Abstract: A welding system includes a first position detection system, a second position detection system independent of the first position detection system, and a controller coupled to the first and second position detection systems. The first position detection system is configured to generate a first output corresponding to a first position and a first orientation of a welding torch during a welding session for a weld. The second position detection system is configured to generate a second output corresponding to a second position and a second orientation of the welding torch during the welding session. The controller is configured to determine welding parameters during the welding session based at least in part on the first output, the second output, or any combination thereof. The welding parameters may include a work angle, a travel angle, a contact tip to work distance, a travel speed, an aim, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method includes removing a worn portion from a component of a rotary isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX). The rotary IPX is configured to exchange pressures between a first fluid and a second fluid. The method also includes repairing the component after the worn portion is removed from the component.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a synthetic gas (syngas) cooler for use within a gasifier system is provided. The method includes breaking at least a portion of a non-bonded joint and a seam weld on a quench ring assembly. At least a portion of the wear sub-assembly and a flow control sub-assembly is removed, and the wear sub-assembly is separated from the flow control sub-assembly. The method further includes removing the separation device that extends between the flow control sub-assembly and the wear sub-assembly. At least a portion of the wear sub-assembly is replaced by positioning the replacement portion of the wear sub-assembly over the flow control sub-assembly and coupling the replacement portion of the wear sub-assembly to the main structural member. The method provides a more efficient replacement of worn sub-assemblies, which decreases the time and costs associated with maintenance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger includes: assembling a plurality of heat exchanger components in an assembly step; and forming a film on surfaces of the heat exchanger components using a chemical vapor deposition method in a film formation step after the assembly step. The film can restrict a formation of a through hole due to corrosion. The film can be restricted from being damaged at a delivery or assembling time, because the film formation step is provided after the assembly step. An occurrence of clogging can be restricted at a minute portion inside of the heat exchanger in the film formation step, because the film is formed using the chemical vapor deposition method.

Abstract: A method for creating a customized apparatus for holding a door closed comprises comparing a physical door hydraulic piston to two or more diagrammatic configurations to determine which of two or more computer aided design templates to use in fabrication. A straight arm of the physical door hydraulic piston is measured to produce a measurement M1. A user measures from the outside edge of the straight arm to an outside edge of an angled arm of the hydraulic piston to produce a measurement M2. A user measures a width of a pivot point of the hydraulic piston to produce a measurement M3. A user measures the collective height of the straight arm and the angled arm to produce a measurement M4. A user selects one of the templates from the two or more templates based on the comparing step. A CAD operator enters measurements M1, M2, M3 and M4 into the selected template to produce fabrication specifications. Based on the fabrication specifications, a customized apparatus is fabricated for holding a door closed.

Abstract: An air intake of an air handling or HVAC system, such as located in a ceiling of a structure, includes a movable filter housing. The filter housing comprises a grate configured to support one or more air filters at a top side thereof. The filter housing is mounted via one or more extendable connectors and includes a control tool mount. Connection of a control tool to the filter housing allows a user to pull the filter housing downwardly to a lowered position for replacing the air filter(s). The filter housing may be biased upwardly to its use position and may include a latch or lock to secure it in the use position.

Abstract: Alignment modules attached to a robotic tool changer assist spatial orientation and alignment of a robot arm relative to a robotic tool for location training. A three-axis spatial orientation sensor is first attached to an alignment module affixed to a tool unit. The sensor is “zeroed,” or calibrated to the spatial orientation of the tool unit. The sensor is transferred to a corresponding surface of an alignment module affixed to a master unit. The orientation of the robot arm is adjusted to eliminate sensor error signals indicating deviations from the zeroed orientation of the tool unit. An optical signal, such as a cross line laser beam, is then projected between the alignment modules. The x- and y-axis position of the robot arm is adjusted to align the optical signal with alignment markings. When the master and tool units are aligned, the robot arm is advanced in the z-axis direction until the master unit abuts the tool unit.

Abstract: A tool changer 10 includes a tool change arm 40 having tool holding portions 42, 52 at ends thereof, a support shaft supporting the tool change arm 40, a rotation mechanism including a rotation drive motor 25 and rotating the tool change arm 40 about an axis of the support shaft, a forward/backward movement mechanism including a forward/backward movement drive motor 13 and moving the tool change arm 40 forward and backward along the support shaft, and a mount base 11 having the rotation drive motor 25, the forward/backward movement drive motor 13 and the support shaft mounted thereon. The tool changer has a restraining member 60 provided thereon which restrains movement of the tool change arm 40 in a direction along the support shaft by engaging with the tool change arm 40 positioned at an original position.

Abstract: A positioning system includes a slide support, on which is mounted a positioning slide, which can be driven to perform a positioning movement in a positioning plane with the aid of drive gears of the slide support, wherein the positioning plane is defined by a Cartesian x-y coordinate system. The drive gears are represented by at least one x-drive gear, which can cause a positioning movement in the x-axis direction, and at least one y-drive gear, which can cause a positioning movement in the y-axis direction. The drive gears are in engagement with a driven toothing structure of the positioning slide, which includes a plurality of driven teeth distributed in a punctiform arrangement in a regular two-dimensional tooth matrix. Although the drive gears are short, the positioning system facilitates a traverse of the positioning slide within a large positioning area.

Abstract: A weight of a movable body is reduced by using two guides, smooth movement of the movable body is ensured, a decrease in life of the guides is prevented, and a workload during installation of the guides is reduced. A workpiece conveyor that conveys a workpiece includes chucks that hold a workpiece, and a movable body that supports the chucks and is movable in an X direction along first and second guides, which are disposed in parallel or substantially parallel spaced apart from each other, and the movable body includes a first structure guided by the first guide, a second structure guided by the second guide, and a joint that is provided between the first structure and the second structure, and allows one of the first structure and the second structure to swing with respect to the other about an axis of a swing shaft set parallel or substantially parallel to the X direction.

Abstract: Provided are a workpiece conveying device and a machine tool that can reduce time required to convey a workpiece. The workpiece conveying device includes an elevating section that includes a chuck for holding the workpiece, a slider that supports the elevating section such that the elevating section is movable in a first direction, the slider being movable in a second direction different from the first direction, and a driving section that drives the elevating section, wherein the driving section includes a driving source disposed away from the elevating section and the slider, and a transmitting section that transmits a driving force of the driving source to the elevating section.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a sealing system for a tool holder of a fluid-assisted axial machining or milling machine, including:—at least first and second seals contributing to define a space for the flow of fluid to at least one inner channel of the tool, one of the seals being applied to the tool or an optional adapter carrying the tool and the other seal a) being applied to the tool or to the adapter carrying the tool or b) being applied to a surface spaced apart from the tool and rotating with same, with 0.3?Do/Djmax for Do in the interval [1; 3] in mm and 0.5?Do/Djmax for Do in the interval [3; 20] in mm, where Do is the diameter of the tool facing this other seal and Djmax is the internal diameter of this seal.

Abstract: A portable and transportable die cavity modifying machine having a base carrying a carriage adjustable along one axis, e.g., a generally horizontal axis, and a machining head adjustable along another axis, e.g., a generally vertical axis, for modifying a die cavity of a stamping die in a manner that prevents blank or slug pulling during stamping press operation. The machine includes a grinder that can be pneumatically powered having a grinding bit used to precisely machine a slug retention groove in a die cavity defining surface (sidewall) of a die cavity formed in a stamping die. The machine has an angularly adjustable head carrying the grinder enabling adjustment of the angle of the groove relative to die cavity defining surface enabling the groove to be angled relative to the direction of a punch entering the die cavity during stamping.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing system includes a carrier head having a flexible membrane and a chamber to apply pressure to the flexible membrane, a pressure control unit, a pressure supply line connecting the pressure control unit to the chamber, and a sensor located along the pressure supply line to detect a contaminant in the pressure supply line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanding assembly including a sanding device (100) comprising a plate (110) for supporting a sanding disk (10) and motor-driven means (140) suitable for moving the supporting plate (110), characterized in that the supporting plate (110) comprises two notches (114, 116) distributed angularly along the periphery thereof, a first notch (114) for engaging with a positioning module (200) and a second notch (116) for engaging with a pulling jaw (400), and a module (500) for verifying the presence of the sanding disk.

Abstract: A fully rotatable guard assembly (200) for use with a tool having a rotating disc includes at least one rotatable bearing (215, 223) for positioning on a shaft behind a rotating disc (207). A shield (203) works with the rotatable bearing (215, 223) for preventing sparks or other debris from being projected toward a user. A brake lever (241) is attached to the shield (203) for allowing the user to position the shield (203) at a predetermined position in relation to the rotating disc. The shield (203) is configured to cover approximately one-half (1/2) of the rotating disc (207) such that the position of the shield (203) can be easily rotated through use of the brake lever (241) for enabling the user to move the shield (203) such that the rotating disc (207) can access a workpiece.

Abstract: Various embodiments of abrasive jet cutting systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an abrasive jet system includes a cutting head configured to receive abrasives and pressurized fluid to form an abrasive jet. The system also includes an abrasive source configured to store abrasives that are supplied to the cutting head, as well as a fluid source configured to store fluid that is supplied to the cutting head. The system further includes a gas source configured to store pressurized gas that is selectively supplied to the cutting head. When supplied to the cutting head, the pressurized gas can advantageously affect, such as by at least partially diffusing, the abrasive jet.

Abstract: According to one implementation, a blast treatment device includes at least one nozzle, a movement structure and at least one weight member. The at least one nozzle injects blast media. The movement structure reciprocates the at least one nozzle along a track. The at least one weight member cancels a vibration caused by reciprocating the at least one nozzle. Further, according to one implementation, a blast treatment method includes injecting blast media from at least one nozzle; manufacturing a blast treated product by reciprocating the at least one nozzle along a track; and canceling a vibration, caused by reciprocating the at least one nozzle, by at least one weight member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a shot that can prevent a loss of shot in the process of forming and sorting the shot balls and can collect dust in a cyclone type that can strongly suppress generation of dust.

Abstract: A gripping tool includes a first gripping side and a second gripping side cooperating with the first gripping side. The first gripping side includes a first handle side and a first jaw side fixedly connecting to the first handle side. The second gripping side includes a second handle side and a second jaw side pivotally connecting to the second handle side. The first handle side receives an adjustor. Upon operation of the adjustor, the spacing between the first and second jaw sides can be changed. The adjustor includes a control. The mid section of the first handle side has a largest width defining a first width. The control has a largest width defining a second width. The second width is smaller than the first width. The control includes a hole, and an external tool can engage in the hole to facilitate the operation of adjustor.

Abstract: Device for screwing and unscrewing bolts/nuts, comprising a lever, two jaws mounted between two side plates, with spacers guiding and holding the components together. The said lever rotates a certain angle around an axis moving the two jaws inward or outward. When move inward the jaws clutch the bolt head/nut and when move outward the bolt head/nut is released. The screwing or unscrewing is done without retracting the device out of the axis of the bolt/nut. The device is much more suitable when used for threaded fittings along the pipes or cable connectors like those for coaxial TV cable.

Abstract: A moving structure of a movable jaw for an adjustable wrench; wherein an adjustable wrench contains an operating handle, a movable jaw, an abutting assembly, and an adjusting assembly. The operating handle includes a driving head with a fixed jaw, a slot, and a cavity. The movable jaw includes a sliding extension with a plurality of locking teeth and includes a clamping portion. The abutting assembly includes a pushing element accommodated in the cavity and a first resilient element, and the pushing member matches with the first resilient element to engage with the plurality of locking teeth of the movable jaw. The adjusting assembly includes a rotary lever and a torsion spring, and the rotary lever has an acting portion and a rotating portion, such that the rotary lever is pressed and released repeatedly to drive the movable jaw to move toward the fixed jaw.

Abstract: A ratcheting wrench includes a body configured to include a first jaw, a second jaw and a gap in between. The second jaw has an edge thereof including a first restraining structure. A ratchet mechanism connects to the second jaw and includes a slider, a pawl, and a biasing member. The slider is movable and disposed on the second jaw. The slider bears the pawl. The pawl includes a second restraining structure. The biasing member connects to the slider.

Abstract: A flange catching, aligning and closing tool (10) designed to facilitate the tie-in of spools and other similar mechanical assemblies that utilise a bolted flange for installation, for example, in subsea pipelines. The tool (10) has an elongate support member (12) having a locating pin (14) mounted adjacent one end with its longitudinal axis (16) substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (18) of the support member (12). A slide assembly (20) is slidably mounted on the support member (12) and has a movable drift pin (22) provided in connection therewith. In use, when the locating pin (14) is located in a bolt hole on a first flange, a second flange can be brought into partial alignment with the first flange by engaging with the support member (12), and the drift pin (22) can be inserted in a matching bolt hole in the second flange to bring the two flanges into full alignment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to automobile rim hammers comprising a head including a homogeneous mixture of metals and a shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being affixed to the head, the shaft being adapted to support the weight of the head. The metals comprise aluminum, antimony and lead. An automobile rim does not break when struck with the hammer according to specific aspects.

Abstract: Striking tools are disclosed herein that may include a skeleton including a handle portion with a first end and a second end and a head portion disposed on the second end of the handle portion, the head portion having a front portion, a top portion, and a rear portion that form first and second lateral cavities. The striking tools further include a matrix bonded to the skeleton that may extend through the skeleton.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a hydraulic hammer is disclosed. The seal assembly may include a seal carrier having at least one annular recess. The seal assembly may also include at least one seal integrally molded onto surfaces of the at least one annular recess.

Abstract: A self-charging assembly having a first side wall, a second side wall, a third sidewall, a first chamber, a second chamber, a first valve assembly, and a second valve assembly. The second side wall is disposed within the first side wall. The third sidewall connects the first side wall and the second side wall. The first chamber is defined by the first, second, and third sidewalls. The second chamber is disposed within the first chamber and is defined by the second side wall. The first valve assembly is configured to selectively place an interior portion of the second chamber in communication with an atmosphere outside of the self-charging assembly. The second valve assembly is configured to selectively place an interior portion of the first chamber in communication with the interior portion of the second chamber.

Abstract: An electrically operated tool appliance comprises a rotatable tool head, an electric motor drive configured to drive the rotatable tool head, a control system configured to control the electric motor drive, an energy supply configured to supply the electric motor drive with electrical energy, and a first cooling mechanism configured to cool the electric motor drive and/or the control system. The first cooling mechanism defines a cooling capacity configured to be controlled independently of a rotational speed of the electric motor drive.

Abstract: A portable handheld tool having a power head for powering a lawn maintenance implement is provided. The portable handheld tool may include a brush cutter, a blower, a vacuum, an edger, a polesaw, or the like. The power head includes an engine surrounded by a housing. The housing includes a transition surface having a heat dissipation and/or a heat isolating barrier member extending therefrom for allowing the user to rest their forearm against the barrier member during operation. The barrier member providing a contact surface having localized cooling generated by heat dissipating and/or heat isolation properties of the barrier member.

Abstract: An adjustable tool handle for holding a tool during use provides an improved handling of tools during use of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically L-shaped hexagonal wrenches. The adjustable tool handle includes a tool handle body with a handle and an adjustable opening for receiving a tool. In order to place a tool within the tool handle, a user opens the tool handle. When the tool handle is open, one leg of the tool handle is inserted into one of a plurality of openings on the back of the body and the other leg is placed within the adjustable opening. After the tool is placed within the tool handle, the tool is held in place by a securing mechanism. With the tool coupled to the tool handle, a user is able to tighten and loosen work pieces of different sizes and different types.

Abstract: A tool pen disclosed in the present invention includes a gathering component, a plurality of screw locking components and a first single-directional constraining mechanism. A first opening is formed on the gathering component. The screw locking components are movably disposed inside the gathering component. The screw locking component includes a body, a locking portion and a first contacting portion. The locking portion is disposed on an end of the body, and the first contacting portion is disposed on a lateral surface of the body. The first single-directional constraining mechanism includes a first slot and a first resilient component. The first slot is formed on an inner wall of the gathering component, and the first resilient component is movably disposed on the first slot. The first resilient component partly protrudes from the first slot and contacts against the first contacting portion of the screw locking component.

Abstract: A multiple tool with an integrated case is described. The multiple tool includes a tool assembly that includes a first pivot on which are articulated a plurality of implements, each implement rotatable from an inactive position of minimum encumbrance to at least a working position, and a carry case for housing the tool assembly. The carry case includes at least a grip portion for manually holding the tool assembly with at least one of the implements in a working position.

Abstract: An industrial grade, field-usable Mobile Work Station, comprising a rolling cabinet having lockable internal storage, which is fitted with precision-adjustable, tubular rails on one or more sides to which special compound clamp-vice assemblies may be mounted at a plurality of locations to engagingly retain work pieces and hand and power tools, and which includes tool holders and an under-chassis rack for retaining a battery to power tools. An exemplary MWS is shown in which the X, Y and Z axes of pipe rails may be micro-adjusted to be in precise orthogonal relationship so that precision work may be accomplished in the field, even where the surface is not level. Leveling jacks are provided at one end of the cabinet to permit precise horizontal leveling of the cabinet pipe rails in both X and Y axes. Power tools include saws, grinders, welding spinners, benders, vices, anvils, drills, and the like.

Abstract: A tool holder holds one or more tools when not being used. The tool holder comprises a body with a plurality of tool retainers for removably receiving a tool and a plurality of posts for securing the tool within the tool holder body when the tool holder is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the tool retainers are holding tubes, pockets or slots. In order to couple a tool with the tool holder, a lock door is moved to an open position and the tool is inserted into a tool retainer of the tool holder. Then the locked door is moved to a closed position where it is positioned over the tool and the tool is secured within the tool holder. The tool is securely held within the tool holder body and is not removable when the tool holder is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the tool holder is configured to hold a L-shaped hexagonal or round tool. In some embodiments, the tool holder is able to hold a plurality of tools of different sizes.

Abstract: A vehicle service platform supporting a user while working underneath a dashboard of a vehicle. The vehicle service platform includes an upper frame, a lower frame, a scissor lift, a jackscrew, a plurality of casters, a support cushion, a headrest and an actuating crossbar. The user actuates the jackscrew to raise the upper frame from the lower frame through scissor lift and the actuating crossbar mounted to the scissor lift. The plurality of casters allow the vehicle service platform to be maneuverable around the vehicle to access the dashboard from the driver side or passenger side of the vehicle. The support cushion and the headrest provide a comfortable surface for the user to lay supine while working on the vehicle. The headrest is able to be angled to the user's preference for better access and viewing under the dashboard.

Abstract: A redundantable robotic mechanism is disclosed for improving reliability of tranport equipment. The redundantable robot assembly typically comprises independent robots with separate controls, motors, linkage arms, or power, thus providing the capability of operation even if parts of the assembly are not operational or when parts of the assembly are removed for repair. The redundantable robot assembly can be also designed to allow in-situ servicing, e.g. servicing one robot when the other is running The disclosed redundantable robot assembly provides virtual uninterrupted process flow, and thus greatly increases the yield for the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A robot program generation apparatus includes an allowable jerk value setting unit for setting allowable jerk values to joints of a robot, a joint information calculation unit for simulating execution of a robot program in a virtual space and calculating positions and jerks of the joints in association with time, a jerks determination unit for determining whether or not the calculated jerk is an excess jerk exceeding the allowable jerk values, a joint information identification unit for identifying the joints and positions of the joints in which the excess jerks are generated, and a robot program adjustment unit for adjusting the robot program by modifying a teaching position within the neighborhood of the positions of the joints in which the excess jerks are generated so that the jerks of the identified joints become equal to or smaller than the allowable jerk values.

Abstract: A system for interaction with a the environment includes an initial manipulation module operable to orient a device in a general direction of a surface of an object and a range control module operable to converge the device and the surface. Once the device and surface are in the proximity of each other a contact sensor detects when physical contact between the surface and the device occurs. Thereafter, a proprioception module measures normal force disparities between the surface and device motion actuators and finally, an exteroception module to measure translational resistance disparities between relative motion of the surface and the device. The system uses these disparity measurements and actuator positions to modify the manipulation of the device.

Abstract: A robot control device includes a correction amount calculation unit that calculates a correction amount for collecting a deviation of a tip position of a tool attached to a tip of a robot due to an external force applied to the tool and a correction profile generation unit that generates a correction profile indicating a relationship between the correction amount calculated by the correction amount calculation unit and time.

Abstract: A system for assisting an operator in a manual assembly task includes a base assembly, end-effector, and controller. The base assembly has joint actuators providing three or more degrees of freedom (DOF). The end-effector is in series with the base assembly and has additional joints providing one or more additional DOFs. The base assembly and end-effector support a task load, including a weight and/or a reaction torque of an object. Sensors measure joint positions. The controller receives the measured positions, controls the joint actuators to support the task load, and extends a range of motion of the object. A method includes receiving the position signals as the operator manipulates the object, generating an output signal using the measured positions, and transmitting the output signal to the joint actuators to control the joint actuators, support the task load, and extending a range of motion of the object.

Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a first coordinate system Rf of a robot unit with a second coordinate system Cf of an object identification unit, wherein the robot unit includes a robot arm with an end effector and the object identification unit includes a camera unit. The calibration is performed using a calibration marker on the end effector. The method determines the intrinsic and the extrinsic parameters of the camera unit in two steps, a first step where the intrinsic parameters and a rotational part of the extrinsic parameters are determined, and a second step where a translational part of the extrinsic parameters are determined.

Abstract: An interference system for a robot cleaner which generates a detection signal and receives a feedback signal corresponding to the detection signal is disclosed. The interference system includes a fixing module, for stably fixing the interference system onto the robot cleaner; a monitor module, for obtaining a real-time imaging information of the robot cleaner; a transmission module, for transmitting the real-time imaging information to a computer system and correspondingly receiving a control signal from the computer system; and an interference module, coupled to the fixing module, for reflecting the detection signal to be the feedback signal according to the control signal, so as to process an interference operation to change a moving direction of the robot cleaner.

Abstract: A system and method for robustly calibrating a vision system and a robot is provided. The system and method enables a plurality of cameras to be calibrated into a robot base coordinate system to enable a machine vision/robot control system to accurately identify the location of objects of interest within robot base coordinates.

Abstract: Computer-readable storage media, apparatuses, and methods associated with context dependent reactions derived from human responses are disclosed herein. An apparatus may, in some embodiments, include a communication module and a reaction agent. The reaction agent may be configured to transmit, via the communication module, a request to a remote data source. The request may include context data indicative of an operational context of the apparatus. The reaction agent may receive, in response to the request, via the communication module, reaction data for the apparatus to react to the operational context. In embodiments, the reaction data may be derived from previous observations of human response to a context similar to the operational context indicated by the context data of the request. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed herein.

Abstract: A robotic end of arm tooling system including a robotic arm having an end, and at least one swivel link assembly attached to the robotic arm. The swivel link assembly includes a flexible ball base connected to the end of the robotic arm, and a knuckle joint defining at least one adjustable axis. The flexible ball base is able to swivel relative to the adjustable axis. An adapter has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end connected to the flexible ball base, and an end-effector connected to the distal end.

Abstract: A working chamber includes: a body case including a work space; a supply device configured to supply gas in a body case; a work plate having an opening formed therein, the work plate configuring a bottom surface of the work space; and an observation device capable of being lifted and lowered, and the observation device includes a receiving portion having a width greater than a gap between the work plate and the observation device in an in-use state, and the receiving portion is configured to close the gap between the observation device and the work plate in the in-use state.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a utility knife, which includes a housing (11, 12) that has an internal chamber (13); a blade carrier for carrying a single blade; a locking piece (7) for locking the single blade in the blade carrier; and a spare blade cartridge (14) for storing more than one spare blade; the blade carrier (16), the locking piece (7) and the spare blade cartridge (14) are arranged in the internal chamber (13), the blade carrier (16) is arranged to be movable between a first position and a second position, and when the blade carrier (16) is at the first position, the blade carried by the blade carrier (16) extends out of the housing, when the blade carrier (16) is at the second position, the blade carried by the blade carrier (16) retracts into the housing; the spare blade cartridge (14) is connected to the housing (11, 12) via an axis pin (111), and is arranged to be able to rotate around the axis pin (111) and out of the internal chamber to load the spare blade.

Abstract: A utility knife configured to provide a user with a variety of configurations. The utility knife includes first and second handle members configured to move relative to one another between open (e.g. unfolded) and closed (e.g., folded) positions. The knife further includes a retractable blade within the second handle member. The retractable blade may be moved between a retracted position, wherein most, if not all, of the blade is maintained within the second handle member, and an extended position, wherein a portion of the blade is exposed. The knife is configured to allow the blade to be in retracted and extended positions when the first and second handle members are in either the unfolded or folded positions.

Abstract: A reciprocating-type electric shaver includes a head unit that is arranged so as to be capable of oscillating at least forward to and rearward from a main body. The head unit has multiple blade units whose inner blades and come into sliding contact with an inner surface of outer blades and reciprocate rightward and leftward. At least one of the blade units is configured to serve as a movable blade unit which is held by a blade frame of the head unit so as to be vertically movable from the reference position between a predetermined upper position and a predetermined lower position, and the blade frame has a positioning lever which performs positioning by moving the movable blade unit to a desired position.