Abstract: A protective cover having at least one protective-cover element adjustable in length and having at least one frame element, the protective-cover element adjustable in length having at least one holding means, the frame element having a first longitudinal edge, and at least one fastening means being disposed at the first longitudinal edge, and the holding means and the fastening means being connectable in a detachable manner, in particular a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner. An installation aid is disposed on the fastening means, the installation aid comprising a positioning edge and a guide edge, and the positioning edge and the guide edge essentially being opposite edges at the installation aid.

Abstract: Provided is a dicing apparatus and a method for controlling a dicing apparatus that can discover undivided defects in a die attach film. A dicing apparatus 10 that performs dicing of a street of a workpiece W attached to a dicing tape 9 via a die attach film (DAF 7) and cuts the workpiece W and the die attach film along the street includes: a cross-sectional profile acquisition unit (a white interference microscope 24 and a processing unit 64) that acquires a cross-sectional profile of a machined groove 19 formed through the dicing; a cut amount detection unit 72 that detects a cut amount ?d into the die attach film obtained through the dicing on the basis of the cross-sectional profile acquired by the cross-sectional profile acquisition unit; and a division determination unit 74 that determines whether or not the die attach film is in an undivided state on the basis of the cut amount detected by the cut amount detection unit 72.

Abstract: A touch-off device includes a control diameter for calibrating non-cylindrical chamfering tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grinder including a housing, a drive assembly within the housing including an electric motor having a motor shaft, and an output spindle coupled to the motor shaft for rotatably driving a grinding tool. The grinder further includes a tool-free attachment mechanism for selectively mounting the grinding tool to the output spindle for co-rotation therewith including a flange nut threaded to the output spindle, and a backing flange axially movable along the output spindle between a first position, in which a space exists to position the grinding tool between the flange nut and the backing flange, and a second position, in which the grinding tool is clamped between the backing flange and the flange nut.

Abstract: A system includes a wheel positioned at an initial position. A back portion of the wheel is configured with a plurality of grooves to attach to a connecting apparatus. A cover is positioned adjacent to the wheel. The cover is configured to be positioned over the wheel. The cover is configured to work in conjunction with the wheel to rotate and sand one or more surfaces. The connecting apparatus receives the cover and wheel. The connecting apparatus is connected to the plurality of grooves and enables the cover and the wheel to rotate and sand the one or more surfaces.

Abstract: A method of creating a correlation relational formula for determining a polishing condition, the method including polishing semiconductor wafers under a plurality of polishing conditions including a plurality of polishing parameters, and acquiring, by actual measurement, in-plane polishing amount distribution information on the semiconductor wafers in polishing under the plurality of polishing conditions; polishing semiconductor wafers under a plurality of polishing conditions including a plurality of polishing parameters, and acquiring, by actual measurement, in-plane temperature distribution information during semiconductor wafer polishing in polishing under the plurality of polishing conditions, or creating in-plane temperature distribution information during semiconductor wafer polishing under polishing conditions including a plurality of polishing parameters by heat transfer analysis, and correlating relational formulas between a semiconductor wafer in-plane temperature distribution parameter and a plura

Abstract: A tool for an ultrasonic impact grinding machine driven to vibrate along a longitudinal axis includes a hollow tool body and a hollow tip extending from an end of the hollow tool body. The hollow tip has an outer surface comprising a plurality of grooves. The hollow tool body and the hollow tip are disposed about the longitudinal axis and the hollow tip and hollow tool body are each defined in part by a common bore extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tool for ultrasonic impact grinding apparatus driven to vibrate along a longitudinal axis at an applied operating frequency includes a tool body disposed on the longitudinal axis, a first tip extending from an output end of the tool body, and a second tip extending in parallel to the first tip from the output end of the tool body. The first tip has a first length. The second tip has a second length greater than the first length. A mass of the first and second tip is substantially balanced across the output end of the tool body and with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A polishing device for delayering includes: a stage which is installed to move along the X-axis and the Y-axis, and is rotatable about its own axis; a holder installed above the stage and supporting an object mounted on the upper surface thereof; and a grinder unit installed to be movable above the holder and having a polishing pad on one surface thereof corresponding to the object. The holder includes a rotating plate, a fixing unit installed on one side of an inner wall of the rotating plate, and horizontal correction rings that protrudes upward from an upper surface of the rotating plate.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a resin member used in a production process of electronic devices capable of suppressing the adhesion of adhering substances to the surface over a long period of term. The method for producing a resin member used in a production process of electronic devices includes: a processing step of applying abrasive processing to the surface of a raw member to set a surface roughness Ra to 100 nm or less and a contact angle of pure water with respect to the surface to 70° or more and less than 110°.

Abstract: A conditioner for filtering and drying recyclable abrasive media, such as steel grit, garnet, or other abrasive media used for abrasive blasting operations for steel structures, such as bridges, tanks, and marine vessels that are being repainted. The conditioner may include a pre-classifier (e.g., a trommel) to separate or filter the abrasive media from larger debris that may be vacuumed with the abrasive media during resurfacing operations. A dryer may use radiation elements (e.g., infrared (IR) lamps) positioned above a conveyor (e.g., vibration tray) that moves the abrasive media beneath the radiation elements. Vacuum airflow may bypass the dryer except for a portion of the vacuum airflow used to remove moisture from the dryer while drying the abrasive media. The conditioner may have a drying portion or the entirety under negative pressures.

Abstract: A blast specimen and method for creating a blast specimen. The blast specimen includes a metal substrate; and a blast surface, wherein the blast surface includes nonperiodic randomly sized peaks and valleys, and wherein the blast surface has a measurable roughness across a length of the blast surface that is within +/?5% of a target Ra value.

Abstract: A method for producing a ceramically bonded grinding tool includes, in chronological order, mixing a grinding agent, an inorganic binding agent, and an organic binding agent. The grinding agent, the inorganic binding agent, and the organic binding agent are pre-pressed in a cold-pressing step to form a cold-pressed green body. The cold-pressed green body is pressed in a hot-pressing step to form a hot-pressed green body. The hot-pressed green body is burned in a burning step to form a grinding tool blank. The organic binding agent is at least partly burned off during the burning step, and the grinding tool blank is post-processed in a subsequent step to form the grinding tool, into which the grinding agent is incorporated.

Abstract: The vacuum table includes a vacuum plate having openings on a top surface, a plurality of suction cups disposed on the top surface of the vacuum plate and having a bellows shape, and at least one vacuum source in fluid communication with the openings of the vacuum plate and the plurality of suction cups. The plurality of suction cups protrude from the top surface of the vacuum plate in an uncompressed state and are substantially coplanar with the top surface of the vacuum plate in a compressed state. The at least one vacuum source is configured to apply negative pressure to compress the plurality of suction cups into the compressed state.

Abstract: A vacuum gripper comprises a rigid base element and a loop-shaped vacuum seal element. The base element has first and second opposite sides. The seal element is attached at least indirectly to the second side and protruding therefrom in a direction away from the first side. The seal element comprises a contact surface that at least partially contacts with an object surface and an encircling surface oriented transversely to the contact surface so as to define a chamber. The seal element is elastically deformable at the contact surface to enable conforming to the object surface when pressed thereagainst. The vacuum gripper comprises an air extraction means mounted to the first side to be in fluid communication with the chamber through the base element, and configured to continuously extract air from the chamber to cause the contact surface to be urged towards and grip the object surface when pressed thereagainst.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool, a hydraulic torque wrench, and a method of operating a hydraulic tool. The hydraulic torque wrench may generally include a housing; a motor positioned in the housing; a battery pack supported on the housing and operable to supply power to the motor, a drive mechanism including a cylinder, a piston movably supported in the cylinder, a pump supported by the housing, powered by the motor, and operable to transfer hydraulic fluid to the cylinder to move the piston, and a driver attached to the piston and movable therewith between a retracted position and an extended position; and a drive element coupled to the driver, the driver being configured to transmit torque through the drive element.

Abstract: A method for operating a hand-held power tool, in particular a rotary impact wrench, the hand-held power tool comprising a tool holder for receiving a tool such as a tool bit or a nut, wherein the tool is configured to rotatably drive the fastening element via a corresponding drive of a fastening element, includes screwing the fastening element into a substrate while rotating the tool holder, and thus the fastening element, in a first direction of rotation, and rotating the tool holder in a second direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation at a predefined speed and for a predefined time period.

Abstract: A wrench includes a function end having an extension portion extending therefrom. Two arms extend from the function end and toward a direction opposite to the extension portion. A space is formed between the two arms and the extension portion. An engaging portion is formed to the distal end of the extension portion for receiving a hand tool. A rotary head is pivotably located in the space of the function end by two bolts respectively extending through the two arms and connected to the rotary head. The rotary head includes an outer part and a control unit which is located in a through hole defined through the outer ring. The control unit includes a control part and a driving part respectively located on two opposite end of the rotary head. The control part is rotated to control the direction that the driving part rotates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a torque wrench whereby a measured torque value can be displayed and provided in real time through a display module or an optical projection method by mounting, inside of the torque wrench, a sensor and an electronic circuit device capable of detecting an output torque value.

Abstract: A method for operating a hand-held power tool, preferably a rotary impact wrench, the hand-held power tool comprising a tool holder for receiving a tool such as a tool bit or a nut, wherein the tool is configured to rotatably drive the fastener via a corresponding drive of a fastener includes partially releasing the fastener from a screwed state, by rotating the tool holder and thus the fastener in a first direction of rotation, rotating the tool holder in a second direction or rotation opposite the first direction of rotation, and renewed rotating of the tool holder and thus the fastener in the first direction of rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insert and system of installing the same. The insert includes a tapered core and a cylinder. The core releasably secures to an installation device which includes a depth stop or a depth control to control the installation depth of the insert. The insert may be provided in a tray that allows for easier handling of the inserts and installation thereof in installation holes, for example in a hydraulic manifold. In some cases, the core includes a threaded hole to releasably secure the insert to the installation device, thus allowing the installation device to pull the core into the cylinder. The core and cylinder may be made of metallic materials such as steels, steel alloys and others. In some cases the insert can withstand blow out pressures of 40,000 psi or higher.

Abstract: Press ring, pressing tool, adapter element for a pressing tool, adapter element for a press ring, pressing device having an electric drive and a pressing tool, system having an adapter element for pressing a press fitting by means of a press ring. Here, the press ring has at least two different pairs of receiving elements for connection to a corresponding pair of connecting elements of different pressing tools. The pressing tool has at least two different pairs of connecting elements for connection to respectively one corresponding pair of receiving elements of different press rings. The adapter elements for a pressing tool and press ring each have a pair of connecting elements for connection to a corresponding pair of connecting elements of a pressing tool and a pair of connecting elements for connection to a corresponding pair of receiving elements of a press ring.

Abstract: A removal tool configured for removing an insertable engine component from an engine assembly. In the removal tool may include a coupling device, a drive member, and a lifting member attached to a main shaft. The coupling device is mounted onto a retainer securing an engine component, and the lifting member is positioned against the underside of a flange of the engine component. A rotational force applied against the drive member is transferred to the coupling device and causes the retainer to be unscrewed. As the retainer is unscrewed, this causes a lifting force from the retainer pushing against the coupling device, which causes the lifting member to be pushed upward, and further causing the engine component to be pushed upward and away from the engine assembly. This facilitates removal of the engine component concurrently with the removal of the retainer (e.g., in a single operation).

Abstract: A removal tool configured for removing an insertable engine component from an engine assembly. In the removal tool may include a coupling device, a drive member, and a lifting member attached to a main shaft. The coupling device is mounted onto a retainer securing an engine component, and the lifting member is positioned against the underside of a flange of the engine component. A rotational force applied against the drive member is transferred to the coupling device and causes the retainer to be unscrewed. As the retainer is unscrewed, this causes a lifting force from the retainer pushing against the coupling device, which causes the lifting member to be pushed upward, and further causing the engine component to be pushed upward and away from the engine assembly. This facilitates removal of the engine component concurrently with the removal of the retainer (e.g., in a single operation).

Abstract: A bending tool for shortening the length of a wastegate actuator arm (or “linkage”) of a turbocharger system of an automobile by applying or otherwise creating a bend or dent in a wastegate actuator arm to repair a leaky wastegate, and a method of repairing a leaky wastegate valve of a turbocharger system of an automobile without disassembling or removing components of the turbocharger system.

Abstract: A nail gun includes: a housing formed with an accommodating space; a cylinder; a firing assembly capable of moving from an initial position to a firing position; a power output assembly disposed in the accommodating space and used for outputting a driving force; and a drive wheel connected to an output shaft of the power output assembly and used for driving, under the drive of the power output assembly, the firing assembly to move. The drive wheel has a first drive tooth and second drive teeth, the radius of the addendum circle of the first drive tooth is less than the radius of the addendum circle of a second drive tooth, the first drive tooth is a drive tooth disposed at a start end of the drive wheel, and the first drive tooth meshes with the firing assembly when the drive wheel starts driving the firing assembly to reset.

Abstract: An engaging portion of a driver has an engaging portion front surface coplanar with a striking portion front surface and an engaging portion rear surface coplanar with a striking portion rear surface. The engaging portion has an engagement surface that is parallel to a rotation axis of a lifter.

Abstract: A locking device for adjusting the nailing force of an electric nailing gun, comprising a power box, a driving motor provided inside the power box, an upper cylinder configured on the right side of the power box, a lower cylinder located right beneath the upper cylinder. The driving motor is connected with a connecting arm via a reducing mechanism. The end part of the connecting arm is configured with an eccentric spindle. A lower piston is provided inside the lower cylinder. The lower piston is hinged with a piston arm. The piston arm is connected to the eccentric spindle. An upper piston is configured inside the upper cylinder. The center of the left sidewall of the upper piston is configured with a firing pin. The left end of the firing pin sticks out of the upper cylinder.

Abstract: A driving tool includes a head-guide surface and a pair of leg-guide grooves, both are formed in a driving passage extending in a driving direction. The head-guide surface slidably guides a head of a U-shaped driving member. Each of the pair of leg-guide grooves is recessed from the head-guide surface toward a side of a first end surface of a tool main body. Legs of the driving member enter the leg-guide grooves. The driving member is driven in an inclined posture in which the legs enter the leg-guide groove, thereby avoiding a slipping off posture in which a driver is deviated from the driving member owing to a reaction force occurred when the driving member is driven by the driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying power tool accessories. Power tools described herein include a power tool housing including an interface. The interface is configured to receive an accessory. The accessory includes an identifier. The power also includes a motor and an electronic processor connected to the motor and a memory. The electronic processor is configured to detect insertion of the accessory into the interface and determine, when the accessory is inserted into the interface, an accessory type of the accessory based on the identifier. The electronic processor is configured to select operating parameters for the motor based on the accessory type.

Abstract: An outdoor tool includes a powerhead unit and an attachment unit. The powerhead unit includes a motor, a housing assembly housing the motor and including a handle portion, and a first shaft segment supported within the housing assembly and extending along a shaft axis to a first connecting portion. The powerhead unit also includes a first driveshaft segment coupled to the motor and extending within the first shaft segment, a switch supported within the handle portion and operable to activate the motor, and a trigger assembly. The trigger assembly includes a trigger configured to selectively actuate the switch, a first lock-off member, and a second lock-off member. The attachment unit is selectively couplable to and powered by the powerhead unit. The attachment unit includes an operational unit configured to be driven by the motor, a second shaft segment, and a second connecting portion.

Abstract: A power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool, for example a polishing device, a grinding device, a sawing device and/or a router, with a tool, an electric motor for driving the tool and a control unit for controlling the electric motor, in which the power tool is designed for connection to an AC supply voltage and includes a rectifier arrangement with an intermediate circuit for providing an intermediate circuit voltage on the basis of the AC supply voltage. The intermediate circuit voltage has a plurality of successive voltage half-waves, and in which the control unit is configured to calculate, for each voltage half-wave, a respective torque half-wave for controlling the electric motor, the control unit being configured to sample each voltage half-wave in order to obtain a plurality of voltage half-wave values, and to convert each voltage half-wave value into a respective torque half-wave value in order to calculate the respective torque half-wave.

Abstract: A locking device for securing a tool handle shaft to a tool body such as a broom, brush, hoe, rake or shovel that selectively prevents removal of the handle shaft from the tool body utilizing a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operatively connected to the tool body and includes a key that is selectively mateable to the keyhole in the handle shaft thereby locking the handle shaft to the tool body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a smart accessory storage device for power tool accessories. An example accessory storage device includes a housing including an accessory slot for storing an accessory, a sensor configured to detect a presence of the accessory within the accessory slot, and a controller connected to the sensor. The controller is configured to determine, based on a signal from the sensor, whether the accessory is located within the accessory slot, determine, when the accessory is not located within the accessory slot, determine a set of parameters associated with the accessory, and transmit the set of parameters to an external device.

Abstract: A tool holder, including: a base; and two blocking portions, disposed on the base in interval and defining a receiving space and an entrance which are in communication with each other, the two blocking portions being relatively movable, the entrance being configured to allow insertion of a received portion of a tool into the receiving space, the two blocking portions being configured to block the received portion received within the receiving space.

Abstract: A scribing device for a component includes a holder and a first scribing assembly coupled to the holder. The first scribing assembly includes a first scribing tool including a first scribing tip configured to define a first annular scribe mark on a circumferential surface of the component, and a first biasing member configured to bias the first scribing tool towards the circumferential surface of the component. The scribing device further includes a second scribing assembly. The second scribing assembly includes a second scribing tool including a second scribing tip configured to define a second annular scribe mark on the circumferential surface of the component, and a second biasing member configured to bias the second scribing tool towards the circumferential surface of the component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot including a main body, a plurality of antennas in the main body, and at least one processor configured to: receive, through the plurality of antennas, a communication signal from the charging station, obtain information about a distance between the charging station and the mobile robot and information about a direction from the mobile robot to the charging station based on the received communication signal, receive information about a position of the charging station from the charging station, and control docking of the mobile robot at the charging station based on the obtained information about the distance between the charging station and the mobile robot, the obtained information about a direction from the mobile robot to the charging station, and the received information about a position of the charging station.

Abstract: A passive muscular strength support apparatus for an exoskeleton robot includes a body including first and second driving bodies coupled to each other to have a driving space therein; a first connection configured to connect a hip joint area of a user and the first driving body; a second connection configured to connect a thigh area of the user and the first driving body; a third connection configured to connect a chest or back area of the user and the second driving body; an elastic portion provided in the driving space between the first and second driving bodies, wherein elasticity of the elastic portion is deformed; and an inducer for inducing deformation of the elastic portion in conjunction with the movement of at least one of the first to third connections with respect to the body.

Abstract: An exoskeleton comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, left and right thigh portions, and left and right exoskeleton mechanisms comprising: left and right hip base members, left and right hip members mounted to the left and right hip base members, left and right thigh members, the left and right proximal ends of the left and right thigh members being mounted to the left and right hip base members and the left and right distal ends of the left and right thigh portions being mounted to the left and right thigh portions, left and right back members operatively connected to the left and right hip base members, left and right spring-loaded mechanisms operatively connecting the left and right back members to the left and right hip base members, and left and right sliding members comprising left and right top ends mounted to the top portion of the exoskeleton.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robot configured to assist movements of limbs of a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuum manipulator that comprises of an assembly of ‘vertebra’-like modules fabricated using two curved links and twelve strings and actuated using Motor-Tendon Actuators. The modules being modeled as tensegrity structures having a polyhedron shape. The vertices and edges of the tensegrity structure polyhedron correspond to the holes and strings or links of the structure. Also disclosed is a mobile continuum manipulator that includes a control unit and wheels or mobile legs.

Abstract: A joint structure of a robot according to the present disclosure includes: a first link whose one end is connected to a first member; a second link in which one end thereof is connected to the first link and an other end thereof is connected to a second member; and a first pivot that connects an other end of the first link to the one end of the second link. The joint structure also includes: a third link whose one end is connected to the first link at a position near the first pivot; and a slide part connected to the second link so as to be slidable. An other end of the third link is connected to the slide part.

Abstract: A commissioning device is provided that includes storage surfaces for storing piece goods, a delivery table, elongated clamping jaws disposed above the delivery table and a clamping jaw guide apparatus. The clamping jaw guide apparatus includes a frame structure, first and second guides disposed in parallel with the frame structure, clamping jaw carriages coupled to the first and second guides, the clamping jaw carriages driven in parallel with the frame structure. First clamping jaw carriages are associated with the first guide and second clamping jaw carriages are associated with the second guide, wherein at least two of the plurality of clamping jaw carriages are coupled to each of the clamping jaws. A first drive element is connected to the first clamping jaw carriages and a second drive element is connected to the second clamping jaw carriages at a distance from the first drive element along the delivery table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction robot (10) for performing work on a building element (12), comprising a mobile platform (14), a lifting device (16), which is arranged on the mobile platform (14), and a power tool (17), which is arranged on the lifting device (16) and in which a tool (18) can be received. It is characterized in that the construction robot (10) is configured to align the tool (18) obliquely to a surface normal (N) of a building element (12) on which work is to be performed, at an angle of incidence (alpha). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method (1000). The invention enables construction tasks to be carried out in a particularly flexible way.

Abstract: A computer-controlled robotic arm performs operations upon a workpiece, such as a knife with a blade that requires sharpening, by a set of one or more workstations, such as a grinder and a polisher. A position target having a defined surface profile is attached to the robot arm and scanned by a profilometer to determine a relative position of the arm with respect to a target centerpoint feature. The arm is then used to manipulate the centerpoint feature to locate operating features, such as a grinder's grinding surface, of the various workstations in the robot arm's coordinate system. A workpiece grasped by the robot arm is then scanned along with the target or another target to locate and profile the workpiece relative to the target. Based on the determined profile and positional relationships, the robot arm manipulates the workpieces so as to be operated upon by the workstations.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for training and operating (semi-)autonomous robots to complete multiple different work objectives are described. A robot control system stores a library of reusable work primitives each corresponding to a respective basic sub-task or sub-action that the robot is operative to autonomously perform. A work objective is analyzed to determine a sequence (i.e., a combination and/or permutation) of reusable work primitives that, when executed by the robot, will complete the work objective. The robot executes the sequence of reusable work primitives to complete the work objective. The reusable work primitives may include one or more reusable grasp primitives that enable(s) a robot's end effector to grasp objects. Simulated instances of real physical robots may be trained in simulated environments to develop control instructions that, once uploaded to the real physical robots, enable such real physical robots to autonomously perform reusable work primitives.

Abstract: Crosstalk mitigation among cameras in neighboring monitored workcells is achieved by computationally defining a noninterference scheme that respects the independent monitoring and operation of each workcell. The scheme may involve communication between adjacent cells to adjudicate non-interfering camera operation or system-wide mapping of interference risks and mitigation thereof. Mitigation strategies can involve spread-spectrum techniques.

Abstract: A control data creation device includes a specifying unit configured to change suction positions at which carrying-out arms suction a product P by moving the carrying-out arms on product data so as to specify an index for evaluating a suction state for each of the suction positions, and a layout setting unit configured to create control data in which the suction position is laid out to the product P based on each index specified for each of the suction positions.

Abstract: A method for a first robotic device to collaborate with a second robotic device, including: actuating, with a processor of the first robotic device, the first robotic device to execute a first part of a cleaning task; transmitting, with the processor of the first robotic device, an indication that the first part of the cleaning task is completed; and actuating, with the processor of the second robotic device, the second robotic device to execute a second part of the cleaning task upon receiving the indication that the first part of the cleaning task is completed; wherein the first robotic device is a surface cleaning robotic device with vacuuming functionality and the second robotic device is a surface cleaning robotic device with mopping functionality.

Abstract: A system for separating and spreading apart an amassed plurality of deformable articles includes an elongated platform configured to receive thereon adjacent an inlet end the amassed plurality of deformable articles. A plurality of arms is disposed in series along the platform. Grippers of each of the plurality of arms are configured to grasp in sequence at least one of the amassed plurality of deformable articles and move the at least one article toward an outlet end opposite the inlet end. The system includes a surface adjacent the outlet end and a last arm in the series of the plurality of arms delivers a separated deformable article into a repositioning work volume above the surface adjacent the elongated platform. Two or more repositioning arms are disposed about the work volume at individually anchored positions for spreading apart and lowering onto the surface the spread apart deformable article for folding.