Patents Issued in June 21, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180169841
    Abstract: A system for securing different first and second drill tools to a drill head including a socket is provided. The system includes a chuck adapted for positioning at least partially within the socket of the drill head, the chuck including a first opening for receiving the first drill tool. An adapter is configured for forming a selective locking engagement within the first opening of the chuck, the adapter including a second opening for receiving the second drill tool. The selective locking engagement may comprise a “twist lock” engagement, and the adapter may be arranged for receiving a roof bolt. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Timothy D. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20180169842
    Abstract: A method is used for tightening screw joints by a power tool which includes a manually operated trigger for controlling power supply to the power tool, and a power shut-off mechanism for automatic discontinuation of the power tool operation as a predetermined tightening level is reached. The method includes continuously indicating a position of the trigger, indicating a status of the power shut-off mechanism, and disabling the power tool in an inoperative state for a predetermined time if the trigger is indicated as inactivated without the shut-off mechanism being indicated as activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventor: Carl Johan Erik WALLGREN
  • Publication number: 20180169843
    Abstract: A pneumatic impulse wrench includes a housing with a motor powered impulse unit, a pressure air inlet passage, an exhaust air outlet passage located in the housing and connected to the motor, and a motor power controlling valve mechanism located in the exhaust air outlet passage for automatic control of the exhaust air flow from the motor. A control pressure passage extends between the air inlet passage and the valve mechanism for communicating actual air inlet pressure to the valve mechanism. An operating mode shifting valve is provided in the housing and which is shiftable between an open position in which communication is allowed through the control pressure passage in an automatic valve mechanism operating mode, and a closed position in which communication through the control pressure passage is blocked in a manual valve mechanism operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventor: Per THOMAS SÖDERLUND
  • Publication number: 20180169844
    Abstract: A fastener torque-application and marking tool and method. An example embodiment relates to a fastener marking method comprising the steps of rotating a fastener with a torque-application device, stopping the rotation of the fastener, determining the torque value of the fastener, and marking the fastener or adjacent surface with a marking mechanism attached to the torque-application device. In another embodiment, a fastener torque application and marking tool system comprises a torque application device configured to rotate a fastener, a measuring mechanism attached to the torque application device, a marking mechanism attached to the torque-application device, and a reader that reads a unique identifier and confirms proper torqueing. In another embodiment, a torque application and marking tool comprises a handle, a driver, a fastener engaging component, a torque control, and a marking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Nemecek, Jimmie Autrey Beacham
  • Publication number: 20180169845
    Abstract: The invention provides device and method for removing a basket for a washer. The device comprises a structure for attaching to a basket disposed on a shaft of a washer, and a component threadably movable with respect to the structure to move the basket with respect to the shaft. The method comprises attaching the structure to a basket disposed on a shaft of a washer, and rotating the threadably movable component with respect to the structure to axially engage the shaft and move the basket with respect to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: James Spencer
  • Publication number: 20180169846
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a powered fastener driving tool with an auto ignition assembly. In certain embodiments, the tool includes a housing containing a combustion chamber, a removable fuel container configured to communicate fuel into the combustion chamber, a removable oxidizer container configured to communicate an oxidizer into the combustion chamber, a piston and a fastener driving blade connected to the piston and configured to engage and drive fasteners upon the fuel and the oxidizer chemically reacting in the combustion chamber. In certain embodiments, the auto ignition assembly includes a catalyst in the combustion chamber for causing, enhancing, or accelerating the reaction between the fuel and the oxidizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Chinbay Q. Fan, Patrick Talano, James Haberstroh
  • Publication number: 20180169847
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool, in particular a hammer drill or a combined hammer, includes a safety coupling via which torque transmission between a motor shaft and a transmission shaft of the hand-held power tool can be established and interrupted. The safety coupling includes a coupling part at the input end and a coupling part at the output end and can be actuated by a coupling actuator. Mutually complementary catch profiles, in particular similar to a crown gear set, by which the coupling part at the input end and the coupling part at the output end can be interlocked, are arranged on the coupling part at the input end and on the coupling part at the output end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Philipp Lorenz, Erwin Manschitz, Azize Cengil
  • Publication number: 20180169848
    Abstract: A work tool for a hammer is disclosed. The work tool may include a first terminal end having a planar surface, and a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end and including a tool tip. The work tool may further include a shank between the first and second terminal ends and including a proximal first shank portion and a distal second shank portion coaxially aligned. The work tool may further include a collar between the first and second shank portions. The collar may include a rectangular portion forming lateral sides of the collar, each of the lateral sides including a planar surface that extends in a direction along an axis of the work tool. The collar may further include a flange having a diameter greater than a diameter of the shank and greater than a length of a lateral side of the rectangular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Austin PHAN
  • Publication number: 20180169849
    Abstract: A piston for a hydraulic hammer assembly is provided. The piston may include an elongate member extending from a distal end to a proximal end and having a first outer diameter, a flange disposed on the elongate member and having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter, and a non-ferrous shoe radially disposed on the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Steven B. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20180169850
    Abstract: A multi-functional garden tool having a first elongated cylindrical member and a second elongated cylindrical member. The elongated cylindrical members being configured and structured to receive water or such other aqueous liquids from an aqueous liquid source such that a user can apply the water, or other aqueous liquids, below a soil surface into the root zone of either potted plants or to garden plants. Additionally, the first and the second elongated cylindrical members of the multi-functional garden tool are configured and structured to give a user the ability to detachably attach a variety of tool heads to perform certain gardening tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Lutz W. Reissmann
  • Publication number: 20180169851
    Abstract: An interface for a battery pack and an electrical combination. The interface may include a battery-receiving portion configured to receive a battery pack and including a cavity. The cavity is defined by a pair of sidewalls with rails defining a groove between the rails and a lower surface of the cavity. The rails are stepped or angled along a battery insertion axis and are configured to guide the sliding engagement of a battery pack within the battery-receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle J. Radovich, Cameron R. Schulz, Mitchell Carlson, John G. Marx, Paul Rossetto, David M. Schwalbach
  • Publication number: 20180169852
    Abstract: The invention provides a truly customizable and ergonomic handle suitable for a hand-held implement such as a chef's knife. Various features are provided in the handle to allow one to hold the knife in a pinch grip and other desired grips comfortably. The handle can be customized using data obtained from scanned images of the user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: NEXTGEN KNIVES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy FRYER-BIGGS, Mikkel RESKE-NIELSEN
  • Publication number: 20180169853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of machining workpieces using a device (1) which has a rotating frame (4), at least two robots (3) which are provided at the rotating frame (4), and at least one first and one second workpiece positioner (2) which are provided at the rotating frame (4), wherein the method comprises the following steps: placing at least one first workpiece into a first workpiece positioner (2); and machining the first workpiece by the robot or robots (3) and simultaneously rotating the rotating frame (4) (FIG. 1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Josef Niedermeier
  • Publication number: 20180169854
    Abstract: A calibration unit includes: an approximate curve generation unit configured to generate an approximate curve based on position information and force information obtained when a tool part is rotated in accordance with an attitude command value; a bias value estimation unit configured to estimate the bias value of the force information based on the approximate curve, the position information, and the force information; a mass/center-of-gravity position estimation unit configured to remove the bias value from the force information, and to calculate a mass and a center-of-gravity position vector of the hand tip load based on the obtained force information; and an external force component calculation unit configured to subtract the bias value and the gravity action component of the hand tip load from the force information based on the bias value, and the mass and the center-of-gravity position vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji SHIRATSUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180169855
    Abstract: A servo includes a housing including a gear shaft supporting and positioning structure therein, an electric motor arranged within the housing, a speed reduction gear set, an output gear shaft including a front end protruding out of the housing and a rear end located within the housing, an angle detection device, and a control circuit board. The electric motor is engaged with the output gear shaft through the speed reduction gear set. The rear end of the output gear shaft is connected to the angle-detection device. The control circuit board is connected to the electric motor and the angle detection device. The angle detection device includes a magnetic sensor arranged on the control circuit board and a magnet that is connected to the read end of the output gear shaft and located right in front of the magnetic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Wenqua Shu, Guanyou Li
  • Publication number: 20180169856
    Abstract: A machine learning device for learning operations of a robot and a laser scanner, includes a state observation unit observing a state of a tip end of the robot where the laser scanner is mounted and a state of an optical component in the laser scanner as a state data; a determination data obtaining unit receiving at least one of a machining time of the robot where the laser scanner is mounted, a drive current driving the robot, a command path of the laser scanner, a passing time in a processable area where the laser scanner performs processing, and a distance between the robot and a part where the laser scanner performs processing as a determination data; and a learning unit learning operations of the robot and the laser scanner based on an output of the state observation unit and an output of the determination data obtaining unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Yoshinori MURAKAMI, Toshimichi AOKI
  • Publication number: 20180169857
    Abstract: A method for computing a probability that an object comprises a target includes: performing a scan of an area comprising the object, generating points; creating a segment corresponding to the object using the points as segment points, the segment extending from a first segment point to a last segment point, the segment comprising a plurality of the segment points; and applying a metric, computing the probability that the object comprises the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Alex Henning, Michael Ferguson, Melonee Wise
  • Publication number: 20180169858
    Abstract: Systems, devices, articles, and methods for the partition of a plurality of items. A system including at least one processor, a frame, an end-effector coupled to the frame, and a plurality of reception spaces proximate to the end-effector. Coupled to the at least one processor is the end-effector, and a storage device storing processor-executable instructions which cause the at least one processor to direct the end-effector partition a plurality of items into two or more defined parts per a defined partition for the plurality of items. The end-effector places the plurality of items in the plurality of reception spaces. Item(s) for a respective part of the two or more defined parts are placed in a respective reception space, and may be transferred to a respective container. A method of operation of a system including at least one processor and a robot substantially as described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Jinendra Raja Jain, Douglas Ian Fulop, George V. Babu, David Gabriel Hallock
  • Publication number: 20180169859
    Abstract: A teach pendant includes an input unit and allowing teaching of operation of a robot by an input to the input unit, the teach pendant further includes a measurement reference surface which comes into surface contact with a measured surface of the robot, a tilt sensor whose position is fixed with respect to the measurement reference surface, and an output means which outputs a detection value of the tilt sensor to a control device of the robot in a state where the measurement reference surface is in surface contact with the measured surface and when a predetermined input operation is performed on the input unit or a contact detection sensor for detecting surface contact between the measurement reference surface and the measured surface detects the surface contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Yuusuke SUGIYAMA, Shougo TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20180169860
    Abstract: In an industrial robot, correction is made for change in position and attitude of an arm distal end due to mechanical deflection of the robot. In the robot, a moment applied to the first axis in its non-rotation direction opposite to its rotation direction is calculated from a load torque applied to the second axis in its rotation direction, a moment due to a second-axis-side self-weight, and a ratio of a distance between the rotation centers of the first and second axes, to a distance between the rotation centers of the second axis and a tool. A deflection amount indicating an angle of the first axis tilting in the non-rotation direction is calculated from the moment applied to the first axis and the rigidity of the first axis in the non-rotation direction. A control value is corrected based on the deflection amount to control the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Takafumi FUKUOKA, Yuto KAWACHI, Hiroaki SHIRATORI, Daisuke KAWASE
  • Publication number: 20180169861
    Abstract: A management system (or controller) is configured to send commands to robotic components of different types (e.g., different command types, byte order types, etc.). Once configured, a translation component may be deployed to translate some commands to some robotic components that use a different command type than a native command type used by the management system. The management system uses a native byte order type to create commands, which may be big endian or little endian. While some of the robotic components (e.g., first robotic components) may also use the native byte order type, other robotic components (e.g., second robotic components) may use a non-native byte order type (in relation to the management system). For example, the native byte order type may be big endian while the non-native byte order type may be little endian, or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Bijendra Singh, Chase Johnson, Lambertus Antonius Jacobus Cornelis Schouwenaars-Harms, Paul White
  • Publication number: 20180169862
    Abstract: A motion control method for a robot is disclosed. The robot includes a determining module, a merging module, and a controlling module. The determining module determines whether at least two motion tasks executed in an adjacent sequence satisfy a merging condition. The merging module merges the at least two motion tasks to a new motion task, when the merging condition is satisfied. The controlling module controls the robot to perform the new motion task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: YOUJUN XIONG, Jiawen Hu, Gaobo Huang
  • Publication number: 20180169863
    Abstract: An autonomous robot comprises a robot body, a drive configured to propel the robot, a sensor system disposed on the robot body, and a navigation controller circuit in communication with the drive and the sensor system. The sensor system comprises at least one proximity sensor comprising a sensor body, and a first emitter, a second emitter and a receiver housed by the sensor body, wherein the receiver detects objects in a bounded detection volume of the receiver field of view aimed outward and downward beyond a periphery of the robot body. The receiver is disposed above and between the first and second emitters, the emitters having a twice-reshaped emission beams angled upward to intersect the receiver field of view at a fixed range of distances from the periphery of the robot body to define the bounded detection volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Tom Bushman, James Herman, Seth Blitzblau, Nathan J. Deschaine, Andrew Scott Reichel
  • Publication number: 20180169864
    Abstract: A method and device for the open-loop/closed-loop control of a robot joint that is driven by an electric motor are provided, wherein the robot joint has a current sensor that comprises first sensor electronics for detecting a first operating current of the electric motor, a first position sensor for detecting a drive position of a drive train of the robot joint, a second position sensor for defecting an output position of an output train of the robot joint, and a first torque sensor for detecting a torque in the output train, wherein the electric motor is controlled by open-loop/closed-loop control on the basis of a pre-determined target control variable. The method comprises: providing measured values; checking for the presence of a fault by the first fault detector when the measured values and/or time derivatives thereof fail to satisfy first threshold values; and checking for a fault with further fault detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Sami Haddadin
  • Publication number: 20180169865
    Abstract: A robot including a spherical housing made up of a main housing portion, a first spherical cap portion, and a second spherical cap portion. The main housing portion is disposed between the first spherical cap portion and the second spherical cap portion. The robot further including a weight that is provided in the main housing portion and configured to rotate around a pivot that is orthogonal to a shaft connecting the spherical cap portions. When outputting a response to an input instruction received from a user, via an input device, based on a predetermined processing is determined to require a predetermined time or more, a robot controls a first drive mechanism during the predetermined processing such that the first drive mechanism rotates a weight around the pivot to reciprocally move the weight in the opposite directions of the pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: SHIKI KOU, RYOUTA MIYAZAKI, MASAHIRO ISHII, KENTO OGAWA, YUJI KUNITAKE, SEIYA HIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180169866
    Abstract: A method includes: providing to a robot, by a system, a predetermined behavior configured to help an emergency responder; directing the robot, by the system, to a designated location; instructing the robot, by the system, to gather emergency data; receiving, by the system, from the robot, the gathered emergency data; and transmitting the emergency data, by the system, to the emergency responder. A method for responding to emergencies using robotic assistance includes: receiving, by a robot, from a system for responding to emergencies using robotic assistance, a predetermined behavior configured to help an emergency responder; instituting, by the robot, the predetermined behavior; receiving, by the robot, a direction to a designated location; proceeding, by the robot, to the designated location; receiving, by the robot, an instruction to gather emergency data; gathering, by the robot, the emergency data; and transmitting, by the robot to the system, the gathered emergency data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Melonee Wise
  • Publication number: 20180169867
    Abstract: A manipulator system including a manipulator having: an insertion part; a first bend joint configured to pivot a distal end part of the insertion part about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion part; a rotation joint configured to rotate the distal end part about the longitudinal axis; and an operation input part configured to input an operation instruction. The operation input part includes: a bending-operation input part configured to input an operation instruction to the bend joint; a rotation-operation input part configured to input an operation instruction to the rotation joint; and a control unit including a hardware. The control unit is configured to control to move the rotation-operation input part or the rotation joint such that the relative angle between the operation instruction and the rotation angle of the rotation joint is 0° or ±180°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Masaru Yanagihara, Kosuke Kishi
  • Publication number: 20180169868
    Abstract: An example robot includes: a motor disposed within a housing at a joint configured to control motion of a member of a robot; a controller including one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) disposed within the housing and including a plurality of field-effect transistors (FETs) disposed on a surface of a PCB of the one or more PCBs facing the motor; a rotary position sensor mounted on the controller; a shaft coupled to a rotor of the motor and extending therefrom to the controller; and a magnet mounted within the shaft at an end of the shaft facing the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Zachary John Jackowski, Kyle Rogers, Adam Young
  • Publication number: 20180169869
    Abstract: The present application relates to improvements in support systems for holding one or more robotic actuators, particularly soft robotic actuators. Because soft robotic actuators tend to push away from a base to which they are fixed upon inflation, they must be hold to the base securely. However, this may render it more difficult to remove the actuator from the base (e.g., when the actuator fails, when the actuator and/or base must be cleaned or serviced, or when a user wishes to switch out one style or size of actuator for another). Exemplary embodiments herein relate to improved designs for hubs, including interlocking and quick-release mechanisms that allow the actuator to be held firmly to the hub, but also allow the actuator to be quickly and efficiently released, when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Mark J. CHIAPPETTA, Ryan KNOPF, Joshua Aaron LESSING, Jeffrey CURHAN
  • Publication number: 20180169870
    Abstract: A gripper includes a first finger part and a second finger part. The first finger part has a first finger main body part having an opening, and a first fingertip part for contacting a target object to be gripped. The second finger part has a second finger main body part and a second fingertip part for contacting the target object. The first fingertip part and the second fingertip part pinch the target object by moving closer to each other. Further, the second finger part enters the inside of the opening, so that the first finger main body part and the second finger main body part grasp the target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazutaka Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20180169871
    Abstract: A cable guide device for guiding at least one supply cable along a robot arm includes a supply cable and a spring system configured to automatically return the supply cable from an extracted state into a retracted state. The device, has a front end section in the direction of extraction of the supply cable, and a rear end section in the direction of extraction of the supply cable. The device further includes a spring system seat permanently connected to the supply cable and on which the rear end section of the spring system is mounted, an abutment seat on which the front end section of the spring system is mounted, a fastening device configured to fasten the cable guide device to a link of the robot arm, and an adjustment device carrying the abutment seat and configured to mount the abutment seat for movement with respect to the fastening device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Melina NASRADINI, Vladimir KURMYSHKIN, Stefan KARLINGER, Jürgen HEITZ, Frank ROHÉ
  • Publication number: 20180169872
    Abstract: A robot includes: a first arm that has a first light guide path, a second arm that has a second light guide path, a joint portion that has a rotation axis and connects the first arm and the second arm to each other so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis and a light rotary joint that is provided between the first light guide path and the second light guide path inside the joint portion and that optically connects the first light guide path and the second light guide path to each other. In addition, the light rotary joint has a first light guide portion which is fixed to the first light guide path and has a tubular shape about the rotation axis and an end portion of the second light guide path on the light rotary joint side faces the first light guide portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Junichi OKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180169873
    Abstract: A camera for observing an inside of a shielded cell including a support including a spring in a form of a gripper for mounting it on a remote-manipulation arm performing a task to be observed, by another arm, exerting solely a force for opening branches of the spring, after which the camera is properly held, while being able to be removed without difficulty. A stop mechanism provides a correct angular position of the camera while preventing its support from turning about the arm, and thus making it possible to position it correctly by another remote-manipulation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Francois GOBIN, Mickaël GENNISSON, Christophe BRENNEIS
  • Publication number: 20180169874
    Abstract: An automatic opening tool with sliding scale release, including a modular body; a tool; a gear assembly attachable to the tool; a first resilient member for rotating the tool; a sear configured to mate with the gear assembly; a second resilient member for imparting a resilient force to the sear; and cover plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Walter HALUCHA
  • Publication number: 20180169875
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a folding knife with a liner lock that incorporates a mechanism that allows for variance in and adjustment of the blade lockup position. The adjustment mechanism is defined by a rotatable lockface head having plural surfaces, each having a diametrical distance from an axial centerline that is different from adjacent surfaces. Rotation of the lockface head allows for adjustment of the lockup position of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Brian Valdez
  • Publication number: 20180169876
    Abstract: A folding knife that uses a four bar linkage mechanism to open and close. The knife can include a means of one hand opening and closing as well as a means to become latched in, and released from, a fixed position. The four bar linkage knife includes a blade, a handle, and the motion of a four bar linkage to open and close the knife. The four bar knife provides inherent safety because the four bar linkage motion can not fold onto the users hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Andrew Frauenglass
  • Publication number: 20180169877
    Abstract: A kitchen knife includes a hollow handle having a surrounding wall which surrounds an axis in a longitudinal direction and which has an inner wall surface that defines an accommodation chamber therein, a blade connected to a front end of the handle, and a counterweight unit pressed fit in the accommodation chamber, and including a base seat which extends in the longitudinal direction to be in frictional engagement with the inner wall surface, and a plurality of primary counterweight members which are removably disposed on the base seat and which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The weight and weight distribution of the knife are adjustable by varying the number and position of the primary counterweight members on the base seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Chia-Ming LIU
  • Publication number: 20180169878
    Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically cutting hair are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an automated system for cutting hair on a subject comprises a hair cutting device, configured for manual manipulation, the hair cutting device comprising a cutting mechanism and configured to engage the cutting mechanism to cut said hair. The automated system interacts with the hair cutting device for determining a position of the hair cutting device relative to the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew W. Krenik
  • Publication number: 20180169879
    Abstract: A protector for a razor cartridge is provided. The protector includes a housing extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis and having a front face and a rear face. The protector further is provided with a first comb disposed on the front face and a second comb opposite the first comb. The protector also includes a first trimming blade has a first cutting edge and a second trimming blade opposite the first trimming blade has a second cutting edge. The first comb and the second comb have several teeth projecting along an axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis defining a trimming length. The trimming length is adjustable. The teeth of the first comb protrude forwardly with respect to the first cutting edge and the teeth of the second comb protrude forwardly with respect to the second cutting edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Ioannis-Marios Psimadas, Efstratios Christofidellis, Andreas Vasiliadis, Panagiotis Giannopoulos
  • Publication number: 20180169880
    Abstract: A thrust-type food cutting apparatus that includes a blade set, food product pusher, and a manually operated pusher arm having a self-stable resting-open position in which the food product pusher is spaced from the blade set to allow a user to load the cutting apparatus with food product to be cut. In an embodiment, the cutting apparatus includes a chassis and a pivoting link linking the pusher arm to the chassis to provide the pivot arm with a movable fulcrum pivot that enables the self-stable resting-open pusher arm position. A thrust-type food product cutting apparatus of the present disclosure may include a blade set, a food product pusher, and a retractable food product stabilizer that stabilizes food product loaded into the cutting apparatus and retracts as the food product pusher moves toward the blade set. Such a retractable food product stabilizer may be integrated with a self-stabilizing pusher arm mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Ryan S. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20180169881
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a separator which method less causes a tear in the separator. The method is a method for producing a separator by slitting, in a direction in which a separator original sheet (12b) being porous is conveyed, the separator original sheet (12b) into a plurality of separators (12a), including the steps of: (a) conveying the separator original sheet (12b) in a state where the separator original sheet (12b) is in contact with a roller (77); and (b) slitting the separator original sheet (12b) at a portion where the separator original sheet (12b) is in contact with the roller (77).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Koichiro WATANABE, Tatsuya KATAOKA, Kiyomu NOMURA
  • Publication number: 20180169882
    Abstract: A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a bulk composite core includes stabilizing the bulk composite core with a fixture, the bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members. The method also includes cutting through each of the tube members to create the wafer while the bulk composite core is stabilized by the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Kendrick, Levi H. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20180169883
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for chopping food, having a base part which has a receptacle for a cutting part, and having an actuating part which is fixable to the base part in an articulated manner such that the actuating part is pivotable toward the cutting part in order to push through an item to be chopped. The device is distinguished in that the actuating part is pivotable toward the cutting part in order to push through an item to be chopped, characterized in that the device has at least one chopping tool in the manner of a sharpener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Cedomir REPAC
  • Publication number: 20180169884
    Abstract: In a device for breaking out a workpiece (3) from a material sheet (2) through an opening (4) of a die (1) by means of a breakout tool (5), the die (1) is to have a plug-in unit (22), wherein a breakout module (9.1-9.4) is insertable into the plug-in unit (22), wherein the breakout module (9.1-9.4) is composed of an insert (10) and of a module lobe (11), wherein the insert (10) has a surface (16) and a shearing edge (17), wherein the shearing edge (17) toward a bearing face (12) of the module lobe (11) configures an offcut length (18), and wherein the offcut length has a height (h) of 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm, and preferably of 1.5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Jochim Jakob
  • Publication number: 20180169885
    Abstract: A dust-proof circular saw includes a base placed on a workpiece, a circular saw main body supported on an upper surface side of the base and equipped with an electric motor, and a saw blade driven by the electric motor extending downwardly from the base. The dust-proof circular saw further includes a cooling fan driven by the electric motor to guide air to the electric motor for cooling the electric motor, as well as to a blower mechanism. The blower mechanism blows the cutting chips away by blowing the air generated by the fan out of the circular saw main body in a user-adjustable direction. The blower mechanism has an air outlet configured to blow out the air, and an orientation change mechanism capable of changing the orientation of the air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsumi OKOUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180169886
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically operated slicing machine for cutting slices of material to be cut, in particular elongate material to be cut, preferably food, including: a cutting device, including a circular knife that is mounted in a machine housing and rotates in a cutting plane about a first axis of rotation; a stop plate, which is parallel to the cutting plane and is movable in an x direction, for setting the cutting thickness; a carriage, which supports a bearing plate having a bearing surface on which the material to be cut is placed, which carriage can travel in parallel with the cutting plane E; and a chain frame, which is operated by a chain frame motor, for depositing slices that have been cut off from the material to be cut on a deposition table, the chain frame being detachably connected to the machine housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Frank Endress
  • Publication number: 20180169887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising at least one slicing apparatus, in particular a high-performance slicer, for slicing food products; a conveying apparatus for moving portions that each comprise at least one slice cut off from a food product; and at least one packaging apparatus for packaging the portions, wherein the conveying apparatus comprises a plurality of individually movable transport movers for the transport of portions; a path system for the transport movers in which the transport movers are movable along at least a predefined path in a direction of transport; and a control device for controlling the movements of the transport movers in the path system; wherein the transport movers each comprise at least one rotor cooperating with the path system and at least one carrier for portions attached to the rotor; and wherein the conveying apparatus is configured for moving the portions from the slicing apparatus to the packaging apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: WEBER MASCHINENBAU GMBH BREIDENBACH
    Inventor: Theodor Horst
  • Publication number: 20180169888
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, in particular a high-speed slicer, for slicing food products into portions comprising at least one slice, having a slicing unit which is configured to separate slices from a product, wherein, in a cutting region, the slices drop, as a stream of slices, directly onto at least one carrier and form a portion on the carrier, having a moving apparatus for moving the carrier laden with portions out of the cutting region, having an introduction apparatus which is configured to introduce at least one further carrier into the stream of slices as soon as a portion has been formed on a preceding carrier, and having at least one control device for controlling the movements of the carriers, the slicing unit and/or the introduction apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Tobias Weber
  • Publication number: 20180169889
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a cutting line setting processor to set a cutting line to extend in a predetermined direction from a first endpoint on an outline of a target object located on a top sheet and to be located within a non-effective region, a first determination processor to determine whether a first angle between the outline of the target object and the cutting line, with the first endpoint located at an intersection of the outline and the cutting line, is equal to or smaller than a predetermined determination angle that is an acute angle, and a shape change processor to, when the first angle is determined to be equal to or smaller than the determination angle by the first determination processor, change the shape of the cutting line such that the first angle is greater than the determination angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Takeshi TOZUKA, Kazutoshi FUNAKOSHI
  • Publication number: 20180169890
    Abstract: A candidate point selection processor selects, as candidate points, vertices on an outline. A search point selection processor selects, from the candidate points, a reference search point to be used to search for a point that serves as a cutting line endpoint. A reference line setting processor sets a reference line connecting a reference point with the search point. A candidate line setting processor sets candidate lines connecting the search point with the candidate points other than the search point. A candidate line selection processor selects, as a selected candidate line, the candidate line located only within a non-effective region. An angle calculation processor calculates an angle between the reference line and the selected candidate line. A cutting line setting processor sets a cutting line connecting the search point with the candidate point of the selected candidate line defining an angle with the reference line that is the smallest angle calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Takeshi TOZUKA, Kazutoshi FUNAKOSHI