Abstract: An example welding cable connector system comprises: a male connector comprising a first conductive body for conveying welding power, a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first preassembled valve assembly coupled to threads within the first sealed passageway and configured to stop flow of the shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged; and a female connector comprising a second conductive body for conveying the welding power, a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying the shielding gas, and a second preassembled valve assembly coupled to threads within the second sealed passageway and configured to stop the flow of the shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a carbide blade cutter head filling device and method, and relates to the field of alloy blade processing. The carbide blade cutter head filling device includes a feeding unit, a storage unit, a loading unit and a discharging unit which are arranged successively. The output end of the feeding unit is matched with the input end of the storage unit through the guide mechanism. The output end of the storage unit faces a conveying tray of the loading unit. The conveying tray is provided with a plurality of group of transition holes for accommodating blades. A receiving mechanism for accommodating a cutter head is arranged below the falling pull plate of the discharging unit. The falling pull plate adjusts the communication and isolation between the transition hole and the cutter head in the receiving mechanism by changing the relative position of the falling pull plate and the transition hole.

Abstract: An automatic screw tightening method includes measuring a datum on time-varying screw tightening torque from a motor and a datum on time-varying motor rotational speed between a screw tightening start time point for a male thread with respect to a female threaded hole and a screw tightening completion time point; extracting a plurality of features from measurement-based data on the time-varying screw tightening torque and the time-varying motor rotational speed; and determining, with use of the features, whether a tightened state of the male thread is fit or unfit. In the determination, determining a unified numerical index from the features is included, and the numerical index is compared with a predetermined threshold in the determination of whether the tightened state is fit or unfit. The numerical index is a Taguchi (T) method-based overall evaluation measure from the features.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor propulsion source including a friction welding apparatus, a gas accumulator tank operably coupled to the friction welding apparatus, and an air compressor operably coupled to the gas accumulator tank.

Abstract: Vacuum machining system (1), comprising a vacuum chamber (10) and a vacuum regulating valve (20). The vacuum valve (20) has a first valve seat (21a), which has a first valve opening (22a) defining a first opening axis (O) and a first sealing surface extending around the first valve opening (O), and a first valve plate (23a) with a first contact surface corresponding to the first sealing surface. The vacuum machining system further comprises a drive unit (30), which is designed in such a way and is coupled to the first valve plate (23a) in such a way that the latter can be moved at least from an open position to a closed position and back again. The first valve seat (21a) arranged within the vacuum chamber (10) and divides the vacuum chamber (10) into a main process chamber (11) for machining the substrate and into a secondary process chamber (12). The first sealing surface extends orthogonally to the first opening axis (O) and points in the direction of the secondary process chamber (12).

Abstract: A system and method for making new dust collectors or modifying existing dust collectors includes a containment chamber underneath the bottom exit of a dust collector unit and an independent, unconnected debris container. A metal, plastic, or flexible material chute may be required to direct debris from the dust collector open bottom to the debris container. The containment chamber is equipped with a covered opening, e.g., door or hatch, of sufficient size to insert and remove the debris container. The system may be used with both positive and negative pressure systems. User benefits include lower handling costs and greater convenience in debris management. The system and method have wide application in woodworking operations, as well as, with other applications where particulate matter needs to be removed from an air stream.

Abstract: A power tool operator protection system comprises a plurality of wearable position sensors configured to be worn by an operator of a handheld power tool; a power tool position sensor configured to detect the position of a handheld power tool; and processing equipment configured to generate a model of the operator based on the mutual positions of the respective wearable sensors relative to each other, the mutual positions defining the operator's posture; associate each of a plurality of limbs (32a-g) of the operator with a respective protection volume (30a-g); and based on the position and/or motion of the power tool in relation to the protection volume (30a-g) indicating an imminent danger that the working implement enters a protection volume (30a-g), generate a protection signal.

Abstract: An automated mechanical machining system for machining a metal panel having a first face and a second face. The automated mechanical machining system further including at least one machining tool, at least one holding tool, a control module configured to control the at least one machining tool and the holding tool in a coordinated manner, a matching module configured to determine simple actual machining paths TRAJr1 from, on the one hand, predetermined simple theoretical machining paths TRAJt1 and, on the other hand, measurement of the actual surface SURFr of the second face and a slope management module configured to determine sloping actual machining paths TRAJr2 from sloping theoretical machining paths TRAJt2, the simple theoretical machining paths TRAJt1 and the simple actual machining paths TRAJr1.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting a failure in holding a tool of a machine tool that includes, in each of a plurality of tool holding mechanisms in a tool magazine, a locking member provided to have different self-displacement positions for a case where a tool is held at a proper held position between tool gripping portions of a pair of holding arms and a case where the tool is held with deviation from the proper held position, and that detects a holding failure state of the tool in the tool holding mechanism by detecting the position of a detection target portion that moves integrally with the locking member with a predetermined detector provided in the machine tool. The apparatus makes it possible to effectively prevent a risk of a breakdown of and damage to the machine tool.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a chuck configured to hold a wafer and a tilt plate disposed beneath the chuck and adjustably connected to the chuck by a pair of upper screws and a pair of lower screws separately arranged in opposite corners of the chuck. Screw heads of the pair of upper screws rest against a top surface of the chuck, such that clockwise rotation of one of the upper screws pushes a corresponding corner of the chuck toward the tilt plate. Screw heads of the pair of lower screws rest against a bottom surface of the chuck, such that counter-clockwise rotation of one of the lower screws pushes a corresponding corner of the chuck away from the tilt plate.

Abstract: A blocking tool and a method of using the blocking tool to sand a surface of a vehicle are disclosed. The blocking tool includes a first member having a length and having an outer periphery with a plurality of cuts formed therein. The plurality of cuts extend over at least about 70% of the length and each of the cuts penetrates the first member through an arc of at least about 70% of the outer periphery. The blocking tool also has a base member with a first surface, an oppositely aligned second surface, and a length. A portion of the outer periphery of the first member is secured to the first surface of the base member to form an integral blocking tool.

Abstract: A straight edge guide system is presented that makes clamping of a workpiece faster and easier. The straight edge guide system includes a guide member that extends a length from a first end to a second end. A clamp member is connected to the first end of the guide member and includes a compressible bias member therein. An adjustable stop member is connected to the guide member that moves between a locked position and a free position. When the adjustable stop member is in the free position, the adjustable stop member slides along the length of the guide member. When the straight edge guide system is placed on top of a workpiece, the workpiece is clamped under spring bias force between the clamp member and the stop member.

Abstract: A method for removing a flaw on a treated, finally painted surface by grinding involves, after the flaw has been detected, moving a flexible abrasive sheet to the surface and pressing it against the flaw to be machined in such a way that the flaw is detected by a sensor system, which is operatively connected to a robotic arm carrying the grinding plate. The abrasive sheet, which is designed as an abrasive belt, is fed to the grinding plate and the abrasive sheet being pressed against the flaw.

Abstract: A blade sharpener for use with a powered rotary tool having a rotatable sharpening element includes a main body having a bore for receiving the powered rotary tool, where the bore extends through the main body along an axis and the main body has a first channel for receiving a blade to be sharpened. The first channel is perpendicular to the rotary axis and opens into the bore to permit a blade to engage the sharpening element. The blade sharpener also includes a guide having a guide channel for receiving a blade to be sharpened where the guide is pivotally attached to the main body to accommodate any curvature of a blade to be sharpened as the blade sharpener follows along the blade.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predicting irregular motions of one or more mechanical components of a semiconductor processing apparatus. A mechanical motion irregular prediction system includes one or more motion sensors that sense motion-related parameters associated with at least one mechanical component of a semiconductor processing apparatus. The one or more motion sensors output sensing signals based on the sensed motion-related parameters. Defect prediction circuitry predicts an irregular motion of the at least one mechanical component based on the sensing signals.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) tool includes a platen and a polishing pad attached to the platen, where a first surface of the polishing pad facing away from the platen includes a first polishing zone and a second polishing zone, where the first polishing zone is a circular region at a center of the first surface of the polishing pad, and the second polishing zone is an annular region around the first polishing zone, where the first polishing zone and the second polishing zone have different surface properties.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a flexible membrane for use with a carrier head of a substrate chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The membrane comprises an outer surface providing a substrate receiving surface, wherein the outer surface has a central portion and an edge portion surrounding the central portion, wherein the central portion has a first surface roughness and the edge portion has a second surface roughness, the first surface roughness being greater than the second surface roughness.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly may be used with a rotary power tool to provide a reliable and stable connection between the rotary tool and a tool accessory. The mandrel assembly provides a quick-connect/quick-release connection between the tool output shaft and the accessory via a clamping action. In particular, the mandrel assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the accessory may clamped tween a clamping element formed on one end of the mandrel and a collar which surrounds the mandrel and a second configuration in which the accessory may be loaded onto or detached from the mandrel assembly. Movement from the first configuration to the second configuration, and from the second configuration to the first configuration each include axial motion in combination with a rotation of the mandrel in the same direction relative to the collar.

Abstract: A method for media blasting a workpiece includes, during a scan cycle: accessing a first set of images captured by an optical sensor traversing a scan path over the workpiece; compiling the first set of images into a virtual model of the workpiece; accessing a first set of blast parameters; generating a first tool path for a first workpiece region of the workpiece based on a geometry of the workpiece represented in the virtual model and the first set of blast parameters. The method further includes, during a processing cycle: via the set of actuators, navigating the blast nozzle over the first workpiece region according to the first tool path; and projecting blasting media toward the workpiece according to the first set of blast parameters.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a detachable grinding disk for an electric grinder with high adhesion efficiency, the detachable grinding disk comprising: a plate part made of a circular metal plate; a sanding part on which a grinding member is formed so that one side of the plate part has a grinding surface; and a fastening part provided in a form of a through hole at a position of a central axis of the plate part to be easily fastened to the electric grinder, wherein the plate part is formed to have a gradual curvature in such a way that a convex surface of the gradual curvature is formed toward the sanding part, thereby enabling the detachable grinding disk to be attached to the electric grinder closely, elastically, and preventing overturning during high-speed rotation.

Abstract: A socket assembly for rotating a nut, the nut having an annular body with a radially inner edge defining a torque transferring surface, the socket assembly has: an intermediate socket extending axially relative to a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the intermediate socket engageable by a tool for rotating the intermediate socket about the central axis; and socket segments detachably connected to the intermediate socket in a circumferential array about the central axis, a socket segment of the socket segments having a nut-engaging end projecting radially outwardly relative to the distal end of the intermediate socket and engageable with the torque transferring surface of the nut to transfer a torque from the intermediate socket to the nut via the socket segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a fastener is described. The apparatus includes a base, including a first aperture including a central axis; and a sidewall extending outward from the base and surrounding the central axis, where the sidewall is configured to hold on to a socket; an arm extending outward from the base, including a biasing mechanism connecting a first end of the arm to the base, where the biasing mechanism configured to relieve stress between the base and the arm when the arm is actuated; and a lip disposed at a second end of the arm, where the second end is at an opposite end of the arm than the first end, and where the lip is configured to retain the fastener or a wrenching element of the fastener; and a finger flange configured to actuate the arm, where the finger flange is attached to the arm.

Abstract: A screw bit body which allows for efficient torque force application onto a socket fastener. The screw bit body includes a plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls, a first base, and a second base. The laterally-bracing sidewalls are radially distributed about a rotation axis of the screw bit body with each further including a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a bracing surface, and an engagement cavity. The engagement cavity creates an additional gripping point to prevent slippage in between the screw bit body and the socket fastener. The engagement cavity traverses normal and into the bracing surface. Additionally, the engagement cavity traverses into the screw bit body from the first base to the second base. The engagement cavity is specifically positioned offset from the first lateral edge by a first distance.

Abstract: A portable crimping device and method of making such a crimping device is disclosed. A portable crimper transfers hydraulic forces back into the hydraulic cylinder and not just into a pinned or fixed connection supporting it. To withstand these forces, the cylinder is milled out of a single piece of source metal and the arm that transfers the forces is joined to the cylinder via pair of flanges extending the entire length of the cylinder to distribute them over a wider surface area.

Abstract: A control system for a power tool is disclosed. The control system comprises: a sensing unit configured to sense an operating characteristic of the power tool; a first control unit configured to determine whether the operating characteristic is within a safe operational range, and to output a first control signal at least partially based on the determination; a second control unit configured to determine whether the operating characteristic is within a safe operational range independently of the first control unit, and to output a second control signal at least partially based on the determination; and an output unit configured to receive the first and second control signals and to activate the power tool when the first and second control signals are received.

Abstract: A striking tool having an ejecting path of a fastener which is formed in a nose part, and configured to sequentially strike fasteners supplied to the nose part, includes an attachment member that can be attached to and detached from a tip end of the nose part. The attachment member can be fixed to and released from the nose part by an operation in a direction different from an ejecting direction of the fastener.

Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a driver blade movable from a top-dead-center (TDC) position toward a driven or bottom-dead-center (BDC) position, a gas spring mechanism for driving the driver blade toward the BDC position, a lifter assembly having a rotary lifter for returning the driver blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, a motor that provides torque to the rotary lifter to return the driven blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position, and a cam which, during operation of the rotary lifter, causes the rotary lifter to axially move along a rotational axis defined by the rotary lifter between a first position, in which the rotary lifter is engageable with the driver blade, and a second position, in which the rotary lifter is not engageable with the driver blade.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a combustion powered fastener driving tool including a fuel cell receiver configured to receive and engage a fuel cell metering valve of a fuel cell, the fuel cell metering valve configured to dispense a dose of fuel from the fuel cell.

Abstract: A bracket for attachment to an overhead substrate to carry a suspending wire or rod is formed from metal plate or strap stock having a bend connecting a first generally rectangular section of the stock with a second generally rectangular section of the stock. The first generally rectangular section of stock has a dimple formed on one side of the stock with a corresponding bulge protruding from the other side. The bulge protrudes alongside the second generally rectangular section of stock. The bulge has a base and an apex, a generally conical outside surface adjacent to the first generally rectangular section of stock and a through aperture at the apex. The bracket is applied with a tool that can be provided with a washer system to accommodate different fastener lengths and a safety to deactivate the triggering mechanism.

Abstract: A device for driving fastening elements into a substrate, having a combustion chamber in which a fuel can be burned for the purposes of transmitting energy to a fastening element, having a cartridge bearing which has a receiving chamber for a cartridge which contains the fuel, which receiving chamber is open in an opening direction toward the combustion chamber, having a closure which, in a closed position of the closure, closes the receiving chamber counter to the opening direction and bears against the cartridge bearing, and having a strip leadthrough, which defines a transport direction and opens into the receiving chamber, for a cartridge strip which bears the cartridge.

Abstract: Handle apparatus on a power tool, in particular a chipping hammer, having a drive, a control device, a transmission device, wherein the handle apparatus contains a lever element that is pivotable relative to a housing of the power tool. The lever element is movable reversibly relative to the housing of the power tool by exertion of a force in one direction, and a sensor device is contained for sensing at least one first or second position of the lever element relative to the housing of the power tool, wherein a first rotational speed value for the drive is settable depending on the first sensed position of the lever element relative to the housing of the power tool or at least one second rotational speed value for the drive is settable depending on the second sensed position of the lever element relative to the housing of the power tool.

Abstract: Power tool, in particular a hammer drill, including a housing, a tool fitting for receiving and holding a tool, an impact device for producing and transmitting impact pulses to the tool, and a rotation device for producing and transmitting a torque to the tool, wherein a working axis passing through the impact device is provided. The power tool includes a first drive unit having a first axis of rotation for driving the rotation device and a second drive unit having a second axis of rotation for driving the impact device, wherein the first and second drive units are arranged in such a way relative to one another in the housing that the first axis of rotation of the first drive unit is arranged at a first angle to the second axis of rotation of the second drive unit and at a second angle to the working axis.

Abstract: A tool-holding apparatus (70) includes an engaging member (71) for engaging a tool accessory (B) and being movably supported in axial and radial directions in a rotational-output shaft (26) having an insertion hole (81) for holding the tool accessory (B). A first biasing member (72) biases the engaging member towards engagement with the engaging member. A bit sleeve (73) is movable in the axial direction along an outer-circumferential surface of the rotational-output shaft between a blocking position at which radial outward movement of the engaging member is blocked and a permitting position at which radial outward movement of the engaging member is permitted. A second biasing member (74) biases the bit sleeve toward the blocking position. A positioning part (75) is fixed on the outer-circumferential surface of the rotational-output shaft and stops the bit sleeve at the blocking position.

Abstract: A power tool having a hammer mechanism has a tool body that houses a motor and a driving mechanism and extends in a front-rear direction; a handle including a grip part that extends in an up-down direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction behind the tool body and has a lower end formed as a free end and is arranged below the driving axis; and a plurality of biasing members configured to elastically connect the tool body and the handle. The biasing members include at least one first biasing member arranged above the driving axis in the up-down direction, and at least one second biasing member arranged below the driving axis in the up-down direction. In this power tool, a biasing force of the at least one second biasing member is larger than a biasing force of the at least one first biasing member.

Abstract: A rotary hammer selectively operates in multiple modes including a first mode and a second mode. The rotary hammer includes a switch, a motor, a switch manipulation member, a locking member, and a mode detecting device. The switch manipulation member includes a body, and a protrusion that is movable between a protruding position and a retracted position. The body houses a solenoid configured to operate based on a detection result of the mode detecting device. The locking member is movable between an unlock position and a lock position where the locking member holds the switch manipulation member in an ON position by abutting the protrusion in the protruding position. The protrusion is integrated with a plunger of the solenoid. The protrusion is configured to be in the protruding position when the present mode is the first mode, and in the retracted position when the present mode is the second mode.

Abstract: A setting device for a self-drilling anchor bolt of the present invention includes: a drive shaft, one end thereof having a shank for connecting to an impact tool, and another end being a setting part for pushing the self-drilling anchor bolt axially; a coupling, partially surrounding the drive shaft along an axis, and being supported on the drive shaft in such a way as to be incapable of relative rotation while being axially moveable at least locally; and a releasable locking component, disposed between the drive shaft and the coupling; in a locked position, the locking component is coupled to an extremity of an anchor rod such that the anchor rod is fed axially with rotational striking into a receiving material, and in a released position, the drive shaft strikes a sleeve to advance axially along the anchor rod and expand at an expansion part.

Abstract: A power tool having a hammer mechanism includes a tool body defining the driving axis, a motor housed in the tool body, an elongate handle connected to the tool body in a cantilever manner and extending in a direction intersecting the driving axis, and at least one biasing member disposed between the tool body and the handle. The motor has a motor shaft that is rotatable around an axis parallel to the driving axis. The handle includes a first end portion connected to the tool body to be pivotable around a pivot axis relative to the tool body, a free end, and a grip part disposed between the first end portion and a free end of the handle. The at least one biasing member is configured to pivotally bias the tool body and the handle such that the grip part and the tool body move away from each other.

Abstract: Handle apparatus on a power tool, in particular a chipping hammer, having a drive, a control device, a transmission device, wherein the handle apparatus contains a lever element that is pivotable relative to a housing of the power tool. The lever element is movable reversibly relative to the housing of the power tool by exertion of a force in one direction, and a sensor device is contained for sensing at least one first or second position of the lever element relative to the housing of the power tool, wherein a first rotational speed value for the drive is settable depending on the first sensed position of the lever element relative to the housing of the power tool or at least one second rotational speed value for the drive is settable depending on the second sensed position of the lever element relative to the housing of the power tool.

Abstract: A container top punch apparatus which is suitable for forming an air pressure equalization opening in a beverage or other liquid dispensing container for equalization of air pressure between the interior and exterior of the container may include an apparatus housing. A punch assembly may include a punch shaft slidably disposed in the apparatus housing. The punch shaft may be retractable in a pre-punching position in the apparatus housing and extendable from the apparatus housing to a punching position. A punch spring may be disposed in the apparatus housing. The punch spring may apply a punching force to the punch shaft and normally bias the punch shaft in the punching position. A finger lever may engage the punch shaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic hammer for impact fracturing a work object includes a hammer shell having a cylinder body disposed between a front head and a rear head. A piston reciprocally movable within the cylinder body abut a work tool and can extend and retract the work tool from the hammer shell. To dampen momentum and impact forces, an accumulator head is attached to the back head and can accommodate hydraulic and dampening fluids in separate first and second sub-chambers. The dampening sub-chamber may directly fluidly communicate with an internal dampening fluid reservoir in the back head.

Abstract: An electric tool includes a motor, a holder, a transmission mechanism, a torque detector, an electronic clutch, and an inhibiting mechanism. The holder is configured to hold a tip tool thereon. The transmission mechanism transmits motive power of the motor to the holder. The torque detector detects a torque value about output torque provided by the tip tool. The electronic clutch is activated when a predetermined condition about the torque value detected by the torque detector is satisfied and thereby controls the motor to make the motor stop running. The inhibiting mechanism is interposed between the motor and the holder. The inhibiting mechanism inhibits transmission of inertial force from the motor to the holder in response to activation of the electronic clutch.

Abstract: A portable tool for mobile use includes a housing, an electric motor located in the housing, an insert shaft on the tool, and a battery. The battery or a terminal for connecting to an external energy source is located in the insert shaft. A mechanically or hydraulically driven movable piston rod is for performing spreading, cutting, lifting, and/or pressing. An electronic device controls and/or regulates the electric motor and includes a printed circuit board with a potting compound on which electronic components are arranged. An electrically conductive on the insert shaft allows a releasable electric contact between the battery and the electronic device of the tool by inserting the battery into the insert shaft. The contact is divided into a first and second surface regions. The first surface region is covered with a nonconductive protective layer, and the second surface region is free of the protective layer.

Abstract: A work tool includes: a motor; a housing including a gripping part; an electronic switch; a controller controlling the motor based on a signal from the switch; an operating part provided at the gripping part; and an intervening part movably intervened between the operating part and the switch. The switch is provided at the housing at a first position in an axial direction of the gripping part, and is switchable between an ON position for driving the motor and an OFF position for stopping the motor. A direction connecting the ON position and the OFF position to each other is a crossing direction crossing the axial direction. The operating part is movable in the crossing direction to drive and stop the motor. The intervening part transmits movement to the switch by a moving amount smaller than movement in the crossing direction of the operating part passing through the first position.

Abstract: A mobile power tool having a drive unit that has an aqueous lubricant and/or the drive unit is designed for operation with the aqueous lubricant, wherein the aqueous lubricant comprises at least 5 percent water.

Abstract: A snow removal hammer including a first pole assembly, a second pole assembly and a striking assembly. The first pole assembly includes a first pole. The first pole has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first pole has a threaded portion. The second pole assembly includes a second pole. The second pole is telescopically inserted into the distal end of the first pole. The striking assembly includes a striking head. The striking head is threadedly attached to the first pole. The striking head is used to strike and smash ice that accumulates in roofs.

Abstract: A storage rack for storing tools, such as pliers with open-biased handles, is provided. The pliers storage rack includes a support base and a plurality of pliers support structures coupled to the support base. Each of the plurality of pliers support structures define an open support region. A pair of pliers is supported by each of the plurality of pliers support structures. Each pair of pliers includes a pair of handles that are biased toward an open position and a pair of jaws opposite the pair of handles. The pair of handles engaged within the open support region in a position in which the pair of jaws of the pair of pliers extend out of a first end of the open support region and the pair of handles of the pair of pliers extend out of a second end of the open support region.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi serving robot operation method and a system therefor.

Abstract: A tactile sensor, including: a contact part (1), configured to receive pressure transmitted when a manipulator grabs a target object, and transmit the pressure to a sensing part (2); the sensing part (2), located on one side of the contact part, the sensing part (2) moving in a direction away from the contact part (1) under an action of the pressure; and a detection part (4), located on a side of the sensing part (2) away from the contact part (1), the detection part (4) sensing a position change of the sensing part (2) to generate a sensing signal, wherein the sensing signal is configured to determine a contact parameter between the manipulator and the target object.

Abstract: A holding device capable of reliably holding a workpiece with a simple operation. The holding device is for holding a workpiece and includes a base part; a guide member mounted on the base part and extending in a first direction; and a first holding mechanism movable in the first direction by an external force being applied thereto, the first holding mechanism being capable of holding the workpiece. Further, there is a second holding mechanism including a first member and a second member which face each other across the first holding mechanism in the first direction and each of which is movable relative to the base part by being driven by an actuator. The second holding mechanism is capable of sandwiching and holding the workpiece between the first member and the second member by changing a distance between the first member and the second member in the first direction.

Abstract: A mechanical hand mimics a human hand having similar degrees of freedom and sensory abilities while appearing visually similar to human hand. The mechanical hand comprises a mechanical hand skeleton and resilient elastomer (e.g., silicone) skin that fully encloses the mechanical hand skeleton. The mechanical hand skeleton may advantageously be molded directly into the resilient elastomer (e.g., silicone) skin such that the hand appears, moves, and feels very similar to a real human hand. The mechanical hand may have applications in robotics, for example as an end-of-arm tool or end effector, or may have other applications. Robotic applications may include prosthetics applications.