A mechanical device that has the ability to manage and set explosives cones in the rocks that form the hanging, which can be operated remotely, avoiding the danger of the current state of the art where operators place explosive using bamboo sticks, before detonating them, causing an imbalance in the hanging. The mechanical device also known as cone-holder, is located at the end of an automated and semi autotransportable manipulator arm for releasing hangings.

The device comprises at least one module for stitching the tread and a means for moving the module vertically and horizontally. The stitching module comprises a frame which is provided with a fixed stitching assembly, equipped with spikes, and at least one mobile stitching assembly. The at least one mobile stitching assembly comprises at least one stitching plate provided at the base of same with at least one planar horizontal contact surface, from which at least two spikes protrude. The plate is arranged in a vertical guide space provided in the frame such that the spikes protrude downwards and such that it is free to move vertically in this space over a limited travel path. The device also includes a vertical movement device for moving the plate from the top downwards in this guide space and a device for locking the altitude position of the plate in this space.

Needle gripper features a gripper unit with a gripping surface facing a workpiece to grip, and a needle carriage with a gripping needle. The needle carriage moves into an active position extending the gripping needle beyond the gripping surface by one needle stroke depth, and in a passive position retracting the gripping needle, and features a drive unit with a drive actuator driven forward/backward along a drive direction that couples to the needle carriage so it moves into the passive/active positions by driving the drive actuator forward/backward. A setting device for setting the needle stroke depth includes a guide carriage displaceable perpendicularly to the drive direction along a guide direction, and a stop for the guide carriage. The drive actuator couples via connection arm to the guide carriage so when the drive actuator moves backward, the guide carriage moves in the direction toward the stop, which prevents further backwards movement.

An end effector connectable to a robot arm for peeling off release paper includes a housing including a guide groove having a start position S, an intermediate position M, and an end position E and a rotary unit including a needle and a first support movable along the guide groove. Assume that a line segment connecting the start position S and the intermediate position M is defined as a line segment SM, a line segment connecting intermediate the position M and the end position E is defined as a line segment ME, an angle formed between the line segment SM and a horizontal direction when the end effector is placed on a floor surface is defined as θ.sub.1, and an angle formed between the line segment SM and the line segment ME is defined as θ.sub.2, θ.sub.1<θ.sub.2<θ.sub.1+180° is satisfied.

A method of producing thermoplastic resin composite material in which a main base material containing thermoplastic resin and a sheet-like shaped auxiliary base material are integrally molded and are made into composite material. The production method includes the steps of: heating the auxiliary base material (step S1); disposing the heated auxiliary base material in a mold (step S2); disposing the main base material in the mold via the auxiliary base material (step S3); closing the mold, and pressing together and integrally molding the auxiliary base material and the main base material (step S4); and taking out the integrally-molded thermoplastic resin composite material from the mold.

The invention relates to a robot (100) for performing a process of picking rubber blocks arranged in a container toward a target location. The invention also relates to a process of picking rubber blocks arranged in a container, performed by the disclosed robot (100).

Various examples are provided related to end effectors for use in, e.g., automation of sewing robots. In one example, among others, a compliant perimeter end effector includes a mounting bracket having a contact mounting flange, a plurality of compliant material contact elements coupled about a perimeter of the contact mounting flange. The mounting bracket can couple to a manipulator including, e.g., an industrial robot or other manipulation assembly. The compliant material contact elements can include a contact interface that can engage with a piece of material. The compliant material contact elements can precisely transfer material on a workspace with surface irregularities while equally distributing force to the material.

A robot end effector includes a stationary plate having at least one stabbing pin extending therefrom and an ejector plate, adjacent to the stationary plate, having a at least one aperture through which the at least one stabbing pin extends. An actuator assembly comprising an actuator coupled to an ejector post via a linkage assembly advances and retracts the ejector post through a support, the ejector post extending through an aperture in the stationary plate and having a distal end coupled to the ejector plate. The ejector post increases separation of the ejector plate from the stationary plate when the ejector post is advanced through the support.

This disclosure concerns methods for processing and grading food articles including x-raying the food articles a first time and taking a 3D image of the food articles.

Exemplary embodiments provide enhancements for soft robotic actuators. In some embodiments, angular adjustment systems are provided for varying an angle between an actuator and the hub, or between two actuators. The angular adjustment system may also be used to vary a relative distance or spacing between actuators. According to further embodiments, rigidizing layers are provided for reinforcing one or more portions of an actuator at one or more locations of relatively high strain. According to further embodiments, force amplification structures are provided for increasing an amount of force applied by an actuator to a target. The force amplification structures may serve to shorten the length of the actuator that is subject to bending upon inflation. According to still further embodiments, gripping pads are provided for customizing an actuator's gripping profile to better conform to the surfaces of items to be gripped.