Abstract: A pliers is provided, including a first clamping body and a second clamping body. The first clamping body has two first jaw portions and two first gripping portions, and the two first jaw portions are associated respectively with the two first gripping portions and are capable of being open or closed relative to each other. The second clamping body has a clamping jaw and a second gripping portion, the second clamping body and the first clamping body are pivotally connected to each other at a location between the clamping jaw and the second gripping portion, and the clamping jaw and the two first jaw portions are capable of being open or closed relative to each other.

Abstract: A spring compressor including a first mating arm in configured to mate with a subframe component of a vehicle, a second mating arm configured to mate with a moveable suspension component of the vehicle, wherein the suspension arm carries a suspension spring, and an actuator configured move the second mating arm toward the first mating arm to compress the suspension spring, so as to facilitate installation of a part, such as a damper. The disclosure also provides a method of joining a damper or similar part with a suspension component, such as a suspension arm, and with a body portion of the vehicle, including mating the first mating arm with the subframe component, mating the second mating arm with the suspension component, actuating the actuator to move the second mating arm toward the first mating arm so as to move the suspension arm, and securing the damper to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for setting an expansion anchor by a power tool, and a power tool that performs the method, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes exerting rotary impacts on the expansion anchor in order to expand an expansion sleeve in dependence on a first rotational speed until a tightening torque corresponds to a threshold value, exerting a predetermined number of rotary impacts on the expansion anchor in dependence on the first rotational speed, and exerting rotary impacts on the expansion anchor by the power tool in dependence on a generated second rotational speed for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A fastener-driving tool including a housing, a driving device associated with the housing and including a driver blade, a biasing member and a coupler attached to the driver blade and the biasing member, and a compound gear rotatably attached to the housing and in engagement with the coupler, where the compound gear is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The compound gear is rotated to the first position to move and secure the biasing member in a biased position when the driver blade is in a pre-drive position, and upon actuation, the biasing member is released from the biased position and biases the compound gear to move to the second position thereby causing the driver blade to move to a driven position for driving a fastener.

Abstract: A fastener-driving tool is provided and includes a housing and a workpiece-contacting element movably connected to the housing, where the workpiece-contacting element is movable between a rest position and an activated position. A trigger is movably connected to the housing such that the trigger is movable between a rest position and an activated position. The tool further includes an actuation lever movably connected to the trigger and movable between a rest position and an activated position. A damper mechanism is associated with the actuation lever and is configured to control a rate of movement of the actuation lever between the activated position and the rest position.

Abstract: A power tool accessory for elevating the base of a power tool from off a work surface and a method of use. The accessory or ski comprises a bridge, a first side wall coupled to the bridge, and a second side wall coupled to the bridge opposite the first side wall. The bridge, the first side wall, and the second side wall form an upper surface and an opening through which a power cord may pass. The upper surface is configured to receive a base of a power tool. Because the ski elevated the power tool from off of a work surface, dust, debris, and grit is not brought into the intake of the power tool, the power cord is not kinked, and the base of the power tool is not worn down on the work surface.

Abstract: An extendable hedge trimmer includes a housing having a handle end and a tool end. The handle end includes a battery and an electrical connector. The tool end includes a hedge trimming implement, a motor, and an electrical connector. The electrical connector of the tool end is electrically connected with the motor. Wiring is included within the handle end for electrically connecting the battery and the electrical connector of the handle end. The trimmer also includes a pole which is releasably connectable between the tool end and the handle end. The pole is configured for electrically connecting the handle end with the tool end. The trimmer also includes a latch mechanism for releasably attaching the pole between tool end and handle end. The trimmer also includes an input for receiving AC line power via a power cord, the trimmer configured for being power by AC line power and/or battery power.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a power tool includes an actuator with a permanent magnet. The actuator is moveable between a first position for a first mode of operation, and a second position for a second mode of operation. A first positioning member is adjacent the first position composed of a ferromagnetic material to attract the permanent magnet. A second positioning member is adjacent the second position and composed of a ferromagnetic material to attract the permanent magnet. An electromagnet may be energized to move the actuator between the first position and the second position. When the electromagnet is not energized and the actuator is in the first position, the actuator is retained in the first position. When the electromagnet is not energized and the actuator is in the second position, the actuator is retained in the second position. When the electromagnet is energized, the actuator moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A tool handle for holding multiple tools of different sizes during use. A wedge and body which, when placed together, creates a handle with a generally cylindrical shape and internal cavities for retaining hexagonal wrenches. A sliding wedge holds the hexagonal wrench and itself into place. A plurality of slots that allow each size tool to be indexed to the underside of the sliding member/wedge. There are two grouping arrangement of tools within the handle: a large group and a small group facing the opposite direction. The purpose for the two groups is to optimize the function of the wedge. If all of the tools were oriented in the same main slot then the smallest tools would not protrude from the end of the handle/body in a screwdriver mode to facilitate good function. Therefore the two groupings are arranged back to back to stabilize the tools laterally.

Abstract: A tool is provided that includes unitary plate that includes a blade portion and a tang portion. The blade portion can include an edge. The tang portion can include a positioning hole, a first hole, a slot, a second hole, a rivet hole, and one or more teeth (also referred to as one or more barbs) on a side of the tang portion. The tool can further include a hilt member which includes a through passage, a tab, and a notch. The tool includes an overlay on a body to create a handle for gripping the tool. The tool further includes a hammerhead cap on an end of the body, the hammerhead cap is coupled to the handle with a rivet through the rivet hole.

Abstract: A magnetic base for supporting a tool having a work piece engagement component relative to a ferromagnetic body, comprising: at least two magnet units having a working face, each unit adapted to be magnetically attached to the ferromagnetic body; and a support structure coupled to the at least two magnet units and including a mounting structure adapted to secure the tool to the support structure, the support structure having a window in or a cut-out extending into an about centric location of the support structure such that the work piece engagement component of the tool may extend from a first side of the support structure to engage the ferromagnetic body located proximate a second side of the support structure, the second side being opposite the first side, the at least two magnet units being positionable so that they can fit onto a flat surface or a curved surface.

Abstract: A sleeve bracket assembly includes a rail base, a positioning board and multiple positioning mounts. The rail base includes two side boards and a connecting seat connecting with the side boards. Each side board has a sliding rail protruding from an inner surface of the side boards. The positioning board is integratedly formed with the sliding rail. The positioning mounts are rotatably and movably mounted in the rail base and abut the positioning board. The positioning mounts are positioned between the positioning board and the rail base. When no external force is applied, the positioning mounts will not move or rotate.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention include tool storage units and methods for storing tools. In examples of the present invention, a tool storage unit comprises a moveable housing with a guide system for allowing movement of the moveable housing in at least one direction. In various examples, the moveable housing is engaged with a base unit and is moved relative to the base unit by a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism moves the moveable housing to provide access to and/or conceal, at least in part, the moveable housing.

Abstract: An illumination attachment apparatus for an automotive creeper is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes light sources, a rechargeable power supply source for supplying electric energy to the light sources, wiring for routing the electric energy to the light sources, cables for encasing the wiring, rails having a channel for circumscribing a portion of the creeper, and magnets disposed within each channel for magnetically attaching and detaching the apparatus to the creeper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable appliance for marking a surface, the appliance comprising a housing (2) presenting a front face that is open for passing a marker member that is moved by a device for moving the marker member in a two-dimensional marking zone (Z). The housing is provided with a positioning nose (30) for positioning the appliance over the surface for marking, the positioning nose defining firstly the two-dimensional marking zone (Z) facing the front face of the housing and at a distance from the front face, and secondly an opening (35) extending the top wall for enabling the two-dimensional marking zone to be viewed, the top wall of the housing being fitted with a display screen in such a manner that the screen and the two-dimensional marking zone as seen through the opening of the positioning nose appear simultaneously in the field of view of an operator.

Abstract: A gripping device monitored based on CEMF and a method for controlling the same includes: using a controller to instruct a drive unit to rotate a stepper motor; using the controller to compare the control instruction with a control parameter matrix stored in an access unit; obtaining a CEMF threshold by checking the position of the actual CEMF in the control parameter matrix; using the controller to monitor the actual CEMF; and using the controller to compare the actual CEMF with the threshold, maintaining driving of the stepper motor when the actual CEMF is larger than the threshold, and stopping the stepper motor to maintain the gripping status, when the actual CEMF is smaller than or equal to the threshold. The operation parameters are measured in advance when the stepper motor runs well, which ensures that the objected is stably gripped before abnormality occurs, thus stabilizing the gripping motion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hands-on training of students. Such a system includes one or more programmable controllers configured to interact with one or more external devices. Each programmable controller includes a microcontroller, a memory device, an interface for remotely accessing the programmable controller, and at least one bus interface for interfacing with an external microcontroller of another programmable controllers. The method includes functionally coupling a first of the programmable controllers to an external device, programming the first programmable controller to operate the external device, and providing instructions to the external device through the programmable controller from a remote location relative to the first programmable controller.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a plurality of hardware segments. The device also includes a plurality of actuators to actuate the plurality of hardware segments. The device also includes a controller to cause at least one of the plurality of actuators to adjust positions of at least one of the plurality of hardware segments to correspond to a particular arrangement, to determine physical parameters of the device responsive to the adjustment of the positions, and to generate an identification code for the device based on the physical parameters. The physical parameters may include one or more of electrical parameters of the plurality of actuators or mechanical parameters of the plurality of actuators.

Abstract: Robotic devices may be trained by a trainer guiding the robot along a target trajectory using physical contact with the robot. The robot may comprise an adaptive controller configured to generate control commands based on one or more of the trainer input, sensory input, and/or performance measure. The trainer may observe task execution by the robot. Responsive to observing a discrepancy between the target behavior and the actual behavior, the trainer may provide a teaching input via a haptic action. The robot may execute the action based on a combination of the internal control signal produced by a learning process of the robot and the training input. The robot may infer the teaching input based on a comparison of a predicted state and actual state of the robot. The robot's learning process may be adjusted in accordance with the teaching input so as to reduce the discrepancy during a subsequent trial.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus acquires a position and an operating speed in each drive axis of the robot at a set point set for each minute section of a motion path of the robot when an operation program of a robot is executed. The simulation apparatus comprises a stop position estimation part that estimates a stop position where the robot is stopped after moving by inertia in each dive axis, based on the position in each drive axis of the robot, the operating speed in each drive axis, and the weight of the work tool, when an emergency stop of the robot is performed at the set point. The simulation apparatus comprises a swept space calculation part that calculates a swept space of three-dimensional models of the robot and the work tool based on the stop position.

Abstract: A remote controlled, tele-operated welder includes a multi-axis robot arm, video cameras, sensors a specialized control station that allows an operator to perform flood-fill welding operations at a remote location to avoid the heat, smoke and other environmental effects produced through typical flood-welding operations. The operator accesses the control unit (OCU) using a GUI and mouse, keyboard, joystick, or other custom controls, and observe the piece via the cameras (visual, thermal, or other) placed in the welding station via a feed displayed on the OCU display(s). Audio, video, and/or tactile feedback may be provided to indicate arm, welder, or other system status, for collision warning and arm motion singularity avoidance. Augmented reality informational graphic/textual overlays may provide guidance to an operator, and the apparatus may further include the ability to repeat series of steps needed to handle flood-weld on a given piece, repeatedly across many pieces.

Abstract: To improve production efficiency while maintaining stability of an operation of a robot arm. A dust position determination unit determines whether there is a read error based on a read result of a detection head of an encoder. In a case where the dust position determination unit determines that there is a read error, an error determination unit judges in which region, among an allowable region and a non-allowable region, the read error occurs. In a case where the read error is judged to occur in the allowable region, the error determination unit continues an operation of the robot arm.

Abstract: A movement assistance device includes: a back plate that is fitted onto the back of a wearer; a back frame that has an elongated shape and is supported by a rotating shaft fixed to the back plate so as to be rotatable in a plane parallel to the back plate; a side frame that is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft fixed to the back frame and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the back frame and extends from the back frame toward the vicinity of the side waist of the wearer; a thigh holding portion that is fitted onto the anterior thigh of the wearer; and a drive portion that is connected to each of the side frame and the thigh holding portion and generates force that increases the angle between the side frame and the thigh holding portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulator having a manipulator arm (5) at the one free end (6) of which a manipulator flange (8) is provided on which an end effector (46) having an application device (9) for machining a workpiece (37) is held. The manipulator flange (8) is rotatable about hand axes (20, 21, 22). A first hand axis (20) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (18) of the manipulator arm (5), a second hand axis (21) extends transversely to the first hand axis (20) and a third hand axis (22) extends transversely to the second hand axis (21), wherein the hand axes (20, 21, 22) intersect one another in a common intersection point (26). A machining force (33) acting on the application device (9) is diverted into the manipulator arm (5) by way of the end effector (46).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first jaw device, a second jaw device, and a disc sensor configured to sense presence of a storage disc between the first jaw device and the second jaw device. The first jaw device and the second jaw device form a gripper device configured to clamp a particular portion of a storage disc including an arc segment along an outer edge of adjacent surfaces of the storage disc.

Abstract: A modular tooling receiver includes a housing having a wall and a port, and an engaging member movably disposed in the port. A lock actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. The release lever is connected to the housing and is engageable with the lock actuator for causing movement of the lock actuator from the first position toward the second position. An anti-release mechanism is connected to the release lever and is movable between an engaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism engages the housing to restrain movement of the release lever to prevent movement of the lock actuator from the first position to the second position, and a disengaged position, in which the anti-release mechanism disengages the housing to allow movement of the release lever.

Abstract: A folding knife may include a blade, a handle and a bearing located within the handle. In one embodiment, the bearing may include a first donut-shaped ring unit disposed adjacent to a blade through hole on one side of the blade and a second ring unit disposed adjacent to the blade through hole on the other side of the blade. A plurality of protruding units facing the blade are disposed on an outer surface of the first ring unit and second ring unit. The blade has a plurality of positioning protrusions surrounding the blade through hole on both sides of the blade corresponding to the protruding units, and the movement and position of the blade can be determined by relative positions between the positioning protrusions and the protruding units. Thus, the movement of the blade can be easily controlled and managed by the force exerted by the user.

Abstract: A folding knife has an elongated frame defining a major plane and having a pivot element at a pivot end and defining a pivot axis and the frame defining a blade receptacle, an elongated blade occupying the major plane having a tip end and a base end, a spine edge and a cutting edge, and opposed major faces, the base end connected to the pivot element, the blade being operable to pivot between a stowed position in which the blade is received in the blade receptacle and an extended position in which the tip end of the blade extends away from the frame, and the blade having a lock feature proximate the base end, a button lock element connected to the frame proximate the pivot element and operable to selectably engage the lock feature when the blade is in the extended position.

Abstract: A guillotine style cutting mechanism that can cut material without a pair of pivoting blades that are externally exposed, does not require a user to open and close two fingers to operate, and can be operated in both the left and right hands (not designed for either hand). The cutting mechanism includes a receiving inlet (trap) for receiving the material, a stationary blade within the trap and a moveable blade that enters the trap when activated by an engagement mechanism. The cutting mechanism may include an outer housing having an open interior, an extension arm extending from the housing to create the trap, a stationary blade within the trap, a movable blade formed on a rod within the housing, and an engagement button that causes the moveable blade to traverse the housing so as to extend into the trap and engage the stationary blade to cut the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaving system comprising a razor with at least one razor handle with a razor head connected to it, including at least one sensor for retrieving data on the shaving behaviour of the user, and at least one power source, and including a movement sensor and a method of interpreting movement of the razor and a wireless transmitter which wirelessly transmits the sensed data to a processor. The sensor may be mounted on the handle of the razor or the razor head and includes an accelerometer to detect movement of the wet-shave razor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a blade unit (10) for a safety razor (8), comprising: a connecting structure (14) configured to fix the blade unit to a handle (16); a blade housing (12) comprising a plurality of blades (18) having respective cutting edges (20) lying in a shaving plane and being arranged to exert a cutting action when moved across a user's skin in a shaving direction; and a rear portion (24) arranged next to the plurality of blades in the shaving direction, comprising a non-flexible concave back portion (26) that arcuately bends away from the shaving plane, and a convex lubricating pad (22) arranged on and being supported by the non-flexible concave back portion and which extends up to a rear edge (28) of the rear portion of the blade unit.

Abstract: A pizza cutter in the form of a disc having three or more edges, a series of rounded corners, equal in number to the three or more edges, which form the interfaces between adjacent edges, a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, an arm located at the proximal end of the handle, the proximal end and the distal end separated by a guard, and the disc connected to the arm.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises: (1) a box with specifically designed blades for cutting; (2) a motor for rotating the blades over each other; (3) a sweeper mechanism to gently move the flowers around the enclosure blade; and, (4) a brush mechanism to gently tumble flowers over the blade surface.

Abstract: A product slicer having an adjustable gauge plate precisely positioned by the unique cooperation of a cam plate and a cam follower.

Abstract: A product slicer having an adjustable gauge plate precisely positioned by the unique cooperation of a cam plate and a cam follower.

Abstract: Machines and methods suitable for performing cutting operations on products to yield a reduced-size product, for example, slicing and strip-cutting elongate food products. Such a method includes simultaneously delivering products to annular-shaped cavities of a rotating impeller. The products are simultaneously delivered with a feed unit that has a feed chute extension that protrudes into an interior of the impeller. The feed chute extension defines feed chutes that are aligned with the annular-shaped cavities of the impeller and direct the products to circumferential series of pockets within the annular-shaped cavities. The products are held within the pockets by centrifugal force as the products are carried past a slicing knife to form a first longitudinal cut through each of the products during a rotation of the impeller and to produce therefrom a substantially longitudinally sliced product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for die cutting label stock comprising a facestock, an adhesive and optionally a liner to form labels where a liner of the linered pressure sensitive adhesive label stock may be a thin or ultrathin liner.

Abstract: A die cutter includes an anvil cylinder, a die cylinder, and a sleeve that is mounted on the die cylinder for generating a pressing force on an anvil cover to force a locking component of the anvil cover into a locking component receptor of the anvil cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for die cutting label stock comprising a facestock, an adhesive and optionally a liner to form labels where a liner of the linered pressure sensitive adhesive label stock may be a thin or ultrathin liner.

Abstract: A two-part pivotable block component for mounting interposed a piece of industrial equipment and its mounting base. The two-part pivotable block component comprises an upper first part that is engageable with the base of the industrial equipment, and a lower second part that is engageable with a mount for the industrial equipment. The first part of the pivotable block component has an inclined surface in a first plane for pivotably engaging an inclined surface provided therefore on the second part of the pivotable block component. The inclined surface of the second part of the pivotable block component is in a second plane. The two-part pivotable block component is suitable for use with industrial equipment exemplified by electrical motors, hydraulic-driven motors, pressure-driven motors, and pumps. The two-part pivotable block component is also suitable for aligning arbors cooperating with industrial equipment.

Abstract: A door pressing system for pressing interior passage doors, exterior entry doors, bi-fold doors, and/or closet doors features a multi-door pressing station including first and second presses, a loading device, and a discharging device. The pressing station is configured to alternatively move the first and second presses into operative alignment with the loading and discharging devices. The press in operative alignment delivers a pressed assembled door to the discharging device and receives an assembled door layup to be pressed from the loading device. The other press that is out of operatively alignment presses an assembled door received therein. Additional methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A dado indexing jig includes a plurality of indexing members and indexing surfaces that are adjustable relative to one another and a cutting element to account for a width of a workpiece that corresponds to the width of a dado to be cut. In addition, the indexing surfaces are adjustable to account for a width of a blade or router to cut a dado.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system including a two-dimensional energy patterning system for imaging a powder bed is disclosed. The two-dimensional energy patterning system may be used to control a state of matter of each successive additive layer. Accordingly, the system may be used to alter the chemical bond arrangement of the material forming the various additive layers.

Abstract: A method of printing includes mixing a clay mixture with an alkaline agent to form a printable mixture; forming pellets from the printable mixture; ejecting the pellets from a print head onto a printing surface; and curing the pellets.

Abstract: A water supply apparatus for the supply of water to a machine tool, including a water pump, a water accumulator device, a suction line, a supply line and a valve device reversibly adjustable into a first and a second position. The water pump is positioned downstream of the valve device. A first connecting line, a second connecting line and a return line are provided. Here, in the first position, the first connecting line, the second connecting line and the return line are connected to one another such that water can be conveyed from the water pump, from the first connecting line, from the second connecting line, from at least a part of the suction line and from at least a part of the supply line into the return line, and, in the second position, the first connecting line, the second connecting line and the return line are not connected to one another.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a densified polymer powder comprising compressing a polymer feed that has a bulk density of less than or equal to 240 kg/m in a roll compactor comprising at least two compaction rolls to obtain a densified polymer material, wherein a gap between the two rolls is 0.5 to 10 mm, wherein the compaction rolls operate at a speed of 3 to 30 rpm, wherein an applied pressure of the roll compactor is 0.5 to 5 MPa, and milling the densified polymer material to obtain a densified polymer powder, wherein a bulk density of the densified polymer powder is greater than or equal to 250 kg/m3.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancement of vacuum bagging processes for a composite part. One system includes dispensers configured to dispense materials onto a forming tool for a composite part, and a controller. The controller is able to identify a selected location for placing the composite part on the tool, to direct the dispensers to apply a mold release agent onto the tool based on the selected location, to apply a sealant onto the tool proximate to the selected location, to lay up a ply of constituent material for the composite part atop the mold release agent at the selected location, to apply a pressure pad material atop the constituent material, to apply a breather material atop the pressure pad, and to apply vacuum bag material atop the ply proximate to the selected location to cover the ply as well as the sealant.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a toolset configured to fabricate a component of an aircraft, the toolset comprising: a mold base configured to seat at least one mandrel, a mold lid configured to be coupled to the mold base, and at least one driver block that is integral with the mold lid and projects from an interior surface of the mold lid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancement of vacuum bagging processes for a composite part. One system includes dispensers configured to dispense materials onto a forming tool for a composite part, and a controller. The controller is able to identify a location for placing the composite part on the tool, and to direct the dispensers to lay up a laminate of constituent material for the composite part at the location. The controller is also able to direct the dispensers to spray vacuum bag material atop the laminate to form a vacuum bag that covers the laminate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of forming a composite component. The method includes laying one or more layers of uncured composite material onto a mandrel. The mandrel which includes a plurality of conductive media dispersed in a thermoplastic material. An electric current is supplied to the mandrel to resistively heat the one or more layers of uncured composite material to a temperature sufficient to cure the one or more layers of uncured composite material to form a cured composite component. The mandrel is removed from the cured composite component.