Abstract: A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.

Abstract: An interference check device includes a model-number upper-limit input unit to which a model upper-limit number of geometric models allocated to a modeling target of interference check is input, a modeling unit generating model candidates from the modeling target using geometric models equal to or less than the model upper limit number, a processing-computation-amount upper-limit setting unit setting a computation upper-limit amount of interference check based on a computation processing amount required for each process performed by a controller controlling the modeling target, a minimum-enclosure-volume-model determination unit determining a model candidate having smallest model enclosure volume as a model for the modeling target from the model candidates that can perform calculation processing of interference check with equal to or less than the computation upper-limit amount, and an interference check unit performing interference check between models using determined model.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes a guide mechanism and a moving body guided by the guide mechanism. The moving body includes a first support, a second support and a holding portion. The first support has a first engagement portion engaged with the guide mechanism. The first support, supported by the guide mechanism, is movable in a first direction. The second support has a second engagement portion engaged with the guide mechanism. The second support, supported by the guide mechanism, is movable in the first direction. The holding portion, supported by the first and the second supports, holds a workpiece. The first engagement portion receives a moment applied thereto by deformation of the moving body, where the moment is opposite in direction to a moment applied to the first engagement portion by a load of the workpiece held by the holding portion.

Abstract: A modularly-structured gripping mechanism for robots, machines, and handling devices comprises at least one movable gripping finger that sits directly or indirectly on a finger module and works counter to a stationary or movable finger. The finger module consists of a slide unit that comprises a housing and a slide made from an aluminum section which is hollow all the way through and has multiple bore holes. The housing consists of a frame and multiple rods which extend parallel to one another, between the end faces, and prestress all parts of the housing. The rods simultaneously function as guide rods for the slides. A very stable gripping mechanism for heavy loads is produced by form-fittingly mounting any number of finger modules on a flange case. The finger modules can have their own drive or can share one drive.

Abstract: An object is to provide a covering material and a covering structure of a robot gripping portion capable of providing proper gripping performance depending on various objects to be gripped so as to grip the objects and is solved by a covering material disposed on a surface of a base material 11 having a function of gripping an object, including an inner layer 121 made up of an elastic body and an outer layer 122 made up of an elastic body coming into contact with the object when gripping the object on a surface of the inner layer 121, the inner layer 121 being made up of the elastic body having a tackiness and having a hardness lower than the outer layer 122, the outer layer 122 having one or more penetrating portions 13 penetrating to the inner layer 121 such that when a stress acts at the time of gripping of the object, a portion of the inner layer 122 enters the penetrating portion 13 or protrudes from the penetrating portion 13 depending on a magnitude of the stress.

Abstract: A robotic link mechanism comprising a pair of base elements connected by a passive flexible joint, such that flexure of the joint changes the mutual orientation of the base elements. A pair of obliquely truncated cylinders are confined between the base elements such that the obliquely formed end surfaces of the cylinders can rotate in sliding contact with each other, and the other end of each cylinder can rotate in sliding contact with its associated base element. Driving motors are attached to the base elements, each one controlled to rotate the cylinder associated with that base element, such that rotation of at least one of the cylinders causes the base elements to undergo change in their mutual orientation. The mechanism thus has a backbone composed of the passive flexible joint, which is supported and actuated by the oblique truncated cylindrical structure that serves as an active exoskeleton.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulating retractor including: a plurality of distal segments, a distal segment of the plurality of distal segments being movable relative to others of the plurality of distal segments; a plurality of proximal segments, a proximal segment of the plurality of proximal segments being movable relative to others of the plurality of proximal segments, the proximal segment corresponding to the distal segment; and multiple sets of cables, the proximal segment connected to its corresponding unit of the distal segment, by a set of cables, such that movement of the proximal segment causes corresponding reciprocal movement of the distal segment. The mechanisms of the articulating retractor may also be combined in such a way to remotely mimic finger movements for manipulation of an object or body tissue.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing, multiple tools mechanically coupled to the housing, at least one of the tools including a cutting device, and a slider and lock wheel mechanically coupled to the housing and configured to selectively release only one of the tools at a time from being secured within the housing.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade holder assembly, a pair of resilient blade wiper members, and a spreader. The blade holder assembly is constructed and arranged to hold a blade at a position of use wherein the blade projects through an opening at a front end of the handle. The pair of resilient blade wiper members are biased towards one another and constructed and arranged to remove debris from side surfaces of the blade, which debris would otherwise be brought into an interior space of the handle when the blade is retracted into the front end of the handle through the opening. The spreader is constructed and arranged to spread the resilient blade wiper members apart to facilitate removal of the blade from the handle when the blade is in a blade change position.

Abstract: A shaving device comprising a head assembly having a support member and a blade cartridge. The support member is configured to be detachably coupled to a handle. The blade cartridge has a first and a second face wherein at least one of the first or second faces comprises at least one razor blade. The blade cartridge is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support member about a pivot axis such that the blade cartridge is pivotable by a user to select one of the first or second faces.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for recycling multi-compartment unit dose articles to avoid significant cross-contamination between the contents of the individual compartments.

Abstract: A bakery cutting guide includes a rim for surrounding baked goods with a plurality of spaced apart pins extending upwardly from the rim. A bar is provided and postionable for engaging pairs of opposing pins for guiding a knife or scorer across the baked goods in order to cut or mark the baked goods in a selected geometric pattern and a plurality of legs extend downwardly from the rim for supporting the rim in an elevated position above a top of the baked goods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for single transfer insert placement. The apparatus receives continuous web material and cuts a discrete section or pad from the web. The pad is then supported on a single transfer surface. The single transfer surface then may spin the supported pad to a desired angle and provide the pad to a receiving surface at a desired interval. The web material can be cut to different insert lengths and the placement location varied.

Abstract: A method of discharging workpieces cut from a planar material on a processing machine. A workpiece discharge device has several holding elements to receive and carry respective workpieces. After receiving a cut workpiece, the discharge device is moved to a waiting position outside and adjacent a processing region of the machine, and may then be moved back into the processing region to receive a subsequently cut workpiece before being moved to an unloading station.

Abstract: A device for perforating and/or fluting and/or punching for rotary presses and/or rotary printing presses has a rotation cylinder with a holding device that fixes a base plate of a flexible and dimensionally stable material to the rotation cylinder. Fixing rods are arranged at a distance from each other in the peripheral direction of the rotation cylinder, the rods holding a flexible tool support supporting at least one machining tool on the rotation cylinder such that tool support lies directly or indirectly on the base plate. The fixing rods are respectively formed from at least one multi-jointed hinge bar having a first hinge bar which holds the hinge bar on the rotation cylinder. A second hinge bar is articulated to the first hinge bar so that, when the hinge bars are superimposed and/or closed, the tool support is clamped and/or received between the bars.

Abstract: A method for making apertures in a precursor web using a forming apparatus is provided where the web comprises a film having molecular orientation and the forming apparatus comprises an arrangement of teeth. The orientation of the arrangement of teeth and the molecular orientation of the film are predetermined and modified to provide a relative angle between the orientation of the teeth and the molecular orientation of the film. Apertures formed in the precursor web material have a length and width exhibiting a minimal aspect ratio.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing of a stop mechanism on a saw includes a support arm movable relative to a blade of the saw from a first position to a second position. The test apparatus also includes a simulation member coupled to the support arm. In the first position, the first end of the simulation member is offset from a portion of the blade of the saw, and in the second position, the first end of the simulation member is adapted to be in contact with the portion of the blade of the saw. The test apparatus further includes circuitry operatively connected to the simulation member to replicate an electrical property of a human finger such that contact between the blade and the first end of the simulation member triggers the stop mechanism of the saw.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and adjusting a constant flow asphalt manufacturing process includes monitoring the ratios of recycled material to virgin material to minimize costs and adjusting the mixture in real time. Pulverized asphalt shingle (PAS) material may be used as a source of recycled asphalt oil and fed to a mixing drum with real-time monitoring while making real-time adjustments to supplement the asphalt with new asphalt oil to the mixer. The systems and methods may also be used for monitoring, metering, and supplementing recycled aggregate from recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) with new aggregate. The systems and methods may use one or more processors or programmable logic controllers (PLC) to meter the addition of new materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (“RTD”) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (“VPRUD”) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.

Abstract: A process for the production of storage-stable epoxy prepregs is provided. In addition, composites produced from the prepregs based on epoxides and acids having groups reactive to free-radical polymerization is provided.

Abstract: Provided are flotation system and method for crushing, separating and washing waste plastics. In a direction of transporting materials, the flotation system includes a crusher, a flotation tank, a multi-functional rubbing and separating device, a washing tank and a dehydrator which are connected in turn; the flotation tank and the washing tank are disposed abreast; the floatation tank is a straight launder, and the washing tank is a U-shaped launder; and the discharge port of the flotation tank and the feeding port of the washing tank are connected via the multi-functional rubbing and separating device. The method is to crush the waste plastics first and then execute multiple stages of washing and separating. The flotation system and method herein are capable of improving the effect of washing waste plastics effectively and improving the quality of products.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly (40) comprises a container (4), a support assembly (42) on which the container (4) is mounted and fixed and a rotary electric vibrator device (44) coupled to the support assembly (42). The container holds a shear thinning additive for a plastics material. The reservoir assembly is arranged so that on operation of the device (44), an appropriate frequency and amplitude of vibration is applied to the container (4) and, therefore, its contents. As a result, a liquid dispersion in the container is shear thinned and recovery of dispersion from the container is increased.

Abstract: A nozzle mouthpiece for an injection molding nozzle for use in an injection molding tool and for processing a fluid mass has a flow channel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A first sealing surface is formed radially with respect to a longitudinal axis. A stop surface is arranged between the first sealing surface and the outlet opening and is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and facing the outlet opening. A a coupling means is arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis for fixing the nozzle mouthpiece in a mold sprue opening of a pattern plate. An injection molding nozzle and an injection molding tool is provided having such the telescopic nozzle mouthpiece, which can be fixed in a mold sprue opening of a pattern plate.

Abstract: A drop-in hot runner system includes a first runner component having a first channel aperture extending into a first runner component sliding surface, and a second runner component having a second channel aperture extending into a second runner component sliding surface. A depressible protrusion is associated with the first runner component, and a receiver is associated with the second runner component. The depressible protrusion and the receiver are positioned such that when the first runner component and the second runner component are coupled together along the first and second runner component sliding surfaces the depressible protrusion is received in the receiver, and the first and second channel apertures are misaligned.

Abstract: A process of making a multi-layered product from an extruded sheet or web of material (42) having parallel upper and lower walls (130) and a plurality of spacers (134) extending between the upper and lower walls (130) is provided. Portions of the extruded web or extrudate (42) are removed in selected areas. The lightened web is then folded. Outer skins are then applied to the folded web. The extrudate (42) is formed into a product (10) having a plurality of cells (14). The cells (14) may have one or more openings (34), allowing access to an interior of the cell (14) and reducing the weight of the product (10).

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus including an extrusion nozzle. The nozzle includes an inlet end, an outlet end opposite the inlet end and an axis extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. The extrusion nozzle is configured to rotate about the axis. The extrusion nozzle also includes a rotary drive engagement portion between the inlet end and the outlet end. The extrusion nozzle further includes a cavity including an inlet opening at the inlet end and an outlet opening at the outlet end. The inlet opening has a different configuration than the outlet opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a synthetic resin container with a plurality of handgrips on its top face and a manufacturing method for such a container. The plurality of handgrips, as well as a metal cap opening, are molded in advance as insertion components. After heating the fusion portions of the insertion components, the insertion components are disposed parallel to the direction in which a parison is to be placed. Thereafter, a parison is placed into dies, and the dies are clamped. Air is blown into the parison through the metal cap opening to fuse the parison and the insertion components.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a molded product delivery apparatus or a blow molding machine includes a first transfer member that includes first paired chucks that hold a portion of an outer wall of a neck portion of a molded product, and a second transfer member that includes second paired chucks that hold another portion of the outer wall of the neck portion of the molded product. From a state where the molded product is held by both of the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks simultaneously, by opening one of the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks without interfering with the other, the molded product is delivered between the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks.

Abstract: A near-field exposure mask according to an embodiment includes: a silicon substrate; and a near-field light generating unit that is formed on the silicon substrate, the near-field light generating unit being a layer containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Au, Al, Ag, Cu, Cr, Sb, W, Ni, In, Ge, Sn, Pb, Zn, Pd, and C, or a film stack formed with layers made of some of those materials.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system, for welding together two workpieces wherein at least one of the workpieces includes a polymeric composite, comprising an energy applicator positioned along an action axis so that, in operation, ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the energy applicator during a welding routine, are transmitted to the workpieces generally at and/or adjacent the axis. The system also includes a primary, course-control, actuator positioned along action axis so that a first load, output by the primary actuator, acts along the system action axis. The system further comprises a secondary, fine-control, actuator positioned along the system action axis so that a second load output, by the secondary actuator, acts along the axis. And the system comprises a controller for providing first command signals and second command signals to the primary actuator and second actuator to control them to effect loads on the workpieces, during the welding routine and along the axis.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) printing apparatus, a printing calibration board and a three dimensional printing calibration method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional printing apparatus is adapted to spray the printing material. The three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a nozzle module, a printing platform and a control unit. The printing platform has a carrying surface, where the calibration pattern is disposed on the carrying surface. The calibration pattern at least includes a datum path and a first auxiliary path. The control unit controls the nozzle module coupled to the control unit to spray the printing material along the datum path, and the printing speed of the nozzle module is adjusted in response to the width of coverage of the printing material on the calibration pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and procedure for the production of a work piece with exact geometry and high surface quality, a form tool in particular. Preferably, the work piece is constructed using a process wherein powder coatings are applied one on top of each other, by means of compaction, said process being computer-controlled. After the powder has been compacted, the surfaces thereof are finely machined in a mechanical manner. During the entire machining process, the work piece to be produced is surrounded with powdery source material.

Abstract: Stereolithography machine (1) comprising: a container (2) for a fluid substance (14); a source (3) of predefined radiation (3a) suited to solidify the fluid substance (14); an optical unit (4) suited to direct the radiation (3a) towards a reference surface (5) in the fluid substance (14); a logic control unit (6) configured to control the optical unit (4) and/or the source (3) so as to expose a predefined portion of the reference surface (5). The optical unit (4) comprises a micro-opto-electro-mechanical system (MOEMS) (7) provided with a mirror (8) associated with actuator means (7a) for the rotation around at least two rotation axes (X, Y) incident on and independent of each other, arranged so that it can direct the radiation (3a) towards each point of the reference surface (5) through a corresponding combination of the rotations around the two axes (X, Y).

Abstract: A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, the liquefier assembly comprising a downstream portion having a first average inner cross-sectional area, and an upstream having a second average inner cross-sectional area that is less than the first inner cross-sectional area, the upstream portion defining a shoulder configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus of a consumable material.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on a three-dimensional printed object includes operating first plurality of ejectors to form a first layer of a blocking material having an opacity level that prevents transmission of incident visible light to another layer in the three-dimensional printed object, operating a second plurality of ejectors to form a second layer of a primer material over the first layer, and operating a third plurality of ejectors to form a printed image from at least one marking agent over the primer material. The layers of blocking material and primer material reduce or eliminate hue shift in the image.

Abstract: A universal loading station for a 3D printer includes a knob, a ball screw, a telescopic connecting ring, a telescopic connecting rod, and a loading plate. The top of the ball screw ball screw and the bottom of the knob are connected by a threaded connection. The ball screw is below the knob and includes an outer sleeve which includes a spring. A fixed connection sleeve surrounds the outer sleeve of the spring. A connecting arm is connected to a side of the fixed connection sleeve. The bottom of the ball screw is connected to the telescopic connecting ring. The bottom of the telescopic connecting ring includes a first hemispherical recess, and the center of the first hemispherical recess includes a first hole. The telescopic connecting ring is placed onto the ball screw through the first hole.

Abstract: A plurality of thermoplastic composite structures are laminated to each other in a lay-up arrangement to form a laminate. Each thermoplastic composite structure is composed of a core composite layer and a surface layer polymer applied to opposing surfaces of the core composite layer. The core composite layer is composed of a fibrous substrate and one or more high performance polymers, which crystallize at a faster rate than the surface layer polymer.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite molded part from fiber-reinforced plastics material includes providing a prepreg semi-finished product including fibers that are pre-impregnated with a matrix material and encasing the semi-finished product with a flexible sheet material to form an inner arrangement. The flexible sheet material includes a gas-permeable membrane and an inner planar gas-conducting element. The inner arrangement is encased with a first gas-tight casing and positioned on a molding surface of a mold. The inner arrangement and molding surface is encased with a second gas-tight casing. A first negative pressure is applied to the inner planar gas-conducting element and the inside of the first gas-tight casing, and the entire arrangement is heated for a first time at a first temperature. A second negative pressure is applied to an inside of the second gas-tight casing and the entire arrangement is heated for a second time at a second temperature.

Abstract: Tapered layers of pre-cured composite material are integrated into a tapered, highly stressed laminate structure in order to provide improved compressive strength. The pre-cured composite material can advantageously be cured under tension as pultruded material, to further augment compressive strength. The thickness of composite layers can be tapered on their termination edges by mechanically abrading, chemical abrading, or other methods. Especially preferred embodiments include aircraft structural components such as wings, wing spars, wing skins, fuselage skins, rotor blades, propellers, and propeller blades. Preferred laminates can be constructed to have at least 6, 10, 30, 50, or 100 layers of material, and can have a maximum thickness of at least 0.15, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 inches.

Abstract: A sealant dispenser, which can cooperate with an air compressor for repairing punctured tires, is disclosed. The sealant dispenser generally includes a bottle with a top opening being filled with a chemical sealant, a cap mounted over the top opening of the bottle, a control valve for controlling an air passage and a sealant passage defined at the cap, and a rotary handle. In use, the air passage receives compressed air from the air compressor, and the sealant passage is connected to a tire to be repaired. By turning the rotary handle, the air passage and the sealant passage can communicate with the inner space of the bottle, which allows the compressed air to flow into the inner space of the bottle to force the chemical sealant contained therein to flow into the interior of the punctured tire, thus repairing the tire.

Abstract: A method of repairing a core stiffened structure can include removing a damaged portion of the core stiffened structure; creating a cutout in a portion of a repair core member; fitting the repair core member onto an existing core member such that the cutout mates with a portion of the existing core member; bonding the repair core member to the existing core member; and placing a skin patch over the repair core member.

Abstract: A device housing assembly has a display module including a front pane and a rear pane, the rear pane having a section longer than the front pane in at least one direction. The housing assembly further has a transparent lens and plastic housing, the transparent lens having a front and rear surface; and an adhesive between the front transparent pane and the rear surface of the transparent lens. The housing includes a support structure molded to the rear surface of the transparent lens positioned proximally to the longer section of the rear pane and adjacent to the front pane of glass, the structure providing mechanical support for the rear pane.

Abstract: A product made from an extruded sheet or web of material having a non-linear cross-section, and the process of making the product are provided. The extruded web or extrudate is plastically deformed in selected areas and then folded. When folded into the appropriate shape, the extrudate is formed into a product having a plurality of cells. The cells may have one or more openings, allowing access to an interior of the cell and reducing the weight of the product.

Abstract: A method of controlling deposition of a continuous elongated element in building a tire for vehicle wheels, includes: feeding an initial end of a continuous elongated element of elastomeric material through a slit bounded by a first roller and a second roller of a calender; retaining the continuous elongated element against a peripheral surface of the first roller; laying the initial end of the continuous elongated element against a deposition surface; rotating the calender around an oscillation axis that is substantially coincident with a contact generatrix between the first roller and the second roller; and dragging along the continuous elongated element together with the deposition surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the group of flakes through an MRS extruder while maintaining the pressure within the MRS portion of the MRS extruder below about 1.5 millibars; (E) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (F) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET.

Abstract: An elongate flattened thermoplastic tube has an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of weakness that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A frangible line of connection is disposed in one two superposed layers of the tube proximate to the inflation edge. This frangible connection may be broken to permit inflation of the inflatable pouches.

Abstract: A fiber structure for reinforcing a composite material part is obtained by multilayer weaving between a plurality of layers of warp yarns and a plurality of layers of weft yarns. The fiber structure includes fastener elements on at least one of its faces, each fastener element including a body placed under yarns present on a face of the fiber structure, and fastener portions situated over the yarns.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a TiAl joined body includes: an arranging step and a heating step. The arranging step is a step of arranging a plurality of members which contains a TiAl intermetallic compound and insert materials which contain Ti as a major element, Cu and Ni such that each of the insert materials is inserted between two adjacent members of the plurality of members. The heating step is a step of heating the plurality of members and the insert materials in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature above melting points of the insert materials and below melting points of the plurality of members.

Abstract: A laminated transparency includes a first ply having a No. 1 surface and a No. 2 surface. A second ply is spaced from the first ply and has a No. 3 surface and a No. 4 surface, with the No. 2 surface facing the No. 3 surface. A polymeric interlayer is positioned between the first and second plies. At least one failure strip is incorporated into the interlayer to provide a predetermined failure orientation for the transparency.