Abstract: Systems are provided for gripping or otherwise manipulating lettuce, sliced foodstuffs (e.g., sliced cheese, sliced tomato or other sliced vegetables), or other foodstuffs or other irregular objects or substances. These systems can facilitate the manipulation of groups of irregular objects, including distributing small amounts (e.g., individual instances) of such groups of objects. These systems operate to manipulate such objects by extending and retracting rods, wires, or otherwise-configured pins to contact and/or penetrate the object(s) to be manipulated. In some examples, the pins are retracted to individually dispense objects (e.g., slices of cheese) from a stack of objects. In some examples, the separation and angle of the pins can be controlled to, e.g., grip one or more irregular objects and subsequently to dispense some or all of the gripped object(s).

Abstract: An adaptive robotic finger prosthesis according to the inventive concepts includes a proximal phalanx body configured to be worn on a proximal phalanx portion of a cut finger, a middle phalanx body connected to the proximal phalanx body and configured to function as a middle phalanx portion of the cut finger, a distal phalanx body connected to the middle phalanx body and configured to function as a distal phalanx portion of the cut finger, a first proximal phalanx link disposed under the proximal phalanx body, a second proximal phalanx link disposed on the proximal phalanx body and joint-connected to the first proximal phalanx link, and a proximal phalanx elastic member provided at a joint between the first proximal phalanx link and the second proximal phalanx link to provide elastic force.

Abstract: Finger assemblies at the end of a robotic arm end effector includes talon that are retractable. Retraction may be accomplished by a vertical or horizontal barrel cam, a paddle and spin assembly, and/or a resilient plate.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus that controls operation of a robot that grips a target object includes an acquisition unit that obtains information about a position and orientation of the target object, a selection unit that selects one of a plurality of gripping modes based on a captured image of the target object, and a generation unit that generates, based on the obtained position and orientation and the selected gripping mode, gripping operation data that defines a gripping operation of the robot.

Abstract: A method of controlling a holding apparatus configured to hold plural kinds of target objects by plural fingers in plural relative postures includes calculating, on a basis of information about holding force of the fingers in a relative posture for a target object, an amount of positional deviation of the target object held by the fingers, and correcting, on a basis of the amount of positional deviation calculated in the calculating, a position of the target object held by the fingers.

Abstract: An automatic locking mechanism can include one or more annular elements having teeth facing each other or facing away from each other. The automatic locking mechanism can include a rod disposed between the annular elements. The rod can have one or more pins configured to interface with the teeth of the annular elements. The pins and the teeth are also configured to rotate the rod when the annular elements move relative to the rod. The rotation of the rod can toggle a hook end of the rod in a hook receptacle, which can change states of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: The proximal phalanx of an underactuated mechanical finger includes a cam fixed on a linkage. Upon actuation, the linkage rotates the cam, which then drives a cam follower, which then drives an extensible part in the distal phalanx to extend the length of the finger, and therefore compensate the finger's height loss that would otherwise occur in the absence of the extensible part.

Abstract: A gripping device, in particular for loading/unloading apparatuses, includes: a main body; at least one first and a second articulated structure; at least one first and a second gripping head, respectively mounted on the first and second articulated; a first motorised member, mounted on the main body and active on the first articulated structure to modify the position of the first gripping head with respect to the main body; a second motorised member, mounted on the main body and active on the second articulated structure to modify the position of the second gripping head with respect to the main body. Each of the first the second articulated structures has: a first arm hinged to the main body; a second arm hinged to the main body; a rod, hinged to the first arm and to the second arm.

Abstract: A gripper assembly includes a four bar linkage and one or a pair of carriages the move longitudinally on rails. The linkage includes a means for maintaining the paddles in a mutually parallel orientation, which can be a link or a timing belt.

Abstract: A parallel kinematically redundant device includes a base body portion and a movable portion. The movable portion includes first, second, and third joints. A first actuator is coupled to the first joint of the movable portion and to the base body portion. A second actuator is coupled in parallel with the first actuator between the second joint of the movable portion and the base body portion. A linking member is rotationally coupled to the third joint of the movable portion to provide an output for the first and second actuators. A housing is coupled to the base body portion and fits onto a user. A prosthetic joint device includes a base portion and a movable portion. An actuator is rotationally coupled to the movable portion and base portion. A compliant element is coupled in parallel with the actuator between the movable portion and base portion.

Abstract: A robot hand jig includes a grip including a first depression configured to engage with a first finger and a second depression configured to engage with a second finger. The first depression includes a first surface, a second surface perpendicular to the first surface, a third surface perpendicular to the second surface, and a fourth surface perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface. The second depression includes a fifth surface, a sixth surface perpendicular to the fifth surface, a seventh surface perpendicular to the sixth surface, and an eighth surface perpendicular to the fifth surface and the sixth surface.

Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein relates to a gripping device that includes a top plate, first side plate, a second side plate, a first arm, a second arm, and a driving pin. The first side plate and the second side plate are engaged to the top plate. The first arm is engaged to the first side plate and the second arm is engaged to the second side plate. The first arm defines a first cam slot, and the second arm defines a second cam slot and are constrained together, by the driving pin engaged to an actuation assembly. The driving pin is configured to move between a first position and a second position within the first cam slot and the second cam slot so as to drive movement of the first side plate and the second side plate between an open position and a closed position to grip a container.

Abstract: A component mounting device mounting a component on a substrate comprises a pair of opening/closing members opening and closing, and a plurality of adapters detachably attached to the opening/closing members; the adapters are attached to the opening/closing members depending on the component to be mounted so as to clamp the component by using the adapters; and the plurality of adapters includes first adapters each having a flat clamping surface clamping a body of the component and second adapters each having a holding groove holding an axial portion of the component.

Abstract: A compact lightweight robotic end-effector has a large range of possible applied force. The end-effector includes one or more underactuated appendages, where each appendage is driven by a single motor connected to a driving cable wound throughout the appendage. The driving cable may be a flat cable or a cable with another non-circular cross section. The driving cable may be wrapped through a series of pulleys and/or bearings within the appendage to reduce frictional losses. The design of the pulley path may allow a desired mechanical response by the appendage, and the mechanical response may be optimized for a grasping process.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a container, for example for holding a container in a transport device of a beverage filling plant is described. The holding device includes a fastening part and two gripping arms, which are pivotably connected to the fastening part and can be brought into a closed position in order to hold the container and can be brought into an open position in order to insert and remove the container. A preloaded elastic bow is disposed between the gripping arms, and the elastic bow can be brought into a first position, in which the gripping arms are in the open position, and into a second position, in which the gripping arms are in the closed position. The preload of the elastic bow in the first position holds the gripping arms in the open position and the preload of the elastic bow in the second position holds the gripping arms in the closed position.

Abstract: A control system and method for a vacuum attachment system has a programmable controller that interprets feedback from vacuum level sensors and battery sensors to responsively provide warnings and limit or alter machine functions to reduce risk exposure. Vacuum levels and vacuum level change over time are used to evaluate conditions such as vacuum generator function, excessive altitude, vacuum system condition and leakage due to incompatibility of attachment device and load. Warnings are engaged if parameters or limits are not met. At designated/calculated thresholds and conditions the device can adjust its utilization of resources to ensure the safest condition. If conditions are detected that indicate a reduced ability to maintain the attachment, the programmable controller may limit functions such as preventing the operator from initiating another attachment.

Abstract: Locking tongs that are operable to lock in a closed position and unlock to an open position with the use of one hand. The tongs include a first arm and a second arm connected at a pivot point and extend out from each other in an open position. A tension spring positioned at the pivot point holds the first and second arm in the open position. A locking mechanism includes: (i) a locking member having an elongated body and forms a stop at an end, the locking member positioned on an inner portion of the first arm and extends towards the second arm, and (ii) a receiving aperture defined on the second arm sized and shaped to receive the stop of the locking member. The locking member engages the second arm when the stop passes through the receiving aperture and thereby holds the pair of tongs in a closed position.

Abstract: A transmission adapter for a medical instrument with a shaft, a transmission device movable in the shaft, and a manipulating device with a first part, which can be coupled mechanically rigidly to a proximal end of the shaft, and a second part, which is movable relative to the first part, includes a first coupling element for releasable mechanical coupling to the second part of the manipulating device, and a second coupling element for releasable mechanical coupling to a proximal end of the transmission device.

Abstract: An artificial finger for prosthetics and gripping technology, with a base, a first finger member mounted on the base in articulated manner, at least one secondary member mounted on the first finger member in articulated manner, and a drive for adjusting the secondary member relative to the first finger member and the first finger member relative to the base. At least one reset element is provided for resetting the first finger member and the secondary member, and the first finger member is acted upon with a resetting force which differs from the secondary member.

Abstract: A clamping assembly is disclosed including a plurality of tines each pivotally coupled to a spreader having first ends above the spreader and second ends below the spreader. The first ends are coupled to lines joined at a common coupler and the second ends include hooked portions. The tines may have a planar shape and fit within radial slots defined by the spreader. The second ends may include slanted lower surfaces that slope upward with distance inward toward a center of the clamping assembly. In use the tines are lowered over an object. Tension applied to the lines causes pivoting of the tines effective to exert a clamping force on the object.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system with stiffness measurement on a body part to be rehabilitated is disclosed. The rehabilitation system includes a rehabilitation unit and a processor. The rehabilitation unit includes an exoskeleton brace holding a rehabilitation part of user and traction lines driving the exoskeleton brace for moving. When the exoskeleton brace moves, the processor analyzes tensions of the traction lines to obtain stiffness information relating to the rehabilitation part of user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a grasp set of n gripping points for a common end effector of a robot, said end effector being used for grasping a plurality of parts, each part having its own geometry, the method comprises: (a) providing said plurality of parts in a CAD form; (b) meshing each of said parts; (c) determining for each of said parts all the possible grasps that are capable of holding the respective part by any k-contacts points end effector; (d) calculating a quality measure for each of said determined grasps; (e) calculating an allowable range for said calculated quality measures; (f) for each part, parametrizing each of its grasps that are found to be within said allowable range, by a feature vector; (g) performing a cross-part intersection between said grasps that are found to be within said allowable range, and determining those grasps that are intersected between parts; and (h) from among said intersected grasps, selecting a single grasp having a highest quality measure, sa

Abstract: A chuck apparatus includes a first rotating shaft provided with a first gripping member, a second rotating shaft provided with a second gripping member, and a power transmission mechanism configured to convert reciprocating movement of a piston unit into rotational movement of the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are arranged side by side in a direction of displacement of the piston unit.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a workpiece spindle device which rotates a workpiece, a tool post which can move a tool in a first axis direction (X-axis direction) which is a radial direction of the workpiece and a second axis direction (Z-axis direction) which is an axial direction of the workpiece, and an articulated robot including a plurality of arms, a plurality of joints, and end effectors. The plurality of joints connect the plurality of arms in a rotatable manner around an axis parallel to a third axis (Y-axis) orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis, and the end effectors move in a plane parallel to a movement plane of the tool.

Abstract: A drill rod handler provides rods to be used to form a drill string in on-shore drilling operations. The drill rod handler includes side arms which are moveable to encourage drill rods to roll towards or away from a center line of the drill rod handler. A working arm is arranged to grasp a centrally located drill rod, and to raise it from a horizontal to a vertical configuration. The working arm may then slew to correctly position the drill rod at the correct location for use.

Abstract: A robotic hand includes a servo housing, a printed circuit board (PCB), a motor, a planetary gear transmission assembly and a plurality of claws rotatably connected to the servo housing. The motor is electrically connected to the PCB. An input end of the planetary gear transmission assembly is connected to an output shaft of the motor, and an output end of the planetary gear transmission assembly includes a helical gear shaft and a number of helical gears that are engaged with the helical gear shaft and the claws. The helical gears correspond to the claws respectively. One end of each of the claws is rotatably connected to the servo housing, and the claws are rotatable toward or away from one another when driven by the helical gears.

Abstract: A forceps comprising a first jaw and a second jaw arranged along a longitudinal axis of the forceps for relative movement toward and away from one another. The first and second forceps jaws have respective first and second jaw surfaces facing each other. The first and second jaw surfaces have a serrated surface texture at least on a distal part thereof. A serration direction of the serrated surface texture is at an angle which is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, resulting in additional profile structure elements at a tip portion surface, allowing to handle and manipulate fine tissue materials such as membranes in an eye.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a hollow channel (42) having an interior surface (50) shaped for progressively compressing the stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; a driver (46) threadedly engaged on the exterior of the channel for generating a longitudinal driving force in response to rotation; a mover (44) having limbs (56) that project through slots (58) in the channel wall to transmit the driving force to the stent-valve within the channel; and a channel extension (48) removably attachable at the exit (54) to provide a generally cylindrical containment bore (66).

Abstract: An end effector has an end effector base portion connected to a robot arm, and an elastic component holding unit provided to the end effector base portion so as to hold an elastic component. The elastic component holding unit has a plurality of elastic component gripping members which releasably grip the elastic component, and a biasing unit for repulsively biasing each distal end portion of the plurality of elastic component gripping members from a releasing position for releasing the elastic component toward a gripping position for gripping the elastic component. An end effector capable of simplifying a fitting work of an elastic component such as the O ring can be provided.

Abstract: Finger assemblies at the end of a robotic arm end effector includes talon that are retractable. Retraction may be accomplished by a vertical or horizontal barrel cam, a paddle and spin assembly, and/or a resilient plate.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus providing increased vibration of members held for penetrating a material with the member, by holding the members directly against the vibrating unit using the jaws, thus providing a greater amount of vibration directly transferred to the members for penetrating the material therewith while losing less energy. The apparatus can hold cylindrically shaped members at three separate points of contact or gripping positions for improved, more stable and secure holding thereof. The apparatus can be used to force a variety of different types of members into and out of the material, with or without the use of adaptor attachment components.

Abstract: A mechanical finger has a base adapted to be connected to an actuator for being displaced in at least one degree of actuation, and has two or more phalanges. A first phalanx is rotationally connected at a proximal end to the base, and a second phalanx is rotationally connected at a proximal end to a distal end of the first phalanx. A transmission linkage providing at least one rotational degree of freedom (DOF) between the base and a distal-most one of the phalanges.

Abstract: A body-powered articulated prosthetic hand where each of the segments of the digits, the palmer plate, the thumb pivot plate and the wrist are individually sizeable. This allows for both a proportionately scalable hand as well as individual customization of geometric configurations tailored to specific use patterns. The hand is crushable since it has flexible and pivotable connections between digits along the length and width of the hand. It has a hollow member construction that imparts a strong lightweight design. It is modular so individual parts can be replaced for quick repair. From an aesthetics point, it is visually pleasing and can be offered in different colors, and with custom digit sleeves for specific applications. Fingers can be operated individually or in groups via pairs of cables which allow operation in either voluntary open or voluntary closed modes of control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device, including a base part and gripping fingers for gripping gripping components, which gripping fingers are movably arranged on the base part, characterized in that a clamping device is additionally provided on the base part, which clamping device interacts with at least one holding segment provided on a clamping component in order to fasten the clamping component to the base part.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a robotic end effector configured to mount to a robotic manipulator includes gripping elements configured to grasp objects, a drive mechanism configured to open and close the gripping elements, and a central controller configured to control operation of the drive mechanism and the gripper elements, the central controller hosting a control program that enables control of the end effector independent of the robotic manipulator.

Abstract: A gripper includes: a base attached to a wrist tip of a robot, a first-surface suction unit provided on the base and capable of sucking a first surface of a box-shaped package in a first suction direction, and a second-surface support unit configured to contact and support a second surface of the package orthogonal to the first surface. The gripper further includes a moving mechanism configured to move the second-surface support unit along a plane parallel to the second surface between a position where the second-surface support unit is retracted toward a base end side of relative to a leading end of the first-surface suction unit in the first suction direction and a position where the second-surface support unit is placed forward from the leading end of the first-surface suction unit while the first-surface suction unit is sucking the first surface.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical tool includes a first jaw and a second jaw rotated by a driving pulley. A first driven pulley is attached to the first jaw and a second driven pulley is attached to the second jaw. A first end portion of a first cable is connected to a first radial side of the first driven pulley, a second end portion of the first cable is connected to a second radial side of the second driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the first cable is connected to the driving pulley. A first end portion of a second cable is connected to a first radial side of the second driven pulley, a second end portion of the second cable is connected to a second radial side of the first driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the second cable is connected to the driving pulley.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical tool includes a first jaw and a second jaw rotated by a driving pulley. A first driven pulley is attached to the first jaw and a second driven pulley is attached to the second jaw. A first end portion of a first cable is connected to a first radial side of the first driven pulley, a second end portion of the first cable is connected to a second radial side of the second driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the first cable is connected to the driving pulley. A first end portion of a second cable is connected to a first radial side of the second driven pulley, a second end portion of the second cable is connected to a second radial side of the first driven pulley, and an intermediate portion of the second cable is connected to the driving pulley.

Abstract: A humanoid robot capable of identifying an individual in a natural way is described. This humanoid robot shakes a hand of a person to acquire biological information of the person and identify the individual person. Particularly, a near infrared light emitting device and a near infrared sensor are installed in a hand of the humanoid robot to irradiate a hand of a human being with near infrared light emitted from the near infrared light emitting device and detect a vein pattern by the near infrared sensor. The individual person can be identified by recording and collating this vein pattern.

Abstract: Unit (4) for molding preforms (2) that each have a body (15) and a neck (17) extending the body (15), this unit (4) including: a frame (19),—a mold holder (27) secured to the frame (19) and carrying at least one mold body (29) having the impression of the body (15) of the preform (2); mobile equipment (60) including a carriage (61) and a core holder (62) carrying at least one primary core (64A) and one secondary core (64B), the carriage (61) being mounted so as to be movable with respect to the frame (19) between a molding position and a demolding position, this core holder (62) being rotatable with respect to the carriage (61), in the demolding position of the latter, about a rotation axis parallel to the molding axis in order to transpose the cores (64A, 64B).

Abstract: A grilling tool may include tongs having arms and a hinge that pivotally connects proximal ends of the arms to each other. The arms may be configured to be moved between a closed position wherein distal ends of the arms are in close proximity, and an open position wherein the distal ends of the arms are spaced apart from each other. In addition, a flashlight may be mounted to an interior of the tongs. The flashlight may have an electrical switch that is configured to be accessed from an exterior of the tongs and actuated between on and off positions. The flashlight may include a body with a body axis, a head at a distal end of the body, and the head has a head axis that is not co-axial with the body axis. The distal ends of the arms may be located adjacent fringes of a light beam.

Abstract: A robotic compliant jaw gripper includes one or more fingers, wherein each finger comprises a plurality of phalanges configured to grasp an object, wherein an internal compliant element is compressed, or wherein a proximal phalange contacts a compliant element as the finger applies pressure against the object; and a preload unit is configured to change the durometer of the compressible element.

Abstract: An electrode lifting apparatus provides a mechanism for lifting a free electrode in a vertical orientation and moving the free electrode suspended below the lifting apparatus to a location for a joining procedure with another electrode or portion of an electrode. The electrode lifting apparatus also supports the free electrode during a joining procedure that includes driven rotation of the free electrode by an electrode torque station. The electrode lifting apparatus includes a bail and a body, the body having a yoke and a housing. First and second arms on the body connect the housing to the yoke. The body may angularly rotate relative to the relatively fixed bail about a reference vertical axis during driven rotation of the free electrode by the torque station. A threaded stem attached to the bail provides a threaded engagement with the yoke allowing such relative angular rotation in some embodiments.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus conveys an article between a wait position and a processing position. The conveying apparatus includes a plurality of arms that sandwiches the article between leading ends of the arms located on opposite sides of the article and that is provided to enable base ends of the arms to turn so as to move the leading ends in an up-down direction, and a control apparatus that turns the arms to lift the article located at one of the wait position and the processing position and sandwiched between the arms and that moves the arms with the article kept lifted thereby to the other of the wait position and the processing position, the control apparatus turning the arms to lower and mount the article at the other of the wait position and the processing position.

Abstract: A base member comprising a vertical fin member, a vertical fin stopper surface, a trigger arm recess, and a base guidance slot. A left jaw member comprising a left jaw portion, a left lever portion, a left guidance slot, a left fastening hole, and a trigger release screw. A right jaw member comprising a right jaw portion, a right lever portion, and a right guidance slot. A trigger arm member comprising a trigger hook and a curved trigger end. A top member comprising a top guidance slot, a left spring hole, a right spring hole, a left bottom recess, a right bottom recess, a left spring recess, and a right spring recess. A left spring tension screw received through the left spring hole and a left spring spacer retained in the left spring recess. A bumper member with a bumper surface, a left elongated member, and a right elongated member.

Abstract: A robot hand includes: a first movable member including a first pushing surface pushed against a first surface of a workpiece and a second pushing surface pushed against a second surface of the workpiece, intersecting the first surface, supported in a manner capable of moving in a first direction perpendicular to the first pushing surface, a second movable member supported by the first movable member in a manner capable of relatively moving in a second direction intersecting a movement direction of the first movable member, a third pushing surface pushed against a third surface facing the second surface, an actuator for pressing the first and the second movable members in the first direction, and a pressing force conversion mechanism converting a part of the pressing force generated by the actuator into a pressing force in a direction of moving the second movable member relative to the first movable member.

Abstract: A robotic hand includes a servo housing, a plastic circuit board (PCB), a motor, a planetary gear transmission assembly and a movable plate that are mounted within the servo housing, and a plurality of claws rotatably connected to the servo housing. The motor is electrically connected to the PCB. The planetary gear transmission assembly is connected to an output shaft of the motor. The movable plate is connected to an output shaft of the planetary gear transmission assembly and movable when driven by the planetary gear transmission assembly. One end of each of the claws is pivotally connected to the movable plate and the claws are rotatable toward or away from one another when driven by the movable plate.

Abstract: A robotic gripping device is provided. The device includes a finger having a worm gear coupled to its base end. The device also includes an actuator having a motor and a shaft, wherein the shaft is configured to rotate a worm coupled to the worm gear, and the actuator is mounted on a carriage such that the actuator is configured to slide along an axis. The device also includes a spring having first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the motor and the second end is fixed. Further, the actuator is configured to (i) rotate the shaft relative to the motor by a first amount to move the finger toward an object, and (ii) when the finger is in contact with the object and is prevented from further movement, further rotate the shaft relative to the motor to slide the actuator along the axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastic corrugated pipe single-acting cylinder-driven mechanical gripper with a series-connection flexible hinge framework. The mechanical gripper consists of a palm and two flexible fingers or a palm and three flexible fingers. Each of the flexible fingers is identical in structure, and essentially consists of an elastic corrugated pipe single-acting cylinder (8) and a series-connection flexible hinge (4); configuration of the series-connection flexible hinge (4) is designed according to features of grasping objects; the mechanical gripper generates a grasping force by the elastic corrugated pipe single-acting cylinder (8).

Abstract: Articulating gripper tooling for gripping an object, the articulating gripper tooling comprising: an articulating finger jaw including a slot; a gripping element including a shaft and at least one finger attached to the shaft, the shaft having a longitudinal axis; and a locking pin disposed through the slot and coupling the shaft to the articulating finger jaw; wherein the gripping element is free to rotate a predetermined amount about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, limited by the locking pin contacting a surface of the articulating finger jaw and/or an adjustment element.