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 autonomous mobile robot includes a robot body, a drive system, a sensor system, and a controller. The drive system supports the robot body and maneuvers the robot over a floor surface. The sensor system includes an inertial measurement unit for measuring a pose of the robot and issues a sensor signal including data having information regarding a pose of the robot. The controller communicates with the drive and sensor systems and executes a behavior system. The behavior system receives the sensor signal from the sensor system and executes a behavior. The behavior system executes an anti-stasis behavior in response to sensor signals indicating that the robot is constrained to evaluate a state of constraint. In addition, the behavior system executes an anti-tilt behavior in response to sensor signals indicating that the robot is tilted with respect to a direction of gravity to evaluate a state of tilt.

Abstract: A position detection device for a horizontal articulated robot includes a camera for imaging the robot or a work as an imaging object, a control section for calculating a location of the imaging object from an image, an acquisition section (I/O) for obtaining the drive amounts of first and second electric motors of the robot, and a storage section for storing the calculated location of the imaging object and the drive amounts so as to correspond to each other. A common trigger signal for detecting the location of the imaging object is input to the camera and the I/O. The camera starts to image the imaging object in response to the input of the trigger signal. The I/O starts to obtain the drive amounts in response to the input of the trigger signal.

Abstract: Robotic systems and methods are provided for tending, manipulating, engaging, acting upon, observing and/or monitoring objects and conditions in a defined volume or space (“work space”) in or overlying a target area. The robotic system includes a mobile robot supported by or suspended from suspension cables secured to spaced apart anchor locations.

Abstract: Conveying systems for transporting sealed containers, such as boxes, may be provided with one or more delta robots configured to cut one or more adhesive tapes or other layers provided on the sealed containers. The delta robots may include one or more blades or other cutting implements on end effectors, which may be repositioned by the delta robots in response to instructions. Such instructions may be generated based on images or imaging data captured from the sealed containers, which may be analyzed to recognize features, locations and orientations of the adhesive tapes or other layers applied across faces, seams or edges of the sealed containers. Using such robots, the sealed containers may be partially or completely opened prior to reaching one or more workers, who may quickly and efficiently access the internal contents of such containers with limited effort.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing precise robotic operations without the need for special or task-specific components utilize, in one implementation, a spatial adjustment system, physically separate from the robotic manipulator, supports the target workpiece and works in concert with the robotic manipulator to perform tasks with high spatial precision.

Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for measuring the distance between a robot blade and at least one measurement target are provided. A method for measuring the distance includes emitting a signal to the measurement target by a signal source assembly. The method also includes receiving the signal reflected from the measurement target by a signal reception assembly. The method further includes determining the distance between the robot blade and the measurement target. The distance is determined based on the time difference between the emission of the signal from the signal source assembly and the receipt of the signal by the signal reception assembly.

Abstract: An example suction gripper is disclosed that includes a contacting pillow including a plurality of particles inside a non-rigid membrane that allow the contacting pillow to conform to a shape of an object when the contacting pillow is pressed against the object, a plurality of suction cups arranged on the non-rigid membrane of the contacting pillow, and a vacuum system coupled to the contacting pillow and to the plurality of suction cups. The vacuum system may be configured to apply suction to the object through at least one of the plurality of suction cups that is in contact with the object when the contacting pillow is pressed against the object and increase stiffness of the contacting pillow by removing air between the plurality of particles inside the non-rigid membrane of the contacting pillow.

Abstract: A surface area vacuum gripper for sucking and handling workpieces, comprising a housing, in which a negative pressure vacuum chamber is provided that can be subjected to negative pressure and wherein the housing includes suction openings on the suction side, facing the workpiece. An insertion element is provided in the housing, which reduces the free inner space of the housing and includes vacuum channels fed by a vacuum generator. The insertion element can be equipped with a plurality of optional functions.

Abstract: A transport device that can transport stacked articles to be transported without changing a device configuration and can correct and prevent a displacement of the stacked articles to be transported with a simple device configuration. A chucking device is provided to hold trays in a stacked state. The chucking device is provided with an overhead carriage for transporting the trays held by the chucking device. The chucking device includes a holding unit that holds the trays and sensors that detect the trays held by the holding unit. The holding unit is configured such that the holding operation of the holding unit on the trays is controlled based on detection of the sensors, and correct and prevent a displacement of the stacked trays.

Abstract: A transport device that allows transport containers varying in shape or size to be transported without changing a device configuration, and can prevent works in a transport container from popping out of the transport container with a simple device configuration. An overhead carriage includes a chucking device that holds a magazine accommodating works. The overhead carriage transports the magazine held by the chucking device. The chucking device includes a holding unit that holds the magazine and a sensor that detects the magazine held by the holding unit. The holding unit is controlled based on the detection of the sensor to hold the magazine so that the holding unit prevents works stored in the magazine from popping out.

Abstract: The manipulator comprises a supporting device (11) having an assembly (13) rotatable about a vertical axis and an articulated parallelogram (21) with a swing arm (24). A pneumatic linear actuator (22), acts between the rotatable assembly (13) and the articulated parallelogram (21), for causing the arm (24) to rotate about a horizontal axis of oscillation. A slide (23) is connected to the actuator (22) and slidably mounted on the rotatable assembly (13) by means of a first vertical guide (30). The slide has a second horizontal guide (31) in which is engaged an element (32, 33) mounted on the swing arm (24).

Abstract: A protective casing of a gripper for industrial automation is described, having two or more jaws, which makes the gripper also usable in clean-room. The casing comprises a base fixable to an outer actuator, for example a robotic arm, and a dome. The dome and the base are air tightly constrainable one to another and they together define a chamber for housing the gripper. The dome is provided with through slots at the jaws of the gripper; the edges of the through slots air tightly adhere to the corresponding jaw. At least the portion of the dome at the through slots is elastically deformable to follow the movements of the jaws. Preferably, the dome and the base are coupled and flush in order to limit or prevent particles or dust from building up between interstices.

Abstract: A cutter assembly has a blade holder, a slider, an automatic locking device, a screw locking device and a blade. The blade holder has a guiding channel defined in the blade holder and having two inner edges. Multiple engaging teeth are arranged in a line along at least one of the inner edges. The slider is mounted slidably on the blade holder relative to the guiding channel. The automatic locking device is mounted on the slider and has a resilient member selectively engaging at least one of the engaging teeth. The screw locking device is mounted on the slider and has a relative travel distance between the screw locking device and the slider. The blade is mounted slidably in the blade holder and connected to the slider.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pliers, in particular a center cutter, having two pliers limbs (6, 7) arranged to cross in a joint which forms a pivot axis (8), the two pliers limbs (6, 7) forming, on one side of the joint, interacting working regions (2, 3) that have free ends (15, 16), and the pliers limbs having gripping limbs (10, 11) on the other side of the joint. In order to improve a pliers of the kind specified at the beginning in such a way that an advantageous design structure is achieved for the greatest possible force transmission ratio, it is proposed that one of the pliers limbs (6) is formed in the shape of a U on the joint side and that the pivot axis (8) passes through the U-limb (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric shaver having a housing pivotably connected to a shaving head, where the shaving head can be locked at several predetermined positions.

Abstract: A shaving razor having integrally formed blade guards. A generally monolithic body is formed from a suitable material such as thermoplastic to define blade channels for a plurality of blades, 1 blade retained in each channel the cutting edges of which define a cutting plane. A plurality of blade guards is formed as part of the body such that the shaving plane passes through the blade guards with one blade guard forward of each blade in the cutting direction. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slicing apparatus for food products, in particular to a high-performance slicer, having at least one belt conveyor which is configured as a removable conveyor belt unit.

Abstract: A blade mount is attached or detached without bolts to save the time for the attaching and the detaching. Consequently, the operation efficiency of the rotary die cutter is enhanced, which is intended to achieve. Two fixing rings are freely fitted to a knife cylinder and the driving unit rotates the screw axis to move moving mounts. Thereby, yoke plates disposed on the moving mounts move the fixing rings to the end portion of a blade mount, and then an activated unit activates fixing units to fix the fixing rings to the outer circumference face of the knife cylinder, so that the blade mount is fixed. After the fixing rings are fixed, the yoke plates are separated from the fixing rings, so that abrasion of the yoke plates can be avoided.

Abstract: A machine tool system comprises at least one machine tool separating device, which has at least one cutting strand and at least one guide unit for guiding the cutting strand, which together form a self-contained system, and at least one portable machine tool, which comprises a machine tool housing and at least one coupling device for coupling the machine tool separating device. The portable machine tool comprises at least one pad unit to be placed on a workpiece, wherein the pad unit and the machine tool housing are mounted such that they can be moved relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire saw having a saw wire drive sheave (2) for driving an endless saw wire, a motor having a motor output shaft directly or indirectly connected to the drive sheave (2) characterized in a at least one torsion suspension device (27), between the motor output shaft and the drive sheave (2), for dampening or absorbing torsion jerk/s to or from the endless saw wire (1).

Abstract: A coolant supply device attached to an electric drilling tool is configured to supply a coolant to a drilling portion at a distal end of a drill. The coolant supply device includes: a first flange member and a second flange member provided axially on a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft sharing a same axis with the drill, the first flange member being positioned at the drill side, the second flange member being positioned such that the second flange member is more distant from the drill than the first flange member; space formed between the flange members, into which a coolant is injected; a coolant supply passage formed between the first flange member and the drill and guiding the coolant in the space to the drill; and a coolant push-out mechanism configured to push the coolant out of the space toward the coolant supply passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for blocking a cooling water channel in a mold, which includes a bolt with a threaded-shank and a head, a base with a threaded-hole for thread-fastening the thread-shank, and an elastic ring, an elastic ring-fixing member, a pressing ring, an expansion ring, and a seat member which are disposed between the bolt and the base from the base to the bolt. The elastic ring-fixing member has an elastic ring seat holding the inner side of the elastic ring, the inner side of the elastic ring is fitted in the elastic ring seat, a body is made by insert-molding nylon to protect the base with the threaded-hole and composed of an upper cylindrical portion, a lower cylindrical portion larger in outer diameter than the upper cylindrical portion, and a step formed at the joint of the upper and lower cylindrical portions.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a cylindrical nanoimprinting mold such that the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical aluminum substrate is uniformly polished, and it is possible to effectively take advantage of the outer peripheral surface. The method forms an oxide film at the outer peripheral surface (14) of an aluminum substrate (10) after polishing the entire outer peripheral surface (14) of the cylindrical aluminum substrate (10) by means of a polishing body (26), wherein the polishing body (26) is moved in the axial direction to polish in a manner such that at least a portion of the polishing body (26) is protruding beyond the first end (10a) side and second end (10b) side of the aluminum substrate (10), and the portion of the polishing body (26) protruding beyond the aluminum substrate (10) is disposed on and supported by a cylindrical first support member (18); and second support member (20).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for curing a composite laminate. The apparatus comprising an electromagnetic radiation source creating electromagnetic microwave energy in an enclosed volume and a heating source for providing a convective airflow in the enclosed volume. A composite laminate assembly comprising a composite laminate is placed in the enclosed volume, wherein the composite laminate of the composite laminate assembly is cured by both the electromagnetic microwave energy created by the electromagnetic radiation source, and the convective airflow provided by the heating source. A vacuum bag may be placed over the composite laminate assembly. A source may be activated such that a vacuum within the vacuum bag is created according to design specifications.

Abstract: A rotary molding system for molding food products, mold cavities formed when a mold shell rotates mold shapes disposed along the mold shell into a fill position between a fill plate and a wear plate. Molded food products are removed from mold cavities using knock-out cups, the use of air pressure, or the use of a vacuum source disposed below the mold cavity, without the need to slow the rotation of the mold shell. Knock-out cups may be used with a heating system to reduce accumulation of unwanted materials on the knock-out cups. The rotary molding system can also be used to form products with contoured surfaces. A smart tagging system can be used to ensure that compatible sets of mold shells and knock out cups are being used. A vacuum region may be disposed upstream of the fill position to remove air within the mold cavity prior to filling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward transparent films prepared from soluble aromatic copolyamides with glass transition temperatures greater than 300 C. The copolyamides, which contain pendant carboxylic groups are solution cast into films using N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP), or other polar solvents. The films are thermally cured at temperatures near the copolymer glass transition temperature. After curing, the polymer films display transmittances >80% from 400 to 750 nm, have coefficients of thermal expansion of less than 20 ppm, and are solvent resistant. The films are useful as flexible substrates for microelectronic devices.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a substrate with an array of curvilinear cavities. The substrate of the microfluidic device is preferably fabricated of a polymer such as polydimethylsiloxane. The microfluidic device is manufactured using a gas expansion molding technique.

Abstract: A powder press has a die plate that supports at least one die, at least one upper press tool at an upper tool carrier, at least one lower press tool at a lower tool carrier, at least one upper linear drive acting on the upper tool carrier, at least one lower linear drive acting on the lower tool carrier or on the die plate, possibly a further linear drive acting on a transverse tool carrier, and a force measuring apparatus. The force measuring apparatus measures forces acting on the upper, lower and/or transverse tool carrier. Each linear drive may be at least two linear drives engaging eccentrically at the upper or lower tool carrier, respectively. The parallel spaced linear drives act together on a force transferring element, and the force transferring element acts on a tool carrier via spaced piezoelectric sensors.

Abstract: An element molded from a particle foam, including for example expanded polypropylene foam, includes at least one visible exterior surface defined by the particle foam. The visible exterior surface is textured having a roughness depth of less than or equal to 1.00 mm and a plurality of vent interfaces each having a maximum width of less than or equal to 0.4 mm. Methods of molding the element, together with a mold and a method of making the mold, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminated body of structural thermoplastic foam, the method comprising the step of successively extruding a plurality of foam layers from an extrusion die, each next layer being extruded onto a previously extruded layer, to form a stack of mutually bonded layers.

Abstract: A resin molding is provided. A main body is comprised of 100 parts by weight of thermoplastic resin and 0.1 to 4 parts by weight of bright material having the aspect ratio of 30 to 50. A main body has a design surface formed with a groove. The lower limit of the depth of the groove is set to 0.3 mm and the upper limit of the depth of the groove is set to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing an aluminum-resin complex in which an aluminum alloy and a resin composition are integrated with each other. More particularly, the present invention is relates to a method of preparing an aluminum-resin complex having improved bonding strength by preparing an aluminum alloy having a more uniform etching surface using an alkaline aqueous solution to which a chelating agent and a cycloamine are added and an acidic aqueous solution to which a chelating agent is added and injection-molding a resin composition using the aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A first sealing member and a second sealing member are disposed respectively on a lower mold and an upper mold. During a process of closing the lower mold and the upper mold, a gap between the molds is sealed by the first sealing member, thereby forming an enclosed space between the molds. Thereafter, a gas in the enclosed space is discharged. As the closing process progresses, the enclosed space is divided by the second sealing member into a sealed room and a production cavity, followed by a liquid resin being supplied to the production cavity.

Abstract: A connector with a biocompatible fluid passageway to be used as a column filter retainer and the method for manufacturing it is described. The connector has a reinforcement insert and a biocompatible molding covering portions of the reinforcement insert. The reinforcement insert has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions have threaded sections and each have a plurality of non-threaded sections. For a given portion, the junction of the non-threaded sections forms a lip by which to prevent the molded material from flowing into the threaded sections. In certain embodiments, an interior web is used in the reinforcement insert to provide additional structural support.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring an apparatus for temperature control media supply of a tool of an injection molding machine, the apparatus for temperature control media supply has a feed and a return, between which at least one temperature control conduit is arranged, wherein at least one through-flow sensor is arranged. At least one pressure drop is measured in the at least one temperature control conduit. At least one hydraulic resistance and/or at least one resistance change in the at least one temperature control conduit is calculated on the basis of at least one volume flow measured with the at least one through-flow sensor and on the basis of the at least one measured pressure drop, and the at least one hydraulic resistance and/or the at least one resistance change is visually represented.

Abstract: A process for producing and assembling a medical operations syringe (20) comprising in the order the operations of extruding plastic material in order to obtain an intermediate tubular element (1) made of plastic material at least partially at molten state, performing on the intermediate tubular element (1) a blow molding in order to obtain at least a hollow body (2), inserting firmly and at least partially a thrust piston (3) into the hollow body (2) immediately after the blow molding operation.

Abstract: A thin film mirror, comprising: a mirror shell (605); a reflective film (601) stretched between forming structures (603) provided on said mirror shell and reflective film being arranged such that they form a chamber which is capable of being placed under at least partial vacuum; the mirror shell having an inner surface which forms an inner wail of said chamber, wherein the mirror shell is a moulded part where its inner surface is a controlled surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for retrofitting a thermoforming trim removal system to utilize a perforated collection bag to collect waste instead of a rigid collection bin. The perforated collection bag can be made of inexpensive, disposable polymeric materials, including those that can be recycled in the same waste stream as the waste, thereby permitting full bags to be discarded without first emptying their waste contents.

Abstract: A tool for forming a container from a blank. The container can include a flange. The tool has a first tool assembly, and a second tool assembly. At least one of the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly can be moveable between an open position, wherein the blank is received between the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly, and a closed position wherein the blank is formed into the container. At least one of the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly has flange forming features for forming the flange of the container whereby a first portion of the flange is folded with respect to a second portion of the flange.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for uniformly expanding and heat setting medical devices. One method can include expanding a medical device by advancing the medical device over a preheated expander, the medical device being uniformly expanded as the medical device is advanced over the preheated expander; and heat setting the expanded medical device while the medical device is positioned over the expander, the preheated expander being maintained at a predetermined heat-setting temperature. The preheated expander can be positioned within a thermal chamber that maintains the preheated expander at the predetermined heat-setting temperature. The medical device can be physically separated from the preheated expander when the medical device is positioned over the expander and can be comprised of a shape-memory material. The preheated expander can remain heated during the expansion and heat setting of a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: Conventional ion rechargeable batteries having an electrode layer on an electrolyte layer suffer from an impurity layer formed at the interface, degrading performance. Conventional batteries with no such impurity layer have a problem of weak interface bonding. In the present invention, in a baking process step after an electrode layer is laminated on an electrolyte layer, materials for an electrode layer and an electrolyte layer are selected such that an intermediate layer formed of a reaction product contributing to charging and discharging reactions is formed at the interface of the electrode layer and the electrolyte layer. In addition, a paste that an active material is mixed with a conductive material at a predetermined mixing ratio is used to form a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer. Reductions in electrode resistance and interface resistance and improvement of charging and discharging cycle characteristics are made possible.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool having a drivable pin, which is rotatable around an axis, a shoulder element, a first shoulder and at least one spring. The pin includes a cylindrical engagement section that has a circumferential surface that engages a workpiece. The shoulder element includes a contact surface extending transversely to the axis for engagement with the workpiece. The shoulder element includes a friction block connected in a non-rotatable manner to the pin, on which a first friction surface is formed extending around the axis. The first shoulder part includes a second friction surface connected thereto in a non-rotatable manner, extending around the axis. The first and second friction surfaces face one another. The at least one spring biases the first friction surface against the second friction surface. The contact surface is formed on the first shoulder part.

Abstract: Since concrete materials do not cure quick enough when prototyping methods are used, so that a lower layer (2a) is already completely cured when the next layer (2b) is applied, a support material (4) is applied about the formed element (100) that is being built up in order to compensate for the lack of pressure resistance of the lower layer (2a), wherein the support material preferably has the same specific weight as the material (3) of the formed element (100). Thus, 3D-printing as well as selective curing are facilitated as build up methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid radiation curable resin capable of curing into a solid upon irradiation comprising: (A) from about 0 to about 12 wt % of a cycloaliphatic epoxide having a linking ester group; (B) from about 30 to about 65 wt % of one or more epoxy functional components other than A; (C) from about 10 to about 30 wt % of one or more oxetanes; (D) from, about 1 to about 10 wt % of one or more polyols; (E) from about 2 to about 20 wt % of one or more radically curable (meth) acrylate components; (F) from about 2 to about 12 wt % of one or more impact modifiers; (G) from about 0.1 to about 8 wt % of one or more free radical photoinitiators; and (H) from about 0.1 to about 8 wt % of one or more cationic photoinitiators; wherein the liquid radiation curable resin has a viscosity at 30° C. of from about 600 cps to about 1300 cps.

Abstract: The invention is a stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a container (2) suited to contain a fluid substance (3) suited to solidify through exposure to predefined radiation (4a); means (4) suited to emit the predefined radiation (4a) and to solidify a layer of the fluid substance (3) having a predefined thickness and arranged adjacent to the bottom (2a) of the container (2); a modelling plate (5) suited to support the solidified layer (6); actuator means (7) suited to move the modelling plate (5) according to a direction perpendicular to the bottom (2a) of the container (2); levelling means (8) arranged in contact with the fluid substance (3), associated with power means suited to move them with respect to the container (2) so as to redistribute the fluid substance (3) in the container (2).

Abstract: A powder shaping method comprises: providing a powder on a target surface; providing a laser beam to illuminate the powder so as to form a pre-treated powder; and providing an energy beam to illuminate the pre-treated powder for enabling a shaping process. In addition, a powder shaping apparatus comprises a base, a target surface, a powder supply unit and an energy beam source system. The target surface is disposed on the base and can be fixed or moved on the base. The powder supply unit provides a powder on the target surface. The energy beam source system has a laser source and an energy source, the laser source provides a laser beam to illuminate the powder to form a pre-treated powder, and the energy source provides an energy beam to further illuminate the pre-treated powder to make a shaping process.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for controlling printability of a 3D model. The method comprises modifying a 3D model according to a plurality of transformation details, wherein the transformation details modify the 3D model so as to break one or more printability rules, and wherein modifying does not alter an appearance of the 3D model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for printing a 3D object on a three-dimensional (3D) printer are described. The methods semi-automatically or automatically delineate an item in an image, receive a 3D model of the item, matches said item to said 3D model, and send the matched 3D model to a 3D printer.