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.

Abstract: A substrate scanning device includes first, second and third linkages, and a direct drive motor coupled between a process chamber and a first end of the first linkage. A first gear motor coupled between a second end of the first linkage and a first end of the second linkage and a second gear motor coupled between a second end of the second linkage and a first end of the third linkage. A substrate support surface coupled to a second end of the third linkage. The direct drive motor for moving the substrate support surface parallel to a scan axis as the direct drive motor moves the substrate support surface along the scan axis. The first and second gear motors can be configured to maintain the substrate support surface in a plane approximately parallel with the scan axis.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for displaying three-dimensional workcell data includes a hand-held pendant that is provided with 3-D workcell data representing a model of a machine and associated components in a workcell. The hand-held pendant has a display that generates a 3-D visual representation of the workcell data. The pendant can be operated by a user to manipulate the visual representation to change a user viewpoint and to show motion of the machine with associated process information.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for positioning an end effector or remote center of a manipulator arm by floating a first set of joints within a null-perpendicular joint velocity sub-space and providing a desired state or movement of a proximal portion of a manipulator arm concurrent with end effector positioning by driving a second set of joints within a null-space orthogonal to the null-perpendicular space. Methods include floating a first set of joints within a null-perpendicular space to allow manual positioning of one or both of a remote center or end effector position within a work space and driving a second set of joints according to an auxiliary movement calculated within a null-space according to a desired state or movement of the manipulator arm during the floating of the joints. Various configurations for devices and systems utilizing such methods are provided herein.

Abstract: An article pickup apparatus configured so as to set a grip unit model including a substantial region of the grip unit in an opened state and a grip region inside the substantial region, set position posture candidates of the grip unit, calculate a grip success possibility of any of the articles by the grip unit in each of the grip position posture candidates based on the position information acquired by a three-dimensional measurement instrument and the grip unit model, select position posture candidates from the position posture candidates based on the grip success possibility and setting the selected position posture candidates as grip unit position postures, and control the robot so as to move the grip unit to the grip unit position postures to pick up any of the articles.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing a visualization of coordinate points within a robot's working envelope is disclosed. Part data associated with a position of a part, which may include part offset from a known position, is read using a teach pendant program. The part data is automatically stored within a hidden program instruction of the teach pendant program. The part data may be stored within the part program in a motion instruction associated with a motion line of the teach pendant program.

Abstract: A robot in one embodiment includes a navigation system, a manipulation unit, a visual recognition unit, and a processing unit. The visual recognition unit includes at least one detector configured to acquire presence information of humans within at least a portion of the area. The processing unit is operably coupled to the navigation system, manipulation unit, and visual recognition unit, and is configured to determine a presence of a human within at least one predetermined range of the robot using the presence information from the visual recognition unit, determine at least one control action responsive to determining the presence of the human within the at least one predetermined range, and control at least one of the navigation system or manipulation unit to implement the at least one control action.

Abstract: A robot monitoring system for monitoring and analyzing robot related data and displaying the data on a smart device is provided. The robot monitoring system comprises at least one robot in local communication with at least one robot controller. The at least one robot controller has local processing power for monitoring, gathering, and analyzing data related to the at least one robot. The data analysis results are formatted into a message file that is communicated to a storage system. The message file may then be retrieved by a smart device having software running thereon for displaying the results of the data analysis.

Abstract: A method for fixing the position at least one axis of a manipulator, in particular of a robot, includes closuring a mechanical brake of the axis, deactivating an actuator of the axis with a motion controller, monitoring the mechanical brake, and activating the actuator with the motion controller if a monitoring system identifies a fault condition of the mechanical brake.

Abstract: A force information correcting unit generates force information in accordance with magnification percentage information acquired by a display information acquiring unit. The force information matches a picture watched by an operator to manipulation of the operator with no sense of incongruity. A force information presentation unit presents the generated force information to the operator, so that work efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A capacitance based tactile array sensor is disclosed that provides for close resolution of sensing pixels by using insulated conductors as electrodes, and allows for eliminating the need for a joint or connection interface near periphery of the sensor array. Optional aspects of the invention include provision for allowing use of stretchable conductors, reduction of the burden of number of connections at one layer of conductors in the sensor, providing for differential sensing resolutions at different areas of sensing, and modularity in configuration allowing replacement of a defective sensor pixel in the array. The tactile array sensor may be integrated with surface of a robotic hand's finger, palm, or any other surface of a device that requires multi-point sensing of external contacts. The capacitance information is processed for useful display or control of systems based on the contact feedback.

Abstract: A robot control device controls the operation of a robot including a base; a robot arm that has at least three links, at least three joint portions, and at least three drive sources; an inertia sensor; and at least three angle sensors. The robot control device includes a first coordinate system vibration calculation unit; a second coordinate system vibration calculation unit; a weighting unit; a third coordinate system vibration calculation unit; a correction value calculation unit that obtains correction values for correcting the respective drive commands of the drive sources based on vibration information in a third coordinate system, and the respective detected results of the angle sensors; and a drive source control unit that controls the operations of the drive sources based on the respective drive commands of the drive sources, the correction values, and the respective detected results of the angle sensors.

Abstract: A composite end effector including a lower sandwich panel having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, an upper sandwich panel having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the upper sandwich panel is bonded to the first side of the lower sandwich panel, and an intermediate element disposed between the second side of the lower sandwich panel and the second side of the upper sandwich panel. The intermediate element may include an electrical conductor, wherein an electrostatic chuck is electrically coupled to the electrical conductor through an aperture in the upper sandwich panel. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate element may include a pair of optical fibers disposed within a pair of channels formed in at least one of the first side of the upper sandwich panel and the first side of the lower sandwich panel.

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 handheld drywall cutter device providing self-guiding device for a worker to accurately and single handedly cut a given edge of drywall, quickly, easily, on both sides, straight, and without wavering. By cutting both sides of drywall the device ensures accurate breaks without paper or drywall surface material tears. The device provides for measurement of depth of cut with regard to the drywall. The device can be used with drywall positioned in virtually any way or position without need for clamping or guiding the drywall itself.

Abstract: A razor cartridge comprising a housing; a guard located at the front of the housing; a cap located at the rear of the housing; two or more blades disposed in the housing between the guard and the cap; a skin contact element extending across the housing between two of said blades; and a plurality of projections extending from a base of said skin contact element, each having a skin contacting surface, the projections being spaced along the length of the skin contact element, wherein there is a pitch of up to 2 mm between adjacent projections and the skin contacting surface has a width extending for up to 35% of the pitch.

Abstract: An automated system and method for continuously feeding articles onto a moving conveyor belt are described. The automated system includes a plurality of partitions forming the conveyor belt; a controllable drive configured to continuously advance the conveyor belt; at least one gripping element configured to controllably grip and lift the articles, and at least one divider bridge configured to sustain a linear movement of the gripping element along the divider bridge, at a predetermined angle relatively to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A rotary cutter device has a rotator having a rotary blade including a first blade edge part, and a holding body having a fixed blade including a second blade edge part. The first blade edge part and the second blade edge part are rubbed with each other so as to cut. A rotation-side separating member is brought into contact with the cut object in which a cut portion of the cut object adheres to the first blade edge part and rotating together with the rotary blade from inside in the radial direction and applying a reaction force to the outside. A fixed-side separating member is fixed so as to be located outside a rotation range of the first blade edge part, and is brought into contact with the cut object from outside in the radial direction and constrains movement of the cut object to the outside.

Abstract: A radius cutting platform assembly includes an assembly housing; a pivot mechanism carried by the assembly housing, the pivot mechanism adapted to pivotally attach the assembly housing to a support surface; a generally elongated router guide carried by the assembly housing, the router guide selectively adjustable with respect to the assembly housing along a linear axis; a router base having a router bit opening carried by the router guide; and at least one set of distance markings on the router guide, the distance markings indicating distance between the router bit opening in the router base and the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: In order to prolong the usage of wood one needs to prevent the growth of rot and fungi. The most common substances used today are not environmentally friendly and they need to be replaced by more environmentally friendly options. Water glass or sodium silicate has been known for a long time having properties which give the wood resistance to rot and fungi and in addition also fire retardant properties. The present invention discloses a method for treatment of wood to improve the flame retardant properties and also the resistance to rot, fungus, mold and insects of a wooden material. The wood treatment method of the invention comprises the steps of providing a wooden material and providing water based formulation which is stable in room temperature or in temperatures ranging from 15-35° C.

Abstract: A method for producing concrete blocks, and in particular paving stones, building blocks or the like, with a storage container forming a receiving space for a plurality of layers of different-colored concrete, dispensing means being provided in order to dispense partial amounts of the layers from the receiving space in such a way that a downstream release device receives a mixture of the layers of different-colored concrete, characterized in that at least a partial portion of a side wall of the receiving space is provided with at least one dispensing opening for dispensing a partial amount of the layers, the size of passage of the dispensing opening being variable by the dispensing means.

Abstract: A concrete delivery subsystem for delivering concrete to a plurality of casting machines having a concrete mixing source, a concrete pump; and a concrete transfer system, which includes a concrete placement boom a concrete delivery hose, and a concrete manifold having a splitting edge having a fillet radius within the range of 0.005 inch. to 0.01 inch. Also a concrete manifold having a splitting edge having a fillet radius within the range of 0.005 inch. to 0.01 inch.

Abstract: A method for operating an apparatus with at least one rotating shaft, the at least one rotating shaft comprising functional elements which act on material to be processed in the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a filling orifice and an outlet orifice with an adjustable lower edge, and material being conveyed continuously through the apparatus from the filling orifice to the outlet orifice, said method comprising the following steps: a) measuring load data for the at least one rotating shaft in order to determine shaft load, b) lowering the lower edge of the outlet orifice and/or reducing the quantity of material supplied if the shaft load exceeds a specified maximum load, or displacing the lower edge of the outlet orifice upwards and/or increasing the quantity of material supplied if the shaft load is less than a specified shaft load.

Abstract: Speriodal polymer beads having a uniform size are prepared by polymerizing uniformly sized monomer droplets formed by dispersing a polymerizable monomer phase over a cross-flow membrane into an aqueous phase. A shear force is provided at a point of egression of the polymerizable monomer phase into the aqueous phase, the direction of shear substantially perpendicular to the direction of egression of the monomer phase. The polymer beads can be employed in applications where beads having uniform diameters of 10 to 180 ?m are useful.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing a preform with a base geometry optimized for the subsequent stretch blow molding. The preform produced in the injection mold is removed in a cooled removal sleeve and cooled in the shaft by intensive contact cooling, while to the greatest extent no cooling contact is made with the domed preform end due to a special contour of the cooling sleeve. On account of the re-heating of this domed end that is possible as a result, the latter can be mechanically deformed into a new geometry that is more advantageous for the blow-molding process, and consequently also influenced in the wall thickness. In the subsequent blow-molding process, such a deformed preform has primarily the advantage that the polymer material distributed better in the bottle can lead to considerable material savings and to bottle bases of a higher quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molding and overmolding compositions for delicate components. More particularly the invention relates to compositions for low pressure molding and overmolding, making these compositions particularly well suited for electronic devices. The molding and overmolding composition is suitable for low pressure injection molding processes, particularly at 0.5 to 200 bars at 70° C. to 240° C.

Abstract: A coating system includes a coating device, a suction device, and a conveyor system. The coating device includes a first holding device including a first surface, a second holding device including a recess and opposite to the first holding device, an o-ring positioned on the first surface. The first holding device couples to the second holding device and a component is held on the first surface. A forming cavity is surrounded by the component, the recess, and the o-ring. Glue is injected into the forming cavity and is formed films over the component.

Abstract: An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a frame portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the frame portion (11), a number of terminals (2) retained in the tongue portion (12), and a metal shell (3). The frame portion (11) includes a top wall (111), a pair of side walls (112), a rear wall (113) and a bottom wall (114). The metal shell (3) includes a top board (31), a pair of side boards (32), a bottom board (34) and a window (30) defined in a rear end. The insulative housing is insert-molded with the metal shell and the terminals so that the rear wall seals up the window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ejection system for an injection molding apparatus comprising: a mold plate, housing a mold cavity consisting a molded material and a plurality of ejector pins arranged in such a way to extend sequentially through the mold cavity in order to push the perimeter of the molded material in a multi-stage sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a composite material aircraft component comprises a mold having a receiving space adapted to accommodate a plastic material. A heating device is adapted to supply heat to the mold in order to heat the plastic material accommodated within the receiving space of the mold. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of heat pipes, each heat pipe having a first end which is in thermal contact with a heat source and a second end which is in thermal contact with the receiving space of the mold, such that the plastic material accommodated within the receiving space is supplied with heat transferred to the receiving space from the heat source via the plurality of heat pipes.

Abstract: A demolding device detaches a sheet-shaped mold from a molded product. The demolding device includes a molded product holder placed in a location different from a transfer device. The molded product holder is constructed and arranged to hold the molded product while being adhered to a first region of the mold. A detaching roller on which the mold is wound is movably provided above the molded product holder in an extending direction of the mold to roll up and detach the mold from the molded product.

Abstract: Methods for forming discrete deformations in web materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method involves feeding a web into an apparatus having nips that are formed between intermeshing rolls. The apparatus may be in the form of nested or other arrangements of multiple rolls, in which the web is maintained in substantial contact with at least one of the rolls throughout the process, and at least two of the rolls define two or more nips thereon with other rolls. In some embodiments, rolls can be used to expose a different side of the web for a subsequent deformation step. In these or other embodiments, the rolls can be used to transfer the web between rolls in such a manner that it may offset the rolls and/or web so that subsequent deformations are formed at a different cross-machine direction location than prior deformations.

Abstract: A method for making a microstructured tool having interspersed topographies, and for producing articles therefrom, includes modifying a molding tool, by coating a radiation curable resin (430) on the first microstructured surface of the molding tool (490), contacting a second molding tool (480) having a second microstructured surface against the radiation curable resin (430) coated on the first microstructured surface of the first molding tool (490), exposing the radiation curable resin to a patterned (450,451,452) irradiation (440), separating the second molding tool (480) from the partially cured resin, and then removing non-irradiated radiation curable resin (region 432) from the molding tool (490) to provide a modified microstructured surface (region 431) on the molding tool. Articles having discontinuous or different microstructural features are also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention is a roller tool for use in applying adhesive sheet materials to surfaces.

Abstract: A hot-wedge welding device for overlap welding plastic webs, comprising a hot wedge, a pressure device for pressing the plastic webs against the hot wedge which comprises a respective pressure unit associated with one of the hot-wedge flat sides, and further comprising two mutually opposing pressure rollers. The hot wedge is pivotably mounted on a bearing shaft by way of a bearing bushing, which extends between the two hot-wedge flat sides parallel to the hot-wedge front edge at a distance therefrom. The hot wedge is mounted to have defined degrees of freedom with respect to the bearing shaft in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of the bearing bushing, which in addition to the rotational movement of the hot wedge about the transverse axis thereof, also allow a tilting movement of the hot wedge about the longitudinal axis thereof and a vertical displacement of the hot wedge.

Abstract: A jig assembly and method of use are provided for positioning and re-rounding pipes for welding. The jig assembly comprises a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which position and move a coupling onto one pipe then the second pipe for subsequent welding.

Abstract: A second object, which includes a thermoplastic material, is bonded to a first object, which includes a first object material having an at least partially cross-linked polymer not miscible with the thermoplastic material. The method includes the steps of pressing the second object against the first object and coupling energy into the second object until the thermoplastic material is at least partially liquefied and the first object material in a vicinity of an interface to the thermoplastic material is above its glass transition temperature, and until the thermoplastic material is caused to penetrate into at least one of cracks, pores and deformations of the first object material, and letting the thermoplastic material re-solidify.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method employing levels of exposure varied with gray scale or time or both of digitally light projected image of a cross-section of a three-dimensional object on a solidifiable photopolymer build material. The gray scale levels of exposure of projected pixels permits the polymerization boundaries in projected boundary pixels to be controlled to achieve preserved image features in a three-dimensional object and smooth out rough or uneven edges that would otherwise occur using digital light projectors that are limited by the number of pixels in an image projected over the size of the image. Software is used to control intensity parameters applied to pixels to be illuminated in the image projected in the cross-section being exposed in the image plane.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object is a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object with which unit layers are laminated. The method is characterized by including a layer formation step for using a three-dimensional shaping composition that contains a three-dimensional shaping powder composed of a plurality of particles to form a layer having a predetermined thickness A (?m), and an ink discharge step for discharging an ink that contains a binding agent onto the layer and forming the unit layers. The ink discharge step includes discharging two or more different kinds of the ink onto a discharge unit region which is narrower than A2 (?m2) on a surface of the layer where the ink is discharged.

Abstract: A printer uses closed loop control to keep material drops ejected by a printhead within a predetermined range. The printer forms at least two objects on a support member and then operates a specular sensor array to obtain image data of the two objects on the support member. The two objects have different predetermined heights to enable a controller in the printer to identify the mass or volume of the material drops forming the objects to adjust operational parameters of the printer to maintain the mass or volume of the material drops in the predetermined range.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing apparatus is provided. The three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a tank, a movable platform, a light source, a detection module, and a control unit. The tank is filled with a liquid forming material, and the movable platform is movably disposed above the tank. The light source is disposed below the tank and configured to project light on the liquid forming material so as to form a three-dimensional object layer by layer on the movable platform. The detection module is disposed above the tank and includes a signal emitter and a signal receiver. The signal emitter is configured to emit a detection signal. The control unit activates an error-detection mechanism and controls the movable platform to move toward the detection module. The control unit determines whether the three-dimensional object is abnormal based on whether the detection signal is detected by the signal receiver.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for forming 3D object includes a frame structure, a transmission set, an actuator, a swing unit and a controller having a sensor. The feeding apparatus is arranged on a 3D printer equipped with printing mechanism and a filament spool. When the filament is fed into a passageway of the frame structure to push the swing unit, the sensor senses the displacement of swing unit to generate a sensing signal. The controller controls the actuator to drive the transmission set according to the sensing signal, whereby the wire can be smoothly fed into the printing mechanism.

Abstract: An impregnation mandrel for production of a gas turbine casing made from composite material, including: a mandrel having a central wall and two side plates; compaction bars, each including (i) a wedge configured to bear against a fibrous reinforcing part covering angles formed between the central wall and the side plates of the mandrel, and (ii) an attachment flange configured to be attached to the corresponding side plate of the mandrel; a flexible casing forming a vacuum bag and configured to be applied at least against the fibrous reinforcing part covering the central wall of the mandrel; and a mechanism for injecting resin into a space defined between the vacuum bag and the mandrel at one of longitudinal ends of the fibrous reinforcement and for extracting the resin at the opposite end.

Abstract: Exemplary method and system can be implemented and/or used for providing a diffractive configuration in an optical arrangement can be provided. For example, an elastomeric material can be provided with at least one patterned surface. The elastomeric material can be connected with at least one portion of a waveguide arrangement using a pre-polymer adhesive composition. Further, the pre-polymer adhesive composition can be caused to polymerize so as to form the diffractive configuration which at least approximately replicate a structure or at least one feature of an elastomeric mold.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a jacket, an element of the cable interior to the jacket, and first and second powders. The element includes a first surface and a second surface. The cable further includes a third surface interior to the jacket and facing the first surface at a first interface and a fourth surface interior to the jacket and facing the second surface at a second interface. At least one of the third and fourth surfaces is spaced apart from the jacket. The first powder is integrated with at least one of the first and third surfaces at the first interface and the second powder integrated with at least one of the second and fourth surfaces at the second interface. The first interface has greater coupling than the second interface at least in part due to differences in the first and second powders.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a fiber composite component reinforcement section, which bounds a cavity, whereby a supporting core, with an elastic sleeve bounding an interior space, is temporarily positioned in the cavity. The steps include: laying down fibrous material on a base molding tool to form a base element of the fiber composite component, draping fibrous material in a negative mold, arranging the supporting core on an inner surface of the fibrous material in the negative mold, positioning the negative mold fitted with the fibrous material and the supporting core, on the base element to form the reinforcement section, forming a vacuum chamber accommodating the negative mold and the base element by covering with a vacuum film, evacuating the vacuum chamber, and curing the fibrous material, whereby when using a dry fibrous material, a matrix material is injected into the fibrous material after the evacuation.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing an article. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a mold core centrally within mold outer portion to form an annular mold cavity between the mold outer portion and the mold core, the core including an outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article, the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. Such methods also include heating the mold outer ring, cooling the core outer ring subsequent to the step of heating, whereby the core outer ring contracts relative to the article, and removing the article from the core outer ring.

Abstract: A method for precisely controlling the volume of a product such as a tire tread or tire that is placed into a mold is provided. This method includes providing a tread or tire that is built upon a portable mold core by laying a series of layers on the portable mold core. The outer diameter of the tire tread or tire is initially built to be purposely smaller than the interior surfaces of the mold in order to prevent any interference from occurring between the mold and the tire tread once the tire tread and core are placed within the mold and the mold is closed. The weight of the tire tread or tire is measured to see if the volume of the tire tread or tire is within acceptable parameters to fit within the mold. If not, additional material is added to the tire or tire tread.

Abstract: Molding element of a mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread, this tread having a tread surface intended to come into contact with the ground when the said tire is rolling. The molding element having a molding surface intended to mold part of the tire tread surface and a blade intended to mold a sipe or a groove in the tread. Indeed, the molding element has two cutting means positioned on either side of the blade at a certain distance from this blade, these cutting means having a plurality of pins.

Abstract: On a building drum, anchoring structures to beads, carcass plies, a belt structure and/or other annular composite components are sequentially assembled with a liner, sidewalls, sidewall inserts, under-belt inserts or other annular elastomer components. Each of the sidewall inserts, sidewalls, or under-belt inserts is made as a one piece construction in a service station operating far away from the building drum for storage on a movable storing device. Actuating members operating on the movable storing device carry the annular elastomer components from the service station to the building drum. A transfer member picks up the annular elastomer components from the movable storing device to transfer them to the building drum.