Abstract: A pneumatic fastener driving tool that forces pressurized gas from a gas supply source into a chamber above a piston enclosed in a working cylinder. During an operational cycle, the pressurized gas is released, forcing the piston to fire. The firing valve seals the pressurized gas utilizing two rolling diaphragm seals, thereby providing less breakdown of hardware and removing the need for lubricant within the firing valve. These diaphragm seals exhibit a smaller diameter than prior diaphragms used in similar pneumatic fastener driving tools.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a driving tool. The driving tool includes an ejection part, a pressure accumulator, a striking part, a driving part, and a housing. The driving tool includes a cylinder forming at least a part of the pressure accumulator, and a piston formed in the striking part. The driving part and a wire material are entirely disposed outside, in the radial direction of the cylinder, a region in which the piston is arranged, and outside a region in which the piston slides in an operating direction of the striking part with respect to the cylinder.

Abstract: A setting tool for driving fastening elements into a substrate, comprising a holder for holding a fastening element; a drive-in element for transferring a fastening element held in the holder into the substrate along a setting axis; and a drive for driving the drive-in element toward the fastening element along the setting axis, wherein the drive comprises an electrical capacitor; a squirrel-cage rotor arranged on the drive-in element; and an excitation coil; which during discharge of the capacitor is flowed through by current and generates a magnetic field that accelerates the drive-in element toward the fastening element, wherein the setting tool further comprises a soft-magnetic frame, in which the excitation coil is embedded; and a supporting structure; wherein, at least during the discharge of the capacitor, the supporting structure exerts on the soft-magnetic frame a pretensioning force directed radially inward with respect to the setting axis.

Abstract: A hot stapler includes a body, two heat conducting units, an electrical storage unit, a circuit unit, and a switch button. The body includes a head and a handle. The electrical storage unit is disposed in the handle and has a voltage value less than 6 volts. A first wire and a first resistor of the circuit unit are electrically mounted between one of the two heat conducting units and the electrical storage unit. A second wire and a second resistor of the circuit unit are electrically mounted between the other one of the two heat conducting units and the electrical storage unit. The switch button is disposed on the handle and is switchable between a power-on position and a power-off position.

Abstract: A tool-hanging apparatus includes a hanger and a rotor. The hanger includes a ring, an inward flange formed on a rear internal section of the ring, and teeth formed on a front internal section of the ring. An internal diameter of the inward flange is smaller than a diameter of a circular defined by the teeth. The rotor includes elastic strips extending from a tube. Each of the elastic strips includes a groove between a ridge and a barb. One of the elastic strips includes a tooth extending from the ridge of the same. When the rotor is inserted in the ring, the grooves of the elastic strips receive the inward flange to keep the rotor in the ring and allow the rotor to rotate relative to the ring. The tooth is engageable with the teeth to keep the rotor at an angle relative to the ring elastically.

Abstract: A wheeled storage container apparatus for storing and transporting tools and equipment includes a body having a body back side with a drop lip portion extending down from proximal a body top side and defining a catch cavity to hook onto a railing. A lid is coupled to a body front side to selectively cover or expose the body top side. A pair of wheels is coupled to the body. A tray has a tray rim selectively engageable with the body top side and a plurality of tray compartments extending down into the body inside. A locking arm has a pivot portion pivotably coupled to the drop lip portion of the body back side, an arm portion extending from the pivot portion, and a catch portion extending from the arm portion. The catch portion is selectively engageable with the lid to maintain the lid in a closed position.

Abstract: A robot of one aspect includes a first base configuring a trunk portion, a second base configuring a head region, a connecting mechanism that connects the first base and the second base, and a drive unit that drives the connecting mechanism. The drive unit includes motors disposed on the first base. The connecting mechanism includes linking mechanisms that are disposed in parallel to each other and are driven by the motors respectively. Each linking mechanism includes a drive link fixed to a rotary shaft of the motor and a driven link that is connected to the drive link via a first joint and connected to the second base via a second joint. The first joint is a single axis hinge joint, and the second joint is a universal joint.

Abstract: A method for dual hand detection in robot teaching from human demonstration. A camera image of the demonstrator's hands and workpieces is provided to a first neural network which determines the identity of the left and right hand of the human demonstrator from the image, and also provides cropped sub-images of the identified hands. The first neural network is trained using images in which the left and right hands are pre-identified. The cropped sub-images are then provided to a second neural network which detects the pose of both the left and right hand from the images, where the sub-image for the left hand is horizontally flipped before and after the hand pose detection if second neural network is trained with right hand images. The hand pose data is converted to robot gripper pose data and used for teaching a robot to perform an operation through human demonstration.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic manipulator including a serial chain comprising a first joint, a first link, and a second link. The second link is between the first joint and the first link in the serial chain. The system further includes a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured to receive first link data from a first sensor system located at the first link, generate a first joint state estimate of the first joint based on the first link data and a kinematic model of the robotic manipulator, and control the first joint based on the first joint state estimate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for data-driven robotic control. One of the methods includes maintaining robot experience data; obtaining annotation data; training, on the annotation data, a reward model; generating task-specific training data for the particular task, comprising, for each experience in a second subset of the experiences in the robot experience data: processing the observation in the experience using the trained reward model to generate a reward prediction, and associating the reward prediction with the experience; and training a policy neural network on the task-specific training data for the particular task, wherein the policy neural network is configured to receive a network input comprising an observation and to generate a policy output that defines a control policy for a robot performing the particular task.

Abstract: Methods and systems for connection-driven generation of robotic user interfaces and modification of robotic properties include detecting a connection of a robotic peripheral to a robot; obtaining a peripheral property set corresponding to the robotic peripheral, wherein the peripheral property set includes one or more properties of the robotic peripheral; modifying, based on the peripheral property set, a robotic property set that includes one or more properties of the robot to provide a modified robotic property set; generating, during runtime, a robotic graphical user interface (“RGUI”) dynamically based on the peripheral property set, wherein the RGUI provides at least one user-accessible interface to control the robot and the robotic peripheral; and controlling, based on the modified robotic property set, the robot and the robotic peripheral in response to user input received via the RGUI.

Abstract: A machine learning apparatus that can determine the state of a tool from a force applied from the tool to a robot while the robot performs a work using the tool. A machine learning apparatus for learning a state of a tool used for a work by a robot includes a learning data acquisition section that acquires, as a learning data set, data of a force applied from the tool to the robot while the robot causes the tool to perform a predetermined operation, and data indicating the state of the tool during the predetermined operation, and a learning section that generates a learning model representing a correlation between the force and the state of the tool, using the learning data set.

Abstract: A method includes receiving sensor data of an environment about a robot and generating a plurality of waypoints and a plurality of edges each connecting a pair of the waypoints. The method includes receiving a target destination for the robot to navigate to and determining a route specification based on waypoints and corresponding edges for the robot to follow for navigating the robot to the target destination selected from waypoints and edges previously generated. For each waypoint, the method includes generating a goal region encompassing the corresponding waypoint and generating at least one constraint region encompassing a goal region. The at least one constraint region establishes boundaries for the robot to remain within while traversing toward the target destination. The method includes navigating the robot to the target destination by traversing the robot through each goal region while maintaining the robot within the at least one constraint region.

Abstract: A teaching method of teaching a position of a control point on a working route through which the control point set on a robot arm passes when the robot arm performs work and a posture of the robot arm using three-dimensional data of a working object, includes a first step of setting a predetermined first work point on the working route based on the three-dimensional data, and a second step of associating a first coordinate system set for the first work point with a second coordinate system set for the robot arm when the control point is located at the first work point, wherein, at the second step, one is selected from a plurality of candidates of the first coordinate system at the first work point, and the selected coordinate system is set as a first correction coordinate system for the first work point.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes by a robotic system: accessing a trajectory plan to be executed by the robotic system, where the trajectory plan includes desired poses at specified times, respectively, for each actuator of the robotic system, executing the trajectory plan for each actuator of the robotic system; monitoring, in real-time for each actuator during execution of the trajectory plan, an actual pose of the respective actuator, determining, based on the monitoring of the actuators, that one or more of the actuators is lagging, where the actual pose of each lagging actuator deviates from the desired pose by more than an error threshold, and adjusting, in real-time responsive to determining that one or more of the actuators is lagging, one or more of the desired poses at one or more specified times, respectively, of the trajectory plan.

Abstract: A method for controlling a robotic arm in a robotic surgical system includes defining a reference plane at a predetermined reference location for a robotic arm, where the robotic arm includes a plurality of joints, and driving at least one of the plurality of joints to guide the robotic arm through a series of predetermined poses substantially constrained within the reference plane.

Abstract: A controller includes a parameter setting unit that invalidates first mechanism error parameters. The controller includes a measurement control unit that drives a robot with a plurality of orientations at a plurality of positions by using second mechanism error parameters other than the first mechanism error parameters and measures the actual measurement position of the robot by a three-dimensional measuring device. The controller includes a parameter calculation unit that calculates the first mechanism error parameter based on the actual measurement position of the robot and the rotation position of a robot drive motor. The controller includes a correction unit that changes the first mechanism error parameter invalidated by the parameter setting unit to the first mechanism error parameter calculated by the parameter calculation unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a processor. The processor accepts a captured image generated by capturing an image of a target object, detects identification information for identifying the target object by processing the captured image, and generates a combined image that is the combination of the captured image and the identification information and causes a display apparatus to display the combined image. In the combined image, the identification information is superimposed on the target object in the captured image.

Abstract: A machine learning device that learns an operation of a robot for picking up, by a hand unit, any of a plurality of objects placed in a random fashion, including a bulk-loaded state, includes a state variable observation unit that observes a state variable representing a state of the robot, including data output from a three-dimensional measuring device that obtains a three-dimensional map for each object, an operation result obtaining unit that obtains a result of a picking operation of the robot for picking up the object by the hand unit, and a learning unit that learns a manipulated variable including command data for commanding the robot to perform the picking operation of the object, in association with the state variable of the robot and the result of the picking operation, upon receiving output from the state variable observation unit and output from the operation result obtaining unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a robot including a vacuum port for engaging an item, e.g. a wafer, is disclosed. The method includes operating, by a computer system, the robot in a first state, detecting using a vacuum sensor, a transition of a vacuum parameter from a first vacuum parameter zone to a second parameter zone in a plurality of vacuum parameter zones. Based on detecting the transition of the vacuum parameter from the first vacuum parameter zone to the second vacuum parameter zone, the operating state of the robot is altered from the first state to a second state. Also disclosed is an item transfer robot as part of an item transfer system.

Abstract: A gripper that comprises a first receiving plate for receiving a first product portion and a second receiving plate for receiving a second product portion, wherein the receiving plates are movable relative to one another. The gripper further including a first movable stop which is movable relative to the first receiving plate, and a second movable stop which is movable relative to the second receiving plate. The gripper is distinguished by the fact that the first stop and second stop are movable relative to one another so as to move the product portions towards one another when the gripper is closed such that the product portions then may be positioned to overlap one another.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a gripping tool includes a gripper. The gripper is flexible. A granular material is provided in an interior of the gripper. The gripper is configured to grip a workpiece by being in close contact with the workpiece in a state in which an outer perimeter of the gripper is held, and by the interior of the gripper being depressurized.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a gripping tool includes a gripper. The gripper is flexible and includes a first portion contacting a workpiece, a second portion opposing the first portion, and a granular material provided between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes a concave portion and a convex portion. The concave portion is recessed in a first direction. The first direction is from the first portion toward the second portion. The convex portion is provided around the concave portion and protrudes in a second direction. The second direction is the reverse of the first direction. The concave portion has a groove having a ring configuration recessed outward from a center of the gripper.

Abstract: A cutting device has a selectively replaceable and reorientable blade. The cutting device includes a housing and a carriage that is movably disposed in the housing, the carriage being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The cutting device also has a cutting member that is removably disposable and reorientable in the carriage and a cover member that is removably attachable to the housing. Further, the cutting device includes an adjustable blade depth assembly providing the ability to direct and/or pre-select the depth or length a blade disposed in the carriage will reach upon engagement of a dial component and/or switch member operably connected to the blade carriage.

Abstract: Disclosed here are shaving razor systems and methods including razor cartridges with a unitary frame having a length and width, a topside and an underside, wherein the unitary frame includes angled joints or bends connecting at least three guards running lengthwise on the unitary frame, the guards separated by at least three gaps in the frame, and at least three blades, affixed to the underside of the guards of the unitary frame, wherein the at least three blades include edges, and wherein the blade edges extend into the gaps in the frame when affixed to the underside of the guards of the unitary frame.

Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting a flat surface having a graphical design with optical registration features is disclosed. The cutting machine includes a working surface for receiving at least one object, a first camera unit arranged so that the field of vision encompasses the whole working surface, a working group above the working surface, and at least one cutting device for cutting the at least one object. A computing unit with a circuit and program code for controlling the cutting machine includes a storage unit, a circuit and program code for evaluating images of the first camera unit to identify registration features of the at least one object in an image of the first camera unit, and being designed to define a cutting path for the cutting device according to at least one stored instruction and based on positions of the registration features in the image.

Abstract: A method for forming grooves in a board element. An exemplary method includes arranging the board element in contact with a support member, and forming at least one groove in a rear side of the board element by removing material, such as chips, from the board element by rotating one or more cutting devices including a plurality of tooth elements configured to rotate around a rotational axis. A method further includes counteracting, such as preventing, a displacement of the board element away from the support member during forming of the at least one groove, wherein the counteracting, such as preventing, includes arranging at least a portion of the board element between an obstruction element and the support member.

Abstract: A mouthpiece (10) for extruding a molding compound into a formed body which has internal channels, comprises: a mouthpiece frame (14) with a frame opening (16); a first core retaining plate (22) which is fastened in the area of an upstream end of the frame opening (16) when viewed in the flow direction (15) of the molding compound; and a plurality of longitudinal cores (28) which are axially and laterally held by an upstream end section (26) on the first core retaining plate (22). It is proposed that, furthermore, it comprises a second core retaining plate (36) which is loosely arranged downstream of the first core retaining plate (22) relative to the mouthpiece frame (14) in the flow direction (15), and in which the areas (32) of the cores (28) farther from the upstream end section (26) are arranged to be radially fixed but axially loose.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass furnace, including a refractory portion, a waveguide with a measurement portion extending into the refractory portion and an interrogator connected to an input of the waveguide to inject an interrogation signal. The measurement portion incorporating a sensor to send a response signal to the interrogator in response to the injection. The interrogator analyzing the response signal and sending a message. Arranging, inside a mold, a temporary part configured to leave space for a compartment for the measurement portion. Preparing a starting feedstock and introducing the starting feedstock into the mold such that the part is embedded therein to obtain a preform. Hardening the preform to form the refractory portion. Removing the temporary part to make the compartment. Assembling the refractory portion with other constituent elements and introducing the measurement portion into the compartment and connecting the interrogator to the input of the waveguide.

Abstract: A concrete cutting machine includes a motor, a pivot arm, and a concrete cutting chain assembly. The motor has an output drive, and the pivot arm has an input coupled to the output drive for receiving power from the motor. The arm is configured to pivot relative to the motor, and the pivot arm has a pivot arm output. The concrete cutting chain assembly is supported on the pivot arm and has a power input coupled to the pivot arm output. The chain assembly is configured to be pivotable relative to the pivot arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injection molding method for a degradable intravascular stent with a flexible mold core structure. The injection molding method includes the following steps: Step 1, winding a metal rod with a flexible metal film, and applying an inward bending stress to the flexible metal film; Step 2, fixing the flexible metal film to the metal rod, and processing a complementary structure of the degradable intravascular stent on the surface of the flexible metal film; Step 3, performing injection molding processing; Step 4, ending the injection molding, removing the mating body of the flexible metal film and the metal rod and the degradable intravascular stent formed on the surface of the flexible metal film by injection molding, performing cooling, separating the metal rod from the flexible metal film, withdrawing the metal rod, and then removing the flexible metal film to obtain a formed degradable intravascular stent.

Abstract: The present invention related to an apparatus and method for the manufacturing of beverage capsules. The apparatus can preheat the material used to form the beverage material during the manufacturing process. The material and apparatus are particularly suitable for use in producing single serve beverage capsules from biodegradable materials.

Abstract: A microwave-induced heating of CNT filled (or coated) polymer composites for enhancing inter-bead diffusive bonding of fused filament fabricated parts. The technique incorporates microwave absorbing nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) onto the surface or throughout the volume of 3D printer polymer filament to increase the inter-bead bond strength following a post microwave irradiation treatment and/or in-situ focused microwave beam during printing. The overall strength of the final 3D printed part will be dramatically increased and the isotropic mechanical properties of fused filament part will approach or exceed conventionally manufactured counterparts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin leakage prevention member 401 for use in a molding die 1000, wherein the molding die 1000 includes a lower die 200 and an upper die 100, the lower die 200 has a side member 201 and a bottom member 202, a space surrounded by the side member 201 and the bottom member 202 forms a cavity 204, the cavity 204 is configured to accommodate a resin material 20a, the side member 201 is configured to move relatively vertical to the bottom member 202, and the resin leakage prevention member 401 is disposed on a peripheral portion of an upper surface of the bottom member 202 and along an inner peripheral surface of the side member 201, thereby sealing a gap between the side member 201 and the bottom member 202 and preventing a resin from leaking from the cavity 204 into the gap.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a single- or multi-layered substrate, which is suitable for a floor panel, where, for forming a substrate layer, thermoplastic material is strewn, for example, onto a transport device. The strewn thermoplastic material is consolidated under the influence of pressure and/or heat, preferably in a press device, where the thermoplastic material to be strewn comprises micronized material.

Abstract: A trim article includes an outer casing having an inner surface defining an interior portion of the outer casing. The outer casing includes a front surface having a plurality of through apertures disposed thereon. A core portion is disposed within the interior portion of the outer casing and includes first and second portions having variated densities relative to one another. The first and second portions include lattice matrices having variated patterns of interconnected links and associated cells that provide variated force deflection parameters between the first and second portions of the core portion. The outer casing and the core portion are integrated to define a monolithic structure comprised of a common material.

Abstract: An injection-molding system includes an extruding system configured to produce a mixture; a discharging channel communicable with the extruding system and including an outlet configured to discharge the mixture; and molding devices configured to receive the mixture. Each of the molding devices includes a hollow space, and a feeding port communicable with the hollow space and engageable with the outlet. An injection-molding method includes providing an extruding system configured to produce a mixture, a discharging channel including an outlet, and first and second molding devices; engaging the outlet with the first molding device; injecting the mixture into the first molding device; disengaging the outlet from the first molding device; moving the discharging channel away from the first molding device and toward the second molding device; engaging the outlet with the second molding device; injecting the mixture into the second molding device; and disengaging the outlet from the second molding device.

Abstract: Provided is a molding machine management system that manages production of a plurality of molding machines, including: a display unit configured to display a production performance and a planned production status in association with a time axis for each molding machine, and, when the molding machine management system receives an abnormality of a molding machine, to display the abnormality of the molding machine in association with the time axis for each molding machine. The molding machine management system configured as described above can appropriately manage each molding machine.

Abstract: A mold cavity which is a mold die includes a die body and a plating layer provided on the surface of a mold surface. In this case, the mold surface has a leather-grain transfer surface for forming a grain pattern. The leather-grain transfer surface includes a first uneven-shape part and a second uneven-shape part formed at the surface of the first uneven-shape part and smaller in an uneven-shape width than the first uneven-shape part. The uneven-shape width falls within a range of 10 ?m or more and less than 500 ?m. The plating layer is an electroless-plating layer. A thickness of at least part of the plating layer falls within a range of 0.1 ?m or more and less than 10 ?m.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus has a mold clamping device that includes a traction platen disposed below a pressure-receiving platen, a movable platen disposed above the pressure-receiving platen and configured to be moved up and down by a mold opening and closing mechanism, and tie bars extending downward from the movable platen and penetrating the pressure-receiving platen and the traction platen. The mold clamping device is configured to clamp molds disposed between the pressure-receiving platen and the movable platen. Each tie bar has a tooth portion at its lower end that engages with a tooth portion of a half nut connected to an underside of the traction plate. An injection device arranged on the movable platen includes a heating cylinder having a screw for feeding resin material through a nozzle to an upper one of the molds, and a purging cover encloses a space between the lower end portion of the heating cylinder and the movable platen.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printing cylinder. The method comprises providing a moulding apparatus comprising a cylindrical moulding vessel defining a moulding cavity (101). The vessel comprises at least one inlet for the ingress of moulding material. The method comprises performing an injection moulding operation comprising: injecting moulding material through the at least one inlet to substantially fill the moulding cavity with moulding material; and effecting hardening of the moulding material within the vessel (102). The method comprises removing the printing cylinder (103). At least part of the injection moulding operation is performed in the presence of an active pressure being applied to the moulding cavity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming an extruded board includes mixing a resin and a foaming agent, melting the mixed resin and foaming agent to form a uniformly colored extrudate, differentially expanding voids formed from the foaming agent within the uniformly colored extrudate by passing the uniformly colored extrudate through a breaker plate, forming a board with the differentially expanded voids and uniformly colored extrudate, and forming lightened portions on an outermost surface of the formed board.

Abstract: An improved method and an improved device for producing a monoaxially or biaxially stretched plastic film are distinguished, inter alia, by the following features: In the intermediate space (Z) tapering in a wedge shape to the contact line (111, 11?) between the melt film or plastic film (5, 5?) and the roller jacket (9) spaced apart therefrom or the roller surface (9?) spaced apart therefrom of the cooling roller (1, 1?), at least one device for preventing precipitation of condensate (K) in the intermediate space (Z) is used and is designed such that precipitation of condensate (a) on the underside (5a) of the melt film or plastic film (5, 5?) facing the roller jacket (9) or on the roller jacket (9) of the cooling roller (1, 1?) is prevented, and/or a condensate (K) which has precipitated there evaporates or vaporises, and/or condensate disposed in the intermediate space (Z) is transported away, suctioned off, or blown out and/or runs out to the side.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting plastic preforms, has a sorting device configured for sorting plastic preforms and a transport device arranged after the sorting device in a transport direction. The transport device includes a first support rail and a second support rail for carrying the plastic preforms between the first and second support rails along the direction of transport. The sorting device has two rollers spaced apart from one another, between which the plastic performs are guided. The apparatus has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least one lateral spacing of the support rails, wherein this adjustment mechanism has several adjustment units which are arranged one behind the other along the transport direction, wherein these adjustment units each enable an adjustment of the lateral spacing and wherein these adjustment units are mechanically coupled such that the adjustment units can be adjusted together.

Abstract: A valve unit includes a valve housing having an input line and an output line or the process pressure as well as a process guide shaft, an operating piston for closing and opening a connection between the two lines, two control lines and two control chambers for controlling the operating piston. The operating piston has a closing ring which in the closed state of the connection sealingly abuts a valve seat of the valve housing and it has a diameter which corresponds to a guide diameter of a dynamic process seal. The valve seat includes a softer and more elastic material than the sealing edge. The valve unit has low axial forces, due to low sealing forces, thus makes a long service life with a high number of cycles of operation possible.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high-efficiency filament helical winding device, which includes a frame body and a plurality of multi-filar guides. The frame body is provided with a through-hole, the plurality of multi-filar guides distributed in a circumference along a center of the through-hole are rotationally connected to the frame body and filament is extended out from each multi-filar guide in the plurality of multi-filar guides, and the frame body is provided with a first driving mechanism that drives each multi-filar guide to rotate.

Abstract: An automated wrapping system for wrapping a substrate with a material includes a support and a nest mounted to the support that is configured to position the material between an outer portion of the substrate and the nest. The automated wrapping system also includes a material folding assembly positioned adjacent to the nest configured for movement between a rest position and an actuated position, wherein the movement of the material folding system to the actuated position engages and folds the free end portion of the material over the edge of the substrate and onto a part of the inner portion of the substrate while retaining the material against the edge of the substrate. An actuator connected to the material folding assembly moves the material folding assembly between the rest position and the actuated position.

Abstract: A method for additive manufacturing includes forming an object including depositing a first material including a first coloring component and a second material including a second coloring component, wherein both the first material and the second material further include a corresponding fluorescent component, scanning the object, including causing an emission of an optical signal from the object, wherein the emission of the optical signal is caused at least in part by an emission from the fluorescent components interacting with the first coloring component and the second coloring component as it passes from the fluorescent components to the surface of the object, sensing the emission of the optical signal, and determining presence of the first material and the second material based at least in part on the sensed emission of the optical signal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an impeller for a thermal management device includes partially curing a curable liquid in a curable liquid bath to form a first stage rotor, removing the first stage rotor from the curable liquid bath, the first stage rotor having excess curable liquid on a surface thereof, rotating the first stage rotor to displace the excess curable liquid radially outward from a rotational axis to compensate for imbalances in the first stage rotor, and fully curing the first stage rotor and at least a portion of the excess curable liquid to produce a second stage rotor that is more rotationally balanced than the first stage rotor.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for the inspection of cured layers of an object during the fabrication of the object using a 3D printing system. A just-printed layer may be inspected by pressing the layer against a pressure-sensitive surface in order to collect information about the layer. For example, a tank may contain a photo-curing liquid polymer, and at its bottom are pressure sensitive elements (e.g., in a backing member or mask). An extraction plate to which the object is affixed may be adjusted so as to position a surface of the object adjacent to the pressure sensitive elements, which report a pressure distribution (e.g., by virtue of a force exerted by a localized region of the object on a localized region of the pressure sensitive elements).