Abstract: A method of repairing a structure is provided. The method includes inspecting the structure with a robotic device to identify a structural defect in the structure, generating a tool path for repairing the structural defect, and transmitting the tool path to the robotic device from a location remote from the robotic device.

Abstract: A tool calibration apparatus for a robot manipulator having a tool is disclosed. The tool calibration apparatus comprises a base, an X-axis measurement device, a Y-axis measurement device and a Z-axis measurement device. Each of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device comprises a measuring plate and a sensor. The measuring plates of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device move in a direction along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The sensors of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device measure a displacement of the corresponding measuring plate. According to the displacements, information of a tool center point of the tool is acquired so as to calibrate the tool center point.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus, which are capable of controlling a motion of a robot with high accuracy without coding a complex robot motion control program point by point. First coordinate values being each of position coordinates of movement destinations of an end effector of a robot are acquired. Second coordinate values being position coordinates of a target are detected based on an image of the target captured at each of the movement destinations. Selections of a plurality of operations which a robot controller is made to execute are accepted out of a plurality of operations including at least an operation of moving the end effector to the first coordinate values or an operation of moving the end effector to the second coordinate values, to accept a setting of an execution sequence of the plurality of operations the selections of which have been accepted.

Abstract: A robot service cooperation system (10) includes a server (12), a mobile terminal (14) and various robots (16a-16c) respectively connected to a network (100). Each of applications (A1, A2, A3, - - - ) on the network is written with cooperation information indicating that which other application can be cooperated with. A CPU (20) of the server specifies (S3) at least based on the cooperation information a plurality of cooperable services that can be provided to a user of the mobile terminal, presents (S7) the specified plurality of services to the user and makes (S13) the user select an arbitrary combination, and makes (S17, S19) a plurality of services constituting the selected combination cooperate mutually by registering at least a start condition of each service into an event queue in association with at least an end event of another service.

Abstract: A microarchitectured material having a plurality of interconnected unit cells in 2D or 3D configurations. The permanent interconnections to adjacent unit cells include mechanical output structures driven by mechanical actuators. One or more sensors are preferably utilized, such as utilizing a sensing mode of the actuator, for detecting forces and or displacements applied to the unit cell. The unit cells are each controlled by a control circuit for generating drive signals to the actuators in the unit cell so that desired mechanical properties and/or shapes are exhibited by the microarchitectured material.

Abstract: A robotic actuator includes an internal anchor and an instrument. The internal anchor is adapted to be inserted into a body via an entrance port, positioned inside the body, and magnetically coupled with an external anchor positioned outside the body. The instrument is adapted to be inserted into the body via the entrance port and secured to the internal anchor. The instrument includes an end-effector having multiple degrees of movement via multiple axes, and a plurality of actuators that provide the multiple degrees of movement.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus conveys an article between a wait position and a processing position. The conveying apparatus includes a plurality of arms that sandwiches the article between leading ends of the arms located on opposite sides of the article and that is provided to enable base ends of the arms to turn so as to move the leading ends in an up-down direction, and a control apparatus that turns the arms to lift the article located at one of the wait position and the processing position and sandwiched between the arms and that moves the arms with the article kept lifted thereby to the other of the wait position and the processing position, the control apparatus turning the arms to lower and mount the article at the other of the wait position and the processing position.

Abstract: A transport tool for transporting a laboratory article using a pipette of a pipetting system includes at least one plug-in sleeve, which is implemented for the releasable plugging-in of a receptacle cone of a pipette, and which can be plugged onto the receptacle cone of the pipette instead of a disposable pipette tip. In addition, the transport tool comprises an article holder having at least one holding part, which is implemented to form a support connection with a laboratory article. A connecting part connects the article holder to the plug-in sleeve, so that holding axes of the at least one article holder and the sleeve axis of the plug-in sleeve are arranged coaxially or axially-parallel to one another. The laboratory article has at least one flat, at least approximately horizontal surface. The article holder has a holding plate or a holding sleeve.

Abstract: Acquisition or pick-up tools that themselves aid in improving the ease with which images of an acquired substrate may be captured, and methods of operating such pick-up tools, are provided. The pick-up tools may include a pick-up surface adapted to interface with a foreign substrate and a light source integrated with the pick-up tool such that light emitted from the light source passes through the pick-up surface to the foreign substrate when the foreign substrate is temporarily coupled with the pick-up surface to create a silhouette of the foreign substrate. A vision system may be adapted for capturing the silhouette of the foreign substrate when the foreign substrate is temporarily coupled with the pick-up surface. The substrate pick-up surface may be formed of one of a transparent, a semi-transparent, or a translucent material such that light may at least partially pass there through.

Abstract: A robotic arm has an arm assembly, a connection device, and a clamping device. The arm assembly has a bottom base and a connecting base. The connection device is connected with the connecting base and has a housing and a locking member. The housing is connected securely with the connecting base and has a mounting hole defined in a side of the housing. The locking member is mounted moveably in the housing and extends into the mounting hole. The clamping device is combined with the connection device and has a head rod and a clamping head. The head rod has a first end and a second end. The first end extends into the mounting hole and is securely connected with the locking member. The second end is opposite the first end and is provided with a holding recess. The clamping head is mounted securely on the second end of the head rod.

Abstract: A suction device includes a valve, a piezoelectric pump, and a housing. The valve includes a valve casing and a diaphragm. A first ventilation hole, a second ventilation hole, and a third ventilation hole are formed in the valve casing. The diaphragm is fixed to the valve casing and forms a flow path in the valve casing. The second ventilation hole is opened under atmospheric pressure. The piezoelectric pump has a suction hole and a discharge hole. The discharge hole is in communication with the first ventilation hole. The housing has a cavity. A suction pad is attached to the cavity. The housing forms an enclosed space together with the valve and the piezoelectric pump. The enclosed space is a space that is in communication with the cavity, the suction hole, and the third ventilation hole.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided. The cutting tool includes a first member and a second member that are configured to be disposed on opposite sides of the free end of the cable tie. At least one of the first and second members is articulable toward the other. The first member includes a curved blade that is curved along at least a portion of the curved blade along a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the free end of the cable tie. The second member has an opposed surface. Urging the curved blade toward and into contact with the opposed surface removes an end portion of the free end of the cable tie, with a remaining portion of the free end of the cable tie curved along at least a portion of the remaining portion of the free end along the transverse direction.

Abstract: A utility scissors assembly structured to facilitate the cutting and/or punching a hole in a material item, through the provision of a combination scissors device and a retractable punch mechanism. A utility scissors assembly includes two pivotally connected utility members pivotable between a open and a closed position, each including a blade portion and a handle portion. The punch mechanism may be connected to a utility member and pivotable thereon into and out of an exposed, operative orientation corresponding to the utility member. The second utility member may include an aperture disposed and structured to engage and receive the correspondingly aligned punch mechanism, at least when the punch mechanism is in the operative orientation and the utility members are in the closed position.

Abstract: A catheter cutting device can include a base, first and second support blocks coupled to the base, first and second roller shafts extending between and movably coupled to the first and second support blocks, and a sliding plate movably engaged with at least one of the support blocks or roller shafts such that movement of the sliding plate causes one or both of the first and second roller shafts to rotate. An arm including a cutting blade can extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the first and second roller shafts and can be coupled to the base or the sliding plate.

Abstract: A thin layer is cut from a foam material body using a band-knife. A take-off device that lifts and removes the layer from the cutting site, includes a belt conveyor with an electrostatically chargeable conveyor element. The layer is lifted and removed from the cutting site by electrostatic attraction to the conveyor element.

Abstract: This present invention describes and relates a system including a plurality of parts and features allowing the user to creatively and accurately operate a router be able to make several different cuts and create new cut designs on a piece of wood. This inventive new system includes an on board clampable on board adjustable miter gauge including an elongated slotted plate device suitably attached to a protractor on the miter gauge which guide means with suitably attached sleeve may be swung to the right or left through an arcuate slot through which a threaded means pass through and into and through a suitable opening through said opening in miter gauge thus allowing angular settings allowing for freehand lettering, pictures, mechanical lettering, wood joints and other creative cuts without the need of patterns stencils and templates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing food products. Such a method includes introducing a food product into an impeller rotating within a casing about an axis thereof. The impeller has paddles and pockets defined by and between adjacent pairs of the paddles. The paddles are circumferentially spaced so that each pocket is sequentially radially aligned with a circumferential opening of the casing as the impeller rotates. Each paddle has a relief slot defined in an outer radial edge of the paddle. Food products are expelled from the pockets and cut with a knife disposed at the circumferential opening of the casing as the impeller rotates and the pockets travel past the circumferential opening. The knife defines a cord of the casing, extends into the path of the paddles, and passes through the relief slots of the paddles.

Abstract: An apparatus for the lateral overlapping of portions which are transported in a longitudinal direction and which each comprise at least one slice cut off from a food product is provided.

Abstract: An artificial turf trimmer used to trim damaged and worn out artificial turf strands includes a load cradle to place and unwind a roll of artificial turf to be trimmed, a series of rollers set at an angle to maintain the length of the artificial turf to be trimmed tightly stretched, a brush to raise the turf strands, a vacuum pressure apparatus to maintain the turf strands raised during the trimming, a trimming mechanism that moves laterally to trim the damaged portion of the artificial turf strands, and a roll up cradle to wind the trimmed turf for further handling. The artificial turf to be trimmed moves along the different components of the artificial turf trimmer in a conveyance manner. Suitable trimming mechanisms may include a laser jet cutter or, alternatively, a water jet cutter. Alternative to the series of rollers, a cutting table may be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-powered timber slasher. The self-powered timber slasher includes a trailer and a powered circle saw mounted on a first end of the trailer, wherein the powered circle saw is configured to cut timber. Further, the self-powered timber slasher an engine mounted on a second end of the trailer, wherein the engine is configured to generate power for operating the powered circle saw. Yet further, the self-powered timber slasher a wireless controller electrically coupled to the powered circle saw. The wireless controller is configured to control operation of the powered circle saw based on a command received over a wireless communication channel.

Abstract: A method and a device for adjusting a knife assembly of a knife ring to a predetermined knife projection, wherein the knife assembly is designed to be arranged in the knife ring at a chip angle ?, relative to the inside of the knife ring. The knife assembly is formed by a knife holding plate and a chipping knife which are positively connected with one another in a predetermined, relative target position. A knife assembly to be adjusted is provided, wherein the knife holding plate and the chipping knife are displaceable relative to one another. The knife holding plate is displaced in its plane, transversely to its direction of longitudinal extension towards its rear edge, against a first stop. The chipping knife is displaced in its plane against the stop surface of a second stop, until the predetermined knife projection has been reached.

Abstract: The invention comprises a concrete form. The concrete form comprises a first panel having a first primary surface for contacting plastic concrete and a second primary surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first panel is made from a rigid plastic sheet or a metal sheet; and a second panel spaced from the second primary surface of the first panel, wherein the second panel is made from a rigid plastic sheet or a metal sheet. The concrete form also comprises a layer of insulating material disposed between the first panel and the second panel. A method of using the concrete form is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaving a sample includes: creating an indentation on a top surface of the sample by applying a downward force along a vertical axis, the axis arranging perpendicularly to the top surface of the sample; providing a breaking pin and arranging the breaking pin under the sample to touch the bottom surface of the sample at a position that is directly opposite from the indentation; and, applying a downward force on the sample by providing a left side and right side breaker pin wherein the downward force comprises a left-side downward force extended through the left-side breaker pin and right-side downward force through the right side breaker pin, further the pins that provide the left-side and right-side downward force are disposed on a breaker bar and arranged to be on opposite sides of a vertical axis that extends through the indentation on the top surface.

Abstract: A topping sheet forming method includes: feeding a textile original fabric, obtained by weaving longitudinally aligned tire cords into a cord fabric by use of weft yarns; cutting off the weft yarns at a predetermined widthwise position to divide the textile original fabric into a plurality of narrow textile original fabrics; and topping at least one surface of the narrow textile original fabric with unvulcanized rubber.

Abstract: When forming molded resin on a terminal-equipped conductive wire, cases where resin inside the mold for insert-molding leaks out from the mold are suppressed. A smooth portion having a smooth outer circumferential surface is formed in a conductive wire of a terminal-equipped conductive wire (smooth portion formation step (S2)). Furthermore, a molded resin member that covers the terminal connection portion is formed in a state where the terminal connection portion provided is inserted into an insert-molding mold, and a portion of the conductive wire that extends from a metal terminal is exposed to the outside through an opening portion of the mold (insert-molding step (S3)). The outer shape of the smooth portion is a shape that corresponds to the opening shape of the opening portion of the mold.

Abstract: A method of forming a threaded bore in a compression molded part comprises: positioning at least one rotatable threaded shaft in a mold cavity during compression molding of a part; rotatably driving the at least one threaded shaft for unthreading the at least one threaded shaft from the part; and pushing the at least one threaded shaft away from the mold cavity once the at least one threaded shaft is unthreaded from the part.

Abstract: A method of making personal protective equipment, such as a push-in earplug, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of covering a substrate with an outer layer that includes an unactivated foaming agent, positioning at least a portion of the outer layer in a mold, and activating the foaming agent such that a portion of the outer layer expands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transporting foamed thermoplastic polymer particles (3) from a container (5, 9) through at least one pipe (7,9), wherein, for transporting the foamed thermoplastic polymer particles (3), a gas stream is applied through the pipe (7, 11). The foamed thermoplastic polymer particles (3) are wetted with a water comprising lubricant.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and a manufacturing device for integrally forming a waterproof structure for a 3C electronic product, and the method includes the following steps: a. feeding a predetermined amount of a solid silicone raw material into a sprue; b. extruding the solid silicone raw material in the sprue, so that the solid silicone raw material flows into, through a silicone inlet channel, a waterproof structure cavity in a mold in which a product is placed; and c. heating the flowable solid silicone with a high temperature in the mold to have a vulcanization reaction, and finally to integrally form a silicone waterproof structure on the product. The waterproof structure is of a great waterproof performance, good material toughness, small wear when being used repeatedly, and great fatigue resistance.

Abstract: A lead frame for insert molding in a plastic body is provided with an opening defining an edge suitable for detection by pattern recognition systems. During the insert molding process, a pin is positioned in the opening so that the opening remains void of plastic following the injection molding process.

Abstract: The production of a plastic molded part utilizes a barrier layer embedded in plastic. Plastic is injection-molded successively in different cavities of the injection mold onto a three-dimensional preform made from a cut of a multi-layer barrier film, which multi-layer barrier film comprises a barrier layer coated with plastic on both sides. The plastic coating of the barrier film cut is at least superficially melted by the injected plastic melt. And the preform is supported by a support formed on the corresponding partial mold on the respective opposite side.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a method for producing a connector using injection-molding by providing at least one conductor and at least one contact pin which are electrically connected at a contact point, producing a thermoset premold from a thermoset using injection-molding, wherein the thermoset is injection-molded around at least a first section of the at least one conductor and/or around at least a second section of the at least one contact pin, and injection-molding of a thermoplast on the thermoset premold, wherein the step of injection-molding takes place before the thermoset premold has obtained a degree of curing of 90%. Another aspect of the invention is a connector comprising at least one conductor and at least one contact pin is disclosed.

Abstract: A light guide and covering element, a motor vehicle instrument panel including the same, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The light guide and covering element include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the light guide and covering element are produced from a first transparent material. The second portion of the light guide and covering element are produced from a second opaque material. The first portion of the light guide and covering element and the second portion of the light guide and covering element are made from a single part.

Abstract: A melt temperature sensing kit includes a housing and a cup. The housing defines a cavity and has an outer periphery configured to be received by a platen of an injection molding machine. The cup has a proximate end and a distal end and is configured to be received within at least a portion of the cavity. The cup includes a base enclosing the distal end of the cup and a sidewall extending from the base, the sidewall defining a first aperture at the proximate end of the cup, a second aperture disposed between the proximate end and the distal end of the cup, and an internal volume. The first aperture, the second aperture, and the internal volume cooperate to define a flow path. At least one of the housing and the cup facilitate measurement of a shot flow temperature as part of a melt temperature measurement process.

Abstract: A system for electrospinning a fiber matrix on a tubular member includes at least one nozzle, a tubular member in a spaced relationship to the at least one nozzle, and a fluid source for pressurizing a lumen of the tubular member. An electrical potential is applied between the at least one nozzle and either the tubular member or fluid from the fluid source. The electrical potential draws at least one fiber from the at least one nozzle to the tubular member.

Abstract: An upstream/downstream process for making map pocket stiffeners formed of extruded material and a wire. The extrusion is drawn through a die of a main extruder forming a main body with a channel and the extrudate is then pulled through a first cooling tank to cool the extrudate and set the profile. The wire is automatically indexed into the channel by a programmable indexing device for proper location and distance between each piece of wire. The extrudate with the wire is re-heated and then pulled through a secondary extruder to encapsulate and seal the wire within the extruded material. The extrudate is cooled in a second cooling tank and passes through a series of rollers to achieve a predetermined shape before being cut and profiled to predetermined lengths and dimensions.

Abstract: A carousel system includes a platform and a plurality of material delivery systems mounted on a periphery of the platform, each respective material delivery system including a first gear and an extruder nozzle head. The carousel system also includes a carousel rotatably mounted on the platform, a first motor adapted to cause the carousel to rotate from a first radial position to a second radial position, a second motor mounted on the carousel, a drive shaft coupled to the second motor, and a second gear coupled to the drive shaft. Engagement of the second gear with one of the first gears causes the corresponding material delivery system to force an amount of a selected material into the corresponding extruder nozzle head, heat the selected material to soften the selected material, and deposit the selected material on a surface. Each material delivery system provides material having a respective color. The carousel system may be used in a 3D printing system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a screening wheel filter for high-viscosity melts with pressures of >10 bar and temperatures of >90° C., wherein a screening wheel (1) is rotationally driven step by step, and screening inserts (2) arranged in the screening wheel (1) are successively subjected to a stream of cleaning agent produced by a cleaning agent drive (9) in a backflushing cleaning station, are to be optimized in such a way that less cleaning agent is used, better cleaning of the screening inserts takes place and a saving of energy is ensured.

Abstract: A method of producing granular excreta treating material utilizes an extrusion type compressive granulating apparatus configured to produce granular excreta treating material that has an absorbing property and is formed by extruding and granulating a raw material via a granulating hole of the apparatus. The granulating hole includes a small diameter hole and a large diameter hole which are continuous to each other in the axial direction of the hole, in which the small diameter hole forms a compression zone, and the large diameter hole forms a non-compression zone, and in which the raw material is compressed at the compression zone, swells at the non-compression zone, and is cut into granules by a cutting blade rotating along an outlet surface of the non-compression zone.

Abstract: A preform has a flange that protrudes outward at a neck, and is supplied in an inverted state. A preform handling device includes a star wheel that is configured so that the preform is supplied to each of a plurality of depressions that are formed in an outer circumferential part of a wheel, and pushes the preform to rotationally transfer the preform from an upstream region to a downstream region, an end face guide member that is provided in the upstream region so as to be situated under the preform and that support and guide an open end face of the preform, and a pair of flange guide members that are provided in the downstream region and that support and guide a lower side of the flange of the preform.

Abstract: A machine to shape from a preform and fill with liquid successive containers in successive molds. The machine defines a first closed loop and includes a plurality of holding devices adapted to hold a neck of a preform or of a container. The holding devices are distributed along the first closed loop and the machine further includes a conveyor adapted to convey the holding device along the first closed loop. The first closed loop including a forming area along which each holing device is integrated in a forming station. The first closed loop also including one straight portion extending substantially rectilinearly.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a lining in a pipe is disclosed. A pumpable material capable of curing is dispensed about an interior wall of a damaged section of pipe between an inflatable bladder and the pipe. The pumpable material is compressed between the bladder and the pipe and allowed to cure. An assembly for forming the lining in the pipe includes a feeding pump, a static mixer, a dispensing unit and a bladder. The pumpable material is preferably dispensed rearward of an inverting face of the bladder and the dispensing unit and the bladder move substantially in sync along the interior of the pipe.

Abstract: A CNC machine including a worktable displaceable along y-axis, a gantry disposed along an x-axis, either fixed or displaceable along the y-axis, a carriage on such gantry displaceable along the x-axis and including a thermoplastic material extrusion conduit, a tool carrier mounted on such carriage displaceable along a z-axis, a dispersion conduit mounted on such tool carrier accommodating an applicator, means mounted on such applicator for extruding a molten bead of a thermoplastic material, a flexible hose interconnecting such molten material forming means and such applicator, a plurality of servomotors for linearly or rotationally displacing such components along or about such axes and a computer for controlling such component displacements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing apparatus and methods. An exemplary apparatus for fabricating components via additive manufacturing may include a programmable CNC machine. The CNC machine may comprise a first worktable extending in a first plane and a second worktable extending in a second plane, wherein the second plane is oriented at an angle relative to the first plane. At least one conveyor belt may be operably coupled to the first worktable. A printing gantry may be displaceable along a first axis of the CNC machine. The CNC machine may also comprise an applicator having a nozzle configured to deposit material on the second worktable.

Abstract: A joining method for joining together a first member in which fiber material is mixed into a first resin, and a second member that includes at least a second resin, includes abutting the first member and the second member together, and softening or melting the first resin of the first member and the second resin of the second member that are adjacent to abutting surfaces of the first member and the second member; and stirring a joint forming portion formed by the softened or melted first resin of the first member and the softened or melted second resin of the second member, and the fiber material included in the softened or melted first resin of the first member, in a direction inclined with respect to the abutting surfaces, and hardening the joint forming portion.

Abstract: A welding apparatus for making an automotive light including light guides having an inlet which receives the fibers the laser beam produced by the laser emitting device and an outlet which propagates/transmits the laser beam collimated by said guides. The light guide has respective free ends mechanically separated from each other, wherein the light guides are configured so as to direct collimated light beams on adjacent and locally continuous portions of welding interface so as to obtain a homogeneous and uniform distribution of the light beams along the welding interface.

Abstract: According to some examples, a housing assembly includes a support frame including an integrated pattern of channel cavities, a first panel cover adjacent a first side of the support frame, a second panel cover adjacent the support frame on a second side of the support frame, the second panel cover having a plurality of apertures, and a bonding material received in the channel cavities of the support frame through the plurality of apertures of the second panel cover.

Abstract: A particle removal device including a particle removal sticker. The particle removal sticker including a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side of the particle removal sticker includes an adhesive configured to removably adhere to a screen of an electronic device. The particle removal device also includes a sticker release liner. The sticker release liner includes a top side removably attached to the bottom side of the particle removal sticker. The sticker release liner is configured to be removed from the bottom side of the particle removal sticker to expose the adhesive and to adhere the particle removal sticker to the screen. The particle removal sticker is configured to remove particles as the particle removal sticker is removed from the screen. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a composite filler. A composite ply is folded. The composite ply comprises fibers arranged at an angle relative to a central axis of the composite ply such that the composite filler has a varying cross-sectional orientation of fibers. A force is applied to the folded composite ply after folding to form a desired shape for the composite filler.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include the formation of an article of manufacture by a process in which vibrations are generated in a bulk material disposed within a build chamber. The vibrations are focused within a section of the base material, and the focusing is controlled to cause the section of the base material to undergo a physical transformation to form at least a portion of the article of manufacture.