Abstract: A socio-emotive-cognitive architecture for a social robot that includes at least two of an attention system that determines at least one of the subject on which and the direction to which the robot focuses at least one of its resources in real-time; an embodied speech system that facilitates intent-based variation of utterances combined with multi-segment body movement; a motivation system that adjusts at least one of the degree of interaction and a mode of interaction for engaging a human user; and an emotion system that partially determines how the attention system, the embodied speech system, and the motivation system perform for any given interaction with a human.

Abstract: A platform including at least one industrial robot, wherein the platform is arranged to be carried by a vehicle to a working site where the at least one industrial robot is to perform a task in relation to the working site. The platform includes a platform body, a platform control unit and a connecting arrangement with a connecting device arranged to be connected to a vehicle arm of the vehicle such that the platform can be carried by the vehicle arm of the vehicle. The connecting arrangement further includes an actuator arranged to cause the platform to rotate around an axis X-X defined by the connecting device according to instructions from the platform control unit. A vehicle including the platform is also described.

Abstract: A device (10) is placed on an object (30) handled by a robot (100). Based on measurements performed by at least one sensor of the device (10), engagement of the robot (100) with the object (30) is detected. The measurements may for example include acceleration measurements which allow for detecting movement of the object (30) caused by the robot (100).

Abstract: Provided a transfer tool including a substantially strip-shaped frame, a wrist-side slider to be attached to a wrist of a robot, provided on one side of the frame in a thickness direction in a manner capable of moving along a longitudinal direction of the frame, a workpiece-side slider provided on another side of the frame in the thickness direction in a manner capable of moving along the longitudinal direction of the frame, and a distal-end swing shaft attached to the workpiece-side slider, where the distal-end swing shaft includes a workpiece support section supported by the workpiece-side slider in a manner capable of swinging around an axis line extending in a width direction of the frame, the workpiece support section being for supporting a workpiece, and an actuator attached to the workpiece-side slider, the actuator being for causing the workpiece support section to swing.

Abstract: A device having at least two grippers (102) for the form-fitting gripping of a bevel gear (1) having a cone face, a heel region, and an axis of rotation (RA). The at least two grippers (102) can be infed radially in relation to the axis of rotation (RA), and each of the grippers (102) has at least one inner region (104) for interacting with the cone face, and a counter holder (103) for interacting with the heel region. Each gripper (102) can have a holder (101) having a changeable angle of attack on an inner region (104) of the holder, and the holder (101) can be movably mounted on the gripper (102) so that it adapts its effective angle of attack in relation to the inclination of the cone face of the bevel gear (1) during radial infeed in the direction of the bevel gear (1).

Abstract: A component is placed by a nozzle of a placing head, which holds the component by means of a negative pressure. A flow path switcher that selectively connects a suction path of the nozzle to a negative pressure source and a positive pressure source is included. During component placement, the flow path switcher switches the nozzle to a positive pressure flow path from a negative pressure flow path to put the nozzle under a positive pressure and detaches the component from the nozzle. Before detection of the component is performed by a component detector, the flow path switcher connects the suction path of the nozzle to the negative pressure flow path to put the suction path under a negative pressure. The component detector that detects the component at a tip of the nozzle is included.

Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot including a base; one or more arms, attached to the base so as to be capable of rotating horizontally; a ball screw spline shaft that is disposed at an end of the one or more arms and that supports a workpiece at one end of the ball screw spline shaft; a ball screw nut through which the ball screw spline shaft passes and which is driven; and two ball spline nuts configured to support the ball screw spline shaft passing through the ball spline nuts, respectively, on both sides of the ball screw nut interposed therebetween in a longitudinal axis direction. At least one of the ball spline nuts drives the ball screw spline shaft about the longitudinal axis with respect to the arms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a contact determination device, control device, contact determination system, contact determination method, and contact determination program. This contact determination device acquires position information and/or posture information for a target person. Further, the state of movement of a part to be calculated in the body of the target person is calculated on the basis of acquired movement information and a body model relating to the shape of the body of the target person, said body model having been recorded in advance. Meanwhile, an electrical change is detected. Then, the contact determination device determines the state of contact between the target person and the object to be controlled on the basis of the detected electrical change and the state of movement of the part to be calculated in the body of the target person.

Abstract: A safety knife for cutting an object that prevents contact with and/or damage to contents housed within a container. The knife includes a head, a cutting blade mounted thereto, a first wing member fixed to and extending from a first side of the blade, a second wing member fixed to and extending from a second side of the blade and at least one nib extending externally from at least one of the wing members or from another portion of the knife.

Abstract: A replaceable blade includes a blade provided in a long-strip shape. One side of the blade has a plurality of score lines, and each of the score lines is extended from two side edges and crossed the blade. Each score line includes a plurality of groove segments arranged collinearly, and the groove segments of each of the line scores are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the score line. The replaceable blade has score lines in dashed line shapes to prevent an unexpected broken from happening.

Abstract: A hand-operated ratchet cutter with a movable and a fixed handle, wherein the fixed handle forms a first fixed blade, and a movable blade is hinged to an upper end area of the fixed blade, for shearing interaction in a cutting plane with the fixed blade. The movable blade moves in a plane parallel to the cutting plane, and the fixed blade has a first flat side. A fixed jaw with a second flat side (21) facing the first flat side is formed that also extends up to the upper end area of the fixed blade. A passage slot for the movable blade adjusted to the thickness (d) is formed between the first and second flat side, so as to ensure the shearing interaction between the movable and fixed blade even under a load by having the jaw act as a supporting jaw.

Abstract: An outer blade for an electric shaver has slits. With bars extending along an outer-blade width direction, each of the slits is defined by respective ends of the bars, the respective ends being positioned side by side along an outer-blade length direction, and is defined continuously from one end to another end in the outer-blade width direction. At least one of two bars that define the slit is provided with a lifter that lifts hair by contact. The lifter is formed partway along the slit and extends between edges of the slit along the outer-blade length direction when viewed along the outer-blade width direction.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel solution and process comprising a modified solvent for providing enhanced blade edge attributes.

Abstract: A powered rotary knife includes a handle, a blade housing, an annular blade, and a blade bushing for rotatably mounting the blade within the housing. The blade housing includes an inner groove that is operable to receive the blade bushing therein. The blade housing and blade bushing are split in order to expand and receive the blade. The blade includes an outer groove that is also operable to receive the blade bushing. Thus, the blade bushing is spaced between the blade housing and blade and rotatably secures the blade within the blade housing.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods for ergonomic handheld cutting tools. Some contemplated handheld cutting tools will include an articulating gripping portion, and allow for adjustability of a cutting depth. Additionally or alternatively, contemplated tools can be motored power and include one or more auxiliary power packs tethered to the handheld portion.

Abstract: A system comprising a material decorating and cutting device used with an alignment apparatus to simultaneously cut and deposit decorating material on arts and crafts materials surfaces such as sheet stock. The cutting device contains a reservoir with decorating material such as paint, glue, ink, pigment, or three-dimensional material such as wax. The cutting device has a tip with a nib and a blade. The nib facilitated the transfer of decorating material to a target material such as paper or wood while the blade cutting edge cuts the target material. The alignment apparatus provides for continuous decorating and cutting on a surface. The system provides an efficient, fun, and safe way to participate in arts and crafts activities.

Abstract: A handheld punch cutting device for cutting rounded corners in flat roll roofing material. The cutting device comprises a pair of handles terminating in flat plate-like reciprocating jaws, the upper jaw having an arcuate compression cutting blade and the lower jaw having a flat compression cutting plate with raised, spaced guides for locating a corner of roofing material centrally beneath the cutting blade. The height of the guides is less than the height of the blade, and the blade directly and continuously contacts a substantially flat cutting surface on the compression plate in order to complete a cut.

Abstract: A cutting method includes a pipe of a cutting tool driving a pressing foot assembly of the cutting tool to press against an object in a direction; the pressing foot assembly sliding along the direction by cooperation of a sliding block of the pressing foot assembly and a sliding slot on the pipe to compress a spring of the cutting tool; the compressed spring generating a resilient force for driving the pressing foot assembly to collapse a plurality of wave-shaped core layers of the object; and after the plurality of wave-shaped core layers of the object is collapsed by the pressing foot assembly, a blade assembly of the cutting tool protruding from the pressing foot assembly via an opening on the pressing foot assembly and being driven to cut the collapsed object along another direction perpendicular to the direction without oscillation as the cutting tool moves along the another direction.

Abstract: A modular unit configured for mounting to a cutting head of a slicing machine and for securing a knife to the cutting head, and slicing machines equipped with one or more of such modular units. The modular unit includes mounting blocks adapted to be spaced apart in an axial direction of the cutting head, and a clamping assembly assembled with the mounting blocks so as to be between the mounting blocks. The clamping assembly is configured to secure a knife to the cutting head, and at least portions of the clamping assembly may be removable from the cutting head by disassembling the clamping assembly from the mounting blocks without removing the mounting blocks from the cutting head.

Abstract: An insulation cutter for a liner application machine in an assembly line and method of operation that cuts an insulative thermal blanket by stopping the liner application machine momentarily to allow for a rotary cutter to traverse the width of the belt (and the width of the thermal insulation blanket) and potentially return back to its original position. The machine is then restarted and allowed to continue to feed.

Abstract: Punch jaws are provided and are configured to punch holes and/or recesses in parts made of sheet metal. The punch jaws include first and second jaws pivotally connected to each other around a pivoting axis to pivot in a pivoting plane. A work region is formed by a punch ram on the first pivoting jaw and a punch opening on the second pivoting jaw. The punch ram carries a punch sleeve having a punch edge on its circumference. The punch sleeve moves in a side view, in which the pivoting axis is punctiform, along a circular line, a center point of which is formed by the pivoting axis, during its pivoting motion. The punch sleeve is introduced into the punch opening in a side view initially penetrates the punch opening with a front region the punch edge referred to the pivoting direction. The front region is in this side view formed on the side of the pivoting axis of the circular line with respect to a pivoting circle, along which the punch sleeve moves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reusing prepreg material. The method comprises providing a remnant prepreg, defining a pattern of cutting the remnant prepreg framework to form a continuous strip of the remnant prepreg framework, and cutting the remnant prepreg framework to form a continuous strip of the remnant prepreg framework. The remnant prepreg framework continuous strip may be extruded into a short fibre molding compound (SMC). The SMC may then be used to make parts with lower structural requirements than the parts cut out of the prepreg broadgood. Such SMC parts may be used in industries such as aerospace; automotive; other transportation such as trucks, buses, and motorcycles; sporting goods; and wind.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural joint for attaching two boards by their butts, achieving the correct transmission of forces between them by means of a staggered configuration of the butts thereof to increase the contact surface between both boards, allowing the mutual coupling thereof, both being aligned and coplanar, and at least one of the steps of both boards having a finger profile to further increase the contact surface between both boards.

Abstract: A collapsible log splitting assembly with safety perimeter splits a log with a parabolic-shaped blade, a blade housing having a plurality of ridges for separating the split log further, and a perimeter barrier for retaining the log upright while splitting, and protecting an operator from contact with blade. The assembly has an upright disposition that is pivotally collapsible into a planar configuration when not in use. The assembly has a base that is for support on a surface. The base includes a pair of brackets. A pair of sleeves pivotally join with the brackets, pivoting about the brackets. A pair of shafts slide within sleeves, sliding between operational and collapsed positions. A cutting apparatus comprises a blade housing that houses a parabolic blade, and extends between the shafts. Ridges along the base housing separate the log into smaller components. The perimeter barrier detachably attaches to top end of the shafts.

Abstract: A wafer processing method includes: a holding step of holding a wafer on a chuck table through a dicing tape; and a dividing step of cutting the wafer along division lines by a cutting blade. In the dividing step, cleaning water including pure water mixed with carbon dioxide is supplied to the front surface of the wafer, and cutting water including pure water alone or pure water mixed with carbon dioxide in a concentration lower than that of the cleaning water is supplied to the cutting blade. During cutting, therefore, the cleaning water and the cutting water are always shielded by each other. Consequently, the cutting blade can be prevented from being corroded or excessively worn due to the cleaning water, and the cutting water can be prevented from contacting the front surface of the wafer to cause electrostatic discharge damage to the devices.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic composition, comprising: mixing thermoplastic polymer material particles and thermoset composition particles comprising cured thermoset polymer, the mixing comprising rising the temperature of the composition and at least partly melting the surface of thermoplastic polymer material particles, and simultaneously mixing the particles allowing thermoset composition particles adhere to the thermoplastic polymer material particles, and cooling the composition.

Abstract: A resin granule mass including multiple resin granules, and a proportion of resin granules to which a magnetic foreign matter of 50 ?m or greater is adhered in the multiple resin granules is 30% or less.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for manufacturing a fully impregnated thermoplastic prepreg includes a mechanism for moving a fabric or mat and a drying mechanism that removes residual moisture from at least one surface of the fabric or mat. The system also includes a resin application mechanism that applies a reactive resin to the fabric or mat and a press mechanism that presses the coated fabric or mat to ensure that the resin fully saturates the fabric or mat. The system further includes a curing oven through which the coated fabric or mat is moved to polymerize the resin and thereby form a thermoplastic polymer so that upon exiting the oven, the fabric or mat is fully impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer. During at least a portion of the process, humidity in the vicinity of the coated fabric or mat is maintained at substantially zero.

Abstract: A method for producing a resin member including a conductive paste layer and a feed portion that can suitably fix an insert member in place relative to a mold without leaving a part having no relationship with the structural members of the final product within the insert member, and a method for connecting the resin member produced with such a method to an external feed member. The method includes storing an insert member including an exterior resin film with a conductive paste layer, and a first magnetic attractor to become a feed portion into a cavity of a mold including a second magnetic attractor; positioning and fixing the insert member in the cavity using magnetic attractive force of the first and the second magnetic attractors; and injecting resin into the cavity to form a resin panel, thereby integrating the insert member with the resin panel to produce a resin member.

Abstract: Techniques for 3-D printing a tooling shell for use in producing panels for a transport structure, such as an automobile, boat, aircraft, or other vehicle, or other mechanical structure, are disclosed. A 3-D printer may be used to produce a tooling shell containing Invar and/or some other material for use in molding the panels. A channel may be formed in a 3-D printed tooling shell for enabling resin infusion, vacuum generation or heat transfer. Alternatively, or in addition to, one or more hollow sections may be formed within the 3-D printed tooling shell for reducing a weight of the shell.

Abstract: Techniques for producing panels such as for use in a vehicle, boat, aircraft or other transport structure or mechanical structure using a 3-D-printed tooling shell are disclosed. A 3-D printer may be used to produce a tooling shell containing Invar and/or some other material for use in molding the panels. A channel may be formed in a 3-D printed tooling shell for enabling resin infusion, vacuum generation or heat transfer. Alternatively, or in addition to, one or more hollow sections may be formed within the 3-D printed tooling shell for reducing a weight of the shell. The panel may be molded using the 3-D printed tooling shell.

Abstract: A thermal processing and consolidation system includes an upper assembly, a lower assembly, and an air impingement device. At least one of the upper assembly or the lower assembly is a chamber assembly. The upper assembly and the lower assembly are movable relative to one another between an opened position where the upper assembly and the lower assembly are detached from one another, and a closed position where the upper assembly and the lower assembly are coupled to one another and form an enclosed plenum for receiving a tool. The air impingement device is arranged at least partially in the plenum, and configured to direct forced flows of air at the tool when the tool is received in the plenum.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light train apparatus for curing of a resin-impregnated liner, having an auto-uprighting camera at one end of the ultraviolet light train apparatus; a multiconductor cable at the opposite end of the ultraviolet light train apparatus; a body comprising one or more ultraviolet LED light bars joining the two ends of the ultraviolet light train apparatus; a coupler connected to the body at a first end of the coupler; and an adjustable wheel connected to the coupler at a second end of the coupler. Alternatively the apparatus and/or methodology may be a UV LED lateral sealing unit having a stability bar/tube, end caps, a camera for lateral viewing, a camera for front facing pan/tilt viewing, high power UV LED(s), a wheel, and inflatable sealing bladders.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional object facilitates the removal of support material from the object. The system includes a controller configured to move a platen to position the object at a position opposite a microwave radiator and then operate the microwave radiator to change the phase of the support material from solid to liquid. The controller either monitors the expiration of a predetermined time period or a temperature of the object to determine when the microwave radiator operation is terminated. The microwave radiation does not damage the object because the support material has a dielectric loss factor that is greater than the dielectric loss factor of the object.

Abstract: A method for molding fiber-reinforced plastic. A core is formed in a desired shape by accommodating, in a flexible bag, a grain group containing plurality of grains. The core is placed inside a prepreg containing resin and fibers, and the prepreg, in which the core is housed is placed in a molding die and compression molded. When doing so, the grain group contains first and second grains (a,b) that satisfy the equation (1). (1) 1.1?(Da/Db)?2.0 In the equation Da is the grain diameter of the grains (a), and Db is the grain diameter of the grain (b). When using a molding die to mold a molded article having a cavity, the above mentioned molding method enables an increase in the internal pressure of the core in order to change the peripheral surface area of the core, without using a pressurized gas and/or pressurized liquid.

Abstract: A structural polymeric composite includes a stiffening layer. The composite is made in a continuous extrusion process in which the stiffening layer is pulled through a cross-head die as a polymer is extruded over it. The layer includes a film or textile carrier, a filler of carbon fibers, fiberglass, organic fibers or minerals forming a mat. A binder may be dispersed over the mat and a second carrier applied. The mat is subjected to heat and pressure to soften the carriers and binder so they penetrate into the interstices of the filler and binds mechanically with them and the carriers and binder bind chemically with each other to form the stiffening layer. A polymer is then extruded over the stiffening layer, which may be used flat, provided with holes or punches for composite action with the polymer, formed into a profile, or segmented to provide spaced-apart stiffening layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for eliminating mold lines when molding a part having ferromagnetic pigments is provided. A mold assembly having a mold with a cavity and valve gates is formed. Pucks are fitted at the gates to collect residual cold plastic. The calculation of a specific sequence and timing of the opening of the valve gates is determined based on a calculation of the total number of valve gates needed to fill a part while maintaining acceptable injection molding pressure. Once calculated, the gates are positioned around the mold cavity to balance flow length ratio. A primary gate is chosen for initial injection. The time for the material to flow from the first to the second gate is established. The second gate is opened after the flow front reaches the second gate. This pattern continues until all valve gates are opened.

Abstract: The present invention effects a reduction in production cost and increases yield of a transparent resin molded article and prevents the generation of defects such as bubbles, weld lines, and sink marks. This injection molding device (2A) for a transparent resin molded article is equipped with: a die (3) for injection molding the transparent resin molded article; and a gate (5) that is provided to the peripheral edge of the die (3) and that is the inlet through which a resin material (R) is injected into the die (3). The thickness dimensions (Ta) of the die (3) are in the range of 15-25 mm, and the ratio of the diameter dimensions (D) of the gate (5) to the thickness dimensions (Ta) of the die (3) is set in the range of 1:6 to 1:3.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a molded component including a first surface. The molded component includes a first portion formed of a first resin material and a second portion formed of a second resin material, the second portion including an exposure region in the first surface as at least a part thereof being embedded in the first portion. The molded component includes a first line in the first surface. At least a part of the first line passes through the inside of the exposure region.

Abstract: An improved injection mold for forming an injection molded component. The injection mold includes a main cavity block and a main core block that are moveable with respect to one another. The main cavity block has a cavity block mating face that includes a first mold surface and the main core block has a core block mating face that includes a second mold surface. A plurality of induction heating coils extend within the main cavity block and a plurality of gas inlet channels extend through the main core block. The second mold surface includes a plurality ridges that cooperatively form a continuous gas flow path that is disposed in fluid communication with the plurality of as inlet channels. The continuous gas flow path follows a serpentine shape to provide even and uninterrupted gas flow across the second mold surface.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a mold comprising a stationary outer mold with a substantially tubular mold cavity, a moveable end mold with an end mold cavity alignable with the tubular mold cavity, and a stationary elongated mold core with a fluid channel therethrough, the mold core extending through the tubular cavity into the end mold cavity. A method of using the apparatus includes injecting a molding material at a material flow rate into the mold, moving the end mold at a speed in a linear direction from a first position to a second position, supplying a fluid at a fluid flow rate to the fluid channel, and varying at least one of the material flow rate, the end mold speed and the fluid flow rate as the end mold moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An injection moulding apparatus and method for producing a moulded article is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the method comprises: (i) securing a layer of film to a part of a first mould half at step 504; (ii) adjusting relative position of the first mould component and a second mould component to an initial moulding position at step 506 to define a mould cavity; (iii) injecting molten moulding material into the mould cavity at step 508 to enable the molten moulding material to contact the layer of protective film; (iv) moving a movable core at step 510 to compress the molten moulding material in the mould cavity; and (v) cooling the compressed molten moulding material at step 514 to bond the layer of film to the cooled moulding material to form the moulded article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic system for a molding system, the molding system having a clamp actuator and an injection actuator, the hydraulic system comprising a clamp accumulator for storing hydraulic fluid for use in actuating the clamp actuator; an injection accumulator for storing hydraulic fluid for use in actuating the injection actuator; a pump for conveying hydraulic fluid to the clamp accumulator and the injection accumulator; and a selector valve for selectively fluidly connecting the pump to one of the clamp accumulator and the injection accumulator.

Abstract: A method for making a reinforced monolithic belt (85) comprises: —extruding belt material (80) onto a rotating molding wheel (12); —passing the belt material (80) into a mold cavity (30) formed by an endless band (20) engaging on a peripheral portion of the molding wheel (12); and —laying a coated reinforcing cord (45) onto the molding wheel (12) before the mold cavity (30). This method allows producing a reinforced monolithic belt with no flights.

Abstract: A machine and method of forming an article generally comprising extruding a molten bead of thermoplastic material along x, y and z axes in forming an article consisting of a strata of such material, and passing a roller over each applied portion of such molten bead to compress such bead portion, enhancing the fusion of engaging plies of such extruded material.

Abstract: An injection-molded preform is disclosed for production of a plastic container by a blow-molding method with an elongated, tube-like body, which is closed on its one longitudinal end and has a neck section that is provided with a pour opening on its other longitudinal end, which neck section includes an injection molded connection to an injection molded closure part, wherein the closure part includes: a flip-top closure and an annular section with an inner wall, which inner wall rests directly on an outer surface of the neck section and completely encloses an annular area of the outer surface of the neck section.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fabrication of a container, comprising a mold defining the form of said container and container and configured to accommodate a substantially tubular preform, an injection head configured to interface with the preform and establish fluid communication with a cavity thereof; an injection valve configured to selectively permit fluid communication through said injection head, and a stretching rod slideably disposed within the injection head; said apparatus further comprising a displacement plunger being disposed coaxially about and mobile relative to said stretching rod between a retracted position substantially within the injection head and an extended position wherein said displacement plunger projects at least partially from said injection head.

Abstract: An embossing material that can be hardened and used for embossing lithography, comprised of a mixture of at least one polymerizable main component, and at least one secondary component. The invention also relates to a use of the embossing material for the primary forming of an embossing form.

Abstract: An article having a nanotextured surface with hydrophobic properties, said nanotextured surface comprising an array of pillars (71) defined by a surface fraction (?s) of the pillars, a pitch (P) of the pillars and an aspect ratio (H/2R) of the pillars, wherein: —the surface fraction (s) is equal or greater to 2% and equal or less to 80%; —the pitch (P) is equal or less to 250; —the aspect ratio (H/2R) is equal or less to 2.4, where H is the height of the pillars and R is the radius of the pillars; —the pitch (P), the height (H), the radius (R) are expressed in nanometers (nm); —the nanotextured surface comprises at least partially a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A molding compound comprising a resin, a filler, and a carbon nano-tube dispersion is disclosed. The carbon nano-tube dispersion achieves a low average agglomeration size in the molding compound thereby providing desirable electro-mechanical properties and laser marking compatibility. A shallow laser mark may be formed in a mold cap with a maximum depth of less than 10 microns.