Abstract: A robot apparatus includes: a grasping section configured to grasp an object; a recognition section configured to recognize a graspable part and a handing-over area part of the object; a grasp planning section configured to plan a path of the grasping section for handing over the object to a recipient by the handing-over area part; and a grasp control section configured to control grasp operation of the object by the grasping section in accordance with the planned path.

Abstract: A method substantially simultaneously plans a path and maps an environment by a robot. The method determines a mean of an occupancy level for a location in a map. The method also includes determining a probability distribution function (PDF) of the occupancy level. The method further includes calculating a cost function based on the PDF. Finally, the method includes simultaneously planning the path and mapping the environment based on the cost function.

Abstract: A robotic system validates brake bleeding by detecting one or more forces generated by a machine assembly acting to move a brake lever of a vehicle in order to open a valve of an air brake system of the vehicle. The system also detects displacement of the machine assembly as the machine assembly acts to move the brake lever, monitors one or more sounds generated one or more of during or after the machine assembly acts to move the brake lever, and determines that the brake lever has been moved to a position to open the valve of the air brake system to release the air brake system based on the one or more forces that are detected, the displacement that is detected, and/or the one or more sounds that are monitored.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to various improvements in soft robotic actuators, and more specifically the integration of stiff or rigid bodies into soft actuators to provide adjustable gripping behaviors. These actuators may be used as robotic end effectors to, for example, automate material handling processes. According to some embodiments, the actuators may be deployed in combination with a static or dynamic rigid structure, such as a rod. The rigid structure may extend beside or within the actuator. Multiple rigid structures may be deployed on the sides of an actuator, or multiple actuators may be deployed on the sides of a rigid structure. In further embodiments, an array or matrix of actuators may be integrated into a rigid structure, providing a low-profile gripper that can be maneuvered into tight spaces.

Abstract: Provided is a linear-object handling structure of a robot, in which a linear object for a motor that drives a second arm and a wrist and a linear object for a work tool that is attached to the wrist pass from a base part to the inside of a rotational drum in the vicinity of a first axis, are guided upward to the outside through a through-hole provided in the rotational drum, are respectively curved toward opposite lateral sides of the rotational drum in the substantially circumferential directions while each given a margin of length required for the motion of the rotational drum, are guided from the lateral sides of the rotational drum to the second arm in the longitudinal direction of the first arm while each being given a margin of length required for the motions of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a part conveyor system comprising an attitude adjusting jig which adjusts the attitude of a part which has an axis part and a head part, and a conveyor device which takes out and conveys the part from the attitude adjusting jig. The attitude adjusting jig is provided with a recessed part which has an inside space which is sandwiched between a pair of upward slanted surfaces facing each other, a groove part which is formed at the bottom of the recessed part for holding the axis part of the part, and a magnet which is arranged in the groove part.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing, a blade carrier configured to support a front blade, the blade carrier being coupled to and repositionable in relation to the housing, an auxiliary tool configured to be deployable from another portion of the housing, and a selector repositionable in relation to the housing and configured for mutually exclusively facilitating the user-controlled actions of setting a maximum blade depth to which the front blade is extendable from the housing and activating the auxiliary tool. The selector includes, for example, a biasing component for selectively engaging stop surfaces and a counter-biasing component configured to disengage the one or more biased engagement portions from the stop surfaces in response to a user of the cutter apparatus initiating an action of repositioning the selector along the path.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing shaped to be hand-held, the housing including first and second handle portions shaped and/or adapted to interfit together, a blade holder configured to support a blade, and a lock/unlock mechanism for securing the handle portions together, the lock/unlock mechanism including multiple actuators operable for extending the blade from the housing, the actuators including a primary actuator coupled to the blade holder and repositionable in relation to the housing, and at least one auxiliary actuator including a first auxiliary actuator supported by and repositionable in relation to the first handle portion. The primary and auxiliary actuators are biased toward and/or repositionable to respective locations at which an aperture of the first auxiliary actuator coaligns or registers with an opening in the first handle portion in an unlock configuration that allows a user of the cutter apparatus to reposition/separate the handle portions from each other.

Abstract: A utility tool comprising a body having a first end and a second end positioned on opposite ends of the body; a removable device; as well as a first tool and a second tool configured to be selectively coupled to each other or one of either the first end and second end of the body.

Abstract: A hair clipping device, including, a housing; a cutting assembly including a stationary blade and a moveable blade resiliently biased against the stationary blade, the stationary blade and the moveable blade defining a cutting plane therebetween, an eccentric transmission element including an eccentric pin protruding therefrom and arranged on a rotary driven shaft, a motor for driving the eccentric transmission element; a coupling element coupled to the eccentric transmission element for translating a movement of the eccentric transmission element into oscillatory movement of the moveable blade relative to the stationary blade; the coupling element arranged inside of a common recess formed from a first recess cut into the movable blade and a second recess cut into the stationary blade that form the common recess; wherein the eccentric transmission element engages the coupling element at at least one engagement point in the same plane as the cutting plane.

Abstract: A shaving blade cartridge includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, having a top side, a bottom side opposite to the top side and two longitudinal sides. The two longitudinal sides extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between the top and bottom sides. The housing is provided with at least one protrusion. The shaving blade cartridge further includes a cutting blade mounted in the housing between the longitudinal sides, and having a cutting edge extending along the longitudinal axis, and a clip retaining the cutting blade in the housing and having at least one leg. The leg of the clip has a recess, and the recess cooperates with the protrusion of the housing.

Abstract: A razor head having trimming unit includes a framework, at least one razor blade, a trimming unit, and a lubricating strip. The framework includes a front part, a rear part and two side parts. The trimming unit is arranged along a lengthwise direction of the framework and configured on the two side parts. The trimming unit and the rear part are configured side by side and define a receiving groove together. A side wall of the rear part for defining the receiving groove has a first contact portion extended into the receiving groove, and a side wall of the trimming unit for defining the receiving groove has a second contact portion extended into the receiving groove. The second contact portion corresponds to the first contact portion so that the first and the second contact portions clamp the lubricating strip in the receiving groove together.

Abstract: An integrated multiple razor blade capable of effectively reducing skin damage caused by the blade, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The integrated multiple razor blade may include a frame portion and a razor blade portion. The frame portion has a predetermined length, and comprises a plurality of sections that are separated at a predetermined interval along one direction. The razor blade portion is formed integrally with the frame portion, and has a plurality of razor blades formed perpendicularly to the frame portion.

Abstract: A system that includes a computer processor having a plurality of input data devices, a plurality of output data devices, and a plurality of sensors; and a mechanical assembly integrated with the computer processor to reposition a piece of wood lumber based on software code executing in the computer processor. In some embodiments, the system performs a method that includes eliciting and receiving into the computer processor data parameters from a first human user; obtaining incoming data points about the lumber from the plurality of sensors; processing and storing the data parameters; comparing the incoming data points to the data parameters to obtain comparison results; and, based on the comparison results, (1) rejecting the lumber to a preprogrammed position, (2) feeding the lumber into a saw assembly as positioned, or (3) repositioning the lumber to a more optimal position prior to feeding the lumber to the saw assembly.

Abstract: A device, to homogenise plastics material melts, has a homogenising element with a plurality of flow channels, which differ with respect to at least one feature from the group length, cross sectional area and cross sectional shape. When flowing through the homogenising element, the plastics material melt is divided into a plurality of part streams, which, in each case, flow through an associated flow channel. When leaving the respective flow channel the part streams have different flow speeds so the plastics material melt is expanded and sheared on transition to a uniform flow. As a result, a homogenisation of the plastics material melt takes place in a simple, efficient and effective manner.

Abstract: Methods for improved colorant dispersion in polymer materials using solid-state shear pulverization, as compared to mixing techniques of the prior art, to address concerns relating to colorant agglomeration, plating-out and the like.

Abstract: A process for separating a mixture of materials using a segregation media within a vessel having a central baffle structure which shuggles the mixture by oscillating the baffle structure at a frequency and amplitude. The mixture of materials may have overlapping densities with the segregation media having a density within the overlapping region. Polymers PE and PP may be separated in flake form. For a mixture of materials of differing densities, water may be the segregation media. Shuggling is combined with controlling the flow of water through the vessel at a set velocity. Embodiments are described for separating plastics and mineral ore.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a plurality of manufacturing process stations for processing a workpiece, and at least one drone for transferring the workpiece among the manufacturing process stations. It is preferable that the manufacturing system includes a detecting station for detecting contamination or corrosion of the at least one drone, and a washing station for washing the at least one drone.

Abstract: A mould with a heating device is disclosed. The mould mainly comprises an upper mould, a lower mould, a conductive layer, an insulating layer, at least a pair of electrodes capable of being arranged in the conductive layer in a conductive manner, at least one first conductive unit and at least one second conductive unit.

Abstract: A three-dimensional part is printed using an additive manufacturing technique. The three-dimensional part includes an outer wall having an outer surface defining a shape of a part and in interior surface defining an interior cavity. The part includes a plurality of first sections having a plurality of printed layers, each printed layer of the first section having a plurality of wall segments that form triangle shaped cells wherein each of the plurality of first sections are attached to the interior surface of the outer wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for production of artificial leather comprising top coat, polyurethane layer and optional substrate layer, said process comprising i) providing a release layer, ii) applying one or more than one layer of a top coat to the release layer to an overall top coat layer thickness in the range from 1 to 500 ?m, iii) applying first polyurethane system components comprising an isocyanate component (A) and a polyol component (B) to the top coat to form a first polyurethane layer, wherein the isocyanate index of the first polyurethane system components is in the range from 101 to 140, iv) optionally applying further polyurethane system components to the first polyurethane layer to form further polyurethane layers, v) optionally applying a substrate layer to the polyurethane system components, vi) curing the polyurethane system components to form a polyurethane layer, and vii) separating the release layer from the top coat, wherein the overall thickness of the first and optional

Abstract: A method for making a conductive pre-impregnated composite sheet includes the steps of joining a nanomaterial composite sheet, a fiber-reinforcing sheet and a resin system to form a combined sheet, heating the combined sheet, compacting the combined sheet, and cooling the combined sheet to form conductive pre-impregnated composite sheet including the fiber-reinforcing sheet, and the nanomaterial composite sheet coupled to the fiber-reinforcing sheet, wherein the fiber-reinforcing sheet and the nanomaterial composite sheet are embedded in the resin system.

Abstract: An engine cylinder head comprising an internal metal structure formed from a metal material and an external polymer composite structure formed from a polymer composite material, wherein the external polymer composite structure at least partially surrounds the internal metal structure.

Abstract: A mold structure has a first mold, a second mold relatively connectable to and disconnectable from the first mold, a heater on at least one of the first and second molds, a transfer member on at least one of the first and second molds, that is relatively movable and separable from the at least one of the first and second molds on which the transfer member is disposed, a transfer surface formed on the transfer member that is placed in contact with a resin sheet fed between the first and second molds to perform transfer molding onto the resin sheet, and a moving mechanism that moves the at least one of the first and second molds on which the transfer member is disposed and the transfer member relative to each other.

Abstract: In an imprinting apparatus according to one embodiment, rear surfaces of first and second templates are suctioned. A correction information calculating device calculates a second response coefficient of the second template out of first response coefficients based on a flatness relational expression and flatness of the second template. The first response coefficients are actual amounts of positional slippage of the first template from a first input adjustment value. The flatness relational expression indicates a relationship between flatness of the first template and the first response coefficients. A shape and a size of the second template are adjusted using the second response coefficient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for encapsulating an element with a body of plastic. The element is placed into a cavity in an injection mold and fixed therein by means of a movable retaining pin. Then the plastic is injected into the cavity. Subsequently, the retaining pin is moved away from the element after filling of the cavity and while the plastic is still in a plastic state so that plastic can subsequently flow into the volume vacated by the retaining pin, to produce a kind of weld line in the region of the fixing on the body. Then, the retaining pin is moved back in the direction of the element while the plastic that subsequently flowed into the volume is still in a plastic state so that a kind of compression of the plastic takes place in the region of the fixing on the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection molding tool for producing an injection molded part, in particular made of plastic, having an injection mold which has a cavity corresponding to the negative of the shape of the injection molded part to be produced, wherein a plasma nozzle, which is configured to produce an atmospheric plasma jet, is attached to the injection mold in such a way that an injection molded part produced in the injection mold can be impacted in the injection mold with a plasma jet.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a glass fiber product is disclosed. A glass fiber resin is provided. The glass fiber resin includes a thermoplastic resin, a glass fiber, and an additive. The amount of the thermoplastic resin is between 30 wt % and 70 wt %, the content of the glass fiber is between 40 wt % and 70 wt % and the amount of the additive is between 0.1 wt % and 15 wt %. A molding process is performed for the glass fiber resin to mold the glass fiber resin into a semi-finished product. A mechanical machining process is performed on the semi-finished product to form at least one recessed structure in the semi-finished product, so as to form a final product.

Abstract: A molding system 10 for manufacturing a molded article Q by integrally molding a sheet-shaped insert member S and a molding material R, the molding system comprising: a sheet supply part 20 configured to supply the insert member S; a sheet heating part 30 configured to heat the insert member S; a molding apparatus 100 configured to form the molded article Q by integrally molding the insert member S and the molding material R; an ejector 200 including a delivery position 222 and configured to transfer the insert member S between the sheet heating part 30 and the molding apparatus 100 and to eject and transfer the molded article Q from the molding apparatus; and a transfer robot configured to transfer the insert member S or the molded article Q between the sheet supply part 20 and the ejector.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided. The pocket can be a molded pocket including individual molded strings, combined strings, shooting strings and support rails extending around a perimeter of the pocket. Certain pocket elements can include transition parts to smoothly transition components having different cross sections. The pocket can include a pre-formed ball channel and hole units having broadsides for connection to a head or other component. The pocket can be attached to a pocket frame, and optionally constructed from a mesh or other synthetic material that is tensioned with the pocket frame. A mold and related molding method are also provided.

Abstract: A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head including a nozzle forming face in which a plurality of nozzles through which liquid is ejected toward a droplet landing object are formed, and a protruding face protruding toward the droplet landing objet and disposed so as to surround the nozzle forming face, and a cap body including a bottom plate and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom plate and configured to seal the nozzle forming face within a sealing space formed by bringing a top portion of the wall into contact with the protruding face. Further, at minimum, a portion included in the wall and being brought into contact with the protruding portion is an elastic member including liquid repellency.

Abstract: Methods of joining members, forming molded portions with members, securing inserts with members, and joined members, such as for a frame or a frame for a fenestration unit, formed thereby, are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes placing a first member with a first cavity in a joining position, placing a second member proximate the first cavity of the first member in the joining position, injecting a resin into the first cavity, allowing the resin to solidify at least partially to join the first member and second member to form a joined member, and removing the joined member from the joining position. Optionally, the joined member can be formed in a fixture, can include molded portions formed by the resin, and/or can include inserts held in place by the resin. Further, members without cavities can form a cavity that can receive the resin.

Abstract: A molded product that includes a first molded part, a second molded part, and a label having a rear side provided on the first molded part, a front side opposite to the rear side, the front side having a peripheral border. The second molded part has an overlapping portion which overlaps the front side of the label only on the peripheral border.

Abstract: A mold component configured to be actuated between: a first configuration in which the mold component comprises a passage that allows passage of fluid (such as air) and prevents passage of the melt; and a second configuration in which the passage is actuated such as to become part of a molding surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an edge gating injection molding apparatus for delivering a moldable material to an array of mold cavities, the array can have a first column and a last column of mold cavities, the edge gating injection molding apparatus comprising: a unidirectional delivery body for delivering a first stream of the moldable material to a different one of each mold cavity of the first column and the last column of mold cavities, via a first location of the different one of each mold cavity of the first column and the last column of mold cavities; and a bidirectional delivery body for delivering a second stream of the moldable material to the different one of each mold cavity of the first column and the last column of mold cavities, via a second location of the different one of each mold cavity of the first column and the last column of mold cavities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, amongst other things is a component of a molding system (e.g. mold component, post-mold component, etc.) having a heat dissipater that is configured to impart a profiled heat removal rate on a selected portion of a molded article that generally matches a heat distribution therein.

Abstract: An operating unit has an operating program and a touch-sensitive display screen on which display fields and/or navigation fields can be represented. Upon actuation of the operating fields, operating signals can be sent by a control or regulating device to injection molding machine elements. Upon actuation of the navigation fields, pages of the operating program can be called up. At least one operating group contains the operating fields but no navigation fields, and/or navigation groups contain the navigation fields but no operating fields. At least one passive field in the form of rows and/or columns contains neither operating fields nor navigational fields. The least one operating group and/or the navigation groups is arranged in rows and/or columns, and the at least one passive field is arranged between the navigation groups and/or the at least one operating group.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to start-up a process to make expandable vinyl aromatic polymer pellets comprising, a) providing a pelletizer (S) containing means to introduce the molten vinyl aromatic polymer comprising the expandable agent and optionally additives, a die plate having a plurality of holes of small diameter, typically in the range 0.8 to 1.

Abstract: A method of forming an oral product includes extruding a mixture, conveying the extruded mixture through one or more pairs of forming rollers, and cutting the extruded mixture into one or more oral products. The mixture can include polymer and at least one flavorant, sweetener, active ingredient, or combination thereof. The extruded mixture forms an extrudate having a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The one or more pairs of forming rollers abut to define a passage there between as each forming roller rotates. The passage has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the predetermined cross-sectional shape. The method can be performed using a machine including an extruder, one or more pairs of forming rollers, and a cutting device.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the heating of plastics material pre-forms (10) with a conveying device (2) which conveys the plastics material pre-forms (10) along a pre-set conveying path (T), with at least one heating element (4) which is arranged along the conveying path (P) of the plastics material pre-forms (10) and which heats the plastics material pre-forms (10), wherein in addition a cooling device is provided which cools the plastics material pre-forms (10) and/or at least one element of the apparatus (1) during the heating of the plastics material pre-forms (10) by acting upon them with a gaseous medium.

Abstract: A guide wheel (26) for fitting a layer of carbon armor wires around a tubular core (24). The guide wheel (26) has a central cavity (32), an internal circular edge (34), and a peripheral circular edge (38) that extends coaxially at a distance from said internal circular edge (34), the guide wheel (26) includes a plurality of guiding devices (46), each of which is capable of guiding in translation a plurality of carbon armor wires, the guiding devices being mounted around said central cavity (32). The guiding device (46) includes a peripheral redirecting member (50) in order to be able to guide the carbon armor wires to the internal circular edge (34), and a central redirecting member (52) in order to be able to guide said carbon armor wires through a second curved passageway.

Abstract: A supply of build material such as a spool or cartridge is instrumented with a data tag that includes information about the build material. A three-dimensional printer can read the information from the tag and determine how to use the build material during fabrication of a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: The invention provides a building block for a mechanical construction. The invention further provides a bearing and a method of producing the building block. The building block provides a first printed material printed via an additive manufacturing process on or at least partially embedded in a second material. The first printed material is printed in a pattern configured and constructed for cooperating with a sensor for providing position information of the building block relative to the sensor. The sensor may be a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor. The first printed material may include magnetic particles. The method of producing the building block may include a step of adding the first printed material to the second material via the additive manufacturing process under the influence of a predefined magnetic field.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a clamping ring for use on a pipe when making a pipe connection is configured such that when establishing the pipe connection an end of a pipe and the surrounding clamping ring are expanded simultaneously, wherein the clamping ring is made of a plastic material having memory properties such that after expanding, the clamping ring shrinks or contracts automatically, the clamping ring further comprising a chamfer on the inlet inner diameter edge of the clamping ring.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional object, is carried out by (a) providing a carrier and a build plate, the build plate comprising a semipermeable member, the semipermeable member comprising a build surface with the build surface and the carrier defining a build region therebetween, and with the build surface in fluid communication by way of the semipermeable member with a source of polymerization inhibitor; (b) filling the build region with a polymerizable liquid, the polymerizable liquid contacting the build surface, (c) irradiating the build region through the build plate to produce a solid polymerized region in the build region, while forming or maintaining a liquid film release layer comprised of the polymerizable liquid formed between the solid polymerized region and the build surface, wherein the polymerization of which liquid film is inhibited by the polymerization inhibitor; and (d) advancing the carrier with the polymerized region adhered thereto away from the build surface on the build plate t

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for 3D printing with accelerated method execution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered composite material manufactured by thermocompressing a multi-layered sheet, comprising: a first sheet layer formed from a solution containing nanofibrillated cellulose and a first thermoplastic matrix polymer; and a second sheet layer formed from a solution containing a second thermoplastic matrix polymer. The multi-layered composite material of the present invention has the high strength and high elastic modulus.

Abstract: A manufactured component, method and apparatus for advanced manufacturing that includes a polymeric working material formed into a mandrel with a carbon fiber overlay formed in a continuation of the process. The mandrel build and the carbon fiber overlay of the component preferably take place at atmospheric temperatures.

Abstract: A system including one or more rubber bodies with respective rubber portions. The rubber body is positionable on a preselected portion of a surface of an object. An inner side of the rubber body is engageable with the preselected portion, and an outer side thereof is opposed to the inner side. The system includes a release film positionable on the rubber body, a heating blanket positionable on the release film, and a breather fabric. The system also includes a vacuum cover engageable with the breather fabric, which is sealed along a perimeter surrounding the preselected portion of the surface. A vacuum pump is in fluid communication with an interior space partially defined by the vacuum cover, for subjecting the rubber body to a predetermined pressure. The rubber portion is vulcanizable when subjected to heat generated by the heating blanket and to the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A structure for and method of producing large diameter seal rings. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of a co-extruded “support” layer of a polymer showing better weld quality and strength. The use of a co-extruded support polymer bonded to the functional polymer can be used to improve the strength of the entire weld, including the weld of functional polymer layer.