Abstract: A shot treatment device includes, a rotary table rotatable in a first rotation direction about a first rotation shaft extending along a vertical direction, a plurality of placement tables arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction on an upper surface of the rotary table, an ejector configured to eject shot media, a first inspection detector configured to inspect surface properties of a workpiece, a shot chamber in which shot media is ejected to a workpiece, and a first inspection chamber provided downstream in the first rotation direction from the shot chamber. The ejector ejects shot media to a workpiece held on a first placement table that has entered the shot chamber, and the first inspection detector capable of ascending and descending is disposed above a second placement table that has entered the first inspection chamber and inspects surface properties of a workpiece held on the second placement table.

Abstract: A sand source selecting structure for a sandblasting gun has a main body; a channel provided in the main body, for passing a high pressure gas; at least two sub-channels provided in the main body respectively connected to the channel; a sandbox mounted on the main body connected to the channel through each of the sub-channels; at least one supply tube; a first control valve installed in the main body, for connecting the sandbox and at least one of the sub-channels of the channel; and a second control valve installed in the main body, for connecting the channel and another sub-channel of the supply tube. Therefore, the combination of the first control valve and the second valve provides a selecting structure, which can offer different sand supply sources.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of making an abrasive layer on a backing is disclosed. The method can comprise: providing dispensable magnetizable abrasive particles and a distribution tool, wherein the distribution tool is configured to receive the magnetizable abrasive particles therein, and wherein the distribution tool is configured to impart at least one of a predetermined orientation and alignment of the magnetizable abrasive particles, positioning a backing adjacent to the distribution tool and spaced therefrom by a gap, applying a magnetic field to at least the backing and a portion of the gap between the backing and the distribution tool, and transferring the magnetizable abrasive particles from the distribution tool to a first major surface of the backing, wherein the magnetic field is applied during the transfer of the magnetizable abrasive particles.

Abstract: A cutter sharpener includes a base with a receiving unit, the receiving unit having a pivoting portion and a mounting portion with a positioning section; a support having a pivoting portion pivotally connected to the pivoting portion of the base, a sharpening block mounting portion and a positioning section positioned in the positioning section of the base, and a sharpening block mounted in the sharpening block mounting portion of the support.

Abstract: A picking tool includes a main body, a pressure sensor mounted on the main body, a memory, and a display screen. The main body includes a picking portion. The pressure sensor is located on the picking portion. The pressure sensor is pressed when the main body picks an object. The memory is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor and configured to obtain a total number of sensed pressure signals from the pressure sensor. The display screen is electrically coupled to the memory and configured to display the total number of sensed pressure signals.

Abstract: A vacuum tool designed to immobilize a part, including at least one sealing gasket and at least one groove in a bearing surface that is configured to at least partially receive the sealing gasket. The groove has a central slot and right- and left-hand gaps arranged on either side of the central slot. The sealing gasket has a lower portion cooperating with the central slot of the groove and an upper portion in contact with the part when in operation, and right- and left-hand flanges that are seated respectively in the right- and left-hand gaps. These flanges provide a better hold for the sealing gasket in the groove, notably in the curved sections thereof.

Abstract: A socket includes two opposite ends and an axis extending between the ends. The socket further includes a small-diameter section in the vicinity of the first end, a large-diameter section in the vicinity of the second end, and a polygonal section between the small-diameter section and the large-diameter section. A circular bore extends in the small-diameter section along the axis. A non-circular bore extends in the polygonal section and the large-diameter section along the axis. Thus, an entire length of the socket and a length of the large-diameter section measured along the axis are rendered relatively small without reducing a depth of the non-circular bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-loading ratchet tool, which has a main body, a braking structure and a working part, wherein the main body forms a first receiving groove, a second receiving groove and a third receiving groove, and the second receiving groove and the third receiving groove are mainly composed of two circular surfaces, and the braking structure is disposed on the main body. The braking structure has a ratchet, and the two ends of the ratchet respectively form a first shaft segment and a second shaft segment. The first shaft segment is disposed in the second receiving groove, and the second shaft segment is disposed in the third receiving groove. According to this, the relative force of the first shaft segment and the second shaft segment and the main body is dispersed, and enhancing the working part restrictions on external torsion.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a ratchet unit which has a ratchet tube with a reception hole. A collar is connected to one side of the head and has a slit defined radially through the collar. An engaging member has a first end thereof fixed to the collar, and a second end of the engaging member extends through the slit. The second end of the engaging member is partially located within the through hole of the collar and located above the reception hole of the ratchet tube. An operation ring is mounted to the collar and connected the engaging. A C-clip is mounted to the outer periphery of the collar. When the operation ring is rotated, the second end of the engaging member is pushed to move within the through hole of the collar to position a socket located in the reception hole of the ratchet tube.

Abstract: Mounting device for inserting insulation holders into insulation material, where the mounting device comprises a drive head adapted to drive the insulation holder through a central opening of the head portion of the mounting device, where the central opening is provided with a threaded portion, where the lead pitch of the threaded portion is at least 30 millimetres. The advantage of the invention is that insulation holders can be inserted into insulation material in an easy and cost-effective way. An insulation holder can be driven completely through the central opening since the insulation holder does not have a protruding head. The insulation holder is provided with a thread corresponding to the thread of the central opening, such that the insulation holder is screwed into the insulation material.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to a positioner for holding one or more fasteners (e.g. screws and/or nails) which allows a user to push the fasteners out directly into a target material. For example, a user may locate the positioner over a location on the target material and/or drive the fastener through the positioner into the target. In some embodiments, the positioner includes multiple fasteners, for example the positioner maybe used as a magazine of fasteners and/or a storage box for fasteners. Optionally, the positioner includes a hard frame and/or a soft passage holding the fastener. For example, a fastener is inserted into the top of the passage and driven (e.g. pushed, hammered and/or screwed) through, out the bottom of the passage into the target.

Abstract: An electric power tool for tightening screw joints includes a housing that encloses an electric motor, an angle gear, a back torque transducer, and a front torque transducer. The angle gear includes an input bevel gear drivingly connected to the electric motor and an output bevel gear drivingly connected to an output shaft of the electric power tool. The back torque transducer is arranged to measure a back torque reaction value before the input bevel gear. And the front torque transducer is arranged to measure a front torque reaction value after the output bevel gear.

Abstract: A tool for assembling components of a clutch pack coaxially about an axis includes a base, a first guide member, and a second guide member. The first guide member is coupled to the base and has a first guide face configured to matingly engage a toothed portion of an inner clutch plate of the clutch pack. A top portion of the first guide face is radially inward of a bottom portion of the first guide face. A second guide member is coupled to the base and spaced apart from the first guide member. The second guide member has a second guide face configured to matingly engage the toothed portion of the inner clutch plate of the clutch pack. A top portion of the second guide face is radially inward of a bottom portion of the second guide face.

Abstract: A joint dismounting tool is provided, including a frame body and a pulling assembly. The frame body includes a base portion and two arm portions, and the two arm portions are disposed on the base portion. The pulling assembly includes a driving rod and a cup member, the driving rod is movably disposed on the base portion, the cup member is connected to the driving rod and swingable relative to the axis, and the cup member is between the two arm portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation of a door checker is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, an actuator coupled to the handle, and a hook member having a first end coupled to the actuator and a second end configured to engage with a bolt-hole of a door checker. The actuator includes a body, a push mechanism coupled to the body, a pin member at least partially disposed within the body and coupled to the push mechanism, and a locking element radially disposed within the pin member.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a powered fastener driving tool including a spring/gas chamber configured to contain pressurized gas that causes a piston to compress a fuel/gas mixture, the mixture combusted to provide necessary levels of power for driving fasteners while using less fuel. One embodiment includes: a housing; a spring/gas chamber in the housing configured to contain pressurized gas; a dual compression/combustion chamber in the housing configured to contain a fuel/gas mixture; a gas communication channel in the housing fluidly connecting the spring/gas chamber and the dual compression/combustion chamber; a movable piston in the housing such that pressurized gas in the spring/gas chamber causes the piston to move in the housing to compress the fuel/gas mixture in the dual compression/combustion chamber; and a driving blade connected to the piston such that combustion of the compressed fuel/gas mixture causes the piston to move in the housing to cause the driving blade to drive a fastener.

Abstract: A carpet tack strip removal tool. The carpet tack strip removal tool provides a device for lifting carpet tack strips from a floor surface while remaining allowing a user to remain in a standing position. The carpet tack strip removal tool includes an elongated shaft having a head at an end. The head includes a pry bar arm for placing between the flooring surface and the tack strip to be lifted, and a fulcrum lever for providing mechanical advantage when a lifting force is applied to a lifting arm. When moved from a setup position to the lifting position, the pry bar arm lifts and removed the carpet tack strip from the floor surface.

Abstract: A reciprocating tool includes a motor, a driving mechanism, a body housing, a movable part, and a vibration control mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a reciprocating member configured to reciprocate in a first direction. The movable part is connected to the body housing via a first elastic member and a second elastic member to be relatively movable in the first direction. The vibration control mechanism includes at least one weight configured to move in a direction opposite to the reciprocating member. The center of gravity of the at least one weight is offset from the driving axis in a second direction. In the second direction, the first elastic member is closer to the center of gravity than the second elastic member. A load of the first elastic member when the movable part is placed in a closer position is smaller than a load of the second elastic member.

Abstract: An impact tool head is provided, configured to be disposed on an impact tool, the impact tool head including: a rod body and a flange radially protruding from the rod body, the rod body including a working end portion, the flange including an inclined surface facing toward the working end portion and an outermost peripheral edge, a contact position being defined as a position where the inclined surface configured to be contact with at least one projection of the impact tool; wherein as viewed along the axial direction, a distance between the contact position and the outermost peripheral edge is larger than or equal to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A drywall multi-tool assembly includes a block that has a plurality of intersecting sides such that the block has a triangular shape. A saw is pivotally coupled to the block for cutting drywall from a plurality of orientations. A knife is slidably coupled to the block for cutting the drywall. A ruler is pivotally coupled to the block for making measurements and a square is pivotally coupled to the block for measuring a right angle. A first bubble level is coupled to the block to determine level along a first axis. A second bubble level is coupled to the block to determine level along a second axis. A rasp is coupled to the block wherein the rasp is configured to abrade the drywall.

Abstract: A working head (1) for a compression or cutting tool (100) comprises a connecting portion (3) for a removable connection of the working head (1) with an actuation part (2) of the tool (100), two jaws (4) movable between an open position and a closed position to perform the compression or cutting, and a local storage (6) configured for storing one or more cumulative data representative of a stress history of the jaws (4), wherein the local storage (6) is fixed to the working head (1).

Abstract: A universal chisel attachment is an apparatus. A power tool, specifically an automatic drill, is converted to an automatic chiseler with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a socket adapter, a tubular housing, a chisel assembly, and a reciprocating mechanism. The socket adapter connects the apparatus to a power tool. The chisel assembly includes a chisel adapter and at least one chisel body. The tubular housing contains the connection between the socket adapter and the chisel adapter. The tubular housing also houses the reciprocating mechanism. The chisel adapter connects the at least one chisel body with the socket adapter. The at least one chisel body is the sharpened member of the apparatus that converts a power tool into an automatic chiseler. The hammering cam mechanism is used to convert rotational motion by socket adapter into back-and-forth linear motion by the chisel adapter.

Abstract: Bicycle transport containers include a typically parallelepiped-shaped outer container. Retaining and/or receiving elements are provided inside the outer container for receiving bicycle elements such as bicycle frames, wheels and the like. In order to facilitate the transport of a bicycle transport container, the invention provides rolling elements on a bottom element of the outer container.

Abstract: A securable vertical toolbox includes a vertically disposed frame, a plurality of wheels for transporting the vertically disposed frame, and a plurality of support panels configured to extend horizontally from the vertically disposed frame, each of the support panels including a peg board configured to support tool supporting fixtures. The securable vertical toolbox further includes an enclosure including a rear panel, a top panel, and two doors configured to surround the vertically disposed frame when the plurality of support panels are retracted into the vertically disposed frame and the two doors are secured, each of the two doors including a first panel configured to cover a side portion of the vertically disposed frame and a second panel configured to cover a front portion of the vertically disposed frame.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot having a base, a robot arm coupled to the base, a motor that drives the robot arm, a supply unit that supplies electric power to the motor, and a switch mechanism that switches between a conduction state in which the motor and the supply unit are conducting and a non-conduction state in which the motor and the supply unit are not conducting, and a vehicle having a movement mechanism that transports the robot and an operation portion that operates the switch mechanism and turns the conduction state to the non-conduction state, and being configured to take a coupled state in which the vehicle is coupled to the base and a decoupled state in which the vehicle is decoupled from the base, wherein the operation portion operates the switch mechanism in the coupled state.

Abstract: A robot includes a base installed on an installation surface, a robot arm coupled to the base, a force detection section coupled to the base and detecting a force applied to the robot arm, a coupling member having a plurality of convex parts provided between the installation surface and the force detection section, projecting toward the force detection section side, and contacting the force detection section, and first fixing members provided in positions where the convex parts are provided and fixing the force detection section and the coupling member.

Abstract: A drive assisting device for applying biasing forces that has the versatility to be compatible with a variety of installed states. A drive assisting device has a case from which an output shaft that is driven by an actuator protrudes; a connecting member for connecting the output shaft to that which is to be driven; an assist spring, disposed coiled around the output shaft, with one end thereof secured to the connecting member; and an adjusting member that is assembled together with the case while adjusting the biasing force of the assist spring, having the other end of the assist spring secured thereto.

Abstract: A method for controlling an aerial vehicle including a compliant arm mechanism is disclosed. A propulsion system of the aerial vehicle is controlled to fly the aerial vehicle to an area proximate to a surface. One or more of the propulsion system and the compliant arm mechanism are controlled such that the compliant arm mechanism contacts the surface. The compliant arm mechanism is configured to extend laterally beyond a perimeter of the propulsion system. One or more sensor signals indicating contact of the compliant arm mechanism against the surface are received via a sensor. A force at which the aerial vehicle presses against the surface is determined based on the one or more sensor signals.

Abstract: An annotation device includes an image-capturing device, a robot, a control unit, a designation unit, a coordinate processing unit, and a storage unit. The control unit controls the robot so as to acquire a learning image of a plurality of objects, each having a different positional relationship with the image-capturing devices. Furthermore, the storage unit converts a position of the object in a robot coordinate system into a position of the object in an image coordinate system at the time of image-capturing or a position of the object in a sensor coordinate system, and stores the position thus converted together with the learning image.

Abstract: A controller includes one or more processors. The processors acquire first state information indicating a state of an object to be gripped by a robot and second state information indicating a state of a transportation destination of the object. The processors input the first state information and the second state information to a first neural network, and obtain, from output of the first neural network, first output information including a first position indicating a position of the robot and a first posture indicating a posture of the robot when the robot grips the object, and a second position indicating a position of the robot and a second posture indicating a posture of the robot at the transportation destination of the object. The processors control operation of the robot on the basis of the first output information.

Abstract: In a method for automatically handling objects, the objects are held by means of an object gripper or the like and are subjected to a handling process, a transport process, or an assembly process in the held state. The position of at least one surface section of the held object relative to a contact surface of the object gripper or the like is monitored by means of at least one position sensor arranged at the object gripper or the like; and a warning signal or control signal is generated in the event of a change of the position during the handling process, the transport process, or the assembly process.

Abstract: A control method includes an input step for inputting information concerning a setting angle for a robot arm of a robot, the robot including the robot arm and a force detecting section that detects force applied to the robot arm, and a calculating step for calculating, based on a first force detection parameter of the force detecting section corresponding to setting at a first setting angle for the robot arm and a second force detection parameter of the force detecting section corresponding to setting at a second setting angle different from the first setting angle for the robot arm, a third force detection parameter of the force detecting section at the setting angle for the robot arm.

Abstract: A control method includes an input step for inputting information concerning a setting angle for a robot arm of a robot, the robot including the robot arm including an arm and a driving section including a servomotor that drives the arm, a calculating step for calculating, based on a first servo parameter corresponding to setting at a first setting angle for the robot arm and a second servo parameter corresponding to setting at a second setting angle different from the first setting angle for the robot arm, a third servo parameter corresponding to the setting angle for the robot arm.

Abstract: A dielectric elastomer system (DES) variable stiffness actuator (VSA) is provided. In an embodiment, the DES VSA includes a variable stiffness module (VSM). The VSM includes a DES that softens when energized and stiffens when unpowered, an outer frame, and an inner frame member. The stiffness of the DES is variable. The outer frame supports the DES and the inner frame member, which is disposed within the DES. The inner frame member is configured to be displaceable with respect to the outer frame. The DES VSA also includes an actuation motor mechanically coupled to the inner frame member that is configured to cause a force to be applied to the inner frame member and the actuation motor is configured to control an equilibrium position of the DES VSA.

Abstract: A method for problem diagnosis in a robot system having one or more robots includes the steps of: a) receiving (S1) a first problem message from a robot of the robot system, the first problem message including one or more data elements descriptive of a problem experienced by the robot; b) receiving (S1) a subsequent problem message from a robot of the robot system; c) if a time elapsed between receipt of the subsequent problem message and receipt of an immediately preceding problem message is shorter than a predetermined threshold (S2), adding the subsequent problem message to a message set which comprises the immediately preceding problem message (S3); and d) if the time elapsed is longer than the predetermined threshold (S2), terminating (S4) the message set of the immediately preceding problem message without adding the subsequent problem message, and establishing (S5, S6) a new message set.

Abstract: Robotic process automation (RPA) tasks for operating on data within a productivity program may be initiated by single user action from within the productivity program. A user device is provided with a plugin program that provides an automation user interface within the productivity program. A request to perform an automation task on data in a productivity file is received along with identification of a software robot to perform the automation task. The request also specifies data from the productivity file. The request is provided to a control room server that controls execution of a plurality of different automation tasks by a plurality of different software robots. Results of the automation task are received from the control room server and are provided to the plugin program, which provides the results of the automation task to the user within a productivity file accessible by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments related to inspection planning using robotic systems. For example, an inspection apparatus may include a processing device to communicatively couple to a robotic apparatus. The processing device may generate an inspection path for the robotic apparatus to follow to inspect an item, the inspection path may include a set of positions of an end effector of the robotic apparatus, and the processing device may cause a camera of the end effector to capture an image of the item at each position.

Abstract: An approach for fully automating the use of robotic devices in a laboratory workflow includes defining sequences for automating tasks and equipment involved in such a workflow, and calculating a path for each sequence that resolves get, handoff, and placement procedures. The approach develops a schedule that executes resolved pathways in and between each device. The approach is provided with an easy-to-use interface, in which a user drags and drops devices to automatically configure them, defines operations to be performed by these devices, and then runs the laboratory workflow. The interface also provides the ability to monitor progress of the workflow, and make modifications and adjustments as needed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments related to braking joints in robotic systems. For example, an apparatus for collaborative robotics may include a first segment, a second segment, and a joint assembly. The joint assembly may include a stepper motor to control a relative position of the first and second segments, and a phase of the stepper motor may be shorted when the apparatus is unpowered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments related to safety in robotic systems. For example, an apparatus for collaborative robotics may include a first segment, a second segment, and a joint assembly. The joint assembly may include a processing device and a stepper motor, the stepper motor may control a relative position of the first and second segments, the processing device may perform closed-loop control of the stepper motor and monitor one or more performance metrics, and the processing device may cause braking of the stepper motor when a value of at least one of the performance metrics is outside an allowable range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments related to stepper motors in robotic systems. For example, an apparatus for collaborative robotics may include a first segment, a second segment, and a joint assembly. The joint assembly may include a stepper motor and a drivetrain to control a relative position of the first and second segments, and the drivetrain may have a gear ratio that is less than 30:1.

Abstract: A control method of controlling a robot apparatus based on a plurality of teaching points includes setting a motion condition for each of the plurality of teaching points, selecting a teaching point at which the motion condition is to be changed, from among the plurality of teaching points, and obtaining a new teaching point that causes a pose of the robot apparatus to change at the selected teaching point.

Abstract: Systems and a method determine a sequence of joint values of an external axis along a sequence of targets. Inputs are received, including robot representation, tool representation, sequence of targets, kinematics of the axis joints, and/or type of robot-axis motion. For each target, it is generated at least one weight factor table representing, for each available configuration of the axis joint motion, a combined effort of the robot motion and the axis motion depending on the type of combined robot-axis motion. Valid weight factor values of the table are determined by simulating collision free trajectories for reaching the target. The sequence of joint values of the at least one external axis is determined by finding from the weight factor table a sequence of joint values for which the sum of their corresponding weight factors for reaching the target location sequence is minimized.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a robotic system to place objects into containers that have support walls is disclosed. The robotic system may derive a packing plan for stacking objects on top of each other. The robotic system may derive placement locations for one or more objects overhanging one or more support objects below. The derived placement locations may be based on utilizing one or more of the support walls to secure the placed object.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a robotic system to place objects into containers that have support walls is disclosed. The robotic system may detect an unexpected condition associated with a container during or before a real-time operation. Accordingly, the robotic system may dynamically adjust an existing packing plan based on detecting the unexpected condition.

Abstract: An automatically moving cleaning device includes a device housing, at least one obstacle detection device and a control device for controlling the cleaning device within an environment according to a detection result of the obstacle detection device, wherein the obstacle detection device is at least partially moveably mounted on the device housing, such that a detection region of the obstacle detection device can be shifted relative to the device housing. In order to optimize the detection of obstacles within the environment of the cleaning device, the control device is configured to shift the detection region of the obstacle detection device relative to the device housing depending on a position and/or orientation of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A work apparatus for semi-automatically carrying out work steps, having a work bench, which has a worktop and a collaborative work area arranged above the worktop, in which work steps may be carried out manually and automatically, a robot being arranged beneath the worktop for carrying out the automatic work steps, and at least one opening being present in the worktop, through which the work area is accessible for the robot.

Abstract: A system and method is described for detecting abnormal contacts and misalignment of end effector of a robot arm during robotic arm operation. A contact shock transients sensing unit detects signals on the robot arm and generates alarms, identifies the location of the contact shock transients in the robot arm operation, and controls robot arm operation to prevent further damage to the robot arm and articles handled by the robot arm.

Abstract: The system, devices and methods disclosed herein enable autonomous and tele-operation of tele-operated robots for maintenance of a property around known and unknown obstacles. A method may include using an unmanned aerial vehicle for obtaining additional data relating to the property and obstacles within the property and plan a path around the obstacles using data from sensors on-board the tele-operated robot and the aerial image. A method may also provide optimization of total time needed for performing the property maintenance and the labor costs in situations where manual intervention is needed for navigating the tele-operated robot around obstacles on the property or for removing obstacles on the property.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments related to calibration and zeroing in robotic systems. For example, an apparatus for robotic zeroing may include a processing device to perform a joint zeroing operation on a first joint assembly of a robotic apparatus. The joint zeroing operation may include: determining a reference vector for zeroing the first joint assembly, wherein the first joint assembly is mechanically coupled to a base of the robotic apparatus; identifying an acceleration vector representative of an orientation of a second joint assembly of the robotic apparatus, wherein the first joint assembly is mechanically between the base and the second joint assembly; determining whether the acceleration vector is aligned with the reference vector; and, in response to a determination that the acceleration vector is not aligned with the reference vector, causing the first joint assembly to move.