Abstract: A press frame for a robot system includes a base, a bridge and a set of columns supporting the bridge above the base. A first robot holds a part on the base and a second robot manipulates a pressing tool to press a component into an opening. The pressing tool is backed by the bridge that opposes a reaction force resulting from pressing the component part into the part. A method of assembling components to a part by pressing the part into an opening while engaging the bridge of a reaction frame. The part is transferred to the base by a first robot that positions the part on the base. A pressing tool and a component are selected by a second robot that orients the component to be inserted in the opening. Data relating to displacement, load and time is collected by the controller.

Abstract: An integrated control system for a flexible pressing system may include a first robot including a gripper for manipulating a part, a second robot including a pressing tool, and a controller configured to instruct the first robot to move the part into a pressing position and to instruct the second robot to concurrently ready the pressing tool for pressing.

Abstract: A collar fastening system that includes a collar fastening tool, and a collar loading assembly coupled to the collar fastening tool. The collar loading assembly includes a loading arm that rotates into multiple positions and a holding member coupled to the loading arm. The loading arm positions the holding member between a loading position and an unloading position. The holding member includes an arcuate side wall and a vacuum opening defined in the arcuate side wall. The holding member receives a collar when at the loading position, and selectively holds the collar against the arcuate side wall with a retaining force provided by a vacuum applied via the vacuum opening. The loading arm provides the collar to the collar fastening tool when at the unloading position.

Abstract: A clamping means system including a bearing device and clamping vices, which fit into the bearing device and respectively have on their base area machine coupling system and on their side faces and flanks a bearing receiving contour and a gripping receiving contour. The bearing receiving contour has the greatest play; the fit between the gripper and the gripper receiving contour is of moderate precision, while the precision of the machine coupling system is the greatest. The clear functional separation between the machine coupling system and the bearing receiving contour or gripper receiving contour allows a reliable low-cost system to be constructed. Furthermore, in the case of mixed partly automated systems, in which parts of the handling tasks are performed by the operator and other parts are performed by gripping robots, the handling is possible in an easy and intuitive way.

Abstract: A gun smith platform includes a top plate. The top plate has a tool hole centrally disposed on the top plate that extends through the top plate through which a work piece attached to a work tool mounted to a bottom side of the top plate may extend, a plurality of alignment holes extending in a linear pattern from the tool hole, the alignment holes configured to receive alignment pins, at least one row of threaded mounting holes disposed parallel to the linear pattern of alignment holes, and a recessed track disposed parallel to the at least one row of threaded mounting holes. Four legs are attached to and supporting the top plate.

Abstract: A working device is proposed, with a positioning system, containing at least one pallet that is positionable and movable by performing a two-dimensional positioning movement in a positioning plane. The pallet is provided with at least one application area, on which in a work zone by means of a handling unit an application can be performed. The work zone is isolated from the handling unit by a protective cover, which is penetrated by an access opening, through which the handling unit can be moved by an application movement directed perpendicularly to the positioning plane, in order to perform an application in the application area of the pallet positioned in the area of the access opening.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining a workpiece clamped in the working space of the machine tool by means of a tool. The machine tool includes a machine bed, which has a chip collection region having at least one conveying channel open on the working space side for collecting chips that drop during the machining of the workpiece, and a conveying device for leading away chips that have dropped into the chip collection region in the at least one conveying channel. The conveying device has a stationary supporting shaft, which extends in the at least one conveying channel in the longitudinal direction of the conveying channel, wherein a spiral element is rotatably supported on the stationary supporting shaft, and wherein the conveying device also comprises a drive for driving the rotational motion of the spiral element about the stationary supporting shaft.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus comprising: at least one bit; a vacuum shroud, including a compressible boot, disposed around a longitudinal axis of the apparatus and configured to be in operative communication with a vacuum attachment port; and at least one magnetic element disposed near a distal end of the apparatus and configured to attract metallic debris resulting from drilling apparatus operation.

Abstract: A device for passing lubricant out of a lubricant collecting container to a lubricant pump, in particular for an oil circuit of an internal combustion engine. The device including a lubricant intake pipe and a sedimentation container, which is connected fluidically to the lubricant intake pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring steady rest which has a device for supporting central workpiece regions, in particular, bearing points on shaft parts, in particular crankshafts, and a measurement device integrated therein for directly adjusting the measurement of the workpiece regions before and/or during machining of the shaft parts. The measuring steady rest is preferably designed in the form of a prism, the measurement device being arranged on the bottom of the prism between the lateral flanks of the prism. The present invention further relates to a grinding machine comprising such a measuring steady rest, and to a method for supporting and measuring central workpiece regions on such a grinding machine comprising such a measuring steady rest.

Abstract: A sanding wheel that may be used, e.g., to finish a wood deck, includes one or more risers. Each riser includes an angled face and a cross member, and the angled face and cross member define a slot therebetween. The retaining or fastening clip includes a retaining spring, and the fastening clip is received on the angled face of the riser with the retaining spring extending into the slot. The blade has an abrasive on a first end and an aperture at a second end, the aperture being defined by a shoulder about the aperture. The second end of the blade extends into the slot with the retaining spring of the fastening clip engaging the shoulder. The slot and the retaining spring are configured to mechanically lock the blade to the riser and the base.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a chuck table having a holding surface for holding a workpiece thereon, and a processing unit. The processing unit includes a spindle, a wheel mount coupled to an end of the spindle and facing the holding surface, a first tool detachably mounted on a mount surface of the wheel mount, the first tool having a first diameter, a second tool mount nonrotatably and axially movably mounted on the spindle over a rear surface of the wheel mount which is opposite the mount surface, the second tool mount having a storage region for the wheel mount and the first tool, a second tool mount member surrounding the storage region and having an inside diameter larger than the first diameter, and a second tool detachably mounted on the second tool mount and having an inside diameter larger than the first diameter.

Abstract: The water jet reaming tool can avoid the need to replace a toilet (17). The curved handle (19) allows the user to stay at arm's length away from the difficult removal of mineral deposits (13) which prevent sufficient clean water (14) to flush the toilet. A reamer element (12) stands ready at the other end of the handle (19) to enter a clean water jet (15) under the toilet inner rim (16). The user views (11) the water jet (15) and the point 26 via lines of sight (18) from the reflection in the metal mirror (30) attached to the reamer element (12). The user's wrist motions cause the handle (19) to rotate the reamer element (12) and grind the mineral deposits (13) to dust.

Abstract: A polishing unit polishes a semiconductor wafer. An eddy current sensor measures an eddy current variable according to variation of the film thickness of the semiconductor wafer at plural measurement times. A sensor processor calculates the film thickness of the semiconductor wafer at the measurement times based on the eddy current measured by the eddy current sensor. A film thickness estimating unit estimates film thicknesses after lapse of a processing delay time from the measurement times by using the calculated film thickness.

Abstract: A grinding coolant supplier configured to supply a grinding coolant to a grinder configured to grind an element of a machine part having a rolling element, the grinding coolant supplier including: a grinding coolant generation apparatus configured to generate a grinding coolant which is a mixture of a water-soluble stock coolant, a first reformed water of which water particles have an average particle size of not smaller than 80 nm and not greater than 150 nm, and a second reformed water of which water particles have an average particle size of not smaller than 5 nm and smaller than 80 nm; and grinding coolant supplying device configured to supply the generated grinding coolant to the grinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing includes a rotatable platen having a surface to support a polishing pad, a carrier head to hold a substrate in contact with the polishing pad, and a polishing liquid distribution system. The polishing liquid distribution system includes a dispenser positioned to deliver a polishing liquid to a portion of a polishing surface of the polishing pad, and a first barrier positioned before the portion of the polishing surface and configured to block used polishing liquid from reaching the portion of the polishing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing includes a rotatable platen having a surface to support a polishing pad, a carrier head to hold a substrate in contact with the polishing pad, and a polishing liquid distribution system. The polishing liquid distribution system includes a dispenser positioned to deliver a polishing liquid to a portion of a polishing surface of the polishing pad, and a first barrier positioned before the portion of the polishing surface and configured to block used polishing liquid from reaching the portion of the polishing surface. The first barrier includes a solid first body having a first flat bottom surface and having a first leading surface configured to contact the used polishing liquid.

Abstract: A mask that protects the edges of the gear teeth of a gear during a particle impacting process, such as a shot peen or other similar process, without preventing the particle impacting process from effectuating advantageous hardening and other results for areas that are not protected by the mask. The cover may be removable and reusable. The mask may include a closed end and an open end, with a plurality of protective vanes extending between the two ends. The gear may be received within the mask and aligned and secured such that the vanes cover the gear teeth edges, thereby protecting the edges from the particle impact process, without preventing the particle impacting process with regard to other portions of the gear teeth.

Abstract: A system and method for grit recycling includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a first apparatus adapted to coarsely separate reusable grit from waste material. The second stage is positioned adjacent the first stage such that the coarsely separated reusable grit from the first outlet of the first stage is automatically input to the second stage. The second stage includes a second apparatus adapted to finely separate the reusable grit from the waste material.

Abstract: A coated abrasive article having a plurality of formed ceramic abrasive particles each having a surface feature. The plurality of formed ceramic abrasive particles attached to a flexible backing by a make coat comprising a resinous adhesive forming an abrasive layer. The surface feature having a specified z-direction rotational orientation, and the specified z-direction rotational orientation occurs more frequently in the abrasive layer than would occur by a random z-direction rotational orientation of the surface feature.

Abstract: Silicon (Si) based high temperature coatings and base materials and methods of making those materials. More specifically, methods and materials having silicon, oxygen and carbon containing polymer derived ceramic liquids that form filled and unfiled coatings, including high temperature crack resistant coatings.

Abstract: An elastomeric sanding block conformable to curved or flat surfaces includes a Shore A hardness ranging fro m about 30 to about 90, and is made from ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, low-density polyethylene or an admixture thereof. The polymer or admixture ranges from about 35 to about 70 percent of the sanding block composition by weight. A blowing agent is present in an amount that ranges from about 1.5 to about 4.5 percent of the composition by weight. The elastomeric sanding block may be formed by combining the polymer or admixture and other components under heat to yield a feedstock, thermoforming the feedstock in a mold to yield a foamed material sheet, and cutting the foamed material sheet.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench structure includes a body having a head portion with a first, second, and third housings connected; a ratchet block rotatably disposed in the first housing and peripherally provided with plural teeth; two locking members having a flat top surface with a pillar thereon and an opposite flat bottom surface, and disposed in the third housing and laterally movable for engaging the teeth, with a resilient member between the two locking members; a direction controller disposed in the second housing and having a direction controlling recess for receiving the pillars; and a positioning device. The direction controlling recess has an opening end expanding outward. The positioning device positions the direction controller, so as to drive the two locking members to engage the ratchet block. Therefore, the ratchet block is controlled to drive an object in clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: A concrete nailer has a cutout defined by a magazine. The cutout is disposed proximate the drive track of the concrete nailer and provides the concrete nailer with sufficient reach to perpendicularly nail a complete range of U-shaped channels or track available to the job site against concrete, even though the magazine accommodates both long and short nails. The concrete nailer has the added ability to nail thick boards like 2×4's to concrete.

Abstract: A fastening tool of the present invention includes a housing having an underside. The fastening tool also includes a magazine and a support foot connected to one of the housing underside and the magazine. Using a system of cooperating detents formed on the support foot and housing underside (or magazine, as the case may be), the support foot can be quickly and easily removably secured to the fastening tool without using any tools.

Abstract: A drill comprising: a body, the body comprising a housing formed internally with at least two chambers; a rear handle mounted on the body; a tool holder mounted on the front of the body; an electric motor mounted in a first chamber, the electric motor comprising an end cap attached to a motor housing; a transmission mechanism mounted in a second chamber which is in driving connection with the electric motor, the transmission mechanism being driven by the electric motor when the electric motor is activated to either impart impacts to and/or rotate a cutting tool when held by the tool holder. The end cap engages with the housing to form a separating wall which separates the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A convertible power tool that can operate in first and second configurations. The tool includes a base unit configured to receive at one time either a first module or a second module. The different modules provide for different levels of functionality. The first module includes one or more components that provide for a first level of functionality. The second module includes one or more components that provide for an advanced second level of functionality. Each of the base unit and first and second modules may include interfaces that provide for physical engagement as well as power/data engagement. In use, one of the first and second modules is connected to the base unit to provide for the desired functionality incorporated with the tool. The tool may also be reconfigured by removing the attached module and replacing it with the other module thus providing for a different functionality level.

Abstract: A tool caddy with generally vertical inner and outer compartment support sections. At least one support section has a vertical height generally commensurate with a container's depth. The inner and outer support sections are joined at their respective upper ends by a semi-flexible saddle, such that the inner and outer sections can be flexed away from each other to slide over the at least one flange of the container rim and return to their approximate non-flexed shape.

Abstract: A skyplate is the “knife block”of parts, tools, hardware or material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light assembly that is removably attachable to a work surface such as a creeper assembly. The light assembly may include a light positioned along a top of a dome shaped housing and a base with a plurality of lugs. A pad member may be attached to the work surface and the lugs may be selectively engageable with attachment members extending from the pad member. The attachment member may include a biasing member having a self-locating detent configured to engage with a self-locating recess thereby generally aligning the pad member and the light assembly. The pad member or the base of the light assembly may include a magnet. The light assembly may also include at least one light array about the perimeter of the housing.

Abstract: A robot includes a mover, a determiner, and a controller. The mover moves the robot. The determiner determines a touch type by a predetermined object. The controller controls the mover so as to move the robot close to the predetermined object when the determiner determines that the touch type by the predetermined object is petting, or so as to move the robot apart from the predetermined object when the determiner determines that the touch type by the predetermined object is to hitting.

Abstract: A robotic platform for traversing and manipulating a modular 3D lattice structure is described. The robot is designed specifically for its tasks within a structured environment, and is simplified in terms of its numbers of degrees of freedom (DOF). This allows for simpler controls and a reduction of mass and cost. Designing the robot relative to the environment in which it operates results in a specific type of robot called a “relative robot”. Depending on the task and environment, there can be a number of relative robots. This invention describes a bipedal robot which can locomote across a periodic lattice structure made of building block parts. The robot is able to handle, manipulate, and transport these blocks when there is more than one robot. Based on a general inchworm design, the robot has added functionality while retaining minimal complexity, and can perform numerous maneuvers for increased speed, reach, and placement.

Abstract: Robots including spaced upper arms are described. The robot includes first and second upper arms rotatable about a shoulder axis wherein the second upper arm is spaced from the first upper arm. The other robot components (first and second forearms, first and second wrist members, and first and second end effectors) are interleaved in the space between the first and second upper arms. Each of the first and second upper arms and first and second forearms may be individually and independently controlled. Methods of operating the robot and electronic device processing systems including the robot are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: An articulating probe, comprises a first mechanism including a first link comprising a first longitudinal axis, a first articulation surface and a first motion-limiting element; and a second link comprising a second longitudinal axis, a second articulation surface and a second motion-limiting element. An articulation joint comprises the first articulation surface and the second articulation surface and constructed and arranged to allow two degree-of-freedom articulation of the second link relative to the first link. A motion resisting assembly comprises the first motion limiting element and the second motion limiting element, wherein the motion resisting assembly is constructed and arranged to resist rotation of the second link about the second longitudinal axis relative to the first longitudinal axis of the first link.

Abstract: A neural network apparatus includes: a plurality of neuron units each including: an adder that performs addition processing and one or more digital analog converters that perform digital-analog conversion processing, relating to weighted inputs; and a delta-sigma analog digital converter that converts an analog signal indicating an added value obtained by adding all of the weighted inputs obtained from the adder and the one or more digital analog converters, into a pulse signal according to an amplitude, and outputs the pulse signal; a plurality of arithmetic units each of which multiplies the pulse signal outputted from one neuron unit by a weighted value, and outputs a result to another neuron unit; and an oscillator that is capable of changing a frequency of a clock signal to be outputted and supplies the clock signal to the neuron unit and the arithmetic unit according to control from a control unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a user portrait based skill package recommendation device, comprising: an acquisition module, used for acquiring and collating the identity information of an intelligent robot user and the interaction information of the user and an intelligent robot, and acquiring the user portrait information of the user; an analysis module, connected to a skill package management platform at a cloud network terminal, and used for analyzing the user portrait information and associating a first skill package on the skill package management platform according to the user portrait information; and a recommendation module, used for acquiring the description information of each first skill package, and pushing the description information to the intelligent robot user.

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: A method for automatic obstacle avoidance of a robot includes: obtaining distance values between the robot and an obstacle detected by sensors arranged on a left side, middle part and right side of the robot respectively; when a minimum distance value detected by the sensors on the middle part is less than a threshold value, if a minimum distance value detected by the sensors on either the left side or the right side exceeds an obstacle critical distance, turning the robot 90 degrees towards the side where the minimum distance value exceeds the obstacle critical distance; when the minimum distance value detected by the sensors on the middle part exceeds the distance threshold value, if only the minimum distance value detected by the sensors on the left side exceeds the obstacle critical distance, turning the robot towards the left side by a first angle value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatic obstacle avoidance of a robot, and this method comprises: according to a depth sensor, obtaining depth data of movable areas of a scene in which the robot lies in; according to a preset depth threshold value, binarizing the depth data; according to an average value or a sum value of binarization processing result of areas, identifying an area where the robot is farther away from an obstacle as a moving direction of the robot. In the present invention, since the depth data is collected, no measurement dead zone is prone to occur; moreover, calculating the average value or the sum value of the binarized depth data only needs to perform a simple comparison, the processing is simpler, the processing speed is fast, and the requirement of the system and the cost are lower.

Abstract: A method for teaching a robotic arm to pick or place an object includes the following steps. Firstly, the robot arm is pushed until a target appears within a vision. Then, an appearance position of the target is set as a visual point. Then, a first image is captured. Then, the robot arm is pushed to a target position from the visual point. Then, the target position is set as a pick and place point. Then, an automatic movement control of the robot arm is activated. Then, the robot arm automatically picks and places the object and returns to the visual point from the pick and place point. Then, a second image is captured. Then, a differential image is formed by subtracting the second image from the first image, the target image is set according to the differential image, and image characteristic of the target are automatically learned.

Abstract: The present invention is applied to the human-robot interaction field, and provides a method and apparatus for adjusting interactive directions of robots; the method includes: determining an original direction where a voice signal is generated upon receiving a voice signal; switching a robot from a current direction to the original direction, and capturing a picture corresponded to the original direction; detecting whether a human face exists in the picture; when a human face exists in the picture, determining a required adjustment angle according to a location of the human face in the picture; and adjusting the robot according to the required adjustment angle. Through the above method, the determined location and direction obtained after the adjustment is more precise.

Abstract: Each robot effectively appeals its own device even when multiple robots are present in surroundings. A robot comprises a person detector, an appeal permitter, and a movement controller. The person detector detects a person. The appeal permitter permits execution of an appealing movement attracting interest of a person. The movement controller executes the appealing movement when the person detector detects a person and execution of the appealing movement is permitted by the appeal permittter.

Abstract: A delayed direction change mechanism is used for implementing the follow-me function of a mobile robot. The mobile robot intentionally avoids following or reacting to a user's abrupt change of direction that exceeds a first threshold. Instead, the robot waits until the user's moving direction stabilizes and then determines its moving direction based on the user's then moving speed, direction, and/or position. A user's moving direction may be considered as stabilized if its change has always been less than or equal to a second threshold during a predetermined timeframe (e.g., 3 seconds).

Abstract: A double-threshold mechanism is used for implementing the follow-me function of a mobile robot. Initially, a user comes to a mobile robot and turns on its follow-me function. Then, the mobile robot is in the follow-me mode or can simply be described as following the user. When the user moves away from the robot, the robot determines whether the distance between itself and the user exceeds a first distance threshold. If so, the robot starts moving to follow the user. Otherwise, the robot stays put. While following the user's movement, the robot continues to monitor the distance between itself and the user. When the robot determines that the distance between them is less than a second distance threshold—because the user has slowed down or stopped, for example—the robot stops moving. The second distance threshold is lower than the first distance threshold.

Abstract: A gripping device for a part stacking system that according to one embodiment includes a plurality of supporting arms and a plurality of gripping elements attached to the supporting arms, at least some of said gripping elements being movable with respect to the respective supporting arm. Each supporting arm comprises at least one guiderail and each movable gripping element comprises a carriage movable in the corresponding guiderail. The static friction force between each carriage and the respective guiderail is such that the movable gripping elements are kept immobile with respect to the supporting arms by means of said static friction force during the part stacking process, and said movable gripping elements are positioned with respect to the respective supporting arm overcoming said static friction force.

Abstract: A gripper device and method is provided. The method includes capturing, using an electronic device, information of an object that is indicative of holding position; determining, using the information, by a hardware processor, an optimal holding orientation and an optimal movement of at least one of (i) a plurality of fingers, or (ii) a plurality of suction cups of a gripper device; identifying the at least one of (i) the plurality of fingers, and (ii) the plurality of suction cups as one or more grasping components based on the information, the optimal holding orientation and the optimal movement; and enabling, using an actuator, the one or more identified grasping components to grasp the object based on the information, the optimal holding orientation and the optimal movement.

Abstract: A robot hand is designed to open or close fingers using a linear actuator disposed in a housing. The robot hand has linear motion shafts extending from inside to outside the housing through guide holes formed in a wall of the housing. Each of the fingers includes a base portion and a tip portion. The base portions are secured to the linear motion shafts outside the housing. The tip portions are bent inwardly from the base portions in directions in which they approach each other and then extend toward tips of the fingers. A sealing member is disposed between each of the linear motion shafts and a corresponding one of the guide holes to hermetically isolate the inside of the housing from the outside thereof. This structure achieves an increased degree of sealing of the housing and is capable of having an increased opening or closing stroke of the fingers.

Abstract: A robot including: a driving mechanism that drives a movable member with respect to a base; and a fan that cools the driving mechanism, wherein the driving mechanism is provided with a motor, and a reducer that is disposed between the base and the movable member and that moves the movable member with respect to the base by reducing the speed of the rotation of the motor, the motor and the reducer are disposed on either side of a securing plate that is secured to the base, the cooling fan is disposed on an opposite side from the securing plate with the motor interposed between the fan and the securing plate, a space in which a surface of the reducer is exposed is formed outside the reducer, and the securing plate is provided with a vent that is connected to the space by passing through the securing plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biologically-inspired robotic device comprising: a first member; a second member pivotably connected to the first member; one or more actuators; and a coupler/decoupler mechanism (CDC) selectively coupling or decoupling of the one or more actuators to the second member, such that, when the one or more actuators are coupled to the second member, the one or more actuators act to pivot the second member relative to the first member.

Abstract: A first hollow part having a center axis coincident with a first axis of a wrist structure is formed in a forearm. A through passage, which communicates with the first hollow part is formed in a first wrist element. A second hollow part having a center axis coincident with a third axis is formed in a third wrist element. An umbilical member is inserted through the first hollow part, the through passage, and the second hollow part. A brake device is eliminated from at least one of a motor for a second wrist and a motor for a third wrist.