Abstract: A casting method includes: forming a seed, the seed having a first end and a second end, the forming including bending a seed precursor; placing the seed second end in contact or spaced facing relation with a chill plate; contacting the first end with molten material; and cooling and solidifying the molten material so that a crystalline structure of the seed propagates into the solidifying material. The forming further included reducing a thickness of the seed proximate the first end relative to a thickness of the seed proximate the second end.

Abstract: A method for casting aluminum on a rotor, comprising: installing casting equipment on a casting workbench and storing enough molten aluminum in the casting equipment, wherein the casting equipment comprises an heat preserving furnace and an electromagnetic pump arranged at a side of the heat preserving furnace; assembling a plurality of rotor iron cores with a plurality of dies respectively and preheating outside the casting workbench; installing the plurality of preheated dies on a plurality of liquid outlet gates at a top end of the electromagnetic pump, wherein each liquid outlet gate is matched with a liquid inlet gate of the dies; heating and keeping the installed die in a multi-stage heating mode; controlling the pressurizing pressure of the electromagnetic pump in time-period when the electromagnetic pump is used for casting; and after completing casting, moving the plurality of dies out of the casting workbench to be cooled.

Abstract: A method of printing a three dimensional article (201) can include forming a bottom layer of the three dimensional article (201) by spraying a dry build material powder (210) onto a build platform (230) while heating the dry build material powder (210). The dry build material powder (210) can include metal or ceramic particles mixed with a polymeric binder having a softening point temperature. The dry build material powder (210) can be heated to a temperature above the softening point temperature such that the dry build material powder (210) adheres to the build platform (230). Subsequent layers can be formed by spraying dry build material powder (210) onto a lower layer while heating the dry build material powder (210) such that the dry build material powder (210) adheres to the lower layer.

Abstract: A metallic ink for solvent-cast 3D printing, the ink comprising a solution or a gel of a polymer in a volatile solvent, and heat-sinterable metallic particles dispersed in the solution or gel, wherein the particles are present in a particles:polymer weight ratio of more than about 85:15, is provided. There is also provided a method of manufacturing this ink and a method of manufacturing a solvent-cast metallic 3D printed material using this ink.

Abstract: A plasma atomization metal powder manufacturing process includes providing a heated metal source and contacting the heated metal source with the plasma of at least one plasma source under conditions effective for causing atomization of the heated metal source. The atomization may be carried out using a gas to metal ratio of less than about 20, thereby obtaining a raw metal powder having a 0-106 ?m particle size distribution yield of at least 80%. The process may further include aligning the heated metal source with the plasma of at least one plasma source. An atomizing system may include an alignment system positioned upstream of the plasma source and adapted to adjust an orientation of the metal source relative to the at least one plasma source.

Abstract: Methods for the fabrication of metal strain wave gear flexsplines using a specialized metal additive manufacturing technique are provided. The method allows the entire flexspline to be metal printed, including all the components: the output surface with mating features, the thin wall of the cup, and the teeth integral to the flexspline. The flexspline may be used directly upon removal from the building tray.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system may include a controller operably coupled to a vision system and an additive manufacturing machine. The controller may be configured to determine a workpiece-interface of each of a plurality of workpieces from one or more digital representations of one or more fields of view having been captured by a vision system and determining one or more coordinates of the workpiece-interface of respective ones of the plurality of workpieces, and to transmit one or more print commands to an additive manufacturing machine so as to additively print a plurality of extension segments on the workpiece-interface of respective ones of the plurality of workpieces, with the one or more print commands having been generated based at least in part on the one or more digital representations of the one or more fields of view.

Abstract: A method of supporting a rotating member of a tailstock includes rotating a rotating member coupled to a workpiece support slidably mounted in a housing of the tailstock, causing the rotating member to shift along a longitudinal axis in a first direction, and measuring an amount of vertical displacement of the rotating member.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a drill chuck. The drill chuck includes: a drill body; jaws, partially disposed in the drill body, external threads being provided on an outer wall of the jaws; a locking member, disposed on the outer side of the drill body, the locking member being provided with internal threads, the locking member and the jaws being in threaded fit to enable the jaws to be movably disposed in the drill body; a driving assembly, disposed on an outer side of the locking member, the driving assembly being configured to drive the locking member to rotate, the driving assembly being disposed between a housing and the locking member, the housing driving the locking member to rotate by the driving assembly to enable the jaws to move in the drill body; and a locking structure, located between the housing and the jaws.

Abstract: A pocket hole jig with screw sizing system includes a pocket hole jig with a guide block reciprocally carried by a guide holder. The guide block can be raised or lowered relative the guide holder between a range of distances corresponding and calibrated to a horizontal range defined by a workpiece. A scale on a gauge member carried by the guide block is divided into a plurality of zones. An indicator is carried by the guide holder for indicating one of the plurality of zones by the position of the guide block relative the guide holder. Also provided is a series of different size screws, wherein each different size screw of the series corresponds to one of the plurality of zones.

Abstract: There is provided a cutting insert which is capable of cutting by using either one of both surfaces and is stably supported by a tool body. Each of a first end surface and a second end surface of a cutting insert includes a first inclined surface which is inclined from a diagonal line by which a corner portion connecting a first peripheral side surface and a second peripheral side surface and a corner portion connecting a third peripheral side surface and a fourth peripheral side surface are joined toward a corner portion connecting the first peripheral side surface and the fourth peripheral side surface such that a distance to an imaginary plane decreases, and a second inclined surface which is inclined from the diagonal line toward a corner portion connecting the second peripheral side surface and the third peripheral side surface such that a distance to the imaginary plane decreases.

Abstract: An oil hole reamer includes an oil passage extending inside a tool main body along an axis of the tool main body, and an oil hole extending radially outward from the oil passage to an outer circumference of the tool main body. An oil outlet of the oil hole is formed to be open toward a position corresponding to a corner at which a tip cutting edge intersects an outer-circumference cutting edge and to cause at least part of the oil outlet to be open to the outer-circumference flank face.

Abstract: A soldering device includes a laser head for outputting a laser beam and a solder feeder for feeding a thread solder to a path of the laser beam. The soldering device includes a solder receiving member for receiving solder melted by the laser beam and a pouring member for pouring molten solder into a workpiece. The solder receiving member includes a recess part having a shape for retaining the molten solder. The pouring member has a groove part communicating with the recess part and allowing the solder to flow therein.

Abstract: A welding system includes a power source configured to generate power and deliver the power to a welding torch. The power is provided in accordance with an electrode negative pulse welding regime that includes a cyclic peak, followed by a stabilization phase, then a return to a background level. The stabilization phase has a generally parabolic current shape, and is performed in a current-closed loop manner until a transition point. Resulting weld performance is improved, with a globular-like transfer mode, reduced shorts and enhanced arc stability.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a welding system having a welding power supply configured to provide welding power is provided. The welding system additionally includes a weld cable coupled to the welding power supply and configured to transmit the welding power. The welding system further includes a processor configured to transmit and to receive a plurality of tones to provide communications with a device external to the welding power supply via the weld cable.

Abstract: A method providing a manual welding apparatus configured to supply a welding wire to a welding gun. The welding gun has a trigger and an opening where the welding wire extends when the trigger is activated. The method also has a computer with a user interface that includes an automatic wire retract program. The program monitors the welding gun and determines when the trigger is disabled. The program indicates when a first condition is satisfied and retracts the welding wire so the welding wire does not extend from the opening of the welding gun.

Abstract: A welding or additive manufacturing wire drive system includes a first drive roll having a first annular groove, a second drive roll having a second annular groove, a first welding wire located between the drive rolls in the annular grooves, and a second welding wire located between the drive rolls in the annular grooves. A biasing member biases the first drive roll toward the second drive roll to force the first welding wire to contact the second welding wire. The first welding wire contacts each of a first sidewall portion of the first annular groove, a first sidewall portion of the second annular groove, and the second welding wire. The second welding wire contacts each of a second sidewall portion of the first annular groove, a second sidewall portion of the second annular groove, and the first welding wire. The drive rolls rotate in opposite directions thereby moving the welding wires through the wire drive system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser processing systems and associated methods for using and manufacturing such systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a laser processing system includes a controller, a laser source, a material support, and a beam delivery subsystem operably coupled to the controller. The beam delivery subsystem comprises an optical carriage assembly configured to receive and modify a laser beam from the laser source, and direct the laser beam toward a material to be processed carried by the material support. The optical carriage assembly is further configured to focus the laser beam within a material processing field to obtain an adjustable power density within a material processing plane and achieve an optimal selected condition for the material to be processed.

Abstract: A welding apparatus that welds a third conductor to a first conductor includes a clamp and a laser irradiation apparatus, the third conductor being adjacent to the first conductor between the first conductor and a second conductor extending in parallel to each other. The clamp is configured to sandwich the first conductor and the third conductor between a first gripper and a second gripper. The laser irradiation apparatus is configured to emit a welding laser towards the third conductor. The first gripper includes a confronting portion facing a contact surface that comes into contact with the first conductor. In a state where the clamp sandwiches the first conductor and the third conductor, the confronting portion and the second gripper are positioned so as to block a reflection laser of the welding laser reflected in a given range of the third conductor.

Abstract: A welded blank assembly is formed by welding first and second sheet metal pieces together at a weld joint. At least one of the sheet metal pieces includes a boron steel or press hardenable steel base material layer and an aluminum-based coating material layer, along with a weld notch where at least a portion of the coating material layer is removed before welding. An additional material can be provided during welding to influence weld joint composition and/or a secondary heat source can be used to heat and flow a protective material in a weld region of the blank assembly. The weld notch has a width that may be related to the width of a heat-affected zone formed during welding.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of modifying a surface of a material, in situ, while the material is being used to at least one of form or modify a portion of a part to remove flaws layer-by-layer and improve a part from a layerwise built, or a coating. The method may involve generating first, second and third beams. The third beam may act on a surface of a material to heat a portion of the surface of the material into a flowable state to thus modify a surface characteristic of the material. The first beam may control an optically addressable light valve (OALV) which modifies an energy of the third beam. The second beam may control an optically addressable electric field modulator (OAEFM) to generate an electric field in a vicinity of the surface and to influence a movement of the portion of material while the portion of material is in the flowable state. The beams are modulated based on a sensing element feedback loop.

Abstract: In various embodiments, metallic wires are fabricated by combining one or more powders of substantially spherical metal particles with one or more powders of non-spherical particles within one or more optional metallic tubes. The metal elements within the powders (and the one or more tubes, if present) collectively define a high entropy alloy of five or more metallic elements or a multi-principal element alloy of four or more metallic elements.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a substrate with a transparent conductive film, includes emitting subnano-to-nanosecond laser light to a transparent conductive film formed on a surface of a substrate to form a laser-induced periodic surface structure having a corrugated shape in at least a part of the transparent conductive film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to produce a metal blank with a predetermined contour, with the following steps: continuously moving the metal strip in a transport direction x; concurrently removing material from the surface of a top of a metal strip in at least one predetermined surface section by ablation by means of a first laser that is a component of a first removal device, and then concurrently cutting the metal strip along a cutting path corresponding to the contour of the metal blank by means of at least one second laser that is a component of a cutting device provided downstream of the first removal device; the surface section of an upstream metal blank being produced simultaneously with the cutting of a downstream metal blank.

Abstract: The machine spindle arrangement (22) according to the invention forms a unit with a motor (19) as central element. At one side of the motor (19) a spindle neck (35) with a spindle (32) is flanged that is directly driven by the rotor (28) of the motor (19). The spindle (32) is a so-called null spindle that can be replaced without readjustment with all bearings and other wear parts due to the present exactly adjusted positioning surface (39) that abuts against an axially properly defined bearing contact surface (38). At the backside of the motor (19) facing away from the spindle (32), a tool releasing device (20) and an angle adjustment transmission (21) is arranged that serves to rotate a present traverse feed shaft (42) relative to the spindle (32). The traverse feed shaft (42) serves to actuate an adjustment device at the tool (15).

Abstract: A positioning device to position, during in vehicle construction, a vehicle body component having at least one locating bore. The positioning device includes a locating pin having a conical end designed to be guided axially through a locating bore of the vehicle body component to centre and position the vehicle body component. The locating pin is mounted in a radially floating manner.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece during a machining operation is disclosed. The fixture may include a seat configured to receive the workpiece. The fixture may further include a quick release lever mounted to the fixture and configured to displace the workpiece from the seat.

Abstract: A device (1) for the movement of sheet-like pieces (P) in a machine tool (M), including a frame (10) moving towards or away from the machining surface (P1) of the machine, a gripping device (20) including a sheet-like element (21) with a gripping surface (21a) having openings (24) and mounted on the frame (10) rotatingly around at least one axis (x) substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement (D) of the frame (10) and element for the creation of a vacuum (25) communicating with the openings (24) and adapted to generate a vacuum pressure at the openings (24), which, when the gripping surface (21a) is substantially next to the machining surface (P1), makes it possible to detach the pieces (P) from the machining surface and keep them on the gripping surface.

Abstract: This method for generating a tool path for processing a workpiece is provided with: a step for setting a first reference plane with respect to the workpiece; a step for setting, with respect to the workpiece, a second reference plant which is not parallel to the first reference plane; a step for interpolating, on the basis of the first reference plane and the second reference plane, a plurality of third reference planes, which are not parallel to each other, between the first reference plane and the second reference plane; a step in which partial tool paths for processing the workpiece are generated for each of the plurality of third reference planes on the basis of the corresponding third reference plane; and a step for generating a tool path by sequentially connecting the partial tool paths of the plurality of third reference planes.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes: a cutting part including a cutting edge having a linear shape; and a fitted part including a fixed section to which the cutting part is fixed, and a fitted part body to be fitted to a cutting device. The cutting edge is located perpendicularly to a virtual line passing through a central axis of the fitted part body, on a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the fitted part body. A center of the cutting edge in its longitudinal direction is located on the virtual line.

Abstract: A seaming station and method of seaming utilizing two robot arms with seaming heads coupled thereto to seam a large lite by working in conjunction with one another or simultaneously seaming two lites independently of one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wafer polishing apparatus, including: a surface plate having a polishing pad attached on an upper surface thereof; a slurry injection nozzle configured to inject slurry toward the polishing pad; at least one polishing head configured to accommodate a wafer and rotate at an upper portion of the surface plate; an index configured to support so as to connect the at least one polishing head at an upper portion thereof; and a particle suction part coupled to the index and configured to suck particles generated during polishing of the wafer.

Abstract: Pliers for tightening parts for levelling cladding tiles, including: a first arm (1) with a handle (10) and a guide bar (11); a second arm (2) with a handle (20) and a contact surface (21) with a levelling wedge; a rotation shaft (4); and a supporting stop (3) comprising: a passage (31) for assembly in the guide bar; a shaft (32) assembled in a longitudinal slot (12) of the guide bar for the longitudinal movement of the supporting stop (3) with respect to the guide bar (11) and the relative rotation thereof between a fastening position with a pawl (13, 34) and a longitudinal movement position of the supporting stop (3) with respect to said guide bar (11); and a spring (33) which tends to maintain the supporting stop (3) in the fastening position with respect to the guide bar (11).

Abstract: An inventive tool enables easy removal of label media from tight spaces, such as removal of a spine or cover label from the label pocket of a notebook binder. The tool is generally flat, skinny, and long and has an adhesive capture end and a handle end. The adhesive capture end utilizes a low- to medium-tack pressure sensitive adhesive to capture the entrapped label media when the tool is inserted into the pocket. Modes of providing a pressure sensitive adhesive end include spray application and double- and single-coated films and other media.

Abstract: In a method for an electric pulse tool, which is configured to deliver torque pulses on an output shaft, in each of a plurality of periods, a current pulse is provided to an electric motor during a current-on time and a current feed is paused during a current-off time. The method includes retrieving a parameter reflecting an amount of reaction force that the operator of the electric pulse tool can be exposed to, and determining the current-off time based on the parameter. The determined current off time includes a first off interval until an end of a torque pulse and a second off interval after the end of the torque pulse. The second off interval is based on a width of the torque pulse, such that a wider torque pulse results in a wider off interval and a narrower torque pulse results in a shorter off interval.

Abstract: A driver has: a strike section moving in a first direction to strike a fastener; and a bumper contacting the strike section and restricting the range of movement of the strike section in the first direction. The driver further has: a support section for supporting the bumper; a connection section connected to the support section and disposed in a direction intersecting the first direction; a drive section supported by the connection section and moving the strike section in a second direction; a first receiving section which, when the strike section moves in the first direction to hit the bumper, receives a load acting on the support section in the first direction; and a second receiving section which, when the strike section moves in the first direction to hit the bumper, receives a load acting on the support section in the circumferential direction about a first centerline of the drive section.

Abstract: An explosive discharge actuated tool is used with a multi-cartridge strip for driving fasteners, and includes a tool housing, a firing module disposed within the tool housing and rearwardly of a firing position, and a trigger and cartridge advancing module coupled with the firing module such that turning of a trigger lever causes turning of a cartridge advancing lever to move the strip so as to move a next cartridge to the firing position during the cartridge detonation in the firing position.

Abstract: A flexible driver, a robot joint, a robot and an exoskeleton robot, the transmission mechanism including an active rotating member, a driven rotating member and a rope, which form a rope drive relationship; wherein, the rope is tightly wound around rotating surfaces of the active rotating member and the driven rotating member, and a rotational central axis of the active rotating member is perpendicular to a rotational central axis of the driven rotating member. An output end of the driving mechanism is connected to the active rotating member, to drive rotation of the active rotating member. The output mechanism includes a flexible driving part, and an output part which is used for connecting to an external actuator. The driven rotating member drives rotation of the output part through the flexible driving part. The flexible driver drives flexibly the actuator through a compact structure as well as reliable and high-efficient transmission.

Abstract: A method for operating a multi-agent system that includes multiple robots, each of the robots cyclically performing the following: starting from an instantaneous system state, ascertaining possible options, the options defining actions by which a transition may be achieved from an instantaneous system state to a subsequent system state; for each of the possible options, ascertaining action costs for performing an action specified by the option; performing an auction, the action costs values ascertained for each option being taken into consideration by each of the other robots; and performing an action, which corresponds to one of the options, as a function of all cost values ascertained or received for the relevant option, the action costs for a particular option each taking an experience parameter into consideration, which is a function of costs for past actions assigned to the particular option previously carried out by the multiple robots.

Abstract: A robotic arm assembly having an arm with at least one end effector pivotally connected to the end of the arm. The robotic arm assembly has a continuous belt driven by two motors. Manipulation of the speed and direction of the two motors controls the length of the arm and the tilt of the end effector. A third motor controls the tilt of the arm.

Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot is provided, which includes a first connecting part disposed between two of the arms and rotatably connecting the other arm to one arm, a second connecting part disposed between a pedestal and the arm and rotatably connecting the arm to the pedestal, and a ring member disposed between the first connecting part and the arm and formed so that, as compared with one of end part sides in an extending direction of the arms, a height dimension thereof becomes larger at the other end part side.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for determining and utilizing human corrections to robot actions. In some implementations, in response to determining a human correction of a robot action, a correction instance is generated that includes sensor data, captured by one or more sensors of the robot, that is relevant to the corrected action. The correction instance can further include determined incorrect parameter(s) utilized in performing the robot action and/or correction information that is based on the human correction. The correction instance can be utilized to generate training example(s) for training one or model(s), such as neural network model(s), corresponding to those used in determining the incorrect parameter(s). In various implementations, the training is based on correction instances from multiple robots. After a revised version of a model is generated, the revised version can thereafter be utilized by one or more of the multiple robots.

Abstract: A robotic system and method having a movable and adjustable platform with a plurality of vertically-adjustable legs depending from the platform, the legs having wheels for moving and turning, and a plurality of sensors incorporated with a 3-D model program and movement algorithm that utilizes the information and data collected by the sensors for directing the motors and controls units to move and adjust the robotic system and the system device provided herein.

Abstract: A control system 1 includes a first controller, and a second controller. The second controller includes a program storage module that stores two or more coordinate conversion programs, and a control processing module 240 that acquires program designation information for designating one of two or more coordinate conversion programs from the first controller. Additionally, the control processing module may acquire a first operation command in the coordinate system for the first controller from the first controller, and convert the first operation command to an operation target value of two or more joint axes of a multi-axis robot using the coordinate conversion programs according to the program designation information. Driving power according to the operation target value may be output to the joint axes.

Abstract: Safety system (100) for an industrial environment (10) comprising a robotic machine wherein at least a moving head (12) of the robotic machine is movable within a first area (1) and a second area (2) of the industrial environment (10), the safety system (100) comprising: a light curtain (110) extending between a first vertical support (112) and a second vertical support (114) to cover both the first area (1) and the second area (2); a head position sensor (130) adapted to detect the position of the moving head (12) within the first area (1) and the second area (2); a safety control unit (140); wherein the light curtain (110) comprises a first couple of two TOF sensors (F1, F3) respectively positioned on the first and second vertical supports (112, 114), the safety control unit (140) being adapted to process output signals received from the TOF sensors (F1, F3) and the head position sensor (130) so as to selectively and dynamically secure the first area (1) and the second area (2).

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides technology of changing behavioral characteristics when clothing is put on a robot. An autonomously acting robot includes an operation control unit that controls an operation of the robot, a drive mechanism that executes an operation specified by the operation control unit, and an equipment detecting unit that detects clothing worn by the robot. The robot refers to action restriction information correlated in advance to the clothing, and regulates an output of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A robotic heating and mixing system which automatically warms or cooks and mixes ingredients for a meal or entrée in a heating pot which warms or cooks the ingredients in a manner resembling a wok and is automatically gimbaled between a loading position for loading the ingredients, a cooking and mixing orientation, a serving orientation for delivering the warmed or cooked ingredients to a plate or to a bowl or other container, and a cleaning orientation.

Abstract: A tool changer set out having a master unit and a tool unit. The master unit comprises a safety controller with two separate processing circuitries, a coupler and at least two coupling sensors. The tool unit comprises at least one tool unit sensor, the at least one tool unit sensor provides two output signals sent to the safety controller. The at least two coupling sensors individually detect if the tool unit is coupled to the master unit and the output signals are sent to the safety controller. The two separate processing circuitries are arranged to receive a request to decouple the tool unit, determine whether the tool unit is coupled to the master unit and whether the tool unit is in the tool stand, send the result of the determinations to other processing circuitry, receive a result of determinations and send a decouple signal.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing dynamic vacuum control to an end effector of an articulated arm. The system includes a first vacuum source for providing a first vacuum pressure with a first maximum air flow rate, and a second vacuum source for providing a second vacuum pressure with a second maximum air flow rate, wherein the second vacuum pressure is higher than the first vacuum pressure and wherein the second maximum air flow rate is greater than the first maximum air flow rate.

Abstract: A multi-axis robotic arm includes a pedestal, a plurality of knuckle module and at least one detachable arm module. One of the plurality of the knuckle modules is connected with the pedestal. Two knuckle modules are connected to a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first connecting element has a first docking portion, and the second connecting element has a second docking portion. The first docking portion and the second docking portion are detachably docked with each other by a plurality of fasteners. The at least one arm module have a third docking portion and a fourth docking portion. The third docking portion is detachably docked with the first docking portion by the plurality of the fasteners. The fourth docking portion is detachably docked with the second docking portion by the plurality of the fasteners.