Abstract: A method of fabricating a polishing layer of a polishing pad includes determining a desired distribution of particles to be embedded within a polymer matrix of the polishing layer. A plurality of layers of the polymer matrix is successively deposited with a 3D printer, each layer of the plurality of layers of polymer matrix being deposited by ejecting a polymer matrix precursor from a nozzle. A plurality of layers of the particles is successively deposited according to the desired distribution with the 3D printer. The polymer matrix precursor is solidified into a polymer matrix having the particles embedded in the desired distribution.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus includes a pair of first and second clamp arms supported rotatably on a body. The clamp apparatus also includes a manual release mechanism capable of manually releasing a clamped state in the case that an output from a drive unit to the first and second clamp arms is stopped and the clamped state of a workpiece is locked. The manual release mechanism includes a release lever disposed rotatably on a first plate body. By an operator operating the release lever to thereby rotate the release lever, a block body of a driving force transmission mechanism is pressed and moved upwardly, and pressing forces applied to the first and second clamp arms in widthwise outside directions thereof by a pair of rollers, are released. Consequently, gripping members of the first and second clamp arms are rotated in directions away from each other to thereby cause an unclamped state.

Abstract: A ratchet tool with stacked switching device includes a handle, two stacked engaging assemblies, two springs, a toothed wheel, and a control unit. Each of the engaging assemblies includes stacked first and second engaging members. The engaging portions of the first and second engaging members are staggered. Since the toothed wheel selectively engages with the engaging portions of the first and second engaging members, the number of teeth of the toothed wheel to be engaged with the two engaging assemblies is the sum of the number of teeth of the engaging portions of the first and second engaging members, thus enhancing the fineness of the rotation of the toothed wheel, and improving the easiness and applicability of the ratchet tool, without impacting the structural strength.

Abstract: A dual positionable adaptor for a fastener driver assembly employs a guide assembly mounted to a guide head which has an entry surface for a fastener. The arms each define a pair of reference engagement edges which engage either an upper horizontal member or a lower horizontal member and together with the entry surface defines a proper entry location and angle for connecting a vertical stud to either an upper plate or a lower plate. In one embodiment, the dual positionable adaptor may employ a pair of pivoting arms which defines one of two pivot positions for a guide assembly. Arms of the guide assembly each have a first reference engagement edge and a second reference engagement edge. In a first guide position, the adaptor provides an optimal position and entry angle for connecting a top plate to a lateral blocking. In a second position, the adaptor provides an optimal position and entry angle for driving a fastener through a lower plate into a lateral blocking.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool is provided that includes a housing assembly, an output spindle, and a motor endbell. The housing assembly supports an electric motor having a rotor configured to rotate when the electric motor is supplied with power. The output spindle protrudes from an output end of the housing assembly, and is functionally coupled to the rotor such that the output spindle rotates in response to a rotation of the rotor. The motor endbell is located on the housing assembly adjacent the electric motor and opposite the output spindle. An illustrative controller is operable to determine phases of a fastening operation in which the hand-held power tool is operating. The phases of the fastening operation of the hand-held power tool include two phases including: (1) a continuous run phase and (2) an impacting phase.

Abstract: A torque-limiting device which may include a shaft extending axially through a clutch assembly and a spring to connect to a nut. The upper and lower shanks may be under a force from the spring and further configured to selectively engage within a predetermined torque limit and disengage at above the predetermined torque limit. Accordingly, the shaft may receive torque up to the predetermined limit as provided by a user operating a handle of the torque-limiting device. The torque-limiting device may be disposable, reusable, economical, and have high torque capabilities.

Abstract: A disposable ratcheting device and method is disclosed, which may include a shaft extending axially through at least a shank. The shank also provides a cup or chamber wherein a series of drive bodies reside in a movable fashion. The shank is placed in a body having an inner wall with teeth formed radially, The drive bodies have toes protruding beyond the shank and which, in a locked direction, engage the teeth inside the body.

Abstract: A valve support for use with a valve in a combustion driven fastener hand tool, the valve being formed by a flexible disc affixed to a central shaft having a circumferential edge resting against an anular valve seat affixed to a wall of a combustion chamber with the valve in a closed position is disclosed. The valve support comprises a plate affixed to the central shaft and against the flexible disc, the plate having one or more ports therethrough. In a closed position, the flexible disc has a circumferential edge resting against an anular valve seat affixed to a wall of a combustion chamber but also a central portion of the flexible disc is proximate or contacting a central portion of the support plate on the same side of the disc as the annular valve seat. Various port configuration are possible.

Abstract: A multi-purpose handheld tool apparatus for emergency and rescue personnel. The apparatus, incorporates a handle operatively coupled to a hatchet head portion and a saw blade hingeably coupled to an end of the handle opposite the hatchet head portion. The saw blade is able to move between a recessed inoperative position at least partially received with the slot or cavity of the handle to an operative deployed position. The inventors have determined that apparatus provided herein is able to receive commercial saw blades designed for a variety of reciprocating saws. Additionally, by way of example, the inventors have determined that apparatus provided herein can permit the user to be effective in a variety of emergency and rescue operations with both ease and efficiency utilizing multiple tool application embodiments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding tool assembly comprising a top tool having a head and a base with an annular surface, a center tool having a head and a base, and a bottom tool having a head and a base with an annular surface. The bases of the tools may be rotatable along a common axis within a housing relative to one another. An elongated pushbutton with cutouts may selectively align with the annual surfaces of the top and bottom tools wherein the pushbutton body may be spring loaded within the housing. Each of the tools may be placed in a closed locked position and an open locked position relative to the other tools. The top tool and bottom tool may be rotatably attached to a shaft aligned along the common axis.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a further rational technique in the arrangement structure of members of a power tool which is configured to be capable of detecting behavior during operation. A representative power tool has a body 101 that has a driving mechanism housing region 101a for housing a driving mechanism 120 and a controller housing region 101b for housing a controller 140, a first sensor 171 for detecting behavior of the body 101 and a second sensor 172 for detecting behavior of the body 101. The first sensor 171 and the second sensor 172 are arranged in the driving mechanism housing region 101a and the controller housing region 101b, respectively.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool is provided that includes a housing assembly to support a motor. An output spindle protrudes from an output end of the housing assembly such that the output spindle rotates in response to a rotation of the motor. A user interface is located at the housing assembly opposite the output spindle. The user interface is configured to select one of a plurality of modes of operation of the hand-held power tool to regulate power supplied to the motor.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool is provided that includes a motive source, a user interface, and one or more sensors. The motive source includes a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to support electrical components of the motive source. The user interface is movable between a plurality of mode positions to select one of a plurality of operational modes of the motive source. And one or more sensors are mounted on the PCB and are configured to detect the plurality of mode positions of the user interface.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool is provided that includes a housing, a motive source, a front endbell, an output shaft, a front housing, and a gear set assembly. The output shaft protrudes from an output end at the front endbell of the housing. The output shaft is also functionally coupled to the motive source such that the output shaft rotates in response to activation of the motive source when the motive source is supplied with power. The gear set assembly is located in an interior space of the front housing, and is configured to transfer rotation from the motive source to an output spindle. The gear set assembly also includes a ring gear that surrounds a portion of the output shaft and abuts the front endbell of the housing. A set of piloting features is provided that is configured to prevent movement of the ring gear relative to the motive source and the front housing, or the front housing relative to the housing.

Abstract: A power tool is provided that, in one version, includes a front housing that supports an output drive, and a back cap located opposite the front housing. The back cap receives at least one fastener of the plurality of fasteners. A motor housing supports a motor and is located between the front housing and the back cap. The motor includes a rotor that is configured to rotate about a motor axis to drive rotation of the output drive. The fastener is disposed through the back cap, and secures to the front housing coupling the front housing, the motor housing, and the back cap together.

Abstract: A connection device for a hexagonal wrench and includes a first part and a second part. The first part has an insertion section through which multiple hexagonal first recesses are defined, and an operation portion formed on one end thereof. The operation portion has multiple second hexagonal second recesses. The second part has a reception hole in which the insertion section is inserted and is positioned relative to the second part. The second part has an opening and the first recesses are exposed. The second part has another operation portion on one end thereof. The operation portion has multiple third hexagonal recesses. The first, second and third hexagonal recesses have different sizes and are Metric system and English system.

Abstract: A multi-driver tool may include a handle, a shaft removably attached to the handle, and a plurality of heads removably attached to the shaft. The handle may include an internal cavity, and the shaft may be positioned partially within the internal cavity when the shaft is attached to the handle. One of the heads may be attached to the shaft and positioned entirely outside of the handle when the shaft is attached to the handle, and one or more of the heads may be attached to the shaft and positioned entirely within the internal cavity when the shaft is attached to the handle.

Abstract: A tool includes a main rod including a front end with a receptacle having an opening. The receptacle further includes a coupling section, a receiving section, and a shoulder between the coupling section and the receiving section. A work rod includes first and second work sections respectively having first and second work ends of different sizes. An insertion section between the first and second work sections includes first and second stop faces. One of the first and second work sections of the work rod is selectively inserted into the receiving section of the receptacle and is positioned by a positioning device. The insertion section is received in the coupling section. The other of the first and second work sections is exposed. One of the first and second stop faces abuts the shoulder of the receptacle to form a path for a force transmitted in an axial direction.

Abstract: A guide for a fastener hand tool is disclosed including a truck having slidable engagement with a track affixed to the fastener hand tool. The slidable engagement comprises mated interlocking geometries between the truck and the track. A clamping mechanism is disposed on the truck for temporarily clamping opposing sides of the truck to the track at a desired position along the track and a contact piece having a non-marring, wear resistant surface is affixed to the truck. The contact piece is disposed for referencing against a guiding edge for a workpiece relative to the fastener delivery point. The truck can comprise a symmetrical shape such that the truck can be alternately engaged to the track with the clamping mechanism on a left side of the fastener hand tool or with the clamping mechanism on a right side of the fastener hand tool.

Abstract: A collapsible mobile bench has a work surface that has opposed ends and a middle section. The opposed ends are wider than the middle section. The middle section is adapted to receive a tool. The work surface is adjustable between collapsed and raised positions, with the work surface being positionable at infinite positions between the collapsed and raised positions. A set of wheels are mounted to the work surface for transportation of the work bench. The work surface can be used as a work bench or a tool support and collapsed for transport and raised to a desired height for use.

Abstract: A tool holder is provided, including a main body, a back cover and a handle. The main body has two side faces opposite to each other. An end of the main body is a first end, and the second end of the main body is a second end. The first end is formed with a hanging portion. The back cover is pivoted to the second end, and the back cover is closable or expendable relative to the main body to make an inner surface thereof selectively cover or uncover one side face of the main body. The handle is disposed on the hanging portion, and one said side face of the main body is recessively formed with a receiving space. The handle is selectively expendable or closable to be arranged in the receiving space.

Abstract: An object retrieval device and associated methods of operation and manufacture are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the object retrieval device comprises a grasping member having one or more elongated members integrally formed therein. The grasping member can be coupled to an elongated support member. In turn, the elongated support member can support an elongated actuator allowing actuation of the grasping member.

Abstract: Methods and systems for allocating tasks to robotic devices are provided. An example method includes receiving information associated with task logs for a plurality of robotic devices and in a computing system configured to access a processor and memory, determining information associated with a health level for the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with the task logs. A health level for a given robotic device may be proportional to a current level of ability to perform a function, which may change over a lifespan of the given robotic device. Information associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed by one or more or the robotic devices may also be determined. The computing system may optimize an allocation of the plurality of tasks such that a high precision task may be allocated to a robotic device having a greater current health level than another robotic device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling movement of a continuum robot that includes a plurality of independently controlled segments along the length of the continuum robot. The continuum robot is inserted into a cavity of unknown dimensions or shape. A plurality of forces acting upon the continuum robot by the surrounding cavity are estimated. A positioning command indicating a desired movement of the distal end of the continuum robot is received from a manipulator control. The desired movement is augmented based, at least in part, on the estimated plurality of forces acting on the continuum robot such that movement is restricted to within safe boundaries of the surrounding cavity. The positioning of the continuum robot is then adjusted based on the augmented desired movement.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus that controls a robot including a manipulator, a force detector provided in the manipulator, and an actuator that drives the manipulator based on a target position, includes a display control unit that displays a motion position of the manipulator derived based on a target force and an output of the force detector and the target position on a screen.

Abstract: A method for operating and/or monitoring a machine, in particular, a multiple axis robot, includes determining whether an outer border of a first spatial area and an outer border of a second spatial area intersect each other, and detecting a penetration of the first spatial area by the second spatial area, in the event that the two outer borders intersect each other, wherein one of the two spatial areas is machine-fixed.

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

Abstract: A robot includes an arm that has a plurality of arm members, a drive unit driving the plurality of arm members, and a grasp unit; and a force detector. The robot sequentially performs a contact operation in which a fitting member grasped by the grasp unit is moved in a predetermined contact direction and is brought into contact with a to-be-fitted member, a posture change operation in which a posture of the fitting member is changed to a fitting posture, and a fitting operation in which the fitting member in the fitting posture is moved in a searching direction and the fitting member is fitted into the to-be-fitted member in a fitting direction. The contact direction, the searching direction, and the fitting direction are directions different from one another.

Abstract: A robot includes: a local coordinate system deriving portion which derives a local coordinate system having two shafts which are parallel to a work plane and orthogonal to each other, based on an image in which markers illustrating three or more points on the work plane which is not horizontal are captured; and a control parameter obtaining portion which obtains control parameters via the local coordinate system.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving position data indicative of position of a demonstration tool. Based on the received position data, the method further includes determining a motion path of the demonstration tool, wherein the motion path comprises a sequence of positions of the demonstration tool. The method additionally includes determining a replication control path for a robotic device, where the replication control path includes one or more robot movements that cause the robotic device to move a robot tool through a motion path that corresponds to the motion path of the demonstration tool. The method also includes providing for display of a visual simulation of the one or more robot movements within the replication control path.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile robot (10) is provided to effectively cover a given area by operating in a plurality of modes, including an obstacle following mode (51) and a random bounce mode (49). In other embodiments, spot coverage, such as spiraling (45), or other modes are also used to increase effectiveness. In addition, a behavior based architecture is used to implement the control system, and various escape behaviors are used to ensure full coverage.

Abstract: Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.

Abstract: A robot controller, by which an operator can visually or intuitively understand the direction and/or magnitude of an actual force applied to an arbitrary portion of a workpiece. The controller controls a motion of a robot so that one of a work tool and a workpiece is moved relative to the other, and carries out a predetermined operation. The controller has a force detecting part which detects a force acting between the work tool and the workpiece; and a displaying part which displays a simulated image or video of the robot. The displaying part displays a trajectory of working points on the workpiece, and the force detecting part detects the force applied to each working point when the work tool passes through the working point. The displaying part displays the detected force as a line segment, etc., extending from the working point or a point near the working point.

Abstract: A pipe gripping assembly to selectively engage and disengage a pipe segment includes first and second jaws configured to clamp together around the pipe segment, at least one splined shaft fixedly housed in each of the first and second jaws; and at least one self-aligning piston housed in each of the first and second jaws and configured to slide and to rotate along the splined shaft. The self-aligning pistons each include a piston body, a cam, and a roller assembly coupled to the piston body and to the splined shaft. Each one of the roller assembly is configured to rotate relative to one of the cams.

Abstract: A robot includes a body and a bumper. The body is movable relative to a surface and includes a first portion of a sensor. The bumper is mounted on the body and movable relative to the body and includes a backing and a second portion of the sensor. The backing is movable relative to the body in response to a force applied to the bumper. The second portion of the sensor is attached to the backing and movable with the backing relative to the first portion of the sensor in response to a force applied to the bumper. The sensor is configured to output an electrical signal in response to a movement of the backing. The electrical signal is proportional to an amount of displacement of the second portion relative to the first portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a folding knife are disclosed. In one embodiment, a folding knife is provided, comprising: a handle including a slot having at least one top surface; a blade pivotably connected to the handle, wherein the blade has a tang including a contoured peripheral surface and an open block engagement tang surface, wherein the blade has an axis of rotation; a locking block translatable on a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the blade, wherein the locking block has an engagement surface positioned to contact at least one of the contoured peripheral surface and the open block engagement tang surface when the blade is in an open position, wherein the locking block has at least two bearing surfaces engaging the at least one top surface along two lines, the at least two bearing surfaces positioned so that a force applied by the blade to the engagement surface is directed along a line between the at least two bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Interlocking knives are provided. The interlocking knives include at least a first knife and a second knife. The first knife includes a blade and a handle. At least one slot may be formed through the blade of the first knife. The second knife also includes a blade and a handle. The second knife includes at least one slot. The at least one slot of the second knife interlocks with the at least one slot on the first knife. A swivel plate may be pivotally connected to the first knife. The swivel plate is operable to pivot towards the second knife into a locked position, securing the second knife to the first knife.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair dipper for cutting and trimming the hair of humans or animals. The hair dipper includes a hair clipper case, blade assembly and a motor drivingly coupled to the blade. The hair clipper includes a first and second fan that blows air over the motor to cool the motor so that the hair clipper does not get hot to the touch. The hair dipper also includes an ergonomically designed case that helps the barber or hair stylist hold, grip and easily maneuver the hair clipper. The hair dipper also includes a power cord with a power converter in the plug end of the power cord. Power cord collects 120 Volts AC power from a wall socket, and conducts both 120 volt AC power and 5 volt DC power to the hair clipper. Both 120 volt AC power to motor and 5 volt DC power to cooling fans have separate off and on switches that regulates power, which allows the fans to run separate from motor.

Abstract: A razor blade cartridge having at least one razor blade and a housing made from a polymer material and having an outer surface where at least part of the outer surface of the housing is coated with a hydrophilic material, and where the outer surface of the housing includes undulations on at least a portion of the coated part.

Abstract: A shaving blade cartridge includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis having a top side, a bottom side opposite to the top side, and first and second longitudinal sides each extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between the top and bottom sides. A primary cutting blade is mounted on the housing between the first and second longitudinal sides, and has a cutting edge. A primary cap is located rearward of the cutting edge. A primary guard is located forward of the cutting edge. A trimming element, mounted on the housing, has a trimming edge. The trimming edge and the cutting edge are opposite one another. The primary cap is provided on a rear element, and the rear element is fitted on the housing. The trimming element is sandwiched between the housing and the primary cap.

Abstract: An axe includes an axe head and a handle. The axe head having a first handle attaching structure, which extends from a first side edge of a frame section and which is located on a first axe head side of the axe head and having a second handle attaching structure, which extends from a second side edge of the frame section and which is located on the first axe head side of the axe head. The frame section of the axe head, the first handle attaching structure of the axe head, the second handle attaching structure of the axe head are parts of a one-piece structure formed by plastically deforming and cutting a flat blade stock of generally uniform thickness.

Abstract: A stripper for stripping coating off of coated sucker rod is provided. The stripper can have a frame having spaced-apart and opposing end plates with a passageway for receiving the coated rod. Rollers located in the frame guide the coated rod as it passes through the passageway. A cutting bar contacts the coated rod to cut a strip off of the coated rod, leaving a remainder of coating that can be deflected off of the coated rod by a deflector as the coated rod passes through the stripper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mandolin slicer adjustable for slicing item in variable thicknesses and variable shapes, wherein the adjustment is enabled by an actuator assembly, such as a ballpoint pen ratchet mechanism or a push-push latch mechanism provided on the mandolin slicer. The mandolin slicer of the present invention further comprises an indicating mechanism to clearly indicate the selected thickness and shape of the sliced item.

Abstract: A slicing machine for cutting slices of a food product includes a machine housing including a circular blade configured to rotate in a cutting plane, a stop plate configured to be move, by an adjustment device, perpendicular to the cutting plane, a carriage mounted such that it is movable parallel to the cutting plane, and a machine status display for displaying an actual status of the slicing machine.

Abstract: An accessory for an oscillating power tool is provided. The accessory has a body having a functional portion for performing work and an attachment portion for mounting the accessory to the oscillating power tool, An arbor, defined at the attachment portion of the body, is configured to matingly engage attachment elements of a drive flange of a variety of manufacturers' oscillating power tools. The arbor comprises a plurality of openings including a primary opening comprising a central opening defining a central axis of the arbor, a first elongated opening conjoined with the central opening and extending radially from the central axis along a first radial axis and a second elongated opening conjoined with the central opening and extending radially from the central axis along a second radial axis. The plurality of openings also includes a set of secondary openings disjoined from the primary opening and positioned radially about the central axis along respective radial axes.

Abstract: A cap cutting machine, characterized by comprising: a housing assembly (2), movable along a pre-determined path (P) and provided with a rotary housing (20) which is structured for housing a cap (C) and rotating the cap (C) about a first axis of rotation (X); cutting means (3), conformed for cutting a side surface of the cap (C) and arranged along an active tract of the path (P); motor means (5) structured for rotating the rotary housing (20) about the first axis of rotation (X) so that a side surface of the cap (C) comes into contact with the cutting means (3), thereby rolling without sliding with respect to the cutting means (3),

Abstract: A paper punch includes a plurality of punch seats movably disposed along a slide board mounted on a base, a press board pivotably connected to the base to press punch heads of the punch seats, and a plurality of control members respectively disposed on the punch seats and operable to releasbly lock the punch seats on the base. Each punch seat has a force transmitting member movably disposed on a die holder to transmit a pressing force of the press board so as to press the punch head downwardly to perform a firm and stable punching operation.

Abstract: A commercial scale system and process for chemically modifying wood and then heating the chemically-modified wood. The system/process separates the chemical modification step from the heating step by utilizing two different vessels for the modification and heating steps. The system and process can, in certain situations, include a containment room for preventing escape of vapors from a chemical wood modification reactor, a wood heater, and/or a chemically-modified bundle of wood as the bundle is transported from the wood modification reactor to the wood heater.

Abstract: A method for making granules from a melt material extruded by being pressed through nozzle openings of a perforated plate in a cutting chamber. In this process, the melt material emerging from the nozzle openings of the perforated plate is cut into molten granules in the cutting chamber by at least one rotating cutting knife that sweeps across the nozzle openings. A first coolant flow of a first coolant medium is delivered through a first coolant inlet to at least one first coolant port, with which the melt material is cooled when emerging and being cut at the perforated plate. Furthermore, a second coolant flow of a second coolant medium different from the first is delivered through a second coolant inlet to at least one second coolant port downstream of the perforated plate, with which the granules are additionally cooled and conveyed to an outlet of the cutting chamber.

Abstract: For a process for producing a motor vehicle interior trim material including or consisting at least essentially of a needlefelt which includes a fibre blend including 25-35 wt % of polyamide (PA) fibres and 65-75 wt % of polyester (PES) fibres, preferably without other, bonding fibres, and is consolidated mechanically by needling and via adhesive bonding, it shall be achieved to provide a needlefelt material, in particular a motor vehicle interior trim material, which has a visually appealing surface finish even after thermoforming in the temperature range between 150° C. and 250° C.