Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for laser heating in a fluid environment (30). Such a system may include a laser generator (12) and a laser output sub (16) separate from one another via an optical fiber (18). The laser generator may generate a heating laser pulse over the optical fiber. The laser output sub may emit the heating laser pulse to heat a substrate (22) in the fluid environment (30). To enable the heating laser pulse to pass between the laser output sub (16) and the substrate (22), the laser output sub may dispense a laser-transmissive optical grease or a laser-transmissive magnetic fluid, or may generate a vacuum cavitation bubble in the fluid between the laser output sub (16) and the substrate (22).

Abstract: An article and a process of producing an article are provided. The article includes a base material, a cooling feature arrangement positioned on the base material, the cooling feature arrangement including an additive-structured material, and a cover material. The cooling feature arrangement is between the base material and the cover material. The process of producing the article includes manufacturing a cooling feature arrangement by an additive manufacturing technique, and then positioning the cooling feature arrangement between a base material and a cover material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laser processing apparatus including a beam swinging unit provided between a pulsed laser oscillator and a focusing unit for swinging the optical path of a pulsed laser beam oscillated from the pulsed laser oscillator and then introducing the pulsed laser beam to the focusing unit. The beam swinging unit includes a polygon scanner provided on the upstream side of the focusing unit for scanning the pulsed laser beam oscillated from the pulsed laser oscillator and introducing the pulsed laser beam scanned to the focusing unit and an acoustooptic deflecting unit provided on the upstream side of the polygon scanner and on the downstream side of the pulsed laser oscillator for deflecting the optical path of the pulsed laser beam oscillated from the pulsed laser oscillator and introducing the pulsed laser beam deflected to the polygon scanner.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a display panel includes providing a mother substrate that includes a display area and a non-display area, and includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a sealant provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, generating a crack on the sealant through irradiation of laser onto the sealant between the first substrate and the second substrate, and cutting a part of the second substrate and a part of the sealant at a position corresponding to the crack.

Abstract: A welding method and system (4) using a robotic arm (10), a welding robot (18) and a welding table (2) placed at an angle from horizontal to hold two C-channels (6 and 8) facing each other to maintain position and be welded together. C-channels (6 and 8) face each other to form a closed channel at increased welding speed with less materials having resulting benefits including constant welding, less distortion, and less welding material. Welding begins with restraining C-channels (6 and 8) in conjunction with the angled welding table (2). A robotic arm (10) handles C-channels (6 and 8) to move, place and restrain them relative to each other and the welding table (2). A pressing tool (12) may be a set of pressure-exerting tools (26). A welding robot (18) with a seam finding system (24) preferably welds the restrained C-channels (6 and 8) from top to bottom.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a composite nanometal paste which is relatively low in price and is excellent in terms of bonding characteristics, thermal conductivity, and electrical property. The present invention is a copper-filler-containing composite nanometal paste that contains composite nanometal particles each comprising a metal core and an organic coating layer formed thereon. The metal paste contains a copper filler and contains, as binders, first composite nanometal particles and second composite nanometal particles which differ from the first composite nanometal particles in the thermal decomposition temperature of the organic coating layer, wherein the mass proportion W1 of the organic coating layer in the first composite nanometal particles is in the range of 2-13 mass %, the mass proportion W2 of the organic coating layer in the second composite nanometal particles is in the range of 5-25 mass %, and these particles satisfy the relationships W1.

Abstract: Provided is a high-temperature lead-free solder alloy having excellent tensile strength and elongation in a high-temperature environment of 250° C. In order to make the structure of an Sn—Sb—Ag—Cu solder alloy finer and cause stress applied to the solder alloy to disperse, at least one material selected from the group consisting of, in mass %, 0.003 to 1.0% of Al, 0.01 to 0.2% of Fe, and 0.005 to 0.4% of Ti is added to a solder alloy containing 35 to 40% of Sb, 8 to 25% of Ag, and 5 to 10% of Cu, with the remainder made up by Sn.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-temperature lead-free Au—Sn—Ag-based solder alloy that is excellent in sealability, joint reliability, and wet-spreadability, that can be kept at a high quality level for a long period of time, and that is provided at a relatively low cost. The lead-free Au—Sn—Ag-based solder alloy contains 27.5 mass % or more but less than 33.0 mass % of Sn, 8.0 mass % or more but 14.5 mass % or less of Ag, and a balance being Au except for elements inevitably contained therein during production. When having a plate- or sheet-like shape, the Au—Sn—Ag-based solder alloy has a surface whose L*, a*, and b* in an L*a*b* color system in accordance with JIS Z8781-4 are 41.1 or more but 57.1 or less, ?1.48 or more but 0.52 or less, and ?4.8 or more but 9.2 or less, respectively. When having a ball-like shape, the Au—Sn—Ag-based solder alloy has a surface whose L*, a*, and b* are 63.9 or more but 75.9 or less, 0.05 or more but 0.65 or less, and 1.3 or more but 11.3 or less, respectively.

Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine engine case includes the steps of removing worn material from a retention hook in a casing, and inserting an insert into a recess within the hook.

Abstract: A popcorn popping assembly includes a popcorn popping kettle having a side wall extending from a bottom wall. The assembly includes a plurality of retainers. Each of the retainers includes a bottom wall extending between a pair of side walls. The side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity, and an aperture is formed in the bottom wall and defines an essentially closed shaped periphery. The assembly includes a plurality of studs, each configured to be inserted through a respective aperture of a respective retainer. A plurality of fasteners are each configured to be received within the cavity of a retainer and couple with a stud to secure the stud to the retainer. A temperature sensor may extend through at least one of the apertures. A stud may be configured to cooperate with the temperature sensor and hold the temperature sensor in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A gun barrel assembly includes an outer barrel tube, an inner barrel liner, a barrel breech cap and a barrel muzzle cap. The barrel tube and the barrel liner each longitudinally extend from a muzzle end to a breech end, and have axial through bores, with the barrel liner being disposed within and coaxial with the barrel tube bore. The breech cap and the muzzle cap each longitudinally extend from a front end to a rear end and have through axial through bores. The breech cap is mounted to the barrel liner breech end portion and contacts the barrel tube breech end. The muzzle cap is mounted to the barrel liner muzzle end portion and contacts the barrel tube muzzle end. The inside diameter of the barrel tube bore is greater than the outside diameter of the barrel liner whereby the barrel tube does not contact the barrel liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing multiple metal turbine engine parts, comprising steps consisting in: a) casting a metal alloy in a mould in order to produce a blank (3); and b) machining the blank in order to produce the parts, characterized in that the blank obtained by casting is a solid polyhedron with two generally trapezoidal opposing sides (30a, 30b), and the parts are machined in the blank.

Abstract: A cutter holder has a body and a buffering assembly. The body has a specific weight. The buffering assembly is mounted in the body and has a buffering unit and an elastic unit set. The buffering unit has a specific weight that is larger than the specific weight of the body. The buffering unit and the elastic unit set are utilized for absorbing vibration. The elastic unit set has multiple Belleville washers and can be changed in scales or amounts according to practical machining conditions.

Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus (2) for a machine tool comprising a header portion (4) and one or more fluid manifolds (6, 8) attachable to the header wherein the fluid manifolds are quickly and easily replaceable on the header without the use of tools.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a drill bit of a chuck includes an intermediate sleeve including two rear curved elements, a front shoulder, internal threads rearward of the shoulder, and an externally threaded extension projecting out of a front end; a front window including a diametrical calibrating line; an externally threaded rim secured to the internal threads to urge the window against the shoulder; and a ring having internal threads secured to the extension. A fastening of the chuck and the device, a loosening of the retainer ring, and a rotation of the rear holding member to rotate the drill bit can align the drill bit with the calibrating line.

Abstract: A machining device, in particular a grinding device, for the machining of slots in a component, in particular radially lying slots in a stationary blade carrier, with a base carrier, a clamping device, which is attached to the base carrier pivotably about a pivot axis and is designed to fix the base carrier on the component to be machined, a guiding rail, which is guided on the base carrier displaceably in a straight line in a guiding plane lying perpendicularly in relation to the pivot axis, and a tool holder head, which is held on the guiding rail pivotably about a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis and carries fastening means for the attachment of a machining tool is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chemical mechanical planarization pad and a method of making and using a chemical mechanical planarization pad. The chemical mechanical planarization pad may include a first component including a water soluble composition and water insoluble composition exhibiting a solubility in water of less than that of the water soluble composition, wherein at least one of the water soluble and water insoluble compositions of the first component is formed of fibers. The chemical mechanical planarization pad may also include a second component, wherein the first component is present as a discrete phase in a continuous of the second component.

Abstract: A self-centering grinding wheel assembly that includes a spindle shaft including a conical-shaped end, a grinding wheel, and a grinding wheel adapter. The grinding wheel adapter affixed to the grinding wheel. A plurality of alignment members disposed radially within the grinding wheel adapter. Each of the plurality of alignment members include a tapered surface that conforms to a conical end of the spindle shaft. The plurality of alignment members slide radially with the grinding wheel adapter. The plurality of alignment members self-center the grinding wheel adapter on the spindle shaft in response to the grinding wheel adapter being assembled to the conical end of the conical shaft.

Abstract: A handheld precision clamping apparatus for sanding acoustic guitar saddles comprised of a generally rectangular base with a clamping mechanism, comprised of a clamping bar located in the base's lowest extremities, so that the low profile nature of an acoustic guitar saddle can be effectively grasped perpendicular to a separate flat sanding surface, the material to be removed from the saddle extending beyond the flat-bottom surface of the apparatus, ensuring precise material removal.

Abstract: A method for distributing a coolant to a grinding site of a grinding wheel, including rotating the grinding wheel, injecting the coolant in an inlet of the grinding wheel disposed proximate to an axis of rotation of the grinding wheel, moving the coolant fluid from the inlet along a plurality of internal grooves of the grinding wheel outwardly towards a plurality of outlets, and expelling the coolant outwardly from the plurality of outlets at an angle of at most 15 degrees with respect to a tangent to a circumference of the grinding wheel at the outlet.

Abstract: A low pressure, low speed concrete polishing apparatus and method of cleaning and polishing a floor a polishing pad and interchangeable polymer strips. The interchangeable polymer strips are slideably received within the housing of the pad. The polymer strips have an abrasive material embedded therein which collectively work to polish the floor while cleaning the floor during normal speed floor cleaning conditions.

Abstract: A sharpening apparatus is provided. The sharpening apparatus includes a foldable case, a first sharpening tool, and a second sharpening tool. The first and second sharpening tools are associated with the foldable case and are rotatable between a storage position and a sharpening position.

Abstract: An LED light installation device facilitates removal and installation of LED type lights into can light housings in an elevated position. The device includes a collar having a first end. The first end is open wherein the collar is configured for receiving an extension pole into the first end. A plate is coupled to a second end of the collar. The plate has a planar upper surface. Each of a plurality of projections is coupled to and extends outwardly from the upper surface of the plate wherein the projections are configured for extending through gaps in a heat sink portion of an LED light when the LED light rests on the upper surface of the plate.

Abstract: A multi-function handle includes a connecting rod and a handle. The handle has an accommodation cavity therein. One end of the connecting rod is secured in the accommodation cavity from either of two ends of the handle, enabling the length of the connecting rod exposed out of the handle to be different. The present invention has a simple structure and an adjustable length, and is convenient for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring reset device for a piston mechanism. In certain embodiments, the spring reset device includes: a connecting plate, a pull rod, a plurality of reset springs, and a plurality of brackets. The connecting plate has a plurality of connecting pins. Each of the reset springs has a first end, and a second end. Each of the brackets has a connecting pin. The spring reset device is positioned on a top end of a piston body. The piston body includes a piston cylinder body, a piston plate, a piston rod, and a cylinder cover. A lower side of the piston plate is connected to the piston rod through a thread. First end of each of reset springs is rotatably connected to a hook portion of connecting plate. Second end of each of reset springs is rotatably connected a hook portion of a corresponding bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for driving a barbed staple into a workpiece, the tool includes a housing enclosing a power delivery source and a driver blade driven by the power delivery source and comprising an engagement portion configured for engagement with the staple. The tool further includes a nosepiece comprising an aperture providing access for loading a staple into the nosepiece and a passage configured for slidable mounting of the driver blade. In use, the driver blade may be driven along a longitudinal axis of the passage by the power delivery source to engage and drive a staple into a workpiece. Clearances are providing to allow for loading and passage of the barbed staples in the nosepiece and arrangements are provided to maintain the alignment of the staple in the nosepiece to compensate for those clearances.

Abstract: A tool apparatus includes a substructure at least partially enclosing an electric motor, the electric motor in selective electric communication with a battery, a tool head in mechanical connection with the electric motor, a tool housing defining an inner cavity, wherein the housing is structured to receive the substructure within the inner cavity, and a superstructure having an inner taper configured to receive an outer taper of the tool housing to retain the tool housing relative to the substructure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable handle (1) for a surgical rasp (2) or similar, the handle (1) and the rasp (2) cooperating, at right angles to their joining ends, via contact faces which at least intersect the mean direction of transmission of the forces between the handle (1) and the rasp (2), said handle (1) having a detachable assembly device (5) and being characterized in that the detachable assembly device (5) has, on the one hand, a means of assembly (6) by engagement in a direction generally perpendicular to said contact faces and using at least two complementary elements, namely a hollow tenon (7) and a mortice (8), and, on the other hand, a locking means (9) for locking said complementary elements (7, 8) in their engaged position, that is to say when the removable handle (1) and the rasp (2) are joined together, with their contact faces applied against each other.

Abstract: A fixturing device for attaching attached to a work piece and methods of attaching the fixturing device to the work piece. The device may include a body, a base, and an extension. The extension may extend outward from the body and is sized to initially be positioned within an opening in the work piece. The extension may be expandable in size to engage with a backside of the work piece at the opening to secure the device to the work piece. The device further includes an interface for receiving to a tool that performs an operation on the work piece.

Abstract: The invention provides a container comprising an upper section for storage, a lower section for storage, and a linkage arrangement attaching the upper section to the lower section, such that the upper and lower sections can be moved relative to each other between a closed configuration and an expanded configuration, the container further comprising at least one latch having a closed position and a released position, the latch being arranged to retain the upper section and the lower section in the closed configuration when it is in the closed position, and the latch being arranged to be releasable to the released position in which the upper and lower sections are movable into the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A toolbox is disclosed. The toolbox comprises a body, a one or more supports and a pivoting rack. The body comprises a lid, a bottom plate, a faceplate, a back plate, a first side, a second side. The toolbox is configured for selectively transitioning between an expanded configuration and a closed configuration. The expanded configuration of the toolbox comprises an expanded height. The body selectively opens and closes between the expanded configuration and the closed configuration. With the toolbox in the closed configuration the body comprises a substantially rectangular shape and encases the tool box with the first side and the second side on it sides, the lid and a bottom plate at its top and bottom, and the faceplate and a back plate at its front and back sides. The lid selectively rotates on a first hinge relative to the back plate. The faceplate selectively rotates on a second hinge relative to the lid rack.

Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a robot body, a drive system having one or more wheels supporting the robot body to maneuver the robot across a floor surface, and a riser having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the riser disposed on the robot body. The robot also includes a head disposed on the distal end of the riser. The head includes a display and a camera disposed adjacent the display.

Abstract: Systems 1000, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for the fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. In particular, the disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.

Abstract: A robotic snake comprising a plurality of friction anchors, a plurality of segments and a plurality of servo motors are disclosed. Each of the plurality of segments includes a first link and a second link connected at a first joint, a third link connected to the first link at a second joint, a fourth link connected to the second link at a third joint, a fifth link connected to the third link at a fourth joint. The simultaneous rotation of third link and fourth link of each of the plurality of segments results in a translational movement and/or a rotational movement. A plurality of servo motors is configured to rotate plurality of joints. The fifth link of one segment and first link of next segment of the each of the plurality of segments act as a quaternary link serially connects each of the plurality of segments.

Abstract: An example actuator is provided to be used in robots and robotic devices. The actuator includes: a first plate, a second plate, and an elastic element disposed between the first plate and the second plate and including a center portion and an edge portion, the center portion corresponding to a first thickness and the edge portion corresponding to a second thickness larger than the first thickness, a first shear stress associated with the center portion being approximately equal to a second shear stress associated with the edge portion.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus includes: a robot model arranging unit that arranges a robot model on a virtual space; a configuration information storage unit that stores configuration information of a robot system; a transport device arrangement position calculating unit that calculates a transport device arrangement position based on a follow-up operation reference coordinate system related to a follow-up operation of a robot, included in the configuration information; and a detection unit arrangement position calculating unit that calculates a detection unit arrangement position based on the follow-up operation reference coordinate system.

Abstract: An electric gripper system includes a motor driving a gripper mechanism, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor is assembled onto the motor for generating a current position of the gripper mechanism. The controller has a control segment, a transceiver segment, an accessible segment, and a driving segment. The control segment generates a target position according to a relative-position command value of the transceiver segment and an absolute cumulative position of the accessible segment. The control segment generates a driving datum based on a difference between the current position and the target position, and on a rotation rate of the motor. The driving segment uses the driving datum to drive the motor to move the gripper mechanism. With calculation among the relative-position command value, the absolute cumulative position, and the current position, the motor is prevented from accumulating positional deviation.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating articles in which a multiaxial industrial robot is arranged on a travel unit and the industrial robot and the travel unit can be supplied with electrical energy via an energy storage unit. The travel unit has a control unit and at least three wheels having at least one drive unit, with the control unit being configured to rotate at least one of the wheels by the drive unit about an axis of rotation standing perpendicular on a symmetrical axis of rotation of the wheel and to rotate it about the symmetrical axis of rotation by the respective drive unit so that the apparatus can be moved in any direction by the travel unit. In addition, area monitoring sensors are arranged on at least two sides of the travel unit to monitor a virtual surface located at a predefined spacing next to and not intersecting the travel unit.

Abstract: A method of teaching a robot includes: a swinging step of causing a hand to swing about a predetermined pivot, which is on an axis perpendicular to an optical axis of a sensor beam, to scan a target in a horizontal direction of the sensor beam; a determining step of determining whether or not the target has coincided with a position along a central axis of the hand in its longitudinal direction based on a detection signal of a mapping sensor, the detection signal having changed owing to the swinging of the hand; and a shifting step of, if it is determined in the determining step that the target has not coincided with the position, calculating an offset amount of the hand based on the detection signal of the mapping sensor, the detection signal having changed owing to the swinging of the hand, and causing the hand to shift to either right or left along the optical axis of the sensor beam in accordance with the calculated offset amount.

Abstract: A control system of a power unit in accordance with the present invention corrects a basic command value of an electric motor 2, which has been determined such that the detection value of a driving force to be applied to a rotary member 5 is converged to a desired value, according to a manipulated variable determined by an observer 16. The electric motor 2 is controlled according to a desired control value after the correction. The observer 16 determines the manipulated variable such that the driving force based on the desired control value is brought close to the resultant force of a force indicated by the rotary member 5 and an inertial force.

Abstract: A robot cleaner which does not stop to change a traveling direction thereof, and a control method thereof includes setting a territory about which cleaning will be performed based on position data acquired during traveling about a cleaning area, predetermining a cleaning path to clean the territory about which cleaning will be performed, and if the cleaning path includes a zigzag traveling path, changing the traveling direction of the robot cleaner by executing curved traveling of the robot cleaner during traveling along the zigzag traveling path, thus decreasing the time required to clean an area during a change of the traveling direction of the robot cleaner.

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: A system maintains, generates, and manages layouts that map resources to control states of a robotic apparatus. The system may receive system control queries and produce search results and contextual information in response. The system may reference the system control queries against the layouts to determine the search results and contextual information. The contextual information may include operator-interactive tools that may be used to control the robotic apparatus. To control the apparatus, the system may generate control state update messages responsive to the operator interactions. The control state update messages may be sent to a control interface of the robotic device. The robotic device may execute an action responsive the receipt of the control state update message.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for selective robot deployment. In various implementations, a context of a user may be determined based at least in part on a record of one or more computing interactions associated with the user. In various implementations, a robot-performable task of the user may be identified based at least in part on the context. In various implementations, a measure of potential or actual interest of the user in deploying a robot to perform the robot-performable task may be determined. In various embodiments, the robot may be selectively deployed based on the measure of potential or actual interest.

Abstract: This multi-articulated manipulator is rich in reliability and follow-up property in medical applications. The multi-articulated manipulator is composed of more than one hollow outer shell, joint members to connect the outer shells each other, a grasping member fastened for rocking movement to the foremost outer shell, and a power transmission shaft to actuate the grasping member and the outer shell in a bending manner independently from each other. The power transmission shaft is composed of a universal join allowed to bend independently from each other and transmit the rotating torque, and a transmission shaft capable of making expansion and shrinkage and able to transmit rotating torque. The power transmission shaft at the foremost end thereof has male threads mating with the nut made at the boss portion inside the outer shell.

Abstract: A robot for providing customer service within a facility includes a locomotion platform, an upper sensor for detecting objects within an upper field of view of the robot, a lower sensor for detecting objects within a lower field of view of the robot, a display and a robot computer in communication with the locomotion platform, the upper sensor and the lower sensor. The robot computer is configured to detect the presence of a customer within the facility based on information received from at least one of the upper sensor and lower sensor, and the robot computer is further configured to access one or more databases storing information associated with products available to customers within the facility and to provide customer service to the customer based on the accessed information.

Abstract: A decoration system includes a plurality of decorative covers each having a cover-to-cover fastening structure and an electrical component fastening structure. Each cover-to-cover fastening structure includes a fastening assembly for releasably connecting one of the decorative covers to a contiguously adjacent decorative cover. In other words, the decorative covers may be arranged horizontally and vertically as desired. Each electrical component fastening structure defines at least one opening that selectively receives elements of an external electrical device into an interior compartment of a respective decorative cover. The electrical component fastening structure enables a respective decorative cover to be coupled to a traditional light string having lamps, embedded LEDs, or be coupled to an MPC and related electronics.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling animated characters. The system involves an animated character mapping perception into a number of domains, including a world domain, linguistic domain and social domain. The system is computationally perceived items that should be abstracted from the character's environment for processing. The animated character is able to utilize different levels of information gathering or learning, different levels of decision making, and different levels of dynamic responses to provide life-like interactions.

Abstract: A gripper for a robot has a gripper mechanism with a jaw motion input, and a motor speed reducer combination including a speed reducer and a motor. The speed reducer has a motion output. The gripper mechanism has a first pattern of mounting features arranged about the jaw motion input. The speed reducer has a second pattern of mounting features arranged about the motion output. The first pattern of mounting features and the second pattern of mounting features are arranged so that the motor reducer combination may be mounted to the gripper mechanism in at least four indexed positions about the motion output and the jaw motion input.

Abstract: A robot includes a base, a multi-joint arm provided in the base, and a wrist member configuring a part of the multi-joint arm. The wrist member includes: a motor including a rotor, a rotor shaft, and a stator; and a housing including a motor housing recess, in which the motor is positioned and housed, and forming an external shape of the wrist member. The housing has a motor incorporating recess including a positioning section for the stator, a hole section for fixing the stator incorporated in the motor incorporating recess, and a heat radiation groove section on a sidewall of the motor incorporating recess. A heat radiation member is filled in the heat radiation groove section.