Abstract: Systems and methods include providing a coated abrasive article with a substrate formed from a plurality of hygroscopic fibers, an abrasive layer comprising a make coat, a size coat, a supersize coat, or combinations thereof disposed on a first side of substrate, and an anti-curl layer disposed on a second side of the substrate. The polymer-based anti-curl layer allows the coated abrasive article to achieve a change in curl between ?5 millimeters and 25 millimeters, the change in curl being expressed as the curl of the coated abrasive article in millimeters at 90% relative humidity minus the curl of the coated abrasive article in millimeters at 20% relative humidity. The coated abrasive article exhibits substantially no loss of grinding performance, burst speed, or a combination thereof as compared to coated abrasive articles free of the anti-curl layer.

Abstract: A sanding block with a base block, an end block, and a locking shaft. The base block has a cavity extending into the base block and a locking shaft aperture extending through the base block. The end block is slidably coupled with the cavity. The locking shaft extends through the locking shaft aperture and has at least one notch that engages with at least one ridge on the end block. The end block is slidable within the cavity between a retracted position and an extended position. When the end block is in the retracted position, the at least one notch is empty and the locking shaft is moveable along the locking shaft aperture. When the end block is in the extended position, each of the at least one ridge is within the at least one notch and the locking shaft is restricted in movement along the locking shaft aperture.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing and a brushless motor with a rotor and a stator assembly. The motor defines a motor envelope bounded by a rear plane at a rearmost point of the stator assembly and rotor, a front plane at a frontmost point of the stator assembly and rotor, and a generally cylindrical boundary surrounding a radially outermost portion of the stator assembly and rotor. A rotor shaft is rotatably driven by the rotor. A transmission includes an input member rotatably driven by the rotor shaft and an output member. A first bearing supporting the rotor shaft is at least partially received within the motor envelope. A second bearing supporting the rotor shaft or a component of the transmission is at least partially received within the motor envelope. A support plate supporting a component of the transmission may be at least partially received within the motor envelope.

Abstract: Disclosed are aspects of exemplars of torque-limiting devices, methods and mechanisms exemplars methods may include placing an actuator in a tool containment interface of a handle; movable mounting a tool portion with an actuation catch and a work piece engaging region (WER) in the interface; applying sufficient force to the movable mounting to the handle may be via pins, guides and slots. Said catch may be one of a body catch and a lever catch; and, the actuator terminates on one of a ball shaped end that forms and interface with the body catch and a force lever that forms an interface with the lever catch.

Abstract: A rotary power tool including a gear case, an output shaft extending from the gear case, and a drive mechanism configured to provide torque to the output shaft, causing the output shaft to rotate. The rotary power tool further includes a clutch mechanism between the output shaft and the drive mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a compression spring and is configured to limit the amount of torque provided by the output shaft. The rotary power tool further includes a sensor positioned on a neck portion of the gear case subject to strain imparted by the compression spring, and an electronic control unit configured to receive an output signal from the strain gauge and determine a torque setting of the clutch mechanism based on the output signal.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for use in a power tool including a housing, a motor, an output shaft that drives a workpiece about a central axis, and a transmission. The transducer assembly includes a transducer positioned between the motor and the transmission. The transducer including an inner hub being rotationally affixed to the housing, an outer rim affixed to a rotatable component of the transmission, a plurality of webs extending radially outward from the inner hub to the outer rim, and a sensor affixed to each of the webs for detecting strain of each of the webs in response to a reaction torque applied to the transmission from the output shaft. A width of each of the webs gradually tapers from at least one of the outer rim or the inner hub toward a midpoint of each of the webs in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: A power tool communication system including an external device including a first controller configured to transmit, via wireless communication to a power tool, configuration data including a work light duration parameter value and a work light brightness parameter value. The power tool includes a housing, a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a trigger, a work light, a wireless communication circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the external device to receive the configuration data, and a second controller configured to control a work light duration of the work light based on the work light duration parameter value, and control a work light brightness of the work light based on the work light brightness parameter value.

Abstract: A tool storage system includes a tool storage container configured to receive therein a battery for a power tool with an inductive receiving unit. An inductive transmitting unit is coupled to the tool storage container and configured to receive a source of electrical power. The inductive transmitting unit is configured to induce generation of electrical power in the inductive receiving unit to charge the battery. A controller is configured to control generation of electrical power by the inductive receiving unit based on a position or alignment of the inductive receiving unit relative to the inductive transmitting unit.

Abstract: In an approach to a one-handed removable component (RC) extraction, a fixed length strap and a variable length strap, based on a configurable diameter loop in the variable length strap, are attached to each other. The variable length loop passes through the RC extraction handle and encircles a RC release lever. The fixed length strap is attached to the RC extraction handle. The loop diameter is calibrated such that pulling on the fixed length strap first applies force to the variable length loop engaging the release handle, in a direction perpendicular to the applied force, without damage before transferring force to the fixed length strap to extract the RC.

Abstract: A paint roller sleeve removal tool for overlying an unwanted roller sleeve to allow a user to remove a soiled roller sleeve without spreading mess undesirably. The paint roller sleeve removal tool includes a primary tubular member having a first primary panel hingedly affixed to a second primary panel. The secondary tubular member is affixed to the primary tubular member, the secondary tubular member having a first secondary panel is affixed to a distal end of the first primary panel and a second secondary panel is affixed to a distal end of the second primary panel. The paint roller sleeve removal tool includes a plurality of protrusions that are affixed to an interior surface of each of the first primary panel, the second primary panel, the first secondary panel, and the second secondary panel.

Abstract: A hand operated gripping tool has a first handle (301), a first jaw (201) connected with the first handle, a second handle (302) pivotably connected with the first handle to permit relative pivoting movement of the second handle with respect to the first handle and a second jaw (202) connected with the second handle. One of the first jaw and second jaw is a removable jaw and the removable jaw is push-fit attachable to the respective handle.

Abstract: A clinch fastener mechanism including a pivoting base configured to be pivotally connected to a pneumatic fastener tool. The clinch fastener mechanism further includes a clinch arm pivotally connected to the pivoting base at a proximal end of the clinch arm; and a clinch plate disposed on a distal end of the clinch arm, wherein tool operates within three pressure zones. The system may also include a two-valve system which works by moving pressure throughout three specific zones. The first pressure zone has pressure introduced to it by the user attaching the tool to a pressure delivery source, such as a compressor, or other source. The second pressure zone may be used to operate the clinch arm or a safety mechanism. Mechanical safeties may be configured to prevent accidental or double firing of the tool.

Abstract: A setting tool for driving fastening elements into a substrate is provided, the tool 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 rapid discharge of the capacitor is flowed through by current and generates a magnetic field that accelerates the drive-in element toward the fastening element, and wherein the setting tool has a means for detecting a temperature of the excitation coil and a control unit which is suitable for controlling an operating sequence of the setting tool in dependence on the detected temperature of the excitation coil.

Abstract: A striking tool includes: a motor including a rotor; a plunger configured to be movable from a bottom dead point to a top dead point by the motor; a moving unit configured to move the plunger from the top dead point toward the bottom dead point; a speed variation acquiring unit configured to acquire an amount of variation in rotating speed of the rotor; and a control unit configured to control the motor, based on the amount of variation acquired by the speed variation acquiring unit.

Abstract: A driving tool comprising: a plunger; a motor configured to move the plunger from a bottom dead center to a top dead center; a driving unit configured to use the plunger to drive a fastener by moving the plunger from the top dead center to the bottom dead center; a voltage fluctuation information acquisition unit configured to acquire voltage fluctuation information indicating a fluctuation amount of a voltage applied to the motor during movement of the plunger; and a control unit configured to control the motor based on the voltage fluctuation information.

Abstract: A driving tool includes: a plunger movable in a launch direction of a fastener; an urging member that is extendable and contractible and is configured to serve as a drive source of the plunger; a moving member that is disposed at an end portion in an extension-contraction direction of the urging member and is movable in the extension-contraction direction of the urging member; a string-like member configured to connect the moving member and the plunger and transmit a driving force of the urging member to the plunger via the moving member; and a rotation prevention portion configured to prevent rotation of the moving member around a central axis in the extension-contraction direction of the urging member.

Abstract: A rotation direction switching device of a pneumatic tool includes a valve sleeve, an intake valve and a control member disposed in a tool body. Under a condition that a pivot connecting portion of the control member is pivotally connected to a pivot shaft of the tool body and each driving portion of the control member can drive a driven portion of the intake valve, the control member can drive the intake valve in an arc trajectory to rotate, so that when the control member is in the forward or the reverse rotation control position, the vent of the intake valve is in communication with corresponding one of clockwise and the reverse rotation holes of the valve sleeve, so as to control the pneumatic tool to rotate forward or reversely. Therefore, the assembly cost and production cost can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: A working machine may include: a fan configured to generate an air flow inside a first space; a control unit disposed inside the first space; a partition wall separating the first space from a second space; a first aperture communicating the first space with the second space; and a rib extending from the partition wall and forming an air passage in which the air flow passes, wherein the air passage is positioned between the control unit and the rib. The control unit may include a case housing a circuit board. The control unit may include a first surface facing the rib. In a first direction perpendicular to the first surface, the rib and the first surface may at least partially overlap with each other. A distance between the rib and the first surface may be smaller than a thickness of the case in the first direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool has an air outlet chamber, at least one forward channel, a rear transmission spacing, at least one washer channel, at least one shaft channel, at least one bushing channel, and a front transmission chamber sequentially communicating with one another. Compressed air for driving the pneumatic motor flows into the air outlet chamber, and then flows forwardly to the front transmission chamber through the at least one forward channel, the at least one washer channel, the rear transmission spacing, the at least one shaft channel, and the least one bushing channel, sequentially. Heat produced by the pneumatic tool is continuously carried by the compressed air flowing forwardly, thereby dissipating the heat and cooling the transmission set.

Abstract: Devices and methods described herein provide for controlling an operating mode of a power tool. Controlling the power tool includes operating, by a motor controller, a motor of the power tool in a first operating mode. Controlling the power tool also includes detecting, by the motor controller, a position of a forward-reverse selector of the power tool, and receiving, by the motor controller, a signal from a mode selector. Controlling the power tool also includes determining, by the motor controller, whether the position of the forward-reverse selector is in the mode selection position, and in response to determining that the forward-reverse selector is in the mode selection position, changing, by the motor controller, the power tool to a second operating mode based on the signal received from the mode selector.

Abstract: A hand-held working apparatus has an apparatus housing, a working tool capable of being motor-driven, a drive motor for the working tool, and an operating data communication component connected to the apparatus housing and having a communication interface configured for wireless transmission of operating data. The operating data communication component has a mounting region by which it is mounted on an attachment region of the apparatus housing. The attachment region is located on an inside of an outer wall of the apparatus housing.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a drive unit actuatable via at least one manual switch, a control unit at least for controlling the drive unit, the control unit having a control-unit housing. The power tool further includes at least one user interface having at least one operating element, and a housing that at least partially accommodates the control unit and the user interface. The hand-held power tool also includes a positioning device, the user interface being supported on the control-unit housing by use of the positioning device.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool (10), in particular a grinding machine or cutting machine, having a machine housing (20) in which a drive motor (11) for driving a tool holder (13) for a work tool (14), in particular a grinding tool or cutting tool, is accommodated, wherein the machine housing (20) has a drive housing part (30) and a handle housing part (40), wherein the drive housing part (30) has the tool holder (13) drivable by the drive motor (11) and the handle housing part (40) has a grip section (25) to be grasped by an operator, wherein the handle housing part (40) protrudes from the drive housing part (30) in the direction of a machine longitudinal axis (ML), wherein the handle housing part (40) is mounted on the drive housing part (30) in a mounted state.

Abstract: Inserts disposed in a housing of a pneumatically or hydraulically powered tool having a motor adapted to rotate a drive lug in either of first and second rotational directions. The insert is composed of a material resistive to creep and/or stress relaxation. The insert contacts fasteners applying a clamping force to the tool and remove the housing from the load path of the clamping force, thereby reducing the possibility of fluid leaks.

Abstract: A tool with a segmented tool handle includes a first tube, a second tube and a limiting seat. The first tube has a first inner hole and a first fastening hole. The second tube has one end inserted into the first inner hole, a second inner hole and a second fastening hole. The limiting seat is disposed in the second inner hole and connected with a fastener. An end of the fastener is threadedly connected to the limiting seat and the other end of the fastener has a conical abutting portion. The abutting portion abuts against an inner periphery of first fastening hole when the fastener is in a fastened position. The abutting portion detaches from the first fastening hole when the fastener is in a unfastened position.

Abstract: A paint-pot/kettle includes a manually detachable/attachable multi-use tool-handle. The paint-pot/kettle holds substances, such as paint, for the use with a brush and/or mini-roller. The paint-pot/kettle includes: angled/magnetized brush-rest, wiping-blade, mini-roller-glide, mini-roller-holder, belt-clip/loops, removable/replaceable plastic pot-liners to line the internal of the paint-pot/kettle, ergonomically-designed plastic handle (referred to as the multi-use tool-handle), and male component of the manual-locking system to attach/detach the multi-use tool-handle from the paint-pot/kettle. The multi-use tool-handle has multi-use functions including: mallet to close paint tins, paint tin openers, mini-roller cleaning-aid, shark-tooth brush cleaning-aid, scraping blade, beer bottle opener, female component of the female-to-male locking-system designed to attach the multi-use tool-handle to pot/kettle.

Abstract: A tool arrangement includes a tool management device with a body and a lid, wherein the lid, by a hinge connection, is configured pivotably for selectively covering or releasing a receiving space of the body relatively to the body, and a receiving device for receiving tool elements which is mounted or mountable in the receiving space of the body. By the hinge connection, the receiving device is co-pivoted when the lid is pivoted. The hinge connection includes at least one pin and the lid has at least one slide guide for guiding the at least one pin along a pregiven trajectory.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed that is configured for connection to a robotic unit used to manipulate a door of a vehicle (e.g., during vehicle painting). The end effector includes a base plate; a sensor that is supported by the base plate; and a piston that is configured for engagement with the door. The piston is operatively connected to an interrupter such that movement (displacement) of the piston causes corresponding movement (displacement) of the interrupter between a first position, in which the interrupter is positioned in alignment with a signal transmitted across the sensor to interfere with the signal and thereby interrupt circuit completion, and a second position, in which the interrupter is out of alignment with the signal transmitted across the sensor to permit circuit completion and thereby inform the robotic unit that the door is present and engaged with the end effector.

Abstract: A diagnostic station for inspecting an article transport vehicle movable along a guideway has a diagnostic module associated with the guideway and configured to receive the article transport vehicle when the article transport vehicle is in an inspection position along the guideway. The diagnostic module has at least one of the following: a grip testing substation having at least one force sensor configured for measuring a force exerted by a closure mechanism of the article transport vehicle in a closed position, a pressure testing substation in communication with a source of pressurized air and configured for pressurizing and depressurizing the closure mechanism, and an optical inspection substation having at least one camera configured for capturing image data of the article transport vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated artificial muscle fiber with bidirectional linear strain and a preparation method thereof are provided. The artificial muscle fiber includes a fiber matrix, electrode layers and insulating layers. The artificial muscle fiber takes the fiber matrix as a skeleton, upper and lower layers of the fiber matrix are covered with one electrode layer respectively, and one insulating layer is covered on a surface of each of electrode layers. A helical fiber body is formed by winding. Finally, the artificial muscle fiber is formed through packaging, where metal wires are taken as leads and respectively connected to upper and lower layers of electrodes.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a first robot singulator, a second robot singulator, and a picking area from which parcels of a bulk flow of parcels can be engaged and transferred by the first robot singulator or the second robot singulator. The conveyor system further includes a first place conveyor positioned downstream of the picking area and configured to receive parcels transferred by the first robot singulator. The conveyor system further includes a second place conveyor positioned downstream of the picking area and the first place conveyor, the second place conveyor configured to receive parcels transferred by the second robot singulator and to receive parcels from the first place conveyor. A buffering conveyor is positioned between the first place conveyor and the second place conveyor for regulating a rate at which parcels offloaded by the first place conveyor are transferred to the second place conveyor.

Abstract: A kinematic mounting key engageable with a kinematic mounting receiver is provided. The kinematic mounting key comprises a base kinematic element, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. Each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion defines a clearance channel and comprises a kinematic element. The clearance channels and the kinematic elements are configured so that the kinematic mounting key is engageable with the kinematic mounting receiver in a first arrangement at six points of contact and in a second arrangement at six points of contact that are at least partially different from the six points of contact of the first arrangement.

Abstract: A layer jamming driving device is proposed, which includes an enclosure made of a variable material; and layer stacked structures having a plurality of layers stacked inside the enclosure, wherein the layer stacked structures can be coupled so as to be slidable and rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method for force or torque sensing in an electromechanical actuator-driven robot comprising one or more links, one or more joints, an end effector and a controller is provided, the method comprising: estimating a first set of load torques in one or more joints in a given configuration of the robot without external force or load applied to the end effector; identifying gravitational and frictional components in the first set of load torques; estimating a second set of load torques in the one or more joints in the given configuration of the robot with an external force or load applied to the end effector; calculating a difference between the second set of load torques and the first set of load torques, taking into account the identified gravitational and frictional components; calculating an external force or torque acting on the end effector based on the difference between the second set of load torques and the first set of load torques using a Jacobian matrix for the given configuration of the robot; and pr

Abstract: A method includes: accessing a coating thickness range for workpiece coating; triggering an optical sensor to capture scan data representing the workpiece; triggering a depth sensor to capture a first depth value; assembling the scan data into a first virtual model representing the workpiece; defining first spray parameters corresponding to a minimum coating thickness; defining a first toolpath; driving a coating applicator along the first toolpath to spray the coating onto the workpiece; triggering the depth sensor to capture a second depth value; calculating a first coating thickness based on the first depth value and the second depth value; in response to the first coating thickness falling below the target minimum coating thickness defining a second set of spray parameters and a second toolpath; and driving the coating applicator along the second toolpath to spray the coating onto the workpiece according to the second set of spray parameters.

Abstract: A swarm autonomy system and swarm autonomy method for organizing multiple industrial robots to carry out a number of manufacturing tasks comprises a swarm core and at least one swarm fleet, wherein, the swarm core is configured to manage the swarm autonomy system and generate a swarm plan; and the swarm fleet is configured to execute a manufacturing execution according to the swarm plan.

Abstract: A sortation system is disclosed that includes a programmable motion device including an end effector, a perception system for recognizing any of the identity, location, and orientation of an object presented in a plurality of objects, a grasp selection system for selecting a grasp location on the object, the grasp location being chosen to provide a secure grasp of the object by the end effector to permit the object to be moved from the plurality of objects to one of a plurality of destination locations, and a motion planning system for providing a motion path for the transport of the object when grasped by the end effector from the plurality of objects to the one of the plurality of destination locations, wherein the motion path is chosen to provide a path from the plurality of objects to the one of the plurality of destination locations.

Abstract: An automated palletizer for building a mixed case pallet, the automated palletizer including a case infeed that feeds mixed cases to provide an input queue feed sequence of mixed cases. At least one pallet building robot communicably connected to the case infeed and configured to receive the mixed cases in the input queue feed sequence of mixed cases, and place the mixed cases according to and dependent on the input queue feed sequence of mixed cases so as to effect building the mixed case pallet at a predetermined substantially steady placement rate. A controller communicably connected to the case infeed and at least one pallet building robot, and being configured so as to generate a complete and stable mixed case arrangement plan that completes at least a predetermined whole part of the mixed case pallet and that describes a predetermined planned location and pose for each case.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a first member that extends along a rotational axis and has a surface disposed circumferentially about the rotational axis. A conductive element is disposed on the surface of the first member and disposed about the rotational axis. A second member extends along the rotational axis. A rotational position between the first member and the second member is adjustable. A target is mounted to and rotatable with the second member and is movable relative to the second member between first and second positions. The target is spaced apart from the conductive element in both the first and second positions and is spaced further from the conductive element in the second position compared to the first position. The conductive element detects a change in movement of the target from the first position to the second position for any rotational position between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to robotic devices, computer-vision systems, and artificial intelligence. More specifically, some embodiments relate to a computer-vision system for robotic devices. In some implementations, a computer-vision is coupled to a robotic arm for picking items from a bin and perturbing items in a bin. A computer-vision system, in accordance with the present technology, may use at least two two-dimensional (2D) images to generate three-dimensional (3D) information about the bin and items in the bin. A method of training artificial neural networks to generate 3D information from 2D images includes obtaining ground truth data for a scene, obtaining at least two images of the scene, and providing the ground truth data and the at least two images to the artificial neural network configured to generate a depth map from the images based on the ground truth data.

Abstract: A method includes receiving sensor data for an environment about the robot. The sensor data is captured by one or more sensors of the robot. The method includes detecting one or more objects in the environment using the received sensor data. For each detected object, the method includes authoring an interaction behavior indicating a behavior that the robot is capable of performing with respect to the corresponding detected object. The method also includes augmenting a localization map of the environment to reflect the respective interaction behavior of each detected object.

Abstract: A blade set for a hair cutting appliance includes a stationary blade and a cutter blade. The stationary blade has a blade base and a plurality of teeth extending from the blade base in a longitudinal direction. The teeth are arranged in a series alternating with tooth gaps therebetween, where the tooth gaps define hair entry slots. The teeth have a first side arranged to cooperate with the cutter blade to cut hair and a second side arranged as a skin-facing side. The teeth have processing edges at the first side at their longitudinal extension, where the smoothened processing edges have smoothened edge transitions.

Abstract: A shaving system comprising a handle, a cartridge including at least one blade, the cartridge being releasably coupled to the handle, a detector, at least one sensor coupled to at least one of the handle and the cartridge, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output an electrical signal in response to an infrared thermal radiation, detected and measured by the detector, of at least one skin property which is indicative of at least one skin characteristic, a processor configured to receive measurement data from the sensor and to at least one of identify and quantify the at least one skin characteristic based one the received measurement data, and a display configured to convey a message to the user based on skin characteristic data from the processor.

Abstract: A method of producing a moulded article comprising a thermoset polymer and particles of porous natural materials, such as wood materials, and uses thereof. The composite material has a continuous matrix of a hardened thermoset polymer and, distributed within the matrix, and the particles are at least partially encased by the thermoset polymer. The method comprises the steps of providing a mould with two opposite pressing surfaces, said pressing surfaces defining a space between them; feeding particles of porous natural materials into the space between the pressing surfaces; advancing the surfaces towards each other to compress the particles in said space; feeding unhardened thermoset resin in liquid form into the mould so as to fill at least said space between pressing surfaces while keeping the particles compressed between the pressing surfaces; and curing the thermoset resin in the mould to provide a moulded composite article.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for manufacturing a composite material for structural applications may include steps of sawing and arranging bamboo woods into bamboo bundles; heating the bamboo bundles; dipping the bamboo bundles in phenolic resin; drying the bamboo bundles; arranging the bamboo bundles with the green surface facing outside and the yellow surface facing inside; and forming bamboo beams with a hot-pressing process.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing a ceramic article in which the improvement of mechanical strength, wear resistance, and machinability is achieved using a direct modeling system, and a ceramic article. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: (i) arranging powder containing ceramics as a main component on a base; (ii) irradiating a part or an entirety of the arranged powder with an energy beam to melt and solidify the powder, to thereby obtain an intermediate modeled article; (iii) causing the modeled article to absorb a metal component-containing liquid to impregnate the modeled article therewith; and (iv) subjecting the modeled article having absorbed the metal component-containing liquid to heat treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for producing concrete products by casting method by means of casting moulds assembled from corresponding outer and inner moulds, having a program-controlled, automated circulation system having a hardening area 420, a program-controlled, automated manufacturing area 100 and a conveying unit 200. The system also has a manually operable mould assembly unit having mould assembly stations M1 to M4 for manually assisted assembly of a casting mould from corresponding outer and inner moulds, wherein the conveying unit comprises a supply conveying section 222 set up to supply a casting mould assembled in the manually operable mould assembly unit to the automated circulation system under program control.

Abstract: A mold assembly and method for molding two concrete blocks in face-to-face non-contacting relationship forms blocks having smooth front faces. The mold assembly includes a mold box having two mold cavities configured to form two blocks in face-to-face non-contacting relationship. A common partition plate separates the two mold cavities and opposite sides of the partition plate form the smooth front faces of the blocks. The two mold cavities are each configured to form a block having a raised front face with a beveled edge around its entire perimeter and a border around the entire perimeter of the beveled edge. The portions of the border at the top and the sides of the raised front face are curved and the portion of the border at the bottom of the raised front face is straight. A core bar is slidably inserted into the mold box beneath the bottom of the partition plate, and opposite sides of the core bar extend into and form the front bottom portions of the mold cavities.

Abstract: A concrete saw for cutting a relief slot in a concrete slab surface, the concrete saw incorporating front and rear hand truck components having lower bases and upwardly extending handles, each handle being fixedly attached to one of the hand truck bases; front and rear pluralities of wheels respectively fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the front and rear hand trucks' bases; a motor and cutting wheel combination supported upon the front hand truck's base; a motor powered vacuum supported upon the rear hand truck; a vacuum housing enshrouding an upper end of the cutting wheel; a vacuum tube operatively interconnecting the motor powered vacuum and the vacuum housing; and a releasable latch interconnecting the front and rear hand trucks so that forward propulsion of the front hand truck forwardly pulls the rearward hand truck.

Abstract: A tooling element includes a flexible sleeve defining an interior cavity. The flexible sleeve includes a sealable access port extending through the flexible sleeve from the interior cavity to an exterior of the flexible sleeve. The tooling element further includes vacuum-packed tooling particulate disposed within and filling the interior cavity of the flexible sleeve.