Patents Issued in February 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180036847
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for fabricating components, for example, 3D decorative items. In an embodiment, a method including positioning a spoil board on a worktable of a computer numeric control (CNC) machine; operating the CNC machine in a first mode to create an outline in the spoil board; positioning a first workpiece on the spoil board and over at least a portion of the outline; and operating the CNC machine in a second mode to cut into a portion of the first workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. SUSNJARA
  • Publication number: 20180036848
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handling device and method for monitoring a handling device having a holding device, in particular a vacuum gripping device or a vacuum tensioning device, for fixing a workpiece, and having a sensor device for detecting vibrations and for generating measured values therefrom. The sensor device is situated on the holding device and is configured for detecting vibrations of the workpiece that is fixed to the holding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: J. SCHMALZ GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Stockburger, Timo Conzelmann, Harald Kuolt
  • Publication number: 20180036849
    Abstract: This invention provides a guide for use with cutting power tools such as routers, circular saws, rotary cutters and the like. The invention provides a secure path along which a power tool can be used. The invention provides a device that is securely held against a surface by either user pressure or suction pressure and maintains its position along the surface to be cut. The invention can be configured to provide for varying cutting tools and differing attachments that are on the cutting tool and would be slid along the invention to effectuate a cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180036850
    Abstract: A balancer mechanism for a rotating shaft is capable of preventing deviation of the axis of the rotating shaft. The balancer mechanism (20) has an assistance torque generation means (21) for generating an assistance torque; the assistance torque generation means (21) includes a cam member (24) fixed to the rotating shaft (4), a cam follower member (25) and a gas spring (27); and a reaction force generation means (22) is provided for generating, by the biasing force of the gas spring (27), a balancing moment that cancels out a tilting moment that tilts the rotating shaft (4) around a bearing member (9) in a direction to separate it from the assistance torque generation means (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ichiro KITAURA, Takashi NINOMIYA
  • Publication number: 20180036851
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing regenerative chatter in that a workpiece (1) rotates in relation to a tool head (2) having at least one chip-removal tool (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) arranged at one end of the tool head (2), the tool head (2) machines walls of the workpiece (1) by means of the at least one chip-removal tool (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), the tool head (2) is vibrationally excited during the machining, a loose additional mass (mz) is moved by the vibration, which additional mass randomly touches the tool head (2) in first positions or randomly has no connection to the tool head (2) in second positions, and thus the total mass of the tool head (2) is randomly changed by the amount of the additional mass (mz).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Ulrich RATTUNDE
  • Publication number: 20180036852
    Abstract: A dust collection system for a rotary power tool, which has a flexible shaft connected to a handpiece, includes a vacuum blower configured to generate a negative pressure and a connecting hose defining a first void region fluidly connected to the blower and which has the negative pressure. The connecting hose is configured to extend along a first length of the flexible shaft. The dust collection system further comprises a nozzle portion defining a second void region fluidly connected to the first void region and which has the negative pressure, the nozzle portion being configured to extend along a second length of the handpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Bradley D. Padget, Daniel Blythe
  • Publication number: 20180036853
    Abstract: An output member is configured to transfer rotation and torque from a motor of a power tool to a working element of the power tool. The working element is configured to contact a workpiece. The output member includes a hub, an outer shell, and an isolator. The hub is configured to be driven rotationally about an axis of rotation by the motor of the power tool. The outer shell is configured to be coupled to the working element of the power tool. The isolator is interposed between the hub and the outer shell and is configured to electrically isolate the hub from the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Andrew Frolov
  • Publication number: 20180036854
    Abstract: Provided is a method for evaluating tool installation when fastening a tool to a main shaft of a machine tool, wherein the method includes a storage step for storing a reference location of a draw bar at the time when the tool is contacting a mounting seat of the main shaft, in a state in which foreign matter has been removed from the surface of the mounting seat and from the contacting surface of the tool. The method for evaluating tool installation includes a measuring step for measuring a measurement location of the draw bar when the tool is installed on the main shaft, and a determination step for determining the installation state of the tool to be abnormal if a measurement-location error with respect to the reference location exceeds a predetermined determination range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: MAKINO MILLING MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuji TAKANO
  • Publication number: 20180036855
    Abstract: A mower reel grinding apparatus for a plurality of type of mower units, the apparatus including an enclosure including a plurality of predetermined fixed positions, each predetermined fixed position corresponding to at least one type of mower unit of the plurality of mower units, a grinding wheel, and a bracket to receive and releasably secure to a predetermined location on any one of the plurality of types of mower units, the bracket moveable to the predetermined fixed position corresponding to the type of mower unit releasably secured thereto such that a cutting reel of the mower unit is positioned at a desired position relative to the grinding wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory A. Veenendall, Andrew R. Chollett
  • Publication number: 20180036856
    Abstract: A glass-plate working apparatus 1 includes: two grinding worktables 17A and 17B which undergo NC controlled movement or angularly controlled rotation independently of each other and a grinding head 18 which undergoes NC controlled movement in correspondence with the grinding worktables 17A and 17B, wherein the grinding worktables 17A and 17B are adapted to alternately move in a planar coordinate system in cooperation with the grinding head 18 and alternately repeat operation in which while one of the grinding worktables 17A and 17B, while holding a glass plate 2, is effecting the grinding of the glass plate 2 by the grinding head 18, the other one of the grinding worktables 17A and 17B effects an operation of discharging the glass plate 2 and receiving a next glass plate 2, to thereby allow the grinding head 18 to proceed with grinding on a continual basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Kazuaki BANDO
  • Publication number: 20180036857
    Abstract: A grinding apparatus includes: a grinding stone in which an outer circumferential surface thereof is pressed against the workpiece while being rotated and driven; and a fluid injection apparatus that has a fluid injection nozzle including an injection port from which a fluid is injected to the outer circumferential surface of the grinding stone, and a grinding oil supply apparatus that supplies a grinding oil to a processing point and that includes a grinding oil supply nozzle separate from the fluid injection nozzle, the processing point being an abutting section of the grinding stone and the workpiece, wherein the injection port is arranged so as to face the outer circumferential surface of the grinding stone in a state capable of injecting the fluid to a position different from the processing point in a radial direction of the grinding stone among the outer circumferential surface of the grinding stone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji UTADA, Kazutaka EGAMI
  • Publication number: 20180036858
    Abstract: A hand-held sanding device for sanding a work piece. The sanding device includes a frame adapted for a manual grip and a sanding material provided within the frame for movement relative to the frame. The sanding material forms a sanding surface for the device. The sanding material moves relative to the frame through contact between the sanding surface and the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: David D. Kellogg
  • Publication number: 20180036859
    Abstract: In a method of processing a thin layer according to an embodiment, a substrate having a processing target layer is provided into a polishing module of a thin layer processing apparatus. A chemical mechanical polishing process using a polishing slurry is performed on the processing target layer. The substrate is cleaned using a cleaning slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Young Ju LEE, In Hoe KIM
  • Publication number: 20180036860
    Abstract: The method forms a porous polyurethane polishing pad by coagulating thermoplastic polyurethane to create a porous matrix having large pores extending upward from a base surface and open to an upper surface. The large pores are interconnected with small pores. Heating a press to temperature below or above the softening onset temperature of the thermoplastic polyurethane forms a series of pillows. Plastic deforming side walls of the pillow structures forms downwardly sloped side walls. The downwardly sloped side walls extend from all sides of the pillow structures. The large pores open to the downwardly sloped sidewalls are less vertical than the large pores open to the top polishing surface and are offset 10 to 60 degrees from the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Koichi Yoshida, Kazutaka Miyamoto, Katsumasa Kawabata, Henry Sanford-Crane, Hui Bin Huang, George C. Jacob, Shuiyuan Luo
  • Publication number: 20180036861
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing pad with improved slurry retention capacity, which includes a polishing layer. The polishing layer includes an elastomer main body and a plurality of titanium dioxide nanowires. Each of the titanium dioxide nanowires is independent and is distributed evenly and randomly in the elastomer main body. The present invention further provides a polishing apparatus and a method for manufacturing the polishing pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: CHUNG-CHIH FENG, I-PENG YAO, YUNG-CHANG HUNG, PIN-HSIEN SUNG, CHIN-WEI CHEN, WEN-CHIEH WU
  • Publication number: 20180036862
    Abstract: The porous polyurethane polishing pad includes a porous polyurethane matrix having large pores extending upward from a base surface and open to a polishing surface. A series of pillow structures is formed from the porous matrix that include the large pores and the small pores. The pillow structures have a downward surface extending from the top polishing surface for forming downwardly sloped side walls at an angle from 30 to 60 degrees from the polishing surface. The large pores open to the downwardly sloped sidewalls and are less vertical than the large pores. The large pores are offset 10 to 60 degrees from the vertical direction in a direction more orthogonal to the sloped sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Koichi Yoshida, Kazutaka Miyamoto, Katsumasa Kawabata, Henry Sanford-Crane, Hui Bin Huang, George C. Jacob, Shuiyuan Luo
  • Publication number: 20180036863
    Abstract: The polishing pad is suitable for polishing or planarizing at least one of semiconductor, optical and magnetic substrates with a polishing fluid and relative motion between the polishing pad and the at least one of semiconductor, optical and magnetic substrates. The polishing layer has an open-cell polymeric matrix, a polishing surface a plurality of grooves in the polishing layer. The plurality of projecting land areas are buttressed with a tapered support structure that extends outward and downward from the bottom plurality of projecting land areas. The plurality of projecting land areas have an average width less than average width of the plurality of grooves for decreasing polishing dwell time of the projecting land areas and increasing the debris removal dwell time of the groove areas to a value greater than the polishing dwell time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Henry Sanford-Crane, Shuiyuan Luo
  • Publication number: 20180036864
    Abstract: An object is to provide a single-wafer processing single-side polishing method and a single-wafer processing single-side polishing apparatus, which increase the flatness of a semiconductor wafer and reduce variations in flatness. The single-wafer processing single-side polishing method includes a polishing step of polishing a semiconductor wafer; and a shifting step of transferring the semiconductor wafer from a polishing plate to a tray outside the polishing plate, moving the relative position of the semiconductor wafer and the polishing head in the rotation direction of the polishing head, and then holding the semiconductor wafer with the polishing head. The polishing step is performed a plurality of times, and the shifting step is performed at least once between the plurality of polishing steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: SUMCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomonori KAWASAKI
  • Publication number: 20180036865
    Abstract: Apparatuses, components, methods, and techniques for selectively texturing concrete surfaces are provided. An example method of providing a surface portion of an architectural precast concrete wall panel with an abraded texture is provided. The method includes a step of spraying a surface portion of an architectural precast concrete wall panel with an aqueous-based particulate abrasive mixture under conditions adequate to at least partially abrade the surface portion. An example sprayer system for abrading a concrete surface is also provided. The system includes an aqueous-based particulate abrasive mixture dispenser including a spray nozzle arrangement. The system also includes a material communication assembly in abrasive flow communication with the aqueous-based particulate abrasive mixture dispenser. The system also includes a dispenser positioning arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Chris Bryntesen, Levi Leppke
  • Publication number: 20180036866
    Abstract: A nonwoven abrasive article includes a lofty open nonwoven fiber web comprising entangled fibers; and abrasive platelets secured to the entangled fibers by at least one binder material. A majority of the abrasive platelets are respectively bonded in an edge-wise manner to at least one of the entangled fibers. Methods of making the nonwoven abrasive article and converted forms, including a convolute abrasive wheel, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Robinette S. Alkhas, Ronald D. Apple, Louis S. Moren
  • Publication number: 20180036867
    Abstract: Embodiments of an auxiliary woodworking component may comprise a board having a first side and a second side and a peripheral side edge defining a shape of the board. At least one dovetail shaped first groove is in the first side of the board and having an opening at the peripheral side edge of the board and the at least one first groove extends in a first direction. At least one dovetail shaped second groove is in the first side of the board and having an opening at the peripheral side edge of the board and the at least one second groove extends in a second direction that is different than the first direction. Each of the first and second dovetail shaped grooves is trackless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Henry Wang
  • Publication number: 20180036868
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable length tool is provided herein. The clamping mechanism includes a body having a top end, a bottom end opposite the top end, and a top portion proximate the top end; and, a lever rotatably coupled to the body between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the lever engages with the body during a movement of the lever to the locked position to cause a deformation of the top portion of the body. According to one embodiment, deformation of the top portion of the body is structured to prevent relative movement between an inner pole of the adjustable length tool and the top portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Fiskars Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jake Maki, James Meiller, Jay Munroe
  • Publication number: 20180036869
    Abstract: A high torque ratchet wrench includes a main body having a handle and a head, the head having a first, second, and third cavities; a ratchet wheel rotatably disposed in the first cavity and having plural teeth; a direction switching assembly movably disposed in the second cavity; a ratchet block movably disposed in the third cavity and between the ratchet wheel and the direction switching assembly; and two torque blocks disposed in the third cavity and facing the ratchet block. The ratchet block has two sides provided with a first and a second held surfaces. The direction switching assembly moves between a first and second positions to force the ratchet block to engage the ratchet wheel. When the direction switching assembly is at the first or second position, the first held surface or the second held surface is correspondingly pushed by one of the torque blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: CHIEN-CHUAN KAO, CHAO-CHIH LIU
  • Publication number: 20180036870
    Abstract: A driving machine capable of performing replenishment of air in a pneumatic chamber includes: a housing; a cylinder provided within the housing; a pneumatic chamber spatially connected to the cylinder; a piston reciprocally movably provided in the cylinder; a blade attached to the piston and striking a stopper; and a moving mechanism reducing an internal volume of either the pneumatic chamber or the cylinder by a motor, and the driving machine drives the stopper by repulsive force of compressed air. The driving machine has a pressure accumulating mode in which the pneumatic chamber is pressurized by the motor from a state where the pneumatic chamber communicates with outside, and a striking mode in which the piston is moved by the motor from a bottom dead point to a top dead point in the cylinder and then from the top dead point toward the bottom dead point, thereby driving the stopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiichi KOMAZAKI, Mayumi UMINO, Yuki MITOMA, Shinichirou SATO
  • Publication number: 20180036871
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns improvements for a gas-powered fixing tool, and particularly a combustion chamber or precombustion chamber for a gas-powered fixing tool, a working chamber for a gas-powered fixing tool, a fuel gas injection device for a gas-powered fixing tool and a gas-powered fixing tool including one or more of these elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Cordeiro, Patrick Herelier, Frédéric Nayrac, Christian Ricordi, Alain Vettoretti
  • Publication number: 20180036872
    Abstract: A rubber mallet includes a handle and a striking head. The striking head includes an outer body and an inner body within the outer body. The outer body defines a receiving space receiving the inner body. The outer and inner bodies are made of different materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei Su
  • Publication number: 20180036873
    Abstract: A hand tool including a first head having at least one working surface, a second head having at least one working surface, and a handle having a first end and a second end, where the first head is coupled to the first end of the handle and the second head is coupled to the second end of the handle. The utility tool also includes a core coupled to the first head and the second head and extending through the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Kristin Mecham, David Jared Burton, Erik Robert Workman
  • Publication number: 20180036874
    Abstract: A driving tool includes a body and an auxiliary handle. The body includes a first rod and a second rod perpendicular to each other. The first rod includes an insertion hole and at least one receiving slot. The second rod is mounted between two opposite ends of the first rod. The auxiliary handle includes a connection slot mounted on the body, and an engaging recess. An adjusting member is mounted in the insertion hole and movable in relation to the first rod. At least one engaging member is received in the receiving slot and the engaging recess and is abutted against the adjusting member. Thus, the auxiliary handle is freely rotatable relative to the first rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
  • Publication number: 20180036875
    Abstract: A mechanism able to be attached to, or built into, a surface of an object such that it can then be manipulated to create an ergonomic handle for the objects' use. This mechanism is capable of configuring in both a flat-laying and a graspable protruding position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Ernest Seger
  • Publication number: 20180036876
    Abstract: Robotic systems include a frame or body with two or more wheels rotatably mounted on the frame or body and a motor for driving each wheel. A system controller generates a signal for actuating each motor based on information provided by one or more sensors in communication with the system controller for generating feedback signals for providing reactive actuation of the motors for generating one or more functions selected from the group consisting of forward motion, backward motion, hopping, climbing, and balancing. A power source is included for providing power to operate the drive motors, system controller and the one or more sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas R. BEWLEY, Christopher M. SCHMIDT-WETEKAM, Nicholas MOROZOVSKY, Matt GRINBERG
  • Publication number: 20180036877
    Abstract: [Object] To enable greater compactness and also to be capable of preventing breakdown more reliably. [Solution] Provided is an actuator, including: a motor; and a reduction gear having a breakdown torque that is less than a starting torque of the motor. A limit value in accordance with the breakdown torque of the reduction gear is set with respect to a control value for driving the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: YASUHISA KAMIKAWA, TETSUHARU FUKUSHIMA, WATARU KOKUBO, TOSHIMITSU TSUBOI, YOHEI KURODA, JUN ARAI
  • Publication number: 20180036878
    Abstract: Robots may be instantiated on-demand and may be adaptive in response to an environment, application, or event change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Venson Shaw, Jeffrey Joseph Farah
  • Publication number: 20180036879
    Abstract: A robot for capturing image frames of subjects in response to a request includes a base, a robot head, a camera, an angular positioning mechanism, a vertical positioning mechanism, and a control system. The base has a transport mechanism for controllably positioning the robot along a lateral surface. The angular positioning mechanism couples the camera to the robot head and controls a tilt of the camera. The vertical positioning mechanism couples the robot head to the base and adjusts a vertical distance between the robot head and the support surface. The control system controls image capture of the camera, the transport mechanism, the angular positioning mechanism, and the vertical positioning mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Accel Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: Marius O. Buibas, Martin A. Cseh, Michael B. Maseda, Nicholas J. Morozovsky
  • Publication number: 20180036880
    Abstract: A method for replicating the terrain of a remote environment by a terrain replicator with a plurality of extendable elements is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth Dean Stephens, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180036881
    Abstract: A gripping system which is monitored based on CEMF and a method for controlling the same includes: using a controller to instruct a drive unit to rotate a stepper motor; using the controller to compare the control instruction with a control parameter matrix stored in an access unit; obtaining a CEMF threshold by checking the position of the actual CEMF in the control parameter matrix; using the controller to continuously monitor the actual CEMF; and using the controller to compare the actual counter electromotive force with the obtained corresponding counter electromotive force threshold, stopping the stepper motor and letting the gripper maintain the gripping status when the actual counter electromotive force is smaller than or equal to the counter electromotive force threshold, and maintaining driving of the stepper motor when the actual counter electromotive force is larger than the counter electromotive force threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Chen-Ming WONG, Wei-Shao CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180036882
    Abstract: It becomes possible to optimize setting of a layout of a robot and a peripheral device efficiently and at high speed in a robot workspace. A teaching point acquiring unit acquires a teaching point which corresponds to a specific operation that a robot arm accesses the peripheral device, and through which it allows a reference region of the robot arm to pass. An initial layout generating unit generates an initial layout of the robot arm and the peripheral device. A trajectory generating unit generates a trajectory of the robot arm based on the teaching point. Layout evaluating and layout moving units generate a new layout by changing an arrangement of each device based on the initial layout using a meta-heuristic calculation, set an evaluation value concerning fitness for the specific operation in the initial layout or the new layout, and set the layout based on the set evaluation value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Gen Kimura
  • Publication number: 20180036883
    Abstract: A simulation apparatus that performs an operation of a virtual robot as a virtualization of a robot, includes a processor that is configured to specify a plurality of line segments of an outer shape of a virtual object as a virtualization of a work object of the robot, wherein data of the virtual object is converted from a first format into a second format having a data volume compressed to one tenth or less of that of the first format, and the processor is configured to operate the virtual robot based on selected line segments of the plurality of line segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Masanobu NISHITANI, Tsutomu HAGIHARA
  • Publication number: 20180036884
    Abstract: Methods and devices for identifying and defining a safety zone for restricting movement of a robotic arm in an operating room during a medical procedure are disclosed. The disclosed method utilizes medical navigation system, which receives an initiation input indicating initiation of defining of the safety zone. In response to receiving the initiation input, the system tracks an instrument and determines the location of the tracked instrument relative to a reference point. The system detects changes in the location of the tracked instrument until a termination input is received at the medical navigation system. The termination input indicates the termination of the defining of the safety zone. The system stores, in memory, change data indicative of the changes in the location of the tracked instrument. The data identifies the safety zone relative to the reference point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jy-Shyang CHEN, Kirusha SRIMOHANARAJAH, Gal SELA, Joshua RICHMOND, Kelly DYER
  • Publication number: 20180036885
    Abstract: The present invention provides a projection apparatus that projects line-light onto an object by a projection optical system, the apparatus comprising a generation unit configured to generate line-light by reflecting a portion of incident light, and an optical member having a reflecting surface configured to reflect the line-light generated by the generation unit to guide the line-light to the projection optical system, wherein the generation unit and the optical member are arranged so that an optical axis of the incident light to the generation unit, an optical axis of light incident on the reflecting surface, and an optical axis of light incident on the projection optical system are included in the same plane, and wherein the generation unit generates the line-light such that a direction orthogonal to the plane is a longitudinal direction of the line-light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Hideaki Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20180036886
    Abstract: A system, method, and device may include software and hardware which simplify and quicken configuration of the system for testing a device, enhance testing procedures which may be performed, and provide data via which to easily discern a cause and nature of an error which may result during testing. A camera may capture still images of a display screen of a tested device and another camera may capture video images of the tested device and a partner device. A wizard may be used to generate a configuration file based on one previously generated for a similar device. A mount for a tested device may be structured so that: it is suitable for mounting thereon a plurality of differently structured devices; and adjustments in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction in a plane and adjustments of an angle of the device relative to the plane may be easily made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: David Ross Jenkinson, Bobby Lee, Gavin Liaw
  • Publication number: 20180036887
    Abstract: Disclosed are a robot apparatus and a method for expressing emotions thereof, the method including determining motor movement information to drive a motor according to the emotional state to be expressed by the electronic device, determining the display position of the image object on the display according to the movement information of the motor, controlling an operation to drive the at least one motor according to the movement information of the motor, and changing the position of the image object displayed on the display in response to the movement of the electronic device driven by the at least one motor based on the determined display position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Jaekyu SHIM
  • Publication number: 20180036888
    Abstract: An exemplary method of marking an outline of a graphic element on a surface site such as a roof, floor, road, airfield or sports ground or similar large scale surface, includes preparing outline data representing the outline of the graphic element; and feeding the outline data to a robot. The robot marks the outline of the graphic element on the surface site based on the fed outline data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Philipp IRNIGER, Matthias BLEIBLER
  • Publication number: 20180036889
    Abstract: Example dish manipulation systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a robotic actuator includes at least one magnet. The robotic actuator is configured to manipulate, using magnetic attraction, an article of magnetic dishware. A processing system electrically coupled to the robotic actuator is configured to generate commands for positioning the robotic actuator in three-dimensional space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Paul M. Birkmeyer, Linda H. Pouliot, Kenneth M. Peters
  • Publication number: 20180036890
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media for autonomous robotic inspection are described. A system can include a robot having one or more processors, a memory device, one or more sensors, a communications interface and a locomotion subsystem. The system can also include a base unit coupled to the robot via a fiber optic cable and having a mechanical tether connected to the robot for retrieving the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin Cole Hollister
  • Publication number: 20180036891
    Abstract: Determining deviation of a multi jointed robot under load using a tribological contact between an end of the robot and any available hard constraint near the robot, involves pressing the end against the constraint, and then soliciting a movement of the end relative to the constraint in a tribologically resisted direction to apply a force that does not overbear the resistance. By measuring the force and a position encoded by the robot, a deviation of the robot under the corresponding load is determined. Correction terms may be required for deformation of the tribological surface and/or constraint. The constraint may be tooling or parts subjected to an intended process. The deviation at many measurement poses of the robot, each in multiple resisted directions, within the ordinary operating space of the robot, was used to derive compliances of the robot, and a kinetostatic model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Bruno MONSARRAT, Yves Fortin
  • Publication number: 20180036892
    Abstract: An end effector is configured to grasp articles that have deviated from their original shape. The end effector can return the article to its expected condition. The end effector can include a main platform, a first sub-platform and a second sub-platform. A first suction cup extends vertically below the main platform. Each of the sub-platforms includes one or more suction cups, respectively, that protrude vertically below the sub-platforms. Each sub-platform is connected to the main platform via a bellows actuator that can be extended and retracted via positive and negative pressures. The main platform can include fittings to allow the end effector to be attached to a wide variety of robotic arms, such as a delta robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Eric J. Berns
  • Publication number: 20180036893
    Abstract: Folding knife embodiments are disclosed herein comprising a blade operable to pivot relative to a handle, between an open position and a closed position, about a pivot axis extending through a tang portion of the blade having at least one locking recess. The knife can have a locking mechanism comprising a rod that extends along the pivot axis through the tang portion and a locking member coupled to the rod which engages the at least one locking recess of the tang portion when the blade is in at least one of the open position or the closed position. The knife can further comprise a push button coupled to the rod, wherein depression of the push button is configured to eject the locking member from the locking recess in the blade, thereby unlocking the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: GB II Corporation dba Columbia River Knife & Tool Company
    Inventor: Flavio Yuji Ikoma
  • Publication number: 20180036894
    Abstract: A knife is provided that includes a replaceable blade element. The knife employs a blade carrier that is fixedly interconnected to or foldable with respect to a handle. The blade carrier selectively receives the replaceable blade element that is locked into the blade carrier by way of a hook and movable pin combination. The replaceable blade element is designed to be inserted within the blade carrier quickly, easily, and safely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Bloch, Chen Haisheng, Liang Houkun
  • Publication number: 20180036895
    Abstract: A hand-held razor that has a “snap on and off” device to attach a single or multiple blades of a smaller dimension, e. g., of one inch or less, embodied as part of an integrated replaceable razor blade cartridge, by using retention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Sharidan L. Stiles
  • Publication number: 20180036896
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a stem to generate beads is provided. The apparatus includes a base member having a stem guide formed on a top surface of the base member, a cutting chamber positioned on the top surface of the base member, wherein the cutting chamber includes a cutting member for cutting the stem, and the cutting chamber includes a back end opening for sliding therethrough the stem and front end opening for dispensing the generated beads, measurement markings positioned along a length side of the stem guide, and an actuation member coupled the cutting member, thereby enabling the cutting member to cut the stem when actuated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Dimensions Crafts LLC
    Inventor: Rebecca Kroll