A method for the production of workpieces includes positioning and holding a first plate-shaped material with a gripping device in a working region of a processing station so that the first plate-shaped material is moveable relative to a workpiece support, positioning and holding a second plate-shaped material with an additional gripping device in the working region of the processing station so that the second plate-shaped material is moveable relative to the workpiece support, producing a first workpiece part from the first plate-shaped material, positioning the first workpiece part with respect to the second plate-shaped material, connecting the first workpiece part to the second plate-shaped material or to a second workpiece part produced from the second plate-shaped material, wherein the second workpiece part is at least partially processed, and finishing the at least the second workpiece part that is connected to the first workpiece part in the processing station.

The present disclosure provides a nozzle cleaning device, a doctor blade replacing apparatus and a doctor blade replacing method. The doctor blade replacing apparatus includes a first doctor blade box, a second doctor blade box, a transferring assembly and a clamping and conveying mechanism. The transferring assembly includes a first tray which is disposed between the first doctor blade box and the second doctor blade box and a pushing assembly which is configured to push the first doctor blade in the first doctor blade box to the first tray and push the second doctor blade on the first tray into the second doctor blade box. The clamping and conveying mechanism is disposed between the first tray and the nozzle cleaning device for clamping and conveying the first doctor blade and the second doctor blade between the first tray and the nozzle cleaning device.

An apparatus for loading and unloading a brush to and from a brush-arm assembly of an end-effector is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base and a carriage, which is movable along an axis at least to a first position, a second position, or a third position relative to the base. The carriage comprises a brush receptacle, configured to prevent movement of the brush in a first direction, but not in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, when the brush is placed in the brush receptacle. The apparatus also comprises a stationary component, fixed relative to the base and configured to prevent movement of the brush-arm assembly in the second direction. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a linear actuator, configured to move the carriage.

A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

A fluid application device for applying a fluid to a surface and removing the same as necessary. The device may generally comprise a fluid applicator and a textile base member for sanitizing gym equipment, wiping windows, applying sunscreen, and the like. The fluid applicator may comprise a spray applicator, a permeable bladder, and the like. The textile base member may include but is not limited to a hand towel, a wristband, and any other known textile configurations. In one embodiment, the present invention may be used by gym patrons to sanitized gym equipment before and/or after use. The present invention may also be used to clean other surfaces including but not limited to household windows, vehicle windows, and the like. Additional embodiments of the present invention may also be used either to apply sunscreen on a user or as a fishing towel to clean hands and remove odor.

An applicator (102) for delivering a glutinous substance (168) to a workpiece (170) from an end-effector (101) is disclosed. The applicator (102) comprises a body (110) and a plunger (186). The plunger (186) comprises a gate (118), movable within an outlet portion (182) of a first channel (115) of the body (110) between, inclusively, an open position, allowing the glutinous substance (168) to flow from an inlet (116) of the first channel (115) to an outlet (117) of the first channel (115) and a closed position, preventing the glutinous substance (168) from flowing from the inlet (116) of the first channel (115) to the outlet (117) of the first channel (115). The applicator (102) further comprises an actuator (131), selectively operable to move the plunger (186) such that the gate (118) moves between, inclusively, the open position and the closed position.

A tool or die component for a press brake apparatus includes a tool body having a coupling end adapted for coupling with a holder, and a working end adapted for operation on a workpiece. One or more magnetic elements can be adapted for selective engagement of the tool or die component within a punch press apparatus by magnetic coupling with the tool body, where the working end is configured for forming the workpiece by operation of the press brake apparatus. The magnetic coupling can be defined between the tool body and holder disposed adjacent the coupling end, or between the tool body and an adjacent tool or die component disposed along a side surface of the tool body, or both.

A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

A welding torch assembly includes a mounting plate. A welding torch is mounted to the mounting plate. The welding torch includes an adjustment track fixed to the mounting plate, an adjustment body slidable relative to the adjustment track, a torch body, an electrode holder having a longitudinal axis. An electrode includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis. A seating end portion includes a first truncated cone. A working end portion includes a second truncated cone. The elongated body is located between the seating portion and the working portion. A retaining nut secures the electrode in the electrode holder. The electrode retaining nut contacts the angled surface of the seating end portion. A shield gas cup is secured to the torch body that forms a welding arc to melt filler wire.

A removal device for decoupling a tip from a body of an applicator is disclosed. The removal device comprises a wall, comprising a proximal edge and a distal edge, opposite the proximal edge. The removal device also comprises a through channel in the wall. The removal device further comprises a pawl, comprising a proximal end, coupled to the wall, a distal end, opposite the proximal end, a first side between the proximal end and the distal end, and a second side, opposite to the first side. The distal end, the first side, and the second side of the pawl are delimited by the through channel and the pawl extends -between the proximal edge of the wall and the distal edge of the wall. The removal device additionally comprises a wedge, extending from the wall and perpendicular to the wall.