Abstract: Provided is a substrate grinding device including: a work table rotatable with the work table sucking and holding a substrate; a cup wheel-type first grinding wheel configured to grind the rotating substrate while rotating, the substrate being held by the work table; and a cup wheel-type second grinding wheel configured to grind the substrate along with grinding by the first grinding wheel while rotating in a close vicinity of the substrate.

Abstract: A method includes providing a metal ring and pastelessly slide-grinding at least one surface of the metal ring with grinding bodies, preferably until a predefined surface topography of the metal ring is achieved, which surface topography preferably has an Rsk value that is greater than or equal to ?0.25 and/or an Rk value between 0.3 and 1.35 and/or Rpk value between 0.05 and 0.4 and/or an Rvk value between 0.2 and 1.2 and/or an Ra value between 0.1 and 0.4.

Abstract: A substrate polishing apparatus is disclosed that includes a polishing platform having two or more zones, each zone adapted to receive a different slurry component. A substrate polishing system is provided having a holder to hold a substrate, a polishing platform having a polishing pad, and a distribution system adapted to dispense, in a timed sequence, at least two different slurry components selected from a group consisting of an oxidation slurry component, a material removal slurry component, and a corrosion inhibiting slurry component. Polishing methods and systems adapted to polish substrates are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to rotary unions for use in wafer cleaning processes. The rotary union includes a process media and a supporting media that interact in a gap between a nozzle and rotary element. By regulating the supporting media pressure, a non-contact seal is created within the gap. The non-contact seal prevents or controls process media leakage in a rotary union while enabling delivery of the process media through a platen directly underneath of a wafer without the risk of additional contamination of the process media, reducing the defect to the wafer. Additionally, the non-contact seal precludes particle generation due to seal wear, caused for example in face seals, and does not leech out any additional foreign elements.

Abstract: A polishing head includes a carrier body detachably fixed to a drive shaft and having a plurality of first fluid passages penetrating therethrough to extend from an upper surface to a lower surface of the carrier body, upper end portions of the first fluid passages being arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction about a central axis thereof, a flexible membrane clamped to a lower portion of the carrier body to form a plurality of pressurizing chambers, wherein at least one of the pressurizing chambers is divided into a plurality of sub-chambers arranged in a circumferential direction about a central axis of the flexible membrane, the sub-chambers being in fluid communication with lower end portions of the first fluid passages respectively, and a fluid sealing part on the carrier body to support the carrier body to be rotatable and flow a fluid into each of the first fluid passages in a sealed state.

Abstract: A grinder includes a brake mechanism, a switch lever, and a slide bar. In the grinder, an interlocking mechanism configured to interlock the brake mechanism with the switch lever includes a link member that is interposed between the switch lever and the slide bar, that moves the slide bar to the forward position at the push-in position of the switch lever, and that moves the slide bar to the retraction position at the initial position of the switch lever.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide methods, polishing systems with computer readable medium having the methods stored thereon, to facilitate consistent tensioning of a polishing article disposed on a web-based polishing system. In one embodiment, a substrate processing method includes winding a used portion of a polishing article onto a take-up roll of a polishing system by rotating a first spindle having the take-up roll disposed thereon; measuring, using an encoder wheel, a polishing article advancement length of the used portion of the polishing article wound onto the take-up roll; determining a tensioning torque to apply to a supply roll using the measured polishing article advancement length; and tensioning the polishing article by applying the tensioning torque to the supply roll.

Abstract: An electrical sander structure has a main body, a control mechanism and a control circuit. The main body has a brushless motor, and an electromagnetic coil in the brushless motor has a slotted concentrated winding brushless DC motor design. The control circuit is further includes a power detecting module, a rated power constraint module, an intelligent temperature control protection module and a rotation control module. The brushless motor is able to adjust the speed according to the load variations and intelligent temperature control protection mechanism, maintain the optimal operating efficiency and continuously operate within the power set by the rated power limit. In turn, the brushless motor can operate at optimum operating efficiency, helping to extend the life of the brushless motor, increasing user productivity and reducing energy losses.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive article. The abrasive article includes a first major surface and an opposed second major surface. Each major surface contacts a peripheral side surface. A central axis extends through the first and second major surfaces. A first layer of abrasive particles is dispersed within the abrasive article according to a first predetermined pattern. Further a second layer of abrasive particles spaced apart from the first layer of abrasive particles and is dispersed within the abrasive article along a according to a second predetermined pattern. A binder material retains the first and second layers of abrasive particles in the abrasive article. A portion of the binder material is located between the first and second layers of abrasive particles. That portion of the binder material is substantially continuous.

Abstract: A system includes a distribution tool, a backing, a first plurality of abrasive particles and a second plurality of abrasive articles. The distribution tool includes a first section and a second section. The first section is configured to receive the first plurality of abrasive particles and pass the first plurality of abrasive particles through one or more of the plurality of slots to the backing. The second plurality of abrasive particles differ in at least one of a size, an average weight and a shape from the first plurality of abrasive particles. The second section is configured to receive the second plurality of abrasive particles and pass the second plurality of abrasive particles through one or more of the plurality of slots to the backing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping mechanism that is configured to securely hold a workpiece in a machine tool, such as, but not limited to a vertical machining center, or a horizontal machining center, etc. More specifically, the clamping mechanism is configured as a modular soft jaw. A multiplicity of clamping mechanisms can be used to cooperatively secure large workpieces. Furthermore, a multiplicity of clamping mechanisms can be incorporated into a job set-up so a multiplicity of workpieces can be processed concurrently. The present invention's clamping mechanism can be secured in orientations such as, but not limited to a machine tool table bed, a fixture plate, a tombstone, etc. The present invention's modular, soft jaw clamping mechanism can be used in conjunction with other work holding equipment, such as, but not limited to jigs, fixtures, tools, vises, clamps, etc.

Abstract: Pliers for tightening parts for levelling cladding tiles, including: a first arm (1) with a handle (10) and a guide bar (11); a second arm (2) with a handle (20) and a contact surface (21) with a levelling wedge; a rotation shaft (4); and a supporting stop (3) comprising: a passage (31) for assembly in the guide bar; a shaft (32) assembled in a longitudinal slot (12) of the guide bar for the longitudinal movement of the supporting stop (3) with respect to the guide bar (11) and the relative rotation thereof between a fastening position with a pawl (13, 34) and a longitudinal movement position of the supporting stop (3) with respect to said guide bar (11); and a spring (33) which tends to maintain the supporting stop (3) in the fastening position with respect to the guide bar (11).

Abstract: A bit holder is provided including a tool bit receiver body operably configured to receive at least a portion of a tool bit, a retention element configured to retain the tool bit engaged within the tool bit receiver body, a release configured to disengage the retention element enabling removal of the tool bit, a drive element operably coupled to the tool bit receiver body and configured to transfer axial rotation from a driving tool to the tool bit receiver body, and a sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the bit holder and configured such that the tool bit receiver body rotates independent of the axial rotation of at least a portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A magnetic tool connector has a main body including a working end. The working end defines a first chamber and second chamber. The first chamber is configured to receive a flat head fastener. The second chamber having an opening at an end edge of the first chamber. The end edge of the first chamber defines an abutting surface against which the flat head fastener disposed within the first chamber abuts horizontally. A magnetic assembly is slidably coupled to the main body and includes a magnet. The magnetic assembly is movable between a first position in which the magnet is located outside of the second chamber and a second position in which the magnet is located within the second chamber.

Abstract: Method and device for tightening a threaded connection, preferably for connecting pipeline components, wherein the threaded connection to be tightened comprises a connecting element unit having an external thread, a connecting element unit having an internal thread, and a seal element arranged therebetween.

Abstract: A puller spacer has a cylindrical and elongated body. The puller spacer has a slot formed in a side of the body. The slot extends from a center bore of the puller spacer to an exterior of the puller spacer. Wires that extend out of a steering column are routed through a bottom of the puller spacer and into a center bore of the puller spacer, with an end of each of the wires extending out of the slot formed in a side of the puller spacer. The puller spacer is positioned between a distal end of a center threaded member of a steering wheel puller and the top of the steering column. The steering wheel puller engages the steering wheel and the center threaded member of the steering wheel puller is advanced to pull the steering wheel away from the steering column.

Abstract: A tool for installing or removing a wire thread insert. This tool includes a spindle body having an actuator which can be moved axially therein. The actuator interacts with an entraining blade. By the axial movement of the actuator, the entraining blade can be extended out of the axial recess and retracted back into it.

Abstract: A tool comprises a handle and a tool head at an end of the handle. The tool head has a channel for receiving a fastener. There is a resilient member disposed along a length of an inner surface of a wall defining the channel. The resilient member may be retained by a recess in an edge of the wall defining the channel. The channel may be defined by a first wall and a second wall and a web extending between the first wall and the second wall. The resilient member may be disposed along an inner surface of the first wall. There may be a lip extending along the second wall. The channel may alternatively be defined by a substantially tubular wall. The resilient member may be a spring disposed along an inner surface of the substantially tubular wall.

Abstract: A stapler includes a base, a magazine coupled to the base and configured to house staples, and a staple pusher assembly coupled with the magazine and operable to bias staples in the magazine toward a first end of the magazine where staples are driven out of the magazine. The staple pusher assembly includes a staple pusher defining a cavity, and a constant force spring having a first end coupled to the magazine and a second end that is coiled within the cavity in the staple pusher.

Abstract: A universal pressure tool for fastening is provided, having changeable barrels, changeable triggers, internal air flow adjustment, laser guide, and changeable magazines.

Abstract: A drill apparatus including an inner tube, an outer tube slidably received within the outer tube, and a pole extension mechanism. The pole extension mechanism comprises a pole advance gear having pole advance gear teeth, and a drive gear having drive gear teeth, the drive gear being coaxial with and fixedly attached to the pole advance gear so that the two gears rotate together. The pole advance gear teeth are received in aligned spaced apart apertures in the outer tube. The pole extension mechanism further includes a lever arm having an end pivotally mounted on the support collar at a lever arm pivot point coaxial with the drive gear and the pole advance gear.

Abstract: An adapter for disposition in various tool handles to convert the single use tool into a multi-functional tool. The adapter can be added to a tool handle during or post manufacture. The adapter has a domed hammerhead on a threaded shaft, with a square shoulder beneath the head for rotation resistance, a threaded shaft, a normally disposed tubular portion having one or two hexagonal bit holders, one of which may be blocked off, and an optional lower threaded shaft portion. Suitable tools for addition of the adapter include folding knives, box cutters, taping tools, paint brushes, and others with a long single handle for one hand grasping.

Abstract: A gas powered tool (70) comprising a housing (73) and a soldering tool element (72) releasably coupled to the housing (73). A latching element (105) pivotally mounted on a pivot pin (106) in the housing (73) is retained in a non-latching state (FIG. 26) by an abutment element (102) which is urgeable into the housing (73) by the soldering tool element (72) when the soldering tool element (72) is coupled to the housing (73). The latching element (105) is spring biased in the direction of the arrow E from the non-latching state to a latching state (FIG. 27) for latching a switching element (89) in a first state to in turn retain an isolating valve (86), which supplies fuel gas from a reservoir (78) in the housing (73) to the soldering tool element (72), in the isolating state. On decoupling of the soldering tool element (72) from the housing (73), the abutment element (102) is spring urged outwardly and disengages the latching element (105).

Abstract: A Manoeuvring rod comprising a first elongated portion tubular-shaped and provided with a handle portion configured to be grasped by a user, and a second elongated portion engaged to the working tool). The elongated portions are mutually telescopically engaged in such a way to be able to freely slide one with respect to the other. A blocking/unblocking device is then provided arranged to move from a blocking configuration, in which impedes the above disclosed free sliding, to an unblocking configuration, in which, instead, allows the above disclosed free sliding. The above mentioned movement of the blocking/unblocking device from the blocking configuration to the unblocking configuration, or vice versa, is directly actuated by the user by acting on a control member positioned at the handle portion.

Abstract: An adjustable length handle having a first handle member, a tubular shaped second handle member and an adjusting mechanism interconnecting the two handle members to shorten or lengthen the handle length. The second handle member has an interior channel that receives the first handle member. An inner surface of the channel is in opposing relation to an outer surface of the first handle member. The adjusting mechanism comprises a longitudinally disposed length adjusting slot and one or more laterally disposed engaging slots in the inner surface that receive an engaging member which extends outward from the outer surface of the first handle member. When in the length adjusting slot, the engaging member allows linear movement of one handle member relative to the other handle member to adjust the handle length. When in one of the engaging slots, the engaging member prevents such linear movement to fix the handle length.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a power tool to a vice, e.g. a vice-cum-workbench such as a Black and Decker™ Workmate™, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support that may be releasably attached to or an integral part of the power tool. The support comprises one or more projections that when the tool is placed on top of the vice depend down for retainment by the vice's jaws, thereby rigidly supporting the power tool to the vice. The projections are retractable, e.g. through a pivoting action, in order that they do not destabilize the tool when it's supported on a surface other than a vice. The projections may be arranged to retract under the weight of the tool upon it.

Abstract: A positioning pad has a pad body and a coat layer. The pad body is made of a foaming material, is formed as a board, and has at least one tool recess defined in a top of the pad body. The coat layer is attached to the top of the pad body and has at least one window and a 3D (three dimensional) embossing pattern. The at least one window is defined through the coat layer and corresponds respectively to the at least one tool recess in the pad body in position and shape. The 3D embossing pattern is formed on a top of the coat layer and has multiple embossing units. Each embossing unit has an outer frame and a decorating surface enclosed by the outer frame.

Abstract: A compact and portable door pull for sanitary use that provides a method of opening a door so the user doesn't need to touch the door handle thus lessening the likelihood of any germ/bacteria transmission. The device consists of an outer case which is gripped and an extension/slide-out component, or pivoting extension component, both having a thumb bump to manually actuate the extension. Both extensions have a hook on the end which engages the door handle and allows the user to pull the door open without touching the handle. Once the device is disengaged from the door handle, the user retracts the extension by manually reversing the extension action using the thumb bump. The device can then be returned to its original storage location (i.e. pocket, purse, backpack or diaper bag) for future use.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device for supporting anti-radiation protective clothing includes a shoulder mechanism, a waist mechanism and a leg mechanism. The shoulder mechanism includes a pair of back support rods, a fixed transverse rod and a guide member arranged between the back support rods, and a pair of flexible straps fixed to the back support rods. The waist mechanism includes waist support rods, a flexible waist strap installed on the waist support rods, and two straight cylindrical tension springs. The leg mechanism includes straight thigh support rods and automatic switching devices, with the straight thigh support rods being arranged at upper ends of the automatic switching devices, and the automatic switching devices being arranged between the straight thigh support rods and straight calf support rods.

Abstract: A motorized joint unit comprises a pair of shells defining an inner cavity, the pair of shells adapted to be connected to adjacent links of an articulated mechanism. A rotor and stator in the inner cavity are actuatable to cause a relative rotation therebetween. A shaft connected to the rotor to rotate with the rotor relative to the stator. A support coupled to the shaft by a mechanism, the support being connected to one of the shells to impart a rotation of the shaft to the shell, the support defining an annular wall. One or more strain gauges are located on said annular wall of the support. A printed circuit board (PCB) is applied against the annular wall and electrically connected to the at least one strain gauge, the PCB adapted to be electrically linked to a controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling actuators of an articulated robot and for enabling the robot executing a given task, including a first unit providing a specification of robot skills s selectable from a skill space depending on the task, a second unit, wherein the second unit is connected to the first unit and further to a learning unit and to an adaptive controller, wherein the adaptive controller receives skill commands ?cmd, wherein the skill commands ?cmd include the skill parameters Pl, wherein based on the skill commands ?cmd the controller controls the actuators of the robot, wherein the actual status of the robot is sensed by respective sensors and/or estimated by respective estimators and fed back to the controller and to the second unit, wherein based on the actual status, the second unit determines the performance Q(t) of the skill carried out by the robot, and wherein the learning unit receives PD, and Q(t) from the second unit, determines updated skill parameters Pl(t) and provid

Abstract: Disclosed is a lifting robot that includes a housing and a tray. The housing includes a side wall formed by a plurality of enclosing side panels, a projection of the side wall on a horizontal plane is a regular polygon, and at least one of the plurality of side panels is provided with a connection device for connecting to a side panel of another lifting robot. Further disclosed is a robot system including a plurality of the lifting robot described above.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes identifying a force and torque for a robot to accomplish a task and identifying context of a portion of a movement plan indicating motion of the robot to perform the task. Based on the identified force, torque, and context, a context specific torque is determined for at least one aspect of the robot while the robot executes the portion of the movement plan. In turn, a control signal is generated for the at least one aspect of the robot to operate in accordance with the determined context specific torque.

Abstract: Deep machine learning methods and apparatus related to the manipulation of an object by an end effector of a robot are described herein. Some implementations relate to training an action prediction network to predict a probability density which can include candidate actions of successful grasps by the end effector given an input image. Some implementations are directed to utilization of an action prediction network to visually servo a grasping end effector of a robot to achieve a successful grasp of an object by the grasping end effector.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an article posture changing device includes: a first end effector configured to grasp a projected tag of an article by adsorption; an arm unit configured to support the first end effector and move the first end effector along at least a vertical direction; and a controller configured to control the arm unit and the first end effector to grasp the tag, lift the article upward, separate the article from a placement surface, change an angle of the article by weight thereof, move the article downward, place the article on the placement surface, and release the grasp of the tag.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method and system use various sensors to determine a shape of a collection of materials (e.g., foodstuffs). A controller can determine a trajectory which achieves the desired end-state, possibly chosen from a set of feasible, collision-free trajectories to execute, and a robot executes that trajectory. The robot, executing that trajectory, scoops, grabs, or otherwise acquires the desired amount of material from the collection of materials at a desired location. The robot then deposits the collected material in the desired receptacle at a specific location and orientation.

Abstract: A method for collision-free motion planning of a first manipulator of a robotic control apparatus from a starting point to a destination point. The method includes repeatedly determining a target path of the first manipulator to the destination point with a global planner, continuously determining a movement of the first manipulator with a local planner based on a current target path of the global planner, and performing the movement by the first manipulator in parallel with the determination by the global planner and the local planner.

Abstract: Embodiments provide functionality to prevent collisions between robots and objects. An example embodiment detects a type and a location of an object based on a camera image of the object, where the image has a reference frame. Motion of the object is then predicted based on at least one of: the detected type of the object, the detected location of the object, and a model of object motion. To continue, a motion plan for the robot is generated that avoids having the robot collide with the object based on the predicted motion of the object and a transformation between the reference frame of the image and a reference frame of the robot. The robot can be controlled to move in accordance with the motion plan or a signal can be generated that controls the robot to operate in accordance with the motion plan.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for controlling a robot arm. In this control scheme, a position error indicating a deviation between a command position, which is a control target position, and a current position, which is a position where the arm of the robot is currently located, is acquired. When the acquired position error exceeds a threshold, a new corrected command position between the current position and the command position is set. After the arm of the robot is moved to the corrected command position, a new corrected command position reset between the corrected command position serving as a new current position and the command position. Reconfiguration of a corrected command position is iterated until a current position of the robot arm becomes equal to the command position so that movement of the robot arm is achieved from the current position to the command position.

Abstract: To assist appropriately in performing a recovery operation of a device. A guidance information presentation apparatus includes: a guidance information receiving unit configured to acquire guidance information including access information and safety information, the access information including a moving route to reach an estimated location of a failure in an apparatus as a recovery target, and an operation procedure, the safety information indicating safety of the moving route and the operation procedure in the access information; and a guidance information displaying unit configured to perform, on a basis of the guidance information, notification for a guidance of the moving route to the estimated location of the failure in the apparatus as the recovery target, and the operation procedure, and notification that indicates the safety of the moving route and the operation procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for controlling a robot, a method and an apparatus for providing service and an electronic device. The method comprises: creating, by a local robot, a file system snapshot of an application in a local operating system, and synchronizing file system data of the application to a cloud robot; running, by the cloud robot, on a cloud virtual machine pre-running the same operating system as that of the local robot, the same application as that of the local robot (101); and reversely synchronizing a running result of the application to the local robot (102).

Abstract: A method of operating a robot includes detecting movement of a video call counterpart using a video call counterpart robot included in image data received from the video call counterpart robot; canceling movement of a user from detected movement of the video call counterpart; and determining motion corresponding to the canceled movement of the video call counterpart.

Abstract: A robot with new camera design and method for operating the robot is disclosed. The robot includes a control module configured to control and drive a multi-degree-of-freedom attachment system. The multi-degree-of-freedom attachment system attaches to a target acquiring device. The target acquiring device is configured to acquire a target located on an axis of acquisition of a target, wherein the axis is an extension line going through the target acquiring device. The robot further includes a vision sensor, located on an axis of acquisition of a target. The vision sensor acquires the image signal on the direction of the axis of acquisition of a target while the robot operates. In accordance with the image signal, the control module drives the multi-degree-of-freedom attachment system to adjust the attitude of the target acquiring device so as to adjust the axis of acquisition of a target to the direction towards the target.

Abstract: A method for operating a vision guided robot arm system comprising a robot arm provided with an end effector at a distal end thereof, a display, an image sensor and a controller, the method comprising: receiving from the sensor image an initial image of an area comprising at least one object and displaying the initial image on the display; determining an object of interest amongst the at least one object and identifying the object of interest within the initial image; determining a potential action related to the object of interest and providing a user with an identification of the potential action; receiving a confirmation of the object of interest and the potential action from the user; and automatically moving the robot arm so as to position the end effector of the robot arm at a predefined position relative to the object of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic detection of spills are disclosed. In some exemplary implementations, a robot can have a spill detector comprising at least one optical imaging device configured to capture at least one image of a scene containing a spill while the robot moves between locations. The robot can process the at least one image by segmentation. Once the spill has been identified, the robot can then generate an alert indicative at least in part of a recognition of the spill.

Abstract: To perform a start-up operation of robots more simply than conventionally. A programming device includes: a program generation unit that generates a program for causing a predetermined operation passing through a plurality of movement destination points to be executed by a robot; a robot control unit that causes the predetermined operation to be executed by the robot according to control based on the program; an image acquisition unit that acquires a photographed image capturing a reference point that is arranged at a position having a predetermined relative relationship with a position of the movement destination point; and a movement destination point correction unit that corrects information of the movement destination point included in the program, based on the photographed image and the predetermined relative relationship, in which the robot control unit controls the robot based on corrected information of the movement destination point.

Abstract: An emotion recognizer includes: an uni-modal preprocessor configured to include a plurality of recognizers for each modal learned to recognize emotion information of a user contained in uni-modal input data; and a multi-modal recognizer configured to merge output data of the plurality of recognizers for each modal, and be learned to recognize the emotion information of the user contained in the merged data. The emotion recognizer may output a complex emotion recognition result including an emotion recognition result of each of the plurality of recognizers for each modal and an emotion recognition result of the multi-modal recognizer.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems to modify motion of a robot based on sound and context. An embodiment detects a sound in an environment and processes the sound. The processing includes comparing the detected sound to a library of sound characteristics associated with sound cues and/or extracting features or characteristics from the detected sound using a model. Motion of a robot is modified based on a context of the robot and at least one of: (i) the comparison, (ii) the features extracted from the detected sound, and (iii) the characteristics extracted from the detected sound.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method during execution of a motion plan by a robotic arm includes determining a voice command from speech of a user said during the execution of the motion plan, determining a modification of the motion plan based on the voice command from the speech of the user, and executing the modification of the motion plan by the robotic arm.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device and a sheet conveying method whereby it is possible to convey a sheet more accurately. This sheet conveying device includes a holder capable of holding a sheet, bringing the sheet into a stretched state while holding the sheet, and conveying the held sheet. This sheet conveying device also includes a sheet state recognizer that recognizes the state of the sheet when the sheet is held in a stretched state by the holder.