Abstract: An ergonomic handle configuration has a larger diameter than known conventional handles. The handle is configured with a predetermined combination of convex and concave curvatures that combine in such a way as to mimic a curvature of a user's palm along an area of contact of the palm with the handle, as well as to mimic a curvature of a user's fingers when curled to grip the handle along an area of contact of the fingers with the handle, when a user grips the handle. In addition, implementations of the handle in combination with a container or implement can include a thumb rest that is specifically configured to engage a thumb of a user in a neutral posture thumb position when gripping the handle.

Abstract: A system includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV). A loading table is positioned on the AGV. The loading table is configured and sized to hold more than one storage container. A frame extends from the AGV. A robotic arm is mounted to the frame. In one form, the frame includes a gantry that moves relative to the rest of the AGV. Alternatively or additionally, the robotic arm is able to move relative to the gantry. By holding more than one storage container, the AGV facilitates automatic batch picking or placing of items. The gantry increases the degrees of freedom of movement of the robotic arm.

Abstract: A robot includes a camera for detecting image data in an area, a memory for storing an object location of objects, an input device for receiving user input, and a robot controller. The robot controller can determine that an object is a desired object to track based on user input or previously detected image data indicating that the desired object has been previously manipulated. The robot controller can also determine an identifier of the desired object based on at least one of a comparison of the image data to a database of objects and identifiers or an identifier received via the input device. The robot controller can also determine a current location of the desired object based on the image data and update the object location of the desired object to include the current location of the desired object.

Abstract: A robot system includes: a cell; and a robot which is provided to move in the cell, in which the robot includes an n-th (n is an integer which is equal to or greater than 1) arm which rotates around an n-th rotating axis, and an (n+1)th arm which is provided to rotate around an (n+1)th rotating axis which is an axial direction different from an axial direction of the n-th rotating axis, in the n-th arm, in which the length of the n-th arm is longer than the length of the (n+1)th arm, and in which, when viewed from the (n+1)th rotating axis, the n-th arm and the (n+1)th arm overlap each other.

Abstract: A multi-articulated manipulator is operated without rickety movement by a pair of grasping members, springs for the grasping members, and other springs extended across the foremost outer shell and the basement outer shell. The manipulator is small in size, easy to handle, reliable, better response and high precision in medical applications. With the multi-articulated manipulator, the foremost outer shell is connected to the basement outer shell in a bending manner. A pair of grasping members of claw members is connected to the foremost end of the foremost outer shell. The claw members are operated with a pair of claw power-transmission shafts and energized with springs to be biased towards their closed situation. The foremost outer shell and the basement outer shell are operated with claw power-transmitting shaft and normally biased by springs towards their closed situation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transfer robot which has a simple structure and a small occupied area in an operation. A transfer robot of the present invention includes a support member fixed to a side wall or the like, a transfer arm by which a hand member is held capable of linear movement, and first and second link members. One end portions of the first and second link members are rotatably linked to the support member, respectively. Another end portions of the first and second link members are rotatably linked to the transfer arm, respectively. The hand member holds/transfers a work. A rotational driving force applied to a linking portion between the support member and the first link member is transmitted to the transfer arm by a predetermined mechanism and linearly moves the hand member. The transfer arm moves by rotating the first link member or the second link member.

Abstract: Provided are an operation control system and an operation control method for a movable member, which allow the movable range of the movable member to be utilized to the maximum while deformation of a mechanical element is prevented or reduced. An operation control system 1 includes: a movable member 26 having first mechanical elements 261, 262; an actuator 25 which moves the movable member 26 at a variable velocity; and a second mechanical element 27 which is fixed at a position so as to be capable of making contact with the first mechanical elements 261, 262. When the position and the velocity of the first mechanical element 261 or 262 depart from a predetermined allowable range in a two-dimensional coordinate system expressed by a position and a velocity, a stop instruction is outputted to the actuator 25.

Abstract: A glass cleaning robot outage emergency processing method comprises the following steps: Step 100 in which a glass cleaning robot (1) operates in an external power supply power-on mode, and is automatically switched to a built-in battery power-on mode when the external power supply suddenly suffers outage; Step 200 in which a control unit controls the glass cleaning robot (1) to walk downward; Step 300 in which when a collision board of the glass cleaning robot (1) collides with a barrier or when the glass cleaning robot (1) walks and reaches an edge of a glass, a sensing unit transfers a signal to the control unit; and Step 400 in which the control unit controls the glass cleaning robot (1) to give an alarm.

Abstract: A self-cleaning apparatus for sorting a mixture of materials is disclosed that comprises a material sorter and a gantry positioning system elevated above the material sorter. The gantry positioning system includes a longitudinal travel rail with a longitudinal travel rail carriage, a traverse travel rail connected to the longitudinal travel rail carriage running perpendicular to the longitudinal travel rail, a traverse travel rail carriage, and a vertical travel rail connected to the vertical travel rail carriage and running perpendicular to the traverse travel rail. A cutter and, optionally, a picker, are connected to the vertical travel rail. The gantry positioning system can move the cutter and picker in various directions to dislodge and remove material that may have accumulated on the sorter. Instead of a gantry positioning system, the apparatus may have a multi-axis arm.

Abstract: A movement command to move an end effector to a plurality of predetermined positions is transmitted to a robot controller so as to change a relative position of a target, which becomes an imaging target, with respect to an imaging device. First coordinate values are acquired, the values being each of position coordinates of the end effector having moved in accordance with the movement command, and an image of the target is captured at each movement destination, to which the end effector has moved. Second coordinate values being position coordinates of the target are detected based on the image of the target captured at each movement destination, and a conversion rule between both of the coordinates is calculated based on the first coordinate values and the second coordinate values.

Abstract: A synthetic representation of a robot tool for display on a user interface of a robotic system. The synthetic representation may be used to show the position of a view volume of an image capture device with respect to the robot. The synthetic representation may also be used to find a tool that is outside of the field of view, to display range of motion limits for a tool, to remotely communicate information about the robot, and to detect collisions.

Abstract: A substrate transport apparatus for transporting substrates, the substrate transport apparatus including a frame, at least one transfer arm connected to the frame, at least one end effector mounted to the at least one transfer arm and at least one substrate support pad disposed on the at least one end effector, the at least one substrate support pad has a configuration that effects increased friction force, resulting from an increased friction coefficient, in at least one predetermined direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cable-driven parallel robot capable of changing a workspace, in which the cable-driven parallel robot is provided with an end effector having a plurality of modules that can efficiently move to upper and side parts of an object without interference. Module-direction changing standby stations are provided on each of opposing sides of an upper frame such that the modules of the end effector are coupled to the module-direction changing standby station for direction change standby, so that the modules can efficiently move to upper and side parts of the workspace without interference, thereby maximizing work efficiency. To this end, there is provided a cable-driven parallel robot including: an installation frame, and upper and side frames; a plurality of driving units; a plurality of cables; the module-direction changing standby station; and an end effector provided with a plurality of modules.

Abstract: A second finger 40c of a hand part 40 includes a first link member 40c1 and a second link member 40c2 that are integrally rotatable with respect to a hand base 40a, a spring 40c3, and a second finger side engagement part 40c4. The spring 40c3 biases the second link member 40c2 so that a position of the second link member 40c2 with respect to the first link member 40c1 is maintained. A second finger side engagement part 40c4 is engaged with a hand base side engagement part 40a1 when the second link member 40c2 is moved by a load applied from an object O against a biasing force of the spring 40c3.

Abstract: A humanoid-type robot comprises two elements and an articulation with at least one degree of freedom linking the two elements, the articulation allowing a travel in a given range in operational operation, a first of the two elements being intended to come into contact with an abutment belonging to a second of the two elements at the end of the range. According to the invention, the robot further comprises at least one switch. The switch is configured to actuate an electrical contact when a force exerted by the first element against the abutment exceeds a given force.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robotic arm assembly and a guard assembly. The robotic arm assembly includes a robotic arm and an end effector that is coupled to the robotic arm and selectively couples to a moveable object. The guard assembly is selectively moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and includes a plurality of guard petals that selectively move between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. Each guard petal includes a flexible support structure and a fluid bladder coupled to the flexible support structure. The fluid bladder is selectively filled with a fluid to change the fluid bladder between a relaxed configuration and an expanded configuration. The fluid bladder is configured to wrap the flexible support structure around at least a portion of the moveable object when the guard petal is in the extended configuration and the fluid bladder is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a hair grooming device includes a yoke assembly and a support assembly. The yoke assembly includes a slot that is configured to receive an eccentric drive, and a biased tension arm having a finger at one end, the tension arm configured to engage a blade assembly. The support assembly is coupled to the yoke assembly, the support assembly includes a first arm spaced apart from a second arm, the first and second arms being respectively coupled to the yoke assembly, the yoke assembly being positioned between the first and second arms.

Abstract: A pivot motor has a stator and an armature. The armature has an assembly of two spaced permanent magnets and a triangular flux bridge on one end. Magnetic flux is generated by passing alternating current through an electrical coil in the stator. The flux flows through the permanent magnets to generate electromotive force that vibrates the armature. The triangular flux bridge adjacent the magnets facilitates the flux flow, increasing motor power under typical load conditions and motor efficiency.

Abstract: A razor for supporting a razor blade comprising a blade support arm, a handle element, and a cover element coupleable with the blade support arm. The razor can removably support the razor blade between the blade support arm and the cover element. The blade support arm can have a recess formed therein, and the cover member can be coupled with the blade support arm adjacent to the recess. Additionally, the cover member can be rotatable relative to the blade support arm to allow easy removal and/or replacement of the blade.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling each of a razor handle and a razor cartridge together is provided. The adapter includes a cartridge engaging portion and a handle engaging portion.

Abstract: A razor assembly for shaving with an open palm includes a grip. The grip may be positioned in a palm of a hand thereby facilitating the grip to inhibit symptoms of tendonitis. A blade unit is removably coupled to the grip. Thus, the blade unit may shave hair.

Abstract: A base has a top, a bottom, a left side, a right side, an upper section, a lower section, a left lateral section extending outwardly and upwardly from the lower section, a right lateral section extending outwardly and upwardly from the lower section, a left surface along the left side section and the left lateral section, and a right surface along the right side section and the right lateral section. The left surface and the right surfaces are each in a generally semi-cylindrical configuration and together form a primary gripping assembly. A head with an operational face faces away from the base. The operational face includes at least one left blade and at least one right blade and an arcuate sliding surface there between.

Abstract: An axe includes an axe head and a handle. The axe head having a first handle attaching structure, which extends from a first side edge of a frame section and which is located on a first axe head side of the axe head and having a second handle attaching structure, which extends from a second side edge of the frame section and which is located on the first axe head side of the axe head. The frame section of the axe head, the first handle attaching structure of the axe head, the second handle attaching structure of the axe head are parts of a one-piece structure formed by plastically deforming and cutting a flat blade stock of generally uniform thickness.

Abstract: A knife includes a handle that includes a gripping surface; one or more blades positioned in one or more recesses of the handle that extend from an opening of the handle; a guide coupled to the blade near a distal end of the blade opposite the proximal end, the guide including a contoured surface configured to engage a workpiece wherein a portion of the guide is pointed and configured to puncture the workpiece and another portion of the guide is configured to smoothly abut an underside of the workpiece once the guide has been inserted into the workpiece, and the handle further includes cut-away regions just ahead of the leading edge of cutting edges of the one or more blades, the cut-away portions configured to provide relief for bunching sections of a workpiece being cut by the knife.

Abstract: The machine for breaking a part of a tire down into pieces includes a frame and a tire support which is adapted to support a part of the tire. The machine also has a supplying device which is configured to feed the part of the tire to a cutting station which includes a cutting device. The cutting device has a first blade and a second blade that are pivotable with respect to one another at a fulcrum. At least one of the first and second blades has a concave shape and cooperates with the other blade to keep the part of the tire inside of the blades. The supplying device includes a movable unit which can pivot about a vertical axis between first and second positions.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a substrate with a cut thermal film comprises obtaining an input digital image of a design to be transferred to the substrate; storing the input image in memory; rendering design elements of the design as a single output image; based upon a bleed size value, a maximum number of negative areas, a maximum number of positive areas, and attribute values: resizing the image to include a border for bleed; filling transparent areas of the image with the substrate attribute values; creating a cutting path; creating a mask image; inverting the mask image; modifying the mask image to adjust fill areas around details, to limit negative areas to be less than the maximum number of negative areas, and to limit positive areas to be less than the maximum number of positive areas; creating cutting path data in memory as a vector path outlining the mask image.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of weakening an outline in a thin plastic card and tooling for performing the method. The method may include several operations, including a go punching step by means of a go punch presenting a solid shape substantially identical to the outline and suitable for punching the thin plastic card along a go direction against a die presenting a hollow shape substantially identical to the outline and in alignment with the go punch in order to be able to receive material pushed by the go punch, and a return punching step by means of a return punch presenting a solid shape substantially identical to the outline in alignment with the go punch and suitable for punching the thin plastic card along a return direction opposite to the go direction. Also disclosed is a thin plastic card including at least one outline weakened by such a method.

Abstract: A power tool having a housing, a motor, a tool holder driven about an output axis by the motor, and an output element for performing an operation on a workpiece. The tool holder has a locating feature including a tapered portion becoming narrower in a direction away from the surface of the tool holder. The output element has an aperture for receiving the locating feature and a face facing the surface of the tool holder when the locating feature is received. The power tool also includes a flange for transferring a clamping force for urging the output element towards the tool holder and a tab projecting from the flange for finger tightening the flange. A biasing member provides the clamping force toollessly. A gap is defined between the surface of the tool holder and the face when the tapered portion of the locating feature is fully received in the aperture.

Abstract: A miter box includes, in a first direction, a through opening having a shape adapted to the cross-section of an element to be cut.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. The method comprises the steps of: a) immersing the wood in a treatment solution comprising i) a C1-C6monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (e.g., monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and ii) creosote; and b) exposing the immersed wood from step a) to conditions which cause the release of boron from the C1-C6 monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and which cause the boron to migrate into the interior of the wood.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating wood products including lumber, plywood and other engineered wood products comprising the steps of contacting a composition comprising a polypropylene glycol, a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, a polyether polyol having low solubility in water, or a polytetrahydrofuran, or hydrophobic polyether polyol, with the wood product. The invention also provides wood products comprising a polypropylene glycol, a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, a polyether polyol having low solubility in water, or a polytetrahydrofuran, or hydrophobic polyether polyol, that have greater dimensional stability compared to an untreated wood product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible high-density fiberboard which is essentially free of formaldehyde and isocyanates and comprises 70 to 90% by weight of straw fibers, and 30 to 10% by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer and one or more optional additive(s). Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing such a flexible high-density fiberboard comprising the steps of providing straw fibers, providing a thermoplastic elastomer in powder form, optionally providing one or more additive(s), dry mixing the straw fibers, the thermoplastic elastomer powder and optionally the one or more additive(s), such that a mixture comprising 70 to 90% by weight of the straw fibers, and 30 to 10% by weight of the thermoplastic elastomer and one or more of the optional additive(s) is obtained, extruding the obtained mixture at a temperature such that the thermoplastic elastomer powder is in a molten state, and pressing the extruded mixture.

Abstract: A sprayed article is prepared by thermally spraying ceramic particles of rare earth oxide or fluoride or metal particles of W, Mo or Ta onto an outer or inner surface of a cylindrical carbon substrate to form a sprayed coating, and burning out the carbon substrate, thus leaving the ceramic or metal-base sprayed coating of cylindrical shape having a wall thickness of 0.5-5 mm.

Abstract: A formliner, sheet, system, and methods of use and manufacture are provided in order to provide a product that can minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners during fabrication of a pattern on a curable material. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. Thus, a plurality of formliners can be interconnected by overlaying raised sections thereof. Further, the formliner can comprise one or more detents and one or more protrusions to enable engagement between interconnected formliners without requiring adhesives. In this manner, formliners can be interconnected in a nested manner such that visible seaming between the interconnected formliners is reduced and/or eliminated.

Abstract: An extrudate transport apparatus comprises a free floating roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly controls a rotational pitch of a cylindrical green ceramic extrudate as the green ceramic extrudate moves longitudinally from a first location to a second location within the extrudate transport apparatus. The free floating roller assembly has a predetermined effective weight and comprises a contact roller having a deformable outer surface for frictionally contacting an outer surface of the green ceramic extrudate in motion adjacent thereto, while maintaining a constant contact force upon said green ceramic extrudate.

Abstract: Provided is a technology capable of producing a paste with desired viscosity. A twin-screw extruding kneader includes: a housing; two rotational shafts arranged inside the housing; and paddles arranged around each rotational shaft. A paddle length L1 and a clearance C1, and a paddle length L2 and a clearance C2 are set to satisfy a conditional expression shown in the following Math. 1, the paddle length L1 being the sum of thicknesses of all the paddles arranged around the rotational shaft in a stiffly kneading zone, the clearance C1 being the smallest gap width between the paddle arranged in the stiffly kneading zone and the housing, the paddle length L2 being the sum of thicknesses of all the paddles arranged around the rotational shaft in a diluting zone, the clearance C2 being the smallest gap width between the paddle arranged in the diluting zone and the housing. (L1 /C1)/(L2/C2)?1.4??[Math.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extruded expanded thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer bead and a preparation method therefor. The bead consists of components of the following parts by weight: 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, 0.01-0.5 parts of a foaming nucleating agent, and 0.01-0.2 parts by weight of an antioxidant. The preparation method comprises: mixing materials, then putting the mixture into an extruder for granulation to produce a particle raw material suitable for foaming, finally, putting the particle into a foam extruder, and die foaming then underwater pelletizing, thus obtaining a product bead. The present invention utilizes an extrusion method to prepare expanded thermoplastic polyurethane beads. Control of the working conditions of the foaming process could lead to acquiring an expanded=bead of a controllable density, the cell density evenly distribute. The overall production process is easy to operate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an artificial skin system such as skin for use with a robotics assembly. The method includes forming or accessing a digital three dimensional (3D) model of an object. The digital 3D model defines a topography of an exterior surface of the object. The method includes processing the 3D model to generate a 3D model of a core, including defining an exterior surface of the core with a topography that is an inverse copy of the topography of the exterior surface of the object. The method includes fabricating the core based on the core model, whereby the core has an exterior surface corresponding to the exterior surface of the core model. The core is used in dipping processes or injection molding processes to form a skin in which the exterior surface is formed of material that abutted the inverse topography of the exterior surface of the core.

Abstract: A vacuum carrier module includes a substrate having at least one hole and an edge region. There is at least one support on a top surface of the substrate. Further, a gel film is adhered to the edge region of the substrate. The at least one hole fluidly connects a reservoir located above the top surface of the substrate. A method of using a vacuum carrier module includes planarizing a gel film by passing an alignment material through a hole in a substrate to contact a first surface of the gel film, positioning at least one chip on a second surface of the gel film opposite the first surface. The method further includes encasing the at least one chip in a molding material and applying a vacuum to the first surface of the gel film.

Abstract: A one-piece mold can be used to form molded items that incorporate features or encroachments with negative draft angles, and such molded items can be removed from the mold in a single piece by lifting, tilting, or pulling, or a combination thereof, without breaking the mold or the item to be molded. The mold and method of molding are suited to a bathtub or shower unit. The mold and method of molding permit the removal of molded items with negative draft angles by coordinating the angle of the sump front will and sump back wall with the angles of other encroachments in the molded item within specified ranges that permit one-piece removal of the item to be molded from the mold.

Abstract: A holder to facilitate optical data acquisition includes a float portion that extends from a handle portion to at least partially support the handle portion with respect to a surface of the liquid modeling impression material. A method of optical data acquisition includes communicating a liquid modeling impression material into a non-line of sight feature of a workpiece and immersing a portion of a holder into the liquid modeling impression material.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method for the combined manufacturing and filling of plastic containers in a one step process. The molding apparatus and method utilize a mold having an inner cavity with surfaces presenting hydrophobic properties thereby enabling a resultant container to have flawless appearance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for curing curved cylinder-like workpieces (e.g., in the shape of a half or full barrel) made of composite material, such as nacelle honeycomb core composite sandwich structures. These methods enable tailored curing of composite nacelle structures, to significantly reduce capital cost and fabrication cycle time. In lieu of an autoclave or oven, a pressurized ring-shaped cure volume is defined by a partitioned enclosure that mimics the cylinder-like shape of the composite nacelle structure with only limited clearance (e.g., a partitioned enclosure comprising inner and outer concentric cylinder-like walls). A tool (e.g., a mandrel) and at least one composite nacelle structure supported thereon are placed in the cure volume for curing. Integrally heated tooling, optionally in combination with other heating methods, such as infrared heaters, is utilized to provide the temperature profile necessary for cure.

Abstract: A film-stretching apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a stretching furnace which has (i) an entrance through which a material film is transferred into the stretching furnace and (ii) an exit through which the material film having been stretched is transferred out of the stretching furnace, an airflow in the entrance being controlled so as to be directed toward an outside of the stretching furnace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the thermal treatment of friction linings by means of IR-radiation, characterized in that IR radiators or IR heating fields are used as a source of infrared radiation, said radiators or heating fields generating IR-radiation in the wavelength range of 2260 nm to 3000 nm.

Abstract: A post-molding cooling apparatus directs a stream of cooling fluid against a concave interior surface of a molded article to cool the molded article. The apparatus includes an outlet positioned to direct the stream of cooling fluid into an open end of the molded article. The interior surface of the molded article is concave. The outlet is configured to direct the stream of cooling fluid in a helical direction such that at least a portion of the concave interior surface of the molded article acts as a curved surface relative to a direction of flow of the stream of cooling fluid to create turbulent flow of the stream of cooling fluid against the concave interior surface of the molded article along a length of the concave interior surface from the open end of the molded article toward a closed end of the molded article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a molded article using food waste, in which food waste is dried, fractioned and ground, after which the processed food waste is mixed with purified water, a preservative, an aromatic agent and a binding agent comprising a food additive, and the mixture is poured into a fixing mold to be compression-molded into various shapes, e.g., cubes. The molded article can substitute for soaps which have been conventionally used for practicing carving so as to prevent resource waste and environmental contamination. The method for manufacturing a molded article using food waste enables a minimal addition of chemicals during molding so as to provide practice materials which are not harmful to the human body.

Abstract: A method of removing an ophthalmic lens from a lens mold portion is provided and includes reciprocally displacing a region of the mold portion and thereby causing an edge portion of the ophthalmic lenses to become detached from the mold portion. Related apparatus, methods of manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, delensing stations, and manufacturing times are provided.

Abstract: The technical solution relates to the field of processing polymers and can be used in various branches of the national economy for manufacturing hollow articles of the bodies-of-revolution type (tubes), and in particular for manufacturing semifinished biodegradable polymeric stents which are usable in medicine for replacing hollow organs, for example blood vessels. The apparatus for manufacturing thin-walled bodies of revolution comprises a heatable expander which is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis, and a feeder for supplying moldable material, said feeder being mounted above the expander so as to be movable therealong, wherein the lower part of the feeder is heatable, the expander is hollow with a reflective internal surface, and the heater of the expander is in the form of a laser, the radiation of which is transported into the expander.

Abstract: A sheet manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture a sheet by heating and pressurizing a material containing a fiber and an additive agent includes a supplying unit configured to supply the additive agent in air, a first tank configured to communicate with the supplying unit and store the additive agent, and a second tank configured to communicate with the first tank, store the additive agent, and be able to detach from the sheet manufacturing apparatus.