Abstract: A mechanism-parametric-calibration method for a robotic arm system is provided, including: controlling the robotic arm to perform a plurality of actions so that one end of the robotic arm moves toward corresponding predictive positioning-points; determining a predictive relative-displacement between each two of the predictive positioning-points; after each of the actions is performed, sensing three-dimensional positioning information of the end of the robotic arm; determining, according to the three-dimensional positioning information, a measured relative-displacement moved by the end of the robotic arm when each two of the actions are performed; deriving an equation corresponding to the robotic arm from the predictive relative-displacements and the measured relative-displacements; and utilizing a feasible algorithm to find the solution of the equation.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for providing a vision-based robot control system are provided herein. A vision-based robot control system comprises a camera system interface to receive image data from a camera system; a trigger detection unit to determine a triggering action from the image data; and a transceiver to initiate a robot operation associated with the triggering action.

Abstract: An automatic positioning method and an automatic control device are provided. The automatic control device includes a processing unit, a memory unit, and a camera unit to automatically control a robotic arm. When the processing unit executes a positioning procedure, the camera unit obtains a first image of the robotic arm. The processing unit analyzes the first image to establish a three-dimensional working environment model and obtains first spatial positioning data. The processing unit controls the robotic arm to move a plurality of times to sequentially obtain a plurality of second images of the robotic arm by the camera unit and analyzes the second images and encoder information of the robotic arm to obtain second spatial positioning data. The processing unit determines whether an error parameter between the first spatial positioning data and the second spatial positioning data is less than a specification value to end the positioning procedure.

Abstract: A skin or skin system for a robot or robotics assembly is provided that includes one or more integral elastomeric links (or bars) (“IELs”) that are configured for receiving and connection with coupling elements or members (e.g., pivot pins) at the ends of mechanical links/bars. The IELs are also configured to act as a final link of a mechanical linkage made up of these mechanical links to provide a closed chain. For example, the body of each of the IELs, or a portion of the IEL body extending between connection points with the coupling elements of the links/bars of the mechanical linkage, provides a final link in a mechanical linkage forming a closed chain to allow it properly function.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable storage devices are for processing natural language commands, such as commands to a robotic arm, using a Tag & Parse approach to semantic parsing. The system first assigns semantic tags to each word in a sentence and then parses the tag sequence into a semantic tree. The system can use statistical approach for tagging, parsing, and reference resolution. Each stage can produce multiple hypotheses, which are re-ranked using spatial validation. Then the system selects a most likely hypothesis after spatial validation, and generates or outputs a command. In the case of a robotic arm, the command is output in Robot Control Language (RCL).

Abstract: A human augmented robotics intelligence operation system can include a plurality of robots, each robot having a plurality of sensors; a robot control unit; and one or more articulating joints; a cloud-based robotic intelligence engine having; a communication module; a historical database; and a processor; and a human augmentation platform. The processor can be configured to make a probabilistic determination regarding the likelihood of successfully completing the particular user command. When the probabilistic determination is above a pre-determined threshold, the processor sends necessary executable commands to the robot control unit. Alternatively, when the probabilistic determination is below the predetermined threshold, the processor generates an alert and flags the operation for human review.

Abstract: A sensor system according to the present disclosure includes a substrate, a force sensor, a calculation unit, and an output part. The substrate includes a reference plane and an inclined surface. The force sensor is provided on the inclined surface and outputs signals in three-axis directions that correspond to an orthogonal axis direction that is orthogonal to the inclined surface and two-axis directions that are parallel to the reference plane. The calculation unit calculates a pressing force in each coordinate axis direction of rectangular coordinates formed of an axis vertical to the reference plane and two axes parallel to the reference plane and moments around the respective coordinate axes of the rectangular coordinates. The output part outputs calculation results.

Abstract: A method for identifying at least one physical characteristic of a work piece includes selecting at least one test scheme having one or more test configurations. At least one error isolation scheme is selected having one or more counterpart test configurations. The work piece is moved through the one or more test configurations, and a sensor suite measures one or more of base force, torque, or motion. The work piece is moved through the one or more counterpart test configurations, and counterpart force, torque or motion are measured. Identification of the at least one physical characteristic includes isolating error common to one or more of the measured base and counterpart force, torque or motion, and removing the isolated error from the base measurements to generate one or more of refined force, torque or motion. The at least one physical characteristic is determined according to the one or more refined values.

Abstract: A robot including: for at least one sub-part, at least one measurement electrode, at least one type of electrical polarization for polarizing the at least one measurement electrode at a first alternating electrical potential, and the at least one polarization type is also arranged in order to polarize at least one electrically conductive part of the outer wall of at least one sub-part, at an alternating electrical potential (VG), called guard potential, identical or substantially identical to the first potential, at a working frequency.

Abstract: A characteristic estimation system, comprising circuitry configured to, cause a robot hand configured to grip an object to operate based on operation information defining an operation of the robot hand, acquire a physical quantity at a time when the robot hand grips the object, and estimate a characteristic of the object based on the physical quantity.

Abstract: A vacuum system (10) and method (100) used for creating a dynamically controlled vacuum system (10) for lifting processes (Wc) are disclosed. The compressed air used for an ejector (3) is varied by calculating the required vacuum levels (V? ) during the lifting process (Wc). This reduces the air consumption.

Abstract: In a configuration in which a plurality of pressure sensors axe arranged on each finger portion of a hand mechanism, a state of contact between the finger portion and an object, a contact position in which the finger portion contacts the object, and so on are recognized more accurately. In a hand mechanism that includes a plurality of finger portions and grips an object using the finger portions, a plurality of pressure sensors are mounted on the outer surface of each finger portion, and two adjacent pressure sensors, among the plurality of pressure sensors, are arranged close to each other. Further, a flexible cover formed from a flexible, membranous member is attached to each finger portion so as to cover the plurality of pressure sensors. According to this configuration, even when the object contacts a dead zone, contact between the finger portion and the object can be detected accurately.

Abstract: A testing system configured to determine at least one physical characteristic of a work piece. The testing system includes an effector frame having an effector interface configured for coupling with a manipulator assembly. The effector frame includes at least one torque sensor. A ballast bracket is configured for coupling between the at least one torque sensor and the work piece. The ballast bracket includes a sensor interface coupled with the at least one torque sensor, and at least one work piece latch configured for coupling with the work piece. A movable ballast assembly is coupled with the ballast bracket, and includes a counter ballast movably coupled with the ballast bracket and movable relative to the at least one torque sensor. A ballast actuator coupled with the counter ballast is configured to move the counter ballast relative to the at least one torque sensor.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robotic manipulator having one or more contact pads. The contact pads have features therein that are detectable to determine or measure a degree to which they have worn down. Such features may include fluorescent materials, colorful materials, and/or RFID tags. A robotic environment may include one or more sensors to detect such features, and may be configured to generate a signal indicating that one or more contact pads are in need of maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot including capacitive detection electrodes, at least one means of electrical polarization for polarizing the measurement electrodes at a first alternating electrical potential different from a general ground potential (MG), at a frequency, called working frequency. The robot is characterized in that, for at least one sub-part, called fitted-out the outer wall of which is at least partially non-electrically conductive, said at least one polarization means is also arranged in order to electrically guard the electrical items of said fitted-out sub-part at an alternating electrical potential (VG), called guard potential, identical or substantially identical to said first potential, at said working frequency.

Abstract: A port assembly (100) is generally disclosed that has an annular port ring (110) configured for placement in a barrier wall (10). The annular port ring (110) defines a port opening (20) extending from a first end (22) to a second end (24) and an annular sealing surface (118) about the port opening (20) on the second end (24). A port cover (120) is mechanically coupleable to the annular port ring (110). The port cover (120) defines an annular mating surface (124) configured to couple to the annular sealing surface (118) of the annular port ring (110). A manually actuatable handle (130) is in mechanical communication with the port cover (120). The handle (130) extends from the first end (22) of the annular port ring (110) away from the second end (24).

Abstract: An ambulatory cutting device is provided. The ambulatory cutting device provides a blade mounted, by way of a blade holding assembly, to a wheeled frame. The wheeled frame has handles for a user to push the wheeled frame along a surface supporting a roofing membrane or other cuttable membrane, wherein the blade holding assembly maintains the mounted blade at an elevation just below the supporting surface so that the membrane is cut as a user pushes the wheeled frame.

Abstract: Shear tools are described that are driven by a power assembly. In one version, the shear tools include a pivotally movable pair of lever arms. Upon activation of the power tool, the lever arms of the shear tool are pivotally displaced and urge a die along a shearing plane relative to another stationary die retained by the shear tool. In another version, the shear tools include a carriage and link assembly. Upon engagement and activation with a power assembly or power tool, a movable die is urged past a stationary die. Also described are systems and related methods utilizing the shear tools which enable convenient shearing or severing of workpieces such as strut channel.

Abstract: A single-blade razor apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. A razor apparatus may include a handle and a head pivotably mounted on the handle. The head may include a rear side including an aperture for receiving a single blade, as well as a front side through which a cutting edge of the blade is exposed during use. An upper portion and a lower portion of the head may form the aperture. The lower portion may physically interface with the upper portion so that a front region of the upper portion is physically supported by the lower portion. In a particular implementation, the lower portion may include several protruding latches proximate the front side of the head, which may respectively mate with recesses formed in the upper portion. Alternatively, the latches may be formed in the upper portion and may respectively mate with recesses formed in the lower portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a shaving head, including a blade and a blade holder. The holder includes a base for connecting the shaver handle, and a cover contacting the human skin during shaving, the base and the cover is detachably connected and the blade is fixed to the base. The present disclosure also provides a shaver. The present disclosure can replace only the cover.

Abstract: The retainer is operable to secure at least one blade within a housing of a shaving blade cartridge. The retainer extends along a pair of side edges of the housing, between a front edge of the housing and a rear edge of the housing. The retainer includes an upper end portion and either a lower end portion extending substantially parallel to the upper end portion and connected to the upper end portion by an intermediate portion, or one or a plurality of legs extending from an edge of the upper end portion.

Abstract: A personal appliance. The personal appliance includes a handle having an implement connecting structure. An implement is connected to the implement connecting structure. An implement displacement sensor is positioned in the handle. The implement displacement sensor measures a displacement of the implement relative to a fixed position of the handle. A power source, an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor are positioned in the handle.

Abstract: A safety razor handle comprising: an underneath surface portion facing the skin of the user in use and comprising an attachment means for attachment to a blade unit; a front surface portion facing in the opposite direction from the shaving direction in use; a rear surface portion facing in the shaving direction in use; a top surface portion and side surface portions, one directed to either side of the blade length in use; wherein the top surface portion, underneath surface portion and side surface portions together form a continuous smooth surface (which is a substantially cylindrical or substantially ellipsoid or substantially partially spherical surface; and wherein: the distance between the front surface portion and rear surface portion is between one third and three times, preferably between a half and twice, the largest dimension of the largest cross section through the continuous smooth surface.

Abstract: A table-like support placed within a pizza container between the pizza and the pizza container cover providing support for the pizza container cover to remain apart from the pizza, and includes a convenient and covered cutter cutting used to provide slices of a pizza pie. One embodiment includes within the support a removable section which reveals and provides user access to a circular cutter.

Abstract: A cutting jig which aides in preparing and presenting food items of uniform thickness and size. The jig may have a square or rectangular shape with evenly spaced slots in the side walls. The jig may include a cutting board sized to removably fit within the interior space of the jig.

Abstract: In an example, a cutting module may include a housing to engage the cutting module with a drive shaft, a cutter disposed in the housing, and a drive system to drive the cutter such that the cutter cuts media along a media path of an imaging device. The cutting module may move along the drive shaft laterally to the media path.

Abstract: A tool is configured for preparing an end of a pre-insulated tubing bundle having a central tube having a diameter and an outer insulation covering have a diameter. The tool includes a body having first and second body sections joined to one another and movable between an open position and a closed position. The body sections, when joined to one another define a circular central opening. The circular central opening has a diameter about equal to the diameter of the outer insulation covering. A cutting blade is positioned in one of the first and second section sections extending inwardly of the circular central opening a distance equal to one-half of a difference between the diameter of the outer insulation covering and the diameter of the central tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates pallet dismantling systems and methods. The disclosure provides pallet dismantling systems that use alignment forks, guides, and cutting tools to simplify the dismantling of pallets. The alignment fork comprising cantilevers with contact surfaces that abut a deckboard surface coupled to one or more stringers of the received pallet causing a junction between the deckboard surface and the one or more stringers to be in-line with the contact surfaces. Further, the dismantling system may comprise a cutting tool positioned planar to the contact surfaces of the cantilevers at a point along the alignment fork, the cutting tool to separate the one or more deckboards abutting the contact surfaces from the one or more stringers.

Abstract: An electric striking device is provided, including a main body and a striking unit. The main body includes an interior space and an outlet opening; the striking unit is disposed in the interior space, the striking unit includes an electromagnetic device, a driving member, a steering mechanism and an impacting member, the electromagnetic device drives the driving member to move along a direction perpendicular to an open direction of the outlet opening and further drive the impacting member to move along the open direction of the outlet opening.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, is used to accurately identify surface irregularities on a surface of a veneer sheet or other wood product. Based on the identified surface irregularities for a given wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to wood product or production process to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, and machine learning methods and systems, including one or more Machine Learning (ML) based surface irregularity prediction models, are used to accurately identify surface irregularities on a surface of a wood product, such as a veneer sheet or ribbon, and provide irregularity prediction data for the wood product. Based on the irregularity prediction data for a given wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to wood product or the production process to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, are used to detect irregularity in the surface of a wood product. Based on the detected irregularities at various locations in a given wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to a production process used to produce the wood product to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.

Abstract: A method for producing a shaped article comprising: a) providing a binder, which has been produced by a process of: (i) mixing (A) fungi or glucan and (B) starch with an alkaline agent to form an alkaline composition; and mixing the alkaline composition with an acidic agent to form the binder; or (ii) mixing (A) fungi or glucan and (B) starch with an acidic agent to form an acidic composition; and mixing the acidic composition with an alkaline agent to form the binder; (b) forming a binder composition by mixing the binder with filler material; (c) shaping the binder composition into a three-dimensional shape; and (d) curing the binder composition to form a shaped article having said three-dimensional shape, wherein steps c) and d) can be carried out simultaneously or separately, and wherein during one or both of steps c) and d) pressure is applied to the binder composition.

Abstract: Process and slip for the production of ceramic shaped parts made of zirconium oxide ceramic by a 3D inkjet printing process. The slip contains zirconium oxide which is suspended in a liquid medium, wherein the slip has a zirconium oxide content of from 68 to 88 wt.-% and contains not more than 5 wt.-% organic components. The process for the production of ceramic components comprises the layered shaping and subsequent sintering of the desired component from the slip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material for use as support material for energy-pulse-induced transfer printing, which contains (a) at least one energy transformation component, (b) at least one volume expansion component and (c) at least one binder and which has a viscosity at 25° C. of from 0.2 Pas to 1000 Pas and a surface tension at 25° C. of from 20 to 150 mN/m. The invention furthermore relates to a process for producing three-dimensional objects using the support material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing shaped bodies (5) from a building material, in which a layered structure of a shaped body (5) takes place by successively solidifying layers of the building material by exposure to electromagnetic radiation in a layer area having a contour specified for the respective layer. The method provides that together with the shaped body (5), a sleeve-like frame (6) surrounding the shaped body at a distance is constructed layer by layer from the building material, and that in addition, a plurality of pin-like connections (10) are constructed integral with the frame (6) and the shaped body (5), which are distributed around the shaped body (5) and which connect the shaped body (5) with the frame (6).

Abstract: The proposed solution solves a problem of designing a machine for producing molded composite parts that are homogeneously structured and the problem of finding a method for producing composite for implants. The essence of the design of the machine consists in that it has a portioning assembly, whereby above a mold form unit (14) there is a guiding unit (11) located opposite a dosing unit (6) and above the aforementioned guiding unit (11) there is a pressing assembly (20) slidingly mounted on a vertical frame (19) and which is equipped with at least one piston rod (25) with a rammer (27) at its end. A preliminary molding is being performed by thoroughly filling a preform trough and then the matter is being pushed out of the preform trough in portions and then each portion is rammed separately until consistency containing less than 15% air is achieved.

Abstract: A pressure detector is installed in close proximity to the nozzle of a 3D printer and detects a plugged nozzle by the sudden increase in the pressure of the extruded material. The printing process is paused until the nozzle is cleared manually or automatically. For manual cleaning a notification can be automatically sent to the user of the printer. The pressure sensor can be part of the nozzle housing and be designed to detect external forces as well, in order to serve as a bed levelling sensor.

Abstract: A system features a combination of an acoustic sensor and a communication transmitter. The acoustic sensor is arranged on a rotating container or drum having a slurry contained therein, including concrete, and configured to provide an acoustic signal to sense an acoustic signal containing information about a characteristic of the slurry, and provide acoustic sensor signaling containing information about the acoustic signal sensed. The communication transmitter is arranged on the rotating container or drum, and configured to receive the acoustic signal, and provide the acoustic signal received from the rotating container or drum for further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for producing fluid concrete comprising: a first mixer (100) configured to mix at least water (A1) and cement (C) so as to make a low fluidity concrete (2), having consistency class ?S2, a truck mixer configured to mix the low fluidity concrete (2) with further water (A2) so as to make a fluid concrete (3) having consistency class ?S2, a water supply means and at least a cement supply means configured so that said apparatus (1) can produce fluid concrete (3), a control and adjustment unit (4), connected to the water supply means and at least to the cement supply means, configured to selectively control and adjust the introduction of water (A1) and cement (C) into the first mixer (100) and the introduction of further water (A2) into the cement mixer.

Abstract: A slurry sprayer for supplying a slurry to a wire saw during ingot slicing is disclosed. The slurry sprayer includes a main body and a cover plate that is detachable from the main body for cleaning the slurry sprayer. In some embodiments, the slurry sprayer includes an adjustable support that allows the incline angle of the sprayer to be adjusted and allows the vertical and horizontal position of the slurry sprayer to be adjusted. In some embodiments, the slurry sprayer includes two feed openings to allow the slurry pressure to be more equalized across the slurry sprayer.

Abstract: A wafer dividing apparatus for dividing a wafer stuck to an adhesive tape and supported at an opening of a frame into individual chips along a scheduled division line is provided. The wafer dividing apparatus includes a cassette table movable upwardly and downwardly in a Z axis direction, a first carry-out/in unit that carries out the frame from the cassette placed on the cassette table or carry in the frame to the cassette, a first temporary receiving unit including a pair of first guide rails extending in the X axis direction and a guide rail opening/closing portion that increases the distance between the pair of first guide rails, a reversing unit including a holding portion that holds the frame and rotates by 180 degrees to reverse the front and back of the frame, and a transport unit that moves the reversed frame.

Abstract: A process for producing a rubber mixture in a mixing apparatus having at least one mixing chamber (4, 4?) in which rotors (5) are disposed, wherein a plant control system by means of which process parameters (especially the speed of the rotors (5), the suction output of a suction device (13, 14, 15) and the mixing time) are controlled by open- and closed-loop control is provided, wherein at least one rubber is mixed in the mixing chamber with at least one filler, especially silica, preferably with addition of at least one coupling agent, especially a silane, and wherein the gas mixture present in and above the mixing chamber is sucked out by means of the suction device, wherein volatile organic compounds, especially alcoholic gases, present in the gas mixture sucked in are detected continuously, wherein, in the event of exceedance of a concentration of organic compounds in the gas mixture sucked in that has been defined as the control limit, the concentration measured is employed as control variable in the pl

Abstract: The invention relates to a preform for producing a plastic container in a blow molding process, comprising an elongated, tube-like preform body, which is formed so as to be closed at the one longitudinal end thereof, and, at the other end thereof, has a neck section having a pouring opening. The preform is produced from recycled PET and aliphatic furanoate, wherein the recycled PET has a maximum of 2.5 percent by weight of a mixture of a mixture of isophthalic acid and diethylene glycol, wherein the proportion of isophthalic acid is a maximum of 2.0 percent by weight and the proportion of diethylene glycol is a maximum of 2.0% by weight, wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the preform. A clouding of the preform measured according to ASTM D 1003-00 is less than 5% by admixture of the aliphatic furanoate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming annular doses provides a flow of plasticised material supplied by an extruder which passes through a channel that is first cylindrical and then annular. The material exits from an annular outlet in front of which a cutting element passes that separates an annular dose of material. The dose is deposited on a surface of a capsule having a capacity to adhere to the dose that is greater than the cutting element. The surface and the cutting element are distanced from one another in such a manner that the annular dose remaining adhering to the capsule is detached from the element. Detachment can be promoted by a flow of air.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for creating precursors for consolidating composite parts. One embodiment is a method for forming a metallic structure. The method includes forming a precursor for a pressure membrane that includes a contour having a linearized length corresponding with a linearized length of a surface of a forming tool. The method also includes affixing a perimeter of the precursor to a perimeter of a base member, leaving a volume between the base member and the precursor, altering a shape of the precursor at a superplastic temperature by forcing the precursor into complementary contact with the surface of the forming tool, and setting the shape of the precursor while the precursor is held in complementary contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a negative skin and a tool. Such a tool can be used, for example, in the automotive industry.

Abstract: The present application relates to lubricant-infused molds such as omniphobic lubricant-infused molds and uses thereof, for example, in processes for fabricating molded objects such as microfluidics devices. Such processes can comprise coating a mold with a layer comprising a lubricant-tethering group to obtain a tether-coated mold, depositing a lubricant on the tether-coated mold to obtain a lubricant-infused mold (LIM), depositing a molded object precursor into the LIM and solidifying to obtain the molded object, and removing the molded object from the LIM.

Abstract: A method of protecting a repair joint having at least two workpieces joined by a fastener includes selecting a preformed functional body based on at least one joint characteristic and applying the preformed functional body to cover the fastener and at least a portion of one of the workpieces. Generally, the preformed functional body inhibits contamination or moisture ingress at a joint interface, and especially in a repair operation. The preformed functional body in one form defines a material that undergoes a color change to indicate a state of cure, and in another form is cured by UV light, moisture, or heat after application.

Abstract: Multilayer structures including a porous layer and a non-porous layer are useful as buttresses when associated with a surgical stapling apparatus.