A CNC machine including a worktable displaceable along y-axis, a gantry disposed along an x-axis, either fixed or displaceable along the y-axis, a carriage on such gantry displaceable along the x-axis and including a thermoplastic material extrusion conduit, a tool carrier mounted on such carriage displaceable along a z-axis, a dispersion conduit mounted on such tool carrier accommodating an applicator, means mounted on such applicator for extruding a molten bead of a thermoplastic material, a flexible hose interconnecting such molten material forming means and such applicator, a plurality of servomotors for linearly or rotationally displacing such components along or about such axes and a computer for controlling such component displacements.

A combination link actuation device has two link actuation devices combined with each other. Each link actuation device is provided so as to connect a distal end side link hub to a proximal end side link hub such that an orientation of the distal end side link hub is changed relative to the proximal end side link hub through three link mechanisms aligned in a circumferential direction. An orientation controlling actuator is provided in two or more link mechanisms among the three link mechanisms to optionally change an orientation of the distal end side link hub relative to the proximal end side link hub. At least one circumferential separation angle among separation angles of the three link mechanisms is greater than 120?. The two link actuation devices are disposed such that portions, of the link mechanisms, where the separation angle is greater than 120? oppose each other.

Systems and methods for mounting a robotic arm for use in robotic-assisted surgery, including a mobile shuttle that includes a support member for mounting the robotic arm that extends at least partially over a gantry of an imaging device. Further embodiments include a mounting apparatus for mounting a robotic arm to a base or support column of an imaging device, to a patient table, to a floor or ceiling of a room, or to a cart that extends over the top surface of the patient table.

Systems and methods for mounting a robotic arm for use in robotic-assisted surgery, including a mobile shuttle that includes a support member for mounting the robotic arm that extends at least partially over a gantry of an imaging device. Further embodiments include a mounting apparatus for mounting a robotic arm to a base or support column of an imaging device, to a patient table, to a floor or ceiling of a room, or to a cart that extends over the top surface of the patient table.

A linear motion device includes: a linear motion mechanism having: a beam elongated in one horizontal direction; a guide member disposed in the beam to extend in the one direction; a moving member disposed to be movable along the guide member; and a moving mechanism that moves the moving member. The beam includes a metallic tubular body formed with an opening portion penetrating the metallic tubular body in the one direction and a tubular reinforcing portion formed of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic and formed in close contact with an inner surface of the metallic tubular body.

A linear motion device includes: a linear motion mechanism having: a beam elongated in one horizontal direction; a guide member disposed in the beam to extend in the one direction; a moving member disposed to be movable along the guide member; and a moving mechanism that moves the moving member. The beam includes a metallic tubular body formed with an opening portion penetrating the metallic tubular body in the one direction and a tubular reinforcing portion formed of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic and formed in close contact with an inner surface of the metallic tubular body.

The present invention is a continuum robot system including a continuum robot including a bendable body and a base portion at which the bendable body is provided; a support base including a moving stage that supports the continuum robot such that the continuum robot is detachable from and attachable to the moving stage and is movable along a straight line; and an arm that supports the support base and that is turnable about a first shaft. The continuum robot moves along a plane perpendicular to the first shaft when the moving stage with the continuum robot mounted on the moving stage is moved.

The present invention is a continuum robot system including a continuum robot including a bendable body and a base portion at which the bendable body is provided; a support base including a moving stage that supports the continuum robot such that the continuum robot is detachable from and attachable to the moving stage and is movable along a straight line; and an arm that supports the support base and that is turnable about a first shaft. The continuum robot moves along a plane perpendicular to the first shaft when the moving stage with the continuum robot mounted on the moving stage is moved.

Embodiments provide shelves, bracket systems, automated picker robots, totes, and other features that may be used with delivery vehicle configurations that have automated cargo areas. A delivery vehicle may include a picking robot that selectively retrieves packages for delivery without requiring substantial human intervention for locating those packages. The cargo area of the delivery vehicle may further comprise a plurality of customizable shelving units that generate custom-sized shelves for packages. The shelves may include a plurality of individually movable shelf brackets having retaining members that pivot between an extended and retracted position to hold the package in place and to enable the picking robot to retrieve the package from the shelf. Another embodiment provides for a tote having a drive mechanism to hold letters so that a letter may be automatically retrieved from the cargo arear and provided at a delivery location.

Embodiments provide shelves, bracket systems, automated picker robots, totes, and other features that may be used with delivery vehicle configurations that have automated cargo areas. A delivery vehicle may include a picking robot that selectively retrieves packages for delivery without requiring substantial human intervention for locating those packages. The cargo area of the delivery vehicle may further comprise a plurality of customizable shelving units that generate custom-sized shelves for packages. The shelves may include a plurality of individually movable shelf brackets having retaining members that pivot between an extended and retracted position to hold the package in place and to enable the picking robot to retrieve the package from the shelf. Another embodiment provides for a tote having a drive mechanism to hold letters so that a letter may be automatically retrieved from the cargo arear and provided at a delivery location.