Abstract: A pick-and-place head for picking a plurality of work-pieces from at least one first location and for placing the plurality of work-pieces at least one second location is disclosed. The pick-and-place head exhibits a plurality of nozzles, wherein each nozzle is configured to engage one of the work-pieces by action of a vacuum. At least one nozzle has an individual vacuum supply and at least two further nozzles have a shared vacuum supply. A corresponding method is also disclosed, the method including the steps of approaching at least one of the plurality of work-pieces with a respective nozzle and then starting generation of a vacuum at each respective nozzle. The generation of vacuum in at least one nozzle is achieved by an individual vacuum supply, and generation of vacuum in at least two further nozzles is achieved by a shared vacuum supply of the at least two further nozzles.

Abstract: A modular robot mechanism utilizing fixed drives, power sources, power delivery cables and electrical components for 4 or more axes in a protective enclosure while making it possible to provide spatial positioning and tilting degrees of freedom to an end effector suitable for using in a consumer product. Furthermore a robotic head mechanism is disclosed that creates additional degrees of freedom or states by combination of existing axes with spring loaded lock mechanisms eliminating need for conventional electrically actuated solenoid or pneumatic grippers making it possible for use as a home appliance. A method to control the robot mechanism and additional axis utilizing a matrix to decouple the input position to the remote actuator and Cartesian motion produced at the end effector.

Abstract: A quick change end effector system for use with a robot includes: a quick change end effector configured for application to a task to be completed by a robot, the quick change end effector further comprising an end effector magnet; and a robotic manipulator configured to lock to the end effector, the robotic manipulator further configured to use the end effector to complete the task, the robotic manipulator comprising a manipulator magnet, the manipulator magnet being configured to magnetically attract the end effector magnet, thereby locking the manipulator in a mechanically strong connection to the quick change end effector, wherein upon disengagement of the magnetic attraction locking the manipulator to the quick change end effector, the quick change end effector can be quickly removed from the manipulator.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing high flow vacuum control to an end effector of an articulated arm. The system includes a high flow vacuum source that provides an opening with an area of high flow vacuum at the end effector such that objects may be engaged while permitting substantial flow of air through the opening, and a load detection system for characterizing the load presented by the object.

Abstract: In order to reduce the calculation in robotic arm allocation, the invention provides a spherical linkage type surgical robotic arm, which includes a first curved bar having a first axis center and a second axis center, a second curved bar being equal to the first curved bar in length and having a third axis center and a fourth axis center, the third axis center in coincidence with the first axis center, a third curved bar having a fifth axis center and a sixth axis center and being pivoted to the second curved bar, and a fourth curved bar having a seventh axis center and an eighth axis center and being pivoted to the third curved bar and the first curved bar, thereby reducing the calculation burden and facilitating control and allocation.

Abstract: A wrist joint, such as for a surgical instrument, may include a first disc, a second disc adjacent the first disc, and a drive tendon that extends through the first disc and the second disc. The first disc and the second disc may include respective opposing joint features that intermesh with one another. The first disc and the second disc may further include opposing load bearing surfaces separate from the joint features. The drive tendon may exert a force on at least one of the first and second discs to cause relative rotation between the first and second discs. The first and second discs may have a maximum rotational range of motion greater than about +/?45 degrees relative to each other.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot arm having a first member rotatably provided on a base, a second member rotatably provided on the first member, a third member rotatably provided on the second member, and a fourth member rotatably provided on the third member. The fourth member has an arm rotatable about a rotation axis in an axis direction different from an axis direction of a rotation axis of the first member with respect to the base. In a first state, the first member, the second member, and the third member overlap. In a second state, at least one of a distal end of the robot arm and an end effector provided on the distal end of the robot arm overlaps with the second member.

Abstract: An inspection method of a suction nozzle. Air flow rates that flow in multiple reference pipes that have different sectional areas are measured. A proportionality factor between air flow rates and sectional areas of the reference pipes is calculated based on the measured air flow rates of the multiple reference pipes, and the sectional areas of the multiple reference pipes. An air flow rate in a suction nozzle that is an inspection target is measured. The sectional area of the suction nozzle is calculated based on the air flow rate of the suction nozzle and the calculated proportionality factor. The sectional area of the suction nozzle calculated in this manner is substantially fixed even when the pressure of air supplied from an air source fluctuates. The sectional area of the suction nozzle is proportional to the air flow rate that flows in an inner portion of the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A method for warning a person in a working area about at least one first robot, and a robot system that includes the at least one first robot, wherein the movement of the robot in a future working interval is predicted, a determination is made as to whether a working area segment will be passed over by the robot in a first or second time period, a first or second visual warning is emitted in accordance with when the working area segment will be passed over, and the first or second visual warnings are respectively emitted onto a floor segment that is assigned to a respective working area segment.

Abstract: A folding assembly having first and second members that are pivotally attached to one another. A locking pin is disposed through the first member and second member and selectively actuatable to unlock the pivoting and opening or closing of the first and second members relative to one another. A spring-assist mechanism includes a primary spring element and a secondary spring element which act in conjunction to successively apply an opening force to the first or second member as it is opened. The assembly also includes a close-assist mechanism for partially closing the first and second members relative to one another.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods in which a utility knife includes a blade cover that is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position relative to at least one of a blade cartridge, a blade holder, and a tool handle are provided. When the blade cover is in an unlocked position, the blade cover can advantageously be moved from a blade covering configuration to a blade exposing configuration.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a folding handle in which a neck folds into a handle base. A neck lock locks the neck in its closed or open position relative to the handle base. The neck is spring-biased toward its open position to assist in one-handed opening of the handle. A utility blade and blade holder are slidably carried by neck for manual movement between retracted/protected and extended/exposed positions. The neck cannot be folded into or locked in the closed position if the blade is exposed.

Abstract: A hand cutting tool including a first cutting blade, a second cutting blade, a first handle, and a second handle. The hand cutting tool further includes a handle lock assembly configured to retain the cutting tool in a closed position. The hand cutting tool further includes a visual indicator disposed on at least one of the first handle and the second handle to identify the type of cutting tool and a tactile indicator disposed on at least one of the first handle and the second handle to identify the type of cutting tool.

Abstract: A rotary electric shaver includes an outer blade whose upper surface functions as annular shaving surfaces having multiple hair inlets formed therein, and an inner blade that has a small blade which rotates while coming into sliding contact with a lower surface of the outer blade. The small blade is formed so that an inner blade base plate is partially erected, and is disposed in at least two rows on a circumference close to an outer periphery and on a circumference close to an inner periphery. There is provided a movable inner blade that has a movable small blade which is vertically movable along a front end surface in a rotation direction of the small blade, with respect to the predetermined small blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive train (50) of a hair cutting appliance (10) and to a self-aligning coupling linkage (66) for a drive train (50).

Abstract: In a hair grooming appliance, a head is detachably mountable on a handle having a motor and a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the head therein when the head is mounted on the handle with the head in operative connection with the motor. The handle has a first attachment member positioned at least partially within the receptacle and arranged to detachably engage the head when the at least a portion of the head is inserted into the receptacle and a second attachment member positioned at least partially within the receptacle and arranged to engage the head when the at least a portion of the head is inserted into the receptacle. The second attachment member is a different type of attachment member than the first attachment member. In a particular embodiment, the hair grooming appliance is a shaver.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a blade is provided. The apparatus for manufacturing a blade includes: an arm module including a pressing unit pivoting around a first shaft; a molding module including a molding die pressed by the pressing unit and molding bulk metallic glass (BMG) to a blade; and a drawing module pulling an end portion of the BMG exposed to the outside of the molding die to form an edge of the blade, wherein the drawing module includes a pair of drawing tools pulling one end portion of the BMG in two directions.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods in which a utility knife includes a hook-type cutter, and at least one of a blade tip cap and a blade cover that is movable relative to a blade or blade cartridge. Contemplated blade tip caps can be fixedly, removably or movably attached to the blade or other portion of a utility knife cartridge. Contemplated blade covers can move from a blade covering configuration to a blade exposing configuration.

Abstract: A distributor valve for a hydrocutting system. The valve automatically diverts a flow of liquid and solid food products flowing from a source to one or both of two destinations. An entry conduit receives the suspended food products in liquid, and an angled plate deflects the food products downwardly. The food products and liquid enter a drum that is perpendicular to the entry conduit, causing rotational circulation in the drum. The food products and liquid flow into one or both of two longitudinally opposite outlets, depending on whether the path downstream of the outlets is flowing. Upon actuation of a valve on one side, or essentially complete blockage of one side, the fluid and products flow to the other side automatically. No moving parts are needed in the valve to change the flow path; the only change is to the flow downstream, which automatically affects the flow in the valve.

Abstract: A chainsaw includes a chainsaw body, a guide bar and a saw chain. The chainsaw body includes an oil tank, an oil pump to supply oil stored in the oil tank to a sliding portion between the guide bar and the saw chain, a first extension chamber arranged above the oil tank and a second extension chamber arranged above the first extension chamber. The oil tank communicates with the first extension chamber via a first flow path, the first extension chamber communicates with the second extension chamber via a second flow path and a vent hole communicating with the outer space is formed in the second extension chamber.

Abstract: A process for treating lignocellulosic pieces with a water-soluble lignocellulosic material preservative. The process comprises the step of contacting the lignocellulosic pieces with a water-based preservative solution having a contact temperature between about 70° C. and about 95° C., the water-based preservative solution containing the water-soluble lignocellulosic material preservative in a concentration above about 25% wt. A lignocellulosic treatment apparatus for treating lignocellulosic pieces is also provided.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating wood products including lumber, plywood and other engineered wood products comprising the steps of applying an aqueous fire-retardant impregnate and applying a coating to the surface of the wood product. In one embodiment, said process confers fire-retardant properties to the wood products sufficient to pass the extended burn test of ASTM E-84. The present invention also provides fire retardant wood products.

Abstract: A method for producing an impregnated article comprising a cellulose layer which is impregnated with a melamine resin in order for a core impregnation to be formed is characterized in that a layer of a liquid medium having a moiety of isocyanate groups is applied to the top face and/or the bottom face of the core-impregnated cellulose layer.

Abstract: A mould for a skimmer box lid includes a mould body having a floor and a sidewall extending from the floor. The sidewall defines a side of a mould cavity in which a settable material can be received. A slot member projects from the floor and into the mould cavity. The slot member defines a passage with a transverse cross-section that is elongate and has a width of less than 10 mm.

Abstract: An extrudate transport apparatus comprises a free floating roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly controls a rotational pitch of a cylindrical green ceramic extrudate as the green ceramic extrudate moves longitudinally from a first location to a second location within the extrudate transport apparatus. The free floating roller assembly has a predetermined effective weight and comprises a contact roller having a deformable outer surface for frictionally contacting an outer surface of the green ceramic extrudate in motion adjacent thereto, while maintaining a constant contact force upon said green ceramic extrudate.

Abstract: A ceramic and masonry power saw includes a cutting head assembly including a circular saw blade, an electric motor for driving the saw blade, and a support member for supporting both the saw blade and the motor; a rectangular box shaped frame including two hollow members at front and rear ends respectively, two side members interconnecting the end members, two side supports interconnecting the end members, a tray removably disposed on the frame by passing through the hollow member, and a first coolant pan communicating with the tray; a rail assembly disposed on the frame; and a cutting table including a main platform slidably disposed on the rail assembly, an auxiliary platform secured to one side of the main platform, and a second coolant pan releasably secured to the main platform.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for measuring acceleration of a piston of a reciprocating hammer is disclosed. The diagnostic system may include a magnet configured to induce, via electromagnetic induction and based on a movement of the piston, an electric current in a conductor. The diagnostic system may include a capacitor electrically coupled to the conductor and configured to store electric power based on the electric current induced by the magnet. The diagnostic system may include an accelerometer configured to measure an acceleration of the piston. The diagnostic system may include a communication device powered by the capacitor and configured to output a signal that identifies the acceleration measured by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A mosaic tile design and manufacturing system is comprised of a mosaic design application, a network server and a tile cutting apparatus. A mosaic artist can use the mosaic design application to specify the placement, color and shapes of a plurality of mosaic tile comprising a mosaic design. The tile shapes can be a combination of standard and non-standard shapes, and the design tool can generate instructions that can be applied by the server to the tile cutting apparatus to control the cutting apparatus to make custom tile cuts that result in a tile with a non-standard shape.

Abstract: Fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials, and uses of the fibrous materials and compositions are disclosed. For example, the fibrous materials can be operated on by a microorganism to produce ethanol or a by-product, such as a protein or lignin.

Abstract: A mandrel bladder end fitting includes a compression housing defining a circumferential interior wall; the interior wall constitutes a first clamping surface. An expansion assembly, axially received within the interior wall, includes a plurality of wedges that collectively define a second clamping surface. The expansion assembly also includes a central core and a threaded member received within a threaded aperture of the central core. A radially extending flat washer, seated within the interior wall, prevents axial movement of the expansion wedges in one direction. Thus, upon rotation of the threaded member, the central core will move axially toward the washer, forcing the second clamping surface to move only radially outwardly toward the first clamping surface. As such, because the flat washer restricts axial movement of the expansion wedges, relative motion between first and second clamping surfaces; i.e., between the collective wedges and interior wall, is limited to radial movement, only.

Abstract: In a deburring device configured to remove burrs of the molded product through radiation of ultrasonic waves, a height of the storage tank is set to 1.25? mm when a wavelength of an ultrasonic wave is set to ? mm. A frequency range of ultrasonic wave radiating means arranged on a bottom side of the washing water storage tank is set to from 18 KHz to 28 KHz, and power density is set to 2 W/cm2 or higher. Further, there is arranged oscillating means configured to allow the molded product immersed in the washing water to vertically move with a stroke of at least 1/2? mm in a vertical direction. Further, an amount of dissolved oxygen in the washing water is set to 1 mg/litter or less, and a water temperature of the deburring washing water is set to from 4° C. to 8° C.

Abstract: A bearing is provided which supports an inner pipe flange part. An end face flange is formed so as to be inclined on a center of an inner flange part as a supporting point and a load is applied by a pushing and pulling device through the bearing in a direction intersecting at right angles to an axial direction of a roll to incline the end face flanges at both sides by prescribed angles. Thus, a rotation moment is applied to an end face of the outer cell to adjust a crown of the outer cell.

Abstract: A method of making a foamed article comprises (a) injection molding a molten thermoplastic elastomer to form a precursor; (b) crosslinking the thermoplastic elastomer; (c) heating the thermoplastic elastomer to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic elastomer; (d) infusing the thermoplastic elastomer with at least one inert gas at a first pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic elastomer; and (e) while the article is softened, reducing the pressure to a second pressure below the first pressure to at least partially foam the precursor into a foamed article, wherein the foamed article is substantially the same shape as the precursor.

Abstract: A device adapted to deliver an insulation enhancing polyurethane foam within profiles used in doors, windows and related applications comprising an insulating material supply member (1) extending into a polyurethane forming and discharge member (2) adapted to enter and move linearly along a chamber (25, 35) of a thermally insulated sash or frame profile assembly and deliver therein a polyurethane foam that absolutely abuts onto the walls of the chamber without exerting undesirable stresses thereupon. The insulating material supply member (1) comprises independent pipes (8, 9) delivering a polyol constituent (A) and an isocyanate constituent (B) that are mixed together with a supply of air within a mixing compartment (4) of the polyurethane forming and discharge member (2) to produce the desired insulating material.

Abstract: Prepare nanofoam by: (a) providing a mold (10) with a mold cavity (12) defined by mold walls defining a sealable port (32); (b) providing a foamable polymer mixture containing a polymer and a blowing agent at a pressure at least 690 kilopascals above the saturation pressure for the polymer and blowing agent; (c) introducing the foamable polymer mixture into the mold cavity (12) while maintaining a temperature and pressure at least 690 kilopascals above the saturation pressure and controlling the pressure in the mold cavity (12) by expanding a wall of the mold; and (d) releasing pressure around the foamable mixture by moving a mold wall (20) at a rate of at least 45 centimeters per second, causing the foamable polymer mixture to expand into nanofoam having a porosity of at least 60 percent, a volume of at least 100 cubic centimeters and at least two orthogonal dimensions of four centimeter or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a gear, said method including a step (a) during which a supporting core is made from a first polymer material, said supporting core comprising a hub, with a director axis (XX?), as well as a flange which extends radially from said hub to a peripheral flanged edge, said method then involves a coating step (b) which comprises producing a permanent coating layer, made of a second polymer material, by overmoulding on the supporting core, including integrally both a front layer which covers the upper surface of the flange, and a side layer which extends said front layer axially by covering the outer radial surface of the flanged edge, such that said side layer forms a rim, the teeth of the gear being made in the radial body of said rim.

Abstract: A method has the steps of forming a lot of potting portions made of a rubber-like elastic material at appropriate intervals in respect of an extending direction of the gasket main body in the one side in the thickness direction in the peripheral edge portion of the plate in such a manner as to be positioned in a forming area of the gasket main body, next, pinching a portion constructed by the peripheral edge portion of the plate and the potting portion between inner surfaces of a gasket forming cavity of the metal mold and bringing the other side in the thickness direction of the peripheral edge portion into close contact with the one inner surface of the cavity by positioning and arranging the plate within the metal mold and clamping the mold, and filling a liquid rubber material into the cavity and curing the liquid rubber material.

Abstract: A failure module includes a support element. A reinforcing element is disposed on the support element. The support element is chemically compatible with the reinforcing element. A homogeneous chemical bond is formed between the support element and the reinforcing element.

Abstract: A dual shot molded article of cutlery that includes a working end molded from a first material and a molded handle opposite the working end. The article is designed with one or more features that facilitate the efficient and effective manufacture of such products by an overmolding or coreback molding process.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a composite optical element includes a first cavity portion which molds a first optical element portion partly having a first optical function surface with the first molding material, and a second cavity portion which molds a second optical element portion that is provided on the first optical element portion to cover the first optical function surface with a second molding material, and integrates the second optical element portion with the first optical element portion, whereby mold the composite optical element. The manufacturing apparatus includes a discharge opening portion in which a discharge direction of the second molding material from a supply path portion to the second cavity portion is along the first optical function surface.

Abstract: A mold for molding an injection molded article comprises a mold cavity with a non-symmetrical portion. At least one flow leader in the non-symmetrical portion of the cavity produces a symmetrical flow boundary in a multilayer flow downstream of the non-symmetrical portion of the mold cavity. The at least one flow leader may be a variable thickness flow leader or may alternatively be a plurality of flow leaders having a flow path length that differs from the flow path length of an adjacent flow leader by no more than about 15%. The multilayer flow comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and an interior layer. Co-injection molding apparatus and methods that may use the foregoing mold are disclosed. Similarly, co-injection molded articles and containers that may result from the foregoing mold, apparatus, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus comprising a manifold, an actuator having a piston that divides an enclosed actuator housing into upstream and downstream actuator drive chambers, the piston having an internal piston chamber and a piston bore that communicates flow of the drive fluid between one of the upstream or downstream actuator drive chambers and the internal piston chamber, a flow rate controller adapted to enable flow of drive fluid between one of the upstream or downstream actuator drive chambers and a source of drive fluid at a first low rate of flow over a selected first portion of the stroke length of the piston and at a second high rate of flow over a selected second portion of the stroke length of the piston.

Abstract: In order to calculate a ball screw abrasion amount of an injection-axis ball screw or a mold-clamping-axis ball screw, a position of a ball nut fitted to the ball screw is photographed by a camera installed in an injection molding machine. Then, if the photographed position of the ball nut is found, as a result of analysis of an image captured by the camera, to be deviated from the position of the ball nut when a ball screw has no abrasion, it is determined that the ball screw is abraded.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a coextruded multilayer film The coextruded multilayer film includes a core component having from 15 to 1000 alternating layers of layer A and layer B. Layer A has a thickness from 10 nm to 1000 nm and includes a beta-propylene-based polymer having a crystallization temperature (T1c). Layer B includes a second polymer having a glass transition temperature (T2g), wherein T1C<T2g. Layer A h an effective moisture permeability less than 6.2 g-mil/m2/24 hrs.

Abstract: A sticker for spacing wood is extruded from an alloy that includes polycarbonate resin and polysulfone resin. The sticker can have a variety of different configurations, including a top surface that includes contact points that have an area substantially smaller than the area of the top surface, a single or multiple internal longitudinal hallow chambers separated by multiple reinforcing members, longitudinal external grooves that allow airflow, lateral external grooves that intersect the longitudinal external grooves, curved sides for a version where the stickers are placed manually, and substantially straight sides for a version where the stickers are placed by a machine. A method for manufacturing the sticker includes pulling an extrusion with a puller that includes a plurality of teeth that provide a first plurality of lateral grooves running substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the extrusion in a top and bottom surface of the extrusion.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyurethane is foamed by way of an added vesicant and is then extruded to provide a thermoplastic forming material. The thermoplastic forming material is roll pressed to provide an unfinished sheet, and a surface of the unfinished sheet is embossed for printing a predetermined drawing to provide an embossed sheet. The embossed sheet is cut to provide plural connecting sheets, and the partial overlapping of two adjacent connecting sheets is ultrasonically welded to provide a connected exterior. At least one groove is cut in the predetermined drawing surface of the exterior to provide a ball texture.

Abstract: A method of making a die body configured to extrude a honeycomb body, the method comprising the step (I) of manufacturing a die body and the step (II) of predetermining an upstream slot width W1 of the die body such that the upstream slot width W1 is optimized while a root of each die pin includes a section modulus within a predetermined section modulus range. The method still further comprises the step (III) of predetermining a slot length L such that a pin stress is within a predetermined pin stress range.

Abstract: A method for the improved extrusion of polyethylene polymers comprising passing polyethylene through a single stage, twin screw extruder comprising a solid polymer conveying zone, a polymer melting zone, a dispersive mixing zone, and a distributive mixing/pumping zone, in which the throughput and screw speed are optimized to reduce the number of gels present, ensure complete polymer melting within the polymer melting zone, and to minimize polymer degradation.

Abstract: An extruder for use in an additive manufacturing process. The extruder includes an inner housing and an outer housing. A material feed channel extends through the extruder. The material feed channel is positioned between the inner housing and the outer housing. The inner housing is mounted to allow the inner housing to rotate relative to the outer housing, and the outer housing is mounted to allow the outer housing to rotate relative to the inner housing. The rotation of the inner housing and outer housing moves material through the material feed channel and introduces shear forces to the material to decrease the viscosity of the material. A heating element is provided proximate the housing and extends about the entire circumference of the housing. The heating element provides even and controlled heating across the entire extruder.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a display apparatus includes a deforming unit which deforms a shape of a cover window by pressing the cover window, where the deforming unit includes a first mold, on which the cover window is accommodated; a sleeve, which is spaced apart from the first mold and moves linearly to the first mold; a second mold, which is inserted into the sleeve to move linearly to the first mold to deform a portion of the cover window; and a pressing plate, which presses the sleeve and the second mold to the first mold.