Abstract:
A three-dimensional vision seam tracking method and apparatus for controlling the motion of the center point of a tool mounted on a manipulator. The manipulator is provided with a control to operate the manipulator members to move the tool center point at programmed velocities along a programmed path corresponding to the seam. The manipulator is provided with a vision system including a laser scanner/camera head mounted ahead of the function element. The control is programmed with dynamically varying orientation angles to control the orientation of the tool during seam tracking. The laser scanner/camera head scans the seam at predetermined time intervals. A set of coordinates for the center point of the seam in a coordinate system relative to the camera is provided for each scan. The sets of camera coordinates are transformed to the coordinate system of the manipulator using transformation matrices employing the orientation angles in effect at the time of the scan for the set of camera coordinates being transformed. The transformed coordinates are stored in a FIFO buffer until needed. The seam tracking routine of the manipulator control removes FIFO entries at some later time and alters the manipulator's programmed path to move the tool center point along the seam.
Abstract:
A machine and control are provided for effecting motion of a function element, such as an adhesive material dispensing gun, and controlling the operation of the function element by means of a control signal proportional to the velocity of a workpoint associated with the function element. The control produces a velocity signal representing the velocity of the workpoint, calculates the value of a control signal using the velocity signal and predetermined constant defining the constant of proportionality and zero velocity output and applies the control signal to a digital-to-analogue converter to produce an output signal for controlling the function element.
Abstract:
A security system and method for monitoring a security status of fixed and mobile assets. The security system comprises an agent connected with the asset. The agent includes a receiver for receiving; a sensing device for monitoring a security of the asset; a processor for compiling the a security data to generate a security status; and a wireless transceiver for transmitting data to a master control unit. The master control unit retransmits the security status to an global operations center for processing the security status to detect a security threat. In response to a security threat, the global operations center initiates and action or counter measure. For mobile assets the security system also tracks a location of the asset as the is transported between a shipper's loading dock and a designated distribution center, including an origination port and a destination port. For fixed agents, the security system includes an interface for interfacing an existing security device to the master control unit.
Abstract:
This invention relates to packages, systems, and methods for protecting rosin-based resins, modified rosin resins, hydrocarbon resins and hydrocarbon modified resins suitable for use in the production of printing inks and other coatings from the effects of exposure to oxygen during transport and storage. In particular, this method involves the packaging of rosin-based resins, modified rosin resins, hydrocarbon resins and/or hydrocarbon modified resins at a temperature at least 5° F. below the glass transition temperature of the resin being packaged in sealed oxygen-transmission resistant enclosures from which a substantial portion of the oxygen has been evacuated.
Abstract:
A robot programming system is provided comprising a simulated work cell configuration, a tool position and orientation sensor assembly, and a programing computer. The simulated work cell configuration includes a tangible artificial tool and a tangible artificial workpiece, wherein the position and orientation of the artificial tool relative to the workpiece is variable. The sensor assembly is operative to sense the position and the orientation of the artificial tool. The programming computer is in communication with the sensor assembly and is programmed to (i) display a variable virtual robot configuration based upon the sensed position and orientation of the artificial tool, (ii) receive discrete artificial tool positions and orientations from the sensor assembly, and (iii) create a robot job data file including the discrete artificial tool positions and orientations.
Abstract:
A security system and method for monitoring a security status of fixed and mobile assets. The security system comprises an agent connected with the asset. The agent monitors a security of the asset and transmits the data to a master control unit. The master control unit retransmits the security status to a global operations center for processing the security status to detect a security threat. In response to a security threat, the global operations center generates an output. Periodic reports are generated and transmitted to the customer, and the customer is billed at intervals. For mobile assets, the security system also tracks a location of the asset as the asset is transported between a shipper 's loading dock and a designated distribution center, including an origination port and a destination port. For fixed agents, the security system includes an interface for interfacing an existing security device to the master control unit and for controlling the existing security system.
Abstract:
An exercise machine for exercising the calf muscles of a seated exerciser includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat assembly mounted on the frame on which the exerciser sits; a movement arm pivotally interconnected with the frame forwardly of the seat assembly; a heel pad mounted on the frame forwardly of the seat assembly and configured to receive the heel of the exerciser; a trailing link pivotally attached to the movement arm; a foot engagement member attached to the trailing link such that the foot engagement member is positioned above and forwardly of the heel pad, the foot engagement member having an engagement surface configured to receive a portion of the sole of the foot of the exerciser; and a resistance-imparting unit interconnected with the movement arm. The movement arm is movable by the exerciser between a flexed position, in which the sole of the foot of the exerciser engages the engagement surface of the foot engagement member as the heel of the exerciser engages the heel pad, such that the foot is generally perpendicular to the shin of exerciser, and an extended position, in which the foot points away from the shin as the sole of the foot of the exerciser remains engaged with the engagement surface of the foot engagement member and the heel remains engaged with the heel pad.
Abstract:
The present invention is a weight exercise machine for use by a user. The machine comprises an exercise member, a plurality of weights, and an index. The user exerts an exercise force against the exercise member when using the machine to exercise. The index is rotated to operably couple the exercise member to at least one of the weight plates such that the displacement of the exercise member causes the at least one of the weight plates to displace. The plurality of weight plates includes a first weight plate type and a second weight plate type having configurations and masses that differ. The index allows selection of different combinations of weight plates for operable coupling to the exercise member.
Abstract:
A consumable supply item for an imaging device holds an initial or refillable volume of ink. An interior retains the ink while exit and return ports define openings through a housing to fluidly communicate the interior to the imaging device. The opening of the return port is larger than the opening of the exit port. The design slows the return of fluid to the housing which minimizes air bubbles or frothiness in the fluid. During use, ink depletes toward a bottom surface of the interior beneath which the ink is prevented from occupying. A housing section below the interior retains a portion of the exit port so that a bottom of the opening of the exit port is substantially horizontally aligned with the bottom surface. It prevents stranding ink beneath the exit port. Further embodiments include port configuration, construction, and modular components, to name a few.
Abstract:
A housing defines a fluid reservoir for an imaging device. One or more exterior walls define a volume for holding ink to set a fluid backpressure in the imaging device. An opening in the walls is positioned for overflowing excessive ink from the volume to maintain the fluid backpressure within a predetermined operating range. Fluid inlets and outlets connect the reservoir to both a supply item and an ejection head. Ink flows into the reservoir from the supply item. It fills until the fluid rises to a height where it overflows back to the supply item. Less full reservoirs fill as the pump operates, while full reservoirs simultaneously return fluid back to their supply containers. Fluid does not spill from the walls.