Abstract: A control device includes an interpolar average machining voltage detection unit that detects an interpolar average machining voltage between an electrode and a workpiece, an interpolar average machining voltage correction unit that corrects the detected interpolar average machining voltage, a machining speed control unit that calculates a machining speed of the electrode based on the difference between the set voltage, which is set in advance as a target value of the interpolar average machining voltage, and the corrected interpolar average machining voltage, and a drive control device that controls a machining speed of the electrode based on the calculated machining speed. The interpolar average machining voltage correction unit corrects the detected interpolar average machining voltage based on a difference between the calculated machining speed and the set speed, which is set in advance as a target value of the machining speed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a high-precision zinc-based alloy electrode wire, the external shell thereof consisting of: Zn: 70.5-95%; Cu: 2.5-27%; X: 0.02-4.0%; Y: 0.002-0.4%, and unavoidable impurities; where, X refers to any two kinds of metals selected from Ni, Ag, Cr, Si and Zr, and the weight percentage of each of these two kinds of metals is 0.01-2.0%; and Y refers to any two kinds of metals selected from Ti, Al, Co, B, and P, and the weight percentage of each of these two kinds of metals is 0.001-0.2%; the ?-phase in a metallurgical structure of the external shell is above 80 wt %. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the electrode wire, which has high surface smoothness of the cut metal workpieces to improve the cutting precision. The method has simple process, high maneuverability, less steps, so as to facilitate large-scale and automated production.

Abstract: Provided are a method of soldering a functionalized metal oxide, and an electronic device manufactured thereby, and more particularly, a method of soldering a functionalized metal oxide which is capable of growing a solder structure by a hydrothermal synthesis method using a pulsed laser, and is usable in a UV sensor, and an electronic device manufactured thereby. According to the present invention, thermal diffusion generated from a laser is limited due to the use of a pulsed laser, and thus, nanosolder having high density and a shape to be precisely adjustable may be prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis method by the pulsed laser, thereby facilitating the joining of the nanostructure, and further, the nanosolder is formed between the nanostructures, thereby being usable as a metal oxide structure having functionality.

Abstract: An arc welding system includes a feeder to feed a consumable electrode to a welding torch. A power source supplies power to between the electrode and an object. A welding controller controls the feeder and the power source to cause a short-circuit state and an arc state to repeat between the electrode and the object. A robot moves the welding torch along a welding line. A robot controller controls the robot. A detector detects whether a state between the electrode and the object is the short-circuit state or the arc state. A determiner determines whether a first period or a second period has elapsed since the detector detected the arc state. An instructor instructs the robot controller to decelerate the welding torch when the determiner determines that the first period has elapsed, and to stop the welding torch when the determiner determines that the second period has elapsed.

Abstract: A three stage power source for an electric arc welding process comprising an input stage having an AC input and a first DC output signal; a second stage in the form of an unregulated DC to DC converter having an input connected to the first DC output signal and converts the first DC output signal to a second DC output signal of the second stage; and a third stage to convert the second DC output signal to a welding output for welding wherein the input stage and the second stage are assembled into a first module within a first housing structure and the third stage is assembled into a second module having a separate housing structure connectable to the first module with long power cables. The second module also includes wire feeding systems and electronics.

Abstract: Automatic welding machine includes: a welding torch mounted to a link actuation device set on a mount; and a one-or-more-axes linear motion actuator which causes the link actuation device to advance and retract relative to the mount. The link actuation device includes: a proximal end side link hub disposed on the mount; a distal end side link hub to which the welding torch is mounted; and three or more link mechanisms configured to couple the distal end side link hub to the proximal end side link hub. Each link mechanism includes proximal side and distal side end link members and an intermediate link member. Two or more link mechanisms are each provided with a posture changing actuator which arbitrarily changes the posture of the distal end side link hub relative to the proximal end side link hub.

Abstract: Methods and devices for control for an automated welding system are provided. Disclosed control methods may include receiving a data set including one or more features of a joint to be welded and receiving a weld procedure for the joint to be welded. The weld procedure for the joint is determined based on a sample virtual weld performed by an operator, a stored procedure developed for a substantially similar weld joint, or a combination thereof. The method may further include determining one or more desired changes to the weld procedure based on the received features of the joint to be welded and generating an updated weld procedure by altering one or more parameters of the received weld procedure in accordance with the one or more desired changes, wherein the one or more parameters are included within a predetermined allowable data set.

Abstract: A method for connecting a tubular cable lug produced from a non-ferrous metal to a strand produced from aluminum, includes steps of providing a tubular cable lug having a tubular portion and a connecting portion, providing an ultrasonic welding device having a sonotrode that has a pressure surface and having an anvil that has a mating pressure surface, securing the connecting portion to the anvil by clamping such that the tubular portion faces the mating pressure surface of the anvil, inserting one end of the strand into the tubular portion of the tubular cable lug, bringing the pressure surface into contact with the tubular portion, pressing the pressure surface against the tubular portion such that the tubular portion is forced against the mating pressure surface, and generating an ultrasound vibration oriented approximately perpendicular to a tube axis of the tubular portion by means of the sonotrode.

Abstract: A friction welding method for fastening a connection bushing, such as a threaded bushing for example, in a housing. In order to improve the quality of the connection, the connection bushing is attached to the housing using a friction welding element. The friction welding element consists of the connection bushing, on which a friction welding shell with a radially outer friction welding contour is formed or molded. Connecting and sealing portions are produced between the friction welding element and the housing during the friction welding process by means of a special design of the friction welding contour.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for performing an Additive Manufacturing (AM) fabrication process on a powdered material forming a substrate. The system may make use of a diode array for generating an optical signal sufficient to melt a powdered material of the substrate. A mask may be used for preventing a first predetermined portion of the optical signal from reaching the substrate, while allowing a second predetermined portion to reach the substrate. At least one processor may be used for controlling an output of the diode array.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided which utilizes a laser system. During an embodiment of this method, an object is arranged relative to a head of the laser system. A pattern of holes are formed in the object by ablating the object with a plurality of laser beams which are directed from the head.

Abstract: A regenerating method of a cutting blade to be repaired includes a chamfering step of chamfering a leading edge part and side edge parts of a cutting blade, a build-up welding step of welding a build-up on the chamfered leading edge part and the chamfered side edge parts, and a processing step of regenerating and processing build-up welding portions of the cutting blade into a specified shape of the leading edge part and the side edge parts, and of the build-up welding portions formed on the side edge parts, such that a dimension L1 of a lateral build-up weld zone is 1 to 3 times a dimension L2 of an outer build-up weld zone.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filled aerofoil component (100) for a gas turbine engine (10) comprises using a capping panel (200) to cover a pocket (310) in a pocketed aerofoil body (300). During manufacture, a pre-formed filler insert (400) is provided to support the capping panel (200) in the correct position. This ensures that the outer surface of the capping panel (200) is located as accurately as possible. This means that the capping panel (200) can be made to be as thin as possible, which in turn reduces weight and material wastage. The pre-formed filler insert (400) provides a lightweight core for the finished aerofoil component in use.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a connecting member, a first substrate, a second substrate, and a cooling medium. The connecting member is sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, and defines at least one hole passing through the connecting member. Each hole includes a first end and a second end respectively enclosed by the first substrate and the second substrate to define a cavity. The cooling medium is filled in each cavity.

Abstract: An electricity supply tool holder for a machining center is provided, and has: a holder body, a stationary coil portion, a rotating coil portion, a lateral fixing portion, and an electrical machinery. The stationary coil portion is provided with a primary coil therein; the rotating coil portion is correspondingly provided with a secondary coil therein; and the lateral fixing portion is fixed on a side of the stationary coil portion used for removably combining with a machining center. When the tool holder is rotated, an external electric power/signal can be transmitted through the lateral fixing portion to the primary coil, then inducing the secondary coil, then the electric power/signal is transmitted to the electrical machinery. Additionally, the lateral fixing portion can be switched into a locked position to temporarily limit rotation, so that it can be used in a machining center of an Automatic Tool Changing (ATC) system.

Abstract: A machine tool for processing a workpiece comprises a processing station which has a tool receiving member in which a processing tool for processing the workpiece can be introduced and replaced, a tool store which has at least one storage space for a processing tool, a tool handling device which can be moved by a controlled drive into a tool-transfer position, a movement unit which can move the workpiece and the tool store and which can be moved by a controlled drive into any of a setup position, a processing position, and a tool changing position, a control device for the drive of the tool handling device which can define the tool-transfer position of the tool handling device, and a control device for the drive of the movement unit which can define the setup position, the processing position, and the tool changing position of the movement unit.

Abstract: A dust extraction system for a power tool having a output shaft, a collet configured for engaging a tool bit and a collet nut engageable to the output shaft, comprises a base configured for mounting on the power tool, the base defining a cavity having an opening for passage of the output shaft therethrough and a discharge chute in communication with the cavity. The system further includes an impeller sized and configured to be rotatably received within the cavity, including a hub and a plurality of vanes emanating from the hub configured to draw dust from the workpiece into the cavity and to direct the dust through the discharge chute. A collet nut is integrated into the hub of the impeller so that the impeller can be directly mounted to the output shaft of the power tool while clamping the collet onto the tool bit.

Abstract: A blade sharpening system may include a sharpening tool for sharpening a workpiece. The system may also include a sharpening fixture having a mounting surface for mounting a workpiece to be sharpened by the sharpening tool. The mounting surface may be disposed on a sled that is movable along a sharpening path that passes under a sharpening implement that may be mounted to a movable arm of the sharpening tool when the arm is in an engaged position. The movement of the sled may be coupled to the movement of the arm such that moving the arm from a disengaged position to the engaged position initiates the sled to move in a first direction along the sharpening path and moving the arm from the engaged position to the disengaged position initiates the sled to move along the sharpening path in a second direction.

Abstract: A device (1) for cutting an ophthalmic lens (L1) to be mounted onto a spectacle frame, includes: elements (10) for locking and rotating the ophthalmic lens about a locking axis (A1); a tool holder which supports at least one first tool (60) rotatable about a rotational axis (A2) and a second tool (80) rotatable about a finishing axis (A6) and which has a spacing mobility (ESC) for the spacing apart thereof from the locking axis, a shifting mobility (TRA) for the axial positioning thereof along the locking axis, and a pivoting mobility (PIV) for adjusting the orientation of the rotational axis relative to the locking axis; and elements for controlling the three mobilities of the tool holder. The rotational and finishing axes are separate from one another.

Abstract: A double-disc straight groove cylindrical-component surface grinding disc, includes a first grinding disc and a second grinding disc, rotating relative to each other; the the first grinding disc's working face is planar; the second grinding disc's surface, opposite the first grinding disc, includes a set of radial straight grooves, with groove faces of the straight grooves are the working face of the second grinding disc; the cross-sectional outline of the working face of the second grinding disc is arcuate or V-shaped or is a V-shape having an arc; during grinding, a workpiece spins inside the straight grooves, while under the effect of an advancing apparatus, the workpiece slides in translational motion along the straight grooves. The described grinding disc device has high-volume production capabilities, and the shape accuracy and size consistency of the cylindrical roller's cylindrical surface and the efficiency in machining are improved, and machining cost is reduced.

Abstract: A robot-supported grinding method is described. In accordance with one example of the invention, the grinding method includes contacting a surface of a workpiece with a rotating grinding tool, whereby either the grinding tool or the workpiece is mechanically coupled to the tool center point (TCP) of a manipulator. The method further includes controlling an actuator that influences the grinding tool or the workpiece to produce a grinding force between the grinding tool and the workpiece, as well as measuring an actual deflection of the actuator. The rotational velocity of the grinding tool is adjusted depending on the measured actual deflection of the actuator and a reference deflection of the actuator.

Abstract: A method and system for observing and monitoring thermal characteristics of a machining operation, such as a surface finishing operation, performed on a workpiece is disclosed. The surface finishing operation can be performed on the workpiece in order to remove a surface defect, e.g. a parting line, on a surface of the workpiece and/or to provide a mirror-like finish to the workpiece. In one embodiment, an emissive layer is applied to the workpiece to increase a thermal emissivity of the workpiece. In some embodiments, a finishing surface, such as a polishing or buffing wheel, and/or a lubricant used in a finishing operation is monitored. A thermal profile of the surface of the workpiece, finishing surface and/or lubricant can be obtained. The finishing operation can be modified in response to the monitored thermal characteristics to prevent the occurrence of defects and improve the efficacy of the finishing operation.

Abstract: A dressing apparatus capable of bringing an overall dressing surface of a dresser into uniform sliding contact with a polishing surface of a polishing pad and capable of uniformly dressing the overall polishing surface of the polishing pad is disclosed. The dressing apparatus includes a dresser configured to rub against a polishing surface to dress the polishing surface that is used for polishing a substrate, a dresser shaft that applies a load to the dresser, at least one load-applying device configured to apply a downward load to a part of a peripheral portion of the dresser, and an operation controller configured to control operation of the load-applying device.

Abstract: An abrasive article has an abrasive portion with an organic bond and abrasive particles. The abrasive article has a non-abrasive portion (NAP) mounted to the abrasive portion. The NAP includes molding compound (MC) having chopped strand fibers (CSF). The CSF can be coated with a thermoplastic coating having a loss on ignition (LOI) of at least about 2.4 wt %, and the NAP having no abrasive particles. The NAP can include an MC having no abrasive particles with a MOHS scale hardness of at least about 9. The NAP may include CSF coated with a primary coating and a secondary coating on the primary coating. The NAP may have an outer diameter that is at least half of but not greater than an outer diameter of the abrasive article.

Abstract: A processing element for processing a profile-shaped or flat metallic workpiece, with the processing element designed such that a plurality of similar processing elements can be arranged one behind the other on a supporting device in the longitudinal direction of the supporting device, the supporting device can be driven in a circulating manner and the plurality of processing elements can be guided past the workpiece for surface processing at least approximately linearly by means of the supporting device. A rectangular or block-shaped main body having bearing surfaces for bearing on the supporting device is provided, and oblong ribs protruding outward in a web-like manner are provided on the main body on opposite flat longitudinal sides and overlap the corresponding opposite flat longitudinal sides of the main body on an identically embodied processing element, which is arranged between the ribs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device, and more specifically to a clamping device for precision instruments. It comprises first and second clamping jaws that are secured against a work surface by forces applied in opposite directions via a shank member and locking nut working along integrated first and second threaded bores. The clamping device provides superior rigidity in applications involving the stability of precision instruments.

Abstract: A pair of locking pliers includes a first grip structure including a first jaw and an adjustment screw connected to a first handle. A second grip structure cooperates with the first grip structure. The second grip includes a second jaw pivotally connected to the first handle about a first pivot axis and a second handle pivotally connected to the second jaw about a second pivot axis. A lock mechanism is pivotally connected to the second handle about a third pivot axis. The lock mechanism abuts the adjustment screw which restrains the lock mechanism to the first handle. The second handle extends longitudinally and terminates at an end at a first length from the second pivot axis. A second length measures a distance between the second and third pivot axes. The second length is smaller than 0.19 times of the first length.

Abstract: A torque-wrench attachment (100) comprises a chassis (140) and a wrench head (110) comprising a second longitudinal central axis (203) and a torque axis (112). The torque axis (112) of the wrench head (110) has an adjustable angle (190) relative to a first longitudinal central axis (202) of a torque-wrench handle (200). The torque-wrench attachment (100) also comprises a link (150) and a translating element (160). The translating element (160) comprises a contact surface (162). The contact surface (162) is movable along the first longitudinal central axis (202), and a moment arm (180) between the click-pivot axis (144) and a centroid (602) varies as a function of the adjustable angle (190).

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening tool comprising a handheld housing with a piston element (1), which is received in the housing and which can be moved in a driven manner, for transmitting energy to a fixing element (3). The piston element (1) is guided in a cylinder (2) and can be accelerated towards the fixing element (3) by a drive force, and the piston element (1) can be held in a starting position by a magnetic force of a retaining element (5). The retaining element (5) has a first magnetically conductive stop (7) and a second magnetically conductive stop (8). The magnetic stops (7, 8) are connected by a magnetically conductive counter piece (9) arranged on a piston element when the piston element (1) is being held, and excitation magnet (6) is arranged between the magnetically conductive stops (7, 8).

Abstract: A safety device for a nailer has a movable element movable between a locking condition and a release firing condition. At least one lock has a stopping end movable to engage an abutment fixed to or carried by the movable element, for stopping it in the locking condition. When disengaged, the stopping end allows translation to the release position. The lock is also provided with an elastic element which acts in the direction of the stopping condition, with an arming mechanism acting counter to the elastic element, for shifting the lock and the respective stopping end for moving to the armed condition. An operator, to put the nailer in the armed and released conditions, must act on the arming mechanism to free the abutment from the stopping end, and he must place the movable element in the release condition to shoot the nail by pulling a trigger.

Abstract: A percussion device for a hydraulic rock drilling machine (1) including, inside a cylinder (4), a to and fro moveable impact piston (3), which is provided with a land portion (12) for cooperation with a braking recess (11) in the cylinder (4) for the establishment of a braking chamber in advanced positions of the impact piston, wherein a throttle slit (17) is arranged to be established between the land portion (12) and the braking recess (11). A pressure channel (14), being connected to a pressure medium source, is arranged to debouch in the cylinder (4) between the piston guiding device (6) and a position of the land portion (12) in a most advanced position of the impact piston (3). The invention also concerns a method and a hydraulic rock drilling machine.

Abstract: A hand tool device has a hammer mechanism including a hammer, at least one curve guide which drives the hammer at least during the hammer drilling operation, and at least one hammer mechanism spring which (i) stores at least a part of an impact energy in at least one operating state, and (ii) holds the hammer in the peripheral direction in at least one operating state.

Abstract: A spindle locking device for a portable machine tool includes a locking unit and a movement activation unit. The locking unit has a movably mounted locking element configured to lock a spindle of the portable machine tool in at least one direction, and an operating element configured to actuate the locking element. The movement activation unit is configured to pretension the locking element in a direction towards a locking position, at least when the operating element is in an unactuated position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and devices for mounting and securing a handle (110) on a power driven hand tool (100) The power driven hand tool (100) is provided with a main body (104) comprising a housing (106) with a drive unit for driving a working member of the tool (100), a handle (110) for user operation of the tool (100), and a connecting part (112) for connecting the handle (110) with the main body (106). Further, a front end of the handle (110) may be inserted into a rear end of the connecting part (112) in a first rotational position in relation to the connecting part (112), and the handle (110) may be rotated into a second rotational position in relation to the connecting part (112). In the second rotational position, the handle (110) and the connecting part (112) are locked to each other by means of an automatic locking mechanism.

Abstract: In an angle-grinder with a rotating handle and a latch for fixing the handle in two different rotational positions, an interlock mechanism is provided for greater security against unwanted rotation of the handle when the tool is being used. The interlock mechanism is moved to a locking position by depressing the trigger to start the motor, and thus provides a safety lock backing up the latch, in case the latch is accidentally released during use. In its unlocking position the interlock mechanism may prevent actuation of the trigger when the handle is not properly aligned in one of its operating positions.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench tool set includes a box, tool bits receivable in the box, two side boards mounted to two sides of the box, and a ratcheting device. The ratcheting device includes a rotary connection plate to which a ratcheting head is mounted. The rotary connection plate is rotatably mounted to the two side boards and rotatable between an operation position and a storage position and includes a constraint step section. The slidable constraint cover has a front end that forms a constraint projection section and is slidably mounted between the two side boards. When the slidable constraint cover is moved frontwards, the constraint projection section engages the constraint step section to retain the ratcheting device in the operation position and when the slidable constraint cover is moved rearward, the constraint projection section disengages from the constraint step section to allow the ratcheting device to rotate to the storage position.

Abstract: A master-slave system (1) according to the present invention includes at least one master displacement sensor (Pm1 to Pm3) for measuring a master displacement for a master robot, at least one slave displacement sensor (Ps1 to Ps3) for measuring a slave displacement for a slave robot, a master target displacement calculating device (2) for mapping the slave displacement and thereby obtaining a master target displacement which is a target value for the master displacement corresponding to the slave displacement, and a master actuator (Am1 to Am3) for generating a master driving force to position-control the master robot on the basis of the master target displacement and the master displacement. The mapping is predefined such that a set of master target displacements excludes a singular configuration for the master robot. The master-slave system (1) renders it possible to solve a singular configuration problem for both the master robot and the slave robot.

Abstract: A power assist robot apparatus is disclosed which is capable of assisting heavy-object lifting action and walking movement with fewer driving sources, and a method is disclosed for controlling the power assist robot apparatus. Two power-assist electric motors are located near opposite lateral sides in a right-left direction of the wearer's waist, respectively. Each lower-limb assist arm has one end fixed to a rotary shaft of the power-assist electric motor and the other end to which a lateral side of the thigh is attached. An upper-body assist arm placed at the wearer's chest and a main frame that holds the two power-assist electric motors at both ends thereof and is placed at the wearer's waist are connected by a driven rotary shaft which is rotatable about a vertical axis and a driven rotary shaft which is rotatable about a right-left axis.

Abstract: A robot system comprises a first robot which supports a suspending jig for suspending a workpiece, a second robot which supports a hand, and a control device which performs cooperative control for causing the first robot and the second robot to operate cooperatively. The hand grasps the workpiece at a portion which is lower than a mating portion of the workpiece. In the robot system, the control device performs cooperative control so that the workpiece is conveyed while a condition in which the hand grasps the article is maintained.

Abstract: A robot control device includes a first sensor which is used in a first range including the entirety of the operating range of the robot, a second sensor which is used in a second range including at least a part of the operating range of the robot, and a range storing unit for storing a third range included in both the operating range and the second range. The robot control device also includes a ratio setting unit for setting a ratio between a first control input obtained using the first sensor and a second control input obtained using the second sensor with respect to control inputs to the motor based on the comparison of the third range and the position and posture of the robot, and an addition unit for adding the first control input and the second control input together in accordance with the set ratio.

Abstract: A method and system for planning and optimizing the movement of a robotic device comprises establishing a plurality of spatial locations where the device can possibly be positioned and establishing rule sets for constraining movement of the robotic device between the locations. Once a start and end point have been determined, the method of the invention calculates all possible routes for the device to move, via the established locations and following the constraints of the rule sets. The calculated routes are then compared to a criteria, such as minimizing time, and an optimum route, meeting the desired criteria is determined. The calculated routes may also be cached for future access. The invention also provides for an error recovery method for allowing a robotic device to recover should it encounter an error.

Abstract: A method, a drone device, and an adaptive robot control system (ARCS) for adaptively controlling a programmable robot are provided. The ARCS receives environmental parameters of a work environment where the drone device operates and geometrical information of a target object to be operated on by the programmable robot. The ARCS dynamically receives a calibrated spatial location of the target object in the work environment based on the environmental parameters and a discernment of the target object from the drone device. The ARCS determines control information including parts geometry of the target object, a task trajectory of a task to be performed on the target object, and a collision-free robotic motion trajectory for the programmable robot, and dynamically transmits the control information to the programmable robot via a communication network to adaptively control the programmable robot while accounting for misalignments of the target object in the work environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for the automated removal of workpieces arranged in a container; having an object recognition device for detecting the workpieces and having a gripper for gripping and removing the workpieces from the container; having a control for evaluating the data of the object recognition device, for path planning and for controlling the gripper; and having a buffer station on which the gripper places the workpieces after the removal from the container, wherein the workpieces are picked up from the buffer station by a gripper and are placed down in a target placement area, with the buffer station having at least two different workpiece placement areas for placing down the workpiece in at least two different, defined placement positions.

Abstract: A trajectory generation device includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of trajectories; a trajectory acquisition unit that acquires a trajectory, corresponding to an environment similar to a current environment, from the plurality of trajectories stored in the storage unit; and a trajectory generation unit that calculates a longest trajectory part, which is present in a moving object moving area in the trajectory acquired by the trajectory acquisition unit, and generates a trajectory by connecting both ends of the calculated longest trajectory part to a predetermined start point and a predetermined end point respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collision prevention One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a robot. The robot includes an end effector that operates within a manufacturing cell, and actuators defining a kinematic chain that reorients the end effector within the manufacturing cell. The robot also includes an imaging system mounted with the end effector, and a controller. The controller is able to direct the actuators to orient the imaging system towards the mirror, to acquire a point cloud of 3D positions by operating the imaging system to scan an image in the mirror, and to revise the 3D positions in the point cloud by folding the 3D positions about a surface defined by the mirror. The robot is also able to determine a volume occupied by the robot within the manufacturing cell, and to direct the robot to operate based on the volume to prevent collisions.

Abstract: A method of force estimation for a minimally invasive medical system comprising a robot manipulator (10). The manipulator has an effector unit (12) equipped with a 6-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) force/torque sensor and is configured to hold a minimally invasive instrument (14) having a first end (16) mounted to the effector unit and a second end (20) located beyond an external fulcrum (23) that limits the instrument in motion, usually to 4 DOF. The method comprising the steps: —determining a position of the instrument relative to the fulcrum; —measuring by means of the 6-DOF force/torque sensor a force and a torque exerted onto the effector unit by the first end of the instrument; and —calculating by means of the principle of superposition an estimate of a force exerted onto the second end of the instrument based on the determined position, the measured force and the measured torque.

Abstract: A robotic device is provided. The robotic device includes a first detachable digit, including a first connector piece. The robotic device also includes a digit mounting apparatus, including a first pivot joint and a second connector piece coupled to the first pivot joint, where the second connector piece is configured to mate with the first connector piece of the first detachable digit. The robotic device also includes an actuator configured to pivot the first pivot joint about a first axis to cause the second connector piece of the digit mounting apparatus to mate with the first connector piece of the first detachable digit to attach the first detachable digit to the digit mounting apparatus.

Abstract: In a robot safety system, a safety controller specifies a robot that a worker is looking at based on position of worker and/or visual field of worker, and acquires distance between robot and worker based on position information. Safety controller generates a fence image of which display mode is changed depending on distance to robot, which is a virtual image showing a boundary position of an operating range of robot, based on acquired distance. Generated fence image is displayed on a glasses type display device that the working is wearing such that fence image overlaps visual field of worker. In another example of the robot safety system, a virtual fence may be displayed on a head mount type display device as a fence image, and display mode of fence image may be optimized such that work efficiency of worker is affected as little as possible.

Abstract: A razor blade including a substrate with a cutting edge, the substrate includes a mixed nitride-substrate interregion disposed at or beneath a surface of the substrate, the mixed nitride-substrate interregion being substantially free of a compound layer.