Abstract: Rubber composites with regions doped with conductive material, e.g., carbon nanotubes, and patterned regions doped with both conductive material and semiconductive material, e.g., carbon nanotubes and polycrystalline silicon are created with rubbing-in technology. The composites provide for a deformable and elastic composite which maintains semiconductor operations under stress, and can be used for filtering, determining compressive force, and a variety of other applications.

Abstract: A shot processing apparatus is equipped with a work set jig, a hanger transport device, a projection machine, a projection positioning unit and a clamp unit. The work set jig is equipped with a base member including an upper and lower pair of cross members and a vertical member. A workpiece is settable at the base member between the upper and lower pair of cross members. The hanger transport device is, with the work set jig in a hanging state, movable along a guide path in the shot processing apparatus and is capable of stopping thereon. The projection machine projects projection media at a workpiece set at the base member inside a projection chamber which the workpiece is conveyed into. The projection positioning unit positions the work set jig at a stopping position in the projection chamber. The clamp unit fixes a workpiece between the upper and lower pair of cross members.

Abstract: A cutting blade is mounted on a fixed flange having a cylindrical blade mounting portion. The cutting blade includes an annular blade main body having an outer circumference serving as a cutting edge and a central through-hole that has a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the blade mounting portion and in which the blade mounting portion is to be fitted, and three or more flexible inner circumferential protrusions that project from an inner circumference of the central through-hole toward the center in a diametrical direction and contact at extremities thereof with the blade mounting portion fitted in the central through-hole to support the annular blade main body.

Abstract: A pipe alignment clamp for use in pipe fitting/fabrication applications. The pipe alignment clamp has a generally circular frame with at least one hinge therealong to enable the clamp to be opened and subsequently secured around a pair of pipe segments and/or fittings to be joined. Threaded support members are positioned along the frame in spaced apart fashion, and extend outwardly from each side of the frame. The support members are used to support alignment screws that can be independently repositioned radially towards and away from the pipe segments and/or fittings to be joined, thereby enabling the alignment clamp to accommodate a wide variety of different shapes and sizes of pipe segments and fittings, and requiring a minimum length of pipe segment to operate. The adjustment screws may be manipulated by hand, or by a separate alignment screw tool, which may be included as part of a pipe alignment kit.

Abstract: A constant force expansion construct includes a plurality of expandable layers, each expandable layer including: (a) a longitudinal restricting beam; and (b) a plurality of interconnected flexible biasing struts connecting the longitudinal restricting beam of one expandable layer to another longitudinal restricting beam in a next adjacent expandable layer, the biasing struts being biased toward a compressed position and being movable between the compressed position and an expanded position in which a distance between successive longitudinal restricting beams is increased.

Abstract: A self-holding drilling system utilizes a vacuum gripping base and an air extraction pump to apply a holding force toward an object surface while maintaining surface-ward pressure on a drilling apparatus mounted therein. The pump extracts air from two discrete, but coupled volumes: a volume associated with the vacuum gripping base and a volume related to one or more piston tubes mounted transversely to the vacuum gripping element and movably coupled to the drilling apparatus. The surface area of the piston tubes is less than the surface area of the vacuum gripping base, which ensures the holding force is sufficient to prevent the drilling system from lifting from the object surface while also ensuring a driving force on the drilling apparatus is always less than the holding force. Thus, the operation of the drilling apparatus automatically drills into an object surface without requiring manual pressure on the drilling apparatus.

Abstract: A uniquely designed torque wrench having a torque body, the torque body attached to a frictional squeezing clamp, and a lug socket which is rotationally connected to the frictional squeezing clamp. The frictional squeezing clamp entering a contracted stated during extension of a rod of a hydraulic cylinder, and entering an expanded state during the retraction of the rod of a hydraulic cylinder, the lug socket turning the wing nut of a hammer union.

Abstract: A magnetic tool connector includes a main body having a working end. The working end defines first and second chambers in communication with each other. The first chamber is configured to receive an object to be driven. The second chamber having an opening at an end edge of the first chamber. The end edge of the first chamber defines an abutting surface for positioning the object within the first chamber. A magnetic assembly is slidably coupled to the main body and includes a magnet. The magnetic assembly is movable between a first position in which the magnet is located outside of the second chamber and a second position in which the magnet is located within the second chamber.

Abstract: Manoeuvering flywheel of the type consisting of a main flywheel body composed of a cylindrical base and a crown consisting of a regular series of gripping lobes characterised in that the cylindrical base centrally provides a cylindrical cavity, wherein a septum is located which is centrally perforated, perpendicular to the directrices of the cylindrical cavity, and apt to make up two separate chambers, on the lower surface of which a series of engagement teeth is housed.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having multiple driving modes with torque sensing function includes an annular head, a driving unit, a control unit, a rotary member, a forcing unit and at least one torque sensor. The annular head receives the driving unit therein and a shaft extends from the annular head. The driving unit has a first toothed ring engaged with a first pawl, and a second pawl engaged with inner teeth of the annular head. The rotary member is rotatably inserted in the shaft, and has two ends to the driving unit and the forcing unit respectively. The forcing unit includes a tubular handle and a display unit. The torque sensor is mounted on the shaft. The shaft inserts into an axial chamber of the handle. The torque sensor is positioned between the axial chamber and the shaft. When the shaft is bended by the handle to produce a deformation.

Abstract: Removal tool and method for removing a panel insert from a panel. In one embodiment, the removal tool includes a tool frame to straddle a panel insert installed in a panel, and a puller rod slidably disposed perpendicularly through the tool frame. One end of the puller rod engages the panel insert. The removal tool further includes a biasing member that applies an axial force to the puller rod away from the tool frame, and a heater to apply heat to the panel insert.

Abstract: A compressed air nailer comprises a working piston connected to a driving tappet and configured to drive in a fastener and a triggering apparatus. The triggering apparatus comprises a manually actuable trigger, a placing sensor, and a force transmission element configured to interact with the manually actuable trigger and the placing sensor to actuate a control valve and trigger the driving process when the manually actuable trigger and the placing sensor are actuated together. The compressed air nailer is configured to continuously drive in fasteners in an automatic operating mode when the manually actuable trigger and the placing sensor are permanently actuated, and wherein displacing the placing sensor from the second position into the first position does not actuate the control valve when the manually actuable trigger is in an actuated position when the placing sensor is displaced.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric working machine in which a control board can be disposed without limitations based on a length of a brushless motor in a direction along an axial line. The electric working machine comprises: a brushless motor provided with a rotor and a stator; a motor case and a motor housing in which the brushless motor is stored; a control board which is provided outside of the motor housing in a radial direction of an axial line defined at the center of the rotor, and supports the switching elements; a connection board which is provided in the motor case, and supports the sensors; a through hole provided on the motor case; a through hole provided on the motor housing; and leads and signal lines extending from inside of the motor housing to the outside of the motor housing through the holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary table (1) for positioning a workpiece by means of a manual drive (4a, 4b), said rotary table comprising a base plate (2) having a base plate-side transmission device (20), and also comprising a bearing plate (3), mounted rotatably on the base plate and having a bearing plate-side transmission device (30), which is configured to rotate the bearing plate (3) relative to the base plate (2) by means of a drive (4), wherein the base plate (2) is formed as a two-part or multi-part component composed of at least two plate segments (2a, 2b), and wherein the bearing plate (3) is formed as a two-part or multi-part component composed of at least two plate segments (3a, 3b).

Abstract: A drill bit cooling system is provided. After drilling use, the drill tip of a drill bit reaches higher temperatures than a shank or flute of the drill bit. Compartments are provided that are sized in length and width (diameter) to accommodate the drill bit and a cover or back plate with an increased melting temperature facilitates the storage of hot drill tip. By using different components to construct the drill bit holder, a lightweight and versatile cooling system permits the drill bit to be rapidly interchanged on a power tool or drill, without melting through the storage device. This helps the operator interchange drill bits while working on a workpiece without waiting for each drill bit to cool prior to storing and replacing the drill bit.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing utility tools in an organized manner, in particle tools with long handles. The apparatus having an upper panel, a lower panel, and three pillars that extend between the upper panel and the lower panel. Each the upper panel and the lower panel having voids for different dimensions and shapes. Such voids of the different dimensions and shapes can receive a range of tools of different shapes and dimensions. The pillars having peg holes throughout that can be used to mount hooks. A range of articles can be mounted to these hooks.

Abstract: A tray and tool case that is hung from the rungs of a ladder or scaffold or closed and carried with tools inside. User may safely and securely store tools on or within the device while engaged in construction projects without climbing off a ladder or scaffold. The device consists of a tray surface with tool openings and rear support leg with tool openings and tool straps, connected to each other with secure fasteners and folding fasteners with locking pins. Three side walls of the tray surface are raised to prevent loss of tools. The device is secured in an open position with secure fasteners like screws, folding fasteners, and locking pins. The closed case is secured with push pin locks after the folding fasteners are folded down but may be opened when the push pink locks are disengaged and the curved opening is used to pull the device open.

Abstract: A robotic system for carrying out an operation is provided. The robotic system is lightweight. The principle application of the robotic system is in manufacturing industry typically to hold a tool that can perform various operations. The robotic system includes a first carriage, an arm, an arm swiveling mechanism, a second carriage, a first displacement mechanism, and a controller. The first carriage is configured to be linearly displaced. The arm is coupled to the first carriage. The second carriage is connected to a free end of the arm, and is configured to securely hold the tool. The first displacement mechanism is configured to displace the second carriage.

Abstract: An action robot may include a main body, at least one joint, and at least one limb configured to be rotatably connected to the main body via the joint. The joint may be configured to provide elastic force in a direction in which the limb is unfolded or pulled away from the main body and a wire connected to the limb to pull the limb in a direction in which the limb is folded or pulled toward the main body. The wire may be connected to an elevation rod provided inside the main body. A drive assembly may be provided outside the main body and be configured to lift the elevation rod. A rod spring may be provided and configured to provide a downward elastic force to the elevation rod. A wire support provided within the main body may be configured to support the wire.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft having a first shaft, a second shaft configured to enable a first relative movement in an axial direction between the first and second shafts, and a third shaft configured to enable a second relative movement in the axial direction between the second and third shafts, and a third relative movement in the axial direction between the first and third shafts. The second shaft is located between the first and third shafts. The telescopic shaft is configured to connect a base of a parallel kinematics robot to an end effector of the same for the purpose of transferring torque. By providing the telescopic shaft with more than two shafts with mutual relative movements between the same, an extension factor (the relation between the maximum and minimum lengths of the telescopic shaft) and by that the working area of the parallel kinematics robot can be increased.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool plate configured to receive a robotic end effector is removably matable with a robot appendage via a quick-release mechanism.

Abstract: A manipulator command handle (147, 230, 330) comprising a handle framework (232, 332), a first cable (250, 350) having a first end (252, 352) and a second end, wherein the second end of the first cable is coupled to the handle framework, a first coupler block (241, 341) coupled to the first end of the first cable and a connector configured to reversibly couple to an output shaft (224, 322) of a manipulator wrist joint.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus includes a processor that is configured to control a robot having a robot arm to which an end effector is attached. The processor is configured to: insert one end of a cable into a first connector while holding a side of one end of the cable using the end effector; store a position and a posture of a specific point on the cable or the end effector when the insertion of the one end of the cable into the first connector is completed; move the end effector along the cable toward a side of the other end of the cable based on an amount of movement toward the other end of the cable stored in advance and the position and the posture while guiding the cable using the end effector; hold the side of the other end of the cable using the end effector.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot body, a control processor, a detection circuit, a memory, and a determining circuit. The control processor is configured to control the robot body to perform a work on a workpiece while the workpiece is conveyed. The detection circuit is configured to detect external force which the robot body receives from the workpiece. The memory is to store a threshold force. The determining circuit is configured to determine whether the external force is equal to or larger than the threshold force.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls a horizontal articulated robot including a base, a first arm provided at the base and pivoting around a first axis relative to the base, a second arm provided at the first arm and pivoting around a second axis relative to the first arm, a shaft provided in the second arm and linearly moving in directions along a third axis, a motor that drives linear motion of the shaft, a position detector that detects a position of the motor, and an inertial sensor provided in the second arm, and includes a control section that feeds back output of the inertial sensor to control of the motor and drives the motor.

Abstract: a speed reducer angular transmission error identification system including a variation data acquisition unit that acquires first variation data indicating a periodic variation of an operation of a second joint caused by a first motor's angular transmission error when a first joint control unit rotates a first motor's output shaft in a first direction at a constant first target speed and a second joint drive unit rotates an output shaft of a second motor at a constant second target speed, second variation which is data indicating a periodic variation of an operation of second joint caused by the first motor's angular transmission error when the first joint control unit rotates the first motor's output shaft in a second direction at the constant first target speed and the second joint control unit rotates the second motor's output shaft at the constant second target speed.

Abstract: A robot control device that creates a control program for work of a robot with a force detector, the device includes a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: display an input screen including an operation flow creation area for creating an operation flow of work on a display device; convert the created operation flow into a control program; and execute the control program to control the robot, wherein the input screen is configured to display a plurality of operation objects indicating a plurality of operations including an operation using force control, and one or more conditional branch objects indicating a conditional branch, as options, and wherein the operation flow creation area is configured to create an operation flow including the conditional branch by graphically placing an operation object selected from the plurality of operation objects and the conditional branch object.

Abstract: An operation planning apparatus 1 of a robot 100 includes a non-interference path generation unit 3 and a time determination unit 5 configured to generate a time-space path. The time determination unit 5 includes a temporary time setting unit 8 configured to set, for each main point, temporary time in such a way that an operation speed does not exceed a maximum allowable speed between the plurality of main points; and a temporary time adjustment unit 9 configured to spatially smooth the spatial smoothing path in a first smoothing range that includes the main point using a mollifier function, and prolong, if the operation speed exceeds the maximum allowable acceleration in the first smoothing range, the temporary time of the plurality of main points after the main point in such a way that the operation speed does not exceed the maximum allowable acceleration in the first, smoothing range.

Abstract: A transfer robot includes one arm, another arm, and a motor. The one arm has a first connection portion. The other arm has a second connection portion that is connected to the first connection portion of the one arm via a shaft such that the other arm is rotatable relatively with respect to the one arm around a shaft axis of the shaft. The motor is provided inside the first connection portion of the one arm. The motor includes a rotor rotatable around the shaft axis to rotate the one arm or the other arm around the shaft axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for auto-generating a control and monitoring solution for smart and robotics environments. The traditional systems and methods provide solutions for the smart and robotics environments by manually generating codes but none of them provide for auto-generation of the control and monitoring solutions and the corresponding coordination logics. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for auto-generating the control and monitoring solution by capturing a set of domain knowledge and information on capabilities of a plurality of devices by an accumulator module (201), auto-generating a controlled coordination logic based upon the set of domain knowledge and the capabilities information by a control logic synthesizer module (202) and auto-generating, by an implementation module (203), the control and monitoring solution for the smart and robotics environments based upon the coordination control logic.

Abstract: A robotic kitchen assistant for frying includes a robotic arm, a fryer basket, and a robotic arm adapter assembly allowing the robotic arm to pick up and manipulate the fryer basket. The robotic arm adapter includes opposing gripping members to engage the fryer basket. A utensil adapter assembly is mounted to the handle of the fryer basket, and the opposing gripper members are actuated to capture a three-dimensional (3D) feature of the utensil adapter assembly. The robotic arm adapter assembly can include an agitator mechanism to shake the fryer basket or another utensil as desired. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to user-assisted robotic control systems, user interfaces for remote control of robotic systems, vision systems in robotic control systems, and modular grippers for use by robotic systems. Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer-readable media instructions are disclosed for interactions with and control of robotic systems, in particular, pick and place systems using soft robotic actuators to grasp, move and release target objects.

Abstract: An end-of-arm tool lifts a stack of totes and ejects a lowermost tote one at a time. The tool includes fixed unloading arms on which an outgoing tote slides in response to a pusher. A pair of staging arms lift the totes above the outgoing tote to free the outgoing tote and enable the outgoing tote to slide on the unloading arms.

Abstract: A transport tool for transporting a laboratory article using a pipette of a pipetting system and having a plug-in sleeve at a top end, an article holder at a bottom end, and a connecting part which connects the plug-in sleeve to the article holder. The plug-in sleeve has a side sleeve wall and a bottom which surround an interior space of the plug-in sleeve having a cylindrical and conically tapering shape. The plug-in sleeve further has an upward-facing opening for receiving an end of a pipette of an automated pipetting system. The connecting part has a top surface which defines the bottom of the plug-in sleeve, is positioned between the interior space of the plug-in sleeve and the article holder. The article holder has a holding plate which is flat and faces downward away from the plug-in sleeve, and further has a flatly acting magnet on the holding plate.

Abstract: An end of arm tool subassembly includes three identical linear drive mechanisms connected directly together to provide three directions of movement. Each linear drive mechanism includes a base defined by a longitudinal axis and a slide movably coupled to the base. The base has at least one mounting surface disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and an end mounting surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The slide traverses in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and has a slide mounting surface thereon. One of the identical linear drive mechanisms is directly attached to the end mounting surface of the base of another linear drive mechanism to provide two of the three directions of movement.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a fibrillar, directional adhesive assembly, a gripper, and a robot including a gripper. In one embodiment, the fibrillar, directional adhesive assembly includes a carriage, a layer of fibrillar, directional adhesive, and at least one load component. The carriage may have a first lateral side and a second lateral side adjacent to the first lateral side and the at least one load component may connect the layer of fibrillar, directional adhesive to the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The load component may be capable of loading shear force from the carriage to the layer of fibrillar, directional adhesive along a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A modular gripper has a body with a trident section and cylindrical section. A powering assembly is positioned in the cylindrical section. A pair of oppositing jaws is pivotally secured between a center wall and a pair of side wall, respectively, of the trident section. The piston rod moves a cam assembly on the center wall. The cam assembly passes through a body having a trident section and cylindrical section. The trident section comprises a trident structure that includes, at one end, a pair of side walls along with a center wall. The cylindrical section includes a fluid driven powering assembly. A pair of opposing jaw member are pivotally secured to the trident portion about separate pivot pins. A cam assembly is operatively connected to a piston rod of the fluid driven powering assembly. The cam assembly extends laterally outward with respect to a cylinder bore axis to receive a cam bush that engages with a through slot on each of the pair of opposing jaw members.

Abstract: Described herein is a suction-type gripping device including a suction-cup and configured for handling a component, for example a sheet-metal component for a motor vehicle. The device includes a plurality of pins that can slide with respect to the suction cup. The pins define a variable-geometry bed configured for reproducing the geometry of the component to be handled.

Abstract: A vacuum gripper sealing element allows a vacuum gripper to suitably conform to irregular surface topology without compromising vacuum conditions. The sealing element utilizes a compressible sealing element which at least partially encapsulates an elastic sealing element. Upon being pressed against an object surface, the compressible sealing element will conform within and around macroscopic peaks, valleys and other irregular physical features. While conforming to macro-scale features, the compressible sealing element applies pressure isotropically upon the encapsulated elastic sealing element, which elastically conforms to micro-scale features while pressed thereagainst. The elastic sealing element has a fluid-filled interior that is surrounded by an elastic outer layer. While under pressure against an irregular surface topology, the fluid-filled interior displaces so as to redistribute internal forces, conforming the elastic outer layer to the micro-scale features of the object surface.

Abstract: A gripping device for handling sample containers is presented. The gripping device comprises a number of rigid fingers having non-gripping surfaces adapted to reduce adhesion between the non-gripping surfaces and labels. The number of rigid fingers collectively grip a sample container. Each finger comprises a gripping surface to contact the sample container while the sample container is gripped by the gripping device. The non-gripping surface of each finger is different from the gripping surface. The non-gripping surface of at least one of the fingers is at least partially corrugated. A sample container processing system comprising such a gripping device is also presented.

Abstract: A mounting bracket includes: a first flange mounted on a wrist leading end surface of a robot allowing a linear object to penetrate therethrough along a rotation center axis of a wrist leading end, the first flange having a first through-hole through which the linear object passes; a second flange that is spaced apart from the first flange in a direction of the rotation center axis and on which an end effector is mounted; and a cylindrical coupling part coupling an outer edge of the first flange and an outer edge of the second flange, the coupling part is provided with opening parts through which the linear object penetrated through the first through-hole passes, and at least at positions of the opening parts, the outer edge of the second flange is disposed in a position closer to the rotation center axis than the outer edge of the first flange.

Abstract: A robot including a robot main body having at least two openings passing through an outer wall thereof in a wall thickness direction and a cable routed in an interior of the robot main body, where the cable includes branch cables each of which is split off from a trunk cable of the cable in a vicinity of each of the openings.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sealing apparatus for a robot and an articulated robot utilizing the sealing apparatus. In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The second enclosure may be rotatably connected to the first enclosure such that the first enclosure and the second enclosure cooperatively define a gap between the first enclosure and the second enclosure. The sealing apparatus may further include a seal disposed in the gap such that the seal and the second enclosure cooperatively define a chamber. The sealing apparatus also includes an elastomer disposed in the chamber. The elastomer may be compressed by the seal and the second enclosure to generate an elastic force that presses the seal against the first enclosure.

Abstract: A robotic transport system including a drive section connected to a frame, an articulated arm operably coupled to the drive section providing the articulated arm with arm motion in at least one axis of motion moving at least a portion of the articulated arm in a collaborative space, corresponding to the frame, from a first location to another different location in the collaborative space, the articulated arm having an end effector with a workpiece grip having workpiece engagement members engaging and holding a workpiece during workpiece transport, by the arm motion in the at least one axis of motion, wherein at least one of the workpiece engagement members is frangible compliant, having a frangible compliant coupling between a distal portion of the at least one of the workpiece engagement members and a base portion of the end effector from which the at least one of the workpiece engagement members depends.

Abstract: A knife having a latchless locking mechanism having a handle half with a left handle portion and a right handle portion held apart to form a blade groove. The left handle portion and the right handle portion each include a liner including a pivot slot and a first lock pin disposed between the first left handle portion and the first right handle portion. A blade having a tang that is pivotally and slidably coupled to the handle half with a pivot pin, the tang including a tang slot configured to accept the locking pin and a hook portion extending over the tang slot, the hook portion configured to capture the lock pin when the blade is in a locked position and thereby prevent rotation of the blade from the first locked position to the open position. A latchless locking system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electric appliances for personal care, in particular electric shavers, comprising a drive unit having first and second drive components adapted to magnetically interact with each other, and a magnetic shielding at least partially surrounding the drive unit. Said magnetic shielding is formed by structural parts supporting the drive unit and/or transmitting drive movements of the drive unit, wherein such structural parts are made of a soft magnetic material. More particularly, a mounting frame and a transmitter frame together form a magnetic shielding cage which is movable as the mounting frame and the transmitter frame are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A shaving razor having at least two independent blade assemblies coupled to substantially rigid linkages. The linkages each defining a pivot point between the two independent blade assemblies. A bridge spans between the linkages such that movement of the bridge causes pivoting about the pivot point enabling reciprocating motion of the blade assemblies where assemblies on opposite sides of the pivot point reciprocate in opposite directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of a razor for shaving are disclosed. The razor may include a water-resistant handle. The razor may also include a blade with at least one sharp edge and one edge substantially enclosed substantially by handle. The razor may also include a blade with a plurality of edges that are interchangeable and each edge of blade may vary in sharpness.

Abstract: A manual skiver (10) for precise removal of outside material from an elongated device, such as a medical catheter or the like, includes a longitudinal recess (11) in a planar bottom surface (24) at the front end, a transverse replaceable blade (28) therein, a removable cover (32), and a handle (22) extending from the back end thereof. A second embodiment (66) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for cutting a coreless rolled paper product. The method includes defining a core offset value for a cut, the cut having a starting point and an ending point, setting a plunge speed for a saw to a first plunge speed, and changing the plunge speed to a second plunge speed when the saw reaches the core offset value.