Abstract: An apparatus for blasting having a distribution block for receiving a blasting medium, a pressure medium and/or a fluid/liquid medium, said distribution block having an outlet connectable with at least one distributing tube.

Abstract: A laterally-stretched netting comprising a patterned abrasive layer on a first major surface thereof, and methods of making.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond construction comprising a body of polycrystalline diamond material is formed of a mass of diamond grains exhibiting inter-granular bonding and defining a plurality of interstitial regions therebetween, and a non-diamond phase at least partially filling a plurality of the interstitial regions to form non-diamond phase pools, the non-diamond phase pools each having an individual cross-sectional area. The percentage of non-diamond phase in the total area of a cross-section of the body of polycrystalline diamond material and the mean of the individual cross-sectional areas of the non-diamond phase pools in the image analysed using an image analysis technique at a selected magnification is less than 0.7, or less than 0.340 microns squared, or between around 0.005 to 0.340 microns squared depending on the percentage of non-diamond phase in the total area of the cross-section of the polycrystalline diamond construction.

Abstract: A pipe fitting stand for supporting a pipe during a work operation includes a table, and a plurality of legs coupled to the table and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The pipe fitting stand additionally includes a vise coupled to the table for supporting a first portion of the pipe, and a support positioned on a side of the table opposite the vise upon which a second portion of the pipe is supported. The support is adjustable relative to the table, thereby adjusting the orientation of the pipe relative to the table.

Abstract: A clamp comprises a plurality of pads; a belt for clamping the pads that is maneuverable between an unclamped configuration and a configuration clamping the pads against the production line; a clamping actuator for the clamp, mounted on a first point of the clamp, the clamping actuator having a grasping member for a second point of the clamp, the grasping member being movable between a deployed position and a retracted position moving the second point towards the first point. The spacing-apart mechanism is able to move the grasping member between a spaced-apart configuration of the second point in the deployed position of the grasping member and a grasping configuration in an intermediate position between the deployed position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A clamp adapter for use with a lever operated quick connect clamp having spaced apart clamping arms. The clamp adapter includes a one piece body having an upper section which is slidably positioned between the clamping arms and a base which abuts against the bottom the clamping arms. Threaded fasteners secure the body to the clamping arms. An elongated rod is slidably positioned in a through bore in the body and locked in place by a bolt.

Abstract: An engagement structure for a tool contains: a drive member. The drive member includes an accommodation orifice defined in the drive member, a hexagonal tooth portion formed around the accommodation orifice, and six arcuately concave sections respectively arranged on six sides of the hexagonal tooth portion. Each of the six arcuately concave sections is arranged on a center of each of the six sides of the hexagonal tooth portion. The drive member further includes multiple bevel rims, any two spaced of the multiple bevel rims respectively extend from two sides of each arcuately concave sections, and any adjacent of the multiple bevel rims connect, wherein an inclined angle each of the multiple bevel rims is 2 degrees.

Abstract: A power tool comprises a housing defining a grip portion, a motor having a motor drive shaft, a drive assembly including a crankshaft configured to receive torque from the motor drive shaft, an output assembly having an output member configured to receive torque from the crankshaft, a bearing rotatably supporting the crankshaft, a retainer configured to prevent translation of the bearing along the crankshaft past the retainer, and a transducer assembly disposed between the grip portion and the output member to measure the amount of torque applied through the output member.

Abstract: A fastener guide defines a downward opening funnel having an upper end and an elongated barrel that is above, transitions to and is in communication with the upper end. The funnel is configured to fit over an upright fastener so that a head of the fastener is guided into and enters the barrel such that a drive feature can align and register with the head in the barrel. The base can include a downward extending gap flange, where the gap flange assists in setting a gap between adjacent boards. The guide can define an upward opening funnel above and transitioning to an upper opening of the elongated barrel. The funnel can be configured so that a drive feature can slide along it, into the upper opening, to quickly register with the fastener head. Related methods of using the guide also are provided.

Abstract: Objective Capacity for retaining a fastening member should be improved to raise workability. Means for Solution A temporary tightening tool 1 comprises a grip part 10 and a socket part 20 into which a bolt head part HB1 is inserted. The socket part 20 is formed in a shape of a hexagonal tube surrounded by six side walls, a hook part 42, which is a leaf spring part, is formed in each of alternate three side walls among the six side walls, and a thick torque transmission part is formed in each of three remaining side walls without the hook part 42, When the bolt head part HB1 is inserted in the socket part 20, the hook part 42 is elastically deformed, and holds the hold bolt head part HB1 with restoring force. Torque input into the grip part 10 is transmitted to the bolt head part HB1 from the torque transmission wall 30.

Abstract: An electric pulse tool for performing tightening operations, where torque is delivered in pulses to tighten a screw joint, includes an output shaft, a sensor arranged to determine a parameter value associated with the tightening of the screw joint, a processor, and a memory containing instructions executable by the processor. The electrical pulse tool operates to provide torque pulses on the output shaft in a first direction until the determined parameter value associated with the tightening of the screw joint reaches within or above a predetermined first interval including a target parameter value. The electrical pulse tool also operates to provide at least one torque pulse on the output shaft in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction in case the determined parameter value exceeds the target parameter value within a predetermined second interval.

Abstract: A multi-tool includes a pair of plates having respective handle portions, joint portions, and head portions, and the plates pivotally connected to each other at the joint portions and having respective opposite edges extended along the handle portions. At least one of the plates is to be pivoted relative to the other of the plates to establish an open position and a closed position of the plates, and, in the closed position of the plates, the plates to overlap each other and the opposite edges of the handle portions of the plates to be substantially aligned.

Abstract: A tool for installing a stud having a plurality of locking keys into a workpiece bore includes a main body, an actuator within the main body, a nosepiece adjacent the main body and having an anvil portion, and a mandrel disposed within the nosepiece. The actuator includes a movable piston, a shaft extending axially from the piston, and a coupler on a shaft end opposite the piston. The mandrel includes a threaded head portion and a body portion, and is releasably secured to the coupler.

Abstract: A setting tool for an expansion anchor, which has an expansion sleeve and an expansion element disposed in the expansion sleeve, includes an internal drive shaft for axially driving forward the expansion element in the expansion sleeve and an external drive shaft surrounding the internal drive shaft for rotational driving and axially driving forward the expansion sleeve into a substrate. The internal drive shaft has an insertion end in a rear area for inserting into a hammer drill. The external drive shaft is disposed in a torque-free manner and is slidable axially on the internal drive shaft. The setting tool further includes a releasable locking device, where an axial sliding of the internal drive shaft relative to the external drive shaft is limitable by the releasable locking device in a forward direction for transferring forward directed axial forces from the internal drive shaft to the external drive shaft.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a hammer. The hammer comprises a head. The hammer further comprises a head cap. The head cap is releasably coupled the head via a threaded fastener. The hammer comprises a claw. The claw comprises two forks. At least one of the two forks defines a serrated edge. The serrated edge is constructed to grip a slick surface when pulling a nail with the claw from the slick surface.

Abstract: A concrete form removal assembly for removing a sleeve from a concrete slab includes a sleeve. The sleeve is embedded in a concrete slab for defining an opening extending through the concrete slab when the concrete slab is poured. A cutting unit is provided that has a cutting end and a striking end. The cutting end is positioned on the sleeve and the striking end is struck with a driving tool. Thus, the cutting end is urged to cut through the sleeve for removing the sleeve from the concrete slab.

Abstract: A main shaft of a power tool is sequentially divided into an impact section, a penetrative section and an output section, wherein the impact section is formed with an impact portion and has a curved recess defined therein, and the penetrative section is adapted to extend through a front portion of the power tool. The main shaft has a linear tunnel defined therein and extending therethrough. The linear tunnel has two opposite ends respectively defined as an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is situated in the output section and the outlet is adapted to correspond to an impact block of an impact device of the power tool. An axis of the linear tunnel is formed an included angle with an axis of the main shaft.

Abstract: A power tool comprising a controller for controlling the operation of the power tool wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the power tool in a default mode and in a low-noise mode, wherein; the controller, is configured to control operation of the power tool in the low-noise mode on basis of predetermined settings that are selected such that the noise output from the power tool in the low-noise mode is lower than the noise output from the power tool in the default mode.

Abstract: An electronics module with a housing shaped to conform to the internal shape of a power tool handle. The housing can be made of a metal or a high density polymer to stabilize the handle and enclose electronics within the handle. The module can further include a potting compound provided within openings of the handle to dampen vibrations and resist impact during events that are likely to cause failure at the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, cement finishing tools, and wire ceiling applications, having an outer tube having a collar and angled detent, and a mechanism for attaching a tool. A dodecagon shaped inner tube configured to be received within the outer tube within an aperture in the collar. The inner tube is shaped to slide within the outer tube to a selected position in relation to the outer tube, allowing for the angled detent to position and secure the inner tube within the outer tube. A plurality of apertures are aligned on the inner tube, so that the angled detent, which includes a locking mechanism, which may be a tapered or ringed pin that is operably engaged with one of the apertures, to secure the inner tube at a selected position within the outer tube.

Abstract: A device for coupling and decoupling a blade and a handle includes a housing. The housing defines an interior chamber and an exterior slot adjacent the interior chamber. The exterior slot is dimensioned to pass the blade and is configured to receive a portion of the handle. The housing defines a groove in the interior chamber configured to retain the blade in a ready configuration for coupling the blade to the handle. The device includes a pivot member secured within the interior chamber of the housing. The pivot member is pivotable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The unlocked configuration of the pivot member is configured to allow the blade in the ready configuration to be coupled to the handle. The locked configuration of the pivot member is configured to lock the blade within the interior chamber.

Abstract: An elongated bar support device, such as which can be used in singular fashion with an elongated beam or in paired fashion with a flattened sheet board material. An elongated body has a main extending section for supporting an underside of the board or beam. An intermediate section includes a multi-angled recess which extends below the support surface. A forward most portion of each bar support extends in angled or sloping fashion relative to a horizontal extending axis associated with the main extending section. A pair of support dowels extend in linearly spaced apart and inward (cross directed) fashion from the forward extending portion of each bar, to contact opposite surfaces of the plywood or sheet board at support locations forward of the intermediate crosswise recess and opposite a rearward extending direction of the main support section. Upon widthwise sectioning, the opposite surface supporting dowels retain the incised portion in position, without bending or buckling.

Abstract: A hubstand comprised of a body (1), feet (2) (3) and reinforcement bars (4) (5) with rubber pads under the feet for increased grip on paved surfaces, such that the user lifts up the vehicle or trailer using a jack, removes the wheel/tire assembly and bolts on the hubstand in its place.

Abstract: A portable folding saw table includes a generally planar worksurface having a pair of folding legs that transition between an open orientation and a folded orientation. A generally rectangular indentation is located on the bottom end of the table and an elongated slit extends from the bottom end to the top end. A pair of brackets are arranged on each side of the indentation and engage a circular saw in an inverted position with the saw blade extending through the slit.

Abstract: A magnetic tool organizing system for storing large tools and garden tools in the garage. The system includes a metal sheet mounted to a wall and adjustable magnetic tool strap unit that attaches to the metal sheet for holding tools. The tool strap unit includes a magnet attached to a backing sheet with a strap for securing tools. The tool strap unit is magnetically attached to the metal sheet on wall in any position desired by the user, thereby creating a maximally efficient use of wall space for storage of tools. Bin and hook units magnetically attached to the metal sheet may also be used. The metal sheet increases space for tool storage, and provides a blank canvas for tool storage locations and orientations. Adjustable tool strap units can be secured to a variety of tools and garage items to be attached and stored on the walls.

Abstract: A control device which synchronizes and controls a master device and a slave device at a fixed period when the number of axes of the master device is less than the number of axes of the slave device can reduce the amount of calculations. A computing unit includes a synchronization computing unit which performs synchronization computation for maintaining the position of the master device and the position of the slave device in a predetermined corresponding relation for a command value for each axis or a measured current value of each axis of the master device at a fixed period and a coordinate transformation unit which performs coordinate transformation from a coordinate system of the master device into a coordinate system of the slave device for synchronization computation values obtained through the synchronization computation. In this manner, a command value for each axis of the slave device is obtained.

Abstract: A domestic robotic system, for example for mowing the lawn, including a robot, which includes: a movement system having wheels or the like for moving the robot over a surface; an image obtaining device, such as a camera, for obtaining images of the exterior environment of the robot; and at least one processor in electronic communication with the movement system and the image obtaining device.

Abstract: A control device which synchronizes and controls a master device and a slave device at a fixed period when the number of axes of the master device differs from the number of axes of the slave device is provided. A computing unit includes a coordinate transformation unit which performs coordinate transformation from a coordinate system of the master device into a coordinate system of the slave device for a command value for each axis or a measured current value of each axis of the master device at a fixed period and a synchronization computing unit which performs synchronization computation for maintaining the position of the master device and the position of the slave device in a predetermined corresponding relation for coordinate transformation result values obtained through the coordinate transformation. In this manner, a command value for each axis of the slave device is obtained.

Abstract: The articulated shaft structure includes: a first joint member; a second joint member supported rotatable about a first axis; a ring-like output hypoid gear fixed to the second joint member coaxially with the first axis; a gear assembly attached to the first joint member; and a motor, wherein the gear assembly includes a housing member, an input hypoid gear, and gears, the housing member including a second joining surface fixed to a first joining surface, the input hypoid gear being supported by the housing member rotatable about a second axis, the gears decelerating rotation of the motor and transmitting the rotation to the input hypoid gear, the first joining surface is parallel to the first axis, the second joining surface is perpendicular to the second axis, and the bolt is fastened radially outside of the gears of all kinds assumed to be used, the kinds being defined by reduction ratios.

Abstract: A parallel link robot includes a base, a movable part, link mechanisms, and actuators. The movable part is movable along a center axis. The first, second and third link mechanisms are provided around the center axis with angular intervals in a circumferential direction around the center axis to project outwardly along a radial direction with respect to the center axis. Each of the first, second and third link mechanisms connects the base and the movable part to move the movable part along the center axis. The angular intervals have an acute angular interval with an acute angle. The first, second and third actuators are provided at the base to be connected to the first, second and third link mechanisms respectively so as to drive the first, second and third link mechanisms respectively.

Abstract: A motor number setting method adopted by an electronic device including an MCU and multiple motors in series connection with a communication port of the MCU. When performing a setting procedure, the MCU obtains a motor amount of the multiple motors, and scans the communication port for obtaining a motor-number of each motor. Next, the MCU determines whether an amount of different motor-numbers equals the motor amount of the multiple motors. If the amount of different motor-numbers differs from the motor amount of the motors, the MCU sends a random numbering command to multiple motors having an identical motor-number so as to make these motors respectively performing a random numbering procedure for generating a new motor-number. Next, the MCU again scans the communication port until determining that the amount of the different motor-numbers equals the motor amount of the motors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for complex assembly via autonomous robots using reinforcement learning action primitives are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a construction manager and a movement manager. The construction manager is to determine sequences of reinforcement learning (RL) action primitives based on object location goals and associated assembly goals determined for respective ones of objects depicted in an imaged assembly of objects. The movement manager is to command a robot to construct a physical assembly of objects based on the sequences of RL action primitives. The physical assembly of objects is to correspond to the imaged assembly of objects.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus and an information processing method each enabling a transmission apparatus which transmits observation information to be used in prediction to be readily selected from a plurality of transmission apparatuses. A selection section selects a sensor which transmits observation information to be used in prediction as a use sensor from a plurality of sensors on the basis of pieces of information associated with the plurality of sensors, respectively. The present disclosure, for example, can be applied to an information processing apparatus or the like which performs prediction of failure probability of an industrial robot by using observation information which is transmitted from a predetermined sensor of a plurality of sensors installed in an industrial robot.

Abstract: A robot has a vertical 6-axis articulated arm having an offset arm having a fifth axis and length link, and mutually linking fourth and sixth axes. The fourth and sixth axes shaft centers are parallel. The articulated arm has a head portion designated as a control point. A position and an orientation targeted to the control point is processed by an inverse transform to calculate angles of the axes. A provisional target position of the sixth axis is obtained by subtracting the link length from a target position of the sixth axis. The link length to the provisional target position is given zero to perform the inverse transform process. Processed results are evaluated. Until a difference between a calculated sixth-axis angles and provisionally decided sixth-axis angles becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, processes started from the angle provisional decision of the sixth axis are repeatedly performed.

Abstract: In a robot having a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft driven by respective motors and extending in the same direction, the second rotary shaft is rotated while vibrating the first rotary shaft that is holding a load directly or indirectly, thereby rotating the first rotary shaft relative to a load. This enables calculating the gravitational torque of the load applied to the first rotary shaft.

Abstract: A trajectory planning apparatus including a joint axis classification unit for classifying a plurality of joint axes of a robot into axis groups, according to joint axis classification information for classifying into the axis groups including at least a path search axis group, a path search unit for searching for a path of an angle of the joint axis classified into the path search axis group that minimizes an evaluation function for evaluating a planed trajectory, based on trajectory start point information representing a posture of the robot at a start point of the planed trajectory and trajectory endpoint information representing a posture of the robot at an end point of the planned trajectory, and an axis group angle calculation unit for calculating an angle of the joint axis classified into each axis group other than the path search axis group during the search of the path.

Abstract: In response to a first condition in a first subsystem of a robot, a controller halts operation of the first subsystem; transmits a set command specifying a first notification to an interface system; obtains status information from the interface system; and, in response to the status information indicating that the first notification has a cleared status, resumes operation of the first subsystem. The interface system maintains a set of active notifications and tracks a set of devices configured to receive notifications. Each of the devices is associated with a respective operator. In response to receiving the set command, the interface system: adds the first notification to the set of active notifications; determines a subset of devices to receive the first notification; wirelessly transmits the first notification to the subset; and, in response to receiving a clear message specifying the first notification, sets the first notification to the cleared status.

Abstract: A pair of claws and included in a gripper of a robot have specific shapes and for bending or flexing a specific part of a workpiece in a thickness direction when approaching each other to clamp the workpiece. The pair of claws and are made to approach each other and clamp the workpiece in a state where the specific part is protruded to the outside while making the workpiece and also the specific part undergo an elastic deformation so as to bend or flex in the thickness direction within a range of a transverse-direction dimension of the slot. The specific part of the workpiece is inserted into the slot along an insertion direction perpendicular to a tip end surface by a compliance control based on an output of a force sensor.

Abstract: A robot control device is configured to perform, during movement of an end effector of a robot in a movement direction of a target object, force control by which a force acts on the target object based on an output of a force detection unit included in the robot to cause the robot to perform work on the target object by the end effector. Whether the work is able to be started is determined in a process where the end effector follows the movement of the target object, and when it is determined that the work is able to be started, the work is caused to start.

Abstract: A robot arm apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: one or a plurality of a joint unit that joins a plurality of links constituting a multi-link structure; an acquisition unit that acquires an on-screen enlargement factor of a subject imaged by an imaging unit attached to the multi-link structure; and a driving control unit that controls driving of the joint unit based on a state of the joint unit and the enlargement factor.

Abstract: A robot comprises a first part and a second part moveable relative to the first part. The robot operates in an audio output mode in which the first and second parts are in a first configuration relative to each other and in which the robot outputs audio from an array of speakers using an audio output technique. The robot operates in a user interaction mode in which the first and second parts are in a second, different configuration relative to each other and in which the robot interacts with a user. The robot is configured to change from the audio output mode to the user interaction mode in response to the robot detecting a trigger event. Changing from the audio output mode to the user interaction mode comprises causing the first part to lift up relative to the second part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torque sensor device with a measuring flange, which is designed to cooperate with a movable component for detecting torques occurring on this component, and which has a flange outer ring and a flange inner ring, the flange outer ring and the flange inner ring are connected by at least two measuring spokes, which are designed to deform under the effect of a torque, the measuring spokes being designed such that they can be decoupled with respect to a force acting in the radial direction onto said measuring spokes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a manipulator for a robot which has at least one drive unit in one of its joints, at which such a torque sensor device is implemented.

Abstract: A method for handling a wheel which is carried by a spindle in which a robot arm grips the spindle at a robot gripping position and removes same from a transport vehicle. Since the wheel is not directly gripped by the robot arm, damage to the wheel that could be caused by clamping of the robot arm on the wheel is avoided. Preferably, before or during the removal of the spindle from the transport vehicle, a locking element on the transport vehicle releases the spindle.

Abstract: A gripping device comprises multiple flexures configured to couple predetermined linkages, a fixed linkage, and an input linkage disposed partially above the fixed linkage. The input linkage comprises a first end portion and a second end portion. Each end portion comprises an output linkage comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, a jaw disposed on the first end portion of the output linkage, and an initial damper linkage disposed below the fixed linkage. The initial damper linkage is coupled with the fixed linkage, the corresponding end portion of the input linkage, and the second end portion of the output linkage. At least one auxiliary damper linkage is disposed below the fixed linkage and adjacent to the initial damper linkage. The at least one auxiliary damper linkage is coupled to the fixed linkage and the second end portion of the output linkage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for a tube lifter having a suction grip device arranged on one end of the lifting tube, the operating device having a suction port for fluid communication with the suction grip device, a lifting tube port for fluid communication with the tube interior of the lifting tube, and a valve means for controlling the fluid communications, the valve means comprising a blocking member, a ventilation valve and a control valve, the valve means being designed such that the control valve is adjustable independently of the position of the blocking member and the valve means being designed such that when the ventilation valve is shifted into the ventilation position the blocking member always closes off the flow path between the tube interior and the suction grip device. The invention also relates to a tube lifter comprising an operating device of this kind.

Abstract: An industrial robot includes a lower arm portion including: a pair of proximal-end-side support parts; a pair of distal-end-side support parts; and a housing which integrally supports the proximal-end-side support parts and the distal-end-side support parts. The housing houses a first drive motor, a second drive motor, a first power transmission mechanism, a second power transmission mechanism, and a cable bundle. In the housing, the first power transmission mechanism and the second power transmission mechanism are disposed on an axial end side of either a first joint shaft or a second joint shaft, and the cable bundle is disposed on an axial end side of the other joint shaft.

Abstract: A system for controlling pressure of a sealed enclosure such as a glove box or containment vessel, including: a first control circuit configured to keep a current pressure value of the sealed enclosure within an operational pressure range, and configured to isolate the sealed enclosure and to transmit a primary alarm signal in event of current pressure value reaching one or other of primary limits of a degradation range; an independent secondary safety circuit separate from the primary circuit, the secondary safety circuit configured to isolate the sealed enclosure and to transmit a secondary alarm signal when the pressure of the sealed enclosure reaches one or other of secondary limits of an alarm range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hair cutting apparatus (600), such as a shaver, which is enabled to detect whether hair is currently being cut in a robust way. Such apparatus has a motor (102) for driving a cutting element. The motor current (106) is evaluated by filtering and amplifying it in such a way that a time derivative of the motor current (106) is processed and other parts of the motor current (106), such as noise and DC-5 parts, are eliminated. An evaluator determines whether the time derivative of the motor current is above a predefined threshold value.

Abstract: The disclosure deals with a lubricative skin engaging member with progressive release of lubricating polymer from a water-insoluble matrix containing thermoplastic elastomer compound and maleic anhydride copolymer and lubricating polymer in concentration less than 30%. The disclosure lies in the use of the maleic anhydride in grafted form on polyethylene and the incorporation of water-soluble lubricating polymer in concentration less than 30% in the thermoplastic elastomer compound, leading to a lubricative mixture, and to a skin engaging member, with increased homogeneity and water absorption ability that assist in the lubricating polymer release in a progressive and controllable manner.

Abstract: A portable belt cutting device comprises a cutting head and cutting blade movably arranged on the cutting head. The cutting head has a drive mechanism to move the blade from a retracted position to an extended position, such that the blade severs the belt. The drive mechanism may be coupled to the blade such that the blade is actively driven in both directions between the retracted position and the extended position. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism may comprise a drive spindle which may engage a thread formed in the cutting head. The spindle may be bi-directionally movable and comprise a torque input geometry. In another embodiment the drive spindle and blade comprise connecting elements that form a positive connection when engaged.