Abstract: An adjustable safety guard includes first, second and third portions which are operable to extend from a collapsed position where it can be easily stored, to an expanded position to where it operates as a functioning guard to protect a machine operator. One of the sections of the guard is expandable between an infinite number of positions which provides a flexible system that can be used in many different manufacturing applications.

Abstract: A device for removing tool joint edge burrs on a cap slot edge and an outer rim of a vehicle wheel includes a vehicle wheel positioning system and a cutter system. The vehicle wheel positioning system is used to make a rotating center of a cap seam allowance superposed with that of the cutter system. The cutter system includes a pyramid cutter and four blades, the pyramid cutter is used to remove burrs on the cap slot edge of the vehicle wheel, and the four blades are used to remove burrs on the outer rim of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A device for blocking workpieces has an aligning station that includes a workpiece support for aligning a workpiece. A blocking station comprises a block piece mount and serves to block the aligned workpiece by use of a block material on a block piece, which can be mounted in the block piece mount in a centered manner in relation to a substantially vertically extending blocker axis. A workpiece carriage carries a holding head for the workpiece and is suitably guided and driven to transport the workpiece from the aligning station to the blocking station to position the workpiece along the blocker axis in a defined manner relative to the block piece held in the block piece mount, and to hold the workpiece during blocking in the defined relative position to the block piece with a gap between workpiece and body piece.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus of the present disclosure polishes a polishing target by pressing the polishing target against a polishing pad. An eddy current sensor measures an impedance that is changeable according to a change of a film thickness of the polishing target, at a plurality of positions of the polishing target, and outputs measurement signals. A difference calculator generates data corresponding to a film thickness based on a measurement signal. The difference calculator calculates a difference between data at different times based on measurement signals output by the eddy current sensor at different times at a center of the polishing target. An end point detector detects a polishing end point indicating the end of polishing based on the difference calculated by the difference calculator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-porous molded article for a polishing layer, the non-porous molded article including a thermoplastic polyurethane, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane has a maximum value of a loss tangent (tan ?) in a range of ?70 to ?50° C. of 4.00×10?2 or less. Preferably, the thermoplastic polyurethane is obtained by polymerization of a polymer diol having a number average molecular weight of 650 to 1400, an organic diisocyanate, and a chain extender, and a content ratio of nitrogen derived from an isocyanate group of the organic diisocyanate is 5.7 to 6.5 mass %.

Abstract: The present invention is a polishing pad formed by foamed polyurethane, with a content of S phase in the foamed polyurethane, as determined by pulsed NMR measurement at 25° C., exceeding 70%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemical mechanical (CMP) polishing pad for planarizing at least one of semiconductor, optical and magnetic substrates comprising a polishing layer that has a geometric center, and in the polishing layer a plurality of offset circumferential grooves, such as circular or polygonal grooves, which have a plurality of geometric centers and not a common geometric center. In the polishing layer of the present invention, each circumferential groove is set apart a pitch distance from its nearest or adjacent circumferential groove or grooves; for example, the pitch increases on the half or hemisphere of the polishing layer that is farthest from the geometric center of its innermost circumferential groove and decreases on the half of the polishing layer nearest that geometric center. Preferably, the polishing layer contains an outermost circumferential groove that is complete and continuous.

Abstract: Blade stop devices for stopping a sawblade at a predetermined stopping point relative to a grinding disk on a grinding tool of a sawblade grinding machine include a device mount frame configured for mounting with respect to the grinding disk on the grinding tool of the sawblade grinding machine. A carriage rail may be provided on the device mount frame. A blade stop carriage may be adjustable along the carriage rail between a home position and a blade stop position. A blade stop arm may include an arm base carried by the blade stop carriage and a blade stop flange carried by the arm base. Methods of stopping a sawblade at a predetermined stopping point relative to a grinding disk on a grinding tool of a sawblade grinding machine to facilitate consistent removal of a desired quantity or thickness of material from blade teeth on different sawblades are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a substrate polishing apparatus is provided. The substrate polishing apparatus includes a turntable for supporting a polishing pad, a dresser that dresses the polishing pad, a dresser drive module that presses the dresser against the polishing pad and rotates the dresser, a support member that supports the dresser drive module, and a plurality of force sensors which are provided between the dresser drive module and the support member and each of which outputs information related to each of forces in three axis directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved wheel end face detection and correction device, which includes a detection and correction system, a synchronous clamping system, an expansion and rotating system, compression and positioning systems, a lifting system and the like. The device may be used for detecting the end face run-out of the flange of a wheel and implementing on-line correction, and has the characteristics of high automation degree, advanced process, strong universality and safe and stable performance at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grind machining apparatus, which comprises a grinding wheel and an electrochemical processing module. The grinding wheel has a grinding surface on the surface. The electrochemical processing modules is disposed at the grinding wheel. The processing surface of the electrochemical processing module faces the direction away from an axle of the grinding wheel and is located lower than the grinding surface. By using the above grind machining apparatus, alternate compound machining including electrochemical oxidation processing and mechanical grind machining can be performed.

Abstract: A cooling lubricant supply device for supply of a cooling lubricant to a grinding wheel is rotatably mounted as a tool on a grinding spindle of a processing unit in a grinding machine. The device has a feed shoe, which is mounted at least indirectly on a grinding spindle housing and seated on a circumferential surface of the grinding wheel and which has a seating surface facing the grinding wheel. The seating surface has a shape substantially complementary with the circumferential surface of the grinding wheel and is provided centrally with a pocket-like recess into which the cooling lubricant can be fed under pressure. A spring mechanism is provided, by which the feed shoe is biased with the seating surface thereof against the circumferential surface of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: Methodology for reclaiming metal from insulated and/or shielded and/or jacketed power cables present on supporting conveyor belt and/or troughs, by waterjetting using stationary and/or spinning nozzles.

Abstract: A nonwoven abrasive article having a nonwoven web and a binder adhering formed ceramic abrasive particles to fibers of the nonwoven web. The formed ceramic abrasive particles having a formed ceramic abrasive particle size and the fibers having a fiber diameter, and wherein a ratio of the formed ceramic abrasive particle size to the nonwoven fiber diameter is from 0.4 to 3.5.

Abstract: A multifunction clamp and jack system having a generally C-shaped main body with an elongate threaded rod with a top end configured to receive an open end wrench, a socket of a socket or ratchet wrench, a male square drive member of a ratchet wrench or a non-ratcheting breaker bar, the drive member of an electric or air impact wrench or a removable handle member, the bottom end of the threaded rod configured to receive selected workpiece engaging rotary attachments, the male square drive member of a ratchet wrench or electric or air impact wrench. The main body may be supported in an upright vertical position by front and rear base support members allowing it to be free standing. A plurality of interchangeable workpiece engaging attachments are provided for clamping, holding, or lifting variously shaped workpieces or objects.

Abstract: A ratcheting spanner which can be installed on a rotatable body along a vector substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation. The ratcheting spanner comprising a spanner body, a ratchet ring, and a plurality of pawls. The pawls can rotationally couple the spanner body to the ratchet ring in one or both directions relative to the axis of rotation. The ratcheting spanner can have a home key to facilitate the alignment of the openings in the spanner body and the ratchet ring. The direction of rotational coupling of the pawls and the action of the home key can be controlled by one or more selector controls. A driven ratcheting spanner can be constructed to further allow transmission of torque to the ratchet ring without movement of the spanner body. A method of using a ratcheting spanner to rotate a rotatable body.

Abstract: An inertial rotational tightening device includes: a rotationally drivable main body, an annular engagement section being disposed on a circumference of the main body; an inertial member having an engagement hole axially formed through the inertial member, the engagement hole of the inertial member being detachably engaged with the engagement section of the main body, a retaining groove being formed on a circumference of the engagement section or a hole wall of the engagement hole, an insertion groove being formed on the hole wall of the engagement hole or the circumference of the engagement section; and an elastic retainer member inlaid and buckled in the retaining groove and the insertion groove. The inertial member is detachably connected with the main body. Different inertial members with different mass can be selectively mounted on the main body to change the moment of inertia and the rotational torque of the rotational tightening device.

Abstract: A socket structure contains: a hollow body, a fitting member, an operation bar, a first spring, and a second spring. The hollow body includes a first accommodation groove, a connection groove, a first guide groove, and a second guide groove. The fitting member includes a first section, a second section, a second accommodation groove, a polygonal hole, and a peripheral trough. The hollow body further includes at least one fixing element, the first spring abuts against a stepped connection portion of the first guide groove and the second guide groove and the second section of the fitting member. The operation bar includes a polygonal extension and a peripheral rib. The second spring abuts against a bottom of the second guide groove, and a second end of the second spring pushes the polygonal extension of the operation bar to extend out of the second accommodation groove.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing defining a grip portion, a motor having a motor drive shaft, a drive assembly coupled to the motor drive shaft and driven by the motor, an output assembly coupled to the drive assembly and having an output member that receives torque from the drive assembly, causing the output member to rotate about an axis, and a transducer assembly disposed between the grip portion and the output assembly to measure the amount of torque applied through the output member, when the motor is deactivated, in response to the power tool being manually rotated about the axis.

Abstract: A fastener-driving tool including a housing, a driving device associated with the housing and including a driver blade, a biasing member and a coupler attached to the driver blade and the biasing member, and a compound gear rotatably attached to the housing and in engagement with the coupler, where the compound gear is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The compound gear is rotated to the first position to move and secure the biasing member in a biased position when the driver blade is in a pre-drive position, and upon actuation, the biasing member is released from the biased position and biases the compound gear to move to the second position thereby causing the driver blade to move to a driven position for driving a fastener.

Abstract: In order to provide a driving machine which achieves reciprocating movements of a rack using a simple mechanism and is able to smoothly engage and disengage the rack by reducing the friction during engagement and disengagement of the rack, the driving machine is equipped with: a nose that extends in a prescribed direction; a housing that has the nose; a blade that has an engaging section, is movably guided in the housing in the prescribed direction, and is capable of driving a fastener via the nose; and a transmission mechanism that has an engaged section for engaging with the engaging section in order to transmit a driving force, wherein the transmission mechanism has a roller mechanism for guiding the engaging section and engaged section to disengage from each other.

Abstract: A device for Semi-truck and trailer applications. It is a tool used by truck operator's release a fifth wheel pins of a tractor/trailer assembly or the wheel adjustments and tandem axle trailer pin extractor apparatus. Also it is used as a tool for allowing uncoupling/decoupling of a trailer from a tractor and for shifting the locking pins in the undercarriage of a tandem axle trailer when it is desired to shift the position of the tandem axles relative to the trailer body. The tool is made of a hammer assembly with a spike head, shaft and wedge; a pipe structure handle with a taper at one end for attaching to assembly and a way for attaching to a cap and a way to attach the hammer assembly to the pipe structure handle. It has an extendable hook assembly with a hook at one end of an adjustable tube.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cordless reciprocating saw including a mechanical interface for attaching a removable battery pack. The mechanical interface includes a strike plate to reduce the effects of vibrational forces on the battery pack.

Abstract: A magnetic tool holder having: a tool retainer clip, wherein the tool retainer clip includes a base, a first side and a second side operatively connected to the base, a pair of clip flanges extending generally perpendicular from the first side, and a magnet located within a portion of the second side; and a clip insert, wherein the clip insert includes a clip insert frame, a pair of alignment extensions located on the clip insert frame, a pair of retention protrusions located on the clip insert frame and located adjacent to the pair of alignment extensions, and a pair of clip insert flanges operatively connected to the clip insert frame and located adjacent to the pair of alignment extensions.

Abstract: An ergonomic aid has a base portion configured to be received on a stringer adjacent an access port in a partition wall within a structural enclosure. A support pad extends from the base portion, the support pad having an upper surface with a contour adapted to match a profile of the access port. The support pad has a predetermined height to extend the upper surface above a rim of the access port opening when the support pad is in a compressed condition.

Abstract: The pick up tool is an extension apparatus. The pick up tool is an articulated structure. The pick up tool is configured for use with a targeted object. The pick up tool grasps a targeted object for subsequent manipulation. The span of the length of the pick up tool is adjustable. The pick up tool comprises a clamp, a telescopic structure and a remote control. The telescopic structure forms the extension apparatus of the pick up tool. The clamp forms the articulation of the pick up tool. The clamp grasps the targeted object. The remote control controls the operation of the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic system having at least one robot arm which consists of a plurality of members/limbs, which are connected with each other by joints, in which the housing is configured to transmit the torques and forces, which are introduced into the member, onto a member being adjacent thereto, and in which the housing is composed of at least two housing parts being complementary in shape, which housing parts are connected to each other in a manner allowing the transmission of torques and forces.

Abstract: A robot system provided with: a conveying apparatus; a robot that performs processing on an article being conveyed; a camera that captures images of the article being conveyed; a conveying-velocity calculating portion that calculates at least one of a position of the article on the conveying apparatus and a velocity at which the article is conveyed by the conveying apparatus on the basis of the plurality of images captured by the camera; and a control unit that controls the robot on the basis of at least one of the position and the conveying velocity. The control unit determines whether or not the article is present in the images, and, in the case in which the article is absent, controls the robot on the basis of at least one of the position and the conveying velocity calculated by the conveying-velocity calculating portion immediately therebefore.

Abstract: In order to make learning efficient for a robot, a robot operation device is provided with operation information input units for generating operation information specifying a state of a robot on the basis of an operation by an operator, a control unit for controlling the robot on the basis of the operation information, a non-operation information collecting unit for collecting non-operation information which is information that relates to the operator and does not affect the state of the robot, an action analysis unit for estimating the state of the operator on the basis of the non-operation information, and an action learning unit for learning the operation of the operator on the basis of the operation information and the estimation result of the action analysis unit.

Abstract: A control system including a selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) robot is provided. The SCARA robot includes a first arm configured to be rotatable around a first rotation shaft, a second arm configured to be rotatable around a second rotation shaft arranged parallel to the first rotation shaft and provided on the first arm, and a main shaft configured to be drivable in a direction parallel to the second rotation shaft and provided on the second arm. The control system includes a setting unit providing a user interface for receiving a setting of a two-dimensional operation prohibition region with respect to a point of interest on the SCARA robot. The operation prohibition region corresponds to an area on a plane orthogonal to the main shaft. The control system includes an extension unit two-dimensionally extending the operation prohibition region through an extension in a direction of the main shaft.

Abstract: A control system, a controller, a control method and a recording medium capable of preventing damage to a cable occurring during an operation under control of a scara robot are provided. A control system includes a scara robot 300 and a controller configured to control the scara robot 300. The controller includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a target position of a control object in the scara robot 300 and a decision unit configured to decide a rotational direction of an operation tool 332 so that a cable 333 does not collide with a component of the scara robot 300 when the control object moves to the target position.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robot and a processor configured to autonomously generate a master plan for movement of an end effector of the robot for operating on an operating surface of a workpiece in a physical environment. The master plan is based on a computer aided design (CAD) model of the workpiece and defines movement paths of the end effector based on a reach distance of a robotic arm of the robot at each of a plurality of working waypoints defined in the master plan and corresponding to fiducial markers on the workpiece. The processor registers the robot to the workpiece, iteratively adjusts an approximate workpiece position in a world map until matching an actual workpiece position in the physical environment, and constructs and executes a robotic arm trajectory causing the end effector to operate on the operating surface along the movement paths defined in the master plan.

Abstract: A machining system has a machine tool, a numerical controller which moves a machining table of the machine tool according to a machining program, a robot which performs a process to a work on the machining table, and a robot control unit, and the numerical controller is configured to send a current position coordinate of the machining table, a prefetched position coordinate of the machining table, which is calculated by prefetching the machining program and carrying out an acceleration and deceleration interpolation, and time information, which corresponds to the current position coordinate and the prefetched position coordinate, to the robot control unit, and the robot control unit controls the robot so that the distal end portion of the robot follows the movement of the machining table by using the current position coordinate, the prefetched position coordinate, and the time information, which are received from the numerical controller.

Abstract: The control system includes a first controller, a second controller, and a third controller. The third controller includes a first communication module, a second communication module, and a control processing module configured to output a first operation command for operating the first controlled object to the first controller via the first communication module, configured to output a second operation command for operating the second controlled object to the second controller via the second communication module, configured to acquire information on a current position of the first controlled object from the first controller via the first communication module, and configured to correct the second operation command on a basis of information on the current position of the first controlled object.

Abstract: A robot and crane cooperative work system, includes a robot including a hand and an arm which are capable of treating a workpiece or to which a tool is mountable; and a crane which moves the workpiece or the robot, while suspending the workpiece or the robot by the crane, the robot treats the workpiece or the robot in such a manner that the robot operates the hand and the arm to attach the workpiece or the robot to the crane or detach the workpiece or the robot from the crane, the crane moves the workpiece or the robot, and the robot processes the workpiece.

Abstract: A system includes a set of automated arms. Each automated arm includes a holder configured to support a portion of a part, with the set including a quantity of automated arms and holders sufficient for verifying a complex geometry of the part. The automated arms are configured to move the holders into respective verification positions. The system also includes a computing device that includes memory that stores a plurality of predefined automated arm configurations. Each automated arm configuration includes holder verification positions to support portions of a part having a respective complex geometry. The computing device is configured to manipulate the set of automated arms to implement the holder verification positions of a selected one of the automated arm configurations.

Abstract: A machine that is capable of assembling a copy of itself from a feedstock of parts is described. The machine operates on a lattice or grid on which it is able to move and from which it receives power and control signals. The machine (assembler) is composed of modules that each perform some functionality. In the simplest case, only three module types are needed: a linear step module, a gripper, and an anchor. The linear step module is capable of moving from one lattice location to the next, the gripper module is capable of gripping other modules, and the anchor module is capable of attaching the machine to the grid. With these three primitives it is possible for this simple machine to move on the grid using inchworm-like motions, pick up other modules, and assemble a copy of itself.

Abstract: An objective is to provide a position and posture adjustment method capable of promptly adjusting the position and the posture of a robot with respect to a workpiece while making variations caused by the operator small.

Abstract: One variation of a method for automatically generating a planogram for a store includes: dispatching a robotic system to autonomously navigate within the store during a mapping routine; accessing a floor map of the floor space generated by the robotic system from map data collected during the mapping routine; identifying a shelving structure within the map of the floor space; defining a first set of waypoints along an aisle facing the shelving structure; dispatching the robotic system to navigate to and to capture optical data at the set of waypoints during an imaging routine; receiving a set of images generated from optical data recorded by the robotic system during the imaging routine; identifying products and positions of products in the set of images; and generating a planogram of the shelving segment based on products and positions of products identified in the set of images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automating robotic end effector alignment using real-time data from multiple distance sensors to control relative translational and rotational motion. In accordance with one embodiment, the alignment process involves computation of offset distance and rotational angles to guide a robotic end effector to a desired location relative to a target object. The relative alignment process enables the development of robotic motion path planning applications that minimize on-line and off-line motion path script creation, resulting in an easier-to-use robotic application. A relative alignment process with an independent (off-board) method for target object coordinate system registration can be used. One example implementation uses a finite-state machine configuration to control a holonomic motion robotic platform with rotational end effector used for grid-based scan acquisition for non-destructive inspection.

Abstract: Implementations of an end effector and an associated method of grasping an item are disclosed. The end effector comprises an interface system comprising a mounting plate having at least a first portion movable relative to at least a second portion. For example, the first portion and/or second portion are configured to pivot about at least a first pivot axis. The interface system further comprises a pliable body member attached to the mounting plate and at least partially defining an inner recess. The end effector further comprises a pair of actuators operably connected to the plate and each configured to apply a force to the plate so as to pivot a portion of the mounting plate and deform the pliable body member. The end effector further comprises a vacuum port in fluid communication with the inner recess.

Abstract: A method for operating a vacuum handling apparatus, in particular for a human-machine-collaboration system, a vacuum gripper can be connected to a primary vacuum system to generate a vacuum, the method includes the following steps applying the vacuum gripper to a workpiece and building up a vacuum in the vacuum gripper by means of the primary vacuum system; holding the workpiece during its handling by means of the vacuum prevailing in the vacuum gripper, and monitoring at least one state variable during the handling; and generating an auxiliary vacuum in the vacuum gripper by a self-sufficient, secondary auxiliary vacuum system if the monitored state variable deviates from a target state.

Abstract: A robot gripper includes: i) a gripper body mounted at a front end of an arm of a robot, ii) a pair of mounting brackets installed on respective sides of the gripper body and configured to reciprocate in a direction toward each other or in a direction away from each other, and iii) finger members facing each other and fixedly installed on the pair of mounting brackets. In particular, the finger members include gripping recesses to grip portions of the screw part having different sizes and formed on ends of the screw part.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot arm, a balancer, and a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The balancer is pressurized in advance by a predetermined amount of pressure and contracted to a dimension smaller than a predetermined mounting dimension of the robot arm. The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are disposed on the robot arm to respectively accept a first end and a second end of the balancer so that the first end and the second end of the balancer are mounted on the robot arm. At least one mounting portion among the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion accepts the corresponding end, among the first end and the second end, of the balancer in a direction approximately parallel to a direction in which the balancer is expanded and contracted.

Abstract: A sortation system is disclosed for providing processing of homogenous and non-homogenous objects in both structured and cluttered environments. The sortation system includes a programmable motion device including an end effector, a perception system for recognizing any of the identity, location, and orientation of an object presented in a plurality of objects, a grasp selection system for selecting a grasp location on the object, the grasp location being chosen to provide a secure grasp of the object by the end effector to permit the object to be moved from the plurality of objects to one of a plurality of destination locations, and a motion planning system for providing a motion path for the transport of the object when grasped by the end effector from the plurality of objects to the one of the plurality of destination locations, wherein the motion path is chosen to provide a path from the plurality of objects to the one of the plurality of destination locations.

Abstract: A razor handle includes an elongated body extending in a longitudinal direction and has an outer surface. The outer surface of the handle is provided with a cavity. The cavity includes a first end and a second end and is open between the first and second ends. The razor handle further includes an insert, shaped to move freely within the cavity between the first and second ends.

Abstract: A tomato dicing assembly and method for making tomato cubes from a tomato includes a cutting guide member, support member, and spike tube member that each has a tubular shape configuration that fit together concentrically. The cutting guide member includes a tubular wall extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends, the cutting guide member including a cutting member defining a plurality of first cutting slots and body section defining second cutting slots transverse to the plurality of first cutting slots. The support member includes a continuous side wall defining having a closed upper end defining a plurality of holes spaced apart in a predetermined pattern and an open lower end. The spike tube member has a closed top including a plurality of spikes extending outwardly and are received through the plurality of holes when the spike tube member is received into the support member.

Abstract: An electronic pipe cutting system and methods of use are described herein. A drive cutting assembly contains one or more cutting wheels that rotate around a pipe. A drill is used to connect to a main shaft and one or more gears transfer and transform the energy of the drill into optimal motion of the cutting wheels. The present invention provides a low cost, compact and lightweight pipe cutting system in comparison to other electronic pipe cutting system.

Abstract: A food article slicing machine includes a food article loading apparatus with a lift tray assembly for moving food articles from a staging position to an elevated position at a beginning of a food article feed path, a food article feed apparatus disposed over the food article loading apparatus having an upper conveyor assembly with an independently driven endless conveyor belt used in cooperation with a food article gripper for moving the food articles along the food article feed path, a food article stop gate that forms part of the food article feed path and opens to drop food article end portions, and a slicing station at an end of the food article feed path with a knife for slicing the food articles.