Abstract: An articulated arm system is disclosed that includes an articulated arm including an end effector, and a robotic arm control systems including at least one sensor for sensing at least one of the position, movement or acceleration of the articulated arm, and a main controller for providing computational control of the articulated arm, and an on-board controller for providing, responsive to the at least one sensor, a motion signal that directly controls at least a portion of the articulated arm.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed for an articulated arm. The end effector includes a valve assembly including a plurality of supply channels, each supply channel including a supply conduit, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the supply conduit, and a supply conduit plug. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with a vacuum source. During use, each supply conduit is either at vacuum such that the pressure within the supply conduit is substantially at a vacuum pressure, or is at a pressure that is substantially higher than vacuum pressure because the supply conduit plug has moved to block a portion of the supply conduit. The pressure sensor of each supply conduit provides a pressure sensor signal responsive to whether the pressure in the conduit is either substantially at vacuum or is at a pressure that is substantially higher than vacuum.

Abstract: A robotic tool has a longitudinal shaft, defining a longitudinal axis when the shaft is in a default, centered position. A lockout rod is moveable between first and second positions. In the first position, the lockout rod allows the longitudinal shaft to move with 360 radial degrees of compliance about the longitudinal axis. In the second position, the lockout rod limits compliance of the longitudinal shaft to only one radial angle from the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment the lockout rod is positioned adjacent (e.g., above or below) part of one ring of a 2-axis concentric ring gimbal. The lockout rod is shaped so as to not contact any part of the gimbal in the first position, allowing compliance in a full 360 radial degrees. In the second position, the lockout rod limits the motion of one ring of the gimbal, limiting compliance of the shaft to motion of the other ring, which is necessarily limited to only one radial angle.

Abstract: A robotic system is disclosed that includes an articulated arm with an end effector. The robotic system is for use in a robotic environment requiring interaction with persons in the robotic environment, and includes a plurality of lights that are illuminated responsive to known near-future movements of the articulated arm to convey the known near-future movements of the articulated arm to the persons in the robot environment.

Abstract: A hair clipper includes a clipper body comprising a motor and a blade assembly connected to the clipper body such that the motor moves a blade of the blade assembly during operation. The blade assembly comprising a blade housing and the blade that extends outwardly from an opening in the housing and a linkage that is connected to the blade and biases the blade toward a fully extended configuration. Wherein, upon application of a force against the blade during use that is above a preselected threshold, the blade assembly includes a retracted configuration wherein the blade retracts into the blade housing using the linkage.

Abstract: A hair clipper includes a clipper body comprising a motor and a blade assembly connected to the clipper body such that the motor moves a moveable blade of the blade assembly during operation. The blade assembly includes a blade housing having a guide surface that faces skin of a patient during operation and a patterned array of ribs that are located on the guide surface defining a guide plane. The ribs of the patterned array of ribs are arranged spaced-apart from one another and are sized to provide a kinetic friction force against dry skin of the patient of less than 1 N using a normal force of 3.5 N.

Abstract: Surgical clipper blade assemblies with hydrophobic coating layers and methods of use for hair removal from a skin area include using a surgical clipper blade assembly including a blade, a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of sidewalls disposed and extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and an aperture configured to receive the blade, and a hydrophobic coating layer disposed on at least a portion of a top skin facing surface comprising the top surface and the blade. The surgical clipper blade assembly may include a plurality of ribs on the top surface, and the portion of the top skin facing surface may include the top surface, the blade, the plurality of ribs, or combinations thereof. During operation of the blade to remove hair from the skin area, the hydrophobic coating layer reduces friction forces and prevents risk of skin abrasions.

Abstract: The lubricating strip for a razor cartridge includes a first layer including a first lubricating material having a first color; and a second layer disposed under the first layer and including a second lubricating material having a second color different from the first color. The first layer and the second layer are configured to form at least one boundary line, which is not parallel to a straight line along a width direction of the lubricating strip, on a cross-section of the lubricating strip cut in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the lubricating strip; and define multiple shaving layers including a first shaving layer including the first layer, a second shaving layer including the first layer and the second layer, and a third shaving layer including the second layer, the multiple shaving layers being arranged along a straight line parallel to a height direction of the lubricating strip.

Abstract: Shaving razors and shaving assemblies for wet shaving, including a blade unit pivotably mounted on an interface element, are disclosed. Pivoting of the blade unit is accomplished using a shell bearing arrangement in which the shell bearing member is provided on an interface element. An elastomeric return element is provided to bias the blade unit towards a rest position.

Abstract: Shaving razors and shaving assemblies for wet shaving are disclosed, which include a blade unit pivotably mounted on arms extending from an interface element. The arms have features that allow them to flex, in some cases in a differential manner depending on the direction of applied forces.

Abstract: A shaving device comprising a handle, a support member, a blade cartridge retention frame, and a replaceable blade assembly. The support member is disposed about a first end of the handle and includes at least one arm extending outward from a yoke. The blade cartridge retention frame includes a blade cartridge retention frame magnet and is coupled to the at least one arm and configured to pivot about a pivot axis. The replaceable blade assembly includes a blade assembly magnet and a blade assembly body having a face with a razor blade. The blade assembly magnet and the blade cartridge retention frame magnet are configured to create a repulsive magnetic force therebetween to releasably couple the replaceable blade assembly to the blade cartridge retention frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a razor base (2) comprising a head portion (4), wherein the head portion (4) comprises a forward surface (42) and a rear surface (44) opposite to the forward surface (42); and at least one rear extension (6, 60) extending away from the rear surface (44); wherein the rear surface (44) and the at least one rear extension (6, 60) together define finger end receiving sections (8) each configured to receive a finger end section (102) of a user. The present invention also relates to a corresponding razor and to a corresponding use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cutting food products. The apparatus includes an annular-shaped cutting head having at least a first mounting frame surrounding a central axis of the cutting head and a plurality of cutting tools arranged around the central axis of the cutting head and pivotably coupled to the first mounting frame such that each cutting tool has a pivot axis. The method includes deflecting each cutting tool about its pivot axis by engaging first portions of the cutting tools in proximity to the first mounting frame to deflect the first portions a first radial deflection distance relative to the central axis and engaging second portions of the cutting tools to deflect the second portions a second radial deflection distance relative to the central axis. The first and second radial deflection distances can be adjusted individually or in unison.

Abstract: Cutting wheels equipped with knife assemblies suitable for performing size reduction operations on products, methods of operating cutting wheels, knife holders for such knife assemblies, methods of manufacturing knife holders, and slicing machines capable of utilizing such cutting wheels. The knife assemblies each have a leading edge that faces a direction of rotation of the cutting wheel, a trailing edge oppositely disposed from the leading edge, and a cutting edge on the leading edge. Each knife assembly further has a knife holder having a first surface that faces the products advanced toward the cutting wheel in a feed direction and a registration surface formed in the first surface. The registration surface is defined by at least a first recessed planar surface that is recessed a distance relative to the first surface and defines with the first surface at least a first step therebetween.

Abstract: A tool (1) for cutting cylindrical conduits. The tool comprises a body (2) having an opening (3) extending along a predetermined axis through the body. A slot (4) extends from an external surface (5) of the body to a mouth (6) of the opening (3). A cutting blade (14) extends into the opening along a plane extending at right angles to said predetermined axis. The body has a first portion (7) on one side of the slot (4) and a second portion (8) on the other side of the slot.

Abstract: A pizza slicing device for automated pizza cutting includes a housing that defines an interior space. The housing is coupled to and extends vertically from a first end of a base plate. A bar, which is tubular, is coupled to the housing distal from the base plate. The bar extends perpendicularly from the housing toward a second end of the base plate. A cutting assembly is coupled to and is selectively extendable from a bottom of the bar. An actuator is coupled to the housing and positioned in the interior space. The actuator is operationally coupled to the cutting assembly. The actuator is positioned to urge the cutting assembly to extend from the bar. The cutting assembly extends to the base plate so that a pizza that is positioned on the base plate is sliced.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a food processing apparatus with a scanner with a scanning unit for determining properties of a food product, in particular a food bar, with at least two substantially parallel separately drivable conveyor tracks for supplying the food products to the scanner, and with a control unit for controlling the drive of the conveyor tracks. According to the disclosure, the control unit is adapted to separately control the drive of the conveyor tracks to convey at least one food product of a first conveyor track and at least one food product of a further conveyor track sequentially through a scanning area of the scanner. The disclosure further relates to a method for scanning food products.

Abstract: Machine for cutting to size rolls with a defined length from logs having a greater length using a conveyor belts to drive the log to a cutting blade. Photocells are used to determine the length of the longs and to assist with the overall workings of the machine.

Abstract: A chainsaw 1 (electric-power-driven working device) comprises a body case 10, a cutting attachment 20 (work tool), a motor 30 and a battery 90. A front portion 11a of the body case 10 houses the motor 30 and a battery mount-and-release portion 12 is formed on a rear portion 11b of the body case 10. The battery 90 mounted on the battery mount-and-release portion 12 extends in an upper-lower direction across and over a middle portion in a height direction of the rear portion 11b of the body case 10. The side handle 50 arranged to a side face of the body case 10 extends from the front portion 11a to the rear portion 11b of the body case 10. A rear end portion 52 of the side handle is disposed rearward of and below an output shaft 31 of the motor 30.

Abstract: A super strong and tough densified wood structure is formed by subjecting a cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes lignin therefrom. The treated wood retains lumina of the natural wood, with cellulose nanofibers of cell walls being aligned. The treated wood is then pressed in a direction crossing the direction in which the lumina extend, such that the lumina collapse and any residual fluid within the wood is removed. As a result, the cell walls become entangled and hydrogen bonds are formed between adjacent cellulose nanofibers, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the wood among other mechanical properties. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the densified wood, it can be adapted to various applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying material to a plant for producing slabs. The apparatus comprises means for supplying the material to be formed, first collecting and moving means, a conveyor cassette and second collecting and moving means. The means for supplying the material take the material from reservoirs and deposit it on the first collecting and moving means to form a semi-finished mat. The first collecting and moving means provide a stable base for the material and move the semi-finished mat towards the conveyor cassette, which receives the semi-finished mat and deposits a uniform pad on the second collecting and moving means. The second collecting and moving means provide a stable base for the uniform pad and move it towards successive stations in the plant. The conveyor cassette comprises at least one flap adapted to cross the entire thickness of the flow of material which, goes through the conveyor cassette.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus including a ceramic powder material injection device, a supercritical fluid providing device, and a mold is provided. The ceramic powder material injection device is adapted to contain a ceramic powder material. The supercritical fluid providing device is adapted to provide a supercritical fluid to the ceramic powder material injection device. The mold has a molding concavity, wherein the ceramic powder material injection device is adapted to mix the ceramic powder material and the supercritical fluid to form a mixed material and inject the mixed material into the molding concavity. In addition, an injection molding method is also provided.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus including a ceramic powder material injection device, a mold, and a gas providing device is provided. The ceramic powder material injection device is adapted to contain a ceramic powder material. The mold has a molding concavity, wherein the ceramic powder material injection device is adapted to inject at least the ceramic powder material into the molding concavity. The gas providing device is adapted to provide a gas into the molding concavity to increase a pressure in the molding concavity to increase a density of the ceramic powder material in the molding concavity. In addition, an injection molding method is also provided.

Abstract: A mold assembly and method for molding two concrete blocks in face-to-face non-contacting relationship forms blocks having smooth front faces. The mold assembly includes a mold box having two mold cavities configured to form two blocks in face-to-face non-contacting relationship. A common partition plate separates the two mold cavities and opposite sides of the partition plate form the smooth front faces of the blocks. The two mold cavities are each configured to form a block having a raised front face with a beveled edge around its entire perimeter and a border around the entire perimeter of the beveled edge. The portions of the border at the top and the sides of the raised front face are curved and the portion of the border at the bottom of the raised front face is straight. A core bar is slidably inserted into the mold box beneath the bottom of the partition plate, and opposite sides of the core bar extend into and form the front bottom portions of the mold cavities.

Abstract: Cement truck comprising a motor vehicle and a drum kit connected through connection means. The motor vehicle comprises a vehicle and a first drive system to drive the vehicle and the drum kit comprises a rotating drum and a second drive system to drive the rotating drum. The connection means comprise at least electric connection means.

Abstract: A volumetric mixer control system for a mobile volumetric mixer for controlling a mix recipe produced by the mobile volumetric mixer. The control system on the mobile volumetric mixer has a programmable logic controller, electronic control units for controlling flow control devices, and a controller area network for controlling the mixer control system. A mobile electronic device connects the controller area network on the mobile volumetric mixer to a remote terminal for providing a control signal to the mobile electronic device to control the mix produced by the volumetric mixer.

Abstract: A vibrating type hard rock cutting mechanism with a function of directional high-speed abrasive jet advanced slitting includes a disc-shaped hob, a cutting main shaft and a valve plate. When the vibrating type hard rock cutting mechanism works, an outlet of a high-pressure abrasive jet generating system is communicated to a cutting mechanism abrasive jet inlet. An abrasive jet enters an abrasive jet nozzle through flow channels in the valve plate, the cutting main shaft and the disc-shaped hob and forms a directional high-speed abrasive jet. The cutting main shaft is directly driven to rotate by an axial permanent magnet motor. The cutting mechanism enables the disc-shaped hob to vibrate under the action of a vibration motor. A macro crack is formed on a rock mass by rotating the abrasive jet. The rotating disc-shaped hob can be wedged into the formed crack in a vibration manner by swinging the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A responsive material having an elastomeric matrix in which ferromagnetic particles are dispersed so as to have a predetermined magnetization pattern which, when exposed to an external magnetic field, changes the shape of the responsive material from an initial shape to a predetermined transformed shape dictated by the magnetization pattern. An initial shape of the responsive material is formed by direct ink printing while applying magnetic fields to a dispensing nozzle to align the particles and gives rise to the desired magnetization pattern.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ring dryer, comprising a housing, a top cover provided at the top of the housing, and a base provided at the bottom of the housing, and further comprising a feeding system into which the material to be dried flows, a material coating assembly, a material extrusion assembly, a discharging scraper, and at least two cylinders with different radii, wherein each of the cylinders is provided with a heat medium flow path inside, an annular groove is formed between the adjacent cylinders, and a material outlet is provided at a free end of the feeding system; the material to be dried in the feeding system flows into the annular groove along the material outlet; the material coating assembly, the material extrusion assembly and the discharging scraper are movably arranged in the annular groove and can move along the annular groove relative to the cylinders; and a blade of the discharging scraper is respectively in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder and an out

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a pre-impregnated fibrous material comprising a continuous fibre fibrous material and at least one thermoplastic polymer matrix, characterized in that said pre-impregnated fibrous material is made of a single unidirectional ribbon or a plurality of parallel ribbons unidirectional and in that said method comprises an impregnation step, in particular at the core, of said fibrous material being in the form of a roving or of several parallel rovings by said thermoplastic polymer being in powder form, said step of impregnation being carried out with said at least one thermoplastic polymer and said fibrous material the D90/D10 ratio of which by volume of the thermoplastic polymer particles ranges from 1.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an impregnated fibrous material including a fibrous material made of continuous fibers and at least one thermoplastic polymer matrix, the method including pre-impregnating the fibrous material while it is in the form of a roving or several parallel rovings with the thermoplastic material and heating the thermoplastic matrix for melting, or maintaining in the molten state, the thermoplastic polymer after pre-impregnation, the at least one heating step being carried out by means of at least one heat-conducting spreading part (E) and at least one heating system, with the exception of a heated calendar, the roving or the rovings being in contact with part or all of the surface of the at least one spreading part (E) and partially or wholly passing over the surface of the at least one spreading part (E) at the level of the heating system.

Abstract: A method for applying a sealant to the surface of an object includes forming an annular dose of synthetic plasticised material supplied from an extruder, depositing the dose on the surface of object and compression forming the dose to form a seal. The extruder includes an annular outlet which is opened and closed to deposit successive doses. Each dose that exits the annular outlet is separated from a supply of plasticized material in the extruder.

Abstract: A composite material molding jig for molding a long member made of a fiber base material and a resin on a plate member includes: a first member that is made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient equivalent to a thermal expansion coefficient of the long member, internally includes a space serving as a mold of the long member, and has an outer surface formed flat in a longitudinal direction; and a second member that is made of a material lighter than the material of the first member, internally includes a space shaped to contain the first member, and has an inner surface formed flat in the longitudinal direction, wherein the fiber base material is placed in the space inside the first member, and the first member is placed in the space inside the second member for molding the long member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing high-contour structures by utilizing high pressure differential and applied consolidation temperatures, without the use of a heated press.

Abstract: A structure comprising a plurality of walls defining a bladder cavity, the bladder cavity comprises an initial cross section size. A first plurality of wave features provided along at least one of the plurality of walls defining the bladder cavity. In one arrangement, the first plurality of wave features allow the structure to expand from the initial cross section size to a second cross section size after the structure becomes inflated during a composite charge cure, the second cross section size larger than the initial cross sectional size.

Abstract: A rotational mold system includes at least two molds. A mold cavity is defined in each of the molds and designed to receive molding material that is injected into the mold cavity. Each of the molds is heated using one or more electric heaters that are directly attached to the mold or attached to a separate platen that is in contact with the mold. The heat transferred to the molds melts the molding material within the mold cavities, allowing the molding material to coat the inside walls of the molds as the molds are rotated.

Abstract: Processes for the manufacturing of dip-molded articles can include the application of compression to remove molding materials from within the dip-molded articles. In some embodiments, inflatable implantable medical devices are dip-molded and can be manufactured using such compression processes.

Abstract: Thermoplastic packaging trays are provided that are filled with a product and wrapped in film, and methods of producing the tray with a peripheral edge region that avoids tearing of the overwrap film. In various embodiments, the tray has a beaded, a flat, or a combined beaded and flat peripheral edge.

Abstract: A process for producing an eyelet for a biomedical electrode (e.g. an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode) involves: hot pressing an electrically conductive thermoplastic or elastomeric resin to produce a film having a web of eyelets, each eyelet having a post protruding from a first face of the film and a flange at a second face of the film; applying a coating of a non-polarizable conductive material (e.g. a silver-containing material) on to a contact face of the flange; and, cutting the film to produce the eyelets separated from the web. Preferably, the process involves extrusion replication. A web of eyelets for biomedical electrodes has a film of an electrically conductive thermoplastic or elastomeric resin possessing a plurality of posts protruding from a first face of the film, and preferably a layer of a non-polarizable conductive material on a second face of the film. The process may be a one-step continuous process that is cheaper and simpler than current commercial processes.

Abstract: Described is a rosin press system for extracting rosin (oil) from plant material. The rosin press system includes a male plate with a male protrusion and a female plate formed to matingly receive the male protrusion. The plates can be heated such that when plant material is pressed between the plates, rosin is pressed from the plant material and allowed to drain from a drain hole positioned at the middle of the female plate.

Abstract: A compression molding technique, assembly and method for producing an acoustic/environmental sealing component, such as for use in a vehicle pillar. A two part mold defines a negative impression cavity of the completed part and within which is deposited a compounded and expandable resin as any of loose beads, granules or a syrup. The resin is heated within the mold to a temperature below that necessary for it activation/expansion, concurrent with being compression formed. A pre-formed rigid substrate not limited to a nylon is incorporated into the mold and against which is compression formed the resin.

Abstract: A metal resin composite-molded article which can suppress deformation induced by laser processing in a technique for improving the adhesion between a metal plate and a resin by forming grooves on the surface of the metal plate by means of a laser, even if the metal plate is thin. A metal resin composite-molded article obtained by insert-molding a resin composition on a metal plate having a thickness of 500 ?m or less, grooves are formed on the surface of the metal plate in which the resin composition is inserted, the width of the grooves is 30-300 ?m, the depth of the grooves is at most 24% of the thickness of the metal plate, and the ratio of the width to the depth is 0.1-2.5.

Abstract: One example includes an injection-molded component comprising a surface surrounded by peripheral edges and which is formed via an injection-molding process. The surface includes a three-dimensional surface feature to render the surface as being non-planar across at least a portion of the surface. The surface also includes a plurality of holographic micro-features formed across the surface and being to interact with ambient light to provide a holographic image corresponding to an authentication mark associated with the injection-molded component.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of plastic molds comprises:—an injection molding tool comprising a first and second molding tool halves and—a gripper tool comprising a plurality of gripper members to which suction can be applied. The first and second molding tool halves are movable into the closed position and into an open position. A front surface of the first molding members comprises recesses to allow the formation of pins projecting from the rear surface the plastic mold into the recesses to make the plastic molds adhere to the first molding members. The gripper tool is movably arranged only in a direction parallel to the first surface into the space formed between the first and second surfaces for transferring the plastic molds to the gripper members and out of this space again.

Abstract: This resin temperature detecting device for an injection molding machine detects the temperature of resin (12) flowing through a resin flow passage (11) in an injection molding machine provided with a nozzle part (1) having the resin flow passage (11). A heat sensing part (SP) of a temperature sensor (10) is provided at a heat sensing position in the vicinity of a leading end part (N) of the resin flow passage (11) in the nozzle part (1), the leading end part being the portion of the resin flow passage (11) where the inner diameter is smallest.

Abstract: Polymeric foam layer comprising a star polymer, wherein the polymeric foam layer has a thickness up to 25,700 micrometers, and methods of making the same. Exemplary uses of polymeric foam layers described herein including a finishing pad for silicon wafers and vibration damping.

Abstract: An extruding system includes a melting unit configured to convey a polymeric material, a mixing unit configured to mix the polymeric material with a blowing agent to form a mixture, an injection unit configured to inject the mixture, a first flow control element disposed between the melting unit and the mixing unit, and a second flow control element disposed between the mixing unit and the injection unit. A method of extruding includes conveying a polymeric material from a melting unit to a mixing unit, conveying a blowing agent into the mixing unit, mixing the polymeric material with the blowing agent to form a mixture, conveying the mixture from the mixing unit to an injection unit, and discharging the mixture from the injection unit, wherein flow of the polymeric material is controlled by a first flow control element, and flow of the mixture is controlled by a second flow control element.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to devices for sealing gaps in an extrusion assembly to provide for a consistent extrusion. In one embodiment, a barrel-shaped sealing device with a resilient protruding edge is used to prevent extrusion material from entering gaps between the piston and the inner surface of the barrel. The sealing device includes a fastener to releasably attach the sealing device to the piston. Sealing rings are inserted into a bottom gap formed between the bottom edge of the barrel and the bottom surface of the die.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular resin material and controlling such conveyance includes a sensor associated with granular plastic resin material receiver with the sensing vacuum level thereat and a microprocessor adjusting vacuum pump speed based on vacuum level sensed at the receiver.

Abstract: A method of producing a part printed in a layer-wise manner includes providing a pre-fabricated starter piece with a first course of loops and printing a layer of a part by extruding one or more flowable thermoplastic materials about the existing course of loops such that an upper surface of the layer is at a selected height on the existing course of loops. The method includes knitting a next course of loops to the existing course of loops to form a portion of an internal woven reinforcement network, and printing a next layer of the part by extruding one or more flowable thermoplastic materials about the next course of loops such that an upper surface of the next layer is at a selected height on the next course of loops, wherein the next course of loops extends above the structure being printed and may function as an existing course of loops for subsequent knitting steps.