Patents Issued in February 22, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180050411
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power and auxiliary power includes an input circuit, a welding-type output power circuit, an auxiliary power circuit, and a controller. The input circuit receives input power and provides power to a common bus. The welding-type output power circuit receives power from the common bus and provides welding-type output power. The auxiliary power circuit receives power from the common bus and provides non-isolated auxiliary output power. The controller controls the auxiliary power circuit and the welding-type output power circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Madsen
  • Publication number: 20180050412
    Abstract: Welding-type power supplies with adjustable AC current commutation thresholds are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes an interface device to receive a commutation selection input, a power converter to convert input power to welding-type power, a commutator circuit to output alternating current (AC) welding-type power and to control a polarity of the AC welding-type power, and a control circuit. The control circuit determines a threshold output current based on the commutation selection input, determines an output current and a polarity of the AC welding-type power and, when the output current is less than the threshold output current, controls the commutator circuit to change the polarity of the AC welding-type power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Mark S. Kadlec, Andrew Joseph Henry
  • Publication number: 20180050413
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are continuous welding systems and methods for changing electrodes in continuous welding operations. The continuous welding system may include a first and a second welding assembly. A controller may engage with each welding assembly and may individually energize either one of the welding assemblies or both welding assemblies to perform a continuous welding operation. Electrodes from one welding assembly may be removed and replaced without interrupting the operation of at least one other welding assembly. A method of changing electrodes in a continuous welding operation may include performing a welder swap sequence to replace one electrode from a first welding assembly without interrupting the operation of at least one other welding assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Weber & Scher Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory K. Scher, Gregory S. Bogut, James Kling
  • Publication number: 20180050414
    Abstract: A plasma arc welding system includes at least two wire delivery mechanisms and at least two wires. Each of the two wires is delivered by one of the at least two wire delivery mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Russell Vernon Hughes
  • Publication number: 20180050415
    Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to an automatic, semi-automatic or a manual welding operation and utilizing a quick release mechanism to removeably secure a torch to a wire feeder or a torch cable to a wire feeder. The quick release mechanism can be configured to attach through a sidewall of a female member coupled to a wire feeder, wherein the quick release mechanism engages a male member inside the female member to couple or decouple the torch from the wire feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: JEFFREY L. KACHLINE
  • Publication number: 20180050416
    Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to a semi-automatic or a manual welding operation and utilizing a member or a clamp to removeably secure a torch or a torch cable to a wire feeder. The member can include a first portion that is separated from a second portion, wherein a curved portion is in between the first portion and the second portion. The member can include an opening on the first portion that blocks a path of connect or disconnect with a portion of the torch or the torch cable. Further, the member can include an aperture on the second portion that is used to couple to a portion of the wire feeder with a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: JEFFREY L. KACHLINE
  • Publication number: 20180050417
    Abstract: A penetration welding method includes a plasma welding step for forming a through hole in a work, which is a laminated steel plate, from a front surface to rear surface thereof without forming a hole in a component at the rear, by generating a plasma arc column from a plasma torch to the work. After the plasma arc column is generated, the plasma arc column is extinguished when an arc voltage or the length of the arc estimated from the arc voltage exceeds an end-determining threshold which is determined according to the thickness of the work. Further, plasma gas is discharged from the plasma torch at a flow rate at which the width of the plasma arc column is maintained approximately constant from the plasma torch side to the work side so that the arc voltage is increased at an approximately constant rate before and after penetration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Keishi SETODA, Yosuke HIRUMA, Yusuke MURAMATSU
  • Publication number: 20180050418
    Abstract: This invention discloses a 3D printing apparatus and method utilizing friction stir welding (FSW). The apparatus includes a material feeding mechanism, a control mechanism, a friction stir welding (FSW) mechanism, and a friction stir welding (FSW) rotation drive mechanism. The control mechanism controls the material feeding mechanism, the FSW mechanism and the FSW rotation drive mechanism. In addition to the control mechanism, the FSW mechanism also connects to the FSW rotation drive mechanism. The method comprises the steps of: 1, start the control mechanism; step 2, the control mechanism controls the material feeding mechanism to feed filling material; step 3, print 3D product with FSW mechanism. The invention achieves additive manufacturing and 3D printing with a new friction stir welding technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Xiao Dong, Qing Dong
  • Publication number: 20180050419
    Abstract: Described herein are tools and systems for friction stir welding, including cooling and clamping systems. Also disclosed are process parameters for friction stir welding aluminum metals, in some cases thick gauge aluminum metals, to other metals. The tool and process parameters can be used in transportation, electronics, industrial and motor vehicle applications, just to name a few.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Sazol Kumar Das, Hany Ahmed, Ganesh Bhaskaran
  • Publication number: 20180050420
    Abstract: A method for forming a metal matrix composite (MMC) structure includes forming an assembly including at least two blocks of a primary phase material sharing an interface at which a secondary phase material is disposed. The assembly has a length, a width, and a thickness. The method also includes clamping the assembly to at least one of urge the at least two blocks toward each other or maintain the at least two blocks at a predetermined position. Also, the method includes passing a rotating friction-stir pin along the interface from the front edge to the rear edge. The friction-stir pin has a mixing length extending at least the width of the assembly, and passing the friction-stir pin along the length of the assembly disperses the secondary phase material into the primary phase material and welds the at least two blocks together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ravi Verma
  • Publication number: 20180050421
    Abstract: A hybrid laser cladding nozzle configured to both powder feed and wire feed a cladding layer onto a substrate surface is disclosed. The hybrid laser cladding nozzle may comprise a central laser channel that is configured to convey a laser beam onto the substrate surface to produce a laser beam spot thereon. The hybrid laser cladding nozzle may further comprise a powder channel coaxial to the laser channel that is configured to feed a powder material onto the laser beam spot, and at least one wire channel laterally disposed with respect to the laser channel and the powder channel that is configured to feed a wire onto the laser beam spot. The laser beam spot may be configured to at least partially melt the powder material and the wire to produce the cladding layer on the substrate surface upon resolidification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thierry Marchione, Andrew Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20180050422
    Abstract: A method forming a metallic structure having two or more portions is provided. The method can include providing a first layer of metal-forming material and then applying energy of a first power level to a first area of the first layer of metal-forming material to form a first portion of the metallic structure having a first density. Energy of a second power level can then be applied to a second area of the first layer of metal-forming material to form a second portion of the metallic structure having a second density. A second layer of the metal-forming material can be applied on top of the first portion and the second portion. The energy of the first power level can be applied to a first area of the second layer of metal-forming material and the energy of the second power level can be applied to a second area of the second layer to form the metallic structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventor: Jason Wing-bin Fong
  • Publication number: 20180050423
    Abstract: A method for the production of a three-dimensional object (3) by layer-wise solidifying a building material (11) in powder form by means of electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation comprises a step of applying a layer of the building material (11) on a building support (2) or an already applied and selectively solidified layer and a step of selectively solidifying the applied layer by means of electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, wherein all positions in the layer that correspond to a cross-section of the object (3) are scanned by electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation such that at these positions the powder is melted at least at its surface. At least one cross-section comprises an inner region (63) and a surface region (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventor: Thomas Hoferer
  • Publication number: 20180050424
    Abstract: A sheet metal part (20) is produced from a starting sheet metal (27) and has at least one side edge (32) extending along the grain boundaries of the sheet metal material. Separating or breaking the starting sheet metal (27) at a separation location (28) is induced by forming a notch in the starting sheet metal or by cutting or scratching into the starting sheet metal. The starting sheet metal is clamped via a first portion (30) adjacently to the separation location (28). A second portion (31) disposed on the side of the separation location (28) opposite the first portion (30) is acted on to produce a bending moment M about a bending axis B at the separation location (28) and/or to produce a tensile force Z directed away from the separation location (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Jürgen Fahrenbach
  • Publication number: 20180050425
    Abstract: A tool and a method of reflow are provided. In various embodiments, the tool includes a chamber unit, a wafer lifting system, a heater, and an exhausting unit. The wafer lifting system is disposed in the chamber unit. The heater is coupled to the chamber unit, and configured to heat the wafer. The exhausting unit coupled to the chamber unit, and configured to exhaust gas in the chamber unit. The wafer lifting system is configured to receive and move the wafer in the chamber unit, and to provide a vertical distance between the heater and the wafer in the chamber unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Yen CHEN, Tzi-Yi SHIEH, Yuh-Sen CHANG, Chung-Li LEE
  • Publication number: 20180050426
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method in which an induction head is used to impinge an electromagnetic force field on a molten metal bead to shape same, e.g., to flatten same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Dennis Sigl, Dustin Wagner, Christopher Hsu
  • Publication number: 20180050427
    Abstract: The present invention provides manufacturing method of a heat exchanger that, even if the position of a tube opening portion of a tube of a heat exchanger for which tube expansion is conducted, varies depending on the type of a heat exchanger, a mechanism adjusting the stop position of a flare plate as well as any complicated adjusting work therefor are not necessary and a heat exchanger in which flares in the same shape and in constant certain depth are formed at an opening portion of a tube of various kinds of heat exchangers having different total lengths in the longitudinal direction, and a device for a heat exchanger manufacturing method, and an air conditioner and/or outdoor unit thereof equipped with a heat exchanger manufactured using said manufacturing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Kenji TOKURA
  • Publication number: 20180050428
    Abstract: A bearing cap removal mechanism is structured for removing bearing caps from an engine block. The bearing cap removal mechanism includes a securement mechanism operable to releasably secure at least one bearing cap to the securement mechanism prior to removal of the at least one bearing cap from the engine block. A removal force application mechanism is operatively coupled to the securement mechanism. The removal force application mechanism is operable to move the securement mechanism in a direction away from the engine block when the at least one bearing cap is secured to the securement mechanism, thereby removing the at least one bearing cap from the engine block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin W. Copeland
  • Publication number: 20180050429
    Abstract: A magnetic drive transmission method includes the steps of: disposing solid magnetic device and ring-shaped magnetic device at top and bottom surfaces of work platform, while keeping the solid magnetic device in axial alignment with the hollow inner diameter of the ring-shaped magnetic device the solid magnetic device enters within the magnetic field lines of the ring-shaped magnetic device so as to create a magnetic field downstream between the solid magnetic device and the ring-shaped magnetic device that changes the thrust of the same polarity repulsion and to further cause the solid magnetic device and the ring-shaped magnetic device to attract each other in a balanced manner, and then using the ring-shaped magnetic device to drive the solid magnetic device in moving a predetermined workpiece along one surface of the work platform to a predetermined location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Chiu-Fong HUANG, Hsiang-Yueh YU
  • Publication number: 20180050430
    Abstract: A portable rail system for mounting an engraving device includes rails and crossbar members that are precisely joined, and include height adjustment devices for incrementally adjusting the height of the rail system relative to a work surface or contact surface, thus making the portable rail system capable of being assembled and disassembled at a work site to enable the use of an engraving device, such as a CNC router engraving systems, in situ, or on-site, rather than in a workshop. The portable rail system enables the use of a CNC router device or other engraving device on vertical surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Henry Ashworth
  • Publication number: 20180050431
    Abstract: This invention provides a machine tool that, in addition to sequentially separating a chip generated from a workpiece in a reliable manner, improves the roundness of the finished workpiece and improves the visual appearance and roughness of a machined surface of the workpiece, and a control apparatus of the machine tool. A machine tool or a control apparatus thereof includes a vibration frequency setting unit for setting vibration frequency of the reciprocal vibration with respect to one relative rotation when machining a workpiece so that the intersections of paths of a cutting tool during forward movement and backward movement are dispersed on a circumferential surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ayako Kitakaze
  • Publication number: 20180050432
    Abstract: A machine tool which removal-machines a workpiece by means of a tool includes a retaining device (a workpiece spindle and a tailstock) that retains the workpiece, a support device (an in-machine robot) that supports the workpiece, in order to suppress deflection of the workpiece retained by the retaining device, and a control device that controls driving of the support device by force control having a force as a control target. Specifically, a supporting force by the support device and a machining force by a tool are measured, and the driving of the support device is controlled so that the supporting force is equal to the machining force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Shoichi MORIMURA
  • Publication number: 20180050433
    Abstract: A machine tool of the present embodiment includes: a column that is disposed in a vertically standing manner and has a predetermined linear expansion coefficient; a spindle head that is supported by the column and supports a horizontal spindle for attaching a tool thereto; and a reference bar that is disposed separately from the column and has a linear expansion coefficient that is different from the linear expansion coefficient of the column wherein the column has a column-side measurement target zone, the reference bar has a reference bar-side measurement target zone, and a measurement means measures a distance between the column-side measurement target zone and the reference bar-side measurement target zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: TOSHIBA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: KATSUMI HIRABAYASHI, ATSUSHI TADA
  • Publication number: 20180050434
    Abstract: A cutter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a blade body that includes a base body portion and a cutting edge portion disposed along an end portion of the base body portion and connected to the end portion. The base body portion contains a first metal. The cutting edge portion contains a second metal and a plurality of hard particles having hardness higher than that of the second metal. A cutter according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a blade body that includes a base body portion and a cutting edge portion disposed along an end portion of the base body portion and connected to the end portion. The base body portion contains a first metal as a primary component. The cutting edge portion contains, as a primary component, a second metal having hardness lower than that of the first metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Takanori Nishihara
  • Publication number: 20180050435
    Abstract: Provided is a grinding machine for processing a sweep edge of a rotor blade, including a grinding unit with a driven grinding tool, a workpiece receiving device which is designed for receiving a rotor blade to be ground, and a workpiece drive unit which is configured for moving the workpiece receiving device, with a rotor blade received thereon, relative to the grinding tool for the purpose of machining the sweep edge, wherein the workpiece drive unit has a pivot axis at which the workpiece receiving device is held in such a way that the sweep edge of a rotor blade received thereon is engaged with the grinding tool in the course of a pivot movement of the workpiece receiving device about the pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: JULIAN PHILIP HEIDERICH, KARSTEN SCHÄFFER, STEFAN SELLMANN, MARAT VISAJTAEV, FELIX VOGT
  • Publication number: 20180050436
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus includes a slurry circulating unit for storing a slurry below a chuck table having a holding surface for holding a wafer, and circulating the slurry to a polishing surface of a polishing pad for polishing the wafer. The slurry circulating unit includes an annular cup-shaped receptacle that surrounds the chuck table and the polishing pad overhanging from the holding surface of the chuck table in a polishing position where the polishing surface is in contact with the wafer, an air blow opening formed through a bottom plate of the receptacle for blowing air to thereby spray the slurry stored in the receptacle toward the polishing pad, a pipe for connecting the air blow opening to an air source, an opening formed through a side wall of the pipe, and a valve for controlling the supply and stop of air from the air source to the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20180050437
    Abstract: A structural unit, in particular a grinding wheel has a hole pattern for sucking away swarf from a machining surface. The hole pattern has at least three recesses which are arranged essentially along a first spiral line. The hole pattern also has at least three further recesses which are arranged essentially along a second spiral line which intersects the first spiral line in a region of at least one recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Roman Zaech, Peter Eggenberger, Simon Zürcher
  • Publication number: 20180050438
    Abstract: A spring component for a ratcheting mechanism, such as a ratchet wrench. The spring component is shaped to be retained in a recess without any special machining. For example, the spring component can be retained at three abutment points. A leaf of the spring component can abut a pawl, and a base portion opposite the leaf can abut the drive gear. Support arms can abut the sidewall of the recess to retain the spring component within the recess without the need for special machining or tooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventor: David T. Ross
  • Publication number: 20180050439
    Abstract: An auxiliary device of screwdriver refers to an auxiliary device attached on a screwdriver, which is adapted for keeping coupled on a recess close to an end of the screwdriver. The auxiliary device has an expanding portion and a hollow column formed by the extension of the expanding portion. An end of the expanding portion has a magnetic element arranged thereon. The hollow column is formed by connecting a plurality of ribs and walls. The inner margin of the hollow column extends to form a plurality of locking portions that allow the housing to couple with the screwdriver, wherein the auxiliary device is able to pivot on the screwdriver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Ying-Tsung Lai
  • Publication number: 20180050440
    Abstract: A magnetic tool connector has a main body including a driven end and a working end. The working end defines a first chamber and second chamber. The first chamber is configured to receive an object to be driven. The second chamber having a opening at an end edge of the first compartment. The end edge of the first compartment defines an abutting surface for positioning the object within the first chamber. A magnetic assembly is slidably coupled to the main body and includes a magnet. The magnetic assembly is movable between a first position in which the magnet is located outside of the second chamber and a second position in which the magnet is located within the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Po-Shen Chen
  • Publication number: 20180050441
    Abstract: A torque wrench includes a driving shank having two pivot bases, an anchor pivotally attached to one of the pivot bases and having channel formed in the anchor, a connection rod pivotally attached to the other pivot base, a housing engaged onto the connection rod, a casing disposed on the housing, a peg secured to the casing and slidably engaged in the channel of the anchor, a retainer member engaged into the casing and having a protrusion engaged into the housing, and a positioning element is engaged into the housing and engaged with the protrusion of the retainer member and for positioning the positioning element to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Tien Yu Fang, Hsin Pu Fang, Yu Chen Chu
  • Publication number: 20180050442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque wrench, which has a lever tube (3) having a handle (4) and has an indicating body (9) for indicating a set torque. The indicating body can be a scale housing or a scale sleeve. The handle (4) has a connecting piece (18), which points toward the indicating body (9) and which has a groove (19) on the outer periphery. Coupling segments directed toward the connecting piece (18) and having an abutment edge are provided on the indicating body (9). The handle (4) and the indicating body (9) are coupled by means of a locking ring (16). The locking ring (16) has blocking bodies for this purpose, which interact with the groove (19) on the connecting piece (18) and the abutment edges of the coupling segments in a locking manner. The torque wrench according to the invention is distinguished by the modular handle system thereof and enables economical production by means of structurally identical series together with simple assembly processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: HAZET-WERK HERMANN ZERVER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Christian BALLSIEPER, Patrick KLATT, Peter WELP
  • Publication number: 20180050443
    Abstract: A key press facilitates securing a shackle assembly used for connecting chains, buoys, and other devices used for watercraft applications. The shackle assembly includes a shackle, a bolt, and a split key. The shackle has two shackle legs with openings. The bolt includes a shaft with a distal end having a slot. The split key has two split key legs extending from an enlarged rounded end. The key press includes a receptacle and a wedge head having an apex. The shaft of the bolt is passed through the shackle leg openings and then the split key legs are passed through the slot. The distal end of the bolt is the placed into the receptacle. The wedge head is lowered until the apex is placed between the split key legs which are then bent away from each other so as to secure the shackle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Griffin
  • Publication number: 20180050444
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a detaching tool The detaching tool includes a detaching plate. A detaching part of the detaching plate is adapted to be inserted between a printed circuit board and a backlight source back plate. The detaching tool is configured to separate and detach the PCBA, adhered to the backlight source back plate, from the backlight source back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Hailong Gao, Lizhao Hou, Ji Zhang, Wei Zhang, Yanhong Liu, Lei Lv, Dandan Xin
  • Publication number: 20180050445
    Abstract: A striker includes a base portion, a striking portion, and two reinforcing ribs. The base portion has opposite slide surface and base surface, and a front end surface connected between the slide and base surfaces. The striking portion is formed on the front end surface, and has a maximum width in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis smaller than a width of the front end surface. The reinforcing ribs are connected to the base portion. Each reinforcing rib has first and second edges disposed respectively distal from and proximate to the base surface in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and disposed respectively distal from and proximate to the striking portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Chien-Kuo Po, Ching-Han Chang
  • Publication number: 20180050446
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a stapling device, comprising an activation unit configured to sense at least one of a movement of the stapling device, a position of a switch or a signal from a timer. There is a detection unit that is activated based on a signal from the activation unit to generate an input data. The stapling device further comprises a processing unit to determine number of pins in the stapling device, by comparing the input data with a pre-configured data and a display unit interfaced with the processing unit, to indicate status of the pins in the stapling device, wherein the status is based on the determined number of pins in the stapling device. Thus the stapling device of the present disclosure identifies the exhaustion of pins and accordingly enables timely replenishment of the stapling device with pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Vijay KUMAR, Thomas Chittakattu NINAN, Shagun RAI
  • Publication number: 20180050447
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle is disclosed. The auxiliary handle has a frame-shaped grip which has a grip bar for gripping by a user, a crossbar, and two flanks connecting the grip bar to the crossbar. A loop-shaped clamping element is fastened to the crossbar for placing on a neck of a handheld machine tool. A clamping mechanism serves for clamping the element about the neck of the handheld machine tool. The frame-shaped grip has a frame-shaped base body molded from a first plastic, which has a solid body joint in each of the regions of the flanks. A casing made from a second plastic encloses the fame-shaped base body in the region of the grip bar and the solid body joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Steffen Geiger
  • Publication number: 20180050448
    Abstract: The invention relates to the electric power field, in particular to a live working robot used for running and operating along wires of high-voltage transmission lines, which can realize obstacle surmounting of the live working robots along the wires safely and conveniently, comprising: a main body; a walking mechanism, wherein the walking mechanism comprises three walking arms installed on the main body and spaced apart from one another, a rolling wheel is arranged at an end of each walking arm and is in an online state when being located on an upper surface of a wire or in an offline state when being separated from the wire; the rolling wheels of at least two walking arms are in the online state; at least one part of the walking arm can extend and retract in the vertical direction to change the vertical position of the rolling wheel relative to the wire, and at least one walking arm has a rotatable portion which can rotate to change the position of the rolling wheel relative to the wire; a mounting mechanism
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicants: STATE GRID HUNAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY LIVE WORKING CENTER, STATE GRID HUNAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA, HUNAN PEACE PROSPERITY ELECTRIC LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiaqing LIU, Dehua ZOU, Yu YAN, Jie NIU, Jianjun ZHANG, Cunyun PAN, Hao GUO, Yang LONG, Naicheng OU, Zhiwen WANG
  • Publication number: 20180050449
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mobility system. The mobility system has at least one driven exoskeleton for a person. The at least one driven exoskeleton has at least one electronic unit that controls and/or regulates an operating state of the exoskeleton. At least one vehicle has a passenger compartment and at least one mechanical coupling station, which is arranged in the passenger compartment. The exoskeleton can be mechanically coupled to the mechanical coupling station. The vehicle has at least one electronic device, wherein the electronic unit is connectable, via at least one communication connection, to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic STEFAN, Uwe GUSSEN, Frank PETRI
  • Publication number: 20180050450
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for configuring a group of mobile field devices using a configuration device (an HMI) is provided. In particular, the HMI is programmed to configure identically programmed field devices that are arbitrarily arranged in an application-dependent formation by defining and providing configuration parameters to the devices via wired and/or wireless communication. In particular, the HMI assigns a unique identifier to respective robots as a function of the position of the robot within the formation or the layout of the environment. Accordingly each robot can be efficiently configured by the HMI to operate independently yet as a coordinated member of the group and without requiring the robots to be placed in specific positions during the initial deployment. This obviates the need for constant independent control commands for each robot by a central controller or providing a customized control program to each robot during deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Parrott, Pablo Carrasco Zanini
  • Publication number: 20180050451
    Abstract: A picking system includes a picking robot, a shape obtainer, and circuitry. The picking robot is configured to hold an object. The shape obtainer is configured to obtain shape information of the object. The circuitry is configured to estimate a weight of the object based on the shape information obtained by the shape obtainer; and control the picking robot to hold the object based on the weight estimated by the weight estimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Kanji TAKANISHI, Fuminori KUTSUKAKE, Akihiro YAMAMOTO, Shinichi ISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20180050452
    Abstract: A robot control device includes a feature-point detecting unit that detects, from an image of an object acquired by a visual sensor, the positions of a plurality of feature points on the object in a predetermined cycle; a position/orientation calculating unit that updates, in the predetermined cycle, respective equations of motion of the plurality of feature points on the basis of the detected positions of the plurality of feature points and that calculates the position or orientation of the object on the basis of the detected positions of the plurality of feature points calculated from the updated equations of motion; and a robot-arm-movement control unit that controls the movement of a robot arm so as to follow the object, on the basis of the calculated position or orientation of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Gaimou OU, Bunketsu CHIN
  • Publication number: 20180050453
    Abstract: Example systems and methods are described that are capable of manipulating fixtures and objects. In one implementation, a system includes a robotic actuator and a processing system configured to generate commands for positioning the robotic actuator. A vision system is configured to process visual information proximate the robotic actuator. The robotic actuator is configured to manipulate a fixture, where the fixture is configured to be placed on a work surface to aid in manipulating an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Peters, Paul M. Birkmeyer
  • Publication number: 20180050454
    Abstract: Example implementations may relate to a computing device configured to operate a robotic system. In particular, the device receives input data that is generated by a hand-holdable controller including a knob, where the knob includes touch sensors arranged to detect touch on surfaces of the knob. Based on the input data, the device detects that the controller is within a first threshold distance from a first component of the robotic system and responsively operates the first component of the robotic system based on the input data. The device then receives subsequent input data that is generated by the controller. Based on the subsequent input data, the device subsequently detects that the controller is within a second threshold distance from a second component of the robotic system and responsively operates the second component of the robotic system based on the subsequent input data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Linnell, Anthony Sean Jules
  • Publication number: 20180050455
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a boat which comprises, a surface on which a plurality of electronic components can be supported, the surface having a plurality holes defined therein through which a vacuum can be passed to hold components on the surface; and a first vacuum inlet which is in fluid communication with the plurality of holes, wherein the first vacuum inlet can be fluidly connected to a first vacuum generating means so that the first vacuum generating means can provide a vacuum at the plurality of holes; a second vacuum inlet which is in fluid communication with the same plurality of holes with which the first vacuum inlet is in fluid communication with, wherein the second vacuum inlet can be fluidly connected to a second vacuum generating means so that the second vacuum generating means can provide a vacuum at the plurality of holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michel CHARPIE, Rainer HITMANN, Serge KUNZLI, Max SCHAULE, Dieter SCHMID, Andreas WIESBOCK, Thomas SCHOTTL
  • Publication number: 20180050456
    Abstract: A grasping mechanism including a first grasping piece and a second grasping piece that are coupled with each other so as to be pivotable about a pivoting axis, a pulling pulley that is supported by the second grasping piece so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the pivoting axis, and a wire whose distal end is secured to one grasping piece and that is wound around the pulling pulley so that a resultant force of tensile forces on both sides of the pulling pulley flanking the rotation axis generates a rotational moment about the pivoting axis in a closing direction of the second grasping piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriaki YAMANAKA
  • Publication number: 20180050457
    Abstract: A bypass pruning tool with a manual dial adjustment for varying the degree of blade and handle opening. A rotary drum dial uses a nautilus cam with a shaft cam-follower to provide adjustment of the blade and handle openings in a continuous range. A blade locking mechanism provides position closure of the blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: James Joseph Wolf, Craig Steven Agney, Estevan Jose Silvas, JR., Timothy Edward Atnip, Christopher S. Daniels, Jeffrey R. Burger, Laura W. Alexander, Donald C. Meves, Anthony Magana
  • Publication number: 20180050458
    Abstract: A rotary knife includes a frame, an annular blade, and a blade housing mounted to the frame. The housing presents a circumferential mounting surface in contact with the frame. The housing supports the blade on the frame for rotation about a central axis. The housing includes a blade-supporting race defined along a circle centered on the central axis. The mounting surface is defined along a circular arc with a center point spaced from the central axis, such that the blade-supporting race and mounting surface are eccentric relative to one another. The housing presents opposite inner and outer annular faces. At least one of the faces presents a proximal-most end in contact with the frame and a distal-most end spaced from the frame. The proximal-most end is spaced from the central axis a first distance. The distal-most end is spaced from the central axis a second distance. The distances are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Hantover, Inc.
    Inventor: Clark A. Levsen
  • Publication number: 20180050459
    Abstract: A prepping tool according to the claimed invention comprises an arm assembly having a first end and a second end, a handle base rotationally coupled to the first end of the arm assembly and a cutting device operably coupled to the second end of the arm assembly. The prepping tool is configured to cut an object in variable circumferences in a substantially circular fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: MATTHEW FRANK, RAQUEL RABAGO
  • Publication number: 20180050460
    Abstract: Device for cutting expanded polystyrene foam volumes or the like, obtaining double-curvature surfaces, comprising a first pair of linear guides; over each of the linear guides two pairs of plates arranged over skids are moving, where each pair of plates is connected by a horizontal beam; the two pairs of plates and the pair of horizontal beams allow supporting and fixing a block of material of expanded polystyrene foam or the like for cutting; the block of material supported on the plates is displaced by a first pair of synchronous belts and pulleys, which are driven by a first pair of step motors, which are simultaneously activated; where the block of material in its movement faces a rectangular frame which is arranged perpendicularly to the movement path of the block, with said rectangular frame having a fixed position and a flexible foil, which is covered with a sheath of thermal and electrical insulation, over which a resistive heating wire is helically wound, through which an electrical current circulate
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Luis Felipe GONZALEZ BOHME, Francisco Javier QUITRAL ZAPATA, Fernando Alfredo AUAT CHEEIN