Abstract: A system is disclosed for verification of the installation of a component such as a side curtain air bag into a vehicle passenger compartment where energy absorbing quarter-turn fasteners attached to the air bag are employed to affix hanger brackets to structural base plates in the vehicle. The system includes an image capturing camera, stored data in a machine readable form of an acceptable installation, a central processing unit to compare the captured images to the stored machine readable data and an output generator to create an output signal based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to generate and exhibit multiple interactive personalities (MIP) in a robot capable of switching back and forth between the MIP (e.g., synthesized digital voice representing a robot personality, digitally recorded human voice representing a human personality) during a continuing interaction with a user, a group of users, or other robots depending upon the situation. The MIP of the robot are exhibited by the robot speaking in more than one voice type, accent, and emotion accompanied with a suitable facial expression. Corresponding animated multiple interactive personality (AMIP) chat-bot and chatter-bot software is also provided which uses a web/mobile interface to train the MIP using crowd-sourcing methods for a group of users and customization for an individual user. Trained MIPs are downloadable into the MIP robot, AMIP chat-bot and/or AMIP chatter-bot for uses including entertainment, social companionship, education and training, and customer service applications.

Abstract: A planar touch sensor (an electrostatic capacitance sensor) for detecting a contact by a user on a body surface is installed on a robot. Pleasantness and unpleasantness are determined in accordance with a place of contact and a strength of contact on the touch sensor. Behavioral characteristics of the robot change in accordance with a determination result. Familiarity with respect to the user who touches changes in accordance with the pleasantness or unpleasantness. The robot has a curved form and has a soft body.

Abstract: An interactive mobile platform control system includes a mobile terminal; a robot intelligent platform wirelessly communicated with the mobile terminal; and a household robot wirelessly communicated with the robot intelligent platform, the mobile terminal is installed with a lightweight software corresponding to the household robot, and configured to receive a user instruction through the lightweight software, the lightweight software is configured to convert the user instruction into a control command and transmit the control command to the robot intelligent platform; the robot intelligent platform is configured to transcode the control command to output an executive command to the household robot; and the household robot is configured to receive the executive command and complete a corresponding action according to the executive command.

Abstract: [Object] To propose a novel and improved processing device, a novel and improved system, and a novel and improved control method capable of estimating a holding force with which an operator holds an operation body in a robot including the operation body provided in a link connected to a passive articulation. [Solution] Provided is the processing device including a processing unit (102) configured to estimate a holding force with which an operator holds an operation body on the basis of a model that corresponds to a first robot (200) including the operation body provided in a link connected to a passive articulation and a force sensor detecting a force applied to the operation body, the model regarding the force sensor part as a virtual articulation.

Abstract: Example methods and devices for touch-down detection for a robotic device are described herein. In an example embodiment, a computing system may receive a force signal due to a force experienced at a limb of a robotic device. The system may receive an output signal from a sensor of the end component of the limb. Responsive to the received signals, the system may determine whether the force signal satisfies a first threshold and determine whether the output signal satisfies a second threshold. Based on at least one of the force signal satisfying the first threshold or the output signal satisfying the second threshold, the system of the robotic device may provide a touch-down output indicating touch-down of the end component of the limb with a portion of an environment.

Abstract: Gripper pads are provided for use, augmentation or retrofitting in a robot manipulator. The gripper pads distinguish a dry adhesive layer with dry adhesive wedges that would interface with an object that is desired to be manipulated. The plurality of dry adhesive wedges is organized in a pattern such that the pattern has at least two different orientations for the direction of the plurality of wedges. The gripper pads further distinguish a sensor array underneath the dry adhesive layer. The data obtained from the sensor array provides an estimate of the shape and size of the contact between the gripper pad and the object when the dry adhesive layer is in contact with the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gripping tongs, particularly pneumatically operated gripping tongs. The gripping tongs comprise a housing in which a preferably pneumatically operable linear drive is formed. A first and a second gripper jaw movable relative to each other and relative to the housing, in particular pivotably mounted, are further provided. To be able to detect whether a workpiece (object to be gripped) has been effectively gripped, particularly in the case of miniature gripping tongs of this type, the invention provides for one of the two gripper jaws of the gripping tongs to itself be designed as a sensor and thereby serve to emit a corresponding signal when the gripper jaws of the gripping tongs have gripped a workpiece and/or when the gripping tongs are in their closed state.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cam-type hand mechanism including a three-dimensional cam and claw portions configured to open and close in association with a rotary motion of the three-dimensional cam and achieving a compact and multifunctional configuration. A rotor shaft is a hollow shaft provided with a hollow shaft hole, is assembled in communication with a through hole formed in a cam base portion of a cam pedestal member, and is provided with a functional part in the hollow shaft hole.

Abstract: An end effector for use and connection to a robot arm of a robotic surgical system, wherein the end effector is controlled and/or articulated by at least one cable extending from a respective motor of a control device of the robot surgical system, is provided. The end effector includes a wrist assembly, and a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a cam pulley rotatably supported on at least one support plate of the jaw assembly, wherein the cam pulley is operatively connected to a proximal end of each of the jaws of the jaw assembly such that rotation of the cam pulley results in one of an opening and closing of the jaw assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum ejector device (2) for generating at least partial vacuum to be supplied to a gripping member (4), comprising a device body (6) having an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis A. A movable sealing and venting element (24) is provided and is structured to selectively substantially close and seal, in a sealing position, a vacuum duct (16) when the air supply is activated, and to open or vent said vacuum duct to release or vent via a venting duct (26), in a venting position, the vacuum within the gripping member when the vacuum source or air supply is deactivated. The sealing and venting element (24) is arranged essentially at the longitudinal axis A, and that the venting duct (26) is arranged and provides for fluid communication between the sealing and venting element (24) and a venting outlet port (28) provided at a long side of said elongated device body (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper (100) and in particular a pneumatically operated gripper (100) in the form of a vacuum gripper or gripping tongs. The gripper (100) comprises a gripper holder (3.1, 3.2) via which the gripper (100) is preferably detachably connectable to a manipulator, robotic arm or the like. The gripper (100) further comprises at least one gripping member (2.1, 2.2) connected to the gripper holder (3.1, 3.2) and realized such that an object to be gripped or workpiece can be gripped by manipulating the at least one gripping member (2.1, 2.2). In order to achieve the gripper (100) being able to gently grip an object to be gripped, whereby both the object to be gripped as well as the at least one gripping member of the gripper are effectively protected against damage while the object to be gripped is being manipulated, the invention provides for the at least one gripping member (2.1, 2.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to unique structures for robotic end-of-arm-tools (EOATs). In particular, exemplary embodiments provide structures allowing a displacement fluid to be discharged from a distal end of a robotic finger. The discharge may be used to displace a target object, such as an object that is adjacent to another blocking object or the side of a container. After the target object is displaced, the EOAT may be better able to maneuver into a gripping posture and may be able to secure a better grasp on the target object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable geometry and constant-volume inflatable tube, including an inflatable envelope having a central axis. A stress-bearing unit is provided, including a pair of first and second inextensible link belonging to a same longitudinal half-plane of the envelope, the first unit being oriented along a first longitudinal direction inclined with respect to the central axis and the second unit being oriented along a second longitudinal direction which is also inclined with respect to the central axis but which crosses the first direction on the central axis. The inflatable tube can be bent around a first or second pivot axis, the longitudinal tensile stresses applied to the envelope then being concentrated on the central axis.

Abstract: A piston accommodated in an internal space of a cylinder and forming a pair of pressure chambers together with the cylinder, the piston being configured to move relative to the cylinder; a first actuator connected to one pair of pressure chambers; a second actuator connected to the other of the pair of pressure chambers; a position detector configured to detect a position of the piston relative to the cylinder; a pressure detector configured to detect a pressure of one pair of pressure chambers; and a controller configured to control the first actuator and the second actuator. The controller controls one of the first actuator and the second actuator that the position detected by the position detector is made close to a target position and controls the other of the first actuator and the second actuator that the pressure detected by the pressure detector is made close to a target pressure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for an object feature identification system employed by a robotic are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of generating a data reading of a work area by scanning the work area with a sensor device of the robot; identifying, by processing the data reading through a learning engine, a particular component of a plurality of components associated with the work area based on a task to be performed; identifying, with the machine learning engine, a particular feature of the particular component used in a completion of the task; determining, with the machine learning engine, a particular tool of a plurality of tools of the robot that is configured to perform the task; and performing the task with the particular tool and the particular feature of the particular component.

Abstract: A produce packing robot is provided comprising a plurality of heads for picking up items of produce from a plurality of pick-up locations, and moving the items of produce and dropping them off at a plurality of drop-off locations. The plurality of heads move together in a first direction on a common rail. The robot may also comprise a range imaging camera and controller for sensing the location of the drop-off points dynamically.

Abstract: A robotic system is disclosed that includes an articulated arm with an end effector.

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle and a blade rotatably connected to the handle, the blade rotatable between a closed position and an opened position about a blade axis. A finger tab is useable to rotate the blade from the closed position to the opened position, the finger tab rotatably connected to the blade and rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position about a tab axis parallel to the blade axis. A torsion spring biases the finger tab toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A lock-blade knife for cooking purposes comprises a housing, a blade pivotally attached to the housing and a locking mechanism. The blade is rotatable relative to the housing between a closed position and a least one cutting position. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the blade in the at least one cutting position. The locking mechanism comprises a biasing member, an engagement structure, and a grasping member. The engagement structure is disposed on the blade, and the grasping member is displaceable from a locking position into a releasing position. The grasping member is biased into the releasing position. The grasping member is in engagement with the engagement structure in the locking position when cutting to lock the blade in position. The blade is rotatable between the cutting position and the closed position when the grasping member is manually displaced into the releasing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaving apparatus with at least one cutting unit (3) detachably coupled to a drive mechanism (8) via a coupling (18, 16), and to such a coupling. Said coupling comprises a second coupling member (16) having a coupling cavity (21). A coupling head (19) of a first coupling member (18) is in a form-locking engagement in said coupling cavity to transfer a driving force, and is detachable from said coupling cavity by movement in an axial direction (24) parallel to an axis of rotation of the cutting unit. Said second coupling member comprises a plurality of recesses (31), each recess extending in a radial direction from said coupling cavity and being delimited by two radially extending side wall sections (31a,31b). Each of said two radially extending side wall sections forms an edge (32a, 32b) with a bottom surface of said second coupling member, and the edges of each recess converge in a radially outward direction in relation to said axis of rotation.

Abstract: A back shaver has a body shaver handle and a flexible coupling for a blade cartridge comprising a sharp blade. The flexible coupling uses a material that allows the blade cartridge to pivot with respect to the body shaver handle. In some alternatives the flexible coupling uses rubber or another flexible material. In other alternatives the flexible coupling uses a mechanical pivot mechanism located near the inner side at an end of body shaver handle opposite the handle end and allowing the blade cartridge to move and pivot at alternate angles when pressed against a skin surface. The mechanical pivot mechanism can be located at in the blade cartridge or in the body shaver handle.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting device. The cutting device includes a body part having a transfer path along which a cut object being transferred is transferred, a cutting part including cutting elements for cutting the cut object and a main body on which the cutting elements are disposed, and a pressing part configured to press the main body so that the cutting elements move in a cutting direction that is a direction crossing the transfer direction of the cut object. The body part further includes a guide path having a shape corresponding to that of the cutting part so as to provide a space along which the cutting part moves in the cutting direction and a return direction that is opposite to the cutting direction.

Abstract: A cutting die for rotary die-cutting of a label laminates is described herein. The cutting tools of the die include at least one of the following cutting edge parameters: effective height, shape and bevel angle arranged to be different in a first direction when compared to a second direction of the cutting die. The use of the cutting die, a method for designing a cutting die and a method for die-cutting a label laminate are also described.

Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a sawing machine, with a tool for metal cutting, in particular a saw band or saw blade, a drive device for driving and/or moving the tool, a controller for the drive device in order to control and/or regulate the drive device with a process dataset, as well as a communication device for data exchange between the controller and an external data memory and/or an external computer. The controller includes a detector for identifying the tool. A system for optimized operation of such a machine tool which additionally includes an external data memory and/or external computer is also provided.

Abstract: To properly detect an end of a colored medium. A cutting device 1 includes a light emission unit, a light receiving sensor configured to receive light emitted from the light emission unit at a position facing the light emission unit, a platen configured to support a colored medium S between the light emission unit and the light receiving sensor, and a paper end detection mechanism configured to detect an end of the colored medium S on the platen. The light receiving sensor is freely movable. The degree of light reception by the light receiving sensor is switched for the light from the light emission unit by movement of the light receiving sensor, and in this manner, the paper end detection mechanism detects the end of the colored medium S in a movement direction of the light receiving sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus having a gripper for gripping a product, in particular a food product, having a gripper base, and having a gripper head fastened to the gripper base, wherein the gripper head comprises at least one suction device that can be acted on by vacuum and that can be brought into contact with a section, in particular an end section, of the product to suck it in, with the gripper head being releasably fastened to the gripper base

Abstract: To provide a portal-shaped tear processing device which is capable of stably performing high precision tear processing. Provided is a portal-shaped tear processing device including: a portal-shaped frame; a rail member; a controlled movement robot; and a tear processing means, in which the column member and the beam member have an outer shell portion, a filling member enclosed in the outer shell portion, and a hollow portion boring the filling portion along a major axis direction of the column member and the beam member.

Abstract: Knife assemblies and cutting apparatuses adapted for producing strip-cut products, for example, a strip-cut food product. The knife assemblies include a slicing knife having a leading edge configured to produce a slice product from a product, at least one tab that extends outward from the slicing knife and configured to cut the slice product into strips, a knife holder for securing the slicing knife and fixing a proximal end of the tab to a position adjacent to the slicing knife, and a tab support assembly configured to clamp onto a distal end of the tab and optionally pull the tab in a direction away from the knife holder along a longitudinal axis of the tab to apply tension to the tab.

Abstract: A controller 50 is disposed to the front relative to a rotation shaft 11d of an electric motor 11 above a base 2, so as to be tilted in the up-to-down direction as it extends frontward.

Abstract: There is provided a staple cartridge, on which a refill is configured to be mounted, the refill including a refill main body configured to accommodate therein a plurality of staple sheets in a stacked state and having a discharging port for discharging the staple sheets, and a staple presser configured to be placed on the stacked staple sheets so as to move in a stacking direction of the staple sheets as the staple sheets are discharged through the discharging port and an amount of the staple sheets is reduced. The staple cartridge includes a mount portion, on which the refill is configured be removably mounted, and a displacement member provided on the mount portion and configured to abut against the staple presser to be displaced in accordance with a position of the staple presser in a state where the refill is mounted on the mount portion.

Abstract: A refill includes a peripheral wall defining a space capable of accommodating staples therein. The peripheral wall includes a bottom wall having a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, and a third side connecting end portions of the first side and the second side, a first side wall standing from the first side, a second side wall standing from the second side and opposing the first side wall, and a front wall positioned above the third side and connecting the first side wall and the second side wall. A first opening is formed on the first side wall and the front wall to extend across a boundary between the first side wall and the front wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a particle shooter system. The particle shooter system comprises a non-carbon topological insulator nanotube defining a bore extending between first and second ends thereof. A particle shooter is operably coupled with the first end of the non-carbon topological insulator nanotube, and configured to transmit a single particle through the bore of the non-carbon topological insulator nanotube. A positioning mechanism is operably coupled with the non-carbon topological insulator nanotube and configured to aim the non-carbon topological insulator nanotube at a target disposed proximal the second end thereof.

Abstract: A method for additive manufacturing includes: forming a three-dimensional object by: depositing a layer of a powdered build material onto a surface; selectively depositing a liquid comprising a susceptor onto the layer of the powdered build material in a pattern; and heating the object by electromagnetic radiation with a microwave or radio wave frequency, in an atmosphere including oxygen, to a temperature sufficient to sinter the powdered build material.

Abstract: A screen assembly includes a housing defining a material flow chamber and having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a stucco discharge opening being located in the chamber between the inlet end and the outlet end. An auger shaft is located in the housing for axial rotation and having at least one first helical flight arranged in a flight pattern oriented so that material engaging the first helical flight is conveyed from the inlet end to the outlet end. A screen surrounds the at least one first helical flight for common rotation and extends generally from the inlet end to the outlet end. At least one second helical flight is disposed on an exterior surface of the screen and is arranged in a flight pattern oriented so that material engaging the second helical flight is conveyed in a direction from the outlet end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for casting concrete products, which comprises at least one central transfer wagon movable on a path on a center process line for moving the molds/mold tables from one work station for a process stage to another work station on a main level of the production process line, which work stations are located along the path of the central transfer wagon on at least at one side of the path of the center process line. At least one of the central transfer wagons of the arrangement comprises a lifting mechanism by which the molds/mold tables are liftable to at least one upper level.

Abstract: A paddle for a reclaiming drum may include a block of material configured for attachment to a leading edge of a flighting supporting a cutting bit on the reclaiming drum, and the block of material may assist in breaking up and mixing material removed from a surface by the cutting bit as the reclaiming drum is rotated and moved into the surface. The paddle may include two ear portions protruding from opposite sides of a flat, centrally-located, aft-facing surface of the block of material, each of the ear portions including an inwardly-facing chamfered surface configured to interface with an outwardly-facing, leading edge chamfered surface of the flighting such that a gap is maintained between a flat leading edge surface of the flighting located in between the outwardly-facing chamfered surfaces and the flat, centrally-located, aft-facing surface of the block of material when the block of material is attached to the flighting.

Abstract: Provided is a dust stop device for a sealed kneader, the device being capable of excellent supply of lubricating oil. The sealed kneader includes a pair of rotors and a supporting member. The dust stop device includes a rotating ring attached to each rotor and a stationary ring attached to the supporting member. Both the rings have respective contact surfaces which make surface contact with each other. The stationary ring has a lubricating-oil supply portion with a through-hole. A part of the through-hole, the part including a part opened in the contact surface, is a long hole extending along a circumferential direction of rotation of the rotating ring.

Abstract: A method for reducing gel in a polymer kneaded compound flowing in a polymer flow duct includes flowing a polymer kneaded compound in a polymer flow duct to a gel reduction mechanism including a gel reduction member having one or more through holes defining a squeezing flow path having a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than the polymer flow duct. The squeeze ratio S1/S2 of the squeezing flow path is 25 to 177.8, where S1 is a flow path cross-sectional area of the polymer flow duct and S2 is a sum total of flow path cross-sectional area of the squeezing flow path, to generate an extensional flow in the kneaded compound.

Abstract: Additive fabrication methods for 3D composite objects having preform fiber reinforcements embedded in a matrix material include providing local heat and mechanical energy to at least partially melt, impregnate and solidify the matrix material forming at least one reinforced composite layer of the object. Successive layers are added in accordance to a computer generated tool path to form a three dimensional object with useful features.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a vehicular lamp and a vehicle comprising the same, the vehicular lamp comprising: a lens portion; and a light source portion for emitting light toward the lens portion, wherein the lens portion comprises a body having least one curved surface and a film portion arranged on one side of the body so as to generate a 3D stereoscopic image using the light, and the lens portion is injected in an in-mold labelling (IML) type using a mold. Accordingly, the design-related degree of freedom can be improved, thereby providing an enhanced aesthetic appearance, and the manufacturing process can be simplified, thereby improving the productivity.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, in certain embodiments, a method of manufacturing hard surface apparatus using natural and/or recycled fibrous materials. The method described in certain embodiments allows the creation of a protective case, including, but not limited to, protective containers for a myriad of uses, such as hard cases, bags, backpacks, briefcases, instrument cases, car toppers, snowboard carriers, fishing rod cases, laptop cases, phone cases, and the like. In certain embodiments, the method described herein allows the creation of hard surface apparatuses such as kayaks and canoes, flooring and tiles, bathtubs and sinks, kitchen ware, and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle door molding includes a core member and a resin material. The resin material includes a curved surface as viewed in a cross section orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle door molding. A method for manufacturing the vehicle door molding includes covering a surface of the resin material with a film during transfer of the core member on which the resin material is disposed. The method further includes pressing an entire surface of the film with pressing members during transfer of the core member on which the resin material is disposed. The pressing is performed following the covering with the film. The pressing members are arranged at positions differing from each other in a transfer direction and a direction intersecting with the transfer direction. The method further includes separating the film from the resin material after the pressing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a physical unclonable function is disclosed. A highly random distribution of magnetic particles within a thermoplastic polymer is created by magnetizing magnetizable particles in solid pellet feed material before feeding the solid pellets into an injection molding machine. Other devices and processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A physical unclonable function is disclosed. A highly random distribution of magnetic particles within a thermoplastic polymer is created by magnetizing magnetizable particles in solid pellet feed material before feeding the solid pellets into an injection molding machine. Other devices and processes are disclosed.

Abstract: Closed cell foam articles, such as sports balls, and related manufacturing methods are disclosed herein. The article includes a main body made of closed-cell elastomeric resin foam having a density ranging between about 0.050 sg and about 0.800 sg after curing. Some articles are assembled by inserting a cured core into a main body so that the core is secured in the main body via an interference fit, and the core has one or more portions extending to the exterior surface of the main body such that the an exposed surface of the one or more exposed portions of the core blend substantially with the exterior surface of the main body.

Abstract: A method of operating an injection molding machine includes translating a movable platen from a closed position to a part transfer position by overshooting the transfer position in an opening direction away from a stationary platen to an over-travel position, and then translating the moving platen back to the transfer position in a closing direction, opposite the opening direction. Movement of a take-out device towards an advanced position, in which the take-out device reaches between mold halves carried by the stationary and movable platens, occurs while the movable platen is moving between the over-travel and transfer positions, prior to coming to rest in the transfer position. When resting in the transfer position, the method includes transferring molded articles from a first mold section mounted to the movable platen to retained engagement on the take-out device reaching between the platens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blown film line for generating a blown film with at least one extruder for generating at least one melt strand, at least one distribution tool for converting the at least one melt strand into a circulating melt layer, an outlet nozzle for outputting the at least one melt layer, wherein this melt layer forms the blown film, and at least one device for subjecting the blown film to at least one fluid stream, in particular an air stream, for cooling the blown film. At least one pressure-providing device is furnished, with which the blown film may be brought to the device for subjecting the blown film to a fluid stream by means of at least one overpressure and/or one underpressure.

Abstract: A process for laminating elements together to form an article having a predetermined shape including an interior cavity comprises: placing a first sheet atop a first die; placing a first pressure introduction port atop the first sheet; placing a second sheet atop the first port and atop the first sheet; placing a second die atop the second sheet; clamping the first sheet, first port, and second sheet between the first and second dies to form an assembly comprising first die, first sheet, pressure introduction port, second sheet, and second die; introducing an applied gas pressure between the first and second sheets of the assembly, via the first pressure introduction port; heating the assembly to a temperature at which the first and second sheets can thermally deform, thereby achieving simultaneous lamination and blow molding of the first and second sheets; and cooling the assembly, such that the article is created.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a processing method for a polymer material to create a medical device with improved mechanical properties. This method allows better tailoring of the material's mechanical properties, hence a device to withstand greater structural loads in vivo. The method comprises providing an extruded polymer tube having an initial diameter and an initial length along a longitudinal direction, and longitudinally, bi-directionally straining the extruded polymer tube in a mold from the initial length to an expanded or extended length. The mold comprises a plurality of stationary heating elements. After longitudinally straining the tube, it is radially expanding in the mold from the initial diameter to an expanded diameter.