Abstract: A method of preparing antimicrobial surface on medical devices: first, producing multi-functional surface with bacterial anti-adhesion and self-cleaning functions through single-stop ultrafast laser fabrication approach for development of micro/nano patterns, then producing bactericidal thin film through depositing metal nanoparticles on those micro/nano patterned surfaces. The combination of bacterial anti-adhesion and bactericidal film can inhibit initial bacterial adhesion and release heavy metal ions to kill the bacteria simultaneously. Meanwhile, the multi-functional surface with self-cleaning function can prevent the killed bacteria from accumulating at the substrate surface, thereby obtaining long-lasting antibacterial effect.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method of using a laser for singulation of a polymer resin mold compound substrate into packages or chips by a laser ablation process. A metal jig used for holding the substrate includes trenches to allow the laser beam to penetrate during cutting. Built-in piping allows water to circulate in a base around the jig to cool the substrate during cutting. The laser beam can pass through a cutting nozzle along with compressed gas or air to cool the substrate and remove debris. A pulsed laser beam can be used in the cutting process, so that a combination of passes at different speeds and laser parameters can be achieved. This allows single pass singulation of units at high speed.

Abstract: A laser cutting device, a control method and a control apparatus, the device comprising: a conveying mechanism (1) comprising a feeding end and a discharging end; a working platform (2) disposed at the discharging end of the conveying mechanism (1); a first counter (3) and a second counter (4) oppositely disposed at a side of the working platform (2) near the discharging end of the conveying mechanism (1) and driven respectively by two opposite side edges of a substrate (6) to rotate for counting; a laser cutter (5) disposed above the working platform (2); a control device (13) for determining a modified cutting motion path of the laser cutter according to a set cutting path, and starting and ending times of counting values of the first counter (3) and second counter (4), and for controlling the laser cutter to cut the substrate (6) according to the modified cutting motion path.

Abstract: A method of forming one or more perforations, holes, or capillaries in a hydrogel material, hydrocolloid material, hydrogel adhesive or silicone adhesive comprising directing a focal point of a laser beam to a surface of the material or adhesive at one or more locations to form one or more perforations, holes, or capillaries having a selected diameter. The perforated hydrogel material or adhesive can be used in wound care dressings, wearable sensors, or devices intended to contact living tissue. The perforated material or adhesive may also be provided in contact with an exudate holding mechanism such as an open cell foam material to further increase the exudate absorbance of the hydrogel or hydrocolloid wound care dressing.

Abstract: A method for creating at least one recess, in particular an aperture, in a transparent or transmissive material, includes: selectively modifying the material along a beam axis by electromagnetic radiation; and creating the at least one recess by one or more etching steps, using different etching rates in a modified region and in non-modified regions. The electromagnetic radiation produces modifications having different characteristics in the material along the beam axis such that the etching process in the material is heterogeneous and the etching rates differ from one another in regions modified with different characteristics under unchanged etching conditions.

Abstract: A mold surface repairing process, the process flow of which is as follows: first sand blasting—defect identification—repairing welding—coarse grinding—semi-finishing grinding—finishing grinding—secondary sand blasting—mold heating—spray paint. The disclosure provides a combination of automatic equipment, special grinding tools and finishing grinding process, which ensures the quality and efficiency of the mold repair and reduces the labor force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner according to the present embodiment has a refrigeration capacity of 7 kW to 11 kW, inclusive, and uses, as a refrigerant, a mixed refrigerant containing 50% or more of R32, and since a refrigerant pipe therein is made of a ductile stainless steel material having 1% or less of a delta-ferrite matrix structure with respect to the grain size area thereof, and includes a suction pipe guiding the suction of the refrigerant into a compressor and having an outer diameter of 15.88 mm, the refrigerant pipe can maintain strength and hardness as good as or better than those of a copper pipe, while also maintaining good processability.

Abstract: A tool-change station includes a base, and a first tool-change member that is coupled to the base and is rotatable relative to the base. The first tool-change member includes a first tool-engagement portion, geometrically complementary with a tool-change-engagement portion of a tool of a rotary drive.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided a pipe spinner and lifter for supporting and rotating a cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis. The pipe spinner and lifter comprises a pair of jaws that pivot about a pivot member, to allow the pipe spinner and lifter to actuate between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A plurality of rollers are mounted on the jaws, each rotatable about a rolling axis. When the pipe spinner and lifter is in the closed configuration, the cylindrical member can be rotatably captured by the pipe spinner and lifter, allowing the cylindrical member to rotate about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the plurality of rollers are arranged in a substantially mirrored arrangement on the jaws. More preferably, the rolling axis of each of the rollers is substantially parallel to the cylindrical member's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided, which is capable of notifying a worker of a determination result immediately while preventing detection failure. The inspection system to inspect a tightening state of a bolt includes: a server device that determines quality of the tightening state of the bolt based on a degree of similarity of a shape of a tightening waveform that indicates a torque change with time when a worker tightens the bolt using a nutrunner to a shape of a reference waveform that indicates an ideal torque change with time when the bolt is tightened; and a notification device that notifies the worker of the quality of the tightening state of the bolt, which is determined by the server device.

Abstract: Provided is a workpiece retention device that retains a frame which includes a workpiece main body and a lip flange and a base flange that are provided to the workpiece main body, wherein: the workpiece retention device comprises a plurality of grippers that are aligned in the lengthwise direction of the frame, and a horizontal movement mechanism and a vertical movement mechanism that move the plurality of grippers; the gripper each include: a lower block, a workpiece support pin that is provided to the lower block and that supports the frame, an upper block that can move toward the base flange of the supported frame, a block movement mechanism that moves the upper block; and a suction mechanism that is provided to the upper block and that suctions the workpiece main body on the base flange side.

Abstract: A fast tool changing method with pre-unclamping step for controlling operations of the spindle, tool unclamping cylinder, and tool changing arm. The spindle has one end clamping the tool at the clamping position. The method includes following steps. In a tool pre-unclamping step, the clamp end of the spindle moves the used tool to a pre-unclamping position; the tool unclamping cylinder pushes the used tool to leave a taper of the spindle. In a tool changing step, the tool changing arm rotates to clamp the used tool and pulls the used tool away from the clamp end, and further aligns a target tool with the clamp end. In a tool inserting step, the tool changing arm inserts the target tool into the clamp end, to be clamped therein. Therefore, the tool unclamping and tool clamping operations are accelerated.

Abstract: A pallet changing apparatus adopting a table 4 capable of moving back from and forth for a side of a turning shaft 1 and having a oscillating portion 41 for placing workpieces W, W by means of pallets P, P so as to oscillate freely by an upright portion 42 at the leading end of the table 4, wherein the turning shaft 1 covers a turning supporting portion 11 at its lower end side and turns together with a pallet changing arm 3 and moves freely in a vertical direction, and an insertion and removal hollow space 20 is provided, at the covering region, and allows the upright portion 42 to be inserted into the insertion and removal hollow space 20 and removed from the insertion and removal hollow space 20.

Abstract: A system and method for sharpening a tool, such as a cuticle nipper, is provided. A first abrasive component has first abrasive surface and a second abrasive component has a second abrasive surface. A motor drives the first and second abrasive components. A securing device secures the tool. A positioning device receives the securing device and permits movement of the securing device relative to the first and second abrasive devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polishing protocol for ZrB2 ceramics.

Abstract: A vacuum hole for suction holding a processing target object through vacuum is formed on a stage surface of a vacuum suction holding stage, and a hole corresponding to the vacuum hole is formed on an elastic pad. A jig includes a first projecting portion configured to be insertable into the vacuum hole on the vacuum suction holding stage, a support portion configured to come into contact with the stage surface with the first projecting portion inserted in the vacuum hole, and a second projecting portion projecting toward an opposite side to the first projecting portion with respect to the support portion and configured to be insertable into the hole on the elastic pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate polishing system comprising a polishing pad covered on the polishing platen; a plurality of substrate carriers including a first substrate carrier which moves in a state in which a substrate is mounted and performs a polishing process in a state in which the substrate is in contact with the polishing pad on the polishing pad; a monitoring unit of displaying the information including the identity, position of at least one of the substrate carriers; and a control unit of outputting a warning signal and/or changes the operation of operating devices when an error occurs in real time thereby improving the monitoring efficiency and operation reliability of the polishing process of the substrate.

Abstract: A burnishing machine is provided in which both sides of a groove is machined by a single tool without changing the movement direction of a piston. The burnishing machine, includes: a tip configured to press and process a process face; and a pressurizing unit configured to press the tip against the process face, the pressurizing unit including, a piston configured to reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to the tip, a cylinder portion that accommodates the piston such that the piston reciprocates; and a pressurizing mechanism configured to urge the tip to the process face at both timing of pushing the tip against the process face and pulling the tip against the process face by making the piston reciprocate.

Abstract: The object is to effectively improve treatment efficiency or finish quality of polishing treatment on a polishing subject face. To achieve this object, a three-dimensional shape measuring instrument is provided for measuring a three-dimensional shape of the polishing subject face. A polishing controller is provided for controlling a polishing robot alone or with a polishing tool held thereby, based on three-dimensional shape data of the polishing subject face obtained by the shape measurement by the three-dimensional shape measuring instrument. The polishing tool provides a polishing action on the respective part of the polishing subject face through controlling of the polishing robot alone or with the polishing tool by the polishing controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated vise and work table. The disclosed vise table allows an operator to clamp an object in place so that the same can worked on in a hands-free method. The vise table includes a table block, a vise head block, a threaded guide, a rotator, and an activation mechanism that allows the operator to selectively vise in a threaded mode or in an unthreaded mode. In the threaded mode, the vise head block may only be moved by rotating a threaded guide. In the unthreaded mode, the vise head block may only be moved by applying force to the vise head block in the desired direction of movement.

Abstract: A suction device for retaining and/or transporting objects, comprising a main supporting body (2) and at least one operating plate (3) provided with suction holes (7) connected to and suction means, in which the operating plate (3) is removably associated with the main supporting body (2) and has a second connecting face (5) coupled to a first connecting face (4) of the main supporting body (2), and in which the device also comprises one or more magnets (13) and one or more ferromagnetic bodies (14), each ferromagnetic body (14) being magnetically coupled to one or more magnets (13) when the operating plate (3) is associated with the main supporting body (2) for keeping the operating plate (3) fastened to the main supporting body (2), each magnet (13) and the ferromagnetic body (14) magnetically coupled to it being constrained respectively one to the operating plate (3), the other to the main supporting body (2).

Abstract: An adjustable wrench with recessed jaws designed to effectively grip and rotate a hex nut. The adjustable wrench with recessed jaws has an elongated member with two opposing ends, wherein a handle is at one end and a head is at an opposing end. The head end has a pair of jaws, each jaw having a triangular notch therein such that the triangular notches are symmetrically aligned when each jaw is flush against the other. An adjustable screw is operably connected to the pair of jaws such that the adjustable screw is designed to increase a distance between the pair of jaws when rotated. In this way, a user is able to use the triangular notches to effectively grip and rotate a hex nut.

Abstract: An impact tool (1; 1A) includes a spindle (12) rotated by a motor (10) and a hammer (70) held by the spindle. The hammer is designed to impact an anvil (14) in a rotational direction. A case (8) houses the hammer. A first bearing (78A) and a second bearing (78B) are held in the case and arranged along the axial direction. The first bearing and the second bearing directly hold the anvil in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: An implant magazine for use with a driver includes a plurality of implants, an implant carrier defining a plurality of apertures, each implant of the plurality of implants being disposed within an aperture of the plurality of apertures, wherein an implant is disengaged from the implant carrier upon application of a predetermined force applied to the implant, and a base defining a cavity in which the implant carrier and the plurality of implants are disposed. A cartridge for use with a driver includes the implant magazine, a housing in which the implant magazine is disposed, and a blade having a longitudinal axis and being at least partially and rotatably disposed within the housing. A kit includes a driver, a motor, and the cartridge configured for cooperation with the driver to be operated by the motor. A method of using the driver includes inserting an implant into a medium.

Abstract: A porcelain roof tile installing system that comprises: a roof tile having a porcelain body provided with an attachment hole; a nail for being inserted into the attachment hole of the roof tile thereby installing the roof tile to a roof structure; a nail gun for pushing the nail into the attachment hole; wherein the nail gun has a centering element configured to be coupled with the attachment hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detachable handle. The detachable handle includes a grip portion, a wand portion, a first linking member, and a second linking member. The grip portion has a recess, the wand portion has a stub, the first linking member is disposed in the recess, the second linking member is disposed on the stub, and the first linking member is attached to the second linking member when the stub is received inside the recess.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the base of a wall generally compromises an extendable handle retaining member that is free to swivel about a predetermined range of motion. This action also allows you to get into those hard-to-reach areas without bending, stooping, or kneeling for prolonged periods. The placement of the handle will allow the device to be steered or guided more easily than other wheelbase arrangements. A base member includes a plurality of wheels on a wheelbase to allow the base member to balance on its wheelbase unaided. This is also used for sturdiness and durability. This device has several cleaning attachments such as a sponge, a scouring pad, a dust mop, and a wringer mop to accommodate baseboards of various dimensions.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a body having a front end and a rear end opposite the front end. A blade holder, supported by the body, is moveable relative to the body, to move a blade between an extended position and a retracted position. The blade extends through a blade aperture when in the extended position. The blade aperture is sized to receive a hook attached to the blade of a tape measure.

Abstract: A tool part retaining device includes a handle, a nut, and a fastener. The handle has a first end, a second end, and a handle body connecting the ends. The nut is in a first receptacle in the first end of the handle. The nut has a first channel, a second channel which connects to the first channel at a junction, at least one nut side, and at least one recess in the at least one nut side. The fastener is disposed in a second receptacle in the handle body near the first end of the handle and is also disposed in the second channel in the nut.

Abstract: An improved, portable and collapsible workhorse is described and claimed herein. In an expanded/use configuration, the device provides a stable, sturdy, generally horizontal support for supporting other items, such as planar work surfaces, work pieces or other items. The device can easily be reconfigured from the expanded/use configuration to a collapsed/storage configuration, and vice versa, without any tools or assembly required. When in the collapsed/storage configuration, the device provides a flat, compact form factor that is very convenient and efficient for packaging, shipping, transportation and storage.

Abstract: A slave combining with a master in a robot tool changing system is disclosed. The slave includes a combination groove into which a protrusion of the master is inserted, at least one plate displacement measuring module arranged at a circumferential edge of a hole of the combination groove, and a slave communicator for communicating with the master. Accordingly, a robot tool changing system including an artificial intelligence (AI) function and performing 5G communications may be provided.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a personal robotic system, comprising: an electromechanical mobile base defining a cross-sectional envelope when viewed in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of a floor upon which the mobile base is operated; a torso assembly movably coupled to the mobile base; a head assembly movably coupled to the torso; a releasable bin-capturing assembly movably coupled to the torso; and a controller operatively coupled to the mobile base, torso assembly, head assembly, and bin-capturing assembly, and configured to capture a bin with the bin-capturing assembly and move the torso assembly relative to the mobile base so that the captured bin fits as closely as possible within the cross-sectional envelope of the mobile base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of wearable robotic devices that physically interact with humans, and in particular refers to a wearable exoskeleton, in particular for the upper limb. The invention refers to an electro- or magneto-rheological fluid type semi-active joint purposely conceived to be used to make the exoskeleton. It comprises a first body and a second body, slidably coupled to each other, with a “flow mode” rotating configuration, which allows to have a fluid flow moved by a pressure gradient induced by the circular movement of a piston in a chamber, with constructive simplicity and decrease of wear.

Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a base, a first arm supported by the base to be pivotable in a horizontal direction, a second arm supported by the first arm to be pivotable in the horizontal direction, a shaft supported by the second arm to be linearly movable along a longitudinal axis in a vertical direction, and a stopper mounted to the shaft and limiting movement of the shaft within a movable range. The stopper includes a fixing section fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the shaft and protruding therefrom, and a shock absorbing section fixed to one of the fixing section and the second arm. The shock absorbing section is disposed in a position sandwiched by the fixing section and the second arm in the vertical direction, and is elastically compressed in the vertical direction when the shaft tries to move beyond the movable range.

Abstract: A robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a base; a case that is disposed over the base and has an internal space; a front cover that covers the internal space ahead of the case; a projector that is positioned in the internal space, is disposed to face a forward upper side, and projects an image or a video to the front cover; and a built-in component that is disposed ahead of the projector. The front cover may include: a display region in which an image or a video projected from the projector is displayed; and a non-display region that is positioned under the display region and overlaps the built-in component in a front-rear direction.

Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a base, a first arm, a second arm, and a cable unit connected to the base and the second arm. The cable unit includes an arm conduit having one end connected to the second arm, and the other end attached to a first plate-shaped member fixed to an upper surface of the base, a number of cables passing through the arm conduit, a second plate-shaped member that closes a back-side opening made in the back surface of the base. The first plate-shaped member is configured to close a top surface opening made in the upper surface of the base, and the top surface opening is continuous with the back-side opening.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a mechanical stop device having at least one counter-stop body having a shape, which, in interaction with a respective corresponding shape of a receptacle, is designed to retain the counter-stop body whenever the counter-stop body is inserted in one of a plurality of the receptacles. The receptacle retains the counter-stop body in both a circumferential direction and in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of a swivel joint, in a form-fitting manner.

Abstract: Provided is a robot program generation apparatus including: means for selecting a typical arrangement pattern of a robot system; means for individually selecting elements to be arranged in the arrangement pattern; means for automatically generating a layout where the elements in a stationary state do not interfere with each other; means for automatically generating a robot program in accordance with task details corresponding to the arrangement pattern and with the layout; means for executing the robot program in a virtual environment and automatically modifying installation positions of the elements in the layout based on whether or not the robot in an operating state interfere with any other elements and on whether or not the robot can reach a workpiece; and means for correcting the robot program based on the installation positions.

Abstract: A holding device for food includes a second posture detecting part configured to detect that all the plurality of foods fed to the given positions are in the second posture, and a control part configured to control operation of the second holding part to hold the plurality of foods in the second posture so that the foods are piled up in the given direction, when the second posture detecting part detects that all the plurality of foods are in the second posture at the given positions.

Abstract: A robot controlling method for operating an arm using a motor includes: performing, before the arm stops, addition to add a backlash compensation value to a position command which is input to the motor; and performing, in a period during which the robot arm is not in motion, subtraction to reduce the backlash compensation value added to the position command.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method. The method includes moving a payload through a motion path proximate at least one sensor. Detecting edges of the payload such that at least three points on at least two edges are detected. Capturing a position when the at least one sensor detects at least one edge of the payload.

Abstract: A dynamic multi-objective task allocation system within robotic networks that assigns tasks in real-time as they are detected, the system including a sensing device that detects a trigger event, the trigger event being associated with a task to be performed, and transmits a broadcast signal to a designated robotic network, the robotic network including one or more robots, the broadcast signal including information associated with the task to be performed, the trigger event, the task to be performed, and a location where the task is to be performed; and a distribution robot that receives broadcast signal from the sensing device, assigns itself a self-score associated with performing the task, transmits, to one or more receiving robots within the robotic network, a request for submission of an assessment score of each one of the one or more robots, and determines which robot is assigned to perform the task.

Abstract: A dynamic multi-objective task allocation system within robotic networks that assigns tasks in real-time as they are detected, the system including a sensing device that detects a trigger event, the trigger event being associated with a task to be performed, and transmits a broadcast signal to a designated robotic network, the robotic network including one or more robots, the broadcast signal including information associated with the task to be performed, the trigger event, the task to be performed, and a location where the task is to be performed; and a distribution robot that receives broadcast signal from the sensing device, assigns itself a self-score associated with performing the task, transmits, to one or more receiving robots within the robotic network, a request for submission of an assessment score of each one of the one or more robots, and determines which robot is assigned to perform the task.

Abstract: An industrial robot having a manipulator and a robot controller configured to control the motions of the manipulator. The robot controller is configured during lead-through programming of the robot to compare a robot position or a robot orientation (TCP) with at least one virtual position or virtual orientation defined in space, and to actively control the motions of the robot in relation to the at least one virtual position or virtual orientation when the difference between the robot position or robot orientation and the least one virtual position or virtual orientation is smaller than an offset value.

Abstract: An artificial intelligence server for determining a route of a robot includes a communication unit and a processor. The communication unit is configured to receive image data for a control area from the robot or a camera installed inside the control area. The processor is configured to calculate a current density for the control area from the image data, calculate a future density for the control area using the calculated current density, determine a priority for each of group areas included in the control area based on the calculated future density, and determine the route of the robot based on the determined priority.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes detecting, by one or more sensors of a robot, one or more characteristics of a current point on a surface on which the robot travels. A feature vector is constructed to describe the current point on the surface on which the robot travels, based on the one or more characteristics. The feature vector is mapped to a confidence level that a hazard exists at the current point on the surface. It is determined that the confidence level meets a threshold confidence. An alert is issued in association with the current point on the surface, based on the confidence level meeting the threshold confidence.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes: a range finding sensor; an acquisition unit which acquires a map of an environment including object position information, and a first path where the cleaning device is to move in the environment; an identification unit which identifies a first path partial path; a converter which converts the partial path into a differently-shaped path to generate a second path; and a motor controller which causes the cleaning device to move along the second path. The identification unit sets a region, on the map, where the range finding sensor can perform range finding from start and end points of a portion of the first path, and identifies the portion as the partial path when only one or more straight lines which traverse the region and are parallel to a line segment toward the end point from the start point are represented as the object in the region set.

Abstract: A robot disposed in a given space is disclosed. The robot includes a mobile module, a communication unit configured to communicate with a robot control system, at least one sensing unit, an input unit configured to receive a user input or an image signal, a display, and a control module. Upon receiving destination information via the input unit, the control module searches for a movement route based on at least one of image information, spatial map information of the space, or information of a sensed obstacle region. Therefore, artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G communication can be performed by the robot, and user convenience can be improved, resulting in improved movement efficiency of the robot.

Abstract: A machine learning device that learns a waiting time for at least one of grasping of a workpiece by a spindle chuck and releasing of the workpiece by a loader chuck during transfer of the workpiece between the spindle chuck—that grasps and sends the workpiece and the loader chuck that grasps and receives the workpiece. The machine learning device includes a state observing unit that observes the waiting time and a FB current from a drive unit that moves the loader chuck as state variables, and a learning unit that learns the waiting time with which a transfer time of the workpiece is shortened, in accordance with a data set created based on the state variables.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for social behavior of a telepresence robot are disclosed herein. A telepresence robot may include a drive system, a control system, an object detection system, and a social behaviors component. The drive system is configured to move the telepresence robot. The control system is configured to control the drive system to drive the telepresence robot around a work area. The object detection system is configured to detect a human in proximity to the telepresence robot. The social behaviors component is configured to provide instructions to the control system to cause the telepresence robot to operate according to a first set of rules when a presence of one or more humans is not detected and operate according to a second set of rules when the presence of one or more humans is detected.