Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein include a path integration system that calculates optic flow, infers angular velocity from the flow field, and incorporates this velocity estimate into heading calculations. The resulting system fuses heading estimates from accelerometers, gyroscopes, engine torques, and optic flow to determine self-localization. The system also includes a motivational system that implements a reward drive, both positive and negative, into the system. In some implementations, the drives can include: a) a curiosity drive that encourages exploration of new areas, b) a resource drive that attracts the agent towards the recharging base when the battery is low, and c) a mineral reward drive that attracts the agent towards previously explored scientific targets.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is configured to grip an object by a claw. The gripping apparatus includes an electric circuit passing through a first claw body, the object, and a second claw body, and a conduction judgment part for judging as to whether or not the electric circuit is electrically conductive. The electric circuit is shut off by a protective member, which protects the object, but becomes electrically conductive when the claw bodies and the object are in direct contact with each other.

Abstract: A robot is controlled by a control unit. The robot includes: a first sensor; a second sensor; a third sensor; a fourth sensor; a first circuit capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the first sensor and the second sensor; and a second circuit capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the third sensor and the fourth sensor. The control unit and the first circuit are connected through a first serial wire, and the first circuit and the second circuit are connected through a second serial wire.

Abstract: Technologies pertaining to human-robot interaction are described herein. The robot includes a computer-readable memory that comprises a model that, with respect to successful completions of a task, is fit to observed data, where at least some of such observed data pertains to a condition that is controllable by the robot, such as position of the robot or distance between the robot and a human. A task that is desirably performed by the robot is to cause the human to engage with the robot. The model is updated while the robot is online, such that behavior of the robot adapts over time to increase the likelihood that the robot will successfully complete the task.

Abstract: A robot having a base with a moving mechanism configured to move the robot according to control instructions, a controller configured to move the robot within a predetermined area along a pathway area, a body supported on the base, a camera mounted on the body and controlled to capture photo images while traveling along the pathway area, wherein the robot is controlled to rotate its body about a point in the pathway area and use the camera to take a 360 degree photo image of the surrounding at the location. The photo image is analyzed to identify information related to the location.

Abstract: A robot operating apparatus includes a force sensor mounted on the distal end part of an arm unit and a handle supporting unit mounted on the distal end part of the arm unit via the force sensor. The handle supporting unit supports two handles, and a handle structure including the two handles has two force points where forces are applied while being gripped with both hands. The force sensor detects a resultant force of forces acting on the two force points, and transmits the same to a robot control apparatus, so that the distal end part of the arm unit moves in accordance with a direction and a magnitude of the resultant force detected by the force sensor.

Abstract: An example robot includes: a motor disposed within a housing at a joint configured to control motion of a member of a robot; a controller including one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) disposed within the housing and including a plurality of field-effect transistors (FETs) disposed on a surface of a PCB of the one or more PCBs facing the motor; a rotary position sensor mounted on the controller; a shaft coupled to a rotor of the motor and extending therefrom to the controller; and a magnet mounted within the shaft at an end of the shaft facing the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for automated palletization of totes and cuboid containers includes an end effector having fingers projecting outwardly. The fingers may engage recesses in the totes. Alternatively, actuators on fixed fingers can move gripping surfaces into engagement with the totes or containers. Or actuators on a body of the end effector can move the fingers, which include gripping surfaces.

Abstract: An end effector is configured to grasp articles that have deviated from their original shape. The end effector can return the article to its expected condition. The end effector can include a main platform, a first sub-platform and a second sub-platform. A first suction cup extends vertically below the main platform. Each of the sub-platforms includes one or more suction cups, respectively, that protrude vertically below the sub-platforms. Each sub-platform is connected to the main platform via a bellows actuator that can be extended and retracted via positive and negative pressures. The main platform can include fittings to allow the end effector to be attached to a wide variety of robotic arms, such as a delta robot.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed for an articulated arm. The end effector includes a valve assembly including a plurality of supply channels, each supply channel including a supply conduit, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the supply conduit, and a supply conduit plug. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with a vacuum source. During use, each supply conduit is either at vacuum such that the pressure within the supply conduit is substantially at a vacuum pressure, or is at a pressure that is substantially higher than vacuum pressure because the supply conduit plug has moved to block a portion of the supply conduit. The pressure sensor of each supply conduit provides a pressure sensor signal responsive to whether the pressure in the conduit is either substantially at vacuum or is at a pressure that is substantially higher than vacuum.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for a humanoid robot, comprises a rigid structure linked to the humanoid robot, a deformable outer shell, and a shock-absorber; the shock-absorber consisting of a flexible cellular structure comprising a set of cells emerging in a main direction, and being secured to the rigid structure at a first end in the main direction, and linked to the deformable outer shell at a second end opposite the first in the main direction. Advantageously, the outer shell is also linked directly to the rigid structure by means of at least one absorbent fixing of silent block type. The invention relates also to a humanoid robot, and in particular the head of a humanoid robot, comprising such a shock-absorbing device.

Abstract: A device is for identifying glove-port positions to be mounted on a panel supported by a glovebox structure which defines a closed chamber enabling an operator to perform handling operations while being isolated from the chamber. The device includes a base, structure for attaching this base to the glovebox structure, and at least one template supported by this base while being movable with respect to this base, in order to be able to occupy different positions with respect to this base. Each template includes an opening which can receive a glove port. The device also includes structure for locking each template in position with respect to the base.

Abstract: The present utility knife provides a uniquely improved safety mechanism that increases safety, reliability, and reduces the cost of manufacturing. A shield is locked over the blade by a strut braced between the shield and a stop within the housing. The strut is biased to the locked position by an integrally molded sinuous spring that is designed to force the strut into engagement with the stop and to force the shield to cover the blade, allowing just one cut per actuator pull. The stop structure checks the motion of the strut when locked and closely guides the movement of the strut when unlocked through use of an L-shaped channel. These features reduce the complexity of the safety knife and increase the reliability of the safety mechanism under rough conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife with a housing (11) and with a blade holder (13) for holding a blade (17), the blade holder (13) being movable between a safety position in which the blade (17) is inaccessible within the housing (11) and a cutting position in which the blade (17) projects at least partially out of the housing (11), the cutting position being defined by the interaction of at least one stop surface (32a, 32b) associated with the housing (11) and at least one counterpart surface (23a, 23b) associated with the blade holder (13).

Abstract: A cutting tool includes first and second blades attached to each other by a joint, and first and second handles. A first inlay having a protruding end protrudes into a hole in the first blade. A shaft has a first end joined to the protruding end of the first inlay, and has a second end with at least one transverse shoulder. A second inlay has a protruding end protruding into a hole in the second blade and a hole receives the second end of the shaft, and an engaging surface engages with the shoulder of the shaft. The hole of the second inlay has a shape and width allowing the second end of the shaft with the shoulder to pass into the hole in a release position, but prevents the shaft and shoulder from passing through the hole when the shaft and second inlay are not in the release position.

Abstract: A stationary blade for a blade set of an electrically operated hair cutting appliance includes first and second walls, where each wall has a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a laterally extending leading edge having a plurality of laterally spaced apart longitudinally extending projections. The first surfaces of the first and second walls face each other, at least at their leading edges, while corresponding projections along the leading edges of the first and second walls are mutually connected at their tips to define a plurality of generally U-shaped teeth. The first surfaces of the first and second walls are separated to define a laterally extending guide slot for insertion of a movable blade of the blade set between them. The projections of the first wall have an average thickness that is less than an average thickness of the projections of the second wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a shaving device and more specifically, to a portable shaving apparatus designed to look like a cosmetic container.

Abstract: A tool for advancing and tensioning a strap of an erosion control system through an aperture of a retaining washer to provide hold down pressure to an erosion control mat is described. The tool has a foot member that is positioned atop the retaining washer and serves to hold it in place during the installation operation. An upright support bar extends above the foot member and a slide tensioning subassembly is mounted for sliding movement on the support bar. A clamp is carried on the slide tensioning subassembly for releasably grasping the strap. A handle is mounted on the upright support bar for up and down sliding movement and interconnected to the slide tensioning subassembly and the clamp so that downward movement of the handle closes the clamp to grasp the strap and pull the slide member upwardly to advance the strap through the washer.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing cut bodies including: cutting a fiber-reinforced resin material, the fiber-reinforced resin material including reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin, the reinforcing fibers having a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa to 6,000 MPa; and heating the fiber-reinforced resin material, wherein a flexural modulus of the fiber-reinforced resin material at the cutting is decreased to a value ranging from 80% to 15% of the flexural modulus of the fiber-reinforced resin material before heating.

Abstract: A bearing device of a portable power tool, in particular a router, has at least one main body unit. The main body unit is formed as a corner guiding unit and has a bearing surface and a lead-through opening. The bearing surface is configured to bear on a workpiece. The lead-through opening is configured to receive an insert tool configured to perform work on a workpiece.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for preparing a treated cellulosic material comprising: providing a cellulosic material; a first treatment protocol comprising impregnating the cellulosic material with an aqueous dispersion comprising a polymer, the polymer comprising an olefin-carboxylic acid copolymer neutralized at least in part by ammonia or an amine; and a second treatment protocol comprising heating the cellulosic material, wherein at least a portion of the ammonia or the amine is liberated from the cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods and resins for additive manufacturing. In one embodiment, a method for additive manufacturing of a ceramic structure includes providing a resin including a preceramic polymer and inorganic ceramic filler particles dispersed in the preceramic polymer. The preceramic polymer is configured to convert to a ceramic phase. The method includes functionalizing inorganic ceramic filler particles with a reactive group and applying an energy source to the resin to create at least one layer of the ceramic phase from the resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for producing hydrophobized fiber cement sheets as well as fiber cement sheets obtainable therewith. In particular, the present invention provides processes for manufacturing a hydrophobized fiber cement product, said process at least comprising the steps of: (i) forming at least one fiber cement film on a rotating sieve in contact with a fiber cement slurry in a vat; (ii) transferring said at least one fiber cement film from said sieve to a felt transport belt, (iii) applying a mist of a hydrophobizing agent to said at least one fiber cement film, and (iv) accumulating the fiber cement film on an accumulator roll via the felt transport belt, so as to form a hydrophobized fiber cement product. The present invention further relates to various uses of the fiber cement sheets obtainable by the processes of the invention in the building industry.

Abstract: This document describes systems and processes for forming improved synthetic molded slabs suitable for use in living or working spaces (e.g., along a countertop, table, floor, or the like).

Abstract: A method of forming a flexible carbon composite self-lubricating seal includes compressing a carbon composite mixture into a mold forming a flexible carbon composite self-lubricating annular seal.

Abstract: A machine (12) for working slabs of natural stone, agglomerate or ceramic material comprises: a work bench (14) adapted to receive a slab to be machined; a machining head (16) comprising a spindle (18); and movement means (20) for moving the machining head (16) above the work bench (14). The spindle (18) comprises coupling means (40) which allow a diamond chain tool (42) to be operatively fixed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wall system when creating a separating cut in a workpiece between a first and a second end point is disclosed. The wall saw system includes a wall saw having a saw head, a pivotable saw arm, a saw blade and a blade guard. The separating cut is carried out in a plurality of main cuts. The pivoting movement of the saw arm in a main cutting angle is carried out in at least two steps with at least one intermediate angle, where a free cut of the saw blade is carried out in the respective intermediate angle between the pivoting movements of the saw arm.

Abstract: An apparatus including a controller, and at least two cutting head assemblies. The controller typically includes a computer processor, and a computer memory, having a computer program stored therein. The controller automatically controls the current load of a cutting motor of each of the at least two cutting head assemblies via current sensors, in response to monitoring real time current loads. The controller may also control feed mechanism speed. The feed mechanism may include a conveyor belt. The controller may also be programmed to control a position or height of each of the at least two cutting head assemblies with respect to the feed mechanism. The two or more cutting head assemblies may be attached to a frame, and the controller may control the movement of the frame perpendicular to the direction of movement of feeding mechanism. Cutting head pads may be monitored for wear and replaced if necessary.

Abstract: In some examples, a method including depositing a resin and a plurality of carbon fibers via a print head of a three-dimensional printing system to form a carbon fiber preform including a plurality of individual carbon fiber layers, wherein each individual layer of the plurality of individual carbon fiber layers includes the resin and carbon fibers, and wherein the carbon fiber preform exhibits at least one of a non-uniform composition of the resin within the preform, different types of the carbon fibers within the preform, or non-uniform fiber orientation within the preform.

Abstract: A method of producing a preform, having a step for preparing a sheet-shaped prepreg and a preform mold having a forming surface and a separable portion constituting at least a portion of the forming surface, forming the prepreg using the preform mold, and then removing the preform together with the separable portion from the preform mold.

Abstract: A male mold element includes a cooling circuit having first passage elements obtained in a first component of the male mold element and second passage elements obtained in a second component of the male mold element, the first passage elements and the second passage elements being distributed around a longitudinal axis of the male mold element so that there exist a plurality of angular positions of the first component relative to the second component in which the first passage elements are in fluid communication with the second passage elements.

Abstract: A composite structure curing system employs a plurality of heaters mounted in at least one array in spaced proximity to a composite structure to be cured. A plurality of temperature sensors are mounted to sense temperature at selected locations on the structure. A control system receives an input from each of the plurality of temperature sensors and is adapted to control each of the plurality of heaters responsive to each input to establish a predetermined temperature profile on the structure during cure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber production system (1) and production method which enables heat treatment applied during fiber production to be performed as applying laser on the fiber. The objective of the present invention is to provide a fiber production system (1) and production method which enables to perform momentary heat treatment on the filament (F) via laser beam (L) and which eliminates defected points in the filament structure by heating fast and drawing in fiber production.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical coupling element made of elastomer includes filling a free-flowing elastomer formulation or its constituents into a mold so as to produce a flat sheet whose thickness is adapted to a thickness of the optical coupling element that is to be produced. The elastomer formulation or its constituents is cured to form an inherently stable elastomer. Individual optical coupling elements are cut out of the flat sheet.

Abstract: Systems for defining an internally threaded bore in a composite material component include one or more thread forming tools each defining a thread forming portion and a locating fixture configured to hold the one or more thread forming tools in a predetermined configuration defining a pattern of internally threaded bores to be provided in the composite material component. The thread forming portions include a plurality of thread forming surfaces each defining a pitch, a crest fillet radius, and a root fillet radius, and define internally threaded bores having an interior helical thread defining a plurality of full crest radii and a plurality of full root radii. A component forming fixture is provided for abutting the locating fixture whereby the one or more thread forming tools are held in an interior of the forming fixture. Methods for forming composite material components having internally threaded bores using the described systems are described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of composite wood structures, which provides for increased production rates and machinability. More particularly, the process comprises combining wood particles with a composition comprising an aqueous protein and diluent dispersion.

Abstract: An imprint method includes, in the peeling step of peeling a mold off the material layer to be transferred, a region-of-contact recognition operation of recognizing and determining a region of contact of the mold with the material layer to be transferred, a center-of-gravity locating operation of determining a center of gravity of a morphology of the thus recognized region of contact on the basis of that morphology, and a peeling operation of determining a point of force for applying peeling force to the mold or the imprinting substrate in relation to the center of gravity determined by the center-of-gravity locating operation, thereby acting the peeling force on the point of force.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus that molds an imprint material on a shot region of a substrate by using a mold, comprising a detection unit configured to detect first light with which a first mark of the mold and a second mark of the substrate are irradiated and measure a position deviation between the first mark and the second mark, a heating unit configured to irradiate the substrate with second light for heating the substrate and deforming the shot region, and a control unit configured to control alignment between the mold and the substrate based on the position deviation, wherein a parameter of the detection unit or the heating unit is set not to detect the second light by the detection unit while the first light is detected and the substrate is irradiated with the second light.

Abstract: A molten resin containing reinforcing fibers is injected from a gate into a cavity formed between an external piece and a center pin, and the molten resins containing the reinforcing fibers join together in the cavity. Thus, a weld line is formed in the molten resin containing the reinforcing fibers in the cavity. With this injection molding mold, moving the external piece with respect to the center pin changes an interval with the center pin. This forcibly causes the molten resin containing the reinforcing fibers in the cavity to flow and disturbs directions of the reinforcing fibers at the weld line. Consequently, the reinforcing fibers at the weld line and near the weld line in a cylindrical article tangle, improving strength at a part where the weld line is formed in the cylindrical article.

Abstract: An injection mold including at least one first mold portion, at least a second mold portion positioned facing the first mold portion, the first portion or the second portion of the mold being configured to be axially movable relative to respectively the second portion or the first mold portion between at least an opening position of the injection mold and a closing position of the injection mold, at least one first workstation called injection station, and at least a second workstation called insert laying station and/or an ejection station. An injection method implemented by the injection mold.

Abstract: First and second constituting components are injection-molded and joined within one pair of molds. In order to join the first and second constituting components, one of the respective regions of the first and second constituting components abutted to each other is pushed into the other.

Abstract: A modular pod for an injection mold includes a molding insert shaped to produce a molded part. The modular pod can be linked with a plurality of additional modular pods to form an injection mold. When a molding insert experiences a problem, the molding insert can be removed from the mold and replaced with a replacement insert. The modular pod employs a mechanical solution to eject the formed parts from the mold, without employing hydraulics.

Abstract: An injection device includes a spline supporting member rotatably supporting a spline shaft and attached to a pressure plate, and a nut supporting member rotatably supporting a spline nut and attached to a rear plate. The spline supporting member is provided with a spline positioning mechanism for adjusting the mounting position of the spline supporting member. The nut supporting member is provided with a nut positioning mechanism for adjusting the mounting position of the nut supporting member. The spline supporting member and the nut supporting member are formed with holes for axial-center checking, rods being inserted through the holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a parting locking device configured such that a locking member can be uncoupled from a base holder even with a locking bar inserted in the locking member, and the locking bar stably moves. The locking bar includes a thick-walled and thin-walled portions. In a first state in which the thick-walled portion is located between an engagement element and the inner surface of a bar inserting hole, and in a third state in which the locking bar is pulled out of the locking member, the engagement element is moved to first or second engagement element paths, and the locking member is uncoupled from the base holder. In a second state in which the thin-walled portion is located between the engagement element and the inner surface of the bar inserting hole (9), the engagement element is engaged with engagement recesses, thereby keeping the locking member coupled to the base holder.

Abstract: A carousel-like continuous molding system includes an arrangement of inclined feed channels. Each of the feed channels has a controllable valve therein positioned upstream of an inlet to an associated mold cavity. The valve is controllable so that adjustments may be made in real time to achieve or maintain delivery of molten polymeric material to the mold cavity at constant pressure.

Abstract: The production method for a polyolefin-based structure of the present invention produces a polyolefin-based structure from a mixed source material containing a polyolefin (A), an acid-modified polyolefin (B) and a gas barrier resin (C) using a molding machine 10, under the condition mentioned below. The molding machine 10 is equipped with a single-screw extruder 11, a die head 12, and an adaptor 13 for feeding the mixed source material from the single-screw extruder 11 to the die head 12. Am+10° C.?T1?Cm?10° C. (1), Cm?30° C.?T2?Cm+30° C. (2), Cm?10° C.?T3?Cm+50° C. (3), Cm?30° C.?T4?Cm+30° C. (4). T1 is a cylinder temperature in a section corresponding to a supply zone 21A and a compression zone 21B, T2 is a cylinder temperature in a section corresponding to a metering zone 21C, T3 is a temperature of an adaptor 13, T4 is a temperature of a die head, Am is the melting point of the component (A), and Cm is the melting point of the component (C).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing the flatness of a die by applying adhesive to a shim having a selected flatness, rotating the shim to spread the adhesive to a layer having a uniform thickness, evacuating a chamber to create a vacuum; manipulating a die onto the adhesive layer in the chamber; and reducing a level of the vacuum to pressure the die onto the adhesive layer such that the bow in the die is reduced as the die conforms to the shim.

Abstract: An exemplary method for manufacturing an elastomeric flooring comprises: providing a first rubber mixture (2); providing a decor carrier material (6) comprising areas with a decor layer (7) wherein the decor layer (7) contains a second rubber mixture; shaping the first rubber mixture (2) by converting it to a rubber web (5); applying the decor carrier material (6) comprising the decor layer (7) onto the rubber web (5), wherein the decor layer (7) comes in contact with the rubber web (5); vulcanizing the rubber web (5) with the decor layer (7) applied to it, wherein the decor layer (7) bonds to the rubber web (5); and removing the decor carrier material (6).

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are described for implementing a portable and affordable 3D printer. One portable 3D printer includes a material supply system to supply printing material to a print engine. The print engine includes an extrusion system that comprises a heating block, which includes a top portion coupled to the material supply system to receive the printing material, a heating body to heat up the printing material, and a heat break portion positioned between the top portion and the heating body. The printer further includes a movement system to allow a horizontal movement of the extruder carriage, a build platform positioned below the movement system to receive the printing material from the extrusion system, and a printer body positioned to enclose the extrusion system, the movement system, and the build platform.

Abstract: A method for fabricating containers wherein a molding apparatus is provided having a plurality of mold segments, each of which has two substantially opposite faces that form a mold cavity when abutted against an opposite face of an adjacent mold segment. A first mold segment is passed through a manipulation zone at an increased speed to open the mold cavity between the first and second mold segments. After a preform is positioned within the mold cavity, a second mold segment is passed through the manipulation zone at an increased speed to abut a face of the first mold segment against an opposite face of the second mold segment. A volume of a liquid is next injected into the preform, expanding the preform and forming the container. These steps are repeated and a container produced during the previous iteration is removed during an extracting step in an extracting manipulation zone.