Abstract: A tool for acting on a workpiece includes a body and an adjustable element movably attached to the body. A tool member on the adjustable element is disposed on the adjustable element to act on the workpiece. The adjustable element is configured to move between a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions to locate a portion of the adjustable element a selected distance from the body. The adjustable element is resiliently biased against movement out of the predetermined adjustment positions. A micro adjustment mechanism provides for micro adjustment of a position of the adjustable element relative to the body once the adjustable element is moved to a selected predetermined adjustment position. The micro adjustment mechanism is configured for moving the adjustable element to an intermediate adjustment position located between the selected predetermined adjustment position and an immediately adjacent predetermined adjustment position for precise position adjustment of the adjustable element.

Abstract: A lightweight and low-cost robot pedestal, by which a robot mechanical unit and a robot controller can be integrally conveyed. The pedestal has a mount part on which the robot mechanical unit is mounted, and a plurality of legs arranged on a lower portion of the mount part and configured to support the mount part.

Abstract: In a case where an administration server is disposed, and manages and operates a plurality of robots, a robot operation may be impaired due to a request interval for extracting sensor information stored in a robot from the robot, the types of sensors, and the number of sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic inspection device (10) comprising at least one pair of robotic modules (1) connected together by means of an articulated joint (9), with at least one displacement device (2) coupled to a rail (11); the displacement device (2) comprising at least one pair of pivoted brackets (3); at least one of the robotic modules (1) comprising at least one within an instrumentation system (7) and a manipulator arm (8).

Abstract: Robotic arms or manipulators can be utilized to grasp inventory items within an inventory system. Information can be obtained about constraints relative to relevant elements of a process of transferring the item from place to place. Examples of such elements may include a grasping location from which an item is to be grasped, a receiving location in which a grasped item is to be placed, or a space between the grasping location and the receiving location. The information about the constraints can be used to select from multiple possible grasping options, such as by eliminating options that conflict with the constraints or preferring options that outperform others given the constraints.

Abstract: A transfer system includes a robot including a hand configured to transfer a substrate, a transfer chamber within which the robot is disposed, a plurality of substrate-storing cassettes disposed side by side on a sidewall of the transfer chamber in a plan view, and a robot control device configured to control an operation of the robot based on teaching information. The robot control device includes an operation controller configured to cause the robot to transfer the substrate to a storage position while slanting a hand centerline toward the robot away from a storage centerline with respect to a first cassette and while superimposing the hand centerline on the storage centerline with respect to a second cassette.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transporter includes a holder, a joint, an actuator, and a controller. The holder is configured to hold an object. The joint is configured to support the holder and to allow a change in posture of the holder. The actuator is configured to output a force suppressing a movement of the joint. The controller is configured to change stiffness of the joint by controlling an amount of the force.

Abstract: A robot control device which controls a robot includes a sensor coordinate system calculation unit which calculates a position and an orientation of a sensor by making the robot perform a predetermined operation. The sensor coordinate system calculation unit comprises an operation parameter optimization unit which is configured to obtain a combination most suitable for calculating the position and orientation of the sensor, from a plurality of combinations of modified. values of a predetermined type of operation. parameters, by making the robot perform the predetermined operation, successively using each of the combinations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting a velocity profile for controlling a robotic device are provided. An example method includes receiving via an interface a selection of a robotic device to control, and receiving via the interface a request to modify a velocity profile of the robotic device. The velocity profile may include information associated with changes in velocity of the robotic device over time. The method may further include receiving a selected velocity profile, receiving an input via the interface, and determining a velocity command based on the selected velocity profile and the input. In this manner, changes in velocity of the robotic device may be filtered according to a velocity profile selected via the interface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for defining and utilizing virtual fixtures for haptic navigation within real-world environments, including underwater environments, are provided. A computing device can determine a real-world object within a real-world environment. The computing device can receive an indication of the real-world object. The computing device can determine a virtual fixture that corresponds to the real-world object based on the indication, where aspects of the virtual fixture are configured to align with aspects of the real-world object. The computing device can provide a virtual environment for manipulating the robotic tool to operate on the real-world object utilizing the virtual fixture. The virtual fixture is configured to provide haptic feedback based on a position of a virtual robotic tool in the virtual environment that corresponds to the robotic tool in the real-world environment.

Abstract: An apparatus (812) for loading and unloading a brush (822) to and from a brush-arm assembly (802) of an end-effector (102) is disclosed. The apparatus (812) comprises a base (814) and a carriage (818), which is movable along an axis (A) at least to a first position, a second position, or a third position relative to the base (814). The carriage (818) comprises a brush receptacle (820), configured to prevent movement of the brush (822) in a first direction, but not in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, when the brush (822) is placed in the brush receptacle (820). The apparatus (812) also comprises a stationary component (832), fixed relative to the base (814) and configured to prevent movement of the brush-arm assembly (802) in the second direction. Additionally, the apparatus (812) comprises a linear actuator (816), configured to move the carriage (818).

Abstract: A method of handling a software application on a robot comprising a plurality of installed software application, a software application being associated with a predefined semantic description, the method comprises the steps of extracting one or more patterns from an audio dialog with a human user; an audio dialog comprising sentences and a pattern comprising predefined sentences; comparing one or more patterns with the semantic descriptions of the software applications; selecting a software application based on the performed comparisons; and executing the selected software application. Described developments comprise software application execution rules, predefined or dynamically defined execution rules, the audio listing of the installed applications depending on environmental parameters, the optional use of complimentary display means and the installation of a missing application. Associated systems are described.

Abstract: A technique is provided, with which, even for an object which has a shape prone to be erroneously recognized and for which it is difficult to generate an initial value expected to produce a true value through fitting, it is possible to generate an appropriate initial value candidate through intuitive input and reduce erroneous recognition. An information processing apparatus includes a model acquiring unit configured to acquire a three-dimensional shape model of a target object, a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display the three-dimensional shape model, a setting unit configured to set first and second orientations different from each other on the basis of the three-dimensional shape model displayed in the display unit, a parameter deriving unit configured to derive a transformation parameter that transforms the first orientation into the second orientation, and a storage unit configured to store the transformation parameter.

Abstract: There is provided a robot control device enabling a robot to carry various types of objects without exceeding an allowable weight thereof. The robot control device for controlling the robot for carrying an object in cooperation with a person includes a force acquisition part configured to acquire force applied from the object to the robot when the object is lifted, a comparison part configured to compare a force component in a gravity direction of the force acquired by the force acquisition part with a first threshold value predetermined with respect to the force component, and a stop command part configured to stop the robot when the force component is greater than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A robot having at least one member having at least one controllably actuable articulation, said articulation having at least one torque sensor for providing a torque signal indicative of a torque applied to the articulation, and one angle sensor for providing an angle signal indicative of an angle of actuation of the articulation; the robot further comprising: a controller for controlling said at least one controllably actuable articulation; a first neural network arranged for receiving the torque and angle signals and arranged for providing to the controller a force signal indicating that an external force is applied to said at least one member: a second neural network arranged for receiving the torque and angle signals and arranged for providing to the controller a direction signal indicating the direction along which said external force is applied to said at least one member.

Abstract: A joint mechanism includes: a first member; a second member; and a gear device that is provided between the first member and the second member and changes the number of revolutions at a predetermined ratio to transmit a drive force. The gear device includes a crank shaft on which a first eccentric portion is formed, a first oscillating gear that has first external teeth and an insertion hole into which the first eccentric portion is inserted, a carrier that retains the crank shaft rotatably, and an external cylinder that has an internal-tooth pin 3. The carrier and the external cylinder are configured to be displaced coaxially and relatively to each other due to oscillation of the first oscillating gear.

Abstract: A folding knife including a handle, a blade having a cutting edge, and the blade is pivotably coupled to the handle about a pivot axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The blade is received within the handle in the retracted position and the cutting edge is exposed in the extended position. The folding knife further includes a liner between the handle and the blade. The liner has a resilient member that biases the blade toward the retracted position when the blade is in the retracted position and the resilient member biases the blade toward the extended position when the blade pivots in a direction from the retracted position toward the extended position.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member includes a first handle and a first cutting blade. The first cutting blade includes a first blade support, and a plurality of blade members spacedly and inwardly extended from the first blade support. Each of the blade members has an elongated first blade portion and a tip portion extended from the elongated first blade portion. Each of the tip portions has a first cutting edge, at least a first guiding surface, a second guiding surface and a guiding edge formed as a boundary between the first guiding to surface and the second guiding surface. A vertical height of the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface gradually decreases from the guiding edge. The second cutting member includes a second handle and a second cutting blade.

Abstract: A bolt cutter includes a first handle, a second handle, a first head connected to the first handle, and a second head connected to the second handle. A pivot mechanism pivotally connects the first head and the second head. A first cutting edge is formed on the first head, and a second cutting edge is formed on the second head in opposing relation to the first cutting edge. A ratcheting mechanism is disposed between the first and second heads. The ratcheting mechanism engages one of the first and second heads to pivotally lock the first head with the second head and permit pivotal motion between the first and second heads only in one direction when the ratcheting mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: A self-hair clipper includes a motor (29) for driving a blade (18); and a comb adjusting mechanism that forms a space for receiving the motor (29) therein, the comb adjusting mechanism includes two cam wheels (3), and wherein the motor (29) is positioned between the two cam wheels (3).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hair cutting appliance (10), a blade set (20) for a hair cutting appliance (10), and to a stationary blade (22) for said blade set (20).

Abstract: A shaving blade cartridge includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, and a first and second longitudinal sides each extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between the top and bottom sides, a primary cutting blade mounted on the housing between the first and second longitudinal sides, and having a cutting edge, a primary cap located rearward of the cutting edge, a trimming element mounted on the housing, the trimming element comprising a trimming edge, the trimming edge and the cutting edge being disposed opposite from each other, and a trimming guard bar provided on the housing, the trimming guard bar being forward of the trimming edge, the trimming guard bar comprising a trimming guard bar edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing food product to produce food product slices. The apparatus includes a circular cutting head having an axis and comprising at least one knife assembly on the circumference of the cutting head, a knife extending axially inward and having a corrugated shape to produce a food product slice with generally parallel cuts, wherein the food product slice has a periodic shape characterized by peaks and valleys, and means for securing the knife to the cutting head, the securing means comprising a surface facing radially inward and having a corrugated shape. The corrugated shape of the surface of the securing means is shaped differently than the corrugated shape of the knife to minimize surface contact between unsliced food products and the cutting head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foodstuff-cutting device called a mandoline of the type comprising a moving blade support defining a cutting plane and moving in a reciprocating translational movement in relation to the foodstuff in accordance with an inverted configuration and having a sleeve associated with a plunger allowing foodstuffs to be inserted and kept in the pathway of the moving blade support remarkable in that it comprises a receptacle with a lid preformed with a passageway which, arranged transversely in relation to the travel of the moving blade support, receives a sleeve associated with the plunger thereby allowing food stuffs to be inserted and kept in the pathway of the moving blade support.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows corrugated tubes of various diameter sizes to be easily and reliably cut at a convex portion. In order to achieve the purpose, a cutting device is provided with a feeder feeding a corrugated tube such that an axial direction of the corrugated tube lies along a feeding path; a cutter cutting along a circumferential direction of the corrugated tube being fed along the feeding path; and an imager capturing an image of a planned cutting position of the corrugated tube. A controller performs image analysis of the captured image of the planned cutting position to determine whether the planned cutting position is a convex portion of the corrugated tube and, when a positive determination result is obtained, causes the cutter to cut the corrugated tube at the planned cutting position.

Abstract: A cutting system having a cutting portion arrangeable around an exterior area of an object to cut the object is disclosed. The cutting portion may be configured to deform from a first shape having a size substantially the same as a size of the exterior of the object to a second shape having a size smaller than the size of the exterior of the object to cut the object when the cutting portion is displaced. By virtue of having a cutting portion configured to deform from a first shape to a second shape to cut an object, the cutting system can take less time to cut an object and can prevent a user from cutting portions of his or her body.

Abstract: A saw guide can include pivotally connected arcuate sections having a plurality of slots formed therein to receive and guide saw blades as they cut a workpiece, such as a pipe or tube. The slots are of varying width so that the saw guide can be used with different saws. For example, the saw guide can include a first slot sized to receive and guide the blade of a reciprocating saw, and a relatively narrower second slot, sized to receive the blade of a portable band saw. The saw guide can include a locking mechanism to securely hold the saw guide on the workpiece, and a stopping mechanism for preventing the saw blade from cutting into the saw guide.

Abstract: There is provided a cutter apparatus for cutting a composite sheet including a stretchable sheet and a low-extensible sheet, the low-extensible sheet being stacked on the stretchable sheet from a thickness direction and fixed to the stretchable sheet, the low-extensible sheet having an extensibility lower than that of the stretchable sheet. The cutter apparatus includes: a cutter blade that abuts the composite sheet from a side closer to the stretchable sheet; and a receiving section that have a surface area and that receives the cutter blade while abutting the composite sheet from a side closer to the low-extensible sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting products, comprising: a base; a cutting head rotatably fitted to the base; an impeller adapted for rotating concentrically within the cutting head to urge products fed into the cutting head towards the circumference of the cutting head by means of centrifugal force; an impeller drive mechanism for driving the rotation of the impeller at an impeller rotational speed setting the centrifugal force; and a cutting head drive mechanism for driving the rotation of the cutting head at a cutting head rotational speed which is greater than the impeller rotational speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slicing machine (1) for preferably elongated food, with a blade (2) driven by a motor and a deposit table (3) arranged in a deposit area with a deposit plate (31), which can be moved, motor-driven, linearly in a horizontal direction via a belt drive (47). In order to manufacture the slicing machine (1) as compactly as possible with a small overall height, it is proposed that the belt drive (47) has at least two deflection rollers (431, 432) and a driving roller (42), which guide the drive belt (45) in endless rotation in a horizontal plane, and that the driving roller (42) is arranged in a perpendicular projection between the first deflection roller (431) and the second deflection roller (432).

Abstract: A fence assembly for miter saw includes a mounting base defining a first abutting surface, and a fence unit mounted at the mounting base in one of first, second and third positions in such a manner that the second abutting surface of the fence unit is disposed co-planar with the first abutting surface of the mounting base when the fence unit is set in the first position; the third abutting surface of the fence unit is disposed in a non-coplanar relationship with the first abutting surface of the mounting base to face toward the same direction when the fence unit is set in the second position; the fourth abutting surface of the fence unit is disposed in a non-coplanar relationship with the first abutting surface of the mounting base to face toward the same direction when the fence unit is set in the third position.

Abstract: A fence assembly for miter saw includes a mounting base mounted at a supporting base and defining a first abutting surface that extends perpendicular to a first work surface of the supporting frame, and a fence unit selectively mountable at the mounting base in a first position or second position and defining a second abutting surface, which is disposed perpendicular to the first work surface and co-planar with the first abutting surface when the fence unit is set in the first position, or perpendicular to the first work surface in a non-coplanar manner relationship with the first abutting surface when the fence unit is set in the second position. Thus, changing the position of the fence unit achieves an increase in the cutting stroke.

Abstract: A fence assembly for miter saw includes a mounting base mounted at a supporting base and defining a first abutting surface that extends perpendicular to a work surface of the supporting frame, a first fence member detachably mountable at the mounting base and defining a second abutting surface that is disposed perpendicular to the work surface of the worktable and co-planar with the first abutting surface of the mounting base, and a second fence member detachably mountable at the supporting base and defining a third abutting surface that is disposed perpendicular to the work surface in a non-coplanar manner relative to the first abutting surface of the mounting base. Thus, the user can selectively mount the first fence member or the second fence member to adjust the cutting stroke.

Abstract: The present application relates to wood boards, particularly post-cured wood boards and more particularly to particle board with excellent swelling properties; it also relates to a process for production of such boards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sewage pipe element comprising a plastics lining, the method comprising the following steps: providing a mould 2 for manufacturing the sewage pipe element, comprising a first sleeve 22 and a plastics element 20; introducing a concrete into the mould 2; attaching a second sleeve 28; demoulding the sewage pipe element; the first sleeve 22 being connected to the plastics element 20 and the plastics element 20 being connected to the second sleeve 28 in a fluid-tight manner in each case and forming at least part of the plastics lining.

Abstract: Machine tool, comprising a base (1) with a bottom (10) and a peripheral wall (11) of predetermined height to delimit an internal volume of predetermined capacity and open at the top, in which on the upper edge of said wall (11) is placed, removably, a pierced cover (2), or a work-piece carrier surface provided with through holes (20) through which a refrigerant liquid is free to fall, and wherein an electric motor (4), on which is engaged a tool holder (7), is placed in said inner volume, and wherein said electric motor (4) is inserted in a protection chamber (5) which protects it from the refrigerant liquid passing through said holes (20). The electric motor (4) is connected to corresponding lowering and lifting means, by means of which the tool holder (7) is lowered and raised accordingly, so producing the lifting and lowering of a respective tool (3) through the cover (2).

Abstract: A method of preparing a plastic substrate for electrostatic painting includes preparing a carbon nanotube pellet by molding carbon nanotube powder. The method also includes preparing a conductive resin composition by mixing 0.1 to 10 wt % of the carbon nanotube pellet, 0.1 to 20 wt % of carbon black, and 70 to 99 wt % of a thermoplastic polymer resin. The method further includes molding the conductive resin composition.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a uniform continuous fiber filament. The system and method include a fiber tow with an axial magnet attached to an end of the fiber tow, a polymer tube, and a radial magnet that fits around a circumference of the polymer tube. The radial and axial magnets are used to feed the fiber tow through the polymer tube using magnetic forces to create the uniform continuous fiber filament.

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

Abstract: A mold includes a mold body, a porous conductive sheet and an electroformed metal. The porous conductive sheet is placed on a back surface of the mold body, has a plurality of through holes, and is conductive at least at its surface. The electroformed metal is electrodeposited on the back surface of the mold body and on the porous conductive sheet so as to fill and close the through holes of the porous conductive sheet. In the mold, an inner surface of the electroformed metal forms at least a part of an inner surface of a fluid passage through which fluid for temperature control flows.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a nozzle sprays foam, layer by layer, to fabricate a fabricated object according to a CAD model, and a subtractive fabrication tool removes material from the fabricated object according to a CAD model. The fabricated object comprises a mold or an interior form. The foam may be low-density, high strength and fast-curing. The foam may be used for large-scale 3D printing. For example, the foam may be used to 3D print molds for walls of homes. The foam molds may be left in place, after casting concrete in the molds, to serve as insulation. Or for example, the foam may be used to 3D print on site an internal form for a large wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade may then be produced on site by depositing fiberglass on the outside of the internal form.

Abstract: A mandrel configured to facilitate release of an elastomeric part cured thereon may comprise an elongated body having an outer surface, an internal cavity formed in the elongated body, and a passage providing fluid communication between the internal cavity and the outer surface of the body. The passage may be dimensioned so as to permit a flow of a fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface of the body and to preclude a flow of an uncured elastomer into the passage. The flow of the fluid from the internal cavity to the outer surface may cause the fluid to intervene between the outer surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric part to facilitate the release of the elastomeric part from the mandrel.

Abstract: A pivoted powder pushing device is provided, comprising a first portion and a contact member, wherein: the contact member is configured to operatively engage a grip arm of the distribution member when the distribution member is positioned at least in part above the base surface, and the first portion is moved via the engagement of the grip arm and the contact member in a first direction opposite a direction of travel of the distribution member, such that the first portion of said pivoted powder pushing devicepasses under said distribution member. An associated apparatus, method, and computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: A system/apparatus and method for producing a vehicle interior component is disclosed. A vehicle interior component produced from a material comprising fibers is also disclosed. The method of making a component for use in a vehicle from a material comprising fibers may use a system/apparatus comprising a base section and a section creating a cavity for supply of fibers and a section for compression forming of a shape for the component. The method may comprise the steps of heating the base section to a first temperature; supplying a material comprising fibers between the base section and the section creating the cavity for fibers; activating at least some of the fibers of the material; and forming the material comprising fibers into the shape between the base section and the section for compression forming. The formed component from a material comprising fibers may provide properties (e.g. thickness, density, mass, strength, shape, form, contour, integrity, orientation, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a transaction card. The disclosed methods and apparatuses may be used to form a transaction card frame within a mold. The transaction card frame may include one or more recessed portions formed within a first surface of the transaction card frame. The one or more recessed portions may be configured for affixing one or more electronic components.

Abstract: A recess is formed on a mold for injection molding a molded product body, and communicates with a cavity of the mold. A part is bonded to the recess with an adhesive. In this state, a molten molding material is injected into the cavity to provide a molded product body, and the part and the molded product body are welded together by heat of the molten molding material. After the separation of the molded product body and the part from the mold, the adhesive is stripped from the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (100) for manufacturing a Field Joint Coating (11), the system comprising: a heating device (102) for heating a quantity of a polymer, an upstream pump (104) for pumping the quantity of heated polymer into a storage compartment (106) of an ejection device (108), the ejection device (108) which is constructed for each time ejecting the heated polymer from its storage compartment, the ejection device comprising: o a barrel (1 10) which defines the storage compartment, the barrel being reinforced and configured for repeated use, o a plunger (1 1), o an actuator (1 14) for driving the plunger through the barrel for emptying the storage compartment, a downstream pump, the downstream pump being constructed for increasing the operating pressure of the ejected polymer, —a mould (200) configured to be positioned at a field joint (13) around a pipeline.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow part with a branch, including a resin filling step of filling a mold, the mold having a main cavity in which a hollowing piece is placed, and a branch cavity to communicate with the main cavity, in which a slide shaft is inserted to advance and withdraw, and that forms a branch pipe portion in an annular space between the branch cavity and the slide shaft, a step of forming a hollow main pipe portion by moving the hollowing piece to force excess resin out of the main cavity, and a shaft removing step of withdrawing the slide shaft to form a branch hollow portion, the hollow part with a branch being made of a resin and having the branch pipe portion integrally connected to the main pipe portion such that the main hollow portion and the branch hollow portion communicate with each other.

Abstract: An electrical mold clamping apparatus of a plastic injection molding machines includes a motor unit mounted onto a link base for driving a gear at an end of a ball screw in the link base to rotate and a ball screw socket disposed at a fixed base, and the other end of the ball screw of the link base is screwed into the ball screw socket. When the motor unit drives the ball screw to rotate, the link base is displaced with the rotation of the ball screw to achieve the effect of reducing the load of the motor unit as well as the loss of energy.

Abstract: A plant and method for making continuous yarns made of silicone material comprises at least an extrusion station, into which the material is introduced in an amorphous condition, and extrusion means which cause the material to exit from the extrusion station along an extrusion axis. The plant also comprises a vulcanization station, located downstream of the extrusion station, at a determinate distance therefrom, in which the continuous yarn is vulcanized in a direction of treatment. The plant also comprises a drawing unit, disposed downstream of the vulcanization station.