Patents Issued in June 16, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160167187
    Abstract: A machine tool for machining workpieces, wherein the machine tool has a first spindle assembly and at least one second spindle assembly each having at least two working spindles which are arranged in a common spindle housing and on which in each case a machining tool for workpiece machining is arrangeable, wherein the machine tool has a workpiece holding device for holding workpieces for the purpose of workpiece machining by way of the machining tools, wherein the machine tool has a guide arrangement for the relative positioning of the workpiece holding device holding the workpieces and the first and the at least one second spindle assembly for workpiece machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Rainer Burkhardt, Hans Feifel, Markus Goggerle, Ulrich Heiermann, Manfred Krieger, Ulrich Straub
  • Publication number: 20160167188
    Abstract: In one aspect, collets are described herein employing a central bore having a stepped architecture. For example, a collet described herein comprises a clamping portion having a central bore for receiving a coupling portion of a cutting tool or cutting tool blank. The central bore has a stepped architecture comprising an inner section of first diameter, a transition section of second diameter, and an outer section of third diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Danny Ray DAVIS, Leonid Sharivker
  • Publication number: 20160167189
    Abstract: The device is for grinding a pipe from an inside. The device has a spindle arranged to be rotated. The device further has protrusions fastened to the spindle. The protrusions have a strip causing an elastic force when being bent. The protrusions are arranged to position the device or a part of the device inside the pipe. The protrusions have blades arranged to grind the inner surface of the pipe, while the spindle is being rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Mika Lokkinen
  • Publication number: 20160167190
    Abstract: Systems and methods for finish portions of parts for gas turbine engines are provided. More specifically, systems and methods for finishing flow elements (e.g., stator vanes and turbine blades) or gas turbine engines are provided. The systems and methods may employ grit blasting, fluidic machining, and/or super polishing. Moreover, the flow elements may be inspected and/or evaluated between the one or more processing steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Micah Beckman, Osamuyimen A. Oyegun
  • Publication number: 20160167191
    Abstract: Apparatus polishing one side of a wafer to accurately realize the desired wafer edge shape without dependence on the period of use of a polishing cloth is provided. In the apparatus of the present invention, a wafer fixed to a head is brought into contact with a polishing cloth provided on a surface of a surface plate, and the head and the surface plate are rotated, thereby polishing one side of the wafer. The contact angle of the polishing cloth (S1) is measured; the rotation speed of the head and the surface plate is determined based on the measured contact angle of the polishing cloth (S4). One side of the wafer is polished by rotating the head and the surface plate at the determined rotation speed (S5, S6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: SUMCO Corporation
    Inventor: Tomonori Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20160167192
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing method using a polishing tool provided with a polishing pad including a polishing surface shaped in conformance with a curved surface of an object to be polished to efficiently and uniformly polish the curved surface of the object. A polishing tool of the present invention is provided with a polishing pad including a polishing surface shaped in conformance with a curved surface of an object to be polished to uniformly contact the curved surface of the object. The polishing pad preferably has a Shore A hardness of 5 or greater. A polishing method of the present invention uses a polishing tool including a polishing surface shaped in conformance with a curved surface of an object to be polished to uniformly contact the curved surface of the object and polish the curved surface of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIMI INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shingo OTSUKI, Hitoshi MORINAGA, Kazusei TAMAI, Hiroshi ASANO, Yuuichi ITOU, Souma TAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160167193
    Abstract: A metallic abrasive pad for use in a smoothing operation applied to a worked surface of a workpiece by a catalyst-supported chemical machining method, the metallic abrasive pad including a compression-formed compact of one or more metal fibers made of a transition-metal catalyst, wherein a contact spot of the one or more metal fibers intersecting each other is sintered, the one or more metal fibers are fixed to each other, and the metallic abrasive pad has a prescribed void ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicants: NAGOYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Osama ERYU, Eiji YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160167194
    Abstract: The present invention relates to various kinds of finishing and hardening treatment of holes in pieces by methods of plastic surface deformation and can find application in many branches of engineering industry. It is designed to burnish holes on a milling or drilling machine tool. The device for diamond-burnishing of holes enables to enlarge the functional possibilities, to improve the quality of the treated hole surface, the endurance of the burnishing tool, to eliminate a gap of the rod, to provide the opportunity for a precise regulation in order to get the necessary hole caliber, to use the load of all the weights for obtaining the necessary pressing force. The device structure comprises a housing with a tapered stem, central and terminal arms with crossheads and shafts, bars with weights, a foot with a cylindrical bode and an arbor with a diamond-burnishing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Dmitrii Leonidovich SKURATOV, Aleksei Nicolaevich SHVETCOV
  • Publication number: 20160167195
    Abstract: Polishing pad cleaning systems and related methods are disclosed. A rotatable platen comprising a polishing pad in combination with a fluid, such as a polishing fluid, contacts a substrate to planarize material at the surface thereof and resultantly creates debris. A cleaning system introduces a spray system to remove debris from the polishing pad to prevent substrate damage and improve efficiency, a waste removal system for removing used spray, used polishing fluid, and debris from the polishing pad, and a polishing fluid delivery system for providing fresh polishing fluid to the polishing pad, such that the substrate only receives fresh polishing fluid upon each complete rotation of the platen. In this manner, within die performance is enhanced, the range of certain CMP processes is improved, scratches and contamination are avoided for each polished substrate and for later-polished substrates, and platen temperatures are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Jie DIAO, Erik S. RONDUM, Thomas Ho Fai LI, Bum Jick KIM, Christopher Heung-Gyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20160167196
    Abstract: A sleeve may be configured to secure an airfoil cluster for polishing. The sleeve may include a mock airfoil and a bypass flow path between the mock airfoil and an end wall of the sleeve. The sleeve may be positioned in an annular ring of sleeves in a polishing apparatus. The polishing apparatus may comprise an annular flow path for an abrasive fluid. The abrasive fluid may be flowed through the annular ring of sleeves in order to polish the airfoil cluster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Micah Beckman, Robert E. Erickson, Daniel Livchitz
  • Publication number: 20160167197
    Abstract: An upper shield and a lower shield may be coupled to a rotor for polishing airfoils of the rotor in a vibratory bowl. The upper shield and the lower shield may include spars. The spars may correspond to leading edges and trailing edges of the airfoils. A media including abrasive particles may be flowed through the rotor in the vibratory bowl. The spars may protect the leading edges and trailing edges of the airfoils from excessive material removal by the abrasive particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: MICAH BECKMAN, DAVID MASIUKIEWICZ
  • Publication number: 20160167198
    Abstract: A system including at least one means for mechanical processing of surfaces using a blasting agent (5), in particular steel or cast iron beads. An additive (6) for degreasing and cleaning of the surface to be blasted (2) and/or of the blasting agent is provided with the blasting agent (5), and comprising a granular material (6), which exhibits a lower breaking strength under the mechanical stresses that the blasting agent (5) is subject to during the blasting procedure than the at least one means for mechanical processing of the surfaces themselves. As the granular material (6) breaks down, additional additive (6) is added into the blasting agent (5) such that the proportion of the additive (6) in the blasting agent mixture blend (5) remains largely generally constant even at a prolonged operation of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Jörg Halstenberg
  • Publication number: 20160167199
    Abstract: A sanding device (1) includes a base plate (3) with opposite sanding and supporting surfaces (5,7); as well as a joint (29) operatively mounted onto the supporting surface (7) of the base plate (3) and rotatable about a first axis of rotation (93). A supporting tube is (69) operatively mounted onto the joint (29) and rotatable with respect to the joint (29) about a second axis of rotation (95).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Roméo ARVINTE, François PANFILI
  • Publication number: 20160167200
    Abstract: An embodiment of a PCD insert comprises an embodiment of a PCD element joined to a cemented carbide substrate at an interface. The PCD element has internal diamond surfaces defining interstices between them. The PCD element comprises a masked or passivated region and an unmasked or unpassivated region, the unmasked or unpassivated region defining a boundary with the substrate, the boundary being the interface. At least some of the internal diamond surfaces of the masked or passivated region contact a mask or passivation medium, and some or all of the interstices of the masked or passivated region and of the unmasked or unpassivated region are at least partially filled with an infiltrant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: John Hewitt Liversage, Danny Eugene Scott, Humphrey Samkelo Lungisani Sithebe, Kaveshini Naidoo, Bronwyn Annette Kaiser, Michael Lester Fish
  • Publication number: 20160167201
    Abstract: A workpiece fixing jig 1 includes a base 2 to be fixed on a table, and a clamping mechanism 10 provided on the base 2 for clamping a workpiece. The clamping mechanism 10 includes a first clamping portion 20 and a second clamping portion 30 provided to face each other. At least one of the first and second clamping portions 20 and 30 is configured to move forward and backward with respect to the other along a moving direction and the moving direction is set to a direction intersecting a direction in which the base 2 is fixed on the table. In using this workpiece fixing jig 1, the base 2 is fixed on the table after the workpiece is clamped between the first clamping portion 20 and the second clamping portion 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicants: INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, DMG MORI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidenori Saraie, Kinji Hashimoto, Kazuo Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20160167202
    Abstract: A pneumatically operable work tool for use in body construction in the motor vehicle industry includes a cylinder which has a cylinder housing, a piston moveable therein and a piston rod, which is connected to said piston, moveable linearly and guided out of the cylinder housing, and with a head housing connected to the cylinder housing, wherein a region of the piston rod protruding into the head housing cooperates with at least one toggle lever to pivot an arm assigned to the toggle lever, in particular a gripper arm or clamping arm, wherein this arm is mounted in the head housing and is pivotable between a closed position and an opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: UNIVER S.P.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Raimondi
  • Publication number: 20160167203
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench structure able to enhance the positioning effect of a ratchet includes a control member. The control member is longitudinally provided with a prop pin which has a rectangular slab shape. The prop pin longitudinally holds against a contact surface of a detent block to increase the area for applying the force. The detent block from top to bottom meshes with a ratchet ring, enhancing the positioning effect of the ratchet and stability of engagement. This won't have the problem of a partial engagement, preventing the teeth from breaking. The prevent invention can overcome the parallelism and perpendicularity tolerance problem that the conventional ratchet wrench uses a plurality of elastic positioning members to hold against the detent block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Chia-Yu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20160167204
    Abstract: An insert bit includes a body in a one piece structure extending longitudinally along a phantom axis, a first driving tip manufactured from a first end of the body, a second driving tip manufactured from a second end of the body, and a connecting structure manufactured from the body and extending between the first and second driving tips and having a hexagonal cross section in which two opposite peripheral edges space from one another with a distance defining a transverse width which is between 0.26-0.35 times of a longitudinal length of the insert bit which defines a first length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Ping-Wen Huang
  • Publication number: 20160167205
    Abstract: The present disclosure is a bi-directional screwdriver, which includes a handle, a main shaft, a gearing which includes a driving gear, a driven gear, a transmission seat and an idle gear which is mounted on the idle gear axle on the transmission seat and is fitted between the driving gear and the driven gear for transferring motion. The handle rotates the driving gear. A grip ring is securely provided outside the idle gear axle. When the grip ring is gripped and the handle is rotated to rotate the driving gear, the driving gear rotates the driven gear in a reverse direction through the idle gear. The driving gear also has a first inside ratchet surface, and the driven gear also has a second inside ratchet surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Weiyi Wang
  • Publication number: 20160167206
    Abstract: A screw locking control system includes a host, a control unit controlled by the host, an electric screw driver and a holder. The control unit includes a processor, a voltage detecting module, a power outlet for providing electricity to the electric screw driver, and a lighting signal control module electrically connected to a plurality of indicator lamps of the holder. As a result, the control unit can turn on the indicator lamps sequentially via the light signal control module, guiding operators to carry out each screw locking operation and detecting a voltage variance of the electric screw driver to determine whether each screw locking operation is qualified. Thus, the quality of the manufacturing process is consistently maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Hsin-Shun CHEN, Kuo-Pin TSENG, Jen-Chu HUANG, Chih-Li LO, Yung-Chien LIN, Kuang-Wei CHUANG, Jun SONG, Wei WANG
  • Publication number: 20160167207
    Abstract: An attachment including open end box wrench adapted to be attached to and to be driven by a power tool though an input gear of the attachment, the input gear driving an output gear and the wrench
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: John A. Badiali
  • Publication number: 20160167208
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench equipped with an automatic output-torque compensation device comprises an electronic torque wrench and replaceable wrench heads selectively installed in the electronic torque wrench. A torque-compensation setting module sets a length parameter corresponding to the specification of the wrench head. An allowable torque range conversion module and a torque-compensation conversion module respectively undertake conversions and compensations to update an allowable torque range of the electronic torque wrench and make a displayed torque equal to the torque actually output in operation. A display element presents the displayed torque and the updated allowable torque range. The user can directly learn the actually-output torque and the updated allowable torque range from the display element in realtime, neither looking up tables nor undertaking computations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Ming-Hua LI
  • Publication number: 20160167209
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for impact forming a cotter pin in a brake assembly are disclosed. In one example, an impact forming tool comprises a handle for receiving an operating force, a stationary portion and a hammer portion. The stationary portion is connected to the handle at a proximate end. An orientation pin is positioned on a distal end and two anvil pins are positioned on the stationary portion between the proximate end and the orientation pin. The hammer portion communicates with the operating force and moves linearly across the face of the stationary portion from a first position to a second position. The hammer portion has a symmetrical arcuate end, wherein a vertex of the symmetrical arcuate end is between the two anvil pins when the hammer is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Jones, Daniel Ennis
  • Publication number: 20160167210
    Abstract: A device for driving a fastening element into a substratum comprises a mechanical energy store for storing mechanical energy, an energy transfer apparatus for transferring energy from an electrical energy source to the mechanical energy store, and an electronic control apparatus, which is supplied with electrical energy by the electrical energy source and is suitable for initiating an energy withdrawal process when the supply of energy to the control apparatus by the electrical energy source is interrupted. In the energy withdrawal process, energy possibly stored in the mechanical energy store is converted into electrical energy and fed to the control apparatus in order to supply the control apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Wolfgang Beck
  • Publication number: 20160167211
    Abstract: A nail plate tool which aids in positioning and installing nail plates in hard-to-reach areas. The nail plate tool generally includes an elongated portion having a handle portion at its first end and a holder portion at its second end. The handle portion is adapted to be grasped by a user and the holder portion is adapted to removably retain a nail plate against the nail plate tool, such as through use of a magnet. By removably securing the nail plate to the holder portion, an individual may more easily reach areas to install a nail plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Harlan F. Dengel
  • Publication number: 20160167212
    Abstract: A rotary hammer includes a motor, a spindle coupled to the motor for receiving torque from the motor, a piston at least partially received within the spindle for reciprocation therein, a striker received within the spindle for reciprocation in response to reciprocation of the piston, and an anvil received within the spindle and positioned between the striker and a tool bit. The anvil imparts axial impacts to the tool bit in response to reciprocation of the striker. The rotary hammer also includes a synchronizing assembly operable in a first configuration in which the motor is drivably coupled to the piston for reciprocating the piston, and a second configuration in which the piston is decoupled from the motor. The rotary hammer further includes an actuator operable for switching the synchronizing assembly from the second configuration to the first configuration in response to depressing the tool bit against a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew R. Wyler, Jeremy R. Ebner
  • Publication number: 20160167213
    Abstract: A multitool includes a carabineer gate. The multitool further includes a body portion. The body portion includes a carabineer portion, the carabineer portion including a hook portion and apertures for receiving the carabineer gate. The body portion further includes a wrench portion, the wrench portion located in a portion of the carabineer portion, the wrench portion including a first aperture sized to receive a nut. The body portion further includes a screwdriver portion and a bottle opener portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: Nite Ize, Inc
    Inventors: Gregory M. Adelman, Ian M. Core
  • Publication number: 20160167214
    Abstract: A utility tool for removal and sealing of a lid of a container includes a handle having a first end and a second end. A hook is disposed at the first end of the handle. The hook is configured for prying the lid from the container. A mallet portion is disposed at the second end of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Carole Lynn Craig, Robert Allen Craig
  • Publication number: 20160167215
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arm holder for a pole-handled tool such as a broom, a mop, a squeegee, etc. that allows effective use of the pole-handled tool with only one hand. The arm holder comprises an arm grip having an arm-holding structure; and an attachment portion capable of attaching the arm grip to the pole-handled tool; wherein the arm-holding structure is capable of receiving an arm positioned within the arm-holding structure while a corresponding hand of the same arm grasps the pole handle, the pole handle acting as a lever where the corresponding hand forms a fulcrum of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Zhihong Li
  • Publication number: 20160167216
    Abstract: A tool handle is provided for a tool rod to insert therein. A connecting end of the tool rod is formed with a mark portion. The tool handle includes a grip body, a cover layer and a perspective layer. The grip body is disposed around the connecting end and includes a window portion corresponding to the mark portion. The cover layer partially covers the grip body and exposes the window portion. The cover layer is softer than the grip body. The perspective layer is disposed on the window portion and includes at least one convex lens portion corresponding to the mark portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Yu-Hua OU
  • Publication number: 20160167217
    Abstract: A foldable stand includes two stand legs pivotally connected together. A positioning unit is set between the two stand legs and includes a first link pivotally connected to a second link, a locating plate mounted in the first link and a locking pin mounted in the second link. The foldable stand also includes a control unit having a first pedal mounted at the second link and pressable to move the first and second links toward each other into a folded position. In the folded position, the locking pin is forced into engagement with the locating plate. A second pedal is pivotally connected to the second link and pressable to pull the locking pin out of the locating plate for enabling the two stand legs to be biased from the folded position to an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen Chin CHIANG, Chun Che CHEN
  • Publication number: 20160167218
    Abstract: A hexagonal wrenches holder includes a main board with a thickness, and multiple first passages defined through the top and the bottom of the main board. The main board has a groove in one side thereof, and a window is defined through the main board and communicates with the groove and the first passages. Each of the first passages has a sleeve inserted therein and each sleeve has a first hole so that a hexagonal wrench is inserted into the first hole. The sleeves each have a first toothed ring mounted to the outside thereof. A slide is slidably engaged with the groove and has driving teeth which are engaged with the first toothed rings of the sleeves via the window. The hexagonal wrenches are rotated when moving the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Chin-Ying Chou
  • Publication number: 20160167219
    Abstract: There is provided a bit holder assembly for a power tool. According to a first aspect, the assembly comprises an elongate member shaped to extend around and selectively couple to a portion of the power tool. The assembly comprises a bit holder, a male member connected to the elongate member and a female member connected to the bit holder. According to a second aspect, the elongate member has a pair of longitudinal edges and the assembly comprises a mounting member connectable with the bit holder and having a pair of flanges each of which receives a respective one of the longitudinal edges of the elongate member. According to a third aspect, the power tool has a slot for receiving a belt clip adjacent to a bottom portion thereof and the assembly comprises a bracket connectable with the bit holder and said slot of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: In Song Cho
  • Publication number: 20160167220
    Abstract: An inexpensive, portable, durable and convenient organizer, storage and carry system for cleco type and long and short-nosed spring clamp fasteners and pliers that provides enhanced tool accountability in the aerospace industry while working with sheet materials. The present invention also creates workflow efficiencies by allowing for the transportation of multiple sizes and variations of the aforementioned tools in an organized and secure state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Louis Belman Vasquez, II, Louis Belman Vasquez, III
  • Publication number: 20160167221
    Abstract: A creeper for accessing cabinets includes a base support structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side walls extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. A sled is secured to the top surface of the base support structure for movement relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Dow Blaine, David Cowart
  • Publication number: 20160167222
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an instructional humanoid robot. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus and a method for having an instructional robot which is capable of physically and instructionally demonstrating the correct manner of performing the Islamic prayer and similar other Islamic or Muslim teachings. The instructional humanoid robot can also be programmed to perform any teaching or instructions as desired by the user or an operator. The instructional humanoid robot can also be preprogrammed to perform certain functions via the aid of a computer or similar device. The instructional humanoid robot can also be interactive via instructions and information accessed from a library, databank or similar other program storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Nimer Mohammed Ead
  • Publication number: 20160167223
    Abstract: An articulate probe device includes a first mechanism, a second mechanism, and an overtube mechanism. The first mechanism includes a proximal link which is movable coupled to a first intermediate link, a plurality of intermediate links, and a distal link which is moveably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. The second mechanism includes a proximal link which is movable coupled to a first intermediate link, a plurality of intermediate links, and a distal link which is moveably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. The overtube mechanism includes a proximal link which is movable coupled to a first intermediate link, a plurality of intermediate links, and a proximal link which is moveably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. Further, at least one of the first mechanism, second mechanism, and overtube mechanism is steerable and extendable beyond the other mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Brett Zubiate, Howard Choset
  • Publication number: 20160167224
    Abstract: A motion base comprises lower and upper plates, a plurality of lateral stabilizers coupled in-between and connected to the lower and upper plates, a plurality of actuators, and one or more associated active controllers. Actuators typically comprise a body operatively connected to the upper plate and the lower plate, a rod movably disposed at least partially within the body, where the rod and body define an actuator effective length; and a controllable rod extender configured to selectively extend the rod out from and retract the rod into the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel T. Foster, Eric A. King, Stephen F. Fromyer, Stephen Sywak
  • Publication number: 20160167225
    Abstract: A device for extending the life of a detachable robotically controlled device that has an electrical interface for communicating between a control system and a robotically controlled device-based circuit mounted within the robotically controlled device includes a circuit that is connected to the electrical interface. The circuit has logic that intercepts requests from the electrical interface such that the logic array recognizes at least one request from the control system and the logic array responds to the at least one request by sending a response to the control system over the electrical interface. At least one other request is forwarded by the logic array to the robotically controlled device-based circuit of which a response from the robotically controlled device-based circuit is received by the logic array and the response is forwarded by the logic array to the control system over the electrical interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: F21, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Merana, Mathew McGowan
  • Publication number: 20160167226
    Abstract: The present teachings provide an autonomous mobile robot that includes a drive configured to maneuver the robot over a ground surface within an operating environment; a camera mounted on the robot having a field of view including the floor adjacent the mobile robot in the drive direction of the mobile robot; a frame buffer that stores image frames obtained by the camera while the mobile robot is driving; and a memory device configured to store a learned data set of a plurality of descriptors corresponding to pixel patches in image frames corresponding to portions of the operating environment and determined by mobile robot sensor events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Mark S. Schnittman
  • Publication number: 20160167227
    Abstract: Robotic arms or manipulators can be utilized to grasp inventory items within an inventory system. Information about an item to be grasped can be detected and/or accessed from one or more databases to determine a grasping strategy for grasping the item with a robotic arm or manipulator. For example, one or more accessed databases can contain information about the item, characteristics of the item, and/or similar items, such as information indicating grasping strategies that have been successful or unsuccessful for such items in the past.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Parris S. Wellman, Matthew David Verminski, Andrew Stubbs, Robert Michael Shydo, JR., Ennio Claretti, Boris Aronchik, John Gregory Longtine
  • Publication number: 20160167228
    Abstract: Robotic arms may be utilized to grasp inventory items within an inventory system. Information about an inventory item to be grasped can be detected and used to determine a grasping strategy in conjunction with information from a database. Instructions for grasping an inventory item can be generated based on the detected information and the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Parris S. Wellman, Matthew David Verminski, Andrew Stubbs, Robert Michael Shydo, JR., Ennio Claretti, Boris Aronchik, John Gregory Longtine
  • Publication number: 20160167229
    Abstract: An apparatus including at least one drive; a first robot arm having a first upper arm, a first forearm and a first end effector. The first upper arm is connected to the at least one drive at a first axis of rotation. A second robot arm has a second upper arm, a second forearm and a second end effector. The second upper arm is connected to the at least one drive at a second axis of rotation which is spaced from the first axis of rotation. The first and second robot arms are configured to locate the end effectors in first retracted positions for stacking substrates located on the end effectors at least partially one above the another. The first and second robot arms are configured to extend the end effectors from the first retracted positions in a first direction along parallel first paths located at least partially directly one above the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Martin Hosek
  • Publication number: 20160167230
    Abstract: A method for verifying the assignment of a drive to a control device of an industrial robot. A drive, comprising at least one actuator and a motion sensor, is assigned to one of the axles of the robot. The assignment is verified by outputting a suitable test signal from the control device to the drive, and comparing the output test signal with motion signals generated by the motion sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Torsten Geiler
  • Publication number: 20160167231
    Abstract: A human-interactive type robot system which can constantly detect a contact force at a high precision even if the contact force is small, comprising a force sensor which measures a force which the robot receives from the outside and outputs a measurement value, a force detection value calculating part which subtracts a correction value from the measurement value to calculate a force detection value, and a correction value updating part which updates a force detection value when a predetermined condition stands for use as the correction value. The predetermined condition is that the robot is stopped or operating at a fixed speed and a margin of fluctuation of the force detection value at a predetermined unit time is a fluctuation margin threshold value or less or that the robot is stopped and the current force detection value is the force detection value threshold value or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Kazutaka NAKAYAMA, Takashi SATO
  • Publication number: 20160167232
    Abstract: A placement determination system (21) includes a placement object specifying unit (22) that specifies a placement object, a resting surface information acquiring unit (24) that obtains the shape of a resting surface of the placement object, a receiving surface information acquiring unit (27) that obtains the shape of a receiving surface of a receiving object on which the placement object is to be placed, and a placement determining unit (28) that compares the shape of the resting surface with the shape of the receiving surface, and determines whether the placement object can be placed on the receiving object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keisuke TAKESHITA
  • Publication number: 20160167233
    Abstract: A garbage-cleaning method for use in a monitoring apparatus is provided. The method includes: acquiring monitored data about a monitored area; detecting whether garbage is present in the monitored area according to the monitored data; if garbage is present in the monitored area, acquiring location information of the garbage in the monitored area; and sending the location information of the garbage to a garbage-cleaning robot configured to clean the garbage according to the location information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Pengfei Zhang, Yongfeng Xia, Yidong Wang, Tiejun Liu
  • Publication number: 20160167234
    Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Colin Angle, David Snelling, Melissa O'Dea, Timothy S. Farlow, Samuel Duffley, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Michael J. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20160167235
    Abstract: A device which prevents a gear from ending up being damaged while enabling the gear to be more easily and suitably gripped is provided. A gear gripping device 10 comprises a pawl which is provided to be able to move so as to approach a circumference of a gear G and which can engage with a gear groove which is formed at the circumference of the gear, a first drive part 18 which drives the pawl to abut against the circumference of the gear G, a second drive part 20 which makes the gear G rotate in the circumferential direction of the gear G, and an engagement detection part 50 which detects if the pawl has engaged with the gear groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Keisuke Suga
  • Publication number: 20160167236
    Abstract: A tool adapter configured to mount a tool on a robot wrist including a first rotary member rotatable about a first axis and a second rotary member rotatable about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The tool adapter includes a first section configured to be attached to the second rotary member at a first attaching portion; and a second section extending from the first section and configured to be attached to the tool at a second attaching portion. The first attaching portion and the second attaching portion are respectively disposed at positions where a direction of a reaction force applied to the second section through the tool from an object, during an operation performed to the object with use of the tool, is defined to intersect with both of the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kato