A clamping jaw of a connecting terminal includes a rotary cylinder assembly configured for achieving different swing angles for clamping different types of connecting terminals. The rotary cylinder assembly includes a rotating shaft for providing a driving force through rotating cylinder and an initial state limit part. A first state limit part is configured to position the rotating cylinder in a first rotation angle and a second state limit part has a working and non-working position. When the second state limit part is in the working position, it is configured to position the rotating cylinder in a second rotation angle. When the second state limit part is in the non-working position, it is configured to position the rotating cylinder in the first rotation angle. The second rotation angle is smaller than the first rotation angle.

A retainer that holds a plurality of first balls is arranged between a slide body constituting a slide portion and a base plate constituting a table portion, the plurality of first balls are arranged around an axis of the slide portion that coincides with the Z-axis, and a single second ball is arranged on the axis of the slide portion between a ball receiving plate constituting the slide portion and a ball receiving plate constituting the table portion.

An apparatus for automated contact tasks and a related method are described. The apparatus includes a mechanical interface for connecting the apparatus to a manipulator, a holder for receiving a tool and being movable in relation to the mechanical interface, at least one actuator for positioning the holder in relation to the mechanical interface, a sensor unit that senses the actuator force provided by the at least one actuator, and a control unit that sets the actuator force to a desired minimum force to press the holder against a stop, while there is no contact between the tool and a surface, and detects contact when the holder moves in relation to the mechanical interface in opposition to the direction of the desired minimum force. The control unit further regulates the actuator force according to a pre-programmed contact force time-characteristic, when contact between the tool and the surface has been detected.

A self-centering compliant joint for connecting an actuator and an effector, provides five degrees of freedom, minimizes the effects of side loads, transfers compressive loads into tensile loads on internal components, and self-centers.

The disclosure provides an apparatus, system and method for a moveable bearing stage that allows for highly refined alignment and placement, and particularly planar alignment and placement, of component or devices through the use of robotics. The apparatus, system and method of providing at least a planar alignment of at least one component or device in relation to a secondary reference plane may include at least: a frame and stator assembly, having, at an upper portion thereof, at least a semi-spherical receiving interface; a movable assembly that moves within the frame and stator assembly, and that is connectively associated therewith by at least a plurality of springs; a semi-spherical stage, suitable for reception by the semi-spherical receiving interface and capable of at least rotational movement therewithin; a chuck within the semi-spherical stage and capable of at least co-planar, post-planar, and ante-planar positioning in relation to a plane provided by a topmost portion of the semispherical stage, wherein the chuck is capable of receiving the component or device; and at least two gripper jaws suitable for receiving and holding, at an upper portion thereof, the component or device, wherein the two gripper jaws comprise, at a lower portion thereof, at least ramps capable of physically interacting with ones of the motion stops.

A sensing manipulator of an articulated arm is disclosed. The sensing manipulator includes a compliant section and a movement detection system provided along a first direction of the compliant section such that movement of the compliant section along both the first direction and at least one direction transverse to said first direction, are detectable by the movement detection system.

Modular compliant inserts include interchangeable and fungible structural components for articulating movement in robotic, or biomechanic, skeletons and shells, such that each insert is devised as possessing a particular geometry, or specific degrees of freedom, that facilitates certain ranges of motion while inhibiting others thereby reproducing actions associated with various joints common to animals, such as hinge, pivot, ellipsoidal, and ball-and-socket joints. These modular compliant inserts are composed of lightweight polymeric material that accommodates the flexibility and durability required for their intended use while being readily producible through multiple manufacturing means. Devised to embody various shapes, depending on the location of use within the skeleton or shell, the modular compliant inserts are characterized by the presence of anchor members disposed at either end with a facile member therebetween, which connect with the ends of lever arms or other skeletal components joined together in a moveable array.

A machine (10) for positioning an object (12) includes a movable part (16C) and a vibration reduction assembly (24) that couples the object (12) to the movable part (16C). Further, the vibration reduction assembly (24) reduces a magnitude of a vibration being transferred from the movable part (16C) to the object (12). The vibration reduction assembly (24) can include an actively controlled support system (30) and an actively controlled actuator system (32).

A sensing manipulator of an articulated arm is disclosed. The sensing manipulator includes a compliant section and a movement detection system provided along a first direction of the compliant section such that movement of the compliant section along both the first direction and at least one direction transverse to said first direction, are detectable by the movement detection system.

A power supply apparatus includes: a power supply portion connected to a power receiving portion of an electrical apparatus and configured to supply electric power to the power receiving portion; an arm including a tip end at which the power supply portion is provided, the arm further including at least one of a linear motion joint portion and a rotational joint portion; and a controller. The controller controls at least one of the linear motion joint portion and the rotational joint portion to move the arm such that the power supply portion is connected to the power receiving portion.