Abstract: The present invention provides a chemical mechanical (CMP) polishing pad for polishing three dimensional semiconductor or memory substrates comprising a polishing layer of a polyurethane reaction product of a thermosetting reaction mixture of a curative of 4,4?-methylenebis(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline) (MCDEA) or mixtures of MCDEA and 4,4?-methylene-bis-o-(2-chloroaniline) (MbOCA), and a polyisocyanate prepolymer formed from one or two aromatic diisocyanates, such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI), or a mixture of an aromatic diisocyanate and an alicyclic diisocyanate, and a polyol of polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), or a polyol blend of PTMEG and PPG and having an unreacted isocyanate (NCO) concentration of from 8.6 to 11 wt. %. The polyurethane in the polishing layer has a Shore D hardness according to ASTM D2240-15 (2015) of from 60 to 90, a shear storage modulus (G?) at 65° C.

Abstract: An object is to provide a single-wafer processing single-side polishing method and a single-wafer processing single-side polishing apparatus, which increase the flatness of a semiconductor wafer and reduce variations in flatness. The single-wafer processing single-side polishing method includes a polishing step of polishing a semiconductor wafer; and a shifting step of transferring the semiconductor wafer from a polishing plate to a tray outside the polishing plate, moving the relative position of the semiconductor wafer and the polishing head in the rotation direction of the polishing head, and then holding the semiconductor wafer with the polishing head. The polishing step is performed a plurality of times, and the shifting step is performed at least once between the plurality of polishing steps.

Abstract: A wafer polishing apparatus is described herein. The wafer polishing apparatus includes a polish module configured to apply air pressure to a first surface of a wafer while performing a polishing process on a second surface of the wafer. In some implementations, the polish module is further configured to perform a cleaning process and/or a drying process on the second surface of the wafer, such that the same wafer polishing apparatus is configured to perform the polishing process, the cleaning process, and/or the drying process. In some implementations, the polishing module is further configured to air seal edges of the wafer during the polishing process, the cleaning process, and/or the drying process.

Abstract: A modular contact assembly for transferring electrical energy from a fixed object to a rotating object, and a machine tool that includes the contact assembly. The machine tool may include a housing, a rotating spindle mounted in the housing, and an electrical device mounted in the rotating spindle. The contact assembly includes a mounting plate joinable to a housing by movement of the plate into an attached position on the housing; a first brush assembly, first and second electrical contacts disposed in the mounting plate, an actuator joined to the mounting plate, and a first energy supply connection disposed in the mounting plate and in communication with the actuator. The machine tool may also include a magnet that is rotatable a quarter turn to retain the contact assembly in the machine tool. The electrical device may be an ultrasonic transducer operable to perform ultrasonic machining by the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing includes a support for a polishing pad having a polishing surface, and an electromagnetic induction monitoring system to generate a magnetic field to monitor a substrate being polished by the polishing pad. The electromagnetic induction monitoring system includes a core and a coil wound around a portion of the core. The core includes a back portion, a center post extending from the back portion in a first direction normal to the polishing surface, and an annular rim extending from the back portion in parallel with the center post and surrounding and spaced apart from the center post by a gap. A width of the gap is less than a width of the center post, and a surface area of a top surface of the annular rim is at least two times greater than a surface area of a top surface of the center post.

Abstract: A device for cutting a cuttable material with the aid of a fluid, in particular for water-jet cutting, may include a pressure-generating unit and an outlet nozzle that is fluidically connected to the pressure-generating unit via a fluid line. The pressure-generating unit may pressurize the fluid in the fluid line. The device may further comprise a pulsation damper for damping pressure fluctuations in the fluid line. The device may also include at least one switching valve such that, depending on a switching position of the switching valve, the pulsation damper is couplable to the fluid line and uncouplable from the fluid line.

Abstract: Disclosed are an additive raw material composition and an additive for superhard material product, a method for preparing the additive, a composite binding agent, a superhard material product, a self-sharpening diamond grinding wheel and a method for manufacturing the same. The raw material composition consisting of components in following mass percentage: Bi2O3 25%˜40%, B2O3 25%˜40%, ZnO 5%˜25%, SiO2 2%˜10%, Al2O3 2%˜10%, Na2CO3 1%˜5%, Li2CO3 1%˜5%, MgCO3 0%˜5%, and CaF2 1%˜5%. The composite binding agent is prepared from the additive and a metal composite binding agent. The self-sharpening diamond grinding wheel prepared from the composite binding agent has high self-sharpness, high strength, and fine texture, is uniformly consumed during the grinding process, does not need to be trimmed during the process of being used, and maintains good grinding force all the time, fundamentally solving the problems of long trimming time and high trimming cost of the diamond grinding wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to overmolded protective leaching masks, and methods of manufacturing and using the same for leaching superabrasive elements such as polycrystalline diamond elements. In an embodiment, a protective leaching mask assembly includes a superabrasive element including a central axis and a superabrasive table, and a protective mask overmolded onto at least a portion of the superabrasive element. The protective mask includes a base portion and at least one sidewall extending from the base portion and defining an opening generally opposite the base portion. The at least one sidewall includes an inner surface configured to abut with a selected portion of the superabrasive element being chemically resistant to a leaching agent and an outer surface sloping at an oblique angle relative to the central axis.

Abstract: A locking pliers preferably includes a fixed jaw, a moveable jaw, a fixed handle, an adjusting screw, a toggle link, at least one power link, a curved link and a moveable handle. The fixed jaw is retained in a first end of the fixed handle. The moveable jaw is pivotally retained in the first end of the fixed handle. An adjustment screw is retained in a second end of the fixed handle. An end of the adjustment screw engages a first end of the toggle link. The moveable handle is pivotally engaged with the toggle link and a first end of the curved link. A first end of the power link is pivotally engaged with a second end of the toggle link. A second end of the curved link is pivotally engaged with the power link. The moveable jaw is pivotally engaged with a second end of the power link.

Abstract: A rotatable fastening device includes a rotatable base and an impact member. The rotatable base rotates along a pivoting axis, and the rotatable base is removably connected with and driving a rotatable member. The impact member is removably connected to an outside of the rotatable base, and the impact member has at least one gravity unit projected outwardly therefrom. The gravity unit is driven by the rotatable base to rotate around the pivoting axis for generating a tangent impact force.

Abstract: A tool connector assembly for transmission of off-axis torque from a power tool includes a first drive shaft having a first end configured to be secured within a power tool and a second end defining a ball portion and a second drive shaft having a first end defining a cup-shaped cavity configured to receive the ball portion such that the ball portion is moveable against a surface of the cup-shaped cavity for moveably coupling the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft, wherein the second drive shaft further includes a second end defining an internal cavity configured to receive a tool bit. A hub collar is received on the second drive shaft and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the second drive shaft.

Abstract: The disclosed canopy caddy utilizes a pair of wheeled lifting and rotating mechanisms. The canopy caddy allows a person to remove a canopy from a truck bed, rotate it to a vertical position, and roll it to another location such as for storage. In one example, the user can accomplish these tasks alone or with minimal assistance and little danger of damage to the canopy. The term canopy used herein is intended to encompass but not be limited to small open box covers having lateral outward edges which rest upon the upper edges of a truck bed and provide additional covered storage. The term canopy used in this disclosure is intended to also encompass those apparatuses known as tonneau covers as well as some camper tops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pull-out tester (1) for a setting tool used for setting a setting bolt (3), comprising a retaining part (4) for holding the setting bolt (3), an elastic element (7), at least one means (9) for transmitting a pull-out force acting on the setting bolt (3) onto the elastic element (7) such that if a pull-out testing force acting on the setting bolt (3) is exceeded, the connection between the setting bolt (3) and the pull-out tester (1) can be detached due to a deformation of the elastic element (7). The problem addressed by the invention is that of being able to provide a substantially constant pull-out testing force, even in different temperatures and with a different pull-out speed of the pull-out tester (1).

Abstract: An accessory for a fastening gun includes a magazine assembly with a feed end and a discharge end and configured to support a series of staples in a pre-discharge orientation and with a feed mechanism for feeding the staples from the feed end to the discharge end. A drive member guide assembly is mounted on the magazine assembly and is configured so that a staple drive member can be mounted in the drive member guide assembly and can be driven and retracted along a predetermined path with respect to the magazine assembly, so that, when driven, the drive member can engage a staple to drive legs of the staple into respective components, the drive member guide assembly being configured for mounting on the fastening gun with the drive member connected to a piston or the like of the fastening gun.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base mechanism and a roller mechanism of a floor nailing gun. The base mechanism includes a base fixedly connected to a bottom of a main body of a floor nailing gun. At least one adjustment roller assembly is movably disposed at a front end portion of the base, each adjustment roller assembly includes an adjustment roller having a lowest point in contact with a floor surface when in operation. The roller mechanism includes a base fixedly connected to a bottom of a main body of a floor nailing gun, at least one roller group is disposed at a rear end portion of the base, an elastic reset member is disposed between the roller group and the base, each roller group comprises a roller having a lowest point in contact with a floor surface when the roller is in a normal state.

Abstract: The handheld power tool has a tool receptacle for accommodating a tool on a working axis (11) and an electric motor (5). A pneumatic percussion mechanism (6) has an exciter, which is moved back-and-forth by the motor (5) periodically in parallel to the working axis (11), a striker (14), which is movable on the working axis (11) and is coupled via a pneumatic spring (18) to the exciter, and an anvil (19), which is situated movably on the working axis (11) and is situated downstream from the striker (14) in the percussion direction (12). The anvil (19) has a cylindrical anvil section (22) having a diameter and multiple channels (30) extending over the entire length (31) of the anvil section (22). A cross-sectional area of the anvil section (22) is at most 5% less than a circular area defined by the diameter.

Abstract: A communication adapter attachment device in one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a working machine, and includes an adapter housing portion, a cap, and a cap-side interface. The cap-side interface is configured to enable viewing of the adapter-side interface and/or an input operation to the adapter-side interface from outside of the working machine, in a state in which the communication adapter is accommodated in the adapter housing portion and the opening is closed with the cap.

Abstract: A power tool with an epicyclically or so called planet gear system with two annulus gears, at least one solar gear with external toothing, and planet wheels having two toothed rings which each mesh with one of the annulus gears. A planet carrier holding the planet wheels. The gear is interchangeable between an at least first configuration and second configuration, wherein the planet carrier is interchangeable between being locked or partly locked rotationally to the frame or being unlocked rotationally from the frame.

Abstract: A power tool including a housing, a motor, an output shaft, a cartridge, a connecting shaft, a restrictor, and a slider. The connecting shaft is configured to move between a working status in which the connecting shaft is coupled with a first tool bit in a first tool chamber which the connecting shaft passing through, and a release status in which the connecting shaft is separated from the first tool chamber. The restrictor is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The slider is configured to move along an axial direction to cause the restrictor to be moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a workbench and a dockable cart. In an example, the apparatus can include a workbench frame including a first storage space and a docking area. A holding member can be coupled to the workbench frame to support the dockable cart using the workbench frame. The dockable cart can include a cart frame having a second storage space and a support element. In an example, the dockable cart can be moveable between a docked position and an undocked position. In the docked position, the support element can be engaged with the holding member to dock the dockable cart with the workbench frame including lifting the dockable cart. In the undocked position the dockable cart can be separated from the workbench.

Abstract: This is a lower limbs exoskeleton and a method whereby a user fitted with such an exoskeleton moves an object. Said exoskeleton comprising two jointed legs designed to be coupled to the lower limbs of a user, and a connecting member joining together the upper end portions of the legs to which it is jointed and which can be positioned in the region of the pelvis of the user. The exoskeleton also comprises means of actuating the jointed legs according to the movements of the user, and a connecting member wholly situated in front of the upper end portions of the jointed legs when considering the direction of walking.

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.

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.

Abstract: An air pump apparatus is provided which uses an electric actuator that can electrically operate a pneumatic device such as a suction pad or air chuck. The air pump apparatus includes an air cylinder having a built-in piston, and an electric actuator configured to move the piston linearly and relatively to the air cylinder, using the electric motor as a drive source. Air under negative pressure and/or positive pressure generated by the electric actuator causing the piston of the air cylinder to move linearly is used to operate a pneumatic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile robot configured to navigate an operating environment, that includes a machine vision system comprising a camera that captures images of the operating environment using a machine vision system; detects the presence of an occlusion obstructing a portion of the field of view of a camera based on the captured images, and generate a notification when an occlusion obstructing the portion of the field of view of the camera is detected, and maintain occlusion detection data describing occluded and unobstructed portions of images being used by the SLAM application.

Abstract: A wearable smart device is configured to be positioned on and external to a robot having a robot sensor for sensing robot data and a robot input/output port. The wearable smart device includes a device sensor capable of detecting device data corresponding to an environment of the wearable smart device. The wearable smart device also includes a device input/output port. The wearable smart device also includes a device processor coupled to the robot sensor via the robot input/output port and the device input/output port. The device processor is also coupled to the device sensor and configured to control the robot based on the robot data and the device data.

Abstract: Generating a robot control policy that regulates both motion control and interaction with an environment and/or includes a learned potential function and/or dissipative field. Some implementations relate to resampling temporally distributed data points to generate spatially distributed data points, and generating the control policy using the spatially distributed data points. Some implementations additionally or alternatively relate to automatically determining a potential gradient for data points, and generating the control policy using the automatically determined potential gradient. Some implementations additionally or alternatively relate to determining and assigning a prior weight to each of the data points of multiple groups, and generating the control policy using the weights.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for inventorying objects. In one embodiment, a robot detects an object and sends identification data and location data associated with the detected object to a cloud computing system. The identification data may include an image of the object and/or information from a tag, code, or beacon associated with the object. In response to receiving the identification data and the location data, the cloud computing system identifies the object. The cloud computing system may also determine or create a first map associated with the identified object and a second map associated with the identified object. The first map may be associated with the current location of the object and the second map may correspond to a past location of the object. The cloud computing server may compare the first and second maps, and then send instructions to the robot based on the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one supernumerary artificial limb and a base structure configured to couple with a human body. The base structure includes a sensor that obtains a measurement regarding load of the human body. The proximal end of the supernumerary artificial limb is coupled to the base structure. The apparatus further includes a processor operatively coupled with the sensor and configured to receive the measurement from the sensor. The processor is also configured to generate a control signal to change at least one of a position of the supernumerary artificial limb and a torque exerted by the supernumerary artificial limb based on the measurement regarding the load.

Abstract: A positioning device for a robot includes an end effector, in particular a surgical end effector, which has a base and a flange to which the robot can be secured, wherein the flange is connected to the base by a kinematic system which has at least two joints. The flange can be adjusted from a first position relative to the base, in particular at least substantially on a circular path or straight line, to a second position by the kinematic system, the second position being spaced apart from the first position. An orientation means reorients the flange from a first orientation in the first position into a second orientation in the second position, the second orientation being rotated about a reference axis by at least 75 degrees, in particular relative to the first orientation, as a result of an adjustment from a first position into a second position.

Abstract: A method includes providing a telecommunications enabled robotic device adapted to persist in an environment of a user, receiving an instruction to photograph one or more persons in the environment according to a time parameter and photographing the one or more persons in accordance with the time parameter resulting in one or more photographs.

Abstract: Provided is a self-propelled robot that can prevent damage due to dropping of the self-propelled robot and efficiently perform the operation on a flat surface. A self-propelled robot 1 that self-travels on a structure SP having a flat surface SF to perform operation on the flat surface SF of the structure SP, the self-propelled robot includes: a robot main body 2 in which a moving unit 4 for the self-travel is provided; and a controller 30 that controls movement of the robot main body 2. At this point, the controller 30 includes an edge detector 31 that detects an end edge of the flat surface SF, and the controller 30 has a function of controlling activation of the moving unit 4 such that a distance between the end edge of the flat surface SF and the moving unit 4 is maintained to a given extent or more based on a signal from the edge detector 31.

Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.

Abstract: A transfer tool includes a substantially strip-shaped frame; a wrist-side slider provided on one side of the frame in a thickness direction in a manner capable of moving along a longitudinal direction of the frame; a workpiece-side slider provided on another side of the frame in the thickness direction in a manner capable of moving along the longitudinal direction; and a distal-end swing shaft attached to the workpiece-side slider. The shaft includes a support section supported by the workpiece-side slider in a manner capable of swinging around an axis line extending in a width direction of the frame and supporting a workpiece, and an actuator attached to the workpiece-side slider and causing the support section to swing. The actuator includes a motor, and a pair of gears that transmits driving force of the motor to the support section. At least one of the gears is formed into a fan shape.

Abstract: A wrist joint structure in which a direct drive motor is used is provided in a robot in which two hands are mounted on one robot arm. The robot includes: a robot arm; a plurality of stages of hands including a first hand and a second hand that are provided at a tip of the robot arm; a first direct drive motor in which a rotation axis is defined at the tip of the robot arm, the first direct drive motor coupling the first hand to the tip of the robot arm such that the first hand is rotatable about the rotation axis; and a second direct drive motor that couples the second hand to the first hand such that the second hand is rotatable about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A combination link actuation device has two link actuation devices combined with each other. Each link actuation device is provided so as to connect a distal end side link hub to a proximal end side link hub such that an orientation of the distal end side link hub is changed relative to the proximal end side link hub through three link mechanisms aligned in a circumferential direction. An orientation controlling actuator is provided in two or more link mechanisms among the three link mechanisms to optionally change an orientation of the distal end side link hub relative to the proximal end side link hub. At least one circumferential separation angle among separation angles of the three link mechanisms is greater than 120°. The two link actuation devices are disposed such that portions, of the link mechanisms, where the separation angle is greater than 120° oppose each other.

Abstract: A balancer is provided on robot including a first arm and an arm support for the base end of the first arm to rotate freely via bearing members that have a first axis line extending in the horizontal direction as a central axis; and a gas spring mechanism for causing the first arm to generate torque centered on the first axis line by elastic expansion or elastic contraction in a direction opposite the torque centered on the first axis line that is generated by gravity acting on the first arm between a first angular position and a second angular position in which the slope with respect to the vertical direction is greater than the first angular position.

Abstract: A robot includes an nth arm, an (n+1)th arm rotatably provided on the nth arm, and a core member provided at a center of rotation of the (n+1)th arm and having a first member and a second member. In the robot, a flat cable is sandwiched by the first member and the second member and wound around the core member.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot controller that is designed and configured to execute a robot program, and a robot arm having at least three joints connected by links and a number of drives corresponding to the at least three joints. Each drive is designed to adjust one of the at least three joints allocated to the drive. The joints can be actuated in an automated manner in accordance with the robot program or in a manual drive mode by the robot controller to automatically adjust the associated joint, wherein at least one of the links includes a force measuring device designed to measure a force on the link in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a multi-track bearing folding knife or folding tool. In various embodiments, a folding knife has a handle having a first side with a first side inner surface and a second side with a second side inner surface and a blade rotatably coupled to the handle, where the blade is configured to rotate from a closed position and an open position. A multi-track bearing may be disposed between the handle and the blade. The multi-track bearing may include a first plurality of balls positioned along a first circular path and a second plurality of balls positioned along a second circular path. The balls of the multi-track bearing may protrude from both a first side of the bearing and a second side of the bearing to contact two surfaces. A first guide and a second guide may be formed by a periodic rotation of the blade.

Abstract: A flex clipper provides a feature to help the cutting blade set float more effortlessly by adjusting automatically to the contours of a client's head to prevent getting stuck and causing cuts and irritation to the scalp. The hair clippers preferably also uses a self-contained motor-driven adjustment mechanism to adjust the relative position of the stationary and reciprocating blades of a common type of blade set. Two momentary switches operable by the thumb of the hand holding the clipper afford a barber total automatic adjustment with the clipper itself in an on or off condition.

Abstract: A cutting head (18) for a hair cutting appliance (10) comprises a blade set (20) including a stationary blade (36) and a cutter blade (38). The stationary blade and the cutter blade comprise at least one toothed leading edge (22,24) jointly defined by respective teeth (62,64) thereof that extend in a longitudinal direction (X). The stationary blade further comprises a front face (58), at the teeth (62) thereof, arranged to face a user's skin, when in operation. A skin protector (76) couples to a housing portion (32) of the cutting head, wherein the skin protector at least partially covers the front face (58) and is arranged to contact the skin, when in operation. The skin protector is movable between a first state and a second state with respect to the blade set (20) and includes an advanced position in the first state and a retracted position in the second state.

Abstract: A shaving and grooming apparatus includes a handle and a cartridge attached to the handle. A plurality of upper blades are positioned in the cartridge, where at least some of the plurality of upper blades include curved tips with a curvature that sufficient to prevent the curved tips from contact a cutting surface during use. A plurality of lower blades is positioned adjacent to the plurality of upper blades in the cartridge, where at least some of the plurality of lower blades comprises curved tips with a curvature that sufficient to prevent the curved tips from contact a cutting surface during cutting. At least one of the plurality of upper and the plurality of lower blades has a thickness and flexibility that results in deflection during cutting that increases effectiveness of cutting action. A drive motor moves the plurality of upper blades relative to the plurality of lower blades.

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: In a hair grooming appliance, a head is detachably mountable on a handle having a motor and a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the head therein when the head is mounted on the handle with the head in operative connection with the motor. The handle has a first attachment member positioned at least partially within the receptacle and arranged to detachably engage the head when the at least a portion of the head is inserted into the receptacle and a second attachment member positioned at least partially within the receptacle and arranged to engage the head when the at least a portion of the head is inserted into the receptacle. The second attachment member is a different type of attachment member than the first attachment member. In a particular embodiment, the hair grooming appliance is a shaver.

Abstract: A razor head includes a housing and at least one integrally formed rigid razor blade. The housing has a top face defining a shaving window and an opposed stopping face. The razor blades are freely mounted in the housing and have a cutting edge portion and a guided portion. A bent portion is intermediate the cutting edge portion and the guided portion. A cantilever dimension, measured as the distance between the cutting edge and a guided portion axis, is between 1.1 millimeters and 1.8 millimeters. The guided portion cooperates with a guide so that each blade is independently translatable with respect to the housing along a sliding direction parallel to the guided portion axis under the effect of shaving forces applied to the blade during shaving.

Abstract: The invention provides a razor cartridge with multiple blades and peg(s) or pegged support members that aid in the control of the blades by restricting fore and aft blade movement, which in turn, reduces the amplitude of blade deflection and/or vibration during shaving. This reduction provided by the pegs improves shaving performance. Blades rest between pegs which are rounded or shaped such that the blade bottom portion contacts the peg at one point, forming a single line of contact. The pegs may be in a slalom-like, linear (with one or more peg columns), or offset arrangement. Pegs or pegged support members may be at any location of the razor blade assembly; for instance, at the center and/or at blade slot ends. Pegs may each be of different shapes and may or may not be equidistant or at the same heights as each other, depending on blade spans and exposures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a blade unit for a safety razor, comprising: a connecting structure configured to fix the blade unit to a handle; a blade housing comprising a plurality of blades having respective cutting edges lying in a shaving plane and being arranged to exert a cutting action when moved across a user's skin in a shaving direction; and a rear portion arranged next to the plurality of blades in the shaving direction, comprising a non-flexible concave back portion that arcuately bends away from the shaving plane, and a convex lubricating pad arranged on and being supported by the non-flexible concave back portion and which extends up to a rear edge of the rear portion of the blade unit.

Abstract: Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and a return element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. The return element serves as interface piece, connector and pivot all in one. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems.

Abstract: Contemplated tool and tool cartridge assemblies are provided that include at least one tool component and a movable cover. The movable cover has at least one guard portion that moves to cover or expose at least one tool component to protect a user from injury. Contemplated movable covers could be biased to cover tool components, and can be moved by a user or work piece as needed.