Abstract: Diamond-containing articles such as composite materials shaped as some specific article, can be engineered such that bodies that contact the article only contact diamond. In an embodiment, the article may be in the form of equipment for handling semiconductor wafers such as vacuum or electrostatic chucks. In one embodiment, the diamond-containing article can be a composite of diamond particulate reinforcing a Si/SiC body such as reaction-bonded SiC. Lapping the diamond-reinforced RBSC body with progressively finer diamond grit removes some of the SiC/Si matrix material, leaving diamond particles of uniform height “standing proud” above the rest of the surface of the formed article. Further, if the diamond-containing article is sufficiently electrically conductive, it may be machinable using electrical discharge machining.

Abstract: A cutting wheel includes a body having a bond material. The bond material comprises at least about 31 vol % of a total volume of the body. Additionally, the body includes abrasive particles contained within the bond material. The abrasive particles include a first type of abrasive particle including black alumina with at least about 10 vol % of a total volume of the abrasive particles including black alumina. In some instances the cutting wheel can include a chop saw, while in other situations, the cutting wheel can include a cut-off wheel.

Abstract: A transport, driving or pressing belt, comprising at least one belt material having a lower and an upper face limited by two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges running obliquely with respect to the main extension direction of the belt, the belt material being closed and the longitudinal edges being folded down, and a method for manufacturing a transport, driving or pressing belt. To ensure high tensile strength over the complete belt length and avoid an edge tearing of the first belt material at the longitudinal edges, the transverse edges of a first belt material lie against each other in abutting relationship, and a second belt material is arranged centrically on the first belt material at least in the region of the transverse edges. The second belt material here nearly covers a width of 50% of the first belt material and is centrically glued with the first belt material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vise for clamping a workpiece with two clamping jaw holders, each for receiving a clamping jaw for clamping the workpiece between the two clamping jaws, a fixed lower part and a carriage guide for linearly displaceable guidance of at least one of the two clamping jaw holders, wherein the carriage guide has two guide bars which are fastened to the lower part. It is proposed that the guide bars of the carriage guide are fastened laterally to the lower part.

Abstract: A vise including a threaded shaft and a carriage threadably coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the carriage to move along an axis. The vise further includes an insert that is removably coupleable to said carriage, wherein one of the carriage or the insert includes a groove formed therein having a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side walls and defining the groove therebetween, or having a pair of side walls that do not diverge in a direction moving from an outer portion of the groove to a bottom thereof. The other one of the carriage or the insert includes a protrusion that is removably receivable in the groove in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis to thereby removably couple the insert to the carriage.

Abstract: A pinch-off pliers possessing a canted orientation along the length. The pinch-off pliers has a first clamping unit, a second clamping unit, and an axial mechanism. The pinch-off pliers positioned along a first axis and a second axis, where the first axis is not parallel to the second axis. An intersection of the first axis and the second axis along the length of the pinch-off pliers creates a canting angle theta in the pinch-off pliers at the intersection. An intersection of a first plane and a third plane creates a second canting angle omega when having the pinch-off pliers positioned along the first axis and an intersecting fourth axis.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a selectively one-way wrench includes a disc and a pusher. The disc includes two hooks, a cutout between the hooks, and an axle extending from the disc. The axle includes first and second faces, an arched face extending between the first and second faces, and an apex formed between the first and second faces. The pusher extends around the axle and includes two arched portions, two flat portions formed between the arched portions, a middle portion formed between the flat portions, and a gap between free ends of the arched portions. The arched portions extend around the arched face.

Abstract: A torque wrench including a head, a handle, a primary beam, a secondary beam, and a torque adjustment mechanism. The primary beam couples the head and the handle for co-rotation about the rotational axis and the primary beam includes a first end adjacent the head and a second end adjacent the handle. The secondary beam is coupled to the head for rotation with the head about the rotational axis and the secondary beam is movable relative to the primary beam and the handle. The torque adjustment mechanism is operable to move the primary beam relative to the secondary beam to adjust a torque setting. The torque adjustment mechanism includes a thumb adjustment wheel that a user rotates about a first axis to adjust the torque setting by moving the second end of the primary beam relative to the handle along a second axis that is offset from the first axis.

Abstract: A torque wrench including a head, a handle, a primary beam, a secondary beam, and a torque adjustment mechanism. The primary beam couples the head and the handle for co-rotation about the rotational axis and the primary beam includes a first end adjacent the head and a second end adjacent the handle. The secondary beam is coupled to the head for rotation with the head about the rotational axis and the secondary beam is movable relative to the primary beam and the handle. The torque adjustment mechanism is operable to move the primary beam relative to the secondary beam to adjust a torque setting. The torque adjustment mechanism includes a thumb adjustment wheel that a user rotates about a first axis to adjust the torque setting by moving the second end of the primary beam relative to the handle along a second axis that is offset from the first axis.

Abstract: A working head for a hydraulic power tool. The working head includes a head frame and a first moveable die head configured to move along the working head frame. The first moveable die head is configured to receive a first moveable die comprising a first body length and a second die head is adapted to receive a second die comprising a second body length. At least one of the moveable die or the stationary die comprises an elongated die.

Abstract: A pliers switchable for use with external snap-rings and internal snap-rings. The pliers has a first member with V-shape track, a second member with an aperture, and a switch mechanism. The second member and the switch mechanism are translatable along the V-shape track, and the switch mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the first and second members in and out of a “locked” position.

Abstract: A universal center punch has a body with a passage therein, a punch rod extending along the passage, a first leg pivotally mounted adjacent one side of the body so as to extend outwardly of the body, and a second leg pivotally mounted adjacent an opposite side of the body so as to extend outwardly of the body. The first and second legs are linked together so such that a movement of one of the legs causes a corresponding movement of the other leg. Each of the legs has a magnet thereon. An inclinometer can be removably affixed to the body so as to measure an inclination of the punch rod.

Abstract: An electric power tool of one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a motor, an output shaft, a first power transmission, a second power transmission, a common sensor, a twisted-motion detector, and a vibration-based load detector. The common sensor detects a motion of the housing and outputs a detection signal indicating the detected motion. The twisted-motion detector detects a twisted-motion of the housing in a circumferential direction of the output shaft based on the detection signal. The vibration-based load detector detects a vibration of the housing in an axial direction of the output shaft based on the detection signal and detects a load on the output shaft based on the detected vibration.

Abstract: An electric power tool includes a housing, a motor, an output shaft, an acceleration sensor, and a twisted-motion detector. The housing is configured to house the motor and the output shaft. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect acceleration of the housing. The twisted-motion detector is configured to repeatedly obtain acceleration of the housing in the circumferential direction of the output shaft, to calculate a speed by integrating, of the obtained accelerations, accelerations obtained in a certain period, and to detect twisting of the housing from the speed.

Abstract: A power tool contains a brushless motor that includes a stator having a stack thickness and an outer diameter, a rotor having a diameter, and a motor shaft extending from the rotor and having a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is operably coupled to the motor shaft and is configured to drive a tool accessory in relation to a drive axis. A first housing houses the motor and the drive mechanism. The drive axis does not intersect the brushless motor, but the rotational axis of the motor shaft intersects the drive axis. The outer diameter of the stator is at least five times greater than the stack thickness. Furthermore, the diameter of the rotor is greater than the stack thickness.

Abstract: An electric power tool according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body, a motor, a tool holder configured to hold a tool bit, a hammer, a motion converter, a rotation transmitter, a first load detector, a second load detector, and a motor controller. The first load detector detects, based on information indicating a drive state of the motor, a load imposed from a work piece to the tool bit. The second load detector detects, based on information indicating a behavior of the main body, a load imposed from the work piece to the tool bit. The motor controller sets an upper limit of rotational speed of the motor to a predetermined no-load rotational speed in response to no-load on the tool bit being detected by both the first load detector and the second load detector.

Abstract: A hammer drill includes a switch, an operation member, a lock member, a mode switching member and a linked member. The operation member is normally held in an OFF position and moves to an ON position in response to an external pressing operation. The lock member moves in response to an external operation between a locking position, where the lock member is capable of locking the operation member in the ON position, and a non-locking position, where the lock member is incapable of locking the operation member. The linked member moves to an allowing position for allowing a movement of the lock member when the mode switching member is switched to a switching position corresponding to a hammer mode, and moves to an inhibiting position for inhibiting the movement of the lock member when the mode switching member is switched to a switching position corresponding to a drill mode.

Abstract: A power tool, such as a rotary hammer or hammer drill, includes a first housing that contains a motor and a drive mechanism for linearly reciprocally driving a tool accessory, and a second housing that includes a handle, a first portion and a second portion. At least one elastic element connects the first and second housings such that the handle is biased away from the first housing. A first set of sliding contact surfaces is defined on or connected to the first housing and the first portion of the second housing. A second set of sliding contact surfaces is defined on or connected to the first housing and the second portion of the second housing. The first and second sets of sliding contact surfaces are located on opposite sides of the motor such that the rotational axis of the motor intersects the first and second sets of sliding contact surfaces.

Abstract: A multitool that can be carried on a person, including a body shaped to function as a series of tools, the body including a storage receptacle extending into the body from an opening at one end, the storage receptacle capable of receiving and retaining within the storage receptacle one or more hex drivers when not in use, the opening defining a socket formation for receiving and retaining a mounting end of a hex driver such that the hex driver protrudes from the body for use as a screwdriver.

Abstract: A housing assembly (26) for a working assembly (10) of an outdoor power device (20) may include a first, second, and third housing portion. The second and third housing portions may be operably coupled to the first housing portion to at least partially enclose a motor housing (60), which may comprise a body portion (62), a top endplate (64), and a bottom endplate (66) to house an electric motor for driving the working assembly (10). The first, second, and third housing portions may combine to define a first opening and a second opening (132, 134) such that two opposing sides of the body portion (62) are exposed in respective ones of the first and second openings (132, 134). In addition, or alternatively, a gap (130) may separate the housing assembly (26) from the entirety of the top endplate (64), the entirety of the body portion (62), and a substantial majority of the bottom endplate (66).

Abstract: An electric power tool in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing; a motor; an output shaft; a rotation transmission; a motor controller; and a twisted-motion detector. The twisted-motion detector is disposed in the housing independently from the motor controller. The twisted-motion detector detects a twisted-motion of the housing in the circumferential direction of the output shaft and outputs a result of the detection to the motor controller.

Abstract: An accessory attachment for a driven fastener hand tool is disclosed comprising a mounting block having an attachment channel and an indexing guide feature. A plate for covering a fastener driving channel of the fastener tool has a nose end with chamfered edges on opposing sides towards the fastener driving channel and the attachment channel has opposing lips for seating against the chamfered edges of the nose end of the plate. One or more bolts through the mounting block at a bottom of the attachment channel press the nose end of the plate causing the opposing lips of the mounting block to press against the chamfered edges thereby securing the mounting block to the nose end of the plate. Alternately or additionally, the mounting block can be used to support a range of accessories including, a non-marring pad, a light, such as an LED, a level, and/or an edge guide.

Abstract: A T-bar type hand tool includes a first part, a second part, a rotary member, a cap and a bearing. The second part is movably extending through a through hole of the first part. The rotary member is connected to the first part. The bearing is mounted to the rotary member and the cap. When rotating the rotary member, the first part is rotated quickly.

Abstract: A hand tool assembly generally comprising a handle and a tool head combined by a connector. The handle has a first end and a second end. The connector has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connector is combined with the second end of the handle. The second end of the connector is combined with the head of a tool by inserting the connector into a socket/opening in the tool's head. The second end of the connector is flexible thereby allowing it to conform to the shape of the socket regardless of whether the socket is straight or curved. A rigid tube insert is positioned a short distance into the handle second end and extends a short distance outward from the handle second end. Adhesives, fasteners, internal hooks, or other commonly known methods of securing an object within an outer sheath or covering may be used to help secure the components together.

Abstract: A sawhorse rail system includes a plurality of sawhorses having a pair of recesses configured to fit a pair of rails. Each of the pair of rails has a T-shaped protrusion and T-shaped aperture, the T-shaped protrusion of one rail configured to fit in the T-shaped aperture of the other rail. The T-shaped protrusion and T-shaped aperture may further have a recess to accommodate a dog bone shaped connector. The pair of rails also connect with moveable positioners that secure a body forming a work surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, having: a panel (100) comprising a top surface (102), a bottom surface (104), and a side surface (106) spanning the top and bottom surfaces; plural upper retaining slots (110), each upper retaining slot recessed into the panel through the top surface, extending parallel to the top surface, and opening through the side surface in at least one location (112), wherein each upper retaining slot comprises a trapezoidal shape; and a dog hole (122) extending through the panel from the top surface to the bottom surface.

Abstract: A tool holder comprises a first pair of opposing sides and a second pair of opposing sides. The second pair of opposing sides is disposed intermediate the first pair of opposing sides. The tool holder includes an at least one pocket attached to at least one of the sides. A first pair of straps connect a top edge of each of the first pair of opposing sides. The tool holder is configurable between an expanded position and a collapsed position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for 3-dimensionally positioning a coupling component, which forms part of an actuator-driven coupling structure, wherein said device comprises at least a first coupling element that extends in a first longitudinal direction and can be bidirectionally displaced along its first longitudinal direction by means of a first actuator, a second coupling element that extends in a second longitudinal direction and can be bidirectionally displaced along its second longitudinal direction, which extends orthogonal to the first longitudinal direction, by means of a second actuator, and a lever with a longitudinal lever direction that is mounted pivotably about a pivoting axis, which divides the lever into a work arm and a power arm.

Abstract: In order to make learning efficient for a robot, a robot operation device is provided with operation information input units for generating operation information specifying a state of a robot on the basis of an operation by an operator, a control unit for controlling the robot on the basis of the operation information, a non-operation information collecting unit for collecting non-operation information which is information that relates to the operator and does not affect the state of the robot, an action analysis unit for estimating the state of the operator on the basis of the non-operation information, and an action learning unit for learning the operation of the operator on the basis of the operation information and the estimation result of the action analysis unit.

Abstract: A control device for a robot for performing an operation in cooperation with a person, the control device includes a machine learning device including a recognition unit for classifying an action of the person, and a learning unit for learning the action of the person, while the person performs an operation in cooperation with the robot; and an action control unit for controlling the action of the robot based on a result of the classification of the recognition unit.

Abstract: Robots have the capacity to perform a broad range of useful tasks, such as factory automation, cleaning, delivery, assistive care, environmental monitoring and entertainment. Enabling a robot to perform a new task in a new environment typically requires a large amount of new software to be written, often by a team of experts. It would be valuable if future technology could empower people, who may have limited or no understanding of software coding, to train robots to perform custom tasks. Some implementations of the present invention provide methods and systems that respond to users' corrective commands to generate and refine a policy for determining appropriate actions based on sensor-data input. Upon completion of learning, the system can generate control commands by deriving them from the sensory data. Using the learned control policy, the robot can behave autonomously.

Abstract: A robot control device includes: a robot tool tip position calculator configured to calculate a position of a tip part of a tool of a robot; an operation limited region setting unit provided for a user to set an operation limited region having a desired size; a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the position of the tip part of the tool is within the operation limited region; and an operation limiting unit configured to, in the case where the position of the tip part of the tool is within the operation limited region, limit at least one of a speed and an acceleration of the robot.

Abstract: A robot behavior generation method includes: generating a human body model; generating a robot model; creating associations between the human body model and the robot model; acquiring first motion data indicating movement of a human body model; selectively choosing movement feature indices having first unknown motion data that indicates movement of the human body model, and setting an evaluation standard for a reproduction error with respect to the normative motion data; selecting a constraint necessary for a robot to move, included in second unknown motion data that indicates the movement of the robot model; calculating first unknown motion data and second unknown motion data the reproduction errors of which based on the evaluation standard are minimum under the association and the constraint; and using the second unknown motion data to control the robot.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for social behavior of a telepresence robot are disclosed herein. A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an object detection system, and a social behaviors component. The drive system is configured to move the telepresence robot. The control system is configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area. The object detection system is configured to detect a human in proximity to the telepresence robot. The social behaviors component is configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to operate according to a first set of rules when a presence of one or more humans is not detected and operate according to a second set of rules when the presence of one or more humans is detected.

Abstract: A robot system and a maintenance method, capable of easily managing maintenance information and/or predicting a failure, with respect to each module constituting a robot. The robot system includes a plurality of robots each having an arm configured as an exchangeable module. The robot system also includes: a robot information storing section configured to store robot information including at least one of an operational status, failure prediction information, failure diagnosis information and maintenance history information of each module; a reading section configured to read a unique identifiable information of the module; a robot information referring section configured to refer to the stored robot information with respect to the module corresponding to the read unique identifiable information; and a robot information outputting section configured to output the robot information with respect to each module of the robot.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tactile sensor for detecting a clamping force includes an ultrasonic detector and a sensing layer, and the sensing layer includes a first soft layer and a second soft layer, and the first soft layer has plural spherical microstructures arranged in contact with the ultrasonic detector, so that after a pressure is applied to the sensing layer, the ultrasonic detector generates an ultrasonic wave and receives a reflected wave signal, and the signal is provided for identifying the contact area of the spherical microstructures and deriving the force exerted on the tactile sensor.

Abstract: An autonomous device for loading and unloading trucks comprises a mobile body, a robot arm and a body conveyor system to convey cartons during loading and unloading. A manipulator attaches to a moveable end of the robot arm and is maneuverable within the tight confines of the truck. The manipulator picks up a row of articles at a first location and places the row of articles down at a second location. The manipulator is reconfigurable to match to both locations.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a biomimetic limb and robot using the same. The biomimetic limb includes: an arm and a biomimetic hand connected to the arm and including at least one biomimetic finger. The biomimetic finger includes a carbon nanotube layer and a vanadium dioxide layer (VO2) layer stacked with each other. Because the drastic, reversible phase transition of VO2, the biomimetic finger has giant deformation amplitude and fast response. An robot using the biomimetic limb is also provided.

Abstract: A method of assembling a portion of a robot, including, providing a robot arm having an exterior surface and providing a tendon retaining element, having a first half having a first major surface, defining open channels and a second half having a second major surface. Then, placing a tendon in each of the open channels of the first half and placing the second major surface on the first major surface, thereby creating a set of closed channels each having a tendon passing therethrough and creating a finished tendon retaining element. Finally, attaching the finished tendon retaining element about the exterior surface of the robot arm, so that the tendons extend along the length of the robot arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint unit for an articulated connection of at least one first component and one second component. The joint unit comprises a joint body, in particular a sleeve-like joint body, connectable to the first component. A first joint element is arranged rotatably supported about a first axis of rotation in the joint body. The first joint element has at least one bearing section that receives a second joint element that is rotatably supported about a second axis of rotation and that is connectable to the second component.

Abstract: A machine tool includes: an exterior cover covering a machining area where a workpiece on a worktable is machined by a machining tool; an articulated robot arranged inside the exterior cover and configured to replace the workpiece; a controller configured to control the posture of the articulated robot and the coordinate point at which a hand of the articulated robot is positioned; and a protective cover arranged inside the exterior cover and configured to protect at least the hand from scattered matter arising due to machining of the workpiece when the articulated robot is set at a predetermined posture or when the hand is moved to a predetermined coordinate point.

Abstract: A machine tool includes: an exterior cover covering a machining area where a workpiece on a worktable is machined by a machining tool; an articulated robot arranged inside the exterior cover and configured to replace the workpiece on the worktable; a controller configured to control a posture of the articulated robot and a coordinate point at which a hand of the articulated robot is positioned; and an air nozzle arranged inside the exterior cover and configured to remove scattered matter that has been generated during machining of the workpiece and has adhered at least to the hand when the articulated robot is set at a predetermined posture or when the hand is moved to a predetermined coordinate point.

Abstract: A displacement measurement device includes a first structure, a second structure, and a coupling portion configured to couple the first structure with the second structure. The first structure includes a first sensor configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to displacement between a first attachment portion of the first structure and a second attachment portion of the second structure in the at least one first direction. The second structure includes a second sensor configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to displacement between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in the at least one second direction.

Abstract: This invention comprehensively detects an operational abnormality caused by a disturbance factor such as contact of a robot arm. A robot device according to the present embodiment is equipped with an articulated arm mechanism, and includes: a plurality of links; a plurality of joints interconnecting the plurality of links; a plurality of motors that generate motive power for driving the plurality of joints; a transmission mechanism that transmits rotation of a drive shaft of a motor of at least one joint among the plurality of joints to a rotary shaft of the at least one joint; a first encoder that detects rotation of the drive shaft of the motor of the at least one joint; a second encoder that detects rotation of the rotary shaft of the at least one joint; and a determining section that determines an operational abnormality based on an encoder pulse that is output from the first encoder and an encoder pulse that is output from the second encoder.

Abstract: handle having illuminating features, such as on a utility tool, the handle having a housing made up of a first housing section and a second housing section that mate with each other to define a cavity, the first housing section having a plurality of slots through which an internally positioned set of LEDs can emit. The second housing section may similarly have a plurality of protrusions and a second set of LEDs to transmit light. Translucent diffusers may be positioned between the LEDs and their respective housing sections. The utility tool may have additional tools that are spring-loaded to facilitate opening the tools and maintaining the tools in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A cutter includes a handle, a blade unit and a lock. The handle includes a slot in an end. The blade unit includes a holder and a blade. The holder includes an insert extending from a sheath. The sheath includes two channels made with small width so that a finger cannot be inserted into any of the channels. The insert is adapted for insertion in the slot. The blade is inserted in the sheath, with two exposed portions exposed to the exterior of the sheath through the channels. The lock is connected to the handle near the slot and movable between a locking position for keeping the insert in the slot and a releasing position for allowing the insert to leave the slot.

Abstract: An inexpensive, cost-effective utensil with interchangeable blades. The utensil allows the user to simply, quickly, and inexpensively create chocolate flowers on cakes of varying sizes and shapes in commercial bakery or home environment.

Abstract: An ergonomic cutting tool configured to improve convenience and reduce pain and fatigue from repetitive cutting or trimming over an extended period of time. The tool includes a cutting component and a handle component joined to the cutting component, the handle component including a first handle and a second handle. The tool also includes a spring component coupled to the handle component and arranged to bias the handle component to an open position and a flexible member joined to an exterior surface of either of the first handle and the second handle to form a space therebetween, wherein the flexible member is arranged to enable removable retention of one or more of a user's fingers between the flexible member and the handle to which it is joined. An optional flip release section of the handle with the flexible member allows for expansion of the space therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cutting appliance (10) and to a blade set (20) for such an appliance.

Abstract: A band cutter assembly and related methods for cutting bands used to bind coils of flexible pipe used in the oil and gas industry are provided. Band-cutter assembly can be disposed on a coil deployment apparatus, or alternatively, can be disposed on a separate apparatus that is disposed on and/or adjacent to a coil deployment apparatus and capable of bringing the band-cutter assembly into proximity with retaining bands on a coil of flexible pipe.