon of staves on a second conveyor belt to another unit of the production device.

Abstract: The present invention is a material forming apparatus that includes an array of gears including a plurality of drive gears and a plurality of driven gears, each driven gear in engagement with a drive gear to form a gear set, and at least one of the driven gear and corresponding drive gear being non-circular so as to alter the pitch as the drive gear adjusts its respective driven gear, includes a flexible bed having a plurality of bed arms, each bed arm being connected to a corresponding gear set, the flexible bed arms form a generally flat bed and a second position where the plurality of bed arms are positioned in desired positions in order to manipulate the flexible bed into a non-linear configuration at least at some point, and includes at least one clamp to hold a workpiece to the flexible bed so that the workpiece matches the non-linear configuration of the flexible bed when the flexible bed is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Compositions and devices for the production of treated wood products are disclosed. A moisture exchange container for treating a plurality of wood pieces with a chemical formulation of interest is described. Also, an adhesive suitable for gluing wood pieces that have been treated, or that are going to be treated, with a chemical formulation of interest is described. Also disclosed are methods and systems using the devices and compositions of the present invention, and treated wood products.

Abstract: A precast concrete wall structure and method for forming a wall structure are disclosed. A frame is positioned within a casting bed. The frame comprises first and second spaced apart metal tracks which are interconnected by a plurality of metal studs. The casting bed has a plurality of surfaces defining a generally rectangular interior area. A forming member is placed above the frame, the forming member comprising a layer of insulating material defining a plurality of integrally-formed rectangular protrusions extending in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship to one another to define a plurality of rectangular-shaped channels therebetween. Uncured concrete is placed within the casting bed and allowed to cure.

Abstract: Methods for improved ceramics component casting. One such method may include vacuuming a ceramic-based slurry mixture and/or vacuuming a component mold. The vacuuming of the ceramic-based slurry mixture and the component mold may be to remove air bubbles from the respective elements. More specifically, the vacuuming may remove air bubbles from the ceramic-based slurry mixture and from a cavity of the component mold, respectively. The method may also include disposing the ceramic-based slurry mixture into the cavity of the component mold, and continuously vacuuming the cavity of the component mold including the ceramic-based slurry mixture for a predetermined time to remove any additional air bubbles included in the ceramic-based slurry mixture. Finally, the method may include forming a ceramic component within the continuously vacuumed cavity of the component mold over the duration of the predetermined time. The ceramic component formed from the ceramic-based slurry mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer vehicle (1). Such mixer vehicle (1) can for instance be a concrete mixer truck (1a). The mixer vehicle (1) comprises a mixer drum (3). Further, the mixer vehicle (1) comprises a drive train (4) for driving said mixer drum (3). The drive train (4) comprises an electric motor (5) and a mains connector (6) for connecting the electric motor (5) to a power mains (7). Consequently, the power mains (7) can be used for driving the mixer drum (3), for instance when loading the mixer drum at a concrete batching plant and/or when unloading the mixer drum at a construction site. Besides, the drive train (4) comprises at least one of a generator (8) for generating electric power and a battery pack (9).

Abstract: A mixer drum driving apparatus includes a liquid-pressure motor that drives the mixer drum to rotate, a liquid-pressure pump that is driven by a motive force of an engine and supplies working liquid to the liquid-pressure motor, an auxiliary liquid-pressure pump that is driven by an electric motor and supplies working liquid to the liquid-pressure motor, a pressure detector that detects a liquid pressure of working liquid discharged from the auxiliary liquid-pressure pump, and a switching valve that switches whether or not working liquid from the auxiliary liquid-pressure pump is supplied to the liquid-pressure motor. In a state in which the switching valve is closed and the mixer drum is being driven to rotate by the liquid-pressure motor that is driven by the liquid-pressure pump, the controller opens the switching valve if a liquid pressure detected by the pressure detector reaches or exceeds a preset liquid pressure.

Abstract: A dual angle guide (3) for ceramic cutting machines (1), comprising a base (16) for the dual guide, upon which the following are located: a first positioning element (4) and a second positioning element (5), which rotate in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction, being regulable in order to facilitate the scoring and cutting of a ceramic piece (10) at various angles; a sector (9) calibrated with fixed angles for each positioning element (4, 5); a first fixed stop (11) and a second fixed stop (12), which locate the positioning elements (4, 5) at a chosen angle on the calibrated sector (9) and; rotation elements (13), for rotating the positioning elements (4, 5), in such a way that the positioning elements (4, 5) make it possible to make cuts in the ceramic piece (10) at different angles, said cuts being made by means of a cutting tool mounted to a sliding carriage (6).

Abstract: Improved particleboard and methods for fabricating improved particleboard (e.g., natural fiber/material-based particleboard) are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure provides systems/methods for fabricating particleboard (e.g., formaldehyde-free particleboard) utilizing natural fibers/materials (e.g., lignocellulosic materials), wherein the particleboard has improved performance characteristics and/or mechanical properties. Methods for fabricating fiber-reinforced biocomposites (e.g., natural fiber-reinforced wheat gluten biocomposites) are disclosed. For example, systems/methods for fabricating particleboard from lignocellulosic materials (e.g., coconut materials), along with a binder material (e.g., wheat gluten), are provided. In general, the fiber or lignocellulosic material is treated with sodium hydroxide and/or a silane coupling agent as an adhesion promoter to enhance interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the binder.

Abstract: For heating a mold efficiently and uniformly and for protecting an induction coil from corrosive gases, an upper plate that contacts an upper end face of a mold, and a lower plate that contacts a lower end face of the mold are provided, and an induction coil, provided to each plate, has a voltage applied by a commercial power supply. Each plate has a metal plate body in which a recessed housing portion that houses the induction coil is formed, and a cover that closes the recessed housing portion in a state where the induction coil is housed therein. A cover placement portion having a step that is greater than or equal to the thickness of the metal cover is formed in the metal plate body, and a plurality of jacket chambers in which a gas-liquid two phase heating medium is enclosed are formed in the metal plate body.

Abstract: A device for infusing a resin into a fibrous perform. The device includes a mold having a sealed cavity configured to receive the fibrous perform and a liquid resin intake, and a caul plate arranged inside the cavity in contact with the fibrous perform. The device includes a measurement apparatus having a transmitter and a receiver configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal via a section of the fibrous perform. The reception of the ultrasonic signal being carried out via the caul plate.

Abstract: A press for producing a pellet from powdered material comprises a press frame and a pressing unit arranged therein, at least one upper press punch and/or at least one lower press punch, as well as at least one receptacle for powdered material. At least one upper drive unit has at least one upper drive motor for moving the upper press punch and/or at least one lower drive unit having at least one lower drive motor for moving the lower press punch and/or the receptacle. The at least one upper drive unit acts laterally offset on the at least one upper press punch via an upper force transmission element and/or the at least one lower drive unit acts laterally offset on the at least one lower press punch and/or the receptacle via a lower force transmission element.

Abstract: A vacuum bag assembly may include a bagging film and a tube bag. The bagging film may have a bagging film length and may be positioned over a composite layup and sealed to a tool surface having an inside corner. The tube bag may have opposing tube ends and a tube bag length and may be positioned over the composite layup along a length of the inside corner. Each one of the tube ends may be sealed to the tool surface along a first portion of a tube end perimeter edge and may be sealed to the bagging film along a second portion of the tube end perimeter edge such that each one of the tube ends is openable to atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for molding a composite structure includes the steps of infusing a fabric with a resin to form a ply of composite material, transferring the ply of composite material to a preheat station, and preheating the ply of composite material to a temperature that renders the composite material more drapable, but is less than a temperature that causes the resin in the material to initiate polymerization. The ply of composite material is then transferred to a press station where it is heated to a temperature that causes the resin to initiate polymerization, whereby the curing time for the composite material is substantially less than the curing time of a fabric that is infused with an epoxy resin.

Abstract: A compression molding machine includes a first spray device configured to spray an external lubricant to at least one of the inner surface of a die bore, the upper end surface of a lower punch, and the lower end surface of an upper punch, and a second spray device configured to spray a coating agent for blocking a strange taste or an odor of a molded product, or the like, to at least one of the inner surface of the die bore, the upper end surface of the lower punch, and the lower end surface of the upper punch.

Abstract: A heat-resistant laminated conveyer belt includes a fluororesin-coated core and a reinforcement layer which is formed on the core through an adhesive layer. The core is obtained by impregnating an aramid fiber woven fabric in a fluororesin dispersion and drying and sintering the fabric. The reinforcement layer is obtained by impregnating an aramid fiber woven fabric to which stretch properties are applied in a fluororesin dispersion and drying and sintering the fabric. The aramid fiber woven fabric of the core is a woven fabric by a plain-weave seamless loom or a circular loom. The aramid fiber woven fabric of the core includes an S-twist weft yarn and a Z-twist weft yarn which are alternatively arranged.

Abstract: A decklid (12) for an automobile (10) has an integral aerofoil (24) providing an aero duct (26) between the aerofoil (24) and an upper face section (16) of the decklid (12), the aerofoil (24) being produced hollow using a mandrel (106) to consolidate workpiece material (133) of the (aerofoil 24) inside a void (132) within mould parts (102), (104), the method and apparatus providing the decklid (12) with smoothly merging and continuous A surfaces, as well as smoothly merging B surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a radiator box or charge air cooler box in the form of a plastic box with an integrated seal by means of two-component injection molding using an injection molding tool. The injection molding tool includes a first main part, a second main part and a movable sliding element core as the third main part, the parts forming a first cavity for at least one part of the plastic box and, by a relative movement of the movable sliding element core, a second cavity, immediately adjacent to the first cavity, for a seal material.

Abstract: A method for making products made of plastics comprises the steps of moulding a piece made of polyethylene PE, or made of polypropylene PP, and mechanically folding in a guided manner a flap portion of the aforesaid piece at a folding temperature that is greater than ambient temperature ed less than the alpha-type intermediate physical transition temperature of the material. The method reduces the spring-back of the folded portion and the yield in the folding zone.

Abstract: A molding die is devised to suppress the formation of a fragile layer, thereby ensuring stable production of a resin molded body having remarkably improved adhesion of a plating film. A plurality of stepped parts are formed so as to be spaced apart from each other on a second die surface which molds a back surface on the side opposite to a design surface to which metal plating is to be applied, along the main flowing direction of a molten resin and in a direction crossing the main flowing direction. Since the flow of the molten resin changes due to the stepped parts and the influence thereof extends even to the vicinity of the design surface, the formation of a fragile layer is suppressed.

Abstract: A sensor unit with a sensing surface molded properly on an outer surface of a sensor receiving part is provided. The sensor unit includes a resin casing formed with an annular fixing member, and a sensor receiving part formed in the casing for receiving a sensor housed. A sensing surface that faces a target object is formed within the sensor receiving part. A resin charging position in molding the casing is set to a position deviated circumferentially from a central position in a width of the sensing surface. In particular, resin is charged into the fixing member from a gate arranged on an extending line of a first through-bore formed in a position corresponding to the charging position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film product (10) comprising a substantially continuous extension with an upper side (12), a lower side (14) and two laterally extending edges (16a), characterised in that a continuous edge portion (20a) made from a first material is arranged on each of the two edges (16a) and a continuous main portion (30) made from a second material is arranged between the edge portions (20a), the first material having a higher surface adhesion than the second material.

Abstract: An example extrusion system includes a die including a circular cross-section disposed about an axis, and a plurality of slits disposed in the die and circumferentially spaced about a periphery of the die. Each of the plurality of slits has a generally rectangular cross-section. A ratio of a number of slits comprising the plurality of slits to a distance between the plurality of slits is between approximately 144:1 and 96:1. A method of forming a biodegradable component with an extrusion system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing granular excreta treating material utilizes an extrusion type compressive granulating apparatus configured to produce granular excreta treating material that has an absorbing property and is formed by extruding and granulating a raw material via a granulating hole of the apparatus. The granulating hole includes a small diameter hole and a large diameter hole which are continuous to each other in the axial direction of the hole, in which the small diameter hole forms a compression zone, and the large diameter hole forms a non-compression zone, and in which the raw material is compressed at the compression zone, swells at the non-compression zone, and is cut into granules by a cutting blade rotating along an outlet surface of the non-compression zone.