140results about How to "Reduce mechanical complexity" patented technology

Embodiments of the invention relate to a vehicle comprising a plurality of inclined rotors that are operable to provide at least one of thrust and torque vectoring according to a desired thrust and/or torque vectors.

A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for radiographic imaging, and nuclear medicine and x-ray mammography in particular, and material composition analysis are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays that may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. Detector array configurations include familiar geometries, including slit, slot, plane, open box, and ring configurations, and customized configurations, including wearable detector arrays, that are customized to the shape of the patient. Conventional, such as attenuating, rigid geometry, and unconventional collimators, such as x-ray optic, configurable, Compton scatter modules, can be selectively employed with detector modules and radiation sources. Novel Compton gamma camera designs can be implemented. Edge-on detector resolution may be enhanced by measuring the interaction location along the height of the aperture. Edge-on detectors may be irradiated from the side. The components of the imaging chain can be calibrated or corrected using processes of the invention. X-ray mammography and scintimammography are enhanced by utilizing sectional compression and related imaging techniques.

One aspect of the invention relates to an implantable medical device comprising a device housing (100), at least one radio frequency circuit (104) for radio frequency communication, at least one antenna, at least one terminal to electromagnetically couple said at least one antenna to said at least one radio frequency circuit, and a dielectric compartment (101, 1661) that encompasses at least a portion of said at least one antenna. The antenna comprises a conducting pattern, at least a portion of which is shaped as a curve, wherein said curve comprises at least five segments, wherein each of said at least five segments forms an angle with each adjacent segment in said curve, wherein at least three of the at least five segments of said curve are shorter than one-fifth of the longest free-space operating wavelength of the antenna, wherein each angle between adjacent segments is less than 180°, and at least two of the angles between adjacent sections are less than approximately 115°.

An optical scanner system comprises a housing, a detector contained within the housing configured to produce at least two resolvable azimuth fields-of-view relative to a center-axis of the housing, and an external scanner rotating relative to the center-axis of the housing, and switching between at least two elevations relative to a nominal optical axis of a receiver. Motion of the housing azimuthally results in the receiver producing a continuous coverage pattern at multiple elevations produced by the external scanner.

A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for radiographic imaging, and nuclear medicine and x-ray mammography in particular, and material composition analysis are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays which may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. Detector array configurations include familiar geometries, including slit, slot, plane, open box, and ring configurations, and customized configurations, including wearable detector arrays, that are customized to the shape of the patient. Conventional, such as attenuating, rigid geometry, and unconventional collimators, such as x-ray optic, configurable, Compton scatter modules, can be selectively employed with detector modules and radiation sources. The components of the imaging chain can be calibrated or corrected using processes of the invention. X-ray mammography and scintimammography are enhanced by utilizing sectional compression and related imaging techniques.

An improved air gun for firing paint balls, pellets,, consisting of a passively venting and freeze resistant regulator, a pressure differential trigger mechanism, and a muzzle break with angled sidewalls. The freeze resistant regulator regulates incoming high pressure gas to a user predetermined pressure to operate the gun while avoiding freezing of the regulator associated with frigid incoming compressed gases and high firing rates. This is accomplished by using a heat transmission component formed by the engagement between a hemispheric shaped tip of a regulating pin and a hemispheric cavity of an adjustment piston. Passive venting of gas from the gun upon removal of the pressurized gas supply is provided by the regulator using a reciprocating regulating pin and adjustment piston which combine to compress a seal into a seat only when pressurized gas is attached to the air gun. Once detached from a pressurized air supply the compressed air in the gun vents through the seat. Firing of the gun is achieved using a pressure differential trigger mechanism capable of fine pull adjustment using a trigger biasing mechanism. Greater accuracy of projectiles leaving the gun is provided by the muzzle break featuring of a plurality of elongated oval slots having angled sidewalls to parse propulsion gases from the projectile which reduces air turbulence encountered by the projectile upon exit from the gun.

An integrated, multi-sensor, Level 1 screening device is described, which system provides a next-generation Explosives Detection System (EDS) that enables high throughput, while drastically reducing false alarms. In exemplary embodiments, the present system comprises a non-rotational, Computed Tomography (CT) system and a non-translational, X-ray diffraction (XRD) system, both in an inline configuration.

A refining apparatus having magnetically responsive refining elements that can be smaller than the workpiece being refined are disclosed. The refining apparatus can supply a parallel refining motion to the refining element(s) through magnetic coupling forces. The refining apparatus can supply multiple different parallel refining motions to multiple different refining elements solely through magnetic coupling forces to improve refining quality and versatility. New refining methods, refining apparatus, and refining elements disclosed. Methods of refining using frictional refining, chemical refining, tribochemical refining, and electrochemical refining and combinations thereof are disclosed. A refining chamber can be used. New methods of control are refining disclosed. The new magnetic refining methods, apparatus, and magnetically responsive refining elements can help improve yield and lower the cost of manufacture for refining of workpieces having extremely close tolerances such as semiconductors wafers. Refining fluids are preferred. Reactive refining aids are preferred. Electro-refining for adding and removing material is disclosed. A method to use business calculations combined with physical measurements to improve control is discussed. Use of business calculations to change the cost of finishing semiconductor wafers is discussed. The method can help cost of manufacture forecasting for pre-ramp-up, ramp-up, and commercial manufacture. Actively based accounting can be preferred for some applications. New methods and new apparatus for non-steady state refining control are disclosed.

The invention relates to a method of operating a surveying instrument (10) placed in a orthogonal XYZ-system at (0,0,0) having a movable unit (20), said instrument defining a sight line (128) that is controllably rotatable around a first axis (50), essentially horizontal, and around a second axis (90), essentially vertical, wherein said second axis (90) may be inaccurately positioned so that it deviates from a true vertical axis, and said first axis (50) may deviate from being orthogonal to the second axis (90); the method comprising the steps of determining at least one of the following group of errors relating to the instrument and/or its location: a) a trunnion axis error T as a function of the deviation from 90 degrees between the first axis (50) and the second axis; b) a horizontal collimation error CH, being the deviation between the sight line (128) and the perpendicular angle as related to the first axis (50); and c) a total plumb error defined by components, PI and PII, being two separate angular values defining the tilt of the instrument as related to the plumb line through the same; and d) using these determined values in continuously controlling the alignment when aiming the instrument. The invention also relates to a surveying instrument for use with the method and an error compensation system for a surveying instrument.

A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for nuclear medicine are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays that may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. The components of the imaging chain can be calibrated or corrected using processes of the invention. One or more reference sources with know properties (such as shape, composition, radionuclide activity distribution and energies, incorporated magnetic, acoustic inductive, or x-ray attenuating materials) can be inserted into the subject. The position of the reference sources can be monitored. Once the reference sources are near the desired location or locations they can be used to calibrate or tune the detection system. The detection system can be focused. Radiation attenuation information (absorption and scattering) can be measured and used to correct for these attenuation effects in the acquired images of the subject.

The present invention relates to a single planetary gear hybrid power transmission system which comprises a single planetary row, wherein the single planetary row comprises three rotatable parts, namely, an outer gear ring, a sun gear and a planetary gear respectively meshed with the outer gear ring and the sun gear, and the planetary gear is connected to a planetary frame; a power supply, whereinthe power supply comprises an engine, a first motor and a second motor respectively connected to the single planetary row in a transmission manner, and a power storage battery for charging and powerutilization is mounted on the first motor and the second motor; a gear shift component, wherein the gear shift component comprises a gear shift element and a single-phase clutch or a brake for lockingthe transmission of the engine and the single planetary row; and an output shaft, wherein the output shaft is connected to the single planetary row in a transmission manner, and a main reducer is mounted on the output shaft. Compared with the prior art, the invention has the advantages of low mechanical complexity, low control difficulty, multiple modes and so on.

Capture assemblies and compliant extension assemblies may be utilized for insertion into a nozzle of a liquid engine of a spacecraft. The capture assembly may include an apparatus such as a probe for insertion into the nozzle and an assembly at least partially enclosed in a forward portion of the probe. The assembly may include a plurality of actuated fingers for deploying outwardly from the probe when the probe is inserted into the nozzle. The compliant extension assembly may be at least partially enclosed in a housing connected to the capture assembly for axial movement of the probe. The compliant extension assembly may facilitate axial movement of the probe between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the probe is extended forwardly, relative to the housing.

A pressure swing adsorption system including a pressure vessel having an opening and a valve manifold including a body having a first cavity fluidly connected to the opening. The body further includes a passage and a channel, such that the passage connects the channel to the cavity. The valve manifold further includes a valve provided within the passage. The valve is configured to selectively permit and restrict flow between the channel and the cavity via the passage.

A pressure swing adsorption process including the step of separating a gas mixture by absorbing a gas component in adsorbent beds provided within vessels, where the separating step has at least a two-stage pressure equalization and is performed with no more than five valves per vessel of the plurality of vessels. The process includes an adsorption step, a first pressure equalization step having at least two stages where the pressure decreases, a purge step, and a second pressure equalization step having at least two stages where the pressure increases. A pressure swing adsorption system is provided with vessels each having a first opening connected to a source manifold via a first valve and connected to a waste manifold via a second valve, and a second opening connected to a product manifold via a third valve and connected to an equalization conduit via a fourth valve and a fifth valve.

An elliptical exercise device includes a frame supporting guide links which provide for horizontal motion of associated foot support links. A mechanical coupling couples the foot support links to the crank system and intermediate links connect the crank system to the guide links such that a foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in an elliptical path when the crank system rotates.

A multirotor aircraft with at least two thrust producing units, the multirotor aircraft being adapted for transportation of passengers and comprising an aircraft operating structure that is adapted for operation of the multirotor aircraft in failure-free operating mode, and a redundant security architecture that is at least adapted for operation of the multirotor aircraft in case of a failure of the aircraft operating structure in operation, the redundant security architecture being provided to comply with applicable authority regulations and certification requirements regarding passenger transportation.

An elliptical exercise device has a frame and guide link pivotally attached thereto. A foot support link is pivotally connected to a lower attachment point of each guide link so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, foot receiving areas of the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. Vertical control tracks are pivotally connected to the frame and support the foot support links. A vertical drive is coupled to the forward portion of the frame and vertical control elements connect the vertical drive to the vertical control tracks. A horizontal drive and horizontal control links control pivoting of the guide links.