Patents Issued in March 9, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170066099
    Abstract: Problem: To provide an abrasive pad and abrading method using same that are capable of extending the life of the abrasive pad when applied to abrading the surface of glass substrates, and that can ensure abrading capability that is appropriate for abrading the surface of glass substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Yoko Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20170066100
    Abstract: Thread repair tools are disclosed. Methods of making thread repair tools, and methods of using thread repair tools are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Terry A. Lewis, Travis R. Lewis, David M. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20170066101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate processing system and a substrate processing method capable of cleaning a processing-liquid supply line. A substrate processing system includes: a substrate processing apparatus (1) configured to process a substrate W; and a flushing device for cleaning a distribution line (93) and a processing-liquid supply line (92). The flushing device includes: a cleaning-liquid supply line (99) coupled to the distribution line (93); a drain mechanism (101) configured to direct a cleaning liquid, supplied into the processing-liquid supply line (92) through the distribution line (93), to a liquid disposal area (100); a supply switching valve (104) configured to allow only the processing liquid or the cleaning liquid to flow in the distribution line (93); and an operation controller (30) configured to control operations of the drain mechanism (101) and the supply switching valve (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Kuniaki YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170066102
    Abstract: The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of (a) about 0.01 wt. % to about 1 wt. % of wet-process ceria, (b) about 10 ppm to about 200 ppm of a cationic polymer comprising quaternary amino groups, (c) about 10 ppm to about 2000 ppm of a non-fluorinated nonionic surfactant, (d) an amino acid, and (e) water, wherein the polishing composition has a pH of about 3 to about 8. The invention further provides a method of polishing a substrate with the polishing composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Prativa PANDEY, Juyeon CHANG, Brian REISS
  • Publication number: 20170066103
    Abstract: A focus ring is disposed on a peripheral portion of a lower electrode that receives a substrate thereon in a process container so as to contact a member of the lower electrode. The focus ring includes a contact surface that contacts the member of the lower electrode and is made of any one of a silicon-containing material, alumina and quartz. At least one of the contact surface of the focus ring and a contact surface of the member of the lower electrode has surface roughness of 0.1 micrometers or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Taketoshi TOMIOKA, Yasuharu SASAKI, Hiroki KISHI, Jisoo SUH
  • Publication number: 20170066104
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting and preventing grind burn from developing on a gear. The method includes performing acoustic emission testing while the gear is being ground during a grinding operation. The grinding wheel is evaluated during an eddy current test to detect material buildup on the grinding wheel which could cause grind burn. In addition, the method includes collecting swarf from the gear during the grinding operation and inspecting the swarf for an indication of grind burn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Allison Transmission Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Frazee, Paul Horvath
  • Publication number: 20170066105
    Abstract: A sanding device and associated methods are shown. Sanding devices shown include attached lighting devices and marking devices. In use, lighting devices attached to the sanding devices may be used to cast shadows on imperfections in a surface such as a wall. The marking devices may be optionally used to mark the imperfections for later attention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Monte Grayden
  • Publication number: 20170066106
    Abstract: An apparatus for replacing an abrasive sheet in a sanding machine comprising a working head in which it is provided a support body having an engagement surface arranged to engage with an abrasive sheet. The sanding machine also comprises a handling device arranged to actuate the support body in space according to at least two degrees of freedom. The face of the abrasive sheet facing, in use, towards the support body and the engagement surface of this comprises a mutual engagement means of removable type. For example, the mutual engagement means can provide a layer of Velcro, i.e. a velvet layer on a face and a plurality of hooks on the other face, or an adhesive layer, in particular of reversible glue layer, or a plurality of projections and recesses mutually engageable with each other, or similar engagement elements. Furthermore, is provided a removal station in which it is installed a removal device having a sharp edge arranged to remove the sheet from the support body through a plurality of operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Fabrica Machinale S.R.L.
    Inventors: Luca Bosio, Renzo Valleggi
  • Publication number: 20170066107
    Abstract: A blasting system, comprising a tank, a center tube, an inlet, a top aperture. Said tank holds a slurry mixture for blasting application. Said inlet receives a pressurized air. Said center tube receives a portion of said pressurized air and selectively receives a portion of said slurry mixture. A portion of said center tube exits said tank at said top aperture. Said tank comprises a top end and a bottom end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Benjamin J. LECOMPTE
  • Publication number: 20170066108
    Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a smooth matte surface of a ceramic component using a double abrasive blasting process. A surface region of a surface of the ceramic component may be blasted in a first abrasive blasting process, using, for example, a first abrasive media comprised of a first abrasive material having a hardness that is greater than that of the ceramic component. The surface may be blasted another time in a second abrasive blasting process, using, for example, a second abrasive media comprised of a second abrasive material coupled to an elastic element. In the second abrasive blasting process, the second abrasive material may be harder than the ceramic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Naoto Matsuyuki, Douglas J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20170066109
    Abstract: The invention relates to finishing metallic and non-metallic surfaces by abrasion techniques. In certain embodiments, the invention pertains to an apparatus configured for finishing a zone on the surface of a bladed article of manufacture, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more channels having a cross-sectional profile including at least one finishing area to finish an operative zone of the article that optimizes a clearance portion of the article, wherein an angle of each finishing area of the cross-sectional profile is substantively the same as an optimal clearance angle of the article, wherein the apparatus is configured to position the operable zone of the article along the angle of the finishing area during sharpening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Larry P. BLEIER
  • Publication number: 20170066110
    Abstract: A method of forming polycrystalline diamond includes providing an alloy over at least portions of a plurality of diamond particles, and subjecting the plurality of diamond particles to a high-temperature, high-pressure process to form a polycrystalline diamond material having inter-granular bonds between adjacent diamond particles. The alloy includes iridium and nickel, and a volume of the diamond particles is at least about 92% of a total volume of the alloy and the diamond particles. The polycrystalline diamond material includes at least about 92% diamond by volume. A polycrystalline diamond compact includes grains of diamond bonded to one another by inter-granular bonds and an alloy disposed within interstitial spaces between the grains of diamond. The grains of diamond occupy at least 94% by volume of the polycrystalline diamond compact. An earth-boring tool may include a bit body and such a polycrystalline diamond compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Marc W. Bird
  • Publication number: 20170066111
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wrench with translational wrench jaw comprising a first wrench jaw, a first handle and a connection portion, the connecting portion being arranged with a long hole, the long hole being provided with a first flank and a second flank which are parallel to each other, and the first flank being arranged with teeth; a second handle, connected with the connecting portion via a claw arranged in the long hole, the first end of the second handle being arranged with a cam; a second wrench jaw, connected with the connecting portion in a sliding manner, the second wrench jaw being arranged with a recess to accommodate the cam; a first connecting rod, connected with the first handle, a first end of the first connecting rod being arranged with an elastic component; a second connecting rod, connected with the second handle, a first end of the second connecting rod being arranged with an elastic component, the second end of the first connecting rod being connected with the second end of the s
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicants: HANGZHOU GREAT STAR INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD, HANGZHOU GREAT STAR TOOLS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Wang
  • Publication number: 20170066112
    Abstract: Pliers having two pliers legs that cross at a pivot bolt, of which pliers leg is fixed and the other is movable with respect thereto, wherein the pivot bolt is optionally fixable in a longitudinal slot in the fixed pliers leg by toothing engagement in order to set a mouth opening width, by means of engagement teeth formed on the longitudinal slot and one or more mating teeth formed on the pivot bolt. The toothing engagement is releasable by the pivot bolt being pressed down in a first direction of movement and subsequently the pliers legs being moved together, or by the pivot bolt automatically passing over one or more engagement teeth, wherein the pivot bolt moves in a second direction of movement on passing over an engagement tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: KNIPEX-Werk C. Gustav Putsch KG
    Inventor: Bernd HERRMANN
  • Publication number: 20170066113
    Abstract: An electrical connection box includes a housing, a tool and a tool holding portion. The tool includes a main body in which a holding hole is formed, and a pinching portion. The tool holding portion includes a holding main body, a rotation regulating portion and a protrusion protruding on an opposite side from a side of the rotation regulating portion with the holding main body interposed therebetween. The protrusion is formed to face an opposite side from a side of the pinching portion with the holding hole interposed therebetween in the main body in an insertion direction in the holding state, and comes into contact with the main body in a state in which the pinching portion is positioned in a pulling direction compared to a position of the main body from the holding state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Daisuke Kawada, Yuki Komiya
  • Publication number: 20170066114
    Abstract: An oil filter removal and drain system including an oil-filter-removal assembly and a drain-attachment assembly in functional combination. The oil-filter-removal assembly includes a top-frame, a bottom-frame, a geared-socket-hub, a filter-socket, a plurality of geared-clamp-jaws, a filter-gasket, and a toggle-clamp in functional and structural combination. The drain-attachment assembly includes a drain-attachment-body, a drain-toggle-clamp, a drain-nipple, and a filter-cutter. The drain-attachment assembly is removably affixable to the oil-filter-removal assembly via the plurality keyhole-stud-receivers of the drain-attachment assembly accepting and retaining the plurality of keyhole-studs of the oil-filter-removal assembly. An oil-filter-removal assembly may be used on many different types of fluid filters (e.g., hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, engine oil, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: SEMOR DAVID TOFTE
  • Publication number: 20170066115
    Abstract: A board fastening tool has a tool body and a driver having contiguous drive elements mounted in the body. A top element is mounted to slide in vertical track when hit from above. A bottom element is mounted to drive a fastener diagonally out of the body and into a board to fix the board to the floor. The top and bottom elements are connected by a spring steel ribbon device sliding in a curved track so that vertical movement of the top element is converted to diagonal movement of the bottom element. The spring steel ribbon device has a pair of spring steel ribbons joined to each other at respective ends thereof and separate from each other over an intermediate region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Patrick Hale
  • Publication number: 20170066116
    Abstract: A high inertia driver system for a fastening tool having an electric motor that drives a flywheel to contact a driver blade to drive a fastener into a workpiece. The high inertia driver system also has a return system which prevents the unintentional driving of a second fastener. The return system uses a return spring that controls the recoil energy of the driver blade after driving a fastener into a workpiece. The system achieves a long operational life for the fastening tool by increasing the number of return cycles of the driver blade free of a return spring failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart E. Garber, Paul G. Gross, Marco A. Mattucci
  • Publication number: 20170066117
    Abstract: A multi-tool includes a keyshaped body, the keyshaped body having a key like shape and a standard key size. The keyshaped body includes a rounded end, the rounded end including a aperture for a key chain and a textured surface configured to provide grip to the hand of a user. The keyshaped body further includes a slim extending end, opposite the rounded end, the slim extending end including a tip, the tip having a wedge end, the wedge end shaped such that it functions as a screw driver, the slim end further included a left and right side, the left side having a grooved surface shaped such that it functions as file, the right side including a cutting surface and a lip, the lip providing for a bottle opener in conjunction with an aperture in which the cutting surface is located and using the keyshaped body as a lever arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: NITE IZE, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher HAWKER, Matthew SEIBERT, Joel BEEBE
  • Publication number: 20170066118
    Abstract: A pocket hand tool having an elongate handle portion and a tool carrier plate rotatably mounted on the exterior of the elongate handle portion, the tool carrier plate having a peripheral array of tool heads, the tool carrier plate having a first rotary position in which the tool heads are in a stowed configuration and having one or more further rotary positions in which one or more of said tool heads are in a deployed configuration, said tool carrier plate having an exposed major surface portion which in use is capable of being manipulated by the thumb of the hand holding the elongate handle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Lee Berman
  • Publication number: 20170066119
    Abstract: A handheld electric tool includes a working device for performing a function of the handheld electric tool, a powering device for provide a driving force to the working device, and a connecting device for connecting the working device and powering device. The powering device includes: an electric motor, a power housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, a transmission mechanism for transmitting power generated by the electric motor and a circuit board for controlling the electric motor, a fan can be driven by the electric motor to provide an airflow which flows from the air inlet to the air outlet. The circuit board, the transmission mechanism and the electric motor are disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet such that the airflow flows through the circuit board, the transmission mechanism and the electric motor successively. The handheld electric tool has excellent cooling effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Huixing Fu, Fangjie Nie, Toshinari Yamaoka, Fangtian Deng
  • Publication number: 20170066120
    Abstract: A hand tool assembly includes a rod and a handle which is pivotably connected to the rod, and a control unit which is movable along the rod. When the rod and the handle are located linearly, the control unit is moved to a position where the rod and the handle are secured linearly. When the handle is perpendicular to the rod, the control unit is moved another position where the handle is secured perpendicularly to the rod. The rod and the handle are able to be connected with different hand tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Man-Chi Chang
  • Publication number: 20170066121
    Abstract: A work stool includes a support whose one end has a cushion and an opposite end has a base. The base has a bottom provided with a plurality of casters. The support has a gas strut. A tray is mounted around the support and positioned between the cushion and the base. A connecting assembly has one end fixedly connected to the tray and has an opposite end connected to the gas strut so that a distance between the tray and the cushion is fixed and the tray is adjustable in terms of altitude by operating the gas strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: TONY HUANG
  • Publication number: 20170066122
    Abstract: A tool table with top as a first rotating element that rotates relative to the top about its center. Within the rotating element is a secondary rotating element that rotates relative to the rotating element. A variety of tools affix or are used in used in connection with the second rotating element such that the tool can be installed above top of the table and then flipped to rotate such that the motor is below the top of the table but the blade or cutting element is above the top of the table. The tool can also slide within the secondary rotating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Iannelli
  • Publication number: 20170066123
    Abstract: A display board for tool is provided, including a main body, having at least one socket assembling base. The socket assembling base is for a socket to be assembled thereto along an axial direction of the socket assembling base, and a circumferential wall of the socket assembling base is formed with at least one material-reduced portion. The material-reduced portion extends in a direction which is non-perpendicular to the axial direction, and the material-reduced portion unpenetrates through the circumferential wall of the socket assembling base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: CHEN-CHI SHIH
  • Publication number: 20170066124
    Abstract: The invention provides a container comprising an upper section for storage, a lower section for storage, and a linkage arrangement attaching the upper section to the lower section, such that the upper and lower sections can be moved relative to each other between a closed configuration and an expanded configuration, the container further comprising at least one latch having a closed position and a released position, the latch being arranged to retain the upper section and the lower section in the closed configuration when it is in the closed position, and the latch being arranged to be releasable to the released position in which the upper and lower sections are movable into the expanded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Danny Baruch
  • Publication number: 20170066125
    Abstract: Improvements in a transfer tool for cabinet holes to transfer a plurality of different size and shape holes from one surface to another. The openings for a sink cabinet typically has a hot and a cold water supply line in addition to a drain pipe with an outlet for a garbage disposal and the location of all the holes and sizes must be identified, and transferred to a cabinet. The transfer tool accommodates a starting corner from a variety of different sizes and shapes cabinets and surfaces. The transfer tool has locators for both the size and the center position of round, square and other style openings. The transfer tool has indicia that identifies the size and center position to allow an installer to simply re-mark the location. The transfer tool has versatility to operate around obstructions and other hole opening locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Tad K. Lostlen
  • Publication number: 20170066126
    Abstract: A device for allowing work to be carried out on or about an object includes at least one gripping arrangement. The at least one gripping arrangement is configured to grip and traverse the object so as to reach a desired location on the object and to anchor the device thereto for allowing the work to be carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: WHITE PUMA PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Gary James HAYDEN
  • Publication number: 20170066127
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system that facilitates positioning operations and also improves throughput in transferring a substrate in a transfer device that can transfer a pair of transfer objects simultaneously. The present invention includes first and second extension/contraction drive shafts disposed concentrically with a rotating axis as a center, each provided in an independently rotatable manner in a horizontal plane, and first and second turning drive shafts. First and second transfer mechanisms are disposed on both sides of a transfer object transfer direction with the rotating axis being disposed therebetween, are driven to extend and contract by the first and second extension/contraction drive shafts, and transfer a transfer object along the transfer object transfer direction. The first and second transfer mechanisms are configured to turn at a small angle with the rotating axis as a center by first and second turning drive members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: ULVAC, Inc.
    Inventor: Takahiro YOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20170066128
    Abstract: Robotic apparatus employ a large variety of resources to operate. A robotic apparatus seeks out sources of energy, computational capacity, shelter, communications, and/or other resources to preserve or renew its energy stores, computational resources, or physical integrity and/or to receive further guidance or direction or to report collected or sensed data or information. A robotic apparatus can determine the existence of a resource deficiency or projected resource deficiency, assess a ranking of such, identify one or more remedial actions, and execute the remedial action(s). A robotic apparatus can assess a ranking of a resource deficiency or projected resource deficiency based on a value of the resource, a severity of need or urgency for the resource, and ability to obtain or replenish the source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Suzanne Gildert
  • Publication number: 20170066129
    Abstract: A robot includes an nth (n is an integer equal to or more than one) arm rotatable about an nth rotation axis, and an (n+1)th arm provided on the nth arm to be rotatable about an (n+1)th rotation axis in an axis direction different from an axis direction of the nth rotation axis, wherein a length of the nth arm is longer than a length of the (n+1)th arm, the nth arm and the (n+1)th arm can overlap as seen from the axis direction of the (n+1)th rotation axis, and a shortest time taken for a second action of rotating the (n+1)th arm from a first attitude to a first angle is shorter than a shortest time taken for a first action of rotating the nth arm from the first attitude to the first angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Masaki MOTOYOSHI, Ryosuke IMAI, Shunsuke TOSHIMITSU
  • Publication number: 20170066130
    Abstract: One variation of a method for controlling a robotic arm includes: moving the robotic arm through a trajectory; at a first time in which the robotic arm occupies a first position along the trajectory, measuring a first capacitance of a first sense circuit comprising a first electrode extending over a first arm segment of the robotic arm; at a second time in which the robotic arm occupies a second position along the trajectory, measuring a second capacitance of the first sense circuit; calculating a first rate of change in capacitance of the first sense circuit based on a difference between the first capacitance and the second capacitance; in response to the first rate of change in capacitance of the first sense circuit exceeding a threshold rate of change, issuing a proximity alarm; and reducing a speed of the robotic arm moving through the trajectory in response to the proximity alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Corkum, Rosanna Myers
  • Publication number: 20170066131
    Abstract: [Object] To calibrate an internal model more efficiently and more precisely. [Solution] Provided is a robot arm apparatus including: an arm unit made up of a plurality of links joined by one or a plurality of a joint unit, the arm unit being connectable to an imaging unit. An internal model including at least geometric information about the arm unit and focus position information about the imaging unit is updated using internal model information acquired in a state in which the imaging unit is pointed at a reference point in real space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: YASUHISA KAMIKAWA, TAKARA KASAI, YOHEI KURODA, WATARU KOKUBO, TOSHIMITSU TSUBOI, TETSUHARU FUKUSHIMA, YASUHIRO MATSUDA, ATSUSHI MIYAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170066132
    Abstract: A robot obstacle detection system including a robot housing which navigates with respect to a surface and a sensor subsystem aimed at the surface for detecting the surface. The sensor subsystem includes an emitter which emits a signal having a field of emission and a photon detector having a field of view which intersects the field of emission at a region. The subsystem detects the presence of an object proximate the mobile robot and determines a value of a signal corresponding to the object. It compares the value to a predetermined value, moves the mobile robot in response to the comparison, and updates the predetermined value upon the occurrence of an event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher M. Casey, Matthew Cross, Daniel N. Ozick, Joseph L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170066133
    Abstract: An apparatus for setting a conveyor coordinate system in a robot system. The apparatus includes features provided on a movable part of a conveyor; a sensor provided on a robot; a first coordinate acquiring section for making the sensor detect positions of two features, when the movable part is in a first position, and acquiring two first coordinates in a base coordinate system of the robot; a conveying operation executing section for making the movable part perform a conveying operation from the first position toward a second position; a second coordinate acquiring section for making the sensor detect a position of one feature, when the movable part is in the second position, and acquiring one second coordinate in the base coordinate system; and a coordinate system determining section for determining the conveyor coordinate system based on a conveying operation direction, two first coordinates and one second coordinate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masafumi Ooba, Ichiro Kanno
  • Publication number: 20170066134
    Abstract: A motion system has at least one body, a motion unit that applies force to this body in a specified direction, and a control unit that controls the operation of the motion unit. The motion unit has at least one base connected to the body, at least one plate that is connected to the base, at least one first motion element that is controlled by control unit, at least one rotating mass that is connected to the plate and at least one second motion element that is controlled by the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Melih Cakmakci
  • Publication number: 20170066135
    Abstract: A point cloud system having two separate sets of points, each of these sets having different points of view, creating data with potentially occluded points in the point cloud. An accelerated approach of close sister points is used to determine which occluded points can be removed by looking out from an assumed non-occluded point, then finding the closest point in the next set of points, then looking back into the first set of points, or jumping to the closest not occluded point and looking back, and if this second sister is close to initial point, it is a close sister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, James Creasy, Alan Gushurst
  • Publication number: 20170066136
    Abstract: At least one tactile sensor includes an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on the surface of the insulating layer. The conductive layer defines at least one group of flexible projections extending orthogonally from the surface of the insulating layer. The flexible projections include a major projection extending a distance orthogonally from the surface and at least one minor projection that is adjacent to and separate from the major projection wherein the major projection extends a distance orthogonally that is greater than the distance that the minor projection extends orthogonally. Upon a compressive force normal to, or a shear force parallel to, the surface, the major projection and the minor projection flex such that an electrical contact resistance is formed between the major projection and the minor projection. A capacitive tactile sensor is also disclosed that responds to the normal and shear forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Alexandros Charalambides, Sarah Bergbreiter, Ivan Penskiy
  • Publication number: 20170066137
    Abstract: A control device controls a robot including an arm, an end effector provided in the arm, and a force detector provided in the arm and configured to detect force. After bringing a first portion of the end effector close to a work surface and detecting contact of the first portion and the work surface on the basis of an output from the force detector, the control device brings a second portion of the end effector different from the first portion close to the work surface, detects contact of the second portion and the work surface on the basis of an output from the force detector, and teaches the robot a position of the end effector with respect to the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Atsushi HARADA, Kenji ONDA
  • Publication number: 20170066138
    Abstract: Grasping devices and mechanisms are provided capable of grasping onto flat or curved surfaces repeatably and releasably using synthetic dry adhesives. Applications of these devices can be found in a large variety of robotic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Elliot W. Hawkes
  • Publication number: 20170066139
    Abstract: One variation of a reconfigurable robotic system includes: a base; an arm extending from the base, including a set of articulable axes, and terminating at a head interface board defining a set of interface pins; a component interconnect arranged within the base, including a set of interconnect pins electrically coupled to the set of interface pins, and including a set of logic pins; a control card configured to transiently engage the component interconnect and including: a set of interconnect pads configured to contact the set of interconnect pins, a set of logic pads configured to contact the set of logic pins, and a control circuit interposed between the set of interconnect pads and the set of logic pads and including a set of independently selectable function circuits between each interconnect pad in a subset of the set of interconnect pads and corresponding logic pads in the set of logic pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Corkum, Rosanna Myers
  • Publication number: 20170066140
    Abstract: An attachment device includes a robot-engaging portion having a recess formed in an outer surface thereof for receiving a finger of a robot. The attachment device also includes a tool-engaging portion coupled to the robot-engaging portion. The tool-engaging portion is configured to be coupled to a tool that is to be used by the robot to perform a task. A damping member is positioned at least partially between the robot-engaging portion and the tool-engaging portion. The damping member is configured to be adjusted to vary a magnitude of oscillations that are transferred from the tool-engaging portion to the robot-engaging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Kelleher GUERIN
  • Publication number: 20170066141
    Abstract: A component mounting apparatus for mounting a component on a substrate includes a pair of chuck claws that sandwich and grip the component; and adapters that are detachably mounted on the chuck claws and grip the component in place of the chuck claws. The adapters are mounted on the chuck claws in accordance with the component that is an object to be mounted and the component is gripped by using the adapters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: DAI YOKOYAMA, HIDEAKI WATANABE, SHIGEKI IMAFUKU, YOSUKE NAGASAWA
  • Publication number: 20170066142
    Abstract: A gripper finger for grasping objects includes a gripper jaw and a gripper tip which extends with a gripper axis along a longitudinal direction. The gripper tip is detachably connected to the gripper jaw by a connecting element. The connecting element can be locked with a connecting socket extending in the longitudinal direction in the form of a plug-in connection in such a manner that in the locked state it is impossible for the gripper tip to tilt away in relation to the gripper axis and simultaneously the gripper tip is locked against the gripper jaw in relation to the longitudinal direction by a predefinable longitudinal locking force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Charles DE CASTELBAJAC, Hansruedi FRUEH, Norman WIJEYRATNE
  • Publication number: 20170066143
    Abstract: A joining tool (7), a joining device (2) equipped therewith and a joining method for joining stringers (9) to flexible workpieces (8) are provided. A plurality of industrial robots (3 to 6) are equipped with the joining tools (7) and handle and join the stringer (9) jointly. The joining tools (7) are heated and grip the stringer (9) via a gripper tool (25) on the upper face (30) of the structural unit, using a controlled suction gripper (26), a heated counter-holder (29), which is arranged next to the gripper tool, likewise acting upon the upper face (30) of the structural unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Jörg HÄNTZSCHEL, Norbert STROBL
  • Publication number: 20170066144
    Abstract: A folding tool has a monolithic, one-piece handle with an implement rotationally mounted to the handle for rotational movement between a closed, stored position and an open, use position. The handle is adapted for installation of bearings on both sides of the implement following a defined method of installation so that the implement rides on bearings as it is rotated relative to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Benchmade Knife Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ohlrich Michael
  • Publication number: 20170066145
    Abstract: A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position and to retain the blade in the closed position. In one embodiment a spring arm located to one lateral side of the blade interacts at its forward end with a drive pin on a tang portion of the blade during a part of the blade's rotational path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Benchmade Knife Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Cheung
  • Publication number: 20170066146
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new product that saves time while maintaining consistency in the sizes of the portions the user is cutting. The present invention provides a fast and efficient way to cut foods, like jelly, brownies, corn bread and sheet cake into uniformly-sized portions by being able to cut a whole sheet of product with just two cuts, one vertically and one horizontally across the pan. The portions will be of equal sizes and with neat straight lines and hence eliminates the wasting of ingredients and product by not being able to serve inconsistent portions and those which are not cut neatly. The chow lines will move much faster when perfectly-sized portions is cut and served quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: BRADLEY CLEMENS
  • Publication number: 20170066147
    Abstract: A razor handle including a handle body and a mechanism for tracking usage of a razor blade or razor blade cartridge. The tracking mechanism includes means to identify a unique razor blade cartridge attachment to the handle body and electronic circuitry disposed within the handle body for automatically tracking razor blade or razor blade cartridge use. The collected data is then sent out to and stored at a remote server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Lamar Ball, Wojciech Grohman
  • Publication number: 20170066148
    Abstract: A shaving razor cartridge with a housing having a guard, a cap, and one or more blades located between the guard and the cap. The guard is positioned in front of the one or more blades and the cap is positioned behind said one or more blades. A heating element is mounted to the housing for transferring heat during a shaving stroke. The heating element includes a skin contacting surface and an opposing bottom surface defined by a perimeter wall. An insulating member is positioned within the perimeter wall. The insulating member has a first surface facing the bottom surface of the heating element and a second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew James Hodgson, Norbert Broemse, Klaus Heubach, Timo Schmitt, Maurice Schirmer, Felix Koenig, Juergen Behrendt