Patents Issued in March 2, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170057077
    Abstract: An intermediate link for a tool arm assembly is provided. The intermediate link includes first and second connectors that are at least partially rotatable about respective first and second rotation axes. The intermediate link includes first and/or second lock rotation mechanisms that are configured to selectively prevent rotation of the first and second connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Patricia A. Aelker, Gavin A. Barnes, Robert O. Brady, Erik A. Holmen, Steven D. MacFarlane, Keith E. Maxwell, Jeffreys R. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20170057078
    Abstract: A tool box contains a body, at least one cover, and at least one fixer. The body includes at least one first accommodating portion for accommodating plural first tools and includes at least one display zone in which at least one holding portion is defined to hold at least one second tool. The at least one fixer is disposed in the at least one display zone of the body, and each of the at least one fixer includes at least one stopper to fix the at least one second tool in the at least one display zone. The at least one cover covers the body and includes at least one receiving groove formed therein and corresponding to the at least one display zone of the body to expose the at least one second tool in the at least one display zone of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Wen-Hsiung Lee
  • Publication number: 20170057079
    Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a carrier may be overlaid onto a vehicle. The vehicle may be a handle-propelled vehicle, for example a wheelbarrow. The carrier may have contours that fit over the top of the vehicle such that the carrier stays in place relative to the vehicle without additional fastening means when the vehicle is propelled in motion. The carrier design may also allow the carrier to be easily installed and removed from the vehicle. Additionally, the carrier may have a plurality of compartments of varying sizes and shapes. The compartments may be specifically designed to hold a variety of items, for example mobile technology devices, food containers, beverage containers, gardening materials and tools, landscaping materials and tools, or construction materials and tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Burro Creative Solutions
    Inventor: Robert Ladd THORSEN
  • Publication number: 20170057080
    Abstract: A robot system for carrying out a plurality of operations during assembly or maintenance of an aircraft or spacecraft includes a first robot having a base portion, a movable robot arm having a first coupling portion, and a first control means for controlling the robot arm, a plurality of second robots having movement means, a drive portion operable to drive the movement means, a tool portion having a tool for carrying out a specific one of the operations, a second coupling portion adapted to be selectively and releasably coupled with the first coupling portion in a predetermined positional relationship, and a second control means for controlling the respective second robot. The first and second control means are adapted to control the drive portion of one of the second robots and the robot arm to couple the first coupling portion and the respective second coupling portion in the predetermined positional relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Krohne, Robert Alexander Goehlich, Yoshiyasu Hirano, Yuichiro Aoki, Yutaka Iwahori, Atsushi Kanda
  • Publication number: 20170057081
    Abstract: A modularized robot includes a robot platform configured to convey mobility and connectivity to external components to the modularized robot, a robot workhead configured to convey the ability to perform an operational task to the modularized robot, and a robot adapter attached to either the robot platform or the robot workhead and configured to mechanically link the robot platform to the robot workhead. Moreover, a swarm of modularized robots and a robot system include such modularized robots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Ingo Krohne, Robert Alexander Goehlich, Tom Borchert, Camila Fraga Serafim
  • Publication number: 20170057082
    Abstract: A mobile platform for a robot system is described. The mobile platform includes a base member having a first surface and a second surface. The mobile platform also includes a plurality of walls extending vertically from the first surface to define an enclosure. The enclosure is configured to receive at least a portion of the robot system. Further, the mobile platform includes one or more members extending from the second surface to define an opening. The opening is configured to receive an arm of a lifting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dale C. Grigorenko, Jacob P. Fabrizius
  • Publication number: 20170057083
    Abstract: It is assumed that when a first teaching device is communicating with an active task unit in a robot control device, a second teaching device transmits a request to connect to the active task unit, to the robot control device. In such a case, the robot control device is configured to stop the first teaching device executing active tasks, and establish communication between the second teaching device and the active task unit of the robot control device which allows active tasks to be executed thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Keita MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20170057084
    Abstract: A robot apparatus includes a manipulator, a teaching apparatus, and a control apparatus. The manipulator includes a hand and an arm having a plurality of joints. The teaching apparatus teaches operation of the manipulator. The control apparatus controls the manipulator based on a control signal from the teaching apparatus for causing the manipulator to operate in a predetermined operation direction. In a case where the predetermined operation direction has been checked, the control apparatus transmits, to the manipulator, a control signal for causing the manipulator to operate at a regular speed. In a case where the predetermined operation direction has not been checked, the control apparatus transmits, to the manipulator, a control signal for causing the manipulator to operate at a speed lower than or equal to a safety speed that is set based on the regular speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Masatoshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20170057085
    Abstract: Robots capable of accommodating dynamic replacement of end effectors load and run software that allows the end effector to be operated without change to the main control program. The driver may be dynamically linked and run during program execution when the corresponding end effector is detected. Typically, the robot controller will store a library of drivers, and load the appropriate driver when a new end effector is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Cookson, Andrew Wallace, James Griffith
  • Publication number: 20170057086
    Abstract: This multi-joint link mechanism has a driving joint driven by a driving source and a follower joint driven by the movement of the driving joint. First, an open-loop link mechanism that allows the position and pose of a workpiece to be varied is selected from a multi-joint link mechanism. The amount of movement/rotation of each of the joints constituting the selected open-loop link mechanism is derived. The derived amounts of movement/rotation of each of the joints of the open-loop link mechanism are set as fixed values to derive the amount of movement/rotation of each of the joints of a closed-loop link mechanism composed of non-selected joints and at least some of the joints of the open-loop link mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Masatoshi HIDA
  • Publication number: 20170057087
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device for planning a path of a mobile robot and a method for planning a path of a mobile robot. The device for planning a path of a mobile robot and the method for planning a path of a mobile robot, according to the present invention, extend a route planning tree by sampling grid-based nodes between a start point and a target point of the mobile robot. Therefore, the present invention can configure a path plan of the mobile robot to be a path optimized within a quick time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: HANWHA TECHWIN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin Han LEE
  • Publication number: 20170057088
    Abstract: In a robot system, a signal output unit outputs, depending on a processing result of an image processing unit, an entry preparation signal indicating an entry preparation state, and an entry permission signal for permitting a person to enter a predetermined section in a case where the person has been requested to enter the predetermined section. The entry preparation signal is outputted when the stopping of the operation of the robot is detected, and thereafter, when the person requests to enter the predetermined section, an instruction to stop the operation of the robot, or an instruction to stop the operation of the robot as well as an instruction to stop a portion of the robot system which is necessary to enable the person to enter therein, are outputted, and the entry permission signal is outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Atsushi WATANABE, Yuuki TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20170057089
    Abstract: A robot includes a motor that includes a brake and moves an arm on a drive axis, and a rotational position detector that detects movement of the arm. When a state occurs in which the robot is preferably emergency-stopped, a control device performs an emergency stop control in which the brake is operated and power supply to the motor is interrupted. When the movement of the arm is detected based on an output of the rotational position detector during the emergency stop control, the control device supplies power to the motor to prevent the movement of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taketsugu Tsuda, Yoshiki Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20170057090
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a control signal for a tele-presence robot by a computing device based on a movement of an operator, the method includes calculating a direction where at least part of the operator is positioned based on a camera acquiring an image of the at least part of the operator; calculating an orientation where the at least part of the operator points; and generating at least one motion parameters of the tele-presence robot as the control signal based on the direction in combination with the orientation, wherein the direction and the orientation are reflected to the at least one motion parameters differently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kentarou Fukuda, Akihiro Kosugi
  • Publication number: 20170057091
    Abstract: A sensing manipulator of an articulated arm is disclosed. The sensing manipulator includes a compliant section and a movement detection system provided along a first direction of the compliant section such that movement of the compliant section along both the first direction and at least one direction transverse to said first direction, are detectable by the movement detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas WAGNER, Kevin AHEARN, Michael DAWSON-HAGGERTY, Christopher GEYER, Thomas KOLETSCHKA, Kyle MARONEY, Matthew T. MASON, Gene Temple PRICE, Joseph ROMANO, Daniel SMITH, Siddhartha SRINIVASA, Prassanna VELAGAPUDI, Thomas ALLEN
  • Publication number: 20170057092
    Abstract: Provided is a processing apparatus for determining a work to be picked by a robot from a plurality of works, using an image, captured by an image capture device, of an area on which the plurality of works are placed. The apparatus selects a pickable candidate work based on the image, and determines a picking target work positioned in a partial area assigned with a highest priority among the partial areas where candidate works are respectively positioned. The apparatus selects a next pickable candidate work whose position and orientation have changed within allowable ranges before and after picking, and determines a next picking target work positioned in the partial area assigned with the highest priority among the partial areas where the next pickable candidate works are respectively positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Takafumi Ito
  • Publication number: 20170057093
    Abstract: A robot includes an arm. A first inclinometer is provided in a grasping unit provided in the arm or an object grasped by the grasping unit. The arm is operated based on a first angle of a reference surface and a second angle measured by the first inclinometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Yoshito MIYAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170057094
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a robot arm for conveying a substrate, a conveyance chamber containing the robot arm, and an adjacent processing unit adjacent to the conveyance chamber, the adjacent processing unit processing a substrate therein. The conveyance chamber is constructed so as to be able to have a first shape for providing a predetermined space between the conveyance chamber and the adjacent processing unit, and a second shape for increasing the internal space of the conveyance chamber by making the distance between the conveyance chamber and the adjacent processing unit smaller than when the first shape is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Teruhide NISHINO
  • Publication number: 20170057095
    Abstract: A safety system for an industrial robot, specifically an industrial robot and a method for implementing a safety system via predefined safety functions. To perform such safety functions the robot comprises in a joint connecting two robot arm sections a first position sensor (132) for sensing the angular orientation on an input side of a gear in the joint, and a second position sensor (133) for sensing an angular orientation on an output side of the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Esben H Oestergaard, Grzegorz Zieba, David Brandt
  • Publication number: 20170057096
    Abstract: A ten-link gripping mechanism having a modular structure and a single degree of freedom, for robots, machines and handling devices, includes at least one eight-link finger mechanism with a gripper jaw, guided as a coupler by two four-bar linkages based one on the other. The choice of the dimensions of the individual elements enables the movement of the gripper jaw to be adapted to the task at hand while using only a single drive. The drive can be of a universal type, such as pneumatic, electromotive, magnetic or by means of a spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: M. Mohsen Saadat
  • Publication number: 20170057097
    Abstract: A gripper is described as including two lateral flanks that are directly or indirectly connected to each other at one end, generating a space between them containing an actuator whose lateral boundaries have at least one opening accessible from the outside. At least one reinforcement rib is allocated to at least one of the lateral flanks. A method for manufacturing the gripper is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: EDUARD SCHWEIGERT
  • Publication number: 20170057098
    Abstract: A gripper is described as including two lateral flanks that are directly or indirectly connected to each other at one end, providing a space between them including an actuator, the lateral boundaries of which space have at least one opening accessible from the outside. At least one louver runs across the opening and divides the opening such that the partial surfaces resulting from the louver limit or prevent accessibility to the opening. A method for manufacturing the gripper is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: EDUARD SCHWEIGERT, Jens Gräßle
  • Publication number: 20170057099
    Abstract: An interior grasper is described with an actuator that can be adjusted between a clamped position and a released position, and an axially adjustable clamping cone that is allocated to the actuator and that engages a clamping element. The clamping element is formed in one piece with the holding plate and interacts with a tool and/or a work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: EDUARD SCHWEIGERT, JENS GRÄßLE
  • Publication number: 20170057100
    Abstract: Provided are end effectors and methods of using such end effectors for handling various composite structures. An end effector includes a support structure bendable relative the principal axis of the end effector. The support structure is disposed within a cavity partially formed by an engaging portion of the end effector. The engaging portion is formed from a flexible material and includes multiple openings in fluid communication with the cavity. When the engaging portion contacts a composite structure and when the pressure inside the cavity is reduced below the ambient level, the composite structure is forced against the engaging portion due to this pressure differential. The flexibility of the support structure and of the engaging portion allows the end effector to conform to the shape of the composite structure. At the same time, the support structure maintains the shape of the cavity in the directions normal to the principal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul D. Shaw, Raviendra S. Suriyaarachchi, Richard Edward Heath
  • Publication number: 20170057101
    Abstract: A gripper mechanism for use with a robotic positioning system. The gripper mechanism includes a housing, a gripper arm and a retention projection. The gripper arm extends from the housing. The gripper arm has a gripper finger provided at a distal end thereof The retention projection is provided on the housing and cooperates with the gripper arm to exert a retention force on the gripper arm. Wherein when an external force is applied to the gripper finger in a direction which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing, the gripper arm will move relative to the housing if the external force is greater than the retention force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Charles Randall MALSTROM, Swapnilsinh SOLANKI
  • Publication number: 20170057102
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cutter knife, which even if made with only the metal parts, smoothness of sliding operation of the blade is not degraded in time, even without lubricating oil nor friction resistant coating, A slider of the cutter knife carries rolling member, which is made rolling contact with the outer surface of the cutter knife. Further, the slider has a protrusion which extends into the cutter knife body and is engaged into a hole formed on the blade. Since an external force applied onto the slider is received by the rolling member, the slider can be operated smoothly. Besides, the height of the protrusion is determined, such that the protrusion does not touch the inner surface of the cutter knife. Thus, the protrusion tip never interfere with the inner surface of the cutter knife, thereby the sliding operation of the slider would not be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Toshiyuki WATANABE, Minoru MASUDA, Yosuke TAKASHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170057103
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus (1000) is disclosed in which a rotary cutter (1300) and a fixed blade (350) are used to shear a user's hairs therebetween during a shaving process. Various advancements are disclosed herein, including without limitation accurate positioning of the fixed blade in the head (200A) relative to the contact apex of the rotary cutter, bi-directional rotation of the rotary cutter, a cover-blade assembly for detachable coupling and decoupling from a base component of the head, the use of contact rollers on the head to treat and/or prep the skin and/or hairs for shearing, and a rotary cutter configured to pinch, pull and shear hairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gil Perlberg, Beni Nachon, Shoham Zak, Gitay Kryger, Tsafrir Ben-Ari
  • Publication number: 20170057104
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair clipping device (10) comprising: a housing (14), a cutting assembly (16) which is arranged on a distal end (18) of said housing (14) and comprises a stationary cutting blade (22) with a stationary cutting edge (26) and a moveable cutting blade (24) with a moveable cutting edge (28), and a comb attachment (12) which is attachable to the housing (14), wherein the comb attachment (12) comprises a first comb element (34) that is configured to be arranged on a front side (36) of the housing (14) and configured to cover the stationary and the moveable cutting edge (26, 28), wherein said front side (36) runs transverse to the distal end (18) and the cutting assembly (16); wherein the first comb element (34) comprises a plurality of first comb ribs (38) running parallel to each other and parallel to a longitudinal direction (46) of the first comb element (34), wherein a gap size (42), which is defined as distance between two of the first comb ribs (38) measured in lateral direc
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: MARTIJN FRANS JOHAN NAB
  • Publication number: 20170057105
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an adjustment drive (58) for an adjustable spacing comb (26) for a hair cutting appliance (10) and to a hair cutting appliance (10) that is fitted with an adjustable spacing comb (26). The adjustment drive (58) comprises an actuator (60) that is configured for actuating a movable comb portion (40) of the adjustable spacing comb (26) with respect to a blade set (16) of the hair cutting appliance (10), a drivetrain (62) for coupling the actuator (60) and the movable comb portion (40), wherein the drivetrain (62) comprises a reduction gear unit (66), and a location detection unit (80) comprising a rotary encoder (84), wherein the rotary encoder (84) is coupled to an output shaft (68) of the reduction gear unit (66).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: GEERT-JAN DARWINKEL, CORNELIS JOHANNES ZANDSTEEG, NICKY LEWIS, MATTHEW GERARD NAYNA
  • Publication number: 20170057106
    Abstract: A shaving razor handle with a handle casing and a handle interconnect member coupled to the handle casing. The handle interconnect member has a body with an arched profile. A projection extends from the body. The projection has a pair of side surfaces that taper from an enlarged distal end to a relatively smaller base forming a projected apex angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Charles Bridgham Worrick, III
  • Publication number: 20170057107
    Abstract: A tool for cutting a tie wrap bound about a wire bundle. The tool includes a body portion having a generally disc-shaped cutter and cutting edge. A shield covers one side of the cutter and defines first and second shield slots in communication with the cutting edge. A housing pivotally connected to the body portion covers the other side of the cutter and defines first and second housing slots that communicate with the cutting edge. The housing pivots between first, second, and third positions. In the first position, the first housing slot communicates with the first shield slot to expose the cutting edge for cutting purposes. In the second position, the first housing slot is out of communication with the first shield slot, thereby covering the cutting edge. And, in the third position, the second housing slot communicates with the second shield slot to expose the cutting edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Donald Wayne COFFLAND, Christine Mary ANDERSON, Curtis Lynn BACKMAN, Aaron R. AYERS, David Scott WRIGHT, Scott Edward SHAPIRO, Donald R. YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20170057108
    Abstract: A multi-functional holster is especially adapted for receiving a pair of child's scissors. The holster is preferably in the form of a rigid or semi-rigid housing having a front and a flange-like periphery defining a scissor opening. A chute is mounted to said housing for receiving the blades of a pair of scissors inserted into the scissor opening. A pencil sharpener is mounted to the housing and interiorly disposed to be accessible through an access opening through the flange-like periphery. The scissors are retained in said housing by at least one magnet and at least one retention tab. The front of the housing may be generally shaped in the form of an apple or a whale and be suitably decorated to appeal to a child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Sarah A. Albano, Siu-Leung Tang
  • Publication number: 20170057109
    Abstract: A curtain cutting aid includes a curtain holder including an insertion space, an insertion slot in communication with the insertion space and a positioning portion disposed between the insertion space and the insertion slot, and a positioning unit including a movable bar inserted through the insertion slot into the insertion space and provided with spaced positioning grooves and an operating knob mounted in the curtain holder and coupled with the movable bar and movable between an initial position where one positioning groove of the movable bar is engaged with the positioning portion of the curtain holder to lock the movable bar in the insertion space, and a pressed position where the positioning groove of the movable bar is disengaged from the positioning portion of the curtain holder for allowing adjustment of the position of the movable bar according to the size of the curtain to be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chen
  • Publication number: 20170057110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of food processors, and more particularly, to a slicing mechanism and the slicer using the slicing mechanism, wherein the slicing mechanism comprises the lower cover and the cutter components; wherein the cutter components are fixed to the rotating gear, which rotates in the lower cover; wherein the rotating gear and the cutter components are directly fixed, improving transmission efficiency and stability so that the slicing process has higher uniformity and quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jiangang Guo, Dingxun Sheng
  • Publication number: 20170057111
    Abstract: Method and device for guiding a tool (2) in a recurring application of a product (3) moved along an X-axis, wherein the tool (2) is mounted on the Z-carriage (12) of a cross guide and is moved therewith along the Z-axis standing perpendicular on the X-axis, wherein the Z-carriage (12) is mounted on the X-carriage (10) of the cross guide, the guide of which is mounted along the X-axis in a base plane (13), wherein the X-carriage (10) is driven with an X-drive, wherein the Z-carriage (12) is driven by a Z-drive, which is held stationary in the base plane (13) and has a traction means (17) driven by a first servo motor (8) provided for the drive of the Z-carriage, which is driven from the base plane (13) on the movable Z-carriage (12), wherein a movement of the Z-carriage (12) that is brought about by the movement of the X-carriage (10) and a motive force caused thereby on the traction means (17), is compensated when actuating the first servo motor (8) provided for the drive of the Z-carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: HOCHLAND SE
    Inventors: Tobias SCHELLHEIMER, Hans-Peter SCHWAERZLER
  • Publication number: 20170057112
    Abstract: A combination includes a work table defining a working surface for placing a workpiece and a fence assembly including a fence. The fence is rotatably mounted on the work table. The fence includes a first contacting surface which is arranged to provide an abutting surface when the fence is rotated to an abutting position and which is arranged to provide an extending surface when the fence is rotated to an extending position, a second contacting surface which is arranged to provide a supporting surface when the fence is rotated to a supporting position, and a third contacting surface which is arranged to provide an abutting surface when the fence is rotated to the supporting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Zhifeng Chen
  • Publication number: 20170057113
    Abstract: A lumber handling method identifies the existence and direction of crowning in dimensional lumber and automatically orients the board and specifies a cutting direction prior to a saw cutting the board into one or more board segments to be used in a structural board assembly, such as in a truss or a wall panel. Crowning is a curve that occurs along a narrow convex edge of a board, wherein the curve is about an axis that is perpendicular to the board's widest face. In some examples, a board's crown is detected by a row of photoelectric sensors. In some examples, the method involves calibrating the sensors by passing a straight board past the sensors. In some examples, the convex and/or concave edges of the board are marked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Steven L. Aylsworth
  • Publication number: 20170057114
    Abstract: A planer for lumber comprises a support and at least one planing head rotatably mounted to the support. The at least one planing head has a rotation axis and is controllably shiftable to move from a first cutting position at a first axial position to a second cutting position at a second axial position. Methods and a planing head for a planer are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Kimwood Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20170057115
    Abstract: A hand tool of the present invention enables the planing of stock wood to thickness that is accurate and repeatable without the need for continuous measurement or great skill. The hand tool can be used on stock that is wider than the plane body, can be adjusted in depth by the user, and is of suitable construction and weight for a hand tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Maxwell Keeling
  • Publication number: 20170057116
    Abstract: A material forming apparatus is disclosed herein having a plurality of bed arms or members, a plurality of clamps connected to the bed arms or members and positioned to receive a piece of material to be formed, and the bed arms or members are movable to bend the piece of material to be formed into a desired shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Donald S. Lupa, Steve B. Torre
  • Publication number: 20170057117
    Abstract: A log chipping machine includes a frame having a long axis and a rotating chipping mechanism having an axis of rotation that is oblique to the long axis of the frame of the machine. The machine also includes a log advance system that is adapted to advance a log to the chipping mechanism, in a processing direction that is generally parallel to the long axis of the frame. The log advance system includes an upper feed assembly. A control system includes a lifting assembly and a controller assembly. The lifting assembly is adapted to move the upper feed assembly with respect to the frame between an engagement position in which the upper feed assembly contacts the log to advance it towards the chipping mechanism and a raised position in which the upper feed assembly is above and out of contact with the log.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Angus Windrim, Luke Ricker
  • Publication number: 20170057118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber board product comprising fibers in an amount from 50.0 to 99.0 parts by weight (d/d), at least one particulate calcium carbonate-containing material in an amount from 1.0 to 50.0 parts by weight (d/d), at least one binder in an amount from 0.05 to 25.0 parts by weight (d/d), at least one wax in an amount from 0 to 5.0 parts by weight (d/d), wherein the sum of the fibers and the at least one particulate calcium carbonate-containing material is 100.0 parts by weight (d/d), a process for manufacturing such a fiber board product as well as an use of at least one particulate calcium carbonate-containing material having a weight median particle size d50 of 0.5 to 150.0 ?m as fiber replacement in a fiber board product, preferably in a high-density fiber (HDF) board, medium-density fiber (MDF) board, low-density fiber (LDF) board or particle board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Tomasz Ozyhar, Johannes Kritzinger, Philipp Hunziker
  • Publication number: 20170057119
    Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for forming composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Nicolas Michael Agostinelli, Nicholas Steven Busch
  • Publication number: 20170057120
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for extrusion of mixtures comprising at least one polyvinyl acetal, at least one plasticiser and least one earth alkaline salt of a carboxylic acid, wherein 0.001%-1 wt. % (based on the combined weight of PVB resin and plasticizer) of at least one organic acid having 4 to 30 carbon atoms is added to the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: UWE KELLER
  • Publication number: 20170057121
    Abstract: A carbon/carbon part and processes for making carbon/carbon parts are provided. The process involves inserting a polyacrylonitrile preform (PAN preform) into a furnace, introducing an inert atmosphere into the furnace, and ramping up the furnace to a temperature greater than 1200° C. while maintaining the total pressure in the furnace greater 0.5 Atm. The method may convert the PAN preform into a carbon preform. The carbonization may be completed while maintaining the total pressure in the furnace greater than 0.5 Atm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory Hawkins, Diane Main
  • Publication number: 20170057122
    Abstract: An apparatus has a housing configured to receive a single serving beverage dispenser comprising a receptacle, a compostable product within the receptacle and a lid sealing an end of the receptacle. A cutter assembly is positioned at an end of the housing. The cutter assembly has a lid cutter and a receptacle cutter. A grip ring is configured to rotate the cutter assembly in response to manual manipulation, such that the lid cutter separates the lid from the receptacle and the receptacle cutter separates a top portion of the receptacle from a bottom portion of the receptacle. The housing has an open end through which the bottom portion of the receptacle is removed and a lid end through which the lid and top portion of the receptacle are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew GRANTHAM
  • Publication number: 20170057123
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a roll-shaped mold wherein a mold release agent layer is formed on a mold body. A mold release agent solution is supplied from a mold release agent-discharging nozzle towards the mold body to adhere the mold release agent solution on the mold body. A gas is discharged from a gas-discharging nozzle toward the mold release agent solution adhering to the mold body to dry the mold release agent solution and form the mold release agent layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Shohei SAKAI, Yuji MATSUBARA
  • Publication number: 20170057124
    Abstract: An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a transdermal absorption sheet and a transdermal absorption sheet that can suppress generation of air bubbles. In the method of manufacturing the transdermal absorption sheet that includes a drug solution filling step, a drug solution drying step, a base solution filling step, a base solution drying step, and a peeling-off step in that order, each step of at least from the drug solution filling step to the base solution drying step is performed in an environment with a temperature of 1° C. to 10° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi WAKAMATSU, Koki KABATA
  • Publication number: 20170057125
    Abstract: A device for producing an edging of a flat extended panel has: a molding tool; a material dispenser which is movable in relation to the molding tool, for dispensing a material for the edging, wherein the molding tool has: a first mold body having a holding region for the panel; a second mold body having a holding region for the panel such that the panel is capable of being held by the first mold body and by the second mold body; a third mold body which with the first mold body shares a common contact region, wherein the first mold body, the second mold body, and the third mold body are configured such that they conjointly with the panel surround a space in which the edging is configurable; an access duct to the space, the former being configured between the second mold body and the third mold body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jan WOKÖCK, Martin SEEBASS
  • Publication number: 20170057126
    Abstract: A system for creating a blended fiber pad made from a mixture of alpaca fiber and a selected natural fiber. The fiber pad is used for bedding products, cushions, toppers and furniture. The system includes a washing station for cleaning and processing the fiber mixture and a pad forming machine. The washing station is used to thoroughly wash, clean and dry the alpaca fiber and the natural fiber. The washing station includes a series of wash tanks, squeeze pads and drying racks. The dried alpaca fiber and dried natural fiber are then baled and fed into the pad forming machine. The pad forming machine includes a plurality of individual sections with a series of conveyor belts. The conveyor belts are used for conveying the fiber mixture and a bond material from one station to the next and creating a finished blended fiber pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Mary Anderle, David A. Rauch