Patents Issued in May 16, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190143476
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing system includes a support to hold a polishing pad, a carrier head to hold a substrate against the polishing pad during a polishing process, an in-situ monitoring system configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of material on the substrate, a temperature control system to control a temperature of the polishing process, and a controller coupled to the in-situ monitoring system and the temperature control system. The controller is configured to cause the temperature control system to vary the temperature of the polishing process in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Haosheng Wu, Hari Soundararajan, Yen-Chu Yang, Jianshe Tang, Shou-Sung Chang, Shih-Haur Shen, Taketo Sekine
  • Publication number: 20190143477
    Abstract: An even step elimination performance is obtained even when steps of various dimensions exist which are caused due to pattern structures existing in a chip or film forming methods. A planarizing apparatus is provided which is configured to planarize a surface of a substrate, and this planarizing apparatus includes a surface roughening unit configured to roughen a target processing surface of the substrate by use of roughening particles and a CMP unit configured to polish chemically and mechanically (CMP) the roughened target processing surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Erina BABA, Itsuki KOBATA
  • Publication number: 20190143478
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system includes: a monolithic platen within a platen housing, wherein the monolithic platen is formed of a single piece of material, wherein the monolithic platen includes: a first portion within a first opening, and a second portion within a second opening, wherein the first portion has a different diameter than the second portion; and a polishing fluid delivery module above the monolithic platen, wherein the polishing fluid delivery module is configured to deliver slurry to the monolithic platen during performance of CMP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Chou-Zon LIA, Kit Chen, Stone Chen, Sheng-Tai Peng
  • Publication number: 20190143479
    Abstract: There is provided a device and method for accurately positioning a substrate on a stage by a simple method using power of a movement mechanism provided for a movable stage. A substrate holding device for holding a substrate is provided. The substrate holding device includes a substrate stage for supporting the substrate, a stage drive mechanism for causing the substrate stage to move, positioning pin for positioning the substrate on the substrate stage, first urging members each urging the positioning pin, and a stopper member capable of applying a force against the urging member to the positioning pin. The positioning pin is configured to move together with the substrate stage by the stage drive mechanism. The positioning pin moving together with the substrate stage allows the substrate to be positioned on the substrate stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Ebara Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki NISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20190143480
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a chuck table for holding a workpiece thereon, a cutting unit for cutting the workpiece held on the chuck table with a cutting blade secured in place on a distal-end portion of a spindle by a mount flange mounted on the distal-end portion of the spindle, an indexing feed unit for moving the cutting unit in indexing feed directions parallel to axial directions of the spindle, a processing feed unit for moving the chuck table in processing feed directions perpendicular to the indexing feed directions, and an end face correction unit for correcting an end face of the mount flange that supports the cutting blade in contact therewith. The processing feed unit includes a table moving base that supports the chuck table thereon and an actuating mechanism for moving the table moving base. The end face correction unit is fixedly mounted on the table moving base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Kazuma SEKIYA
  • Publication number: 20190143481
    Abstract: A cleaning process monitoring system, comprising: a cleaning container comprising an inlet for receiving a cleaning solution and an outlet for draining a waste solution; a particle detector coupled to the outlet and configured to measure a plurality of particle parameters associated with the waste solution so as to provide a real-time monitoring of the cleaning process; a pump coupled to the cleaning container and configured to provide suction force to draw solution through the cleaning system; a controller coupled to the pump and the particle detector and configured to receive the plurality of particle parameters from the particle detector and to provide control to the cleaning system; and a host computer coupled to the controller and configured to provide at least one control parameter to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Charlie WANG, Yu-Ping TSENG, Y.J. CHEN, Wai-Ming YEUNG, Chien-Shen CHEN, Danny KUO, Yu-Hsuan HSIEH, Hsuan LO
  • Publication number: 20190143482
    Abstract: A first inspection step nondestructively inspects a surface side state of a treatment target to be subjected to shot processing of shooting shot media at the treatment target and evaluates that the treatment target is failed when an inspection result deviates from a first allowable range predetermined. A condition setting step sets a shot processing condition in response to the inspection result of the first inspection step for the treatment target evaluated as not failed in the first inspection step. A shot processing step performs shot processing of shooting shot media at the treatment target evaluated as not failed in the first inspection step in the shot processing condition set in the condition setting step. A second inspection step after the shot processing step nondestructively inspects a surface side state of the treatment target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoichi IWATA, Takuya KOYAMA, Yuji KOBAYASHI, Akinori MATSUI
  • Publication number: 20190143483
    Abstract: A blasting system, comprising a tank comprising a center tube, an inlet, a fill valve, an outlet, a refilling aperture, and a relief valve. Said tank comprises a top end and a bottom end, said outlet located at said top end of said tank, said inlet located at said bottom end, said fill valve and said relief valve are positioned in a side portion of said tank. Said relief valve closer to said bottom end of said tank than said fill valve. Wherein said tank receives a fluid through said fill valve. Wherein said tank receives a pressurized air through said inlet. Wherein said bottom end of said tank holds said fluid. Wherein said center tube receives a portion of said pressurized air and selectively receives a portion of said fluid to exit through said outlet for a blasting application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Benjamin LeCompte
  • Publication number: 20190143484
    Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a fibre composite component, wherein an abrasive removal of the surface of the fibre composite component takes place by blasting a removing agent transported by a gaseous transporting fluid onto the surface of the fibre composite component by a feed nozzle and a suction extraction of the removing agent and material removed by the removing agent takes place by an extraction nozzle arranged in the region of the feed nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Premium Aerotec GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Gensewich
  • Publication number: 20190143485
    Abstract: An abrasive article in form of an abrasive wheel comprising a core and a bonded abrasive body disposed within an interior recess of a peripheral surface of a core. The core comprises a polymer material and has an HDT at 0.45 MPa of at least about 130° C., and a low shrinkage ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Boris L. SEREBRENNIKOV, Debdutta ROY, John TUNSTALL, Arup K. KHAUND
  • Publication number: 20190143486
    Abstract: An abrasive pad assembly, comprising having an abrasive layer having first and second surfaces with the first surface being coated with material particles having predetermined hardness characteristics, a substrate having first and second surfaces with the first surface attached to the second surface of the abrasive layer, the substrate being composed of a material having stiff and resilient characteristics, and a fastening layer having first and second surfaces with the first surface being attached to the second surface of the substrate and the first surface having fastening material disposed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: ACME UNITED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard S. Constantine, Stanley A. Watson
  • Publication number: 20190143487
    Abstract: A rotary brush configured to isolate vibration during use reducing vibration at a hand-held power tool to which the brush is coupled. The brush has wires arrangeable in tufts extending from a hub sandwiched between two plates assembled to a tool coupling having an isolator therebetween. The isolator and coupling are part of a vibration-isolating assembly having a radial isolator carried by a coupling shaft located between the (i) shaft, and (ii) hub and plates preventing brush vibration from being transmitted to the tool through a coupling end of the shaft mounting the brush to the tool. The isolating assembly preferably includes an axial isolator between (i) each flange and (ii) the hubs and plates. Isolators are made of vibration dampening material and can be formed into a single isolator of one-piece unitary construction. A preferred brush is a cup brush having plates contoured to define wire supporting cups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Shane Clifford, Zachary Small, Brian Keiser
  • Publication number: 20190143488
    Abstract: A predetermined height specialized support plate and post structural assembly replaces the plastic injection molded box-shaped structure used in a conventional vacuum support. The support plates interfit and support a conventional rubber vacuum engagement body in a manner similar to but more strengthened than otherwise. Predetermined height is achieved by specifying the length of support posts that stabilize, make handling easier, and may also preferably provide a source of vacuum to oppositely oriented vacuum engagement bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: John Blick
  • Publication number: 20190143489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for holding substrates such as printed circuit boards, metal sheets, foils or the like, comprising a suction surface, the suction surface having a plurality of suction nozzles and the suction nozzles being subjected to a negative pressure relative to the ambient pressure by means of a device providing negative pressure for providing a holding force for one or more substrates, wherein the device providing negative pressure provides negative pressure, such that the ratio of the cumulated drop in pressure of all suction nozzles to the cumulated drop in pressure of all suction nozzles and supply lines of the suction nozzles up to the device providing negative pressure is greater than 0.25%, in particular greater than 1%, preferably greater than 25%, in particular greater than 35%, preferably greater than 40%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Jens Münkel, Jan Schönefeld, Michael Doran
  • Publication number: 20190143490
    Abstract: A ratchet head has a mount, a knob, and a restricting unit. The mount has an assembling hole, and two positioning recesses disposed on both sides of the assembling hole. The two positioning recesses are parallel to each other and communicate with the assembling hole. The knob is rotatably assembled to the mount and has a shaft inserted in the assembling hole and having an abutting section with two first abutting faces and two second abutting faces. The two first abutting faces are parallel to each other. The two second abutting faces are parallel to each other. The restricting unit with elasticity has two arms respectively mounted in the two positioning recesses, respectively disposed on both sides of the shaft, and respectively abutting against the two first abutting faces that respectively face to the two positioning recesses. The restricting unit is able to steadily maintain the operating directions of the ratchet head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Ming Ta CHENG
  • Publication number: 20190143491
    Abstract: An impact driver or impact tool includes a motor, a motor housing that houses the motor, a grip housing integrally provided with the motor housing, a hammer case is disposed frontward of the motor housing, a spindle rotated by the motor, a hammer housed inside the hammer case and configured to be rotated by the spindle, and an anvil housed inside the hammer case which anvil is configured to be impacted by the hammer. In this impact driver, a length from a rear end of the motor housing to a front end of the anvil (i.e., the front-rear length of a main body) is less than 128 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Ryunosuke KUMAGAI, Tokuo HIRABAYASHI, Hidenori NAGASAKA, Manabu SUGIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190143492
    Abstract: A dual sided drill bit system to facilitate the switch between a drilling tool and a screw driver tool includes a power drill that has a chuck. A receiver is removably coupled to the chuck. The receiver has an open end that extends into a cavity of the receiver. A bit is included that has a first section, a second section and a middle section positioned between the first and second sections. The first, second and middle sections form a unitary structure. The first section has a first end positioned opposite of the middle section and the second section has a second end positioned opposite of the middle section. The first section comprises a drill bit and the second section comprising a screw driver. The bit is removably extended into the receiver such that a selected one of the first or second sections extends outwardly away from the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Nuo Ljucovic
  • Publication number: 20190143493
    Abstract: A bit holder has a shank at a proximal end thereof and a blind bit-accepting hole at a distal end thereof, shaped to receive a correspondingly-shaped tool bit. The bit holder has at least one locking mechanism comprising an opening defined in the bit holder, opening into a side of the bit-accepting hole. A locking element in the opening is moveable towards the opening to contact a tool bit in the bit-accepting hole. The bit holder has a sleeve around a body portion of the bit holder, overlying the opening and biased by a spring towards a normal position. The sleeve has an internal ramp angled to contact the locking element to urge the locking element towards the tool bit as the sleeve is moved into the normal position, and to accommodate the locking element when the sleeve is moved from the normal position against the force of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Satnam Singh, Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Publication number: 20190143494
    Abstract: A T-torque wrench contains: a body including a horizontal handle and a vertical extension. The vertical extension has a fitting connector formed on a bottom thereof and configured to fit with sockets of various sizes, and the vertical extension has a strain gauge arranged on one end thereof so as to detect operation torques of the T-torque wrench, the horizontal handle has a tire-pressure detection connector connected on one end thereof. The body includes a casing covered thereon and includes a digital processing unit electrically connected with the strain gauge of the vertical extension and the tire-pressure detection connector of the horizontal handle, the casing includes a display module arranged thereon and electrically connected with the digital processing unit, and the casing includes a control module arranged thereon between the display module and the horizontal handle, wherein the control module is electrically connected with the digital processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Wei-Ning Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20190143495
    Abstract: An adapter for a power tool including a housing, a tool-side connector, and a battery-side connector in electrical communication with each other. The tool-side connector is configured to couple to a power tool, and the battery-side connector is configured to couple to a battery pack. The adapter also includes a communication interface configured to couple with an external device, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a state of the power tool, operate in a data transmission mode when the power tool is in the idle state, operate in a pass-through mode when the power tool is in the active state, and switch between the data transmission mode and the pass-through mode based on the state of the power tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Burtrom Lee Stampfl, Michael Monteleone, Cole A. Conrad, Stephen Matson, Robert R. Hollis
  • Publication number: 20190143496
    Abstract: A helmet tool including a housing; a pin at least partially disposed in the housing; a trigger mechanism operatively engaged with the pin, wherein the pin and trigger mechanism may be configured together within the housing such that actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the pin to one of extend from or retract into the housing; and a latch connected to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: William D. DiMartino, Edward L. Metzger
  • Publication number: 20190143497
    Abstract: A cuff-blade attachment bushing removal tool system includes an alignment plate comprising alignment holes defined through the alignment plate in a pattern of a plurality of bushing holes of a blade root, a bladder plate connected to the alignment plate, and a bladder positioned on the bladder plate such that a gap is formed between the bladder and the alignment plate to receive a blade root to align the alignment holes and the bushing holes of the blade root, wherein the bladder is transitionable between an uninflated position where the blade root can be inserted into the gap and an inflated position where the blade root is clamped between the bladder and the alignment plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Scott O. Smith, Sven R. Lofstrom, Philip Petering
  • Publication number: 20190143498
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes a housing having a handle portion. A motor is positioned within the housing. The fastener driver further includes an air compressor including a compressor cylinder and a compressor piston movable within the compressor cylinder in a reciprocating manner to compress air within the compressor cylinder. The fastener driver further includes a drive train converting torque from the motor to a linear force applied to the compressor piston, causing the compressor piston to move in the reciprocating manner. At least a portion of the drive train extends through the handle portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew J. Weber, James M. Wentzloff, Nicholas A. Albers, Bradley S. Helm, Troy C. Thorson
  • Publication number: 20190143499
    Abstract: A powered fastener driving tool, and particularly a powder-actuated tool, including in various embodiments both a pipe hook assembly including a pipe hook, and a belt hook assembly including a belt hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: David W. Jablonski, Edward Eaton, Brian Hurvitz, Joey Lee
  • Publication number: 20190143500
    Abstract: A powered tool is depicted which includes a transmission that permits an input shaft to rotate in a single rotational direction during operation of the powered tool, but otherwise allowing the rotation of an output shaft to change direction depending on the arrangement of the transmission. In one form a first shaft is coupled with a planetary gearing arrangement which includes planetary gears and a ring gear. A second shaft is coupled with a moveable clutch. When the clutch is moved to a first position it is coupled to bypass the ring gear which provides rotation of the second shaft in the same direction as the first shaft. When the clutch is moved to a second position to engage the ring gear the direction of rotation of the second shaft is opposite the first shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Warren A. Seith, Mark T. McClung, Rohith Thyagaraj
  • Publication number: 20190143501
    Abstract: A control assembly for use in controlling a speed of operation of an electric device, the control assembly including: a control assembly housing; a magnetic sensor; a magnetic element; an actuator that is configured for movement relative to the control assembly housing wherein responsive to said movement of the actuator relative to the control assembly housing, the magnetic sensor and magnetic element move relative to each other between at least one of a first position and a second position such that the magnetic sensor senses a first magnetic field reading when in the first position and senses a second magnetic field reading when in the second position; and, a control module operably connected to the magnetic sensor and configured for controlling the electric device to operate in at least one of a first speed and a second speed by reference to an output of the magnetic sensor indicative of the sensed first magnetic field reading and the second magnetic field reading respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Wai Man Wong, Chiu Keung Loong
  • Publication number: 20190143502
    Abstract: A tool carrying assembly includes at least one main assembly frame; a base, constructed and arranged to support said main frame; and at least one structure configured for storing a tool on said assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Jorge Aguilar
  • Publication number: 20190143503
    Abstract: Described herein is an arm supporting exoskeleton, comprising an arm link mechanism. The arm link mechanism comprises a proximal link, a distal link, an arm coupler, and a variable force generator. The distal link is rotatable relative to the proximal link. The arm coupler is adapted to couple an upper arm of a person to the distal link. The variable force generator comprises a first spring and a second spring, configured to create a torque between the proximal link and the distal link. In the first force mode, the variable force generator exhibits a first stiffness rate defined by the first spring that supports the upper arm of the person against gravity forces and. In the second force mode, the variable force generator exhibits a second stiffness rate defined by the first spring and the second spring that supports the upper arm of the person against the gravity forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Logan Van Engelhoven, Homayoon Kazerooni
  • Publication number: 20190143504
    Abstract: A calculation device for calculating an appropriate stowage pattern of articles, and a robot controller including the calculation device. The calculation device has: a model generating section configured to generate first physical models of the articles based on dimensions of respective types of the articles, and generate a second physical model of a containing region in which the articles are stacked, based on a dimension of the containing region; a locating section configured to locate the first models in the second model, in descending order of priority predetermined with respect to the types of the articles; and a physical calculating section configured to add vibration or a shock to the second model each time when the first models is located in the second model, and calculate a change in a position and/or orientation of the first model in the second model due to the vibration or the shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Yuuki KIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190143505
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a modular robotic device with artificial intelligence that is receptive to training controls. In one implementation, modular robotic device architecture may be used to provide all or most high cost components in an autonomy module that is separate from the robotic body. The autonomy module may comprise controller, power, actuators that may be connected to controllable elements of the robotic body. The controller may position limbs of the toy in a target position. A user may utilize haptic training approach in order to enable the robotic toy to perform target action(s). Modular configuration of the disclosure enables users to replace one toy body (e.g., the bear) with another (e.g., a giraffe) while using hardware provided by the autonomy module. Modular architecture may enable users to purchase a single AM for use with multiple robotic bodies, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Eugene Izhikevich, Dimitry Fisher, Jean-Baptiste Passot, Heathcliff Hatcher, Vadim Polonichko
  • Publication number: 20190143506
    Abstract: A system includes a robotic manipulator including a serial chain comprising a first joint, a first link, and a second link. The second link is between the first joint and the first link in the serial chain. The system further includes a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured to receive first link data from a first sensor system located at the first link, generate a first joint state estimate of the first joint based on the first link data and a kinematic model of the robotic manipulator, and control the first joint based on the first joint state estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Dinesh Rabindran, Simon P. DiMaio, Kollin M. Tierling
  • Publication number: 20190143507
    Abstract: A gripping method relates to a gripping method for gripping an object using a multi-fingered hand provided with a plurality of fingers. A three-dimensional measurement sensor is used to measure an area that contains the object to obtain three-dimensional information. If the area includes an area for which no three-dimensional information can be obtained, the area is separated and is interpolated using the range information indicating the closer one of distances obtained at two positions on an axis extending along a direction in which the fingers are opened and closed, the two positions being adjacent to the unmeasured area with the unmeasured area interposed therebetween. Then, the distance between the fingers for gripping the object is decided, and the multi-fingered hand is controlled based on the distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki NISHINA, Yoshinori KONISHI
  • Publication number: 20190143508
    Abstract: A gripping method relates to a method for gripping an object using a multi-fingered hand provided with a plurality of fingers. The method includes measuring, using a three-dimensional measurement sensor, an area that contains the object, and obtaining three-dimensional information for each position within the area, and deciding positions of the plurality of fingers for gripping the object, by classifying the area, if the area includes a measured area for which the three-dimensional information could be obtained and an unmeasured area for which the three-dimensional information could not be obtained, into the measured area and the unmeasured area based on the distance-indicating information, the positions of the plurality of fingers being decided based on positions of the unmeasured area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki NISHINA, Yoshinori KONISHI
  • Publication number: 20190143509
    Abstract: A force detecting device includes a recess located on the outer surface of the force detecting device and an electric connector provided in the recess. An electric cable for the force detecting device attached to the electric connector is inserted into the through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Akira MATSUZAWA, Sho NAKANO, Hidekatsu MIYASAKA
  • Publication number: 20190143510
    Abstract: A position/force controller includes a function-dependent force/speed distribution conversion unit that, on the basis of speed, position and force information relating to a position based on an action of an actuator and control reference information, performs a conversion to distribute control energy to at least one of speed or position energy and force energy according to a function that is being realized. A control amount calculation unit calculates at least one of a speed or position control amount and a force energy on the basis of at least one of the speed or position energy and the force energy distributed by the force/speed distribution conversion unit. An integration unit integrates speed or position control amount with force control amount and, to return an output to the actuator, performs a reverse conversion on the speed or position control amount and the force control amount and determines an input to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: KEIO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kouhei OHNISHI, Sho SAKAINO, Takahiro NOZAKI
  • Publication number: 20190143511
    Abstract: A robot arm processing system includes a robot arm, a processing module, and a control module. The robot arm is for providing a mechanical holding force. The processing module is disposed on the robot arm to process a workpiece. The control module is connected to the robot arm or the processing module. The control module outputs an anti-vibration signal according to the reaction force of the workpiece or the displacement of the robot arm to counteract the reaction force of the workpiece or the displacement of the robot arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Chen-Yu KAI, Kai-Ming PAN, Yen-Cheng CHEN, Ta-Jen PENG
  • Publication number: 20190143512
    Abstract: One variation of a method for controlling a robotic arm includes: moving the robotic arm through a trajectory; at a first time in which the robotic arm occupies a first position along the trajectory, measuring a first capacitance of a first sense circuit comprising a first electrode extending over a first arm segment of the robotic arm; at a second time in which the robotic arm occupies a second position along the trajectory, measuring a second capacitance of the first sense circuit; calculating a first rate of change in capacitance of the first sense circuit based on a difference between the first capacitance and the second capacitance; in response to the first rate of change in capacitance of the first sense circuit exceeding a threshold rate of change, issuing a proximity alarm; and reducing a speed of the robotic arm moving through the trajectory in response to the proximity alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel Corkum, Rosanna Myers
  • Publication number: 20190143513
    Abstract: A system includes a robotic manipulator including a serial chain comprising a first joint, a second joint, and a first link. The system further includes a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured to receive first link data from a first sensor system located at the first link, generate a first joint state estimate of the first joint based on the first link data, and generate a second joint state estimate of the second joint. The processing unit is further configured to apply a first weight to the first joint state estimate to generate a first weighted joint state estimate, apply a second weight to the second joint state estimate to generate a second weighted joint state estimate, and control the first and second joints based on the first weighted joint state estimate and second weighted joint state estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Dinesh Rabindran, Simon P. DiMaio, Kollin M. Tierling
  • Publication number: 20190143514
    Abstract: A teaching apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to obtain result information corresponding to a position of a worked region on a workpiece. The circuitry is configured to generate first teaching information based on the result information. The first teaching information specifies a motion of an examination robot configured to examine the workpiece that has undergone work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Koichi KUWAHARA, Yoshifumi ONOYAMA, Kazuma TABUCHI, Masaru ADACHI, Wataru WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20190143515
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for generating a spatio-temporal object inventory based on object observations from mobile robots and determining, based on the spatio-temporal object inventory, monitoring parameters for the mobile robots for one or more future time periods. Some implementations relate to using the spatio-temporal object inventory to determine a quantity of movements of objects that occur in one or more areas of the environment when one or more particular criteria are satisfied—and using that determination to determine monitoring parameters that can be utilized to provide commands to one or more of the mobile robots that influence one or more aspects of movements of the mobile robots at future time periods when the one or more particular criteria are also satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Peter Elving Anderson-Sprecher
  • Publication number: 20190143516
    Abstract: A gripping system which is monitored based on CEMF and a method for controlling the same includes: using a controller to instruct a drive unit to rotate a stepper motor; using the controller to compare the control instruction with a control parameter matrix stored in an access unit; obtaining a CEMF threshold by checking the position of the actual CEMF in the control parameter matrix; using the controller to continuously monitor the actual CEMF; and using the controller to compare the actual counter electromotive force with the obtained corresponding counter electromotive force threshold, stopping the stepper motor and letting the gripper maintain the gripping status when the actual counter electromotive force is smaller than or equal to the counter electromotive force threshold, and maintaining driving of the stepper motor when the actual counter electromotive force is larger than the counter electromotive force threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Chen-Ming WONG, Wei-Shao CHEN
  • Publication number: 20190143517
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods for collision-free trajectory planning in human-robot interaction through hand movement prediction from vision are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Yezhou Yang, Wenlong Zhang, Yiwei Wang, Xin Ye
  • Publication number: 20190143518
    Abstract: An operation instruction list including starting points and ending points of trajectories of a plurality of robot arms is generated (a trajectory definition data generation process). Order of generation of trajectories is determined in accordance with the operation instruction list (a generation order determination process). A trajectory of a specific robot arm included in the operation instruction list is generated in accordance with a starting point and an ending point such that the trajectory avoids obstacle spaces registered in the obstacle memory when trajectories of other robot arms are generated (a trajectory generation process). A sweeping space in which a structure of the arm sweeps when the robot arm is operated along the generated trajectory is added to the obstacle memory as an obstacle space to be avoided by the other robot arm (an obstacle registration process).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Yasuharu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20190143519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a movable robot manipulator for screwing in a screw at least already plugged into a thread, wherein the screw has a screw head with a tool engagement interface, the robot manipulator has at its distal end a tool designed to engage the tool engagement interface, the screw has a screw central axis, and the tool has a tool central axis about which the tool of the robot manipulator is rotatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Sami Haddadin
  • Publication number: 20190143520
    Abstract: An arrangement for handling objects on an object transporting device includes an industrial robot and an object handling control device. The device estimates candidate handling positions (OP1, OP2, OP3, OP4, OP5, OP6, OP7) for at least one candidate object based on a first assumption; determines for each candidate handling position whether it lies within a working volume (wv1) of the robot; selects one of the candidate positions (OP1) at a first decision instant, the selection being at least partially based on the result of the determining; and handles an object at an actual handling position corresponding to the selected candidate handling position, the handling being performed after a usage time of the robot, the usage time including the time for moving the robot from the robot position at the first decision instant to the actual handling position, and the time for handling the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Anders Lager, Raoul Audibert
  • Publication number: 20190143521
    Abstract: A method for health assessment of a system including a transport apparatus including registering predetermined operating data embodying at least one dynamic performance variable output by the transport apparatus, determining a base value (CpkBase) characterized by a probability density function of each of the dynamic performance variable output, resolving from the transport apparatus in situ process motion commands of the apparatus controller and defining another predetermined motion set of the transport apparatus, registering predetermined operating data embodying the at least one dynamic performance variable output by the transport apparatus and determining with the processor another value (CpkOther) characterized by the probability density function of each of the dynamic performance variable output by the transport apparatus, and comparing the other value and the base value (CpkBase) for each of the dynamic performance variable output by the transport apparatus respectively corresponding to the predetermin
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron GAWLIK, Jairo T. MOURA
  • Publication number: 20190143522
    Abstract: A robot includes a robot body including a base, a first movable section provided turnably with respect to the base, and a second movable section provided turnably with respect to the first movable section, a first proximity sensor for detecting contact with or approach of an object to the first movable section, and a second proximity sensor for detecting contact with or approach of the object to the second movable section. The first proximity sensor includes a first electrode section having a capacitance that changes according to the contact or approach of the object, and a first circuit section for detecting the capacitance of the first electrode section. The second proximity sensor includes a second electrode section having a capacitance that changes according to the contact or approach of the object, and a second circuit section for detecting the capacitance of the second electrode section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Yasunaga MIYAZAWA, Mitsuhiro YAMAMURA, Hideaki OKA, Toshiyuki KAMIYA, Hajime KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20190143523
    Abstract: A system includes a first sensor having a fixed location relative to a workspace, a second sensor, at least one robotic manipulator coupled to a manipulation tool, and a control system in communication with the at least one robotic manipulator. The control system is configured to determine a location of a workpiece in the workspace based on first sensor data from the first sensor and a three-dimensional (3D) model corresponding to the workpiece. The control system is configured to map a set of 2D coordinates from a second 2D image from the second sensor to a set of 3D coordinates based on the location, and to generate one or more control signals for the at least one robotic manipulator based on the set of 3D coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Stephane Harel, Steeves Bouchard, John Karigiannis, Antoine Lizotte, MarcAndre Montplaisir, Nicolas Saudrais, David Cantin
  • Publication number: 20190143524
    Abstract: A programming assistance apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry generates a first display data to be displayed in a first input area in which to input, for each of a plurality of task groups including a plurality of tasks, a first condition under which at least one robot executes the tasks. The circuitry generates a second display data to be displayed in a second input area in which to input a second condition for an execution order of the plurality of task groups. The circuitry sets the first condition based on an input into the first input area. The circuitry sets the second condition based on an input into the second input area. The circuitry generates, based on the first condition and the second condition, a motion program for causing the at least one robot to execute the plurality of task groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Makoto TAKAHASHI, Takuya FUKUDA, Wataru WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20190143525
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an actuation system includes a movable member, an actuator, at least one image taking unit, a coordinate conversion unit and a first actuation control unit. The actuator moves the movable member. The coordinate conversion unit performs coordinate conversion from an image-taking coordinate system of a taken image taken by the image taking unit to an arithmetic coordinate system for performing comparison. The first actuation control unit controls the actuator to reduce a deviation according to visual servo in the arithmetic coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Ishihara, Nobukatsu Sugiyama, Junji Oaki, Akihito Ogawa