Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods, computer program products, and computer systems for instructing a robot to prepare a food dish by replacing the human chef's movements and actions. Monitoring a human chef is carried out in an instrumented application-specific setting, a standardized robotic kitchen in this instance, and involves using sensors and computers to watch, monitor, record and interpret the motions and actions of the human chef, in order to develop a robot-executable set of commands robust to variations and changes in the environment, capable of allowing a robotic or automated system in a robotic kitchen to prepare the same dish to the standards and quality as the dish prepared by the human chef.

Abstract: An arm unit of a robot has a lower arm mechanism including a parallel link structure and an upper arm mechanism. The lower arm mechanism has a front link and a rear link including respective lower ends rotatably connected to the base portion. A lower arm drive mechanism has a lower ball screw and a lower bearing portion supporting a shaft so as to be rotatable about its axis. An extending portion extending from the lower end of the rear link is connected to a nut so as to be rotatable about a nut side rotational axis. The lower bearing portion is connected to a base portion so as to be rotatable about a bearing portion side rotational axis. Thus, high mechanical rigidity can be ensured over a wide operation range under a high load condition.

Abstract: A mobile robot includes a deployment mechanism and a flexible tail. The flexible tail is attached to the deployment mechanism and extends outwardly from the mobile robot in a deployment direction. Actuation of the deployment mechanism moves the flexible tail and changes the deployment direction of the flexible tail. Movement of the flexible deployable tail allows the used to change the centre of mass of the mobile robot. As well in use the flexible deployable tail can help to stabilize the mobile robot when it is climbing stairs. As well, the flexible deployable tail can help the robot to absorb energy if it contacts a solid object.

Abstract: A tensioning set comprises an output member. A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) and connected to the output member, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA through the output member by controlled slippage. A tensioning member is connected to the output member so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action transmitted to an output when being pulled by the output member. The tensioning set, or a comparable compressing set, may be used in systems and robotic arms. A method for controlling movements of an output driven by the tensioning set or compressing set is also provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes recording one or more demonstrations of a task performed by a user. Movements of one or more joints of the user are determined from the one or more demonstrations. By a computer processor, a neural network or Gaussian mixture model incorporating one or more contraction analysis constraints is learned, based on the movements of the one or more joints of the user, the one or more contraction analysis constraints representing motion characteristics of the task. A first initial position of a robot is determined. A first trajectory of the robot is determined to perform the task, based at least in part on the neural network or Gaussian mixture model and the first initial position.

Abstract: A robotic system includes one or more end-effectors that combine, according to a production process, at least one object and structure(s) at a production site. Sensor(s) generate, from the production site, sensor data relating to the production process. A control system stores specifications for the production process based on a model of the production site and/or the at least one object. The control system: receives, from the sensor(s), the sensor data; determines, from the sensor data, properties of at least one of: the production site or the at least one object; determines difference(s) between the properties and the model; determine(s) adjustment(s) to the production process based on the difference(s); and sends, for the end-effector(s), instruction(s) for combining the at least one object and the structure(s) based on the specifications and the one or more adjustments to the production process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for performing open-loop and closed-loop control of a robot manipulator which is driven by a number M of actuators ACTm and has an end effector.

Abstract: A control device for a robot, includes a speed calculator that calculates the speed of at least one target point of the robot operating according to an operation program, on the basis of a speed command value written in the operation program; a limitation direction specifier that specifies a direction in which the speed of the at least one target point is limited; a speed limit component calculator that calculates, out of the speed of the at least one target point calculated by the speed calculator, a speed component in the direction specified by the limitation direction specifier; and a speed limiter that limits, only upon motion exceeding a prespecified speed limit, a motion speed of the robot such that the speed component calculated by the speed limit component calculator is equal to or less than the prespecified speed limit.

Abstract: A safety management method sets a third space that both a worker and a robot can enter between a first space in which the worker is present and a second space in which the robot is disposed; sets, between the first space and the third space and between the second space and the third space, respectively, boundaries for monitoring crossing thereof; monitors the presence/absence of the robot or the worker in the third space; when a state of crossing of one boundary and a state of the worker or the robot in the third space are simultaneously switched to “detection”, restricts the operation of the robot, when crossing of another boundary is detected; and not restricts the operation of the robot when the state of crossing of the one boundary and the state of the worker or the robot in the third space are simultaneously switched to “non-detection”.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are disclosed for determining work offset data for a robot in a work environment. A robot operating in a work environment may receive an indication to determine a work offset. The work offset may describe the location and angular orientation of a working plane of the work environment relative to a base plane of the robot. In response to the indication, the robot may identify the working plane. The robot may be controlled to contact one or more points of the working plane. The robot may determine respective point locations of the contacted points relative to the base plane based on the respective positions of the robot at respective times of contact. The robot may determine the location and angular orientation of the working plane relative to the base plane based on the determined respective point locations of the contacted points.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instructions so as to control a robot, wherein the processor is configured to cause a display unite to display an operational screen, on which task information indicating each of a plurality of tasks performed by a robot provided with a force detecting unit is displayed, receive a parameter according to a task of the robot, which is indicated by selected task information once the processor receives the selection of the task information, and cause the display unite to display information indicating operation of the robot based on the received parameter.

Abstract: A method for avoiding collisions between two robots providing first movement information related to a first robot movement; determining for a plurality of second robot movements whether they involve a risk for collision between the first and second robots; and executing one of the second robot movements. Information about a movement of one robot enables a robot controller of another robot with an overlapping work area to select among available robot movements an appropriate one that does not involve a risk for collision between the two robots.

Abstract: A control device which controls a robot having a moving part includes: a processor which is configured to cause an end effector provided on the moving part to move an insertion object, bring the insertion object into contact with an insertion hole provided in an insertion target object in the state where the insertion object is tilted from a center axis of the insertion hole, and subsequently insert the insertion object into the insertion hole.

Abstract: A robotic system includes end-effector(s) that combine a plurality of objects in a production process. The system includes sensor(s) that obtain measurement(s) relating to a combination of a first object and one or more other objects during the production process. The system includes a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor(s). The control system stores specifications relating to the combination of the plurality of objects. The control system receives the measurement(s) from the sensor(s), determines a difference based on the measurement(s) and the specifications, determines adjustment(s) to the production process based on the determined difference, and sends, for the end-effector(s), instruction(s) based on the specifications and the one or more adjustment(s). The end-effector(s) combine a second object with the first object and the one or more objects based on the specifications and the one or more adjustment(s).

Abstract: An example method includes determining an expected sound profile corresponding to a given task for a robotic device. The method further includes detecting a sound profile during execution of the given task by the robotic device. The method also includes determining one or more differences in amplitude for at least one frequency range between the detected sound profile and the expected sound profile corresponding to the given task for the robotic device. In response to determining the one or more differences in amplitude for the at least one frequency range between the detected sound profile and the expected sound profile, the method additionally includes identifying at least one component of the robotic device associated with the detected sound profile during execution of the given task. The method further includes adjusting control data for the at least one component of the robotic device.

Abstract: A substrate conveying robot has a robot arm including an end effector having a substrate holding unit holding a substrate, arm drive unit for driving the robot arm, an elevating drive unit for elevatingly driving the end effector, a robot control unit controlling the arm drive unit, the elevating drive unit, and the substrate holding unit, and a substrate detection unit having a substrate detection unit which detects a vertical position of the substrate and elevates coordinately with an elevating operation of the end effector. By this configuration, a vertical position of a substrate to be conveyed is detected with high accuracy so that a robot operation can be controlled based on the detection result.

Abstract: An example robotic tool holder includes an actuator that is disposed within a housing and configured to hold a tool. The housing and the actuator are in contact via dowels to limit movement of the actuator toward a distal end of the housing. Ones of the dowels that are in contact are in line contact and the ones of the dowels that are in contact are in a triangular geometry. The pressure plate is in line contact with the actuator within the housing around a circumference of the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the pressure plate to bias the actuator toward a proximal end of the housing via the pressure plate. The springs are in contact with the mounting plate opposite the pressure plate. The sensor switch detects a shock force on the actuator and outputs a signal in response to the shock force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot system comprising (I) a robot (100) for guiding an application part (300).

Abstract: A cutting device includes cutting device includes a housing including an aperture, and a blade cartridge removably coupled to the housing through the aperture. The blade cartridge is configured to hold a plurality of blades. The cutting device further includes a cartridge ejector configured to eject the blade cartridge from the housing.

Abstract: A cutting tool comprising a blade portion having a sharpened edge area and a body portion, wherein the body portion comprises a casted metal or a ceramic, wherein the sharpened edge area comprises at least 50% by volume of amorphous alloy material, the amorphous alloy material being limited to the sharpened edge area, and a method of forming the cutting tool having a blade portion having a sharpened edge and a body portion. The body portion is formed from a metal or a ceramic and the sharpened edge includes an amorphous alloy material thereon, is described. The sharpened edge area may have at least 50% by volume of amorphous alloy material. The amorphous alloy may be chromium-based, iron-based, or zirconium-based. A thickness of the amorphous alloy material on the sharpened edge may be between approximately 2 to 5 microns.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a pair of vibrissa and eyebrow scissors having a fixed blade and a moveable blade capable of being rinsed separately. The pair of vibrissa and eyebrow scissors comprises a scissors head and a scissors body, wherein a driving device is arranged in the scissors body. The scissors head further comprises a blade separation device; the blade separation device is connected with the fixed blade or the moveable blade; and by operating the blade separation device, the fixed blade and the moveable blade that are in a laminating state are separated from each other. On the basis of the traditional vibrissa and eyebrow scissors, the disclosure is provided with a blade separation device which may separate the moveable blade from the fixed blade, so that the rinsing effect can be enhanced.

Abstract: A shaving blade cartridge includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis having a top side, a bottom side opposite to the top side, and first and second longitudinal sides each extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between the top and bottom sides. A primary cutting blade is mounted on the housing between the first and second longitudinal sides, and has a cutting edge. A primary cap is located rearward of the cutting edge. A primary guard is located forward of the cutting edge. A trimming element, mounted on the housing, has a trimming edge. The trimming edge and the cutting edge are opposite one another. The primary cap is provided on a rear element, and the rear element is fitted on the housing. The trimming element is sandwiched between the housing and the primary cap.

Abstract: The versatility of a slotter device, a sheet slicing method and a carton former is improved by providing first slotter heads and first lower blades, first slotter knives and second slotter knives mounted on the circumferences of the first slotter heads, second slotter heads and second lower blades, third slotter knives and fourth slotter knives mounted on the circumferences of the second slotter heads, third slotter heads and third lower blades, and fifth slotter knives and sixth slotter knives mounted on the circumferences of the third slotter heads, to process cuts of differing lengths.

Abstract: A roofing system including shingles with different shingle patterns. The roofing system may include a plurality of first shingles having a first two-tab shingle pattern and a plurality of second shingles having a second two-tab shingle pattern. The first shingles including a first tab having a first width and a second tab having a second width, wherein the first width and the second width are substantially equal. The second shingles including a third tab having a third width and a fourth tab having a fourth width, wherein the third width is substantially equal to the first width and the fourth width is about double the second width. The plurality of first shingles and the plurality of second shingles can be formed from a rectangular shingle blank in an interwoven pattern with substantially no scrap or waste material.

Abstract: A processing system (10) and corresponding method (158) are provided for processing workpieces (WP), including food items, to cut and remove undesirable components from the food items and/or portion the food items while being conveyed on a conveyor system (12). An X-ray scanning station (14) is located on an upstream conveyor section (20) to ascertain size and/or shape parameters of the food items as well as the location of any undesirable components of the food items, such as bones, fat or cartilage. Thereafter the food items are transferred to a downstream conveyor (20) at which is located an optical scanner (102) to ascertain the size and/or shape parameters of the food items. The results of the X-ray and optical scanning are transmitted to a processor (18) to confirm that the food item scanned by the optical scanner is the same as that previously scanned by the X-ray scanner.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is disclosed which includes a cutter knife which is reciprocally moveable along a path of travel; a track member mounted adjacent to the cutter knife and which mechanically cooperates with the cutter knife so as to define, at least in part, a first non-cutting position, and a second cutting position for the cutter knife; and a magnet is mounted in a location on the track member and which releasably, magnetically restrains the cutter knife when the cutter knife is in the first non-cutting position.

Abstract: A router power tool having a housing and a base, the housing mounted to be moveable with respect to the base. The base and housing are connected by first and second extendable assemblies, at least one of the assemblies including biasing means to bias the housing away from the base. This extendable assembly has a control portion which can be moved, while located with the extendable assembly, from a first position in which the biasing means provides the biasing force and a second position in which the biasing means is released. In one embodiment, the router power tool includes safety stop portions to prevent movement of the tool holder while cutting tool changing is being performed. In another embodiment, a safety stop portion limits movement of at least one of the extendable assemblies when the cover is held by the power switch when in the on position.

Abstract: A process for the production of fiber-reinforced components or semifinished products is provided, where fibers are saturated with monomer. The process includes at least one of adding flakes including fibers and adding individual fibers. For this, the fibers, the monomer, and the flakes including fibers and/or the individual fibers are added to an injection-molding machine and forced into an injection mold, whereupon polymerization of the monomer is completed in the injection mold. Alternatively a fiber structure on a conveyor belt is saturated with a solution including a monomer, optionally including an activator, and optionally including a catalyst. In a following step, individual fibers and/or flakes including fibers are distributed on the saturated fiber structure, the fiber structure is passed through a roll pair in which pressure is exerted onto the fiber structure, and finally the saturated fiber structure is cooled so that the monomer solidifies.

Abstract: Provided is a conveyor for conveying a tire component, in particular a tread for retreading, wherein the conveyor includes a support surface that extends in a direction of conveyance to support the tire component during conveyance in the direction of conveyance, wherein the support surface is provided with a surface structure that is arranged to contact seventy-five percent or less than seventy-five percent of the downwardly facing surface area of the tire component, wherein the support surface is arranged to be held stationary during conveyance of the tire component and wherein the conveyor is provided with one or more manipulators to manipulate the position of the tire component on the stationary support surface by sliding the tire component over the stationary support surface.

Abstract: There is provided a master, an optical body, and a master manufacturing method, including: forming, on a surface of a master body that includes a base material, a periodic micro concave-convex structure in which an average cycle of concavities and convexities is less than or equal to visible light wavelengths; forming an inorganic resist layer on the surface of the master body; microparticulating and spraying an organic resist dissolved in a diluent onto the inorganic resist layer, to thereby form an organic resist layer, on a surface of which is provided a macro concave-convex structure in which the average cycle of concavities and convexities is greater than the visible light wavelengths; and etching the organic resist layer, the inorganic resist layer, and the master body, to thereby superimpose and uniformly form the micro concave-convex structure and the macro concave-convex structure on the surface of the base material.

Abstract: A mold includes a first mold portion, a second mold portion, and a projection. The second mold portion is secured against the first mold portion along a draw axis to form at least one mold cavity. The second mold portion includes an internal surface oriented at an oblique angle relative to the draw axis. The projection extends from the internal surface along a projection axis. The projection forms an elongated profile including a first end, a second ends, and a pair of side surfaces extending between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a part includes placing a die mold and a part substance in a heating zone of a microwave heating apparatus, and subjecting the die to microwave radiation. The die mold supports at least a portion of the part substance and includes a first dopant, which has a greater microwave radiation heating susceptibility than the die mold. In another embodiment, a die mold material includes a plastic and a dopant, the dopant having a greater microwave radiation heating susceptibility than the plastic. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a part includes placing a part substance in a microwave radiation heating zone, and subjecting the part substance to microwave radiation to heat the dopant. The part substance includes a dopant, the dopant having a first microwave radiation heating susceptibility greater than a second microwave radiation heating susceptibility of the part substance.

Abstract: Known devices for irradiating a cylindrical substrate have a cylindrical irradiation chamber having a center axis, and a radiator unit around the irradiation chamber. Starting from these known devices, to provide a device that can be easily and quickly retrofitted and also enables a uniform irradiation of the substrate, it is proposed according to the invention that the radiator unit be formed from multiple segments connected to each other, wherein each of the segments has an optical main radiator having an illuminated radiator tube section that is curved outwardly with respect to the center axis, and wherein the radiator tube sections are arranged in a common radiator plane perpendicular to the center axis.

Abstract: A method of preparing a patterned cured product, the method including: providing a composition including a sol-gel reactive silicon-containing monomer, a polymerizable (meth)acryl monomer, a photoinitiator, and a fluorinating agent on a substrate to form a first layer on the substrate; contacting the first layer with a master mold to form a second layer including a pattern transferred by the master mold; and obtaining the patterned cured product from the second layer, wherein obtaining of the patterned cured product from the second layer includes a sol-gel reaction, a photocuring reaction, and a separating of the master mold.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a leveled surface of at least one pasty mass in a mold are described. Thereby, the mold is particularly adapted to mold lipstick mines, wherein the mold was filled with the pasty mass and the pasty mass was at least partially cooled in the mold. The apparatus comprises a means for at least partially melting the surface of the at least one cooled pasty mass in the mold to level the surface by heat introduction, wherein the heat introduction takes place via focused optical photo emission.

Abstract: A system and method for bonding a protective cover to a mobile device is disclosed. A cold cast protective cover is permanently bonded to the device and provides protection against damage from dropping, impact, exposure to electric or static discharge, and exposure to liquid, gas, and dusts. The cold cast protective cover takes the shape around all or some desired portion of the outer surface of the mobile device while still providing access to the device's user interface, including display, power and volume buttons, power charging port, memory port, speaker port, camera lens, and the like. The cold cast protective cover can, with additives, increase the safety of the device for Intrinsic Safety or Hazardous environments.

Abstract: The method of producing a transdermal absorption sheet includes: preparing a mold having needle-like recessed portions and an angle of an inlet portion of 120° to 160°, and a liquid feeder including an opening portion and a lip land portion; filling the needle-like recessed portions with a solution by feeding the solution to the mold and moving the liquid feeder while bringing a rear end of a lip land portion on the secondary side of the liquid feeder into contact with the mold; and forming needle portions and a sheet portion using a polymer solution. In the filling of the solution, when the rear end of the lip land portion on the secondary side matches with a secondary side inlet of the needle-like recessed portion, the shortest distance from a primary side inlet of the needle-like recessed portion to a secondary side block is 220 ?m or less.

Abstract: Condoms, condom formers, and methods for forming condoms are disclosed. A condom includes an open end, a closed end, a tubular sheath extending from the open end to the closed end, a tip portion adapted to cover a glans of a penis, disposed adjacent to the closed end, and a plurality of raised features disposed on the tubular sheath, having a top surface area and a base surface area, wherein the total raised top surface area is greater than the total base surface area of the condom.

Abstract: Composite materials are disclosed comprising at least one ply of dry fiber prepreg material comprising encapsulated resin-containing particles, components made from such composite materials, and methods of making such composite materials and dry fiber prepreg materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A molten resin containing reinforcing fibers is injected from a gate into a cavity formed between an external piece and a center pin, and the molten resins containing the reinforcing fibers join together in the cavity. Thus, a weld line is formed in the molten resin containing the reinforcing fibers in the cavity. With this injection molding mold, moving the external piece with respect to the center pin changes an interval with the center pin. This forcibly causes the molten resin containing the reinforcing fibers in the cavity to flow and disturbs directions of the reinforcing fibers at the weld line. Consequently, the reinforcing fibers at the weld line and near the weld line in a cylindrical article tangle, improving strength at a part where the weld line is formed in the cylindrical article.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus and method of fabricating a molded part are provided. The apparatus may include a barrel, a nozzle enclosing an end of the barrel and defining an opening in fluid communication with an inside of the barrel, and an extrusion screw positioned at least partially inside the barrel and rotatable relative to the barrel. The extrusion screw may include a screw tip. Relative axial movement between the barrel and the extrusion screw may open or close the opening of the nozzle to permit or prevent, respectively, material flow through the opening of the nozzle. The method may include clamping a mold, opening a nozzle, rotating the extrusion screw to pump a molten material into the mold until the mold is filled, closing the nozzle, and unclamping the mold to release a molded part.

Abstract: A composite (100) comprises: an integrally molded article of two or more function parts (111) made of a cured material of a liquid resin composition and two or more connection parts (112); and a retention part (120) made of a resin composition different from the liquid resin composition and having two or more through-holes (121) or concave parts. The function parts (111) are respectively arranged inside the through-holes (121) or the concave parts of the retention part (120). The connection parts (112) are joined to a surface of the retention part (120).

Abstract: An injection molded part for a motor vehicle includes a film having a scratch-resistant layer, a plastic substrate molded to the film, wherein the plastic substrate is at least partially transparent or translucent, and a scratch-resistant coating molded to the plastic substrate on a side opposite the film.

Abstract: A window including a layer of optically clear structural polymer core and two layers of optically clear silicone applied to first and second sides of the core. A method is disclosed for manufacturing a window that comprises injection molding a layer of optically clear structural polymer and solidifying the structural polymer core. Optically clear silicone is then injected onto the entire surface of both of the first and second sides of the optically clear structural polymer core.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid supply member capable of suppressing deformation of a liquid supply path and decrease in sealing property of a liquid supply path, during molding, and a manufacturing method of the liquid supply member. For that purpose, in die-slide injection molding that combines two components, a protection portion that protects a part of one component easily affected by heat and pressure, is provided on the other component.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of a liquid supply member capable of suppressing decrease in sealing property of a liquid supply path and deformation of the liquid supply path or the external shape. For that purpose, a manufacturing process of a liquid supply member prevents inflow of a molten resin into a concave portion of a portion other than a liquid supply flow path in a liquid supply member.

Abstract: A system for forming an oral care implement and an oral care implement formed thereby. The system may include a first mold defining a first mold cavity having a first mold cavity axis; first and second injection orifices formed into the first mold and providing passageways directly into the first portion of the first mold cavity, the second injection orifice being spaced apart from the first injection orifice; first and second hot runner sub-systems fluidly coupled to the first and second injection orifices, respectively; wherein the system is configured to dispense the first material into the first portion of the first mold cavity via the first injection orifice, and after passage of a period of time, to subsequently dispense the second material into the first portion of the first mold cavity via the second injection orifice, the second material being injected into the first material to displace the first material.

Abstract: An injection mold for molding a flip-top closure having a body portion and a lid attached to the body portion by a living hinge has first and second mold portions for defining first and second portions of the flip-top closure respectively, a lid closing tool for closing the lid of the flip-top closure on the body portion after a molding of the flip-top closure in the injection mold and before an ejection of the flip-top closure from the injection mold, and first and second linear actuators operatively connected to the lid closing tool for moving the lid closing tool about first and second axes respectively. The first and second linear actuators are controllable to move the lid closing tool along a lid closing path for closing the lid. An in-mold lid closing device and a method for making a flip-top closure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A side gate nozzle assembly for a hot runner apparatus comprises a disc shaped base body, a probe member, a sealing insulator, and a shape memory alloy washer. The probe member with a probe channel extends from the base body. A molten molding material is received through a melt channel of the nozzle body, and allowed to pass through the probe channel to be transferred to a cavity of a cavity member. The shape memory alloy washer is positioned between the base body and the sealing insulator. The shape memory alloy washer distorts linearly to push the sealing insulator and the probe member according to change in temperature due to transfer of the molten molding material from the melt channel to the cavity member via the probe channel. The distorted shape memory alloy washer prevents leakage of the molten molding material from the melt channel, and the probe channel.

Abstract: The device for the suction of air in injection molds and the subsequent expulsion of molded pieces has a Venturi ejector connected to a first valve, that when the mold is closed causes the suction of air in a mold cavity, having at least one insert made from porous material through which and by means of a communication duct that defines a suction circuit, and a second valve, that after the solidification of the plastic material, causes the air to be blown towards the at least one insert made of porous material, cleaning the at least one insert made of porous material. The volume of air to be reduced in the second part of the injection cycle with the same empirical value of 90% efficiency of the Venturi ejector.