Abstract: A method of using a laminated dressing board is provided. In the laminated dressing board, a shape adjustment dressing layer containing first abrasive grains and used for shape adjustment of a cutting blade and a setting dressing layer containing second abrasive grains and used for setting of the shape-adjusted cutting blade are laminated. The method includes a holding step of holding the shape adjustment dressing layer side of the laminated dressing board by a chuck table, a setting dressing step of causing the cutting blade to cut into the laminated dressing board from the setting dressing layer side to form a first groove in the setting dressing layer, and a shape adjustment dressing step of causing the cutting blade to cut into the bottom of the first groove along the first groove to form a second groove in the shape adjustment dressing layer.

Abstract: A polishing pad for polishing a surface, material for a polishing pad and a method for manufacturing material for a polishing pad. A polishing pad has a backing layer and a polishing layer made of sheep wool fibres fixed onto a surface of the backing layer, wherein the polishing layer has loops made of sheep wool fibres.

Abstract: A clamp includes a first arm, a first clamp member disposed at an end of the first arm, a link arm coupled to the first arm and movable relative to the first arm between a first position and a second position, and a second clamp member coupled to the link arm for movement therewith between the first position and the second position. The clamp also includes a second arm movable relative to the first arm and a third clamp member coupled to the second arm. The second and third clamp members are engageable with a workpiece to clamp the workpiece between the second and third clamp members when the link arm is in the first position. The first and third clamp members are engageable with the workpiece to clamp the workpiece between the first and third clamp members when the link arm is in the second position.

Abstract: A multi-angle magnetic holder includes a first arm piece having a first center magnetic block; a first set of two opposite outside covers tightly wrapping the first center magnetic block between the covers; a second arm piece having a second center magnetic block; a second set of two opposite covers tightly wrapping the second center magnetic block between the covers; and a locking hinge serving as rotatable connection between the first and second arm pieces. A tightening mechanism is provided to receive a hex key into a matching key hole for purpose of setting and adjusting desired angles formed between the first and second arm pieces. The multi-angle magnetic holder has a first acute angle and a second acute angle.

Abstract: An article holding device includes a base portion whose lower surface has a holding portion, flow paths communicated with holes in the holding portion, and needles provided on the base portion in a posture inclined with respect to the holding portion. The holding portion sucks and holds a sheet-like article using a negative pressure generated, by supplying a fluid to the flow paths and ejecting the fluid from the holes, between the holding portion and the article on the holding portion. When the article is easily allows air to pass through, the needles is moved to a protruding position in which the needles protrude downward from the holding portion, and the holding portion holds the article by piercing the article using the protruded needles.

Abstract: An article holding device includes a base portion having flow paths communicated with holes and a holding portion provided on a lower surface of the base portion. The holes including a first hole and a second hole, the first hole being provided on one side of the holding portion in the predetermined direction, the second hole being provided on another side, which is opposite from the one side, of the holding portion in the predetermined direction. The recessed portion being provided between the first hole and the second hole and being recessed above the horizontal portion of the holding portion. It is thus possible to effectively generate a negative pressure in the space of the recessed portion between the holding portion and the article.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assembling a luer lock fitting (e.g., fitting for use in a hemodialysis and/or a peritoneal dialysis machine) may include a luer lock tool comprising a tool base including a grip portion adjacent a tool portion, the grip portion having an outer diameter and an internal cavity. The tool portion may have an internal cavity and may be configured to selectively receive and retain a male luer lock fitting at a first end of the cavity. A tool cap may have an outer diameter and an internal cavity. The tool cap may include a recessed portion at an end configured to selectively receive and retain a female luer lock fitting. The tool cap internal cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the tool portion of the tool base.

Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the efficiency of a remote wrench. The remote wrench can include a flexible plate within the tool housing or as part of the housing that is more flexible than the rigid housing in conventional remote wrenches that has been shown to limit efficiency. Additionally, a fixed support and a base can be provided that are collectively capable of being coupled to the remote wrench, preferably at the flexible plate, to increase efficiency. The remote wrench operation is therefore improved by reducing inefficiencies and providing a maximum torque output.

Abstract: A fastener-installation system is described that includes a driver to drive a fastener into a structure and a fastener feeder to load the fastener into a loaded position of the driver. The fastener feeder includes a fastener magazine to hold a plurality of fasteners. The fastener-installation system further includes a driver head having a plurality of jaws moveable between a closed position and an expanded position. In the closed position, the plurality of jaws form a piercing tip to pierce material of the structure. Further, the jaws spread apart the material of the structure when the jaws move from the closed position to the expanded position to create a path through the material through which the fastener is driven.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a hand-held, portable opener for a hopper trailer and method of opening is described. The hopper trailer opener comprises a base tool assembly coupled with an extension shaft assembly and can be adapted for use with a variety of different trailer opening mechanisms.

Abstract: A quick release connector is provided, including: a main body, including a tubular section which defines an axial direction, the tubular section including an inner hole, an insertion opening communicating with the inner hole, a slanted groove communicating with the inner hole and a sliding groove axially extending and communicating with the inner hole, the slanted groove extending inwardly toward the insertion opening; an elastic abutting mechanism, abutted within the inner hole, for urging an insert member to insert into the inner hole via the insertion opening; a locking mechanism, including a pin portion and a locking portion, the pin portion disposed through the sliding groove and axially slidably movable together with the elastic abutting mechanism, the locking portion received in the slanted groove and radially projectable into the inner hole, the locking portion movable together with the pin portion and the elastic abutting mechanism.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a frame, which can comprise a backbone, which defines a backbone longitudinal axis. The frame can further comprise a handle coupled to the backbone. The handle is positioned to allow a user to lift and position the frame. An actuator is coupled to the backbone. The actuator defines an actuator longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A screw tensioning device 2, 102 for tensioning or loosing tensionable screw connections comprises a fixation element 4, 104 to be connected to a screw 6, 106, a support element 8, 108 moveable relative to the fixation element 4, 104. The support element 8, 108 is arranged moveable relative to the fixation element 4, 104 to apply tension to or remove tension from the screw 6, 106. A piston 10, 110 is positioned and movable within the fixation element 4, 104. A volume 8, 108 containing a hydraulic fluid is defined at least partly by the piston 10, 110, the fixation element 4, 104 or the support element 8, 108. The movement of the piston 10, 110 manipulates the volume 8, 108 and thereby moves the fixation element 4, 104 with respect to the support element 8, 108.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a combustion-powered-fastener-driving tool that include a lockout device to ensure the tool's valve sleeve doesn't move to an unsealed position and the tool's combustion chamber remains sealed until the piston returns to the pre-firing position. The lockout device is engageable with a lockout device engaging member operably connected to the tool's trigger, which gives the operator direct control over locking the valve sleeve in the unsealed position.

Abstract: A nail driving assembly for driving a nail without bending over includes a tube that may be gripped. The tube has a length of at least 90 cm. Thus, the tube extends between a support surface and a user without having the user bend over. A striking unit is slidably positioned in the tube and the striking unit is selectively aligned with a nail in the support surface. The striking unit is selectively struck thereby facilitating the striking unit to drive the nail without having the user bend over.

Abstract: A handle lock for a handle-operated tool, wherein the handle lock includes a stowed position and a deployed position. When biased into the stowed position, the handle lock is integrated and blended to a body of the tool. The deployed handle lock is stable upon forcible motion of the closed handle, the lock preferably requiring a secondary action to release the handle and stow the lock. Optionally, the handle lock can be stowed by forcibly pressing the handle toward the open or closed position. A spring bias holds the lock in the stowed position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices which can be used to safely secure two or more workpieces to each other, e.g., to secure a cabinet face frame to a cabinet frame. In some examples, the device comprises a base configured to engage a first surface of the first workpiece and to receive an attachment device. The base can also be configured to engage a first surface of a second workpiece. The device may also comprise piston means configured to engage the second workpiece at a second surface. The device may comprise one or more plungers that can be used to actuate the attachment device to permit fastening of the workpieces once properly arranged. Methods of using the device are also described.

Abstract: A multi-tool system for a skateboard, said tool system being comprised of two components that are substantially the same size as common house keys. The first key-shaped component of the tool system includes various tool elements, including a Philips head screwdriver, hexagonal key (Allen wrench) and a file surface. The second key-shaped component of the tool system includes two wrenches of different sizes. The tools elements are of sizes corresponding to common skateboard parts. The key-shaped components further include a key ring hole.

Abstract: A power tool includes a tool handle and a tool head. The tool handle includes a housing having a grip portion and defining a longitudinal axis, a motor disposed within the housing and including a drive shaft having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a trigger positioned adjacent the grip portion for selectively activating the motor, and a handle interface. The tool head is selectively coupleable to the tool handle and includes a head interface for coupling with the handle interface of the tool handle, a transmission driven by the drive shaft of the motor when the tool head is coupled to the tool handle, and an output member coupled to the transmission. The output member defines an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A handheld power tool is provided that includes hand grip and output portions, and a control system. The output portion includes a rotating output shaft rotated by a motor when initiated by the trigger. The trigger includes multi-purpose functionality that initiates both rotation of the output shaft by the motor and change from one of a plurality of operating configurations of the output shaft to a new one of the plurality of operating configurations. The control system polls the trigger to detect multiple pull-and-release operations on the trigger to signal advancement of the plurality of operating configurations to the new one of the plurality of operating configurations. Multiple pull-and-release operations of the trigger changes to the new one of the plurality of operating configurations of the output shaft.

Abstract: A one-way clutch (134) is provided at the end of the rotary shaft (123) of the hydraulic pump (120), which can receive the rotary shaft (206) of the drive unit (200). The one-way clutch has spring-urged rollers, balls or sprags, which are urged by springs, and which are brought into direct contact with the drive shaft of the drive unit when the drive shaft of the drive unit is received in the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A cover (30) for concealing one or more components (20) of a power tool (10) presented herein. The cover (30) can include a through recess (52) between an inner surface (702) and an outer surface (708). The through-recess (52) being arranged for receiving a threaded member (80) protruding from the tool (10) and extending between an inner opening (704) at the inner surface (702) and an outer opening (706) at the outer surface (708). A threaded nut (60) for engaging the threaded member (80) for tightening the cover (30) to the tool (10) can be included. Additionally, the threaded nut (60) can be attached to the cover (30). The nut (60) can include a radially protruding portion (70) with a larger radius than the inner opening (704) and outer opening (706). The cover (30) can have opposing first and second shoulder portions (712, 714) surrounding the inner opening (704) and outer opening (706).

Abstract: A process for making a holder for a scraper includes the step of providing a metal sheet. Then, the metal sheet is cut into a semi-product. The semi-product includes a transverse strip including at least one slit to provide at least one flip, a middle longitudinal strip extending from the transverse strip, and two longitudinal strips extending from the transverse strip. Then, the semi-product is pressed to bend the flip from the transverse strip and turn the slit into apertures. The flip is used as a lower jaw and other portions of the transverse strip are used as upper jaws.

Abstract: A buckling apparatus includes a buckle, a connector and an elastic element. The buckle includes two bores. The connector includes a main axle, two levers transversely extending from the main axle, and two external rods extending from the levers into the bores. The elastic element includes a first torque spring, a second torque spring, and an intermediate lever formed between the first and second torque springs. The first torque spring is located between and connected to the levers and adapted for biasing the buckle from the connector. The second torque spring is supported on the first lever and adapted for biasing the connector from a toolbox. The intermediate lever is placed against the first lever.

Abstract: A method for controlling motion of a robot relative to a conveyor flow direction of a moving conveyor includes the steps of: establishing a tracking frame for coordinating a position and movement of the robot relative to an object support surface of the conveyor; setting an upstream boundary perpendicular or skewed to a conveyor flow direction of the conveyor; setting a downstream boundary perpendicular or skewed to the conveyor flow direction; optionally setting a circular boundary partially overlapping the upstream boundary and the downstream boundary, wherein the upstream boundary, the downstream boundary and the circular boundary are positioned to define a picking area relative to the support surface; and operating the robot to pick objects from the picking area.

Abstract: The robot includes a first arm having a first hand part provided to a tip end thereof, and at least one joint shaft provided between a pedestal and the first hand part, a first acting part configured to contact a given table-like body on which a plurality of workpieces are able to be placed, while the first acting part is provided to the first hand part, a controller, an imaging unit configured to two-dimensionally image a placement surface of the workpieces in the table-like body in a perpendicular direction to the placement surface, and a recognition part configured to recognize a position of the workpiece by performing a two-dimensional pattern matching based on an image two-dimensionally captured by the imaging unit. The controller vibrates the table-like body by controlling the first arm so that the first acting part acts on the table-like body.

Abstract: A robot includes an arm, a motor that drives the arm, an amplifier including a drive circuit for driving the motor, and a first brake that is a non-electromagnetic brake braking the motor.

Abstract: Described in detail herein is an automated fulfilment system including a computing system programmed to receive requests from disparate sources for physical objects disposed at one or more locations in a facility. The computing system can combine the requests, and group the physical objects in the requests based on object types or expected object locations. Autonomous robot devices can receive instructions from the computing system to retrieve a group of the physical objects and deposit the physical objects in storage containers.

Abstract: A control device includes a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instructions so as to control driving of a robot capable of performing work including a screw-tightening process for tightening a screw, wherein the processor is configured to: receive an input of at least one of characteristics of an object including the screw used in the screw-tightening process; calculate, on the basis of the characteristics received, a value concerning screw-tightening torque at a time of the tightening of the screw by the robot; and cause a display to display the value concerning the screw-tightening torque.

Abstract: Systems and methods assisting a robotic apparatus are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can encounter situations where the robot cannot proceed and/or does not know with a high degree of certainty it can proceed. Accordingly, the robot can determine that it has encountered an error and/or assist event. In some exemplary implementations, the robot can receive assistance from an operator and/or attempt to resolve the issue itself. In some cases, the robot can be configured to delay actions in order to allow resolution of the error and/or assist event.

Abstract: A moving robot including: actuators at least including a motor for movement; a reading unit configured to read a tag installed in an environment, at least one of information on an allowable operation time of the actuators and information on an allowable operation amount of the actuators being described in the tag; and a controller configured to prohibit or limit execution of a predetermined task whose execution has already been accepted, the predetermined task being operated using at least one of the actuators, until the time when the reading unit reads the tag, and release the prohibition or the limitation and execute the task in such a way that an operation time and an operation amount do not exceed the allowable operation time and the allowable operation amount described in the tag after the reading unit has read the tag is provided.

Abstract: An automated data center management system includes one or more equipment racks housing at least one server farm equipment, each of the at least one server farm equipment having a respective attachment point, a spare equipment repository having at least one replacement equipment, and a hardware management robot. The hardware management robot includes a robotic arm having an interface point, the interface point configured to couple to the attachment point. A hardware management controller is communicates with the hardware management robot, the hardware management controller including at least one processor, and non-transitory computer readable media having encoded thereon computer software comprising a set of instructions to receive a service request indicating a server farm equipment needing service, determine a location of the server farm equipment, generate a path to the location of the server farm equipment, and transmit the path to the hardware management robot.

Abstract: Provided is a storage device including: a first storage region comprising a plurality of sensor regions for the plurality of the sensors; a second storage region into which a data set is written, the data set being generated by reading, from the respective plurality of sensor regions, sampling data of a sensor having a longest sampling period among the plurality of sensors for one period and sampling data of other sensors for a period corresponding to the period in which the sampling data of the sensor for the one period is generated and integrating the sampling data; and a control unit configured to write the sampling data of the plurality of sensors into the plurality of sensor regions, respectively, in a ring buffer format and generate the data set at a predetermined timing and write the data set into the second storage region in the ring buffer format.

Abstract: A service robot can detect one or more makers positioned on relative surfaces of a vehicle. Each marker can include data corresponding to its location on the vehicle. The service robot can determine the location of the markers based on the data. The service robot can also determine the location of a service area proximate to the markers. The service robot can receive data generated by the vehicle corresponding to at least one maintenance condition for the vehicle related to the service area. The service robot can select a service to perform on the vehicle based on the at least one maintenance condition. The service robot can be controlled so as to perform the selected service on the vehicle.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a processor that specifies a template, based on first distance information obtained by causing an imaging unit to image a calibration plate disposed at a first position inside a work region where a robot carries out work, and that performs matching between the specified template and an image obtained by causing the imaging unit to image an object disposed inside the work region.

Abstract: A robot apparatus includes an output unit that displays an image including an object on a screen, an input unit that receives an operation performed by a user for specifying information relating to an approximate range including the object in the image, an object extraction unit that extracts information regarding a two-dimensional contour of the object on the basis of the specification received by the input unit, and a position and attitude estimation unit that estimates information regarding a three-dimensional position and attitude of the object on the basis of the information regarding the two-dimensional contour.

Abstract: An image acquisition system for wire group processing is a system for recognizing the wire group constituting the wire harness. This image acquisition system includes a first vision system (e.g. a two-dimensional vision system) that acquires first image data for recognizing the wire group constituting the wire harness in a first imaging range, and a second vision system (e.g. a three-dimensional vision system) that acquires second image data for recognizing the wire group constituting the wire harness in a second imaging range which is within a region that overlaps with the first imaging range and is smaller than the first imaging range, the second image data having a greater amount of information per unit of area than that of the first image data.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first support portion, a second support portion, an incremental encoder, a magnetic-flux generating source, and a magnetoelectric transducer. The incremental encoder includes a scale supported by the first support portion and a head supported by the second support portion. The magnetic-flux generating source is supported by one of the first support portion and the second support portion. The magnetoelectric transducer is supported by another of the first support portion and the second support portion.

Abstract: An end effector for holding substrates has a multi-layered main body and a fluid channel which is provided in the main body. The main body has at least two layers, wherein at least one of the layers is not inherently stable.

Abstract: A suction apparatus for an end effector has a main body, which has a through-channel and a contact surface, and a sealing lip. The contact surface has an edge and recesses, wherein the through-channel issues into the recesses and the recesses terminate in front of the edge. The main body has a base portion and a fastening portion, which adjoins the base portion. In the fastening portion connection channels are provided which are in fluid communication with the through-channel and extend from the edge of the fastening portion. An end effector and a method of producing an end effector are also shown.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint assembly (1) for a robot (100), comprising a housing (26) connected with an output part (8), the housing comprising a housing wall (26A), a strain wave gearing system (90) comprising a wave generator (7), a flexspline (13), and a circular spline (36) connected to the output part (8), wherein the wave generator (7) is rotated by a rotor shaft (3), the rotor shaft being driven by an electric motor (140) comprising a stator (15) and a rotor magnet (16), the rotor magnet (16) being affixed to the rotor shaft (3), and wherein the joint assembly (1) further comprises a rotor brake (30) configured to stop/prevent relative movement between the rotor shaft (3) and the flexspline (13), and sensors arranged to measure the position of the housing (26) in relation to the output part (8).

Abstract: Turning device provided at joint of robot arm includes: shaft cover including tubular wall extending in axial direction; turning shaft inserted into inside of wall of shaft cover and extending in axial direction; bearing causing shaft cover to support turning shaft wherein turning shaft is rotatable about a center axis of turning shaft; and at least one operating wire coupled to turning shaft at inside of shaft cover wall. Shaft cover includes a guide guiding operating wire. Guide is formed to be symmetrical about symmetry plane passing through shaft cover center axis and parallel to axial direction. Each portion of guide which portions are located at both respective sides of symmetry plane includes: outer peripheral portion formed on wall outer surface and extending in axial direction; inner peripheral portion formed along wall inner surface and extending in circumferential direction; and connecting portion connecting outer peripheral portion and inner peripheral portion.

Abstract: An arm assembly and hand assembly for supporting metrology equipment is provided. The hand assembly includes a boom arm having a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the arm assembly and a distal end coupled to a carriage assembly of the hand assembly. The carriage assembly is configured to support the metrology equipment in such a way so as to align the center of gravity of the metrology equipment substantially at the center of rotation of the hand assembly. The arm assembly includes an upper arm that is supported by way of a first counterbalance mechanism and/or a first brake mechanism and a forearm extending from a distal end of the upper arm, the forearm being supported by a second counterbalance mechanism and/or a second brake mechanism by way of a drive assembly. A hub assembly associated with a counterbalance mechanism includes an adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying cables to robots at non-static locations. A base platform is provided, and a work platform is positioned above the base platform for supporting one or more humans. One or more are robots supported on the base platform independently of the work platform. A cable carrier system is positioned above the base platform and underneath the work platform for providing cables to the robots.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot controller that is designed and configured to execute a robot program, and a robot arm having at least three joints connected by links and a number of drives corresponding to the at least three joints. Each drive is designed to adjust one of the at least three joints allocated to the drive. The joints can be actuated in an automated manner in accordance with the robot program or in a manual drive mode by the robot controller to automatically adjust the associated joint, wherein at least one of the links includes a force measuring device designed to measure a force on the link in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Provided is an actuator that has a simple configuration and can stably achieve high output. This actuator has: a movable body provided with a cylindrical magnet section alternately having N-pole faces and S-pole faces on a peripheral surface thereof along the circumferential direction; a fixed body provided with pole tooth surfaces disposed facing the peripheral surface a magnet section and a coil that excites the pole tooth sections; and a spring material holds the movable body to the fixed body in a freely movable manner. The spring material is fixed to at least one of the movable body and the fixed body via a joint section. The joint section has a fixing part for fixing and end section of the spring material, and a stress relaxation part that is disposed in proximity to the fixing part and relaxes stress generated during deformation of the spring material.

Abstract: A razor blade substrate having a substrate that includes a blade edge portion having a profiled geometry which is covered by a strengthening coating deposited on the razor blade substrate at least at the blade edge portion. The strengthening coating covering the blade edge tip, having a profiled geometry and having a tapering geometry with two coating sides converge toward a blade edge tip. The strengthening coating includes a strengthening layer made of a titanium- and boron-containing material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for preparing sandwiches (subs, wraps) and meal, such as Shawarma, Gyros and Doner Kebab sandwiches and meals. The apparatus includes a grilling mechanism, a smoking mechanism, a slicing mechanism, sandwich and meal assembly mechanism, sandwich wrapping and packing mechanism and accepting money and credit card mechanism. The slicing mechanism is configured to slice a cylinder or cone of meat in an automated, substantially helical slicing pattern. The sandwich assembly includes various components to automatically dispense selected bread, condiments, and other sandwich and meal ingredients and wrapping and packing the sandwich.

Abstract: Tools and methods for forming modified mechanical roughening profiles are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an engine block is provided including a body defining a cylinder bore having a bore surface. The bore surface may have defined therein a plurality of grooves extending from the bore surface and each groove may have a base and a top portion. The top portion may have opposing chamfered edges. The chamfered edges may be formed by a tool including at least one cutting element having triangular teeth and at least one cutting element having rectangular teeth. In another embodiment, a tool including at least one cutting element having curved teeth and at least one cutting element having rectangular teeth may be used to form grooves having a curved/radiused edge surface. The disclosed roughening profiles may reduce oxide growth when a coating is applied to the bore surface.

Abstract: A bench top board scoring device is provided, including a frame having a first end and an opposite second end, a work area defined between the first and second ends, each end having at least one leg configured for contacting a substrate. A track is connected to the frame and extends between the first end and the second end, a carriage is slidably mounted to the track for travel between the first end and the second end, and an arm has an upper surface, a pivot end pivotally connected to the carriage, and an opposite knife mount end. A knife blade is mounted to the knife mount end. Wherein the present device is constructed and arranged so that as the carriage is moved from the first end to the second end, wallboard samples placed in the work area and contacted by the knife blade receive a constant scoring force.