Abstract: The present invention relates to a flux cored wire and the method and apparatus for manufacturing the same. The flux cored wire in accordance with the present invention can prevent the flux filled inside strip from leaking out and the moisture in the atmosphere from penetrating into the flux. The method of the present invention also does not require longer processing time. For this, the flux cored wire in accordance with the present invention is comprised of: an inner tubular body formed with flat strip by curling up the side edges of the strip into a tubular body having a seam and filed with flux inside; and an outer tubular body formed with flat strip by curling up the side edges of the strip into a tubular body having a seam and wrapping around the inner tubular body in tight contact.

Abstract: A heat containment apparatus may include a housing having an access gap, the housing being formed of an insulating material. Alternatively, a heat containment apparatus includes a housing being an expandable structure having an access gap, the housing including an insulating material. Heat containment apparatuses may be used in conjunction with performing high temperature operations and/or low temperature operations to at least portions of substrates contained therein.

Abstract: A workbed comprises a plurality of parallel support members with each support member having a first edge with a contact surface of a specific configuration. A second, opposed edge with a second contact surface on the support member is also provided with the same specific configuration. As a result, instead of replacing the support member each time the first edge's support surface is worn or degraded, it can be flipped, or reversed so that the second, edge's support surface of the support member is used to form the workbed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rail system for welding tables, including a base rail which is designed to be secured on or in a floor and has multiple openings corresponding to the openings of the welding tables; a connecting frame of a rail system for welding tables, said connecting frame being provided with rollers which are designed to interact with a circular rail; and a caster of a rail system for welding tables, said caster comprising a main part, rollers, and a tilting protection device. The is configured in that a circular rail is secured in a recess of the base rail. The connecting frame is configured in that a recess is provided in each base plate of the connecting frame, a rotating assembly roller being securable in the recess in different rotational positions. The caster is configured in that the rollers are designed to interact with a circular rail and the tilting protection device is designed to interact with a tilting protection recess and a tilting protection edge of a rail.

Abstract: A defect perimeter sealing system that includes a plurality of perimeter base components that are arranged around a defect of a tank, where all of a top of the perimeter base components are encompassed or spanned by compression panels, the plurality of perimeter base components and the compression panels defining a fill zone between the plurality of perimeter base components and the compression panels, and an injected material in the fill zone.

Abstract: A method and temporary fastener for substantially simultaneously clamping a drill jig and a plurality of layers. The temporary fastener may comprise a first system and a second system. The first system may be configured to secure the temporary fastener to a drill jig. The second system may be configured to secure the temporary fastener to a plurality of layers of material beneath the drill jig.

Abstract: There is provided a rotation part of a rotary machine, the rotation part including: a base unit including a surface constituting fluid channels; a plurality of blade units protruding from the base unit; a plurality of shroud segment support units connected to the plurality of blade units and extending in a parallel direction to the surface of the base unit; a shroud segment disposed between and bonded to adjacent shroud segment support units of the plurality of shroud segment support units; and a first reinforcing unit provided on an intersection portion between a blade unit of the plurality of blade units and a shroud segment support unit of the plurality of shroud segment support units, wherein a distance from a protruding direction center line of the blade unit to an end portion of the shroud segment support unit is greater than a maximum distance from the protruding direction center line of the blade unit to an end portion of the first reinforcing unit.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for a power transfer device and method of forming a power transfer device that includes a unitarily formed transfer member and a support member. The transfer member can be supported within a housing for rotation about an input member and can be coupled to the input member to receive rotational power therefrom. A ring gear defined by the transfer member can meshingly engage with a pinion gear. The support member can be disposed concentrically about the input member and be rotatable about a first axis relative to the housing. The support member can have a first end and a second end. The first end of the support member can be supported for rotation relative to the housing by a support bearing. The second end of the support member can be received within a bore defined by the transfer member and fixedly coupled thereto for common rotation.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an aircraft includes a hot fluid inlet, a hot fluid outlet, a cold fluid inlet, a cold fluid outlet, and a header connected to the hot fluid outlet. The header includes a housing defining a header volume and a baffle separating the header volume into a first volume and a second volume, wherein the first volume and the second volume are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A headstock structure of computer numerical control milling and boring machine tool comprising a spindle, a conducting slip ring, a rotating plate, a mobile unit, two balancing units, a driving unit, and a cutter locking unit; the conducting slip ring being sleeved on a top end of the spindle; the rotating plate being rotated in horizontal direction under the drive of the spindle; the mobile being rotated in horizontal direction together with the rotating plate; the two balancing units being located on the rotating plate; the driving unit being configured to drive the mobile unit to perform horizontal radial movement; the cutter locking unit being configured to lock the cutter, so that the headstock structure can rotate and move up and down, and can perform horizontal radial motion.

Abstract: A positive feed tool may include a motor, a gear head and a spindle. The gear head may be operably coupled to the motor and may include a drive assembly and a feed assembly. The spindle may be operably coupled to the gear head and may be selectively driven rotationally and fed axially based on operation of the drive assembly and the feed assembly, respectively. The feed assembly may include a feed rate oscillator having a fixed cam and a movable cam operably coupled to each other via a plurality of rolling elements to oscillate between a maximum width and a minimum width of the feed rate oscillator based on a position of the movable cam. The rolling elements alternate between a first state in which at least some of the rolling elements are unloaded and a second state in which all of the rolling elements are loaded.

Abstract: A power tool system includes a hand-held power tool having a motor or a solenoid that drives a tool, and a first memory that stores at least one pass code. A battery pack is detachably attached to, and supplies current to, the power tool and has a second memory that stores at least one pass code. An electronically-actuatable lock and a first controller are provided in the power tool and/or in the battery pack. The first controller reads the pass codes from the first and second memories when the battery pack is attached to the power tool, directly compares the pass codes from the first memory and the second memory, and causes the first electronically-actuatable lock to prohibit or impair operation of the power tool when the pass codes do not match or otherwise correspond in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A rotary table according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a piston 70 having a first tapered portion 72, and a clamp 80 having a second tapered portion 82. When the first tapered portion 72 comes into close contact with the second tapered portion 82 by a movement of the piston 70, a pallet base 30 is fixed to a table base 10, and thus the pallet base 30 is rotated, thereby maintaining a preset posture.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to inspect a deteriorated state of a spindle incorporated in a machine tool without disassembling the machine tool, a command for speed V0 is output to the spindle and, when the rotating speed of the spindle reaches V0, power of a spindle motor is interrupted and a timer is started. The spindle continues to rotate with inertia while decelerating. Time T clocked by the timer when the spindle speed decreases to zero is read. When time T is outside a range between the upper and lower limits, the spindle is in the deteriorated state, and an alarm is output. When time T is not greater than the lower limit, the spindle and a bearing of the spindle are deteriorated and friction resistance increases. When time T is larger than the upper limit, oil holding force of grease of the bearing is deteriorated.

Abstract: Apparatus for sharpening a cutting tool. In some embodiments, a powered sharpener has a main drive assembly with an electric motor, and a sharpening assembly with belt support surfaces to provide a routing path for the belt to define first and second belt segments. A first blade guide is configured to position a blade of the cutting tool at a first guide angle to sharpen a cutting edge of the blade against the first belt segment. A second blade guide is configured to position the blade at a second guide angle to sharpen the cutting edge of the blade against the second belt segment. The first and second belt segments may be parallel or non-parallel. As desired, anti-torsion members may be provided to contactingly engage a backing layer of the belt to resist torsional twisting of the belt during sharpening against the first and second belt segments.

Abstract: According to this lens-centering method, a state in which a lens is sandwiched at prescribed pressing force between a lens holder and a lens processing dish is brought about. Next, the lens-processing dish is rotated at slow speed about a rotation axis line that passes through the center and the spherical center of the lens-processing surface thereof, and is made to oscillate at a slight angle about the spherical center of the lens-processing surface as the center of oscillating action. The spherical center of a first lens spherical surface of the lens is guided to the spherical center of a lens-retaining surface of the lens holder, and the spherical center of a second lens spherical surface is guided to the spherical center of the lens-processing surface. A lens mounted in the spherical center-type processing machine can be set to an accurately centered state thereby.

Abstract: A sanding machine for sanding panels, including a supporting structure, a sanding unit supported by the supporting structure, a surface for supporting and sliding of the panels located beneath the sanding unit and along which the panels are fed in a predetermined feed direction; the sanding unit including a trestle supporting a sanding belt, the trestle including a plurality of rollers having respective axes parallel to the supporting surface, the sanding belt being endless and looped around the rollers, one of the rollers being motorized to move the sanding belt during the sanding of the panels, the sanding unit further including at least one opposing member to force the belt against the panel to be sanded.

Abstract: A clamp arrangement for securing an accessory to an oscillating power tool can include a clamp assembly including a first clamp member that moves relative to the accessory between a closed position wherein the clamp assembly retains the accessory and an open position wherein the first clamp is offset from the accessory permitting removal of the first accessory from the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly can further comprise a second clamp member having a first portion that opposes the first clamp member and cooperates with the first clamp member to clamp the accessory between the first and second clamp members. An attachment plate can carry the clamp assembly. The attachment plate can have a first mating detail formed thereon that is configured to selectively and removably mate with a complementary second mating detail on the power tool in an assembled position.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus capable of measuring a film thickness of a wafer using a plurality of optical sensors, without using an optical-path switching device for optical fibers, is disclosed. The polishing apparatus includes: an illuminating fiber having a plurality of distal ends arranged at different locations in a polishing table; a spectrometer configured to break up reflected light from a wafer in accordance with wavelength and measure an intensity of the reflected light at each of wavelengths; a light-receiving fiber having a plurality of distal ends arranged at the different locations in the polishing table; and a processor configured to generate a spectral waveform indicating a relationship between the intensity and wavelength of the reflected light and determine a film thickness based on the spectral waveform.

Abstract: Sanding pads are disclosed. A sanding pad has at least about 1/32 inch thickness, having one top flat surface and an opposite flat bottom surface. The top and bottom surfaces are capable of providing attachment for an abrasive material, such as a pressure adhesive sand paper. The sanding pad is formed of various geometric shapes and made from an expanded PVT material which has a Shore D durometer hardness value between 30 and 60. The sanding pad comes in a kit that includes several sanding pads, each of a different shape and situated purpose.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of inhibiting corrosion of a substrate containing metal. The substrate can be in any suitable form. In some embodiments, the metal is cobalt. The methods can be used with semiconductor wafers in some embodiments. The invention also provides chemical-mechanical polishing compositions and methods of polishing a substrate. A corrosion inhibitor can be used in the methods and compositions disclosed herein. The inhibitor comprises an amphoteric surfactant, a sulfonate, a phosphonate, a carboxylate, an amino acid derivative, a phosphate ester, an isethionate, a sulfate, a sulfosuccinate, a sulfocinnimate, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatic power tool includes: a housing with a pressure air inlet passage, a rotation motor, a working implement carrying output shaft, and an over-speed safety device including: a valve element located in the inlet passage and shiftable between open and closed positions, a motor speed responsive actuating mechanism which can shift the valve element from an open to a closed position as motor speed reaches an accepted maximum limit, and a retaining unit which maintains the valve element in an open position at normal motor speed levels and releases it toward the closed position when actuated by the actuating mechanism. The retaining unit includes: a latch spindle having varying width in an axial direction and coupled to the actuating mechanism for displacement between valve element locking and releasing positions at the maximum speed limit, and a support surface and axially adjacently located one or more waist portions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for orienting and operating grinding motors and their associated mechanical parameters for rail applications are described. A method for determining a parameter for operation of grinding motors on a grinding vehicle, may include: receiving a rail profile, comparing the rail profile with a target rail template to provide a comparison result, and determining, by a processor, based on the comparison result, one or more of a grinding motor's orientation, power, and speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an abrasive support, to an abrasive article comprising such a support, to the method for producing the same, and to the use of the abrasive article. According to at least one embodiment, the abrasive support comprises an impregnated support material based on synthetic fibers. The impregnated support material has at least on one side having a surface roughness Rz of 100 ?m to 500 ?m, and having an Rmax of 250 ?m to 600 ?m. The support has an air permeability of at most 20 l/m2 s.

Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond constructions include a diamond body comprising a matrix phase of bonded together diamond crystals formed at high pressure/high temperature conditions with a catalyst material. The sintered body is treated remove the catalyst material disposed within interstitial regions, rendering it substantially free of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the body. Accelerating techniques can be used to remove the catalyst material. The body includes an infiltrant material disposed within interstitial regions in a first region of the construction. The body includes a second region adjacent the working surface and that is substantially free of the infiltrant material. The infiltrant material can be a Group VIII material not used to initially sinter the diamond body. A metallic substrate is attached to the diamond body, and can be the same or different from a substrate used as a source of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the diamond body.

Abstract: A pair of locking members (22) (22) protruding upward relative to a housing (1) and configured to be inserted into a hole of a workpiece are arranged to be capable of being respectively pressed onto right end left portions of an inner peripheral surface of the hole. Wedge surfaces (33) (33) of a clamp rod (32) are respectively engaged with the locking members (22) (22) from above. The clamp rod (32) is driven by a driving means (D) downward for clamping and upward for unclamping. The clamp rod (32) includes recesses (50) (50) formed, in an outer peripheral surface of the clamp rod (32), at a portion of the clamp rod (32) which is located below the wedge surfaces (33) (33). The recesses (50) (50) accommodate the locking members (22) (22) so that inner lower portions of the locking members (22) (22) in an unclamping position contact each other.

Abstract: A dual positionable adaptor for a fastener driver assembly employs a guide assembly mounted to a guide head which has an entry surface for a fastener. The arms each define a pair of reference engagement edges which engage either an upper horizontal member or a lower horizontal member and together with the entry surface defines a proper entry location and angle for connecting a vertical stud to either an upper plate or a lower plate. In one embodiment, the dual positionable adaptor may employ a pair of pivoting arms which defines one of two pivot positions for a guide assembly. Arms of the guide assembly each have a first reference engagement edge and a second reference engagement edge. In a first guide position, the adaptor provides an optimal position and entry angle for connecting a top plate to a lateral blocking. In a second position, the adaptor provides an optimal position and entry angle for driving a fastener through a lower plate into a lateral blocking.

Abstract: A device for removing a boat drain plug, having a body with a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end has a first square-shaped opening configured to engage a boat drain plug. The first square-shaped opening features a first notch extending outward from one side and a second notch extending outwardly from a diametrically opposed side. The proximal end has a first handle extending laterally outward from the body, a second handle diametrically opposed to the first handle and extending laterally outward from the body, and a second square-shaped opening disposed between the first handle and the second handle. The second square-shaped opening is configured to engage a socket wrench.

Abstract: A fuel assembly includes a plurality of fuel rods comprising fissile material, a plurality of guide tubes interspersed amongst the fuel rods, an upper end fitting connected with upper ends of guide tubes, and a lower end fitting. End plugs are connected with the lower ends of the guide tubes. The end plugs have threaded male shafts extending from the lower ends of the guide tubes which pass through openings of the lower end fitting. Female lock nuts are threaded onto the threaded male shafts of the end plugs and lock with the lower end fitting to secure the lower end fitting to the lower ends of the guide tubes. The female lock nuts suitably have locking portions that are outwardly deformed into recesses of the lower end fitting to lock the lock nuts in place after tightening.

Abstract: A screwdriver bit assembly includes a magnetic ring mounted in a front end of a sleeve hole of a sleeve. A retaining ring is made of a material more rigid than the sleeve, is mounted in the sleeve hole, and is located behind the magnetic ring. A screwdriver bit includes an insertion end, an extending section behind the insertion end, a flange section behind the extending section, and a clamping section behind the flange section. The front end of the screwdriver bit extends through the sleeve hole of the sleeve, the retaining ring, and the magnetic ring. The insertion end extends beyond the sleeve and is located in front of a front end face of the sleeve. The flange section abuts the retaining ring. The clamping section is held by a holding device mounted on the sleeve, providing a holding force towards a longitudinal axis of the sleeve hole.

Abstract: An impact screwdriver having a housing includes an impact mechanism including a hammer interacting with an anvil for driving a tool, wherein the hammer is arranged on a drive shaft so as to be axially movable and preloaded in the axial direction, and wherein the hammer is driven by the drive shaft via a driver and is preloaded counter to the force of a spring element in order to trip and to transmit a rotary impulse to the anvil when a particular rotation angle is exceed, wherein the hammer and the anvil are mounted in a manner electrically insulated from one another and are connected to a voltage source, and wherein a sensor is provided for monitoring a current flow between the hammer and anvil during contact thereof for determining a contact duration between the hammer and anvil.

Abstract: A retaining-ring-attaching tool includes a holding portion having a notch in which a retaining ring is held; a body supporting the holding portion such that the holding portion is movable in one direction; a link mechanism including an operation portion supported by the body and being operable with a finger of a hand holding the body, the link mechanism being configured to move, when the operation portion is operated, the holding portion between a first position and a second position where the retaining ring held in the notch is ready to be attached to a shaft member, the link mechanism further including a force-applying portion applying an external force to the holding portion such that the holding portion moves to the second position; and a feeding portion supported by the body and, when the holding portion is moved to the first position, feeding the retaining ring to the notch.

Abstract: A device for automatically offsetting pronged fasteners, or staples, in successively fastened sets of sheet material is provided. The assembly may be disposed within any manual or power driven stapler. It may comprise a manually or electrically rotatable drive gear which, when rotated, pushes a means for setting the depth at which such fasteners may be delivered into such sheet material respective to an edge thereof. In use, stacked sheets of material, such as paper, may be placed within a stapler. Then, when the stapler is activated to fasten the set, the drive gear may automatically rotate to push the means for setting the depth forward so that a subsequently delivered fastener may be delivered into a following set of sheet material at a different depth from the edge of the prior set.

Abstract: A prior art powered wrist pin knocker is imported with a new plunger that prevents wobbling. The new plunger responds to a return vacuum pressure. The improved plunger is symmetrical along a longitudinal axis. New embodiments include a new side mount valve head to reduce length, a remote air controller and a variable length cylinder for the cannon. The new valve head is a simplified valve head assembly that adapts to an end of the cannon mount or a side mount or a remote mount. Another embodiment provides a stand for a surface mount application. This embodiment can have an extended piston for loosening tail bearings down a long channel. A manual return embodiment can use a rod to manually return the plunger to the proximal end for another firing cycle.

Abstract: A multi-tooled hammer with an auxiliary tool mountable to the hammer, the hammer including a hammer-head attached to a handle, the hammer-head including a top-end and the handle including a butt-end. The hammer also has a shank-way defining an internal passage within the hammer, from the top end of the hammer-head to the butt-end of the handle. The auxiliary tool has a tool-head and a tool-shank, with the tool-shank receivable into the shank-way of the hammer, and the tool-head augmented by the hammer in tasks performed by the multi-tooled hammer. The multi-tooled hammer is a versatile, practical, and effective hand-tool for both experienced and unskilled tool users.

Abstract: A sawhorse includes a first side body and a second side body. Each of the first side body and the second side body has a first cross member, a second cross member, a first leg portion with a foot, and a second leg portion with a foot. The first cross member of the first side body is rotatably coupled to the first cross member of the second side body. The first side body and the second side body are positionable between a closed position and an opened position. The sawhorse further includes a centrally hinged, folding platform that is rotatably coupled to the second cross member of each of the first side body and the second side body. Where in the open position, the folding platform is fully deployed to create a substantially planar surface spanning the second cross members of the first side body and the second side body.

Abstract: A tool box is provided, including a box body and at least one marking member. The box body has two first boards facing each other, two second boards facing each other and at least one recessed portion, each said first board is substantially perpendicular to each said second board, and each said recessed portion is obliquely connected to one said first board and one said second board. The at least one marking member is correspondingly attached to the at least one recessed portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to risers for automotive repair and to related methods and systems. In a first illustrative embodiment, a generally U-shaped riser is formed from two boxes each having a generally L shape. A latitudinal portion of the riser is formed from the adjustable joining of the two boxes, with the remainder of the L-shaped portions disposed in an orthogonal direction. A vehicle may be positioned within the U-shaped riser and the two boxes adjusted to place the riser adjacent the vehicle. When not in use, the riser may be reduced to a minimum space position and stored. The riser may be formed from a number of smaller components, such as planar members or metal framing, allowing it to be taken apart for longer storage or for ease of shipping.

Abstract: A squaring device includes a longitudinal square component configured to form a flange defining a slot therein, the slot adapted to rotatably receive a flat stock end. An “L” shaped square component includes a first outside edge and a second outside edge, the first and the second outside edges configured to form a flange defining a slot therein along a length of the flange, the flange adapted to rotatably receive one of the first forty-five degree and the second forty-five degree flat stock ends of the longitudinal square component. A magnetic clip is adjustable to fit either the flange end or the flat stock ends of the longitudinal square and the “L” square components via adjustable linear force sensitive pins, wherein a squaring device is formed and fixed magnetically and mechanically in place for pipe fitting by a combination thereof. Level indicators therein include magnifying lens and lighting.

Abstract: A ground robot, comprising of a body including a drivetrain and a tail, and a plurality of hub and compliant leg assembly, capable of traveling at high speed over different terrain, with several apparatus and means to mechanically or to electrically recycle energy, and zero turn capabilities for agile maneuvers.

Abstract: An exoskeleton joint for a load-bearing powered exoskeleton includes a first exoskeleton link supporting a weight of an external load being applied to the powered exoskeleton and a second exoskeleton link that transfers the weight of the external load to a support surface, i.e., to the ground. In response to a contraction of a muscle of a human user associated with the exoskeleton joint, an electromyography (EMG) sensor generates EMG sensor data based on the muscle contraction. A controller receives the EMG sensor data, determines an actuator command based on the EMG sensor data, and communicates the actuator command to an actuator associated with the exoskeleton joint. This has the advantage that the exoskeleton joint associated with the human user's joint can be instructed to move in response to contraction of the muscle of the human user before the muscle causes the human user's joint to actually move.

Abstract: An arm supporting exoskeleton comprises a shoulder base coupled to an arm link mechanism. The arm link mechanism comprises a proximal link and a distal link configured to rotate relative to each other about a rotating joint; at least one arm-coupler adapted to couple a user's arm to the distal link; a tensile force generator coupled to the proximal link and the distal link, and providing a torque to flex the distal link relative to the proximal link; and a protrusion located substantially at the rotating joint. When the distal link extends past a toggle angle, the protrusion constrains the tensile force generator, and the torque provided by the tensile force generator remains substantially small. When the protrusion does not constrain the tensile force generator, the torque tends to flex the distal link relative to the proximal link, thereby reducing human shoulder forces and torques required to raise the arm.

Abstract: An automatically positionable joint for a modular tooling assembly includes a first joint member; a second joint member that is rotatably connected to the first joint member; a motor for causing rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member; and a first clutch that is movable between an engaged position in which the first clutch restrains rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member and a disengaged position in which the first clutch permits rotation of the first joint member with respect to the second joint member.

Abstract: An intelligent robot includes different accouterments. The intelligent robot includes a robot body and a number of accouterments working together with the robot body. The robot body includes a central control module and a number of functional modules corresponding to the number of accouterments. The number of accouterments can be defined in different types and functions. Thus, the intelligent robot can display different functions and provide value-added service.

Abstract: A robot control system includes a detecting device configured to detect an obstacle, and a control device configured to control a robot by planning a driving path of the robot. The control device generates a road map space including nodes containing information about a state of the robot and edges connecting the nodes. Also, the control device checks whether the obstacle detected by the detecting device overlaps with the nodes, removes an overlapped node, generates a driving path by sampling remaining nodes and edges, and checks whether the edges of the driving path overlap with the obstacle. When there is no overlapped edge, the control device determines the driving path on the road map space to plan a path along which the robot drives without colliding with the obstacle.

Abstract: Techniques are described that enable robotic picking systems to locate and pick boxes from an unstructured pallet using computer vision and/or one or more “exploratory picks” to determine the sizes and locations of boxes on the pallet.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot includes a robot body, a drive system, a sensor system, and a controller. The drive system supports the robot body and maneuvers the robot over a floor surface. The sensor system includes an inertial measurement unit for measuring a pose of the robot and issues a sensor signal including data having information regarding a pose of the robot. The controller communicates with the drive and sensor systems and executes a behavior system. The behavior system receives the sensor signal from the sensor system and executes a behavior. The behavior system executes an anti-stasis behavior in response to sensor signals indicating that the robot is constrained to evaluate a state of constraint. In addition, the behavior system executes an anti-tilt behavior in response to sensor signals indicating that the robot is tilted with respect to a direction of gravity to evaluate a state of tilt.

Abstract: A customer service robot may be limited to a maximum physical ability, such as speed of travel, speed of a robotic arm, etc. However, certain customers may be uncomfortable with a robot operating at the maximum capacity. Accordingly, a customer may have an attribute associated with a performance-limiting criteria. The criteria then limits the robot to operations within operational parameters associated with the performance-limiting criteria. As a benefit, a robot may be transformed to provide a better customer service experience by working quickly to address a customer service task, but within the confines of what a particular customer, or customer type, may consider comfortable or acceptable.

Abstract: A cluster tool assembly includes a vacuum transfer module, a process module having a first side connected to the vacuum transfer module. An isolation valve having a first side and a second side, the first side of the isolation valve coupled to a second side of the process module. A replacement station is coupled to the second side of the isolation valve. The replacement station includes an exchange handler and a part buffer. The part buffer includes a plurality of compartments to hold new or used consumable parts. The process module includes a lift mechanism to enable placement of a consumable part installed in the process module to a raised position. The raised position provides access to the exchange handler to enable removal of the consumable part from the process module and store in a compartment of the part buffer. The exchange handler of the replacement station is configured to provide a replacement for the consumable part from the part buffer back to the process module.

Abstract: An end effector (60) comprises a base (63), a first gripper (64) connected with the base (63) so as to swivel around a gripper axis (68), and a positioning element (66) which is guided on the base displaceably along an end effector axis (76) and interacts with the gripper (64) via a guide slot system. The gripper axis (68) extends outside of a guide slot (70) of the guide slot system.