Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an external surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing a fluid dispenser and an abrasion assembly on a buggy that travels up and down the length of the tubular as the tubular rotates. The fluid dispenser includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluids onto the tubular's external surface. The abrasion assembly includes a swivel brush and a brush train providing different styles of abrasion cleaning of the tubular's external surface. Preferred embodiments include robotically monitoring abrader contact against the external surface of the tubular, and, in response, dynamically adjusting the distance between the external surface of the tubular and the abrasion assembly.

Abstract: A substrate polishing apparatus is disclosed that includes a polishing platform having two or more zones, each zone adapted to receive a different slurry component. A substrate polishing system is provided having a holder to hold a substrate, a polishing platform having a polishing pad, and a distribution system adapted to dispense, in a timed sequence, at least two different slurry components selected from a group consisting of an oxidation slurry component, a material removal slurry component, and a corrosion inhibiting slurry component. Polishing methods and systems adapted to polish substrates are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Aspects of the inventive concepts provide a cleaning apparatus and a substrate processing system including the same. The cleaning apparatus includes a chuck receiving a substrate, a first nozzle providing first cleaning water or a first organic solvent onto the substrate at a first pressure, and a second nozzle disposed adjacent to the first nozzle. The second nozzle provides a cleaning solution including second cleaning water and a second organic solvent onto the substrate at a second pressure lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing pad comprising a polishing surface. The polishing surface comprises a first polishing area and a second polishing area. The first polishing area comprises a plurality of first foaming holes, and the second polishing area comprises a plurality of second foaming holes, and an average pore diameter of the first foaming holes is less than an average pore diameter of the second foaming holes. The polishing pad according to the present invention uses the polishing areas with the different pore diameters of the holes to avoid unevenly removing the edge and central part of a substrate when polishing, so that a thickness of the substrate becomes uniform.

Abstract: A sublimating and abrasive media blasting system including an air compressor, a sublimating blasting unit operably connected to the air compressor and configured to supply a sublimating material, and an abrasive media container operably connected to the air compressor and configured to supply an abrasive media. The blasting system also includes a blasting applicator assembly operably connected to the abrasive media container and to the sublimating blasting unit such that the blasting applicator receives the sublimating material and the abrasive media. The blasting applicator assembly includes an applicator operably connected to the sublimating blasting unit, a first trigger configured to control a flow of the sublimating material and a second trigger configured to control a flow of the abrasive media, an injector, and a nozzle.

Abstract: An impeller for a centrifugal blasting wheel includes a base plate, a support collar, and a plurality of spaced rotor blades interconnecting the base plate and support collar. A step is formed at the inner end of the collar and the outer ends of the rotor blades which causes blasting shot to be discharged to the throwing blades of the blasting wheel in a relatively more radial direction to reduce wear of the throwing blades. The base plate also has a frustum-shaped central boss formed to minimize wear of the base plate by the blasting shot. The frustum-shaped central boss has a recess formed therein so that the head of the bolt that connects the impeller to the throwing wheel is located entirely within the recess to also reduce wear of the bolt head.

Abstract: Waterjet systems including control valves and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. A waterjet system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid source, a jet outlet, and a fluid conveyance extending from the fluid source to the jet outlet. The system further includes a control valve positioned along the fluid conveyance downstream from the fluid source and upstream from the jet outlet. The fluid conveyance has a first portion upstream from the control valve and a second portion downstream from the control valve. The control valve is configured to controllably reduce a pressure of fluid within the second portion of the fluid conveyance relative to a pressure of fluid within the first portion of the fluid conveyance. The first portion of the fluid conveyance is configured to accommodate movement of the jet outlet relative to the fluid source.

Abstract: A method and method for processing grit used for abrasive blasting may include receiving grit blasted onto a surface, where the grit includes moisture content. Air in which the grit being recycled is being processed may be heated. The moisture content may be evaporated from the grit using the heated air to produce dry recycled grit. The dried recycled grit may be stored.

Abstract: A compensating flow control assembly for a solid material separator such as a magnetic separator or air wash separator. The compensating flow control assembly automatically controls or adjusts the amount of contaminated shot blast media flowing from a hopper to a rotary magnetic drum, in the case where the solid material separator is a magnetic separator, or to an air chamber in the case where the solid material separator is an air wash separator, based upon the amount of contaminated shot blast media being fed to and held by the hopper.

Abstract: Provided are abrasive articles, and related methods, that include a flexible abrasive layer having opposed first and second major surfaces, a foam backing bonded to the second major surface, the foam backing being resiliently compressible, and a plurality of slits disposed on the first major surface and penetrating through the flexible abrasive layer and at least partially through the foam backing. In further disclosed embodiments, the abrasive article includes, a flexible abrasive layer having opposed first and second major surfaces, a structured member extending across the second major surface of the flexible abrasive layer, where the structured member and the flexible abrasive layer have respective three-dimensional patterns of discrete, isolated wells that correspond to each other, and a foam backing extending across a major surface of the structured member opposite the flexible abrasive layer, the foam backing being resiliently compressible.

Abstract: A superabrasive compact and a method of making the superabrasive compact are disclosed. A superabrasive compact may include a diamond table and a substrate. The diamond table may be attached to the substrate. The substrate may have a metric of being defined as a ratio of carbon content over tungsten carbide content, wherein the metric ranges from about 6.13% to about 7.5%.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for forming wire loops using wire looping pliers. In one embodiment of the invention, the pair of wire pliers having a cylindrical jaw and a recessed jaw for accepting the cylindrical jaw allows the user of the tool to make symmetrical wire loops on a consistent basis. Additionally, the width of the recessed jaw can be set such that the user can use the recessed jaw to measure the distance from a particular point where the neck of the wire loop should be broken. The recessed surface of the recessed jaw and the cylindrical jaw mate together in such a manner as to provide uniform pressure around a significant portion of the loop so as to prevent marring of the surface of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first pliers handle having a first end and a second end; a second pliers handle having a first end and a second end; a first pivot pin which connects the first pliers handle, at a location between the first end and the second end of the first pliers handle and the second pliers handle at a location between the first end and the second end of the second pliers handle; and a first belt having teeth. The first belt having teeth may be configured to rotate while the first pliers handle remains stationary with respect to the second pliers handle. The first belt having teeth may be configured to be detached from the first pliers handle and the second pliers handle. The apparatus may include a motor located for rotating first belt while the first pliers handle remains stationary with respect to the second pliers handle.

Abstract: An open-end wrench includes a stationary jaw including an inclined hole, a through hole adjacent to a first end of an interior surface and communicating with the inclined hole, and a forward hook; a handle pivotably secured to a rear end of the stationary jaw; and a moveable jaw including a forward hook; a hollow cylinder extending from a rear portion to dispose in the inclined hole, the hollow cylinder having an elongated slot on a surface and communicating with an interior of the hollow cylinder, and internal threads at an open end of the hollow cylinder; a biasing member disposed in the hollow cylinder, a threaded fastener secured to the internal threads to urge against a first end of the biasing member; and a pin inserted through the through hole and the elongated slot to stop at a second end of the biasing member.

Abstract: The invention regards a tool (1) for applying torque to an maneuvered object, such as for example a screw head or nut, including at least a first jaw (4), and at least a second jaw (5) where the first jaw (4) and the second jaw (5) are connected to at least one lever (arm) (2). What is unique with the tool is that at least one of the jaws (4, 5) includes at least one recess (7) with a first contact surface (8) and a second contact surface (9) of which at least one of the contact surfaces (8) and (9) is arch-shaped. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes a bit for use in a tool or drill for removal and re-installation of a screw knob necessary to secure a removable or convertible top to a vehicle. This invention replaces the previous methods of screwing and unscrewing screw knobs by hand.

Abstract: A rotatable fastening device includes a rotatable base and an impact member. The rotatable base rotates along a pivoting axis, and the rotatable base is removably connected with and driving a rotatable member. The impact member is removably connected to an outside of the rotatable base, and the impact member has at least one gravity unit projected outwardly therefrom. The gravity unit is driven by the rotatable base to rotate around the pivoting axis for generating a tangent impact force.

Abstract: A rotatable fastening device disclosed in the present disclosure includes a rotating seat and an impact element. The impact element is one-way pivoted at the rotating seat. The rotating seat is rotated along a rotation axis and detachably connected between a driving tool and an element to be rotated. The weight and kinetic energy of the impact element will provide a one-way tangential impact force around the rotation axis with of rotation.

Abstract: A quick release structure of a T-shaped ratchet wrench, and the ratchet wrench being comprised of a transverse force applying handle and a longitudinal acting handle, and a ratchet steering and a driving mechanism being installed at a junction of the two handles and provided for controlling a force applying direction, wherein a substantially polygonal plug end of the acting handle has a quick release structure comprising a sliding sleeve, an elastic member, a buckle, a top shaft and a latching bead, so that the sliding sleeve may be displaced to prop out the latching bead or sink the latching bead to achieve the effect of plugging an external connected assembling member securely or releasing the external connected assembling member quickly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a key device intended to hold a nut retainer in the radial position, when tightening the nut on an associated screw connection, characterised in that it comprises a handle (54) and a head (52) comprising a housing (56) into which a tab of the nut retainer is inserted, said tab being intended to be folded 90° on a body carrying the screw connection, after tightening of the nut, one face (58) of the head having geometry that matches a portion of the body carrying the screw connection that receives the nut, such that the tab of the nut retainer, inserted into the head of the key, is held exactly perpendicular to the outer surface of said portion of the body when the nut is tightened.

Abstract: A magazine is configured to be removably coupled to a power tool housing of a power tool. The magazine has a housing configured to be rotatably attachable to the power tool housing. An advancing mechanism is received in the magazine housing, and is configured to advance a strip of collated fasteners into position to be driven by the power tool. An indexing ring has a plurality of recesses and is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the power tool housing. A detent is biased to removably engage one of the plurality of recesses, and is configured to be non-rotatably attached to the magazine housing. The detent removably engages the recesses to allow for indexed tool-free rotation of the magazine housing relative to the power tool housing.

Abstract: A screwdriver bit assembly includes a magnetic ring mounted in a front end of a sleeve hole of a sleeve. A retaining ring is made of a material more rigid than the sleeve, is mounted in the sleeve hole, and is located behind the magnetic ring. A screwdriver bit includes an insertion end, an extending section behind the insertion end, a flange section behind the extending section, and a clamping section behind the flange section. The front end of the screwdriver bit extends through the sleeve hole of the sleeve, the retaining ring, and the magnetic ring. The insertion end extends beyond the sleeve and is located in front of a front end face of the sleeve. The flange section abuts the retaining ring. The clamping section is held by a holding device mounted on the sleeve, providing a holding force towards a longitudinal axis of the sleeve hole.

Abstract: A fastener assembly (100) comprising: a housing member (1); a drive mechanism (2) accommodated within the housing member (1), wherein the drive mechanism (2) comprises of: a hollow drive shaft (3) fixed to the drive mechanism (2), wherein torque from the drive mechanism (2) is transferred to the hollow drive shaft (3); a resilient member (4) housed within the hollow drive shaft (3) accommodates a detachable torque driver (5), wherein the torque driver (5) is provided within the hollow drive shaft (3) and is capable to receive torque from the hollow drive shaft (3).

Abstract: An assembly for removing a bushing is provided including a mandrel having a size and shape similar to the bushing and a receiver having a hollow interior cavity. A fastener extends through an opening formed in both the mandrel and the receiver. A socket attachment has a first opening configured to removably couple to a first end of the fastener and a second opening configured to removably couple to a torque delivery tool. A biasing mechanism arranged adjacent a second end of the fastener is configured to generate a biasing force to drive the mandrel against a bushing in response to a coupling of the socket attachment and the fastener.

Abstract: A pneumatic powered fastener driving tool having components configured, weighted, sized, shaped, placed, and arranged such that a first center of gravity envelope that encompasses a first defined area related to a top section of a trigger of the tool for a first operational state, a second center of gravity envelope that encompasses a second defined area related to a bottom section of the trigger of the tool for a second operational state, and a plurality of third center of gravity envelopes that each encompass an area between the first center of gravity envelope and the second center of gravity envelope for third operational states.

Abstract: In order to provide a driver for reducing reaction generated to a driver main body, the driver 1 includes a nose portion 3 provided in a housing 2 and extending in a longitudinal direction, the nose portion being configured to allow a fastener to pass therethrough, a plunger 7 configured to move in an impact direction parallel to the longitudinal direction to impact the fastener through the nose portion, a weight 8, and a coil spring 9 configured to be compressed by a motor 5 in the longitudinal direction. a release of the compression causing the plunger 7 to move in the impact direction, while causing the weight 8 to move in a counter-impact direction which is away from the plunger 7. The coil spring 9 is provided between the plunger 7 and the weight 8. The coil spring has one end portion urging the plunger 7, and another end portion urging the weight 8.

Abstract: A clamping device comprises a fixing frame for assembling to a nail gun, a clamping arm pivoted to one side of the fixing frame and swung relative to a nail output of the nail gun connected to the fixing frame, a cylinder having a telescopic rod and linked to the clamping arm, and a pipeline fluidly communicated with the cylinder and a pneumatic supply. The fixing frame is fixed corresponding to the nail output so as to easily assemble and disassemble. An air pressure through the pipeline is driving the telescopic rod and the clamping arm to swing relative to the fixing frame. A lay-up is clamped by the clamping arm to abut against the nail output for nailing and piercing. It may be easily detached from the nail gun after finishing constructing so that the multiple functions of the nail gun may be achieved.

Abstract: A tool includes a handle portion, a head portion at an end of the handle portion, a hammer strike surface at a forward region of the head portion, an upper extension and a lower extension of the head portion extending away from the head portion, defining a gap between the upper extension and the lower extension, and a blade formed in the head portion, recessed within the gap between the upper extension and the lower extension.

Abstract: A cleaning implement is described, which can have an elongate handle with a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface. The interior surface of the elongate handle can define an interior cavity of the elongate handle. An elastic element can be secured within the interior cavity of the handle at the proximal end. A motion rod can also be concentrically secured within the interior cavity of the handle, adjacent to the elastic element. The motion rod can have an exposed end protruding out of the elongate handle at the distal end, and the exposed end can have a tip with a tool attachment feature.

Abstract: An apparatus for an improved hand tool device wherein a rotatable apparatus may rotate the rotating handle apparatus in 15 degree increments to adjust to the user to help reduce the risk of injury and increase power application while gardening by adjusting and creating a favorable angle between the ground and the point of entry of the hand tool device into the ground.

Abstract: A tool handle is provided for a tool rod to insert therein. A connecting end of the tool rod is formed with a mark portion. The tool handle includes a grip body, a cover layer and a perspective layer. The grip body is disposed around the connecting end and includes a window portion corresponding to the mark portion. The cover layer partially covers the grip body and exposes the window portion. The cover layer is softer than the grip body. The perspective layer is disposed on the window portion and includes at least one magnifying lens portion corresponding to the mark portion.

Abstract: A template device including an extendable base having a first part and a second part that are extendable along the device's longitudinal axis. A first swivel is appropriately attached to the first part, and a second swivel is appropriately attached to the second part such that the first swivel and second swivels are disposed on opposite ends of the base. The second part includes a slot having a width sized for frictionally receiving a stud member that extends from the first part, the slot sized and shaped for allowing the stud member to slide along the length of the slot.

Abstract: A guitar pick retriever includes an elongated shaft that has a width small enough for fitting between a string of a guitar and an edge of a sound hole of the guitar. The elongated shaft is sufficiently long for reaching within a hollow body of a guitar through a sound hole of the guitar. An attracting device is affixed at one end of the elongated shaft. The attracting device having attractive properties (e.g., suction, static charge, stickiness) such that, upon contact and/or pressure with a guitar pick, the attracting device temporarily holds onto the guitar pick for removing the guitar pick from the hollow body of the guitar.

Abstract: A method for toy robot programming, the toy robot including a set of sensors, the method including, at a user device remote from the toy robot: receiving sensor measurements from the toy robot during physical robot manipulation; in response to detecting a programming trigger event, automatically converting the sensor measurements into a series of puppeted programming inputs; and displaying graphical representations of the set of puppeted programming inputs on a programming interface application on the user device.

Abstract: A working robot includes a robot arm that includes arm members turnably coupled, a control box that houses a controller that controls operation of the robot arm, and a support frame that supports the control box and the robot arm such that an installation position of the control box and an installation position of the robot arm overlap when viewing from a vertical direction, a clearance is formed between the control box and the robot arm, and one or more directions of the clearance are in an opened state.

Abstract: A joint includes: a motor coupled to the joint, the motor configured to move the joint; a joint side sensor configured to measure a parameter of interest of a joint side target; a motor side sensor configured to measure the parameter of interest of the motor; and a controller configured to control the motor, the controller operably connected to the joint side sensor, the controller operably connected to the motor side sensor.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein describes a supervised autonomy system designed to precisely model, inspect and process the surfaces of complex three-dimensional objects. The current application context for this system is laser coating removal of aircraft, but this invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications that require close, precise positioning and maneuvering of an inspection or processing tool over the entire surface of a physical object. For example, this system, in addition to laser coating removal, could also apply new coatings, perform fine-grained or gross inspection tasks, deliver and/or use manufacturing process tools or instruments, and/or verify the results of other manufacturing processes such as but not limited to welding, riveting, or the placement of various surface markings or fixtures.

Abstract: An abnormality determining device includes: a current value detecting unit configured to detect a current value which is a value of a drive current of a motor; a variance ratio calculating unit configured to group time-series current values detected in time series by the current value detecting unit at a predetermined time interval, to calculate a variance value of the current values of each group, and to calculate a variance ratio of each group by dividing the variance value of the current values of the corresponding group by a variance value of a reference current value of the motor when a reduction gear is normal; and a determination unit configured to determine that the reduction gear is abnormal when the variance ratios calculated by the variance ratio calculating unit for all the groups are equal to or greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: Robotic manipulators may be used to manipulate objects. Manipulation data about manipulations performed on objects may be generated and accessed. This data may be analyzed to generate a profile indicating how an object may be manipulated. A portion of the profile may be transmitted to a particular robotic manipulator. For example, the portion may be based on a manipulation capability of the robotic manipulator. In turn, the robotic manipulator may use the portion of the profile to manipulate the object.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a control system, a control method, and a storage medium through which a moving object can change a surrounding environment of a user depending on an emotion of the user. [Solution] Provided is a control system including: an estimation unit that estimates an emotion of a user; and a moving object controller that controls a moving object to change a surrounding environment of the user depending on the estimated emotion.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present disclosure is an automatic floor preparation or maintenance system. The system uses a laser rangefinder to map a workspace, while a path planning module uses the map to determine a path for the concrete polishing vehicle to travel. A propulsion system moves the vehicle along the determined path. A user interface allows an operator to remotely monitor the autonomous operations.

Abstract: A carrier system is provided with a wafer stage which holds a mounted wafer and is also movable along an XY plane, a chuck unit which holds the wafer from above in a non-contact manner above a predetermined position and is vertically movable, and a plurality of vertical movement pins, which can support from below the wafer held by the chuck unit on the wafer stage when the wafer stage is positioned at the predetermined position above and can also move vertically. Then, flatness of the wafer is measured by a Z position detection system, and based on the measurement results, the chuck unit and the vertical movement pins that hold (support) the wafer are independently driven.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing enhanced configuration and control of robots. Configurations disclosed herein augment a mobile computing device, such as a robot, with resources for understanding and navigation of an environment surrounding the computing device. The resources can include sensors of a separate computing device, which may be in the form of a head-mounted display. Data produced by the resources can be used to generate instructions for the mobile computing device. The sensors of the separate computing device can also detect a change in an environment or a conflict in the actions of the mobile computing device, and dynamically modify the generated instructions. By the use of the techniques disclosed herein, a simple, low-cost robot can understand and navigate through a complex environment and appropriately interact with obstacles and other objects.

Abstract: A robot system includes a work bench on which a work piece is placed, and a robot device. The robot device includes: a base; and an arm section that has torsional rotatability around a first axis approximately along a center line of the base, bending rotatability around a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis, and linear extensibility and retractability along a third axis that is orthogonal to the second axis. Work is performed in collaboration with a worker on the work piece by means of an end effector that is mounted at a tip of the arm section. The base is disposed so that a moveable region of the arm section accompanying rotation around the first axis and the second axis and linear extension and retraction along the third axis overlaps with a working region of the worker.

Abstract: A force, distance and contact measurement system comprising at least one low-cost tactile sensor embedded in elastomer and retrofitted onto existing robotic grippers is provided. The sensor is simple to manufacture and easy to integrate with existing hardware. The sensor can be arranged in strips and arrays, facilitating manipulation tasks in uncertain environments. The elastomer protects the sensor, provides a rugged and low-friction surface, and allows performing force measurements.

Abstract: Acquisition or pick-up tools that themselves aid in improving the ease with which images of an acquired substrate may be captured, and methods of operating such pick-up tools, are provided. The pick-up tools may include a pick-up surface adapted to interface with a foreign substrate and a light source integrated with the pick-up tool such that light emitted from the light source passes through the pick-up surface to the foreign substrate when the foreign substrate is temporarily coupled with the pick-up surface to create a silhouette of the foreign substrate. A vision system may be adapted for capturing the silhouette of the foreign substrate when the foreign substrate is temporarily coupled with the pick-up surface. The substrate pick-up surface may be formed of one of a transparent, a semi-transparent, or a translucent material such that light may at least partially pass there through.

Abstract: Provided is a die lift system comprising an end effector capable of lifting and manipulating a die, creating a safe and efficient way to do so free off all physical exertion by the worker associated with the lifting and maneuvering of the die; the end effector having the ability to engage a die; the end effector having at least one series of tines capable of grasping the die; the end effector having the ability to be securely coupled to the die; and the end effector having the ability to disengage from the die.

Abstract: A stable extension and retraction motion is realized in a robot arm mechanism including a linear extension and retraction joint. In the robot arm mechanism including the linear extension and retraction joint, the linear a extension and retraction joint includes an arm section, and an ejection section for supporting the arm section. The arm section includes a first connection piece string and a second connection piece string. The first connection piece string includes a plurality of first connection pieces. The second connection piece string includes a plurality of second connection pieces each having a substantially flat plate shape. The first connection piece string is joined to the second connection piece string to thereby constitute a columnar body. The columnar body is sent out forward from the ejection section.

Abstract: There is provided a holding apparatus for a robot including: two or more finger sections disposed opposite to each other so as to face toward a holding center; a work pressing section on which a work abuts when the work is inserted between the finger sections; and a driving unit that moves respective distal ends of the finger sections toward the holding center, wherein each of the finger sections includes a finger section main body formed of at least two plate-like elastic bodies, and a reinforcing member that is disposed along an outer surface of the main body, is joined to a distal end of the main body, and has higher rigidity than the main body, and the reinforcing member is swingably provided around an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the main body, and parallel to a surface of the main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bolt cutter (1) which can be used for cutting a workpiece, especially a workpiece that is bolt-like. The bolt cutter comprises a fixed hand lever (3) and a movable hand lever (2). A cutting jaw (8) is fixedly connected to the fixed hand lever (3). The movable hand lever (2) via a ratchet gear (7) is coupled to a movable cutting jaw (6). In an opening position of the cutting jaws (6, 8) the movable cutting jaw (6) lies against a rest (55) supported by a support spring (54). By manual application of an opening force, the movable cutting jaw (6) can be moved into an enlarged opening position from the mentioned opening position by pressurizing the support spring (54). When the manually applied opening force is removed, the movable cutting jaw (6) automatically returns to the opening position from the enlarged opening position due to the support spring (54).