Abstract: The disclosure relates to thermoelectric materials prepared by self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) process combining with Plasma activated sintering and methods for preparing thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the new criterion for combustion synthesis and the method for preparing the thermoelectric materials which meet the new criterion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to thermoelectric materials prepared by self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) process combining with Plasma activated sintering and methods for preparing thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the new criterion for combustion synthesis and the method for preparing the thermoelectric materials which meet the new criterion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to thermoelectric materials prepared by self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) process combining with Plasma activated sintering and methods for preparing thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the new criterion for combustion synthesis and the method for preparing the thermoelectric materials which meet the new criterion.

Abstract: Process for the production of particulate ruthenium with a purity of ?99.99 wt. % and a specific surface area of 0.2-0.5 m2/g, comprising: (1) providing a hydrochloric solution prepared by dissolving RuO4 in hydrochloric acid and has a content of ruthenium in the form of dissolved ruthenium species of 15-22 wt. %; (2) providing an aqueous solution with an ammonium chloride content of 200-600 g/litre; (3) forming a reaction mixture by dosing the hydrochloric solution provided in step (1) to the aqueous solution provided in step (2) at a molar ratio of 1 mol ruthenium: 3-6 mol ammonium chloride, at a temperature of 55-90° C. over the course of 0.2-5 hours and while adjusting and maintaining a pH of ?0.6 to 0; (4) separating solid material formed during step (3) from the hydrochloric reaction mixture; and (5) calcinating the solid material separated in step (4) at an object temperature of 350-1,000° C.

Abstract: An operational control method is provided for a machine tool that includes a plurality of tool holders with a cutting-tool. The machine tool relatively moves the tool holders with respect to a workpiece to process the workpiece. The operational control method includes determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the cutting-tool during a processing or not, determining whether a simultaneous processing in which at least two or more of the tool holders perform the processings to an identical workpiece is being performed or not and whether the cutting-tool having the detected abnormality is the cutting-tool that is performing the simultaneous processing or not when the abnormality is detected, and causing the tool holder with the cutting-tool having the detected abnormality to take an abnormality avoidance operation and another of the tool holders to take a response operation based on a determination result at the determining of the simultaneous processing.

Abstract: A forming tool for forming leading edges of turbine blades is disclosed. In various embodiments, a forming tool may comprise a cylindrically-shaped body having a notch around the circumference of the cylindrically-shaped body. The notch may be positioned perpendicularly to a center axis of the cylindrically-shaped body. Further, the notch may have a notch contour with an upper notch contour and a lower notch contour, and where the notch contour is a relief of a selected turbine blade leading edge. The forming tool may be a grinding tool or a cutting tool. Moreover, a forming process may comprise forming, by a forming tool, a first portion of a turbine blade leading edge with a rough edge result, and forming, by a milling cutter, a second portion of the turbine blade leading edge with a rough edge result.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downsizing tires, and an automated downsizing apparatus utilize a cradle, mandrel table, cutting apparatus, and a control unit. In various embodiments, a tire mounted on the cradle may be received by the movable and rotatable mandrel table, and positioned for engagement with the cutting apparatus. Users may customize one or more cutting configurations to be executed by the control unit. The control unit positions the mandrel table and cutting apparatus to remove portions from the tire, according to the cutting configurations. During tire downsizing operations, one or more system parameters may be monitored to determine compliance with the selected configuration, and the automated execution may be manually overridden.

Abstract: The present invention is a power supply control apparatus that controls pulse discharge occurring in a machining gap in an electric discharge machine. The power supply control apparatus includes: a voltage level detecting device that detects the voltage level of a discharge voltage generated in the machining gap; a voltage level comparator hat compares the voltage level with a voltage level reference value, and outputs a comparison result; and a determining unit that, on the basis of the comparison result, determines whether a discharge pulse is abnormal in a designated one of a plurality of determination modes. The determination method can be designated during machining.

Abstract: A system for aiding a user in at least one of welding, cutting, joining, and cladding operations is provided. The system includes a welding tool and a welding helmet with a face-mounted display. The system also includes a spatial tracker configured to track the welding helmet and the welding tool in 3-D space relative to an object to be worked on. A processor based subsystem is configured to generate visual cues based on information from the spatial tracker and transmit the visual cues to a predetermined location on the face-mounted display.

Abstract: A method used in a welding system includes detecting multiple markers on a welding torch. The markers are detected using one or more cameras. The method also includes blocking live welding using the welding torch while the one or more cameras are unable to detect at least one of the multiple markers on the welding torch.

Abstract: A method comprising an arc ignition phase (IP), an arc-stabilizing phase (AP) and a stable arc phase (SP). The arc stabilizing phase comprises an initial sub-phase (IS) comprising the step of feeding at least one hot wire (4, 12) at constant feed speed and a main sub-phase (MS) comprising the steps of feeding said hot wire at constant feed speed and feeding at least one cold wire (22) at constant feed speed. The stable arc phase comprises the steps of continuously adjusting the feed speed of the hot wire and continuously adjusting the feed speed of the cold wire. The invention also relates to a welding apparatus (1) for carrying out the method. The welding apparatus comprises a hot wire feeding means (150), a contact means (2), a cold wire feeding means (35) and a control unit (31).

Abstract: A welding wire light is shown and described. The welding wire light can be used to align the welding tip and the wire in automated welding processes. This welding wire light can allow more accurate and precise alignment of these elements resulting in better welded results. Several embodiments are disclosed for illuminating these elements which are especially helpful on automated welding process lines when components need to be replaced or adjusted quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A manufacturing process is provided in which material is supported within a chamber. This material includes a plurality of discrete metal particles and ceramic disposed between at least some of the metal particles. At least a portion of the material is solidified together using an additive manufacturing system to form an object.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using optical interferometry in the context of material modification processes such as surgical laser or welding applications. An imaging optical source that produces imaging light. A feedback controller controls at least one processing parameter of the material modification process based on an interferometry output generated using the imaging light. A method of processing interferograms is provided based on homodyne filtering. A method of generating a record of a material modification process using an interferometry output is provided.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus that allows efficient machining of a workpiece includes a nozzle for jetting a jet liquid column, a rectifying chamber attenuating disturbances in flow of liquid, a liquid oscillating chamber guiding the liquid flowing from the rectifying chamber to a nozzle inlet opening, a laser oscillator generating a laser beam, a focusing optical system focusing the laser beam generated by the laser oscillator above the nozzle inlet opening so that the laser beam is guided by the jet liquid column, and a window opposed to the nozzle inlet opening so that the laser beam transmitting from the focusing optical system enters the liquid oscillating chamber. The liquid oscillating chamber increases a surface wave on an outer surface of the jet liquid column so that the jet liquid column jetted from the nozzle onto a workpiece is easily atomized at a machining point.

Abstract: A solder composition contains: flux composition containing (A) rosin-based resin, (B) activator, and (C) solvent; and (D): solder powder with a melting point of 200 to 250 degrees C. The component (A) contains (A1) rosin-based resin with a softening point of 120 degrees C. or more and an acid number of 220 mgKOH/g or more and (A2) rosin-based resin with a softening point of 100 degrees C. or less and an acid number of 20 mgKOH/g or less. The component (C) contains (C1) hexanediol solvent with a melting point of 40 degrees C. or more and a boiling point of 220 degrees C. or less and (C2) solvent with a viscosity of 10 mPa·s or less at 20 degrees C. and a boiling point of 270 degrees C. or more. A content of the component (A1) ranges from 15 to 25 mass % with respect to the flux composition (100 mass %).

Abstract: A fixture assembly includes a first fixture portion, a second fixture portion that interfaces with the first fixture portion, and a sub-fixture movably mounted to the first fixture portion. A multiple of actuators selectively move the sub-fixture toward the second fixture portion. A method of manufacturing a fan blade includes deploying the sub-fixture from the first fixture portion to effectuate a peripheral diffusion bond to join the blade body and the cover of the fan blade.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly manufacturing device and an assembly manufacturing method capable of reducing error when the actual position of a long member is detected, and precisely setting a reference point and a coordinates system. The long member assembly apparatus provides a plurality of hand parts for gripping a long member, a touch plate for securing the first end of the long member and restricting the movement of the long member in the longitudinal direction, a laser tracker for detecting the installation position of the touch plate, and a reference determining part for determining reference coordinates or reference point to be used in for adjusting the position of the hand parts, based on the installation position of the touch plate detected by the laser tracker.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a kit for manufacturing a modular sealing apparatus for an installation assembly, a modular sealing apparatus comprising such kit and an installation assembly comprising such modular sealing apparatus. The kit comprises at least one piston, one bushing, and one sealing element, wherein the piston and the bushing are assembleable and accommodate the measuring insert by a bore provided in the piston and in the bushing, wherein the piston is interactively connected with the bushing such that a pressure transmitted by the piston to the bushing serves to deform the at least one sealing element to seal the bore extending through the piston and the bushing, wherein the kit comprises a failure detection unit with at least one sensing element to detect at least one failure condition of the installation assembly, and an electronics embodied to convert the failure condition into a failure signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a component is provided. The apparatus includes a fixation mechanism, wherein the fixation mechanism includes a first fixation member with a first fixation face and a second fixation member with a second fixation face, wherein the first fixation face and the second fixation face are arranged and configured such that different bearing surfaces of a plurality of different components can be fixed between the first fixation member and the second fixation member, wherein the apparatus further includes a machining device, and wherein the apparatus is configured to machine a machining surface of the respective component by means of the machining device and according to a predetermined accuracy. Further, a method of machining the component is presented.

Abstract: A method for polishing a silicon wafer, including: a first polishing step of polishing a silicon wafer surface by bringing the wafer held by a polishing head into sliding contact with a polishing pad attached to a turn table while supplying an aqueous alkaline solution containing abrasive grains onto the polishing pad, and a second polishing step of polishing the silicon wafer surface by bringing the wafer into sliding contact with the polishing pad while supplying an aqueous alkaline solution containing a polymer without containing abrasive grains onto the polishing pad, wherein the surface temperature of the polishing pad is controlled such that the surface temperature of the polishing pad in the second polishing step is higher than the surface temperature of the polishing pad in the first polishing step by 2° C. or more. This successfully achieves both of higher flatness and reduction in surface roughness.

Abstract: A masking fixture includes a flexible cover and a rigid cover. The flexible cover is received within a cavity of the rigid cover. An air connector provides for a purge flow supply to be connected to the masking fixture via a port in fluid communication with an enclosure of the flexible cover. A method of treating a workpiece includes directing a pressurized fluid jet comprising an abrasive media entrained therein against an exterior surface of the workpiece and directing a purge flow through the workpiece while directing the pressurized fluid jet against the exterior surface.

Abstract: The pipe support stand is an attachment for a tripod chain vise. The pipe support stand attaches to two of the three legs of the tripod chain vise and provides a work support leg that runs under the work piece at an oblique angle to the ground and to the work piece. The front end of the work support leg may rise towards the work piece and the work piece may slide onto one of two brackets on the front end of the work support leg such that the device provides support to the end of the work piece that is about to be cut off. Alternatively, the work support leg may slide towards the rear such that the rear end of the work support leg contacts the ground and provides additionally stability for the tripod chain vise.

Abstract: A bicycling multi-tool with a quicklink removal tool is disclosed. The quicklink tool includes a body having a first prong integral with the body and protruding in a first direction, and a first aperture proximate the first prong. The quicklink removal tool also includes a floating prong base having a second prong integral with the floating prong base and protruding in the first direction. The floating prong base includes a second aperture and a sliding face, and is slideably coupled to the body through a bolt passing through both the first aperture and the second aperture. The bolt is threadedly coupled to at least one of the first aperture and the second aperture. The face of the floating prong base is positioned proximate to and facing a sliding surface of the body. Turning the bolt drives the floating prong towards and away from the first prong.

Abstract: An impact tool includes a motor, a driving mechanism, and a vibration sensor. The driving mechanism is configured to perform a hammering operation of linearly driving a tool accessory along an impact-axis by power of the motor. The impact-axis extends in a front-rear direction of the impact tool. The vibration sensor is configured to detect vibrations. The vibration sensor is disposed such that the vibration sensor is capable of detecting vibrations of a first frequency among vibrations caused in the impact tool, and such that transmission of vibrations of a second frequency to the vibration sensor is suppressed. The vibrations of the first frequency result from the hammering operation. The second frequency is different from the first frequency.

Abstract: The electric tool including a motor having a stator and a rotor, a rotation shaft integrally rotating with the rotor, a casing accommodating the motor, a ventilating window disposed in the casing, a cooling fan sucking an air through the ventilating window to cool off the motor, a magnetic body disposed to the rotation shaft, a magnetic detection unit detecting a rotational position of the magnetic body, and a circuit substrate on which the magnetic detection unit is mounted. The circuit substrate and the magnetic body are disposed to be isolated from a wind path of a cooling wind generated by rotation of the cooling fan.

Abstract: A handgrip structure of a hand tool includes a handgrip body, a foldable cover and an installation set; a chamber is formed in the handgrip body, and an opening is formed at one side of the chamber; the foldable cover has one end pivoted with the handgrip body and served to cover the opening, wherein a tool accommodation room is formed between the foldable cover and the chamber of the handgrip body; and the installation set is disposed on the handgrip body and arranged corresponding to another end of the foldable cover. Accordingly, a large amount of tool heads can be stably fastened and the tool heads can be easily taken out and stored, so that features of easy in operation and convenient in storage are achieved.

Abstract: A multi-tool incorporates an extendable spring-loaded handle that accommodates interchangeable tool heads using a quick-connect slip fit connection. The spring-loaded handle is capable of securing a selected length of the multi-tool in a locked position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a robotic arm cart for transporting, delivering, and securing robotic arms to a surgical table having a tabletop on which a patient can be disposed are described herein. In some embodiments described herein an arm cart can contain multiple robotic arms. A robotic arm can be selected and moved from a storage position within the arm cart to a deployment position in which at least a portion of that robotic arm protrudes from the arm cart. A robotic arm in a deployment position can be coupled to a surgical table and decoupled from the arm cart.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for selecting a first robot for a robot task of a user, and during a first session between a computing device of the user and the first robot to perform the task, determining a need for the first robot to perform an alternative task. Based on determining the need, a second robot is selected to “replace” the first robot in performing the task. The second robot may replace the first robot in performing the task by directing the telepresence robot to navigate to a location proximal to the first robot and transitioning the first telepresence robot's session to the second telepresence robot.

Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot including a base; one or more arms, attached to the base so as to be capable of rotating horizontally; a ball screw spline shaft that is disposed at an end of the one or more arms and that supports a workpiece at one end of the ball screw spline shaft; a ball screw nut through which the ball screw spline shaft passes and which is driven; and two ball spline nuts configured to support the ball screw spline shaft passing through the ball spline nuts, respectively, on both sides of the ball screw nut interposed therebetween in a longitudinal axis direction. At least one of the ball spline nuts drives the ball screw spline shaft about the longitudinal axis with respect to the arms.

Abstract: A method and system for a reconfigurable robotic platform through a plurality of interchangeable service modules and adapted to engage in both autonomous and interactive maintenance and monitoring of a service area, the robotic platform configured to execute a stored service plan for the service area, the service plan comprising a service plan sequence comprising a service treatment step, alter the service plan sequence based on detecting an object that is a treatment obstacle in the service area as detected by the sensor, the treatment obstacle preventing execution of the service treatment step at a service treatment location within the service area, wherein the altered service plan sequence comprises moving around the treatment obstacle and skipping the service treatment step, store the service treatment location for later treatment, and resume execution of the service plan.

Abstract: An anti-sticking rotating device is arranged below a head and comprises a base and a runner; the base is provided with a slot, and two flanges are arranged on both sides of the top surface of the slot; the runner is in the shape of a disc, the center of it is provided with a rotary shaft, the two ends of the rotary shaft are pivoted with the flange, and the runner is placed in the slot; an extending part is arranged on the circumference of the runner, and the extending part is fixed to the head; the two sides of the runner are respectively provided with a driving mechanism and a limiting mechanism; the driving mechanism drives the runner to rotate, and the limiting mechanism limits its direction and amplitude of rotation, thereby driving the head to move like nodding.

Abstract: A processing system includes a robot including at least one arm each including a hand at an end of the at least one arm; a first position measurement sensor, which is to be grasped by the hand and moved by the at least one arm, and is configured to measure a position of a device to be used when the robot processes a processing target; and a robot control device configured to: cause the hand to grasp the first position measurement sensor; and cause the first position measurement sensor to measure the position of the device.

Abstract: An example robotic device may include an arm having a palm and fingers, a depth sensor disposed within the palm, and a control system. The control system may be configured to detect an indication to receive an object from an actor, and in response, cause the robotic device to enter a receive-object mode. When the robotic device is in the receive-object mode, the control system is further configured to: receive, from the depth sensor, depth data indicating a distance between the palm and the object; when the distance is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, cause the arm to move towards the object; when the distance exceeds the second threshold, maintain the arm in a fixed position; and when the distance drops below the first threshold, cause the two or more fingers to close to grasp the object.

Abstract: A robot device controller including a memory configured to store a statistical model trained to implement a behaviour of the robot device, one or more processors configured to determine a nominal trajectory represented by the statistical model, determine an expected force experienced by the robot device when the robot device is controlled to move in accordance with the nominal trajectory, determine a measured force experienced by the robot device when the robot device is controlled to move in accordance with the nominal trajectory and adapt the statistical model based on a reduction of the difference between the measured force and the expected force.

Abstract: A method of assisting at least one movement of a user by means of a robotic device, the method enabling the robotic device to be caused to operate in at least the following two modes: default mode: force servocontrol of the robotic device via a computer of the robotic device; and measurement mode: path servocontrol of the robotic device, via the computer, with the computer storing at least one force exerted on the robotic device by an environment external to the robotic device in order to perform the force servocontrol of the default mode.

Abstract: A system for performing industrial tasks includes a robot and a computing device. The robot includes one or more sensors that collect data corresponding to the robot and an environment surrounding the robot. The computing device includes a user interface, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive the collected data from the robot, generate a virtual recreation of the robot and the environment surrounding the robot, receive inputs from a human operator controlling the robot to demonstrate an industrial task. The system is configured to learn how to perform the industrial task based on the human operator's demonstration of the task, and perform, via the robot, the industrial task autonomously or semi-autonomously.

Abstract: A robot joint controlling method includes: receiving a motion command; determining one or more joint servos that are needed to execute the motion command; and determining whether the one or more joint servos are in an occupied state, and if not, executing the motion command so as to control the one or more joint servos to operate accordingly.

Abstract: An end tool metrology position coordinates determination system is provided for use with a robot. A first accuracy level defined as a robot accuracy (e.g., for controlling and sensing an end tool position of an end tool that is mounted proximate to a distal end of a movable arm configuration of the robot) is based on using position sensors (e.g., encoders) included in the robot. The system includes the end tool, an imaging configuration, XY scale, image triggering portion and processing portion. One of the XY scale or imaging configuration is coupled to the end tool and the other is coupled to a stationary element (e.g., a frame located above the robot). The imaging configuration acquires an image of the XY scale, which is utilized to determine a relative position that is indicative of the end tool position, with an accuracy level that is better than the robot accuracy.

Abstract: The robot simulation apparatus includes: a workpiece model setting unit 11 that sets a workpiece model; a posture condition setting unit 16 that sets a condition related to a posture taken by the workpiece model, as a posture condition, when the workpiece model set by the workpiece model setting unit 11 is disposed in a virtual work space as a virtually formed work space; a bulk pile data generating unit 20 that generates bulk pile data of the plurality of workpiece models piled up in the virtual work space, in accordance with the posture condition set by the posture condition setting unit 16; and a picking motion simulating unit 30 that executes a picking motion simulation for verifying the picking motion of the workpiece models in the virtual work space, with respect to the bulk pile data generated by the bulk pile data generating unit 20.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a robotic arm, a base couple coupled to the robotic arm, and a controller. The robotic supports a work implement and is configured to move the work implement to perform an operation on a workpiece. The base is configured to be removably coupled to a mounting surface. The controller is in communication with the robotic arm, the work implement, and the base. Further, the controller is configured to disable the operation of at least one of the robotic arm and the work implement if a coupling parameter between the base and the mounting surface is below a threshold value.

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 mobile robot is configured for operation in a commercial or industrial setting, such as an office building or retail store. The mobile robot can have a motorized base and a robot body on the motorized base, the robot body including a rotatable ring that rotates horizontally around the robot body. A mechanical arm that can contract and extend relative to the robot body is coupled to the rotatable ring and performs a plurality of actions. A controller of the mobile robot provides instructions to the rotatable ring and the mechanical arm and can cause the mechanical arm to open a door, take an elevator to move to a different floor, and test whether a door is locked properly.

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 robot system and a control method of a robot are provided. The robot system includes a robot, a liquid application part being provided on the robot, an application thickness measurement part measuring an application thickness of a liquid applied by the liquid application part, a distance measurement part measuring a first distance from the distance measurement part to an application object, a control part controlling the robot based on the first distance so that a second distance from the liquid application part to the application object becomes constant, a supply amount adjustment part adjusting a supply amount of the liquid to the application object according to the application thickness measured by the application thickness measurement part, wherein the distance measurement part, the liquid application part and the application thickness measurement part are arranged in this order in an application direction of the liquid.

Abstract: A door opening and closing robot includes: a door operating tool including an insertion and restricting portion; a robotic arm that moves the door operating tool; and a control device that: operates the robotic arm, wherein the door operating tool moves to a first reference position, then moves toward a first presence confirmation position; obtains a position of the door operating tool as a first evaluation position; and determines a deviation between the first presence confirmation position and the first evaluation position, when the deviation is less than or equal to a predetermined first threshold, detects failed presence of the insertion portion in a window groove. The first reference position is the operating tool which is inserted in the window groove and the restricting portion is in contact with an edge of the window groove or positioned above the edge of the window groove.

Abstract: A robotic device that can adhere to the surface of an object by negative-pressure suction and that can travel in a Y-axis direction and an X-axis direction. The robotic device is equipped with four suction cup units, Y-axis actuators and X-axis actuators. As for the planar shape of each suction cup, it has a shape of each quadrangle when a roughly square was divided into four quadrangles of the same shape. The quadrangles are formed provided with two right-angle portions in a diagonal portion. One right angle of the two right-angle portions of each suction cup overlaps with one of the four right angles of the square. Two of the sides that constitute the above right angle of the suction cup overlap with two of the edges that constitute the above right angle of the square.

Abstract: Examples described herein are directed to an item manipulation system that includes an end of arm tool. The end of arm tool includes a suction manifold including multiple independently controllable asymmetrical suction zones. The end of arm tool is also configured to rotate about a tool axis to selectively align the independently controllable asymmetrical suction zones with target items for manipulation.

Abstract: A gripper includes fingers, which are configured to interact with an object. A first mount supports a first finger. A second mount supports a second finger. A support plate supports these mounts. A cam plate is configured to interact with the first mount and the second mount to provide a first arrangement and a second arrangement. When the first and second mounts are in the first arrangement, the gripper is provided with a first distance between the first finger and the second finger when the gripper is in an open position to receive and/or release the object. When the first and second mounts are in the second arrangement, the gripper is provided with a second distance between the first finger and the second finger when the gripper is in the open position. The second distance is greater than the first distance.