Abstract: A stiffness control apparatus includes a base member, an output link configured to move along a plane parallel to a surface of the base member, and at least one stiffness control unit configured to control stiffness of the output link. The at least one stiffness control unit includes a shaft including a first end and a second end, the first end being rotatably coupled to the base member, a rotating member including an elongated hole into which the second end of the shaft is movably inserted, and rotatably arranged by the shaft at a position having contact with the output link on an outer side or an inner side the output link, and an elastic member between the second end of the shaft and at least one inner wall of the elongated hole in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a robot device including a drive unit including a plurality of links and joints connecting the links, a task instruction input unit for inputting an instruction of a task, a drive control unit for controlling an operation of the drive unit on the basis of the input task and determining a restricted area including a space necessary for the operation of the drive unit, and an area display unit for displaying the restricted area.

Abstract: A method able to easily fit a movable shaft part in the corresponding hole. The method includes grasping the base part by the robot and arranging the base part at vertically upward of the top face of the female component so that the plurality of shaft parts are suspended from the base part, moving the base part downward by the robot, and, if a tip end (106c) of at least one shaft part is not inserted into the hole so as to butt against the top face of the female component when moving the base part vertically downward by the robot, moving each of portions of the base part, from which the shaft parts are suspended, in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method and system for exploring a remote environment from an environment simulator or terrain replicator at a local base on Earth is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for handling an object comprises the steps: a) connecting the object (1) with a manipulator (5) and with an input tool (7) by means of which a direction ({right arrow over (d)}?) within an internal coordinate system (K?) relating to the input tool (7) can be entered, d) initiating a test movement of the manipulator (5) on the basis of a direction ({right arrow over (r)}) known in the external coordinate system (K); e) determining the direction ({right arrow over (r)}?) of a movement of the input tool (7) in the internal coordinate system (K?) resulting from the test movement of the manipulator (5); f) determining a coordinate transformation (T) which transforms the direction of the resulting movement ({right arrow over (r)}?) in the internal coordinate system into the known direction ({right arrow over (r)}) in the external coordinate system; g) detecting an internal direction ({right arrow over (d)}?) within the internal coordinate system (K?) entered by a user using the input tool (7); h) applying

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrating tissue processors and embedding systems. An apparatus, of one aspect, includes a robot. The robot has a work envelope that encompasses a location having a tissue holder and an input of an embedding system. The tissue holder has at least one processed tissue. The robot is configured to transfer the tissue holder from the location to the input of the embedding system. A method, of one aspect, may include moving a robot to a location having a tissue holder. The tissue holder may have at least one processed tissue. The robot may engage with the tissue holder at the location. The robot may move the tissue holder from the location to an input to an embedding system. The robot may disengage from the tissue holder at the input to the embedding system. Other methods, apparatus, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic system has a plurality of user selectable operating modes. To select one of the operating modes, a user performs a distinguishing action which uniquely identifies a desired operating mode among the plurality of user selectable operating modes. A method implemented by a processor in the robotic system identifies the distinguishing action and places the robotic system in the user selected operating mode.

Abstract: A suction-type hand according to the present invention includes a base part, a plurality of linear drive devices successively arranged in the base part, a plurality of link parts, which are each connected to the corresponding one of movable parts of the linear drive devices and which are moved closer to or moved away from the base part in response to the movement of the movable parts, a plurality of joint parts for connecting the plurality of link parts in series, and rotatably supporting the link parts, and a plurality of suction parts for drawing and holding a workpiece, which are each supported by the corresponding one of the plurality of link parts.

Abstract: A robotic end effector includes a finger and at least one actuator. The finger extends from a proximal end to a distal end along a finger axis. The finger includes a first phalanx proximate the proximal end, a second phalanx proximate the distal end, and a knuckle joint including at least one vertebra interposed between and separating the first and second phalanxes. The knuckle joint is configured to permit the second phalanx to pivot relative to the first phalanx about a pivot axis transverse to the finger axis. Each vertebra has an axial thickness extending along the finger axis and a lateral width extending perpendicular to its axial thickness, and its lateral width is greater than its axial thickness. The at least one actuator is operable to move the second phalanx relative to the first phalanx about the pivot axis.

Abstract: Elastomer-based soft-robotic micro-tentacles capable of winding around and holding microscale objects and methods of fabricating same are provided. To realize the thin, highly deformable microtubes, a fabrication technique based on in situ thermal solidification of PDMS dip-coated around a cylindrical template and direct peeling of the cured structure is presented. This process is capable to asymmetrize the microtube's cross-sectional shape and enable the microtube to bend up to a single turn. To amplify the bending into a life-like, multi-turn spiraling motion, a semi-analytical model to shape-engineer the microtube and turn it into a micro-tentacle was produced. As a result, a hump is added to the microtube to enable the multi-turn spiraling motion.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a blade holder slidably connected to the handle. A blade lock pivotally connects to the blade holder for movement relative to the blade holder about a blade lock axis between a locked position and a released position. The blade lock axis forms an acute angle ? with a lateral direction of the knife so that a surface of the blade lock that is configured to engage the utility blade moves both laterally and vertically as the blade lock moves between its locked and released positions. A blade release trigger is conveniently disposed well rearwardly of a front of the handle. The knife includes a sealed blade storage compartment with a manually openable cover. A seal disposed between the compartment and cover discourages water and/or debris from getting into the compartment when the cover is closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair clipping device (10) comprising: a housing (14), a cutting assembly (16) for clipping hairs, a comb attachment (12) which is attachable to the housing (14), a drive unit (38) for moving the comb attachment (12) relative to the cutting assembly (16) between different comb positions in order to set a hair cut-length, a control unit (36) for controlling the drive unit (38), a memory unit (40), and a user interface (34).

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: A shaving unit that includes a blade assembly, a handle assembly, and a push rod. The blade assembly includes a housing portion and two blades attached to interior walls of the housing portion. The blades being latitudinally aligned, longitudinally displaced, and having a spatial separation between the two blades. The handle assembly is attached to the housing portion of the blade assembly and includes an internal cavity. The shaving unit further includes a push rod positioned within the internal cavity of the handle assembly. The push rod includes a blunted end directly in contact with one of the two razor blades and an actuator button on an opposite end. The push rod is capable of being moved forward and backwards when actuated in either direction and when actuated in the forward direction causes the blade directly in contact with to increase the spacial separation between blades.

Abstract: A razor handle (2) comprising an elongated body (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (C), said elongated body (4) having an outer surface (4E) and being provided with a cavity (9) opening on said outer surface (4E) and extending between a first end (11) and a second end (12), said razor handle (2) further comprising a first insert (13), said cavity (9) has a shape allowing the first insert (13) to move freely within the cavity (9) between the first and second ends (11, 12) of said cavity (9).

Abstract: A razor blade including a substrate with a cutting edge, the substrate includes a mixed nitride-substrate interregion disposed at or beneath a surface of the substrate, the mixed nitride-substrate interregion being substantially free of a compound layer.

Abstract: A hand anti-cutting structure for a curtain cutting machine contains a base, a cutting mechanism, and a security mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a through orifice, an insertion segment, an extension segment, an inserting direction, and a cutter. The security mechanism includes a rail assembly, a sliding seat, a touch switch, and a stop member. The rail assembly has at least slidable rail parallel to the inserting direction, and the sliding seat has a movable actuation member and an operation member. The touch switch is secured on a moving path of the actuation member, and when the actuation member moves to abut against the touch switch, the touch switch is turned on by the actuation member. The stop member is connected with and driven by the actuation member, wherein the stop member is located on the insertion segment and is perpendicular to the inserting direction of the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: Shaping systems and methods suitable for cutting a material and deburring devices for performing a deburring operation on an edge of the material. The shaping systems include means for supporting the material and at least first and second carriage units independently operable to travel parallel to an axis of the supporting means. The first carriage unit comprises a cutting device coupled thereto with a first arm, and the second carriage unit comprises a deburring device coupled thereto with a second arm. The cutting device and the deburring device are coupled to the first and second carriage units, respectively, so as to move in a travel direction relative to the material supported by the supporting means and perform cutting and deburring operations, respectively, from opposite surfaces of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for single transfer insert placement. The apparatus receives continuous web material and cuts a discrete section or pad from the web. The pad is then supported on a single transfer surface. The single transfer surface then may spin the supported pad to a desired angle and provide the pad to a receiving surface at a desired interval. The web material can be cut to different insert lengths and the placement location varied.

Abstract: A measurement structure is adapted for a curtain cutting machine, and the curtain cutting machine contains: a track, a slidable seat, a scale set, a cutting device, and a covering cover. The track includes a front segment and a rear segment, the slidable seat is disposed on and slides along the track and includes a clamping apparatus. The scale set is secured on the track so as to indicate a position of the slidable seat, the cutting device is located adjacent to the front segment of the track and includes an opening, and the covering door is mounted between the cutting device and the track and moves between a first position and a second position. When the covering door slides to the first position, it stops the opening of the cutting device, and when the covering door slides to the second position, it opens the opening of the cutting device.

Abstract: A film perforation device including power supply means, a perforation element that has a perforation position and a withdrawal position, and means for receiving said film, wherein said film perforation device includes: a conveyor belt, having a planar surface penetrable by an above-mentioned perforation element which has a predetermined speed of movement and is arranged such as to receive the film unwinding onto the above-mentioned surface and convey same onto said surface at said predetermined speed in a predetermined direction; and a winch having a rotational axis, about which at least one supporting structure provided with a perforation element is rotatably driven. In said perforation position, said perforation element perforates the film and at least partially penetrates the planar surface of said conveyor belt.

Abstract: A power tool having a housing, a motor, a tool holder driven about an output axis by the motor, and an output element for performing an operation on a workpiece. The tool holder has a locating feature including a tapered portion becoming narrower in a direction away from the surface of the tool holder. The output element has an aperture for receiving the locating feature and a face facing the surface of the tool holder when the locating feature is received. The power tool also includes a flange for transferring a clamping force for urging the output element towards the tool holder and a tab projecting from the flange for finger tightening the flange. A biasing member provides the clamping force toollessly. A gap is defined between the surface of the tool holder and the face when the tapered portion of the locating feature is fully received in the aperture.

Abstract: Centrifugal water pump systems are provided that can include: a chainsaw with a motor, a throttle, and a chainsaw bar; a water pump head with a suction pipe and a discharge pipe; and a coupling device configured to operably connect the chainsaw bar to the water pump head. Chainsaw accessories are also provided that can include a centrifugal pump configured to be coupled to the chainsaw bar. Chainsaw accessory kits are also provided that can include a centrifugal pump, stabilizer spikes, and a throttle control. Methods for using the chainsaws, pumps, and/or kits are also described.

Abstract: A blade attachment system includes a tool mount, a blade holder plate attached to the tool mount adapter; and a clamping assembly attached to the blade holder plate. The clamping assembly includes a plurality of fixed clamping positioned adjacent to at least one of the lateral edges of the blade when the blade is placed on the blade holder plate and including tapered surfaces configured to overlap the lateral edges of the blade and at least one movable clamping pin that is movably mounted to the blade holder plate, the movable clamping pin being configured to move with respect to the blade to move the lateral edges of the blade into engagement with the tapered surfaces of the clamping pins.

Abstract: A blade attachment system includes a tool mount adapter for attaching the blade attachment system to a toolholder of an oscillating tool, a blade holder plate for supporting a blade, a clamping assembly for clamping the blade to the blade holder plate in a clamped position, and a locking mechanism for locking the blade in the clamped position.

Abstract: A work-piece securing apparatus for metal or wood working equipment, for example a miter saw, involves a support element mounted on the equipment and an elongated work-piece securing element movably supported by the support element. The support element is configured to receive and support the securing element such that the securing element retains mobility while supported on the support element to permit manual manipulation of the securing element to position the work-piece on the equipment and/or to position a work-piece engaging portion of the securing element at a desired contact point on a work-piece when the work-piece is positioned to be worked by a tool of the equipment.

Abstract: A saw including a base assembly having a work surface, a cutting unit mounted on the base assembly capable of cutting a work piece located on the work surface, and a fixed fence mounted on the base assembly for supporting the work piece when it is being cut. The base assembly has a rib abutting the fixed fence, The fixed fence abuts against the rib in a direction of a force applied to the fixed fence by the work piece when it is being cut.

Abstract: A portable machine tool, in particular a hand-held planing machine, includes at least one workpiece positioning unit and at least one insert tool unit. The at least one workpiece positioning unit has at least one workpiece positioning surface. The at least one insert tool unit projects at least partially over the at least one workpiece positioning surface in order to permit processing of workpiece. The portable machine tool further includes at least one adjustment unit that is configured, in at least one state, to set at least one orientation of one or more of the insert tool unit and the workpiece positioning surface relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for coating workpieces (2), preferably consisting of wood, wood-based materials, plastics material or the like at least in sections, comprising a feed device (10) for feeding a coating material (12), a pressing unit (20) for pressing the coating material (12) against a surface (2a) of a workpiece (2), a conveyor device (4) for bringing about a relative motion between the pressing device (20) and the respective workpiece (2), an energy source (30) for applying energy onto the coating material (12) and/or the workpiece (2), and a control device (50) for controlling at least the energy source (30).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a treated cellulosic material comprising: a cellulosic material having a porous structure defining a plurality of pores, at least a portion of the pores containing a treating agent comprising: a polymer comprising an olefin-carboxylic acid copolymer; and a modifying agent comprising a quat.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for preparing a treated cellulosic material comprising: providing a cellulosic material; a first treatment protocol comprising impregnating the cellulosic material with an aqueous dispersion comprising a polymer, the polymer comprising an olefin-carboxylic acid copolymer neutralized at least in part by ammonia or an amine; and a second treatment protocol comprising heating the cellulosic material, wherein at least a portion of the ammonia or the amine is liberated from the cellulosic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine meant to build structures capable of moving over a surface, having unlimited range, for the purpose of doing tasks involved in the manufacturing of a structure or building: from laying the correct building material, painting, running electrical, installing plumbing, fixtures, doors and windows, carve on surfaces already printed, smooth out built surfaces, or remove the correct amount of material needed to gain the desired effect in a designed product. Meaning that by the time leaves the build area, it is literally ready to move in. The machine to build structures can produce at lower cost, can build with improved quality, at a higher rate of speed than was heretofore possible, with significantly reduced exposure to safety, costs and health hazards associated with this kind of construction activities in the past.

Abstract: Binder for the additive production of manufactured items, in particular made of conglomerate, adapted to be distributed on a layer of inert granular material in order to form a rigid matrix incorporating the granules of the inert granular material. The binder according to the invention is a substantially inorganic binder with geopolymer base. Another object of the invention is a process for the additive production of manufactured items by means of the use of the aforesaid binder and the use of geopolymers as binders in the additive production of manufactured items.

Abstract: A method for ambient temperature injection molding of ceramic bodies, including combining ceramic powder, water, and dispersant to yield a first admixture, combining water and water soluble polymer to yield a second admixture, combining the first and second admixture to yield a homogeneous slurry, flowing the homogeneous slurry into a mold to yield a molded green body, and removing the green body from the mold, all of which are performed at room temperature. The slurry exhibits yield psuedoplastic flow characteristics and contains more than 50 weight percent ceramic powder and less than 5 weight percent water soluble polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus, kit, and method for forming a bead between bead-forming blocks having internal bead-forming channels are provided. The bead-forming channels of adjacent bead-forming blocks are slidably engaged to manipulate a measured amount of modeling compound between the bead-forming blocks and within an internal space between the opposing channels. In one embodiment, the bead-forming blocks maintain orientation with respect to an axis of travel based on a block guide. Further, the measured amount of modeling compound is determined using an integrated measuring feature coupled to at least one of the pair of bead-forming blocks. The internal volume of an integrated measuring feature corresponds to a threshold amount of modeling compound for manipulating between the pair of blocks and forming a bead while contacting at least a portion of the mated bead-forming channels. In further aspects, a molded bead may be coated with a multicomponent bead-coating mixture.

Abstract: A method and system for removing mortar from a plurality of joints between a plurality of masonry units in a masonry structure, incorporating a suspension work platform, a work tool, and an articulating arm system (500).

Abstract: A method for controlling a water supply system for use with a machine tool is disclosed. The water supply system includes a housing with an interface for supplying electrical energy, a water tank, a line, a pump device, a current-measuring device, a water-pressure-measuring device, and a control device. The method includes activating the pump device if the machine tool is connected to the interface and the motor current of the machine tool exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and deactivating the pump device if the machine tool is connected and the motor current undershoots a predetermined threshold value; or activating the pump device if the machine tool is not connected and the water pressure in the line undershoots a predetermined threshold value and deactivating the pump device if the machine tool is not connected and the water pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A built-in and process-adaptive formulation of antimicrobial commodity thermoplastic resins with mixed compositions comprising of a polymer, a backbone linker, and a non-labile antifouling and biocompatible coupling agent which is melt-processable and enabled to be manufactured into finished products in the form of solid, monolith, tube, composite, fiber, film, sheet and varnish without the prerequisite of biocides or antimicrobial additives is disclosed. The said formulation is adapted to thermoforming and thermal curing processes including but not limited to melt compounding, spinning, extrusion, molding, compression foaming and drawing. The antimicrobial property is attributed to the persistent formation of a non-stick bacteria-repellent tethered layer in which the antifouling component of the said formulation is heterogeneously phase separated and/or surface migrated to the surface after product forming in order to minimize adsorption and/or colonization of bacteria.

Abstract: A forming tool of a preform made of composite material, the tool comprising at least one flexible element and at least a first and a second rigid plate connected to the flexible element and disposed on either side of the flexible element. The first and second rigid plates and the flexible element comprise first, second and third reference surfaces, respectively. The flexible element is configured to allow the tool to occupy a depositing state in which the first, second and third reference surfaces are coplanar and a forming state in which the third reference surface is curved and the first and second reference surfaces are at a desired angle to one another.

Abstract: Provided is a structure in which an inserted article is easily inserted and a product is easily released from a die after molding. The structure includes a positioning mechanism which is vertically arranged on one split die, includes a positioning pin having a tapered distal end, and positions the inserted article by engaging the inserted article with the positioning pin, a stop mechanism that has a spring means assembled with the one split die and a stopper portion held by the spring means, and temporarily stops movement of the other split die when the other split die comes into contact with the stopper portion at the time of mold clamping, and a pressing mechanism that has a spring assembled with the other split die, a pusher pin, a spring assembled with the one split die, and a pusher pin, and elastically presses the inserted article by the pusher pin.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for molding a contact pad in place on an automation template. The apparatus includes an automation template having a contact pad retainer and a molding cap received over the contact pad retainer and retained using a self-locking fit. A mold cavity is formed between the automation template and the molding cap.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a membrane for an electro-acoustic transducer through spray coating of a liquid elastomer solution is provided. The method includes spraying the liquid elastomer solution, which may comprise a silicone, onto a mold having the desired membrane geometry, allowing the solution to cure and remove the membrane from the mold. The mold can be configured to hold other components of an electro-acoustic transducer that will be attached to the membrane after the curing step. Also provided is a membrane for an electro-acoustic transducer comprised of an elastomer and made using spray coating of a liquid elastomer solution.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus performs pressing of an imprint material on a substrate with a mold to form a pattern on the substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a supply device configured to supply a condensable gas to a space between the imprint material and the mold. The condensable gas is liquefied by the pressing. The apparatus further includes a pipe for transferring the condensable gas in a gas state to the supply device and a storage connected to the pipe. The storage stores the condensable gas in a liquid state. The supply device is configured to supply the condensable gas vaporized in the storage and transferred through the pipe from the storage.

Abstract: Prepregs, composites and articles comprising expandable graphite materials dispersed in a thermoplastic layer are described. In some instances, articles that can be used in an as-produced state may provide a desired sound absorption coefficient or a desired flame spread index, e.g., less than or equal to 25 as tested by ASTM E84 dated 2009. Methods of producing the articles are also described.

Abstract: A novel material for producing auxetic foams is disclosed. The material comprises a multiphase, multicomponent polymer foam with a filler polymer having a carefully selected glass transition temperature. Novel methods for producing auxetic foams from the material are also disclosed that consistently, reliably and quickly produce auxetic polyurethane foam at about room temperature (25° C.). This technology overcomes challenging issues in the large-scale production of auxetic PU foams, such as unfavorable heat-transmission problem and harmful organic solvents.

Abstract: An electrical insulator apparatus and method of manufacturing an electrical insulator apparatus includes a core strength member which is positioned at least partially within at least one end-fitting. A thermoplastic exterior body having a plurality of spaced fins is injection-molded over the core strength member and at least partially over the at least one end-fitting. The core strength member is attached to the at least one end-fitting without a mechanical compression to the at least one end-fitting and without an adhesive between the core strength member and the at least one end-fitting. One or more mechanical upset structures formed on the at least one end-fitting prevent movements of the injection molded thermoplastic exterior body relative to the at least one end-fitting.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow overmolded polymeric article comprising: positioning a hollow polymeric structure (10) in a mold (100); supporting the interior surface of the hollow polymeric structure; disposing a fibrous polymeric material (12) into the mold proximal to the outer surface of the hollow polymeric structure; overmolding the fibrous polymeric material onto to the outer surface of the hollow polymeric structure; opening the mold; and removing a hollow overmolded polymeric article comprising the fibrous polymeric material overmolded on the hollow polymeric structure.

Abstract: A molded article 1 is configured such that an insert 2 is made of a steel plate and includes a cylindrical part 2A and an annular part 2B, a plastic 4 is annular in shape so as to be joined to the annular part 2B, inner diameter D1 of the plastic 4 is larger than inner diameter D2 of the annular part 2B so that no burrs at a gate mark E protrude to the inner diameter side of the molded article 1, the injection molding is conducted with a disc gate arranged on an inner peripheral surface F of the plastic 4 at a position separated from a surface of the annular part 2B, and the gate mark E resides on the inner peripheral surface F of the plastic 4 at a position separated from the surface of the annular part 2B.

Abstract: A molded article has an exterior surface, a non-exterior surface, and a projecting or recessed portion provided on at least one of the exterior surface and the non-exterior surface. A repeated pattern of projections and/or recesses or a texture face, which serves to disturb the flow of resin, is provided on the non-exterior surface.

Abstract: A molded article 1 is configured such that an insert 2 is made of a steel plate and includes a cylindrical part 2A and an annular part 2B, a plastic 4 is annular in shape so as to be joined to the annular part 2B, inner diameter D1 of the plastic 4 is larger than inner diameter D2 of the annular part 2B so that no burrs at a gate mark E protrude to the inner diameter side of the molded article 1, the injection molding is conducted with a disc gate arranged on an inner peripheral surface F of the plastic 4 at a position separated from a surface of the annular part 2B, and the gate mark E resides on the inner peripheral surface F of the plastic 4 at a position separated from the surface of the annular part 2B.