Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for programming a controller to control a process. A training module is trained to provide predicted responses of the process to control signals using a generic simulator to model the process. Once the training module has been trained, the controller is programmed to control the process by coupling the controller to the training module and using the training module to generate predicted responses of the process to the reception of control signals from the controller. As part of the programming process, one or more parameters of a control program resident on the controller may be adjusted to reduce errors between the responses predicted by the training module and the desired responses intended to be caused by the control signals.

Abstract: The partitioning method for a working space of a robot includes defining the working space of the robot; setting a plurality of partitioning planes based on at least three non-collinear points in the working space; if the setting of the plurality of partitioning planes is completed, defining partitioning lines by intersecting the plurality of partitioning planes; dividing the plurality of partitioning planes into a plurality of designated sections and a plurality of extended sections based on the partitioning lines; combining the plurality of designated sections for constructing a full partitioning plane; partitioning the working space into two working regions based on the full partitioning plane; and setting the working region containing an origin of the robot as an operation region. Therefore, the partitioning process can be simplified.

Abstract: A motion target direction angle obtaining method and a robot using the same. The method includes: creating an absolute coordinate system, and obtaining an absolute position coordinate of at least one point after the first point in the absolute coordinate system; creating a relative coordinate system with the first point as an origin, and obtaining a relative position coordinate corresponding to the at least one point In the relative coordinate system; calculating matrix parameters of a transformation matrix based on the absolute position coordinate of the at least one point and the relative position coordinate corresponding to the at least one point; and determining a direction angle of the motion target at the first point based on the matrix parameters. Combines an absolute portioning method and a relative positioning method to calculate the direction angle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an impedance control method for a biped robot as well as an apparatus and a biped robot using the same. The method includes: correcting an impact force on a landing leg in the two legs of the biped robot using a natural attenuation function, and taking the corrected impact force as an input of an impedance control; obtaining an impedance model of the biped robot; determining a transfer function of the impedance control based on the impedance model; calculating an output of the impedance control based on the input of the impedance control and the transfer function of the impedance control; determining a joint angle of each joint based on the output of the impedance control and a planned pose of the biped robot; and transmitting joint angle information of each joint to motor(s) of the joint to perform the impedance control.

Abstract: Provided is a highly safe robot system. A robot system includes: an arm operation control unit that controls operations of an arm; and a storage unit that records hazardous part information related to at least any one of a grip unit of the arm and a work target gripped with the grip unit, and the arm operation control unit causes the arm to operate such that the hazardous direction of the hazardous part is different from a moving direction of the grip unit on the basis of the hazardous part information.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a surgical robot which can enhance flexibility of treatment while ensuring sufficient safety of a surgery. The surgical robot 1 has a robot body 4, an input unit 5 for inputting control information of the robot body 4, a control unit 11 for controlling the robot body 4 based on the control information input to the input unit 5, an input side abnormality detection unit 6 for detecting abnormality of an operator, an output side abnormality detection unit 8 for detecting abnormality of a surgery state, an abnormality countermeasure unit 9 for dealing with the abnormality of the surgery state detected by the output side abnormality detection unit 8, contents of an abnormality countermeasure action being changed based on a detection result of the input side abnormality detection unit 6.

Abstract: A robot system that includes a remote station and a robot face. The robot face includes a camera that is coupled to a monitor of the remote station and a monitor that is coupled to a camera of the remote station. The robot face and remote station also have speakers and microphones that are coupled together. The robot face may be coupled to a boom. The boom can extend from the ceiling of a medical facility. Alternatively, the robot face may be attached to a medical table with an attachment mechanism. The robot face and remote station allows medical personnel to provide medical consultation through the system.

Abstract: A robot system with a robot that has a camera and a remote control station that can connect to the robot. The connection can include a plurality of privileges. The system further includes a server that controls which privileges are provided to the remote control station. The privileges may include the ability to control the robot, joint in a multi-cast session and the reception of audio/video from the robot. The privileges can be established and edited through a manager control station. The server may contain a database that defines groups of remote control station that can be connected to groups of robots. The database can be edited to vary the stations and robots within a group. The system may also allow for connectivity between a remote control station at a user programmable time window.

Abstract: Various arrangements for remote control battery compartment cover removal systems and methods are presented. A sensor may measure the distance from the sensor to a remote control that is inserted into a housing. An extendable arm may have a compressible impact component, such that when the extendable arm is extended from an unextended position and the remote control is inserted into the housing, the compressible impact component actuates a latching mechanism of the remote control's battery compartment cover.

Abstract: A sensing manipulator of an articulated arm is disclosed. The sensing manipulator includes a compliant section and a movement detection system provided along a first direction of the compliant section such that movement of the compliant section along both the first direction and at least one direction transverse to said first direction, are detectable by the movement detection system.

Abstract: A robot system for performing drive control of a robot arm with respect to a target object according to information obtained by a camera, including a robot having a working section, a camera mounted in the vicinity of the working section, and a control device for controlling the driving of the robot while confirming the target object based on image data of the camera, is provided. The control device performs image-capture control, which executes image-capturing of the target object with the camera a plurality of times when moving the working section with respect to the target object according to a predetermined trajectory, and focus control, in which predetermined images within a plurality of images captured by image-capture control are in focus.

Abstract: A robotic arm mounted camera system allows an end-user to begin using the camera for object recognition without involving a robotics specialist. Automated object model calibration is performed under conditions of variable robotic arm pose dependent feature recognition of an object. The user can then teach the system to perform tasks on the object using the calibrated model. The camera's body can have parallel top and bottom sides and adapted to be fastened to a robotic arm end and to an end effector with its image sensor and optics extending sideways in the body, and it can include an illumination source for lighting a field of view.

Abstract: The present application provides a motion simulator apparatus and method of use. The motion simulator apparatus may include an anthropomorphic robot arm adapted to provide at least six degrees of freedom of movement, a user pod for receiving a user and being operatively connected to the anthropomorphic robot arm, and a haptic interface operatively associated with the user pod for providing haptic feedback to the user in correspondence with the movement of the user pod.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a deformable object includes determining respective 3D position of one or more markers on the deformable object held by a robotic manipulator; determining a deformation model of the deformable object by mapping movement of the robotic manipulator and movement of one or more markers; and controlling the robotic manipulator based on the determined deformation model to manipulate the deformable object so as to move the one or more markers into respective target position.

Abstract: Gripper pads are provided for use, augmentation or retrofitting in a robot manipulator. The gripper pads distinguish a dry adhesive layer with dry adhesive wedges that would interface with an object that is desired to be manipulated. The plurality of dry adhesive wedges is organized in a pattern such that the pattern has at least two different orientations for the direction of the plurality of wedges. The gripper pads further distinguish a sensor array underneath the dry adhesive layer. The data obtained from the sensor array provides an estimate of the shape and size of the contact between the gripper pad and the object when the dry adhesive layer is in contact with the object.

Abstract: A present disclosure relates to a shape compliant electroadhesive gripper for picking up atypical objects having various shapes, sizes, and materials, and a shape compliant electroadhesive gripper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body, a shape compliant module disposed on the body, rigidity of the shape compliant modules being variably controllable, and an electroadhesive module disposed on the shape compliant module.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, transfer equipment includes: a first negative-pressure generation source; a plurality of first vacuum suction parts; a sensor part; and a first determination circuit. The sensor part configured to acquire a plurality of measured values corresponding to the negative pressure of each of the first vacuum suction parts. The first determination circuit configured to set a first threshold value based on the measured values and determine a vacuum suction state of the first vacuum suction parts corresponding to the measured valued based on the first threshold value and the measured values.

Abstract: A robot hand apparatus includes a first holder having a bendable first sucking surface that sucks an object using negative pressure; and a second holder having a bendable second sucking surface that sucks the object using negative pressure. The first holder and the second holder are arranged such that the first sucking surface opposes the second sucking surface. When the first holder and the second holder hold the object, in a state in which the first sucking surface is bent at a first position and the second sucking surface is bent at a second position, the object is sucked to a region of the first sucking surface between the first position and a distal end of the first holder, and the object is sucked to a region of the second sucking surface between the second position and a distal end of the second holder.

Abstract: A suction-cup end effector conforms to and grasps objects upon application of vacuum force. The suction cup assembly can have isotropic stiffness in a plane defined by a contact surface of the suction cup assembly and thus can conform regardless of the orientation of the suction cup to the object. The suction cup includes a foam suction cup body, a thin structural ring to provide a spring bias toward a rest position, and a sealing membrane within the structural ring to seal the suction cup.

Abstract: A robot gripper has a housing having at least one flexible chamber, at least one finger channel, and at least one column channel; a finger configured to insert within the finger channel; and at least one column having a base with one or more ports, a conduit in communication with the ports, and one or more column apertures for access to the conduit; wherein the at least one column is configured to insert within the at least one column channel with the one or more column apertures aligning with the one or more flexible chambers such that the flexible chambers are in fluid communication with the conduit. As fluid enters a first set of chambers, the chambers expand, thereby pivoting the fingers attached thereto on a pivot point, bringing the working end of the fingers closer together.

Abstract: A gripping device includes a bag-shaped gripping body, a plurality of elastic portions, and a shape holding portion. The gripping body includes a palm portion, and a plurality of finger portions protruding from a periphery of the palm portion and configured to fall toward the palm portion by deforming the palm portion in a thickness direction. The plurality of elastic portions is respectively provided in the plurality of finger portions, each of the plurality of elastic portions having a shape of each of the plurality of finger portions. The shape holding portion is provided in the gripping body to prevent contraction of an outer periphery of the palm portion. The shape holding portion includes a guide bore for receiving the palm portion when being deformed, and a curved portion provided on an outer side of a distal end of the guide bore and facing the plurality of finger portions.

Abstract: A robotic actuator comprises a mass manufactured bellows, wherein the mass manufactured bellows allows a volume change by localized bending, and wherein the mass manufactured bellows is formed from a material that has a higher strength in at least two axes relative to at most one other axis, and an end effector, wherein the end effector is coupled to the manufactured bellows.

Abstract: To provide a robot system capable of ensuring safety while giving consideration to the occurrence of a trouble in image capture means. A robot system with a camera for monitoring a robot comprises: current position model generation means that generates a current position model for the robot based on current position data about the robot and robot model data about the robot; simulation image generation means that generates a simulation image of the robot viewed from the direction of the camera based on set position data about the camera, set position data about the robot, and the current position model; detection means that compares the simulation image and a monitoring image acquired from the camera to detect the robot in the monitoring image; and safety ensuring means that ensures the safety of the robot system if the detection means does not detect the robot in the monitoring image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a razor which is easy to wash and includes a through-hole connected to a cartridge via a handle, the razor including a razor blade cartridge including at least one razor blade, and a handle coupled to a rear of the razor blade cartridge, wherein the handle is shaped to comprise a through-hole which extends along at least a portion of a profile of the handle, and the through-hole includes a first open area formed to face the rear of the razor blade cartridge and a second open area which is opposite the first open area.

Abstract: A trimming assembly for dreadlocks comprises a handle. A cutting head is operatively connected to the handle. The cutting head comprises a cutting head body defining a receptacle at a radial end thereof. The receptacle is structured to receive a dreadlock. A blade protector is positioned axially within the receptacle. A curvature of the blade protector corresponds to a curvature of an inner wall of the receptacle. A blade is interposed between the blade protector and the inner wall. The blade defines a cutting edge at an axial end thereof proximate to the handle. The cutting edge is structured to cut loose hair protruding outwards from the dreadlock as the cutting head is moved along the dreadlock.

Abstract: A cutter comprising a first cutting portion having a first cutting edge, a second cutting portion having a second cutting edge and pivotally coupled to the first cutting portion, a relief aperture defined by the first and second cutting portions adjacent the first and second cutting edges, and a relief guard coupled to the first and second cutting portions to at least partially cover the relief aperture such that an object to be received between the first and second cutting portions is restricted from entering the relief aperture.

Abstract: An industrial slicer (1) comprises a cutting station (T) that includes: a plurality of blades (21, 22, 23) for slicing a food product (2), the blades (21, 22, 23) being distanceable and nearable to one another in pairs at various reciprocal distances, so as to obtain slices having thicknesses corresponding to said distances; and adjustment means (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45) for adjusting said distances and comprising a plurality of adjustment devices (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) that are adapted to act upon respective blades (21, 22, 23), of which at least two of said devices can be activated independently of each other.

Abstract: An onion chopper includes container, a blade tray, and pivoting lid. The blade tray is removably mounted on an upper rim of the container and includes a sweeper positioned at one end of the blade tray. The sweeper is dimensioned to fit within the sidewalls forming the container to be used to clear chopped food bits from the container after they are cut by the grid of blades.

Abstract: A muntin bar fabrication system can be used to efficiency produce a wide variety of different types of muntin bars, allowing the fabrication of both standard and custom muntin bar assemblies for doors, windows, and other fenestration products. In some examples, the fabrication system includes a muntin bar stock storage assembly that holds multiple different types of muntin bar stock. The system also includes a muntin bar stock extraction device that extracts one of the different types of muntin bar stock from the storage assembly and conveys the extracted muntin bar stock to a feed device. The feed device feeds the extracted piece of muntin bar stock into a cutting system that includes a multi-axis cutter. The cutting system that performs one or more cutting operations on the extracted muntin bar stock so as to fabricate one or more individual muntin bars from the extracted muntin bar stock.

Abstract: A device for cutting off one or more sample regions from a sample carrier that contains impregnated sample material, e.g. blood, is described. The device includes: a cutting unit (103) for cutting off the one or more sample regions from the sample carrier, an optical imaging unit (101) for producing an electronic image of the sample carrier, and a processor (102) for controlling a display screen (108) to display the image (104) and one or more indicators (105, 105?) each expressing the location of one sample region to be cut off. Thus, an operator of the device is enabled to monitor, without direct visual communication to the sample carrier, what region or regions of the sample carrier is/are to be cut off. As no direct visual communication with the sample carrier is needed, the working ergonomics of the operator can be improved.

Abstract: A method for creating and using a repositionable adhesive coated slip sheet is described herein. This repositionable adhesive coated slip sheet attaches to a worktable and temporarily anchors a substrate and its cutouts while the substrate is cut. The method principally comprises the steps of placing a layer of adhesive onto the top surface of a binding layer, placing the binding layer onto a worktable, placing a substrate onto the layer of adhesive, cutting the substrate with a blade, and then removing the cut substrate from the layer of adhesive, wherein the parts cut therefrom are prevented from moving, slipping, or falling off of the worktable during the cutting process. This allows the substrate and the cutouts cut therefrom to be removed from the worktable at the completion of the cutting process without damage to the worktable, cutter, or substrate.

Abstract: A cutting machine comprising one or more form tubes that are divided in two in the longitudinal direction into a front form tube section and a rear form tube section—at least across a portion of its circumference, so that the two form sections can be moved from a pressing position in which they are aligned with each other into a loading position in which they are not aligned with each other, and in the loading position the rear form tube section can be loaded with a new meat strand while the rest of the previous meat strand is still being cut into slices and moved in the front form tube section. The blade may be disposed to simultaneously cut slices from a plurality of form tubes and may be disposed for motion in the longitudinal direction as well as a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Cutting system (10) includes a conveyor (12) for carrying work products (13) past a scanner (200) and then past one or more cutting systems (17). The cutting systems include one or more assembly/units/apparatus (19) arranged in an array or series for cutting continuous strip(s) from the work products (13). The cutting assemblies (19) are carried by a powered system to move the cutter assemblies in spiral, serpentine, back-and-forth or other patterns to cut one or more continuous strips from the work product. The conveyor (12), scanner (200), and cutter systems (17) are coupled to and controlled by a computer (220).

Abstract: A waterjet cutting tool for radial connection to a wellbore casing for cutting the wellbore casing or associated components thereof is disclosed herein. The waterjet cutting tool comprises a waterjet nozzle for outputting a cutting solution at high pressure, the waterjet nozzle for connection to a cutting solution source; a radial adjustment unit for radially associating the waterjet nozzle to the wellbore; and an annular adjustment assembly for mount of the waterjet nozzle thereto, for allowing annular movement of the waterjet nozzle about a vertical axis of the wellbore.

Abstract: Blade tilt mechanisms for table saws are disclosed. The disclosed tilt mechanisms provide easy and intuitive operation. They also provide auto-locking so that a user simply releases a component to lock the blade at a specific angle. The tilt mechanisms also provide defined incremental steps for the tilt of the blade and the steps are typically spaced at 1-degree intervals.

Abstract: An object detection system in a saw includes an electrically conductive plate positioned at a predetermined distance from the implement, a detection circuit comprising a transformer, and a single cable connecting first terminal and second terminals of the transformer. The single cable includes a first conductor electrically connected to the first terminal of the winding and to the electrically conductive plate, a second conductor electrically connected to the implement, and an electrical insulator positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A manufacturing line includes a tape of green material that is directed through a furnace so that the furnace burns off organic binder material and then partially sinters the tape without the use of a setter board. Sintered articles resulting from the manufacturing line may be thin with relatively large surface areas; and, while substantially unpolished, have few sintering-induced surface defects. Tension may be applied to the partially sintered tape as it passes through a second furnace on the manufacturing line to shape resulting sintered articles.

Abstract: A process is provided to reclaim carbon fiber from a cured vinyl ester, crosslinked unsaturated polyester, or epoxy thermoset matrix. The composite pieces are added to a polyol solvent composition under to conditions to free more than 95% by weight of the carbon fiber from the composite. The freed carbon fibers are washed and dried to reclaim carbon fiber reusable to reinforce a polymer to form a new FRC article. Solvents are chosen that are low cost and low toxicity. Processing is further facilitated by techniques such as solvent pre-swell of the particles, microwave heating, and sonication to promote thermoset matrix digestion to free reinforcing carbon fibers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a mixture of fiber and granules are provided. The method includes passing the mixture through a friction zone comprising a conveyor belt that moves mixture and a friction device comprising a stationary surface in contact with a surface of the mixture. The method includes applying pressure to the mixture with the friction device to generate friction such that at least 5% of the fiber in the mixture is rotated. The method includes forming an agglomerate that is larger than the granules in the mixture.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a 3D printing method and a 3D printing apparatus using the same. The 3D printing method includes the following steps: feeding a material using a printing parameter, wherein the printing parameter includes a target temperature and a target feeding rate; adjusting the printing parameter to change the heat energy provided to the printing filament per unit length; determining whether the target feeding rate matches the actual feeding rate according to the adjusted printing parameter to obtain a determination result; obtaining a correspondence relationship between the plurality of target temperatures and the plurality of target feeding rates according to the adjusted printing parameters and the determination results; and setting the printing parameter to print according to the obtained correspondence relationship.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus that forms a pattern on a substrate by using a mold, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply an imprint material to the substrate; a contact unit configured to contact the imprint material that has been supplied to the substrate with a mold; a substrate stage configured to move the substrate; a gas supply unit that is provided between the supply unit and the contact unit, and supply gas toward the substrate; and a flow volume adjustment unit configured to adjust a flow volume of the gas that is supplied from the gas supply unit, while the substrate stage moves the substrate from a supply position at which the imprint material is supplied by the supply unit to a contact position at which the imprint material is contacted with the mold by the contact unit.

Abstract: A controller of a rotary compression-molding machine is configured to rotate a turret including a table including a die bore, and punch retaining portions vertically slidably retaining punches disposed above and below the die bore along with the punches, and to fill the die bore with a powdery material from a filling device disposed just above the table, to compress the powdery material filled in the die bore with the punches and to obtain a molded product. The controller is configured to adjust rotational speed of the turret and the punches to allow the powdery material in a feed pipe, directly connected with the filling device and configured to feed the filling device with the powdery material, to have a level of an upper surface kept within a constant target range.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing building panels includes assembling a frame of a building panel. The frame defines at least one cavity and at least one injection aperture in fluid communication with the at least one cavity. The method also includes positioning the frame on one of a base and a shelf of a multi-panel consolidation device having a plurality of shelves, with the shelves being in an expanded configuration, and at least substantially enclosing the at least one cavity. The method also includes forcing the shelves of the multi-panel consolidation device into a collapsed configuration, and injecting an expandable polymer through the at least one injection aperture into the at least one cavity. The method further includes forcing the shelves into an expanded configuration after a predetermined period of time selected to permit the expandable polymer to form a foam bonded to the frame.

Abstract: A method for injection molding of plastic materials into a cavity of a mold by means of a molding apparatus including at least one injector having a pin valve displaceable between a fully closed position and a maximum opening position, and vice versa, in a controlled fashion in respect of its position and speed. In the opening displacement from the fully closed position to the maximum opening position, the pin valve is initially moved at a first speed and subsequently at a second speed, where the first speed is the highest opening displacement speed of the pin valve.

Abstract: To produce sealing plates (1) consisting of a plurality of sealing rings (3) connected by radial webs (2) by injection molding, wall-type guide elements (5) are arranged obliquely to the direction of flow in the mold channel (6) which is therefore initially largely constricted in the region of weld lines (15) formed by the convergence of the fronts of the divided plastic melt streams, said guide elements being moved out of the mold channel (6) during the further filling of same so that the strength is significantly improved in the region of the weld lines (15).

Abstract: An injection molding system comprising: a first selected valve, one or more downstream valves, delivering a fluid to a mold cavity, at least one fluid property sensor that detects a flow front of fluid material flowing downstream through the mold cavity at a trigger location within the cavity disposed between the first gate and at least one selected downstream gate, a controller instructing an actuator associated with the downstream gates to open the gates at a predetermined open gate target time on a first injection cycle, each valve associated with a position sensor that detects opening of a gate at an actual open gate time to the controller, the controller automatically adjusting time of instruction to open the gates on a subsequent injection cycle by an adjustment time equal to any delay in time between the predetermined open gate target time and the actual open gate time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic molded part (1), comprising the steps of: a) providing a first decorative film (11), which at least partially has an opaque coating (112); b) introducing at least one decorative element of a decoration into the first decorative film (11) by machining using a machining tool; c) providing a second decorative film (12); d) placing the decorative films (11, 12) into an injection mold (2) having a first (21) and second mold half (22), which together form a cavity (23) for molding the plastic molded part (1), the first decorative film (11) being placed on a first wall (22f) of the cavity (23) and the second decorative film (12) on a second wall (21f) of the cavity (23) lying opposite the first wall (22f); e) back-injecting the decorative films (11, 12) with a polymer melt, so that the first decorative film (11) forms a first surface and the second decorative film (12) forms a second surface of the plastic molded part (1) opposite the first surface.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a housing includes the following steps: a preformed housing is provided. The preformed housing includes a body and a sidewall connected to the edge of the body, and a decoration film disposed on the body and the sidewall. A portion of the sidewall is exposed from the decoration film. The body includes a first surface. The sidewall includes a second surface. The second surface extends from the first surface. The first surface and the second surface are non-coplanar. A decoration layer is formed on the exposed portion of the sidewall by a surface processing treatment.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes a mold comprising a stationary outer mold with a substantially tubular mold cavity, a moveable end mold with an end mold cavity alignable with the tubular mold cavity, and a stationary elongated mold core with a fluid channel therethrough, the mold core extending through the tubular cavity into the end mold cavity. A method of using the apparatus includes injecting a molding material at a material flow rate into the mold, moving the end mold at a speed in a linear direction from a first position to a second position, supplying a fluid at a fluid flow rate to the fluid channel, and varying at least one of the material flow rate, the end mold speed and the fluid flow rate as the end mold moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A machine base for an injection molding machine is equipped with an upper frame supporting at least a mold clamping device of the injection molding machine from below, two lower frames supporting the upper frame from below in a state of being in contact with a bottom surface of the upper frame, and a plurality of height adjusting mounts respectively attached to bottom surfaces of the two lower frames and configured to adjust the height of the injection molding machine.