Abstract: A nail removal tool in the form of an adapter for attachment to the drive socket of a rotary driver such as a rotary pneumatic impact driver. The adapter includes a drive shaft engagable with the chuck of the pneumatic driver, a cylindrical bit with a slot for receiving the body of a nail and a ramp for engaging under the head and lifting it to dislodge the nail from its embedded location. Slop between the drive blade and the slot in the cylindrical bit serves as a flexible connection to provide proper presentation of cylindrical bit allowing wedging of the adapter beneath the head of a nail which is reluctant to be removed.

Abstract: A tool having a housing assembly, which defines a handle, a motor assembly, a trigger assembly, a spindle and a transmission assembly. The motor assembly is received in the housing assembly and has an output shaft. The trigger assembly is coupled to the housing assembly and is configured for use in actuating the motor assembly. The transmission assembly transmits rotary power between the output shaft of the motor assembly and the spindle. The transmission assembly includes a planetary stage with an input sun gear, an output planet carrier and a compound planet gear having a first planet gear and a second planet gear coupled together for common rotation on the output planet carrier. The planetary stage is selectively operable in a first gear reduction and a second, relatively lower gear reduction in which the compound planet gear cooperates to produce at least one intermediate gear reduction within the planetary stage.

Abstract: A handle for a hydraulically driven tool is provided reduces the amount of heat transmitted to the user of the tool as a result of the high temperature fluid flowing through the inner body of the handle. The inner body is formed of a heat transmissive material which has at least one channel through which the fluid flows. The handle has a number of properties which reduces heat transmission to the user, including standoffs, ribs and fastener receiving extensions.

Abstract: A sloped cabinet header or top member for use with a storage cabinet has a front wall, a rear wall, an angled top wall extending between the front and rear walls, and a bottom wall extending between the front and rear walls. First and second side walls interconnect the top, front, rear, and bottom walls. The top wall is angled with respect to the rear wall and bottom wall. The top member is mounted onto an upper surface of the storage cabinet to prevent storage of components on the top surface of the cabinet and to prevent dust or debris from accumulating on the upper surface of the cabinet.

Abstract: A device including a housing configured to attach to a robot arm, and a multi-axis motion sensor provided within the housing. The multi-axis motion sensor is configured to detect movement of the housing, and is configured to communicate with a controller of the robot arm. The device further includes a user interface configured to operate in conjunction with the multi-axis motion sensor, and a connection port provided on the housing. The connection port is configured to connect to an external device.

Abstract: Inventory management systems and related methods employ a catching member to selectively catch items dropped by a robotic manipulator. A related method includes controlling a robotic manipulator to move an inventory item from a first location to a second location. A catching member is selectively positioned to catch the inventory item if dropped by the robotic manipulator prior to the item reaching the second location. The catching member is moved to a suitable location for subsequent processing of one or more items dropped by the first robotic manipulator into the catching member.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for training and/or operating a robotic device to follow a trajectory. A robotic vehicle may utilize a camera and stores the sequence of images of a visual scene seen when following a trajectory during training in an ordered buffer. Motor commands associated with a given image may be stored. During autonomous operation, an acquired image may be compared with one or more images from the training buffer in order to determine the most likely match. An evaluation may be performed in order to determine if the image may correspond to a shifted (e.g., left/right) version of a stored image as previously observed. If the new image is shifted left, right turn command may be issued. If the new image is shifted right then left turn command may be issued.

Abstract: A robot system comprises a robot provided with a robot arm and a robot hand, and a control device for controlling the motion of the robot, wherein a permitted area where a teaching operation for the robot hand should be permitted is preset within a maximum area which the robot hand can reach. The control device is provided with a judging part which judges if the robot hand as a whole is present in the permitted area, based on robot hand position information, and a teaching operation restricting part which permits a teaching operation for the robot hand when it is judged that the robot hand as a whole is present in the permitted area and prohibits a teaching operation for the robot hand when it is judged that the robot hand as a whole is not present in the permitted area.

Abstract: A system for defining motions of a plurality of real robots cooperatively performing a show based on a description of the motions of the robots defined by animation software. The system includes at least one storage for storing a plurality of segments that describe the motions of the robots during the show, each segment includes a description of motions of one of the robots during a defined time period, and for storing a plurality of scenes, each scene specifying a plurality of segments to be executed simultaneously by the robots, and a playlist handler configured to handle creation of a playlist including a sequence of scenes and to amend the playlist according to user commands, and a user interface configured to display the playlist to a user, to allow the user to edit the playlist by amending the sequence of scenes, and to receive the user commands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for failure handling of a robot having at least a first and a second movement axis are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes receiving a first position information of the first movement axis for a first point of time and a first position information of the second movement axis for the first point of time and storing the received first position information as a motion data set, receiving a second position information of the first movement axis for a second point of time and a second position information of the second movement axis for the second point of time and storing the received second position information in the motion data set and controlling the robot according to a failure procedure.

Abstract: A pickup device for picking up a target object from a plurality of objects randomly piled up in a container, and for placing the target object in a predetermined posture to a target location is provided. The device includes an approximate position obtaining part for obtaining information on an approximate position of the target object, based on information on a height distribution of the objects in the container, which is obtained by a first visual sensor. The device also includes a placement operation controlling part for controlling a robot so as to bring the target object into a predetermined position and posture relative to the target location, based on information on a position and posture of the target object relative to a robot, which is obtained by a second visual sensor.

Abstract: A picking apparatus includes: a three-dimensional imaging device configured to three-dimensionally-image workpieces contained in bulk in a container; a robot arm having a hand capable of gripping a workpiece; and a control device configured to control an operation of the robot arm; the control device is configured: to recognize a position and a posture of a target workpiece, based on an imaging result of the three-dimensional imaging device; to obtain an gripping position of the workpiece and an approach vector thereof, based on the recognized position and posture information; to calculate an intersection point between a straight line extending along the approach vector through the gripping position and a plane including an opening of the container; and to judge whether the workpiece can be picked or not, based on a positional relationship between the intersection point and the opening.

Abstract: An article transferring device with a robot. An image processing section includes an article detecting section for executing image capturing and detection of articles that move according to a conveying motion of a conveyor, with a first period allowing all of the articles to be captured and detected, and obtain initial position information of each of all articles; and an article tracking section for executing image capturing and detection of the articles that move according to the conveying motion of the conveyor, with a second period shorter than the first period, and obtain shifted position information of each article iteratively with the second period, the shifted position information being based on the initial position information. A robot controlling section is configured to control the robot by using the shifted position information, so as to make the robot hold and transfer each article while following the conveying motion of the conveyor.

Abstract: A manipulator gripper configured for gripping workpieces and fixtures is provided. The manipulator gripper includes a mounting assembly, a suction assembly, and a clamping assembly coupled to the mounting assembly. The suction assembly includes a connecting arm coupled to the mounting assembly and at least one suction cup coupled to the connecting arm. The clamping assembly includes a pressing plate coupled to the mounting assembly, a driving member mounted on the pressing plate, two clamping members pivoting on opposing ends of the pressing plate, and two connecting rods. One end of each connecting rod pivots on the driving member, and the other end of each connecting rod pivots on one of the clamping members.

Abstract: A surface area vacuum gripper having a housing with suction openings for sucking a workpiece to be gripped, at least one cover plate that seals the end face of the housing, an insertion element that can be inserted into the housing, wherein the insertion element can be fixed at the cover plate and comprises at least one opening which is flow-connected with the suction openings in the housing, the cover plate comprising a compressed air inlet. The insertion element comprises a functional device for controlling a flow through the opening of the insert.

Abstract: An active compliant parallel device includes a movable body; a base body; and a plurality of linking members. The plurality of linking members are coupled to the movable body and the base body by a plurality of joints and include at least one compliant linking member, having a compliant element, and at least one actuating linking member, having an actuating element. The device may further include at least one damping linking member having a damping element and/or at least one passive linking member. The actuating, compliant, passive, and/or damping linking members are arranged in a parallel arrangement or structure such that each linking member makes a connection, using a connection element, such as a joint, with the base body and the movable body. The potential configurations of the device allow for movement and positioning of one or more unrestricted and externally loaded elements in space.

Abstract: An exoskeleton comprises a torso brace, configured to be coupled to a torso of a user, and a leg support, configured to be coupled to a leg of the user. A plurality of links couples the torso brace to the leg support. The plurality of links includes a first link, coupled to the torso brace at a first pivot point, and a second link, coupled to the leg support at a second pivot point. The first link is coupled to the second link through a third pivot point located between the first and second pivot points. The first pivot point enables adduction of the leg support, and the third pivot point enables abduction of the leg support.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus having sufficient rigidity in a fixed mode and being freely operable in a steering mode includes one or more arm modules having at least one degree of freedom, each arm module including at least one steering cable to steer the arm module and a plurality of link units to form the at least one arm module, each link unit including a head disposed at an upper portion thereof and having a hemispherical shape, a seat formed at a lower portion thereof, and a sliding ball arranged at the seat, wherein the link units are arranged such that the head of one of the link units is seated on the seat of the other of the link units, and the head of one of the link units and the seat of the other of the link units are slid with respect to each other by the sliding ball.

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

Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a vacuum apparatus and a hair clipper is disclosed. The assembly includes a top piece, a bottom piece, and a filter member. The top piece is formed having a generally circular perimeter with an inlet aperture located on the perimeter such that the inlet aperture is adapted for tangential acceptance of a vacuum hose. The specific arrangement of components, including the tangential position of the aperture, creates a hair collecting vortex within the assembly when a vacuum source is attached and activated.

Abstract: Provided is a shaver including a cartridge and a handle body. The cartridge includes a cartridge body formed in a rectangular frame shape; a plurality of blades installed in the cartridge body in the side-to-side direction of the cartridge body, each of the blades having a front portion bent downward; pair of side fixation slots formed on left and right frames of the cartridge body, respectively, so as to fix the left and right ends of each blade; a supporter connecting upper and lower frames of the cartridge body; and an inside fixation slot formed on the supporter so as to fix a portion of each blade. The handle body is coupled to the cartridge body.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a lubrication box includes a first portion, a shaving aid material, and a second portion. The first portion of the lubrication box has a skin-engaging surface and at least one sidewall that, together, form a cavity. The skin-engaging surface includes at least two holes therethrough. The shaving aid material, which is optionally distributed in the cavity in a series of layers, is ultrasonically compressed into the cavity such that it at least partially fills at least one of the holes in the skin-engaging surface and at least a portion of the cavity. The second portion of the lubrication box is attached to the first portion such that the cavity is substantially closed. A gap exists between in the cavity between the shaving aid and the second portion of the lubrication box to permit the shaving aid material to expand during normal use.

Abstract: A blade cartridge for a shaving razor contains a series of parallel blades and at least two contact segments as part of an electric circuit connected to the blades at spaced intervals to provide an electric current flow through the blades in a manner that provides more efficient heat distribution across the length of the blades. A radiator effect is created wherein heat produced by the contact segments passes between the blades towards the cutting edge of the blades. The combination of the heat produced by the electric current flow through the conductive blades and the heat produced by the contact segments provides a dual heat process that makes it easier to adjust and control the temperature to a desired stable heat temperature. A thin conductive film may be fitted to be in contact with the ends of the blades to insure conductivity throughout the entire length of each blade.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments and variations of a personal grooming device extender. In one embodiment, a personal grooming device extender comprises a telescoping handle having a proximal end and a distal end, and a top side and a bottom side; and an arm pivotably coupled with the distal end of the telescoping handle, the arm configured to adjust to a plurality of positions between a first position, extended linearly from the handle and a second position perpendicular with the distal end of the handle. A receiver may be releasably coupled onto the arm, the receiver comprising a moveable holding member configured to receive and hold a grooming tool. In some embodiments, the receiver may be interchangeable to accommodate a wider variety of grooming tools.

Abstract: When two conventional safety razor double-edged blades are superposed on top of each other, there is no space in between them to pass the shaving residues. The presently invented safety razor double-edged blade is equipped with several spaced protuberances on its surface. When two of these present invented blades are overlapped, there is a space between them to pass the shaving residues to be rinsed away by running water. Therefore two, three or more of them can be superposed on a single razor blade holder to allow the user to experience all the benefits of a multi-blade razor cartridge in a safety razor blade system.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a fixed blade having a cutting surface and a movable blade having a cutting surface. The movable blade is rotatable between a receiving position in which the cutting surfaces are spaced and a cutting position in which an object disposed between the fixed and movable blades is cut by the cutting surfaces. A return spring member is connected to the movable blade. The spring member stores energy when the movable blade is rotated from the receiving position to the cutting position. The spring member returns the movable blade to the receiving position when the stored energy is released.

Abstract: Methods and machines for cutting solid and semisolid materials, for example, food products. The machine has a dicing unit that has a feed drum, circular cutter, and cross-cutter each individually rotatably mounted to a support structure by cantilevered shafts. The machine further has a knife for producing slices of a solid or semisolid material, circular knives on the circular cutter to cut the slices into strips, and cross-cut knives on the cross-cutter to dice the strips. The machine also has a stripper plate for removing the strips from the circular cutter, and an outboard support assembly for supporting and radially centering outboard ends of the shafts of the feed drum, circular cutter, and cross-cutter and for supporting and securing the stripper plate relative thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mandolin slicer kit assembly comprising: a main body having two opposite side panels; a cutting blade mounted on the main body; a slicing plate carrier mounted between the two side panels of the main body; a plurality of slicing plates of different types, each of the slicing plates having a plurality of slicing teeth mounted on a top surface thereof and at least one recess formed on a bottom surface thereof; and an adapter plate having a leading portion, wherein said leading portion has at least one elastic rib for detachable engagement with the at least one recess of the slicing plate to form a slicing plate assembly, and said slicing plate assembly detachably is mounted on the slicing plate carrier. The mandolin slicer further comprises a slicing plate holder separate from all of the main body, the cutting blade, the slicing plate carrier, and the adapter plate.

Abstract: A system for forming and wrapping a plurality of stacks of sheet like product is provided. The system includes a separator apparatus for converting a stream of spaced apart sets of stacks into a repeating stepped configuration. The system includes a mechanism for merging the stepped configuration of stacks into a single file stream of stacks. The system includes a cutoff apparatus for cutting a plastic sleeve in which the stacks are wrapped. The system includes a turner apparatus for changing the direction of travel of individual units comprising of a stack of product within a length of the sleeve 90 degrees while maintaining the orientation of the units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film cutter assembly in which a blade housing slides bilaterally along a pair of rails. The blade housing houses a blade. An elongated rail base is coupled or integral with a pair of rails. The rails are formed of a material which provides an attractive or adhesion property to attract the film to the rail and maintain the film in flat position before and after cutting. A double-side adhesive tape can be applied to a surface of the elongated rail base which is adapted for attaching the elongated rail base to a carton of film.

Abstract: A scissors attachment can also be attached to the reciprocating tool for cutting one or more sheets of material. The scissors attachment includes an extension bar and first and second blades pivotally attached. A tool chuck coupling connects one of the blades to the reciprocating tool chuck of the reciprocating tool. A bar slot can be integrally defined on the tool or defined on the neck mount assembly for receiving and securing in place the extension bar. A method of stabilizing a cutting instrument is also provided. Additionally, a method of cutting material is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a weakening structure in a decor layer of an airbag cover, said weakening structure not being visible when observed from a viewed side. With the method, a punching tool penetrates into a rear side of the decor layer consisting of leather, said rear side being away from the viewed side, and thereby is simultaneously rotated about its longitudinal axis. A penetration depth of the punching tool which is smaller than the thickness of the decor layer is moreover maintained.

Abstract: An electric trimmer includes: a base; and a trimmer main body configured capable of sliding movement in an axial direction of the base. The base includes a slit that extends in the axial direction and is open, and the base also includes a fixing releasing mechanism disposed so as to straddle both end portions of the slit. Operating the fixing releasing mechanism to reduce a distance between the both end portions of the slit enables clamping of the trimmer main body by the base to be performed. The fixing releasing mechanism is formed as a toggle mechanism that is configured by a combination of three support points and two links, and the fixing releasing mechanism has a shape which follows an outer peripheral surface of the base. Therefore, this electric trimmer includes high operability, strong impact resistance characteristics, and excellent maintenance properties.

Abstract: A staple-refill 11 is provided with: a casing 12 in which a connected staple 10 is accommodated and which is to be mounted in a main-body of a stapling-machine 1; a staple discharge portion 16; and a pushed portion 29 which is provided on the casing 12 and to be pushed by a push portion 102 that pushes the casing 12 towards a staple guide portion 75 of a stapling-machine main-body.

Abstract: Comminution process of wood veneer to produce wood particles, by feeding wood veneer in a direction of travel substantially normal to grain through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arrays of cutting discs arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of wood veneer travel, wherein the cutting discs have a uniform thickness (Td), to produce wood particles characterized by a length dimension (L) substantially equal to the Td and aligned substantially parallel to grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) aligned normal to W and L, wherein the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces with end checking between crosscut fibers.

Abstract: The method of making a pellet comprising wood pulp fiber and thermoplastic polymer, comprising extruding an extrudate comprising 10 to 50 weight % wood pulp fiber and 45 to 85 weight % thermoplastic polymer through a die, cutting a pellet from the extrudate, removing the pellet from the extrudate with water having a temperature less than the extrudate, filtering the pellet from the water. In one embodiment the wood pulp fiber in the pellet has a moisture content of 1% or less. In one embodiment the wood fiber does not swell.

Abstract: A woven preform for a reinforced composite material, which may be woven flat and folded into shape. The preform has off-axis reinforcement with one or more legs and/or base extending in an off axis or bias (non 0/90 degree) orientation with respect to the warp/weft fibers. One or more legs extend from a base, the base and legs each having at least two layers of warp fibers. The legs may be parallel or angled to each other. The outer ends of the base and/or the legs may have tapers formed from terminating layers of warp fibers in a stepped or angled pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, amongst other things, is a component of a molding system, and a related method for the manufacture thereof, that has a body with a support matrix defined in at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminate of an inorganic layer, a resin layer, and a coupling agent treatment layer interposed therebetween, which different delamination strengths between the inorganic layer and the resin layer to form a prescribed pattern. The invention also provides a production method comprising (1) treating an inorganic layer with a coupling agent; (2) performing a patterning process to form strong adhesion sections and easily separated sections; and (3) forming a resin layer by drying and heat-treating a coated solution layer obtained by coating a resin solution or a resin precursor solution onto the surface of the inorganic layer that was treated with a coupling agent and then patterned.

Abstract: A cooling fixture for molded components includes a support surface, at least two brackets coupled to the support surface, and at least one roller having a central axis. The roller is coupled between the brackets for rotating about its central axis and is positioned for contacting a portion of a molded component and rotating about its central axis as necessary to align the molded component and substantially inhibit gouging of the molded component when the molded component is placed in the cooling fixture for cooling. Additional cooling fixtures and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a wet process of fabrication of fiber wall panel, which includes the following steps: 1) slurry making: mix nontimber type natural plant fiber slurry with grass family slurry according to 1:0˜1.5 dry weight ratio, and add water to dilute this slurry; 2) slurry storage: pour the mixed slurry into slurry storage tank and add water for dilution; 3) suction straining and forming: pour slurry into mold cavity for cold pressing, dewatering, and forming, to yield wet blanks; 4) hot pressing, forming, and drying: move the Wet blanks to the hot pressing mold for hot pressing and remove moisture generated during hot pressing, to yield fiber wall panel. Fiber Wall panel made by this process features environment friendliness and high strength.

Abstract: A material forming apparatus and method for shaping a material to a forming tool having complex contours. The material forming apparatus may comprise a bladder sealed to a support structure, cooperatively forming a hollow space therebetween into which air or another gas may be pumped to inflate the bladder. The forming tool may comprise a protrusion of any shape to which the material may conform. The material may be placed between the bladder and the protrusion and the support structure may be actuated toward the forming tool. As the support structure progresses toward the forming tool, an area of material pressed against the protrusion by the bladder increases in an outward direction. A pressure regulator may regulate an amount of pressure applied to the material by the bladder as the bladder presses the material against the forming tool.

Abstract: An automatic opening and closing device for a mold assembly includes a base, a pivot seat, a first extensible unit, an upper mold mounting unit, two shafts, a second extensible unit, a left arm and a right arm. The first extensible unit can move the upper mold mounting unit downward to clamp or release the mold, and the second extensible unit is used to move the pivot seat between two positions. When the pivot seat is in a first position, the upper mold mounting unit can be lowered down to secure or release the mold by the first extensible unit, when in the second position, the upper mold mounting unit and the mold can be rotated an angle, to perform opening or closing of the mold assembly.

Abstract: A mold clamping device for an automatic mold opening and closing machine is used to clamp or release an upper mold which has a pair of wings. The mold clamping device is provided with two pressure cylinder units located at two lateral surfaces of the mold mounting unit, two pivot units pivoted to the two pressure cylinder units, respectively, and two clamping members pivotally disposed between the pressure cylinder units and the pivot units. When the first piston is in the first position, the clamping member will be rotated an angle to disengage the inner portion from the wing of the upper mold, and when in the second position, the piston will drive the clamping member to rotate an angle in a reverse direction, so that the wing of the upper mold is clamped between the inner portion and the bottom surface of the mold mounting unit.

Abstract: A melt distribution device (100) including a heat-receiving part (102) and a heater (104). The heater (104) is coupled to the heat-receiving part (102) so to maintain thermal communication between the heater (104) and the heat-receiving part (102). The heater (104) is also coupled to the heat-receiving part (102) so to isolate, at least partially, the heater (104) from receiving stress and strain transmission from the heat-receiving part (102).

Abstract: A low pressure injection mold includes a failsafe pressure mechanism that prevents the low pressure injection mold from being subjected to excessive injection pressures or excessive clamping tonnage that could damage the low pressure injection mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid mold material from an injection molding machine to a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising: a manifold having a fluid delivery channel, an actuator interconnected to a valve pin having a tip end drivable between a first position, a second position upstream and a third position upstream of the second position, the actuator and the valve pin being translationally driven by a valve system adjustable between a start position, a plurality of intermediate drive rate positions and a high drive rate position, a pressure sensor and a controller, the pressure sensor sensing a metered pressure of a drive fluid, the controller instructing the valve system to drive valve pin continuously upstream and including instructions that instruct the valve system to move according to a predetermined profile of metered pressures from the start position to selected intermediate drive rate positions and subsequently to the high drive rate position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for blow molding a fuel tank with multiple concentric needles to form an opening in the fuel tank, and/or for calibrating the opening in the fuel tank as it cools.

Abstract: A tool for producing a layer with a micro structured outer surface on a substrate surface is provided. The tool includes an elastic matrix web with a negative of the micro structure to be produced, an elastic pressure roller that is movable over a surface, and at least one guiding element for guiding the elastic matrix web relative to the pressure roller. The pressure roller and the matrix web are arranged in such a manner that when the pressure roller is moved over the substrate surface, the negative on the matrix web faces the substrate surface. In this manner particularly good directional stability and guiding precision of the matrix web can be achieved.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a holding body that holds a molded material; a first roller that holds, together with the holding body, a wound mold and the molded material held by the holding body so as to carry out a transfer, and rotates about a central axis to move with respect to the holding body; and a second roller on which the mold extending from the first roller is wound in a direction away from the molded material held by the holding body, the second roller rotating about a central axis to relatively move together with the first roller.