Abstract: A power tool is provided which accommodates interchangeable tool heads. The power tool includes: a tool body having a housing and an electric motor mounted within the housing, as well as a tool head that releasably attaches via a mechanical connection and an electrical connection to the tool body. The tool releasably connects to the output shaft of the electric motor when the tool head is attached to the tool body. A tool switch interposed between a power source for the electric motor and the electric motor is operable to supply power from the power source to the electric motor. A tool accessory switch interposed between the tool accessory and the power source for the electric motor is operable to supply power from the power source via the electrical connection to the tool accessory, thereby providing the tool operator independent control of the tool accessory.

Abstract: A power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool, preferably embodied as a cordless screwdriver, is equipped with a torque limiting unit in which the release torque is settable by way of a locking brace that is equipped with a spring brace for locking elements that abut axially against parts of a planetary drive, in particular the ring gear thereof or the planet carrier thereof as a last gear stage, the spring elements of the spring brace and the locking elements being located with a radial offset from one another.

Abstract: A contour-adjustable toothbrush is a device that provides a more thorough brushing experience while eliminating the need to remove the device from the mouth during brushing. A first brushing assembly and a second brushing assembly are slidably engaged into a housing handle that may be grasped by the user. The first brushing assembly and the second brushing assembly each include a flexible brush head with a concave surface. The concave surface of the first brushing assembly is oriented away from the concave surface of the second brushing assembly, enabling the first brushing assembly and the second brushing assembly to clean the upper teeth and lower teeth simultaneously. The first brushing assembly and the second brushing assembly are independently adjustable in order to adjust the length of the device. An electronic variant of the device includes a power supply and at least one actuator.

Abstract: A handle having ergonomic and heat dissipation properties. For example, the handle can include a cross section that is concave in a first direction at a position closest to a body to which the handle is attached, and concave in a second direction opposite the first direction at a position closest to the user's hand, opposite the body. The handle can include a base with a surface wider and taller than an extension coupled to the base, so that the handle can act as a heat sink and dissipate heat that would otherwise burn a user.

Abstract: A work bench may include a body for supporting a power tool, a first leg connected to a first end of the body, a second leg connected to a second end of the body, the first and second legs being pivotally connected, the first and second legs being movable between a first position where the body is in a lowered position and a second position where the body is in an elevated position, and a spring connecting the first and second legs. The spring provides at least a portion of the force necessary to move the first and second legs from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A measurement and installation data indicating apparatus including a distance image sensor that obtains distance image data in a predetermined range, a projector that projects an image on a projection plane in a predetermined range, an inclination data obtaining part that obtains inclination data on a detection optical axis and a projection optical axis relative to a vertical direction, a positional data obtaining part that obtains coordinate data on a present position and a target position, and a terminal controller that generates, based on the coordinate data, a target information image related to the target position and seen from the present position. The terminal controller corrects the target information image to fit to a shape of the projection plane based on the distance image data and the inclination data, and projects the corrected target information image by the projector.

Abstract: A posture holding device is for use in a transfer device which has a holding part configured to hold an object and a first link and a second link connected to the holding part. The transfer device moves the first link and the second link relative to the holding part so as to move the holding part between a transfer position and a standby position. The posture holding device holds a posture of the holding part and includes a magnetic gear rotatably connecting the first link and the second link to the holding part. The magnetic gear is disposed such that the one end of the first link connected to the holding part is rotated about a first axis and the one end of the second link connected to the holding part is rotated about the first axis or a second axis different from the first axis.

Abstract: An analyzer is disclosed for optical analysis of a biological specimen. In at least one embodiment, the analyzer includes optics which includes a camera, intermediate optics and front optics. The intermediate optics is movably arranged and the front optics is fixedly arranged. An analyzer for optical analysis of a biological specimen, in at least one embodiment includes a robot for transporting a slide to be analyzed. The robot is controlled by at least three motors to allow movement of the robot in three dimensions. The robot includes a handling device configured to grip the slide.

Abstract: A trained classifier to be used with a navigation algorithm for use with mobile robots to compute safe and efficient trajectories. An offline learning process is used to train a classifier for the navigation algorithm (or motion planner), and the classifier functions, after training is complete, to accurately detect intentions of humans within a space shared with the robot to block the robot from traveling along its current trajectory. At runtime, the trained classifier can be used with regression based on past trajectories of humans (or other tracked, mobile entities) to predict where the humans will move in the future and whether the humans are likely to be blockers. The planning algorithm or motion planner generates trajectories based on predictions of human behavior that allow the robot to navigate amongst crowds of people more safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A method for queuing robots destined for a target location in an environment, includes determining if a first robot occupies the target location and if it is determined that the first robot occupies the target location, determining if a second robot destined for the target location has entered a predefined target zone proximate the target location. If the second robot has entered the predefined target zone, the method further includes navigating the second robot to a first queue location and causing the second robot to wait at the first queue location until the first robot no longer occupies the target location. The method also includes navigating the second robot to the target location after the first robot leaves the target location.

Abstract: Described is system for tele-robotic operations over time-delayed communication links. Sensor data is acquired from at least one sensor for sensing surroundings of a robot having at least one robotic arm for manipulating an object. A three-dimensional model of the sensed surroundings is generated, and the sensor data is fit to the three-dimensional model. Using the three-dimensional model, a user demonstrates a movement path for the at least one robotic arm. A flow field representing the movement path is generated and combined with obstacle-repellent forces to provide force feedback to the user through a haptic device. The flow field comprises a set of parameters, and the set of parameters are transmitted to the robot to execute a movement of the at least one robotic arm for manipulating the object.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving, by a mobile robotic device, power from a battery of a first battery pack in order to operate within an environment. The method further includes establishing a first data channel between the mobile robotic device and the first battery pack. The method also includes using the first data channel to transfer sensor data acquired by the mobile robotic device during operation to a local data storage component of the first battery pack. The method additionally includes navigating, by the mobile robotic device, to a battery exchange station to transfer the first battery pack containing the battery and the local data storage component with the sensor data to the battery exchange station. The method further includes after transferring the first battery pack to the battery exchange station, receiving a second battery pack from the battery exchange station to continue operation within the environment.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for social behavior of a telepresence robot are disclosed herein. A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an object detection system, and a social behaviors component. The drive system is configured to move the telepresence robot. The control system is configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area. The object detection system is configured to detect a human in proximity to the telepresence robot. The social behaviors component is configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to operate according to a first set of rules when a presence of one or more humans is not detected and operate according to a second set of rules when the presence of one or more humans is detected.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus comprises a contact detection unit which judges whether or not a robot is in contact with an object other than the robot, and an operation direction monitor unit which detects an operation direction of the robot after the robot comes in contact with the object and monitors operation of the robot. After the robot comes in contact with the object, the operation direction monitor unit permits operation of the robot being within a permissible range and inhibits operation of the robot falling outside the permissible range.

Abstract: A support device includes a supporting main body, a first angle rotation unit, a second angle rotation unit, a height adjustment structure, an absorbing unit and a driver motor unit. The absorbing unit is pivotally connected to the first angle rotation unit. The driver motor unit includes a first driving element, a second driving element and a third driving element. The first driving element drives the first angle rotation unit to adjust a rotation angle of the absorbing unit. The second driving element drives the second angle rotation unit for enabling the supporting main body to rotate around an axial thereof. The third driving element drives the height adjustment structure for enabling the supporting main body to move along the axial thereof. In addition, an support unit system and a support unit control system are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a fastener in a surface of a structure. A crawler robot may comprise a first movement system and a second movement system. The first movement system may be configured to move the crawler robot and a track system along the surface. The second movement system may be configured to move the crawler robot along the track system on the surface.

Abstract: A method for setting identification code of smart motors and a multi-axis control apparatus using the same are provided. The method suitable for setting identification codes of a plurality of smart motors includes following steps: entering an identification setting mode when the smart motors receive an identification code setting command; detecting a shaft rotation angle of each smart motor under the identification setting mode, so as to determine whether the shaft rotation angle of each smart motor is larger than a setting value; and when one of the smart motors determines its shaft rotation angle is larger than the setting value, setting the identification code of the smart motor from a preset identification code to a first identification code.

Abstract: Various interfaces allowing users to directly manipulate an automatic moving apparatus manually, thus enhancing user convenience and efficiency, are provided. An automatic moving apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store a traveling method; an image detection unit configured to acquire a captured image; a driving unit having one or more wheels and driving the wheels according to a driving signal; and a control unit configured to extract a traveling direction from the traveling method stored in the storage unit in a first mode, extract a traveling direction indicated by a sensing target from the captured image acquired by the image detection unit in a second mode, and generate a driving signal for moving the automatic moving apparatus in the extracted traveling direction.

Abstract: A hand member forms a hand of a robot arm for transferring a semiconductor wafer. The hand member is a U-shaped member on which the semiconductor wafer is placed. The hand member includes at least one fitting portion on which a frictional holding member for holding the semiconductor wafer is fitted sideways, on each of an inner edge and an outer edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic pitch conversion for pick and place heads, comprising at least one auto pitch station for adjusting a pitch in a X-coordinate direction and/or adjusting a pitch in a Y-coordinate direction of pickers/grippers of a pick and place heads; a first actuator, operated by a motor gear assembly of the at least one auto pitch station, wherein the first actuator changes the pitch in the X-coordinate direction distance between rows of pickers/grippers of the respective pick and place head; and a second actuator operated by the same motor gear assembly, wherein the second actuator changes the pitch in the Y-coordinate direction between the pickers/grippers within a row of the respective pick and place head. A method for automatic pitch conversion of pick and place heads and a pick and place head and a pick and place device.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a hydraulic food cutter assembly having a pump, a pump discharge line, a cutter assembly a product supply tank, and a fluid transport medium comprising a method and apparatus for increasing the flow of fluid transport medium through the pump while maintaining a preselected velocity for the flow of the fluid transport medium in pump discharge line by using a frustoconical accelerator tube attached to the discharge line of the pump having a plurality of apertures through which the fluid transport medium may flow out of the accelerator tube into fluid tight housing encasing the accelerator and a throttling valve operatively attached to the fluid tight housing discharge line for regulating the pressure of the fluid medium being discharge from the pump so as to maximize fluid medium flow through the pump at a preselected pressure in the discharge line.

Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting a food product includes a housing and a blade cover removably mounted to the housing via at least two positive or non-positive fastening points. A circular blade is rotatably disposed in the housing such that the blade cover covers a surface of the circular blade. A carriage is movably mounted parallel to the circular blade and includes a carriage surface for holding the food product. Each of the fastening points are disposed beneath the carriage surface.

Abstract: A retain-and-release member, which is coupled to a punch holder of a punch assembly, engages a punch tip against an end of the holder, such that a working portion of the tip extends from the end. A punch guide sidewall of the assembly includes an aperture aligned with an actuation interface of the retain-and-release member, when the punch holder and the engaged punch tip are slidably engaged within a guide bore formed by the punch guide sidewall. The aperture provides access for applying a force, to the actuation interface, in order to disengage the retain-and-release member from the punch tip, while the punch holder remains within the guide bore of the assembly. Following the removal, the same punch tip, or another, may be inserted into the guide bore and into engagement with the retain-and-release member.

Abstract: A power tool, for example, a portable circular saw, includes a fan, a motor configured to rotate the fan, an output part or shaft driven by the motor, a motor housing that houses the motor, a grip housing connected to the motor housing, a trigger associated with the grip housing, and a brake member configured to brake a rotation of the motor, the brake member being mounted inside the grip housing. The brake member may be a resistive element of a rheostatic braking system. The housing and fan are configured such that cooling air is directed to cool the brake member.

Abstract: A microwave drying method includes: an introduction step of disposing a honeycomb formed body while keeping an axis direction X of cells of the honeycomb formed body vertically and introducing the honeycomb formed body into a drying furnace capable of irradiating with microwaves; a reflector placing step of placing a microwave reflector having a function to reflect the microwaves above and/or below around the honeycomb formed body; and a microwave drying step of irradiating with the microwaves while controlling temperature of an inside of the honeycomb formed body by the microwave reflector so that any one of the end faces (e.g., end face) of the honeycomb formed body reaches 100° C. to dry the honeycomb formed body after the other part of the honeycomb formed body reaches 100° C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for slicing an ingot by which wire rows are formed by using a wire that is spirally wound between a plurality of wire guides and travels in an axial direction. An ingot is pressed against the wire rows while supplying a working fluid to a contact portion of the ingot and the wire, thereby slicing the ingot into wafers, and a ratio of a wire new line feed amount per unit time in slicing of a slicing start portion of a first ingot to that in slicing of a centration portion of the same at the time of slicing the ingot after replacement of the wire is controlled to be ½ or less of the ratio at the time of slicing second and subsequent ingots after the replacement of the wire.

Abstract: Laminar structures comprising a fiber reinforced layer bonded to an expandable filler containing layer to provide improved flexural stiffness to weight ratio at lower fiber loading; a process for the manufacture of the laminar structures in which the material are selected so that migration of the expandable filler into the fiber structure of the fiber reinforced layer as they expand is minimized or prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material is provided that includes an un-heated hopper having an inlet for receiving particles of a thermoplastic material and an outlet for discharging the particles and a heated manifold including at least one cavity formed therein and having an inlet and an outlet the inlet communicating with the outlet of the hopper for receipt of the particles from the hopper. The hopper is disposed external of the heated manifold. The heated manifold is effective for melting the particles into molten thermoplastic material therein. The apparatus further includes a pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. An outlet of the pump is in fluid communication with an inlet of a dispenser and an outlet of the dispenser is effective for dispensing the molten thermoplastic material therethrough.

Abstract: A method for separating materials of various type having different softening temperature values, includes pouring a mixture of flakes and fragments of materials on a movable receiving and conveying device in a uniformly distributed manner and advancing it along a first portion of path; actuating an electromagnetic inductor to heat an outer metal surface by electromagnetic induction, which surface is included in the movable receiving and conveying device to achieve a first lower softening temperature corresponding to a first material of the mixture; subjecting the mixture to a separating action during which a first fraction, remains stuck to the outer metal surface, whereas a remaining second fraction of materials having higher softening temperatures than the first softening temperature freely slips by gravity towards a lower receiving zone.

Abstract: Provided is a structure forming apparatus, including: a roller provided to be rotatable, having a length in an axial direction of the rotation, and capable of transmitting an energy beam; a retaining member arranged to face the roller such that a slit region having a length in the axial direction is formed between the retaining member and the roller, and capable of retaining a material to be cured by energy of the energy beam at least in the slit region; an irradiation unit configured to selectively radiate the energy beam to the slit region through the roller to cure the material so that a sheet-like structure is formed; and a take-up reel configured to take up the sheet-like structure thus formed.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and the semi-finished product of thermoplastic material obtained therefrom, for obtaining products with aesthetic patterns which can be perceived in semitransparency also in depth is disclosed. The process includes: (i) producing at least two initial elements of thermoplastic material with even but different aesthetic patterns, having a different concentration of the dominating coloring, at least the dominating coloring being of the bleeding type in the specific thermoplastic material; (ii) shaping the two initial elements into strips or loaves being of a submultiple width, not below ? of a characteristic dimension of the desired finished product; (iii) inserting at least two of the strips or loaves having different concentration of the dominating coloring, into a workform, arranging them side by side according to a direction of side-by-side arrangement; and (iv) undergoing pressure and heat to allow the melting and hardening of the thermoplastic material into a single body.

Abstract: A particle foam component has a foam body, which is provided with a cover layer made of a plastic material at least in partial areas of its outer surface. The foam body has a compressed surface structure in its areas supporting the cover layer. The cover layer is bonded in substance to the compressed surface structure of the foam body. For producing the particle foam component, the foam body is foamed in a mold and the cover layer is foamed or molded integrally in a subsequent method step. A compressed surface structure is formed in the surface areas supporting the cover layer before applying the cover layer, and the cover layer is bonded in substance to the compressed surface structure.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for retaining screws for a conduit body cover is disclosed. The screws are retained by a layer of PVC lining the inner surface of holes in the cover.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a motor bobbin around which a coil is wound, an insulating sheet and a core material are disposed within the cavity of an injection mold, and the motor bobbin is formed by the injection mold into which a resin is injected. The motor bobbin consists of the insulating sheet and a resin molded body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the closing speed of valve gated nozzles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hot runner have a valve gated nozzle including a valve stem movable between an open position and a closed position is provided. The valve stem is moved at a first speed for a first portion of valve stem closure and a second speed for a second end portion of the valve stem closure.

Abstract: A one piece molded tamper evident push-on closure suitable for closing an opening of a bottle, and method for manufacture thereof. The closure includes a cap portion, a latch ring portion and a frangible connector connecting the cap portion and the latch ring portion. The closure includes a plurality of resiliently deformable teeth extending inwardly from the latch ring portion and towards the cap portion for engaging the latch ring portion onto the neck of the bottle. The closure includes a manually engageable tab projecting from the latch ring portion to permit application of a manual force to rupture the frangible connector and permit the cap portion to be at least partially disconnected from the latch ring portion.

Abstract: In an injection molding system, a rack on which a peripheral device can be mounted includes a fixing unit for removably fixing to a machine stool of an injection molding machine and a moving unit for making the rack movable alone. Accordingly, maintenance of the injection molding machine can be performed satisfactorily and positioning work is also made easier so that the rack can be transported easily.

Abstract: A method of producing animal litter including bentonite which includes a step of forming, from a starting material for animal litter containing bentonite, a starting mixture that contains 10 to 60 mass % of granules that remain on an 8.0 mm-aperture sieve and 40 to 90 mass % of granules that pass through an 8.0 mm-aperture sieve, a step of conveying the starting mixture on a path of conveyance, a step of loading the starting mixture that has been conveyed on the path of conveyance into a granulator capable of pulverizing and granulation, pulverizing at least the granules remaining on the 8.0 mm-aperture sieve while forming a granulated product, and a step of drying the granulated product.

Abstract: An edge-beaded fastener product such as a cushion cover tie-down has a molded profile bead secured to and extending along a flexible strip adjacent a longitudinal edge of the strip. The profile bead has a shoulder or an inboard sidewall extending away from the strip, such as for retaining a clip or hog ring. The flexible strip may have a reinforced region, inboard of the shoulder, in which resin contiguous with resin forming the profile bead encapsulates surface features of the strip. The product is made by molding resin directly onto the strip. Multiple lanes of resin may be molded on a single substrate, which is severed to form individual strips with severed, exposed strip edges.

Abstract: A method for using the quantity of heat output from an extrudate during a cooling operation in an extrusion process, wherein a fluid, in particular air, is guided along the extrudate and/or through the die counter to an extrusion direction, at least some of the heat from the extrudate and/or the die is transmitted to the fluid, the heated fluid is supplied from a first sub region of a process chain, comprising at least one die, a calibrating and cooling device and a take-off apparatus, via a connecting region, preferably consisting of at least one connecting pipe, to a second sub region of the process chain, comprising at least one suction apparatus. In the connecting region, an extraneous fluid can be added to the heated fluid in order to reduce the actual temperature of the heated fluid at least below a predetermined maximum value before said fluid is supplied to the second sub region of the process chain.

Abstract: An extruder (100) for comestible material comprises a tubular barrel (104) and one or more elongated, axially rotatable, helically flighted screws (120, 122) within the barrel (104), where the barrel (104) has a delivery opening (114a). The extruder barrel (104) is equipped with an assembly (22) for delivery of fluid to the interior thereof, including a static mixing section (54) operable to blend steam and water to create a blended mixture; the blended mixture is delivered to the barrel opening (114a) by of a conveying assembly (84, 86) having a pipe assembly (86) with an outlet in communication with the barrel opening (114a); the pipe assembly (86) and opening (114a) have diameters less than maximum internal diameter of the static mixer casing (72).

Abstract: A method for extruding a comestible material comprises the steps of passing comestible material into an extruder (100) with rotation of the extruder screw(s) (120, 122) and delivery of fluid comprising steam and water into an opening (114a) of the extruder barrel (104). The fluid delivery step comprises separately directing individual quantities of steam and water into the casing (72) of a static mixing section (54), and blending the steam and water to create a blended mixture, and then delivering the blended mixture into the barrel (114a). The blended mixture is delivered to the barrel opening (114a) by a conveying assembly (84, 86) having a pipe assembly (86) with an outlet in communication with the barrel opening (114a); the pipe assembly (86) and opening (114a) have diameters less than maximum internal diameter of the static mixer casing (72).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material by using an at least three-part blow-molding tool with at least two blow-mold halves (1a, 1b), which define a mold impression, have part-cavities (5a, 5b) and can be displaced toward one another and away from one another in the sense of an opening and closing movement, and also with at least one central tool (2), which is displaceable transversely in relation to the opening and closing movement of the blow-mold halves (1a, 1b), the method comprising the extruding or providing and arranging of at least two molten performs (7) of thermoplastic material in web form between the blow-mold halves (1a, 1b) in an opened receiving position, the bringing to bear of the preforms (7) in the part-cavities (5a, 5b) of the blow-mold halves (1a, 1b) and molding of them into shells (10) using sealing elements which are provided on the central tool and are extended from the central tool for the purpose of sealing off the part-cavities bef

Abstract: A molding apparatus that adsorbs thermoplastic resin extruded in a sheet form from an extruding machine, onto a cavity of a mold, and shapes the thermoplastic resin into a shape according to the cavity is provided. The molding apparatus may include a frame that is positioned on a periphery of the mold and is movable relative to the mold, wherein a suction part for suctioning the thermoplastic resin is provided in a contact surface of the frame to contact the thermoplastic resin, and the suction part is provided in a linear shape along with a longitudinal direction of the frame positioned on the periphery of the mold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an imprint mold which can prevent accumulation of the transferring resin onto the transferring roll is provided. A method for manufacturing an imprint mold, including: a resin coating step to coat a photo-curing resin composition or a thermosetting resin composition onto a pattern transferring mold having a fine concave-convex pattern; and a transferring step to transfer the resin composition throughout the entire circumference of a cylindrical transferring roll and cure the resin composition so that a reverse pattern of the concave-convex pattern is formed throughout the entire circumference of the cylindrical transferring roll, is provided.

Abstract: A transfer printing apparatus includes a mold, a stamper, a pressing roller and a curing unit. The mold has a first surface with first and second concavities, the second concavity has first and second planes, the first plane is perpendicular to the first surface, and the second plane is inclined to the first surface. The stamper having a second surface is disposed in the first concavity. The first and second surfaces are coplanar, and the second surface has transfer printing microstructures. The first and second surfaces are suitable for coated an adhesive layer. The pressing roller presses a base film onto the adhesive layer, such that the adhesive layer is integrated with the base film. The curing unit cures the adhesive layer on the base film, such that a taper corresponding to the second concavity and optical microstructures corresponding to the transfer printing microstructures are formed on the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A polishing article manufacturing system includes a feed section and a take-up section, the take-up section comprising a supply roll having a polishing article disposed thereon for a chemical mechanical polishing process, a print section comprising a plurality of printheads disposed between the feed section and the take-up section, and a curing section disposed between the feed section and the take-up section, the curing section comprising one or both of a thermal curing device and an electromagnetic curing device.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is provided. The system includes: a stage, a powder supplying device, an energy beam generating device and an atmosphere controlling module. The powder supplying device provides powder to the stage. The energy beam-generating device generates an energy beam and directs the energy beam to the stage. The atmosphere controlling module includes at least one pair of gas inlet-outlet devices coupled around the stage, and a dynamic gas flow controlling device connected with the gas inlet-outlet devices. The dynamic gas flow controlling device dynamically controls an angle between a flow direction of the gas and a moving direction of the energy beam. The angle is predetermined by a scanning strategy.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a three-dimensional modeling head includes a heat insulating member, a light emitter, a cylindrical member, and a light absorbing member. The heat insulating member has a sealed space therein with a curved wall surface that reflects light. The light emitter emits light and has at least a light emitting face provided in the sealed space. The cylindrical member is placed to extend through the heat insulating member via the sealed space and is long in a first direction in which thermoplastic resin is ejected. The light absorbing member adsorbs light and is provided in contact with at least part of the cylindrical member in the sealed space and in an area of the sealed space containing a focusing position on which at least part of light emitted by the light emitter and reflected by the wall surface is focused.

Abstract: A method for instructing a 3D printing system that includes a 3D printer provided with a printing coordinate system to print at least one first object onto an existing second object comprises providing or receiving at least one image representing at least a part of the existing second object, determining or receiving an alignment between at least part of the at least one first object and at least part of the existing second object, determining a pose of the existing second object relative to the printing coordinate system according to the at least one image, and providing the 3D printing system with the pose and the alignment for the 3D printer to print at least part of the at least one first object onto the existing second object according to the pose and the alignment.