Mechanical Demultiplexer

Abstract

The mechanical demultiplexer includes a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly extending along a drive shaft driven by a power source, and a plurality of output modules coupled to a frame along the demultiplexing drive shaft, the demultiplexing drive shaft engageable with the output modules via transmission nuts thereof, the mechanical demultiplexer adapted to selectively and individually engage the plurality of output modules with the demultiplexing drive shaft such that the demultiplexing drive shaft supplies power to the plurality of engaged output modules. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly includes a power supply element for transmitting rotation to the transmission nut about the drive shaft, a leading element for moving the transmission nut, and a guide element for linear translation of the transmission nut relative to the drive shaft.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed subject matter generally relates to mechanical gears, automation, and mechatronics. More specifically, the disclosed subject matter relates to the fields of automation, mechatronics, and connected industrial equipment. More specifically, the disclosed subject matter relates to a mechanical demultiplexer for transmitting torque, rotational speed, and angular position. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Various mechanical transmission systems are used in various industries for various purposes. In many cases, such mechanical transmission systems are specialized for a particular application or purpose. They are also often quite heavy and bulky. For example, when a machine has multiple mechanical outputs, such as a system with multiple metering pumps and motorized valves, the system becomes more complex and costly because a separate motor with a controller and drive is typically required for each output, which must be controlled independently.

[0003]

[0003] Systems with independent outputs are typically limited; for example, a system may be designed to distribute a single mechanical drive to three different outputs, but such systems are typically not expandable, at least not easily, to any number of outputs.

[0004]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to have a modular system that can distribute mechanical power to any number of outputs while providing increased granularity of control between the mechanical outputs. Summary of the Invention

[0005]

[0005] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly extending along a drive shaft driven by a power source, the demultiplexing drive shaft assembly including a transmission nut, a power supply element that transmits rotation to the transmission nut about the drive shaft, a leading element that moves the transmission nut along the drive shaft, and a guide element that linearly translates the transmission nut relative to the drive shaft without rotation, both the power supply element and the leading element being driven by the power source that drives the drive shaft.

[0006] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly in which the power supplying element and the leading element are the same single power supplying and leading structure.

[0007]

[0007] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly further comprising a guide structure including guide elements, the guide structure being different and separate from the power supply and leading structures.

[0008]

[0008] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly in which the power supply and leading structure is a central lead screw including splines.

[0009] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly in which the power supply element and the guide element are the same single power supply and guide structure.

[0010]

[0010] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly further comprising a leading structure including a leading element, the leading structure being different and separate from the power supply and guide structure.

[0011]

[0011] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly, wherein the leading structure includes a lead screw that is centered on the drive shaft or eccentric to the drive shaft, and the power supply and guide structure is eccentric to the drive shaft or centered on the drive shaft.

[0012] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly that includes a power supply, leading and guide structure that includes a power supply element, a leading element, and a guide element.

[0013]

[0013] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly in which the power supply, leading and guide structure includes one of a central lead screw including a spline, a gear rack, and a linear guide lead screw eccentric to the drive shaft.

[0014]

[0014] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly including at least a second transmission nut, the transmission nut being movable along the drive shaft.

[0015]

[0015] In some embodiments, the description herein relates to a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly in which the transmission nut includes at least one of a container, a motor, an electrical connection, a clutch mechanism, an electronic control device, one or more interface structures contacting a power supply element, one or more interface structures contacting a guide element, and one or more interface structures contacting a leading element.

[0016]

[0016] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer comprising a frame, a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly coupled to the frame and motorized by a power source, and a plurality of output modules coupled to the frame along the demultiplexing drive shaft, the demultiplexing drive shaft engageable with the output modules via a transmission nut, the mechanical demultiplexer adapted to selectively and individually engage the plurality of output modules to the demultiplexing drive shaft, such that the demultiplexing drive shaft provides power to the engaged plurality of output modules.

[0017]

[0017] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer that includes a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly including a demultiplexing section and a non-demultiplexing section, and a first transmission nut that is adapted to move only on the demultiplexing section.

[0018]

[0018] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer including a frame, a drive shaft motorized by a power source, coupled to the frame, and extending along a drive axis defining a longitudinal direction, the drive shaft being driven by the power source, a first transmission nut attached to the drive shaft, and a plurality of output modules coupled to the frame along the drive shaft, the drive shaft being engageable with the output modules via the first transmission nut, the mechanical demultiplexer adapted to selectively and individually engage the plurality of output modules with the drive shaft, such that the drive shaft supplies power to the plurality of engaged output modules.

[0019]

[0019] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer, wherein a drive shaft includes a power supply element that transmits rotation to a first transmission nut about the drive shaft, a leading element that moves the first transmission nut along the drive shaft, and a guide element that linearly translates the transmission nut relative to the drive shaft without rotation, and both the power supply element and the leading element are driven by the power source that drives the drive shaft.

[0020]

[0020] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer in which the drive shaft includes a demultiplexing section and a non-demultiplexing section, and the first transmission nut is adapted to move only on the demultiplexing section.

[0021] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer that includes a second transmission nut, wherein the first transmission nut and the second transmission nut are movable along the drive shaft.

[0022] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer that can simultaneously engage any number from zero to all of a plurality of output modules.

[0023] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer that can simultaneously engage any number from zero to all of a plurality of output modules.

[0024]

[0024] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer in which the multiple output modules include a second output module, and the first transmission nut is movable and engageable relative to the first output module and the second output module so that the drive shaft simultaneously supplies power to the first output module and the second output module.

[0025] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer in which a first transmission nut includes an outer surface having a non-cylindrical shape that interfaces with an output module.

[0026] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer in which a first one of the output modules includes at least a first rotor and at least a first stator.

[0027]

[0027] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer in which the first output module includes at least one of: i) a locking mechanism that selectively engages the first stator with the first rotor, and ii) a friction mechanism that engages the first stator with the first rotor.

[0028]

[0028] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer further including a linking component that links locking mechanisms of at least two of the plurality of output modules to lock simultaneously.

[0029]

[0029] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer in which a second one of the output modules includes at least a second rotor and at least a second stator, a first one of the output modules includes components respectively coupled to at least one of the rotor and the stator, the first components being capable of performing a first task, and a second one of the output modules includes components respectively coupled to at least one of the second rotor and the second stator, the second components being capable of performing a second task independent of and different from the first task.

[0030]

[0030] In some embodiments, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer in which the drive shaft includes two sections coupled to a power source that extend in two different directions, extend parallel to each other, or extend from either side of the input of the power source.

[0031] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer in which the power source is a single motor driving a drive shaft.

[0032]

[0032] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a mechanical demultiplexer further including a connecting component connecting a first rotor and a second rotor of a first output module of the plurality of output modules and a second output module of the plurality of output modules.

[0033]

[0033] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a system including two mechanical demultiplexers, the system including a single controller for controlling the two mechanical demultiplexers.

[0034]

[0034] In some embodiments, the description herein relates to a system in which the output module of at least one of two mechanical demultiplexers can engage with the output module of the other of the two mechanical demultiplexers.

[0035]

[0035] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a method of operating a mechanical demultiplexer, the method including the steps of: a) providing a mechanical demultiplexer having a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly and a drive shaft; b) setting the mechanical demultiplexer in a first state in which the transmission nut is drivable to move along the drive shaft; c) driving the transmission nut along the drive shaft between i) a first position in which the transmission nut is spaced apart from and disengaged from the first output module, and ii) a second position in which the transmission nut is engaged with the first output module; and d) setting the mechanical demultiplexer in a second state in which the demultiplexing drive shaft assembly drives the transmission nut to rotate with the drive shaft without moving longitudinally along the drive shaft, thereby providing power to the first output module.

[0036]

[0036] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a method further including the steps of e) setting a mechanical demultiplexer to a first state; f) driving the first transmission nut between i) a second position and ii) a third position in which the transmission nut is engaged with the second output module; and g) setting the mechanical demultiplexer to the second state, thereby supplying power only to the second output module.

[0037]

[0037] The features and advantages of this subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. As will be understood, the subject matter disclosed and claimed can be modified in various respects without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive, the full scope of the subject matter being set forth in the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of a mechanical drive shaft from the motor side, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]

[0039] FIG. 10 is an isometric perspective view of a mechanical drive shaft from a second side according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A]

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric perspective view of a mechanical drive shaft from the motor side with modules hidden, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B]

[0041] FIG. 3B is an isometric perspective exploded view of the mechanical drive shaft of FIG. 3A according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A]

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric perspective view of a frame according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B]

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one piece of the frame. [Figure 4C]

[0044] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of a portion of the frame identified in FIG. 4B. [Figure 5]

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorized section of a mechanical drive shaft with no output module attached and a single transmission nut attached, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6]

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a motorized portion of a mechanical drive shaft according to one embodiment. [Figure 7]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorized portion of a mechanical drive shaft according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]

[0048] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a two-way mechanical demultiplexer according to one embodiment. [Figure 9]

[0049] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mechanical demultiplexer with a bi-directional drive shaft, a transmission nut attached, and a hidden output module, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10]

[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a motorized drive shaft assembly from the motor end, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11]

[0051] FIG. 1 is an enlarged isometric view of a drive shaft including bus bars according to one embodiment. [Figure 12]

[0052] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a drive shaft assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 13]

[0053] 1 is a portion of a drive shaft assembly cut transversely to the drive shaft. [Figure 14]

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drive shaft assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 15]

[0055] FIG. 15 is a side view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. [Figure 16]

[0056] FIG. 10 is a side view of another drive shaft assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 17]

[0057] FIG. 1 is a side view of a drive shaft assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 18]

[0058] FIG. 18 is a top view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 17. [Figure 19]

[0059] 19 is a cross-sectional view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 17 taken along section line 19-19. [Figure 20]

[0060] 20 is a cross-sectional view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 17 taken along section line 20-20. [Figure 21]

[0061] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 17. [Figure 22] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 17. [Figure 23A]

[0062] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a transmission nut according to one embodiment. [Figure 23B] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a transmission nut according to one embodiment. [Figure 24]

[0063] FIG. 23C is a side exploded view of the transmission nut of FIGS. 23A and 23B. [Figure 25]

[0064] FIG. 15 is a side view of the transmission nut of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 14 according to one embodiment. [Figure 26]

[0065] 26 is a cross-sectional view of the transmission nut of FIG. 25 taken along section line 26-26. [Figure 27]

[0066] 27 is a cross-sectional view of the transmission nut of FIG. 25 taken along section line 27-27. [Figure 28]

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a drive shaft assembly with the cap removed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 29]

[0068] FIG. 29 is a front view of a portion of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 28. [Figure 30]

[0069] 30 is a cross-sectional view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 28 taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29. [Figure 31]

[0070] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the drive shaft of FIG. 28 with the outer portion of the transmission nut removed. [Figure 32]

[0071] FIG. 2 is a front oblique exploded view of a transmission nut according to one embodiment. [Figure 33]

[0072] FIG. 34 is a rear oblique exploded view of the transmission nut of FIG. 33. [Figure 34]

[0073] FIG. 34 is an exploded side view of the transmission nut of FIG. 33. [Figure 35]

[0074] FIG. 2 is a front oblique exploded view of a transmission nut according to one embodiment. [Figure 36]

[0075] FIG. 36 is a rear oblique exploded view of the transmission nut of FIG. 35. [Figure 37]

[0076] FIG. 36 is a side exploded view of the transmission nut of FIG. 35. [Figure 38]

[0077] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an output module according to one embodiment. [Figure 39]

[0078] FIG. 39 is an isometric view of the output module of FIG. 38 with the first plate and first disk removed and no task-specific components shown. [Figure 40]

[0079] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an output module according to one embodiment. [Figure 41]

[0080] FIG. 41 is an oblique elevation view of a portion of the output module of FIG. 40. [Figure 42]

[0081] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an output module according to one embodiment. [Figure 43]

[0082] FIG. 43 is a front view of the output module of FIG. 42 with the first plate removed and no task-specific components shown. [Figure 44]

[0083] FIG. 44 is a front view of a portion of the output module shown in FIG. 43 with a further plate removed that conceals part of the locking mechanism, and does not show operation-specific components. [Figure 44A]

[0084] FIG. 43 is an enlarged view of a portion of the output module of FIG. 42 showing a second side of the cam. [Figure 45]

[0085] FIG. 1 is a perspective elevation view of an output module operating as a peristaltic pump according to one embodiment. [Figure 46]

[0086] FIG. 46 is a front view of the peristaltic pump of FIG. 45 with the plates and discs removed. [Figure 47]

[0087] FIG. 1 is an oblique elevation view of an output module operating as a power supply including gears that can be coupled to a chain that can be coupled to a power supply gear for powering the device, according to one embodiment. [Figure 48]

[0088] FIG. 48 is an oblique elevational view of the power supply of FIG. 47 with the plates and disks removed. [Figure 49]

[0089] 1 is a perspective view of a rotor with a locking piece in a first position according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 50]

[0090] FIG. 50 is a front view of the rotor of FIG. 49. [Figure 51]

[0091] 51 is a cross-sectional view of the rotor of FIG. 49 taken along section line 51-51 of FIG. 50. [Figure 52]

[0092] FIG. 1B is a side view of a rotor of an output module in a first angular position according to one embodiment. [Figure 53] 53 is a cross-sectional view of the rotor of the power module at a first angular position along line 53-53 according to one embodiment. [Figure 54]

[0093] FIG. 55 is a side view of the rotor of FIG. 54 in a second angular position. [Figure 55] 55 is a cross-sectional view of the rotor of FIG. 54 at a second angular position along line 55-55. [Figure 56]

[0094] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotor of an output module according to one embodiment. [Figure 57]

[0095] FIG. 57 is a side view of the rotor of FIG. 56. [Figure 58]

[0096] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a planetary gear set coupled to a rotor of an output module according to one embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a planetary gear set that is part of a rotor of an output module according to one embodiment. [Figure 60]

[0097] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a slip ring of a drive shaft assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 61]

[0098] FIG. 1 is a side view of a slip ring of a drive shaft assembly with the cap removed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 62]

[0099] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a drive shaft assembly with slip rings removed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 63]

[0100] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a clutch in which a support plate and support bearing are operable to drive a shaft including a hidden lead screw, according to one embodiment. [Figure 64]

[0101] FIG. 64 is a front view of the clutch of FIG. 63. [Figure 65]

[0102] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a drive shaft assembly with a clutch cover removed according to one embodiment. [Figure 66]

[0103] FIG. 66 is a side view of a portion of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 65 with the clutch cover removed. [Figure 67]

[0104] FIG. 66 is a side view of an enlarged portion of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 65 with the clutch cover removed. [Figure 68]

[0105] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 65 with the clutch cover removed. [Figure 69]

[0106] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a clutch feature with a linear motion rotating cam that serves as a mechanism for transitioning operational modes, according to one embodiment. [Figure 70]

[0107] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shaft clutch without a cover connected to a split drive shaft and lead screw according to one embodiment. [Figure 71] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shaft clutch without a cover connected to a split drive shaft and lead screw according to one embodiment. [Figure 72]

[0108] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shaft clutch according to one embodiment. [Figure 73]

[0109] FIG. 73 is a side exploded view of the shaft clutch of FIG. 72. [Figure 74]

[0110] FIG. 73 is a front view of the outer parts of the shaft clutch of FIG. 72. [Figure 75]

[0111] 74 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the outer part of the shaft clutch of FIG. 72 taken along line 111-111 of FIG. 74. [Figure 76]

[0112] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the internal components of the shaft clutch of FIG. 72. [Figure 77]

[0113] FIG. 73 is a side view of the internal components of the shaft clutch of FIG. [Figure 78]

[0114] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the cam disc of the shaft clutch of FIG. 72. [Figure 79]

[0115] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the core components of the shaft clutch of FIG. 72. [Figure 80]

[0116] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of a portion of the external components of the shaft clutch of FIG. 72. [Figure 81]

[0117] FIG. 1 is a side view of a rotor locking mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 82] FIG. 1 is a front view of a rotor locking mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 83]

[0118] FIG. 1 is a front view of a latch mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 84]

[0119] FIG. 1 is a side view of components of a rotor locking mechanism in a first position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 85] FIG. 10 is a side view of components of a rotor locking mechanism in a second position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 86]

[0120] 1 is a perspective view of a rotor adapted to have a cable connected thereto, according to one embodiment; [Figure 87] FIG. 1 is a side view of a rotor adapted to have a cable connected thereto, according to one embodiment. [Figure 88] 106 is a cross-sectional view of a rotor adapted to have a cable connected thereto, taken along section line 106-106, according to one embodiment. [Figure 89]

[0121] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary linear actuator according to one embodiment. [Figure 90]

[0122] 1 is a schematic diagram of a mechanical demultiplexer with a clutch mechanism connecting a drive shaft to a second drive unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 91]

[0123] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of multiple mechanical demultiplexers with connected controllers providing redundancy, according to one embodiment. [Figure 92]

[0124] FIG. 1 is a first schematic diagram of multiple mechanical demultiplexers connected to a common output module according to one embodiment. [Figure 93]

[0125] FIG. 10 is a second schematic diagram of multiple mechanical demultiplexers, including differential components connecting output modules of the mechanical demultiplexers and combining the outputs of the output modules of two mechanical demultiplexers, according to one embodiment. [Figure 94]

[0126] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a controller coupled to a demultiplexer, according to one embodiment. [Figure 95]

[0127] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a casing used in a mechanical demultiplexer, according to one embodiment. [Figure 96] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a casing used in a mechanical demultiplexer, according to one embodiment. [Figure 97]

[0128] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a clutch according to one embodiment. [Figure 98]

[0129] FIG. 98 is an exploded side view of the clutch of FIG. 97. [Figure 99]

[0130] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drive shaft assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 100] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drive shaft assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 101]

[0131] FIG. 100 is a top view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. [Figure 102]

[0132] FIG. 100 is a side view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. [Figure 103]

[0133] 103 is a cross-sectional view of the drive shaft assembly of FIG. 99 taken along line 103-103 of FIG. 101. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039]

[0134] It should be noted that throughout the accompanying drawings, like features are designated with like reference numerals.

[0040]

[0135] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown, which may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

[0041]

[0136] For the purposes of this description, references to singular items should be understood to include the plural items and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise or apparent from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to represent any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of connected clauses, sentences, words, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise or apparent from the context. Thus, the term "or" should be understood generally to mean "and / or" and the like.

[0042]

[0137] In the following description, it will be understood that terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "above," and "below" are terms of convenience and should not be construed as limiting terms.

[0043]

[0138] It should further be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two members are directly or indirectly joined to one another. Such coupling may be fixed or movable in nature. Such coupling may be achieved by the two members, or the two members and an additional intermediate member, being integrally formed with one another as a single unit, or by the two members, or the two members and an additional intermediate member, being connected to one another. Such coupling may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0044]

[0139] Furthermore, it should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "structure" refers to any piece of a combination of pieces joined together.

[0045]

[0140] Furthermore, it should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "element" means any portion, piece, or combination of pieces related to related functionality.

[0046]

[0141] The technology described below relates to the fields of automation, mechatronics, and connected industrial equipment. A modular mechanical transmission system is described, driven by a single servo motor, with each additional module becoming a virtual servo motor in itself. This modular mechanical transmission system is also known as a mechanical demultiplexer. This term refers to a demultiplexer in information technology, where a single data input is distributed to many different outputs.

[0047]

[0142] The described mechanical demultiplexer allows the drive system, including the motor, to be connected to all functional components, allowing the operation of multiple output modules that can operate individually and / or simultaneously.

[0048]

[0143] An output module can be connected to a drive system to perform specific tasks and transmit torque, rotational speed, and angular position. An output module is a mechanical module that performs an embedded function. An output module is a platform for multiple embedded functions.

[0049]

[0144] The embedded functions are intended to meet the requirements of any system that requires torque, rotational speed, and / or angular position to perform a specific task. The embedded functions are adapted to meet the requirements of, but are not limited to, pump systems, valve systems, dispensing manifold systems, powder and granule dosing systems, mechanical positioning systems, mechanical power transmission systems, mechanical power transmission and positioning systems, power control systems (circuit breakers, contactors, variable resistors, etc.), pneumatic or hydraulic control systems, etc.

[0050]

[0145] Output modules can also be interconnected or grouped to create complex sets of modules adapted to perform complex tasks.

[0051]

[0146] A mechanical demultiplexer allows a single drive system to control one to multiple output modules independently (e.g., sequentially) or simultaneously. In other words, it allows the same system to switch between powering output modules one at a time, sequentially, or simultaneously.

[0052]

[0147] Typically, a mechanical demultiplexer can contain from one to any number N of output modules, the configuration depending on the type of embedded function being performed.

[0053]

[0148] Mechanical demultiplexers, like output modules, can also be interconnected or grouped to create complex systems.

[0054]

[0149] To controllably provide many mechanical outputs of a system (electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, internal combustion, and / or manually operated mechanical systems), it is advantageous to have a single drive system to operate one, some, or all of multiple output modules. This disclosure relates to all types of systems that include mechanical outputs that can be operated independently, sequentially, singly, or in groups.

[0055]

[0150] The advantages of using a single drive system to power multiple output modules to provide the many mechanical outputs of the system individually and independently of each other (one at a time) include, but are not limited to, reduced total system cost (i.e., fewer standard parts, less assembly, maintenance, electrical wiring, less inspection, validation, quality assurance and commissioning), reduced physical space required (in the control panel and in the field), reduced system weight, reduced static power consumption (phantom load), reduced environmental footprint, and reduced shipping costs as the system is much more compact and lighter than all practically available solutions.

[0056]

[0151] Other specific advantages of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, the ability to operate multiple output modules, each with its own different final output mechanism; having both "standard type" and external type output modules if desired; the ability to stack combinations of output modules and standard mechanical power and position transmission components, hereinafter generally referred to as transmission components, such as, but not limited to, gears and timing pulleys, in simultaneous sections; occupying less space by stacking output modules; designing a modular and flexible system by stacking combinations of output modules with different final output mechanisms; reducing manufacturing and assembly costs; reducing assembly costs of a complete electromechanical system with pre-assembled output modules; and enabling third parties to use output modules designed for mechanical demultiplexers for customized needs.

[0057]

[0152] It would also be advantageous to have a compact system in which the length required for the system is almost entirely taken up by the power supply subsystem and output module, and engagement and disengagement do not require additional length or extension of the drive shaft powering the output module.

[0058]

[0153] In effect, this allows the input power, and therefore the drive motor, to be adjusted to accommodate the maximum output requirement of the sequence of operations performed by the output modules, rather than the sum of the total power input requirements of the output modules, because the input power can be programmed to simultaneously power a maximum subset of the output modules to perform the sequence of operations, regardless of the number of releasably connected output modules.

[0059] Purpose of a Mechanical Demultiplexer

[0154] The purpose of a mechanical demultiplexer is to perform multiple tasks using a single drive system.

[0060]

[0155] According to one embodiment, a mechanical demultiplexer is a structure that can combine modules to perform tasks.

[0061]

[0156] According to one embodiment, a mechanical demultiplexer can have a single mechanical power input and provide multiple types of mechanical outputs.

[0062]

[0157] According to alternative embodiments, the mechanical demultiplexer could sum multiple mechanical inputs connected via a mechanism that allows one mechanical input to operate at a time, or alternatively, be selectively summable to power an output module.

[0063]

[0158] With general reference to Figures 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, a mechanical demultiplexer can include multiple different subsystems with different functions. According to a general embodiment, the mechanical demultiplexer includes a frame and a motorized drive shaft coupled to the frame and extending along a drive axis defining a longitudinal direction. The mechanical demultiplexer further includes a transmission nut attached to the drive shaft, the transmission nut being drivable by the drive shaft. The mechanical demultiplexer further includes an output module attached to the frame, the drive shaft extending across the output module. The drive shaft is controllably engageable with the output module via the transmission nut, thereby controllably supplying power to the output module. Thus, the mechanical demultiplexer is adapted to selectively engage with the output module.

[0064]

[0159] When multiple output modules are part of a mechanical demultiplexer, the transmission nut allows selective engagement with multiple output modules, thereby allowing for a variable number of output modules to be driven, with the output modules being individually drivable regardless of their position on the frame, but limited by the number and characteristics of the transmission nuts that engage the output modules.

[0065]

[0160] Thus, the mechanical demultiplexer embodiments of the present description can be driven by a single motor in a compact footprint defined by the frame required to mount the drive shaft, its motorization, and the output module that can be driven by the drive shaft.

[0066]

[0161] Embodiments of the mechanical demultiplexer are modular, allowing various output modules to be mounted on the frame based on the operations to be performed by the mechanical demultiplexer, allowing the mechanical demultiplexer to be easily modified in the future by simply adding or replacing output modules.

[0067]

[0162] Mechanical demultiplexer embodiments further provide for complete disengagement of the output module from the drive shaft when disengaged. Demultiplexer embodiments include a locking mechanism embedded in the module that prevents the output module from back-acting or reacting to system conditions, e.g., piece rotation, pump operation, when the transmission nut is disengaged from the output module.

[0068]

[0163] The mechanical demultiplexer embodiment further provides flexibility in angular positioning of the drive shaft when the transmission nut is engaged with the output module, improving operability over known mechanisms for controlling multiple pumps, for example.

[0069]

[0164] These features and advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of the following illustrative description, aided by illustrations.

[0070]

[0165] 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, mechanical demultiplexer 100 includes a frame 105 and an electric motorization system 110 including a motor 112 or other power input that powers a drive shaft 130. In one embodiment, electric motorization system 110 includes a shaft clutch 120 operable in at least two positions.

[0071]

[0166] The frame 105 defines a space through which the drive shaft 130 extends along a drive axis 136. The frame 105 may be divided into sections, namely, a motorized section 102 and a powered section 107, with the drive shaft 130 extending from the motorized section 102 through the powered section 107. Attached to the end of the powered section 107 is a brace 108 that provides support and alignment for the drive shaft 130.

[0072]

[0167] Referring particularly to Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C, according to one embodiment, frame 105 features equidistant fingers 103 or slots 106 designed to provide alignment and guidance for mounting output modules thereon at designed locations and with designed gaps therebetween.

[0073]

[0168] 95 and 96, casings 109a and 109b, which encompass modular casings, may be used in place of or in combination with frame 105. Thus, the support structure is thereby considered to be a frame.

[0074]

[0169] 5, a transmission nut 150 is attached to the drive shaft 130. The transmission nut 150 is longitudinally drivable along the drive shaft 130 and is movable between a free position, e.g., in which no output modules 170 are disposed, and an engaged position in which the transmission nut 150 contacts at least one output module 170, thereby providing power to the output module 170 when driven by the drive shaft 130.

[0075]

[0170] According to an embodiment, the drive shaft 130 includes a power-transmitting element capable of transmitting rotation about the drive shaft to the transmission nut, a leading element capable of moving the transmission nut along the drive shaft, and a guide element enabling linear translation of the transmission nut relative to the drive shaft without rotation. In one embodiment, the power-transmitting element 132 includes a pair of eccentric shafts coupled to the shaft clutch 120 via the drive plate 122. The nut drive elements 134 each include a lead screw 138 adapted to drive a driven transmission nut 150 and pass through another non-driven transmission nut 150, such as another transmission nut, such that when driven, the lead screw 138 moves the driven transmission nut 150 longitudinally along the drive shaft 130 parallel to the drive shaft 136. Depending on the position of the driven transmission nut 150 along the drive shaft 130, and therefore whether it is in contact with the output module 170, as the eccentric shaft 137 rotates about the drive shaft 136, the transmission nut 150 is also rotated about the drive shaft 136, and if in contact with the output module 170, power is supplied to the output module.

[0076]

[0171] According to embodiments, the drive shaft may take the form of a split shaft with a coaxial lead screw, multiple parallel lead screws, a lead screw combined with a guide element, a non-cylindrical shaft with a bus bar, e.g., a splined lead screw, or a splined threaded shaft.

[0077]

[0172] In one embodiment, as particularly shown in FIG. 5 , the transmission nut 150 features a threaded hole 152 adapted to mate with the threads 139 (which are intentionally concealed) of the drive lead screw 138, and an oversized hole 154 having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the threads 139, allowing the lead screw 138 passing through the oversized hole 154 to be driven without the lead screw 138 moving the transmission nut 150 longitudinally.

[0078]

[0173] The transmission nut 150 features an outer non-cylindrical surface, e.g., a spline 156 including, e.g., at least one longitudinal groove, by which the transmission nut 150 can mate with a complementary internal spline 172 of an output module 170. The interface between the splines 156 and 172 can provide power to the output module 170. Thus, the transmission nut 150 can be moved longitudinally across the output module 170, e.g., between a position on the drive shaft 130 to the left of the first output module and a position on the drive shaft 130 to the right of the first output module 170, e.g., disengaged or engaged with another output module. This allows a single transmission nut 150 to selectively and individually power multiple output modules 170. Furthermore, based on the distance between the output modules 170 and the longitudinal length, i.e., longitudinal extent, of the transmission nut 150, when the transmission nut 150 is moved into contact with two output modules 170, it can supply power to more than a single output module 170; in other words, the transmission nut 150 can be moved such that the power supply length, i.e., the longitudinal distance between both ends of the outward splines 156 of the transmission nut 150, is wider than the gap between the inward splines 172 of two adjacent output modules 170.

[0079]

[0174] With further reference to FIG. 6 , the shaft clutch 120 is movable between at least two positions: a first position, also referred to as a power position, in which the drive plate 122 pivots when the motor 112 is operating, thereby supplying power to all of the output modules 170 engaged with the drive shaft 130 via the transmission nut 150; and a second position, also referred to as a movement position, in which the drive plate 122 remains stationary and one of the lead screws 138 is driven by the motor 112 to controllably drive longitudinal movement of the driven transmission nut 150 along the drive shaft 136.

[0080]

[0175] Thus, with a single power supply motor 112, the mechanical demultiplexer 100 operates according to three states: a) a stopped state in which the motor is stopped while the actuator (114, FIG. 6) can change the position of the shaft clutch 120; b) a powered state in which the shaft clutch 120 is in a powered position and the motor 112 is activated, thereby powering the engaged output module; and c) a set state in which the shaft clutch 120 is in a travel position and the motor 112 is activated, thereby setting the transmission nut to a position along the drive shaft 136.

[0081]

[0176] According to an embodiment, the shaft clutch 120 can drive one lead screw 138 when one transmission nut 150 is threaded onto the driven lead screw 138. Moving multiple transmission nuts 150 threaded onto multiple lead screws 138 requires driving one lead screw 138 as needed to place the transmission nuts in place.

[0082]

[0177] It is therefore contemplated that shaft clutch 120 may take many forms without departing from the scope of this description.

[0083]

[0178] Referring to Figure 69, the exemplary clutch features linear motion rotating cams that serve as the mechanism for transitioning between operating modes. Interaction between the cams 1790 controls the output shaft of the clutch, which shifts between two positions.

[0084]

[0179] Further, and thus, although the term "output module" is used herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that output modules compatible with the mechanical demultiplexer of the present invention encompass any component adapted to convert mechanical power transmitted by the drive shaft 130 into any type of work, including mechanical work, hydraulic work, pneumatic work, positioning work, electrical work, etc. For example, contemplated output modules may be dedicated to a specific task, action, or function, such as transmitting torque, rotational speed, or angular position; may serve as an assembly platform for a rotor- or stator-mounted function, add-on, or rotor locking mechanism; may be an idle module with a locking component used to stop a moving transmission nut; may be an add-on attached to the output module or frame that has or is intended to support, improve, or optimize the operation, performance, and reliability of a task, action, or function; etc. Many examples of such output modules are provided in the "Output Modules" section below.

[0085]

[0180] 6 and 7, mechanical demultiplexer 100 includes a keyed shaft 175 mounted spaced apart from and extending parallel to drive shaft 130 and coupled to output module 170. Keyed shaft 175 is used to impose additional conditions on the output module.

[0086]

[0181] In the illustrated embodiment, the keyed shaft 175, when pivoted between a first angle and a second angle, actuates an internal mechanism of the output module 170, for example, to switch the output module 170 between an unlocked position in which the inward splines 172 of the output module 170 can rotate, and a locked position in which the inward splines 172 of the output module 170 are locked, thereby preventing the output module 170 from receiving power from the drive shaft 130 or from external conditions, such as residual pressure / vacuum in tubing connected to the pump section of the output module 170, to enable operation of the output module 170. Additionally, the keyed shaft 175, in some embodiments, allows for setting a switch, setting a position, etc., in all output modules 170, for example, to ensure that conditions are observed by all output modules 170 to enter a certain state, such as a stopped state.

[0087]

[0182] It is therefore worth noting that the mechanical demultiplexer 100 may require multiple drive components, such as the power supply motor 112, clutch actuator 114, and modularly coupled actuator 116, which may be mounted on the same side of the powered section, keeping the volume and footprint of the mechanical demultiplexer to a minimum.

[0088]

[0183] Additionally, it is worth noting that in this configuration, the configuration characteristics, including the maximum power output of each of the motors 112 and actuators 114, 116, may vary, with the maximum output being set based, for example, on the maximum power required to lock all of the output modules 170, the maximum power required to synchronously drive the maximum number of output modules 170 given the particular purpose of the mechanical demultiplexer 100, etc.

[0089]

[0184] It is therefore contemplated that other components may be directly or indirectly coupled to the motorized section. For example, external components may be coupled to the free end 140 (FIG. 2) of the drive shaft 130, thereby powering these external components as long as the drive shaft 130 is powered. A clutch may be used to controllably couple / disconnect the external components from the drive shaft 130. Additionally, external components may be coupled via the output module 170, thereby indirectly powering the drive shaft 130. Further variations in configuration, alternative couplings, etc. are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0090]

[0185] It is further contemplated that the mechanical demultiplexer 100 may include multiple power supply sections 107 operated by unique drive shafts 130. Such a mechanical demultiplexer 100 may have aligned drive shafts 130 extending in opposite directions, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8, or parallel drive shafts, for example. Accordingly, various configurations are contemplated.

[0091]

[0186] Referring to FIG. 94, a human operated or programmed controller 1602 exchanges signals with components of the mechanical demultiplexer, including motors and actuators 1604, which includes controlling these components.

[0092]

[0187] Referring to FIG. 90, the exemplary embodiment features a drive shaft 1572 of a mechanical demultiplexer 1570 with a clutch 1574 attached to the opposite end of a motor 1576. The clutch 1574 allows for selective power application to a second drive shaft 1578.

[0093]

[0188] Referring to FIG. 91, a unique controller 1612 controls three mechanical demultiplexers 1614, 1616, and 1618.

[0094]

[0189] 92 and 93, two demultiplexers may have output modules coupled to each other for different reasons, including redundancy, combining tasks from the output modules, for example, adding power, adding an output of a different nature, or using the outputs of the two output modules as complex inputs for an external device.

[0095]

[0190] 10, 11, 23, and 24, the mechanical demultiplexer 200 includes a motorized drive shaft 230 having an electrical bus bar 232 extending along the motorized drive shaft 230 and an electrical transmission nut 250 attached to the motorized drive shaft 230 that is movable longitudinally along the drive shaft 230. The transmission nut is powered and controlled by the electrical bus bar 232 to move along a threaded surface of the drive shaft 230 to engage and disengage the transmission nut from the output module.

[0096]

[0191] Mechanical demultiplexer 200 also operates according to three states: a) stopped, b) powered, and c) set. In the powered state, transmission nut 250 is locked in place using an electromagnetic locking mechanism. As drive shaft 230 rotates, transmission nut 250 thereby transmits power to engaged output modules (not shown) scattered along drive shaft 230.

[0097]

[0192] Thus, the electrical bus bars 232 are used to distribute power to operate the rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator of the transmission nut 250. There are at least two electrical bus bars 232.

[0098]

[0193] According to an embodiment, but not limited to, an exemplary configuration of the electric type operates with a rotor locking mechanism mounted on the main frame along with electrical distribution.

[0099]

[0194] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary drive shaft includes a combination of guide components, e.g., 137 / / , and a combination of lead screws, e.g., 138 / / , for driving multiple transmission nuts on the drive shaft.

[0100]

[0195] 1, 63, and 64, shaft clutch 120 is actuated by a clutch actuator 114 that drives worm screw 115. Worm screw 115 meshes with a spur gear 121 that is controllably connected to shaft coupling 123, at the center of which a drive shaft (not shown) and eccentric lead screw (not shown) extend. Depending on the angular position of shaft coupling 123, shaft clutch 120 either drives one of the lead screws to orbit, or drives shaft coupling 123, thereby rotating the lead screws about drive shaft 136 without orbiting them about their own axes. A sensor 127, fixedly coupled to shaft clutch 120 and coupled to a controller (not shown), is adapted to detect the angular position of shaft coupling 123. Thus, the controller is adapted to provide commands to the clutch actuator 114 and the motor 112 so that they do not operate simultaneously, and so that the motor 112 operates with only the shaft coupling 123 at the appropriate angle to produce the desired result, e.g., moving the transmission nut or supplying power to the drive shaft.

[0101]

[0196] 9 , the example mechanical demultiplexer 300 may include multiple transmission solutions for powering the output modules. For example, the motor 112 may power a first drive shaft 322 extending in a first direction and a second drive shaft 324 extending in the opposite direction. A first shaft clutch 332 may be attached to a first side to controllably control the operation of the first drive shaft 322, and a second shaft clutch 334 may be attached to a second side to control the operation of the second drive shaft 324. This allows the example mechanical demultiplexer 300 to operate the first drive shaft 322 and the second drive shaft 324 synchronously or asynchronously.

[0102]

[0197] In the exemplary mechanical demultiplexer 300, any drive shaft may include a portion that may be the drive shaft with an electrically controlled transmission nut, such as an electrical bus bar for transmission nut 250, attached.

[0103]

[0198] It is thus envisaged that a drive shaft, for example drive shaft 322, may be divided into successive portions 342, 344 by the use of a clutch, with power being supplied to the upstream portion 342 and power being supplied to the downstream portion 344 when a clutch 332 separating the two portions 342, 344 engages the portions 342, 344.

[0104]

[0199] It should be noted that multiple drive shafts, similar to drive shaft 130 for example, may be coupled to a single motor, with the motor either driving all of the drive shafts simultaneously or selectively engaging some of the drive shafts using a selection method such as a clutch. It should further be noted that many arrangements of drive shafts are available, such as two parallel, two coaxially coupled to each other directly or indirectly, or two oriented in any alternative manner such that such alternative orientations are possible depending on the coupling method between them or the coupling method between the drive shafts and the motor. Thus, it is believed that throughout this description many variations in the number and orientation of drive shafts coupled or capable of being selectively coupled to a motor are described.

[0105]

[0200] The second drive shaft 324 of the exemplary mechanical demultiplexer 300 further includes a mechanical portion, where the lead screw 138 is adapted to drive the transmission nut 350 along the drive shaft 136. The second portion of the exemplary embodiment may be permanently engaged with the first portion, and the second portion of the second drive shaft 324 is driven synchronously.

[0106]

[0201] This allows for variations in the combination of drive shaft sections, some of which may be engageable, some of which may be synchronously powered, and some of which may be demultiplexable, or in other words, the output modules attached to these sections may be controllably engaged.

[0107]

[0202] Additionally, it should be noted that the keyed shaft 175 or other setting / locking mechanism may be necessary or optional depending on the nature of the power transmission used therein. In the exemplary mechanical demultiplexer 300, the sequential portion 344 of the first drive shaft 322 required a keyed shaft 175 coupled to an output module (not shown), while the second drive shaft 324 does not have a keyed shaft at all.

[0108]

[0203] 60, 61, and 62, the drive shaft assembly is operable in a mechanical demultiplexer, such as mechanical demultiplexer 200. The drive shaft assembly includes a slip ring 410 with power supply wires 420 running parallel to the exterior thereof, providing a series of electrical contacts on the exterior regardless of the angle of the slip ring 410. The power supply wires 420 are further connected to the interior surface of the slip ring 410. A bus bar 430 extends into a support about which the slip ring 410 rotates, and terminals 432 extend through the slip ring 410. The terminals 432 are configured so that each terminal 432 contacts one of the inwardly extending wires 420 that extend to the interior surface of the slip ring 410. The drive shaft assembly includes supports 452, which are end mounted in bearings 462, allowing the drive shaft assembly to be mounted to the frame, aligned, and rotate freely with low friction.

[0109]

[0204] 12, 13, 65, 66, 67, and 68, another example of a drive shaft is shown therethrough. Drive shaft 500 is operable in a mechanical demultiplexer, such as mechanical demultiplexer 100. Drive shaft 500 extends along axis 505. Drive shaft 500 includes a guide member, i.e., eccentric guide 512, that provides guidance for transmission nut 550 for movement along axis 505. Drive shaft 500 further includes a leading component, e.g., lead screw 520, that can rotate about a respective lead screw axis 525 to drive transmission nut 550 in both directions along axis 505. The drive shaft 500 includes power transmission components such as an eccentric guide 512 and a lead screw 520 adapted to rotate together about the drive shaft 136, thereby rotating a transmission nut 550 attached to the drive shaft 500, thereby providing power to any components that may be engaged with the transmission nut 550.

[0110]

[0205] It is worth noting that many configurations are available for the guide, leading, and power transmission components. Not all of them are eccentric with respect to the drive shaft 136. Furthermore, some components may be specialized, e.g., having components involved in only one of these functions, without departing from the teachings intended throughout this description. Further referring to FIGS. 13, 65, 66, 67, and 68, the drive shaft 500 includes a clutch mechanism 530 adapted to drive one or more eccentric leading components to drive one or more transmission nuts 550 along the axis 505, or a limited number, e.g., one central leading component, to drive one or more transmission nuts 550 along the axis 505, or to drive power transmission components, the clutch mechanism 530 allowing control of the operating state of the drive shaft 500 through one component, and thus one portion of the drive shaft 500, or freewheeling (neutral). Clutch mechanism 530 includes a carriage dog clutch 534, which includes a dog clutch drive shaft locking feature 570, a lock block 554 coupled / linked to at least two sliding lock gears, such as 553 and 551, and a cover. Clutch mechanism 530 further includes a dog clutch shaft coupling 532, which includes a splined shaft for a sliding gear 572 with a central lead screw dog clutch coupling 549 at the end.

[0111]

[0206] The clutch mechanism 530 further includes one or more drive slide gears 552 that slide along a guide for a slide gear keyed shaft 572 sandwiched between two slide lock gears 551 and 553 of the dog clutch shaft coupling 532.

[0112]

[0207] The clutch mechanism 530 further includes a dog clutch drive shaft locking plate 555 that includes a dog clutch notch 571 that can lock the drive shaft 500 when a dog clutch drive shaft locking feature 570 is engaged.

[0113]

[0208] Clutch mechanism 530 is characterized by a first position (drive) in which dog clutch shaft coupling 532 is engaged with carriage dog clutch 534 to provide driving force to drive shaft 500 .

[0114]

[0209] In the second freewheel position (neutral), the dog clutch shaft coupling 532 is disengaged from the carriage dog clutch 534 and does not drive any of the drive slide gears 552 .

[0115]

[0210] In the third position for driving the central lead screw 573, the central lead screw dog clutch coupling 549 of the dog clutch shaft coupling 532 is engaged with the central lead screw dog clutch 546, and the dog clutch shaft coupling 532 is disengaged from the carriage dog clutch 534 and does not drive any drive slide gears 552.

[0116]

[0211] In multiple drive positions for driving one or more eccentric lead screws 520, the splined shaft for the slide gear 572 of the dog clutch shaft coupling 532 transmits torque to the drive slide gear 552, which in turn transmits torque to the eccentric lead screw gears 542 / 544. The drive shaft 500 therefore provides a compact solution combining power transmission, guiding, and leading of components along the axis 505 of the drive shaft 500. It should be understood that the leading function may be applied to one or more of the transmission nuts 550 based on the number of transmission nuts 550 engaging the same lead screw.

[0117]

[0212] It should also be understood that, according to different embodiments, the lead screw 520 can have multiple lead screw drive gears, such as lead screw drive gears 544 and 542, to engage the leading function of the lead screw 520 in multiple clutch positions.

[0118]

[0213] 70 and 71 show a series of lead screws 520 arranged around a split shaft 570 and a similar clutch mechanism 560 adapted to drive the lead screws 520 concentric with the split shaft 570. This similar clutch mechanism 560 is shown with the cover removed to reveal the internal gears. In this drive shaft, the guide elements are embodied via the outer surface and groove of the shaft, the leading elements are embodied via the threads, and the power supply elements are embodied via the surface of the groove.

[0119]

[0214] 99, 100, 101, 102, and 103, a drive shaft assembly 1900 is adapted for an electric transmission nut 1902. The drive shaft 1900 includes a splined lead screw 1904 including threads 1906 and splines along which a bus bar 1908 extends. The splined lead screw 1904 and bus bar are coupled to a slip ring 1910 that supplies current to the bus bar. The transmission nut 1902 is adapted to lock or move on the splined lead screw 1904 based on a powered / unpowered state.

[0120]

[0215] 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, and 80, according to one embodiment, a shaft clutch 1700 allows for shifting between positions, and therefore states, of a mechanical demultiplexer, without the use of a dedicated actuator. A motor powers the shaft and controls the shaft clutch 1700. The shaft clutch 1700 can shift positions by controlling its direction of rotation. The shaft clutch 1700 includes a core component 1710 coupled to the motor and a pair of cam discs 1730, 1732 attached to a spring 1760, with the cam discs facing the core component 1710. A casing 1750 features traces 1752 that interface with the core component 1710, such that as the shaft 1705 rotates in one direction or the other, the core component 1710 can shift between positions or transmit power depending on the angular amplitude of the shaft 1705 rotation.

[0121]

[0216] The core component 1710 includes an upstream recess 1722 on its upstream side that interfaces with a cam 1734 of the upstream cam disc 1730 , and a downstream recess 1724 on its downstream side that interfaces with a cam 1734 of the downstream cam disc 1732 .

[0122]

[0217] The cam discs 1730, 1732 feature a pivoting cam 1734 that rotates between a fully clockwise position (not shown) and a fully counterclockwise position 1774, bounded by surfaces 1776, 1778 of the cam discs 1730, 1732. Interaction of the core component 1710 with the pivoting cam 1734 causes the pivoting cam 1734 to rotate.

[0123]

[0218] The core component 1710 features an outwardly extending pin 1726 that extends into a trace 1752 to limit movement of the core component 1710. The trace 1752 includes a passageway 1754 that extends diagonally clockwise and counterclockwise for the pin 1726 to pass through as the core component 1710 pivots. The trace 1752 defines short and long cross sections 1756 and 1758 along the path of the picoting cam, thus preventing the pin 1726 from passing through the passageway 1754 in some circumstances.

[0124]

[0219] Springs 1760 bias core component 1710 toward a central position, with one spring more compressed than the other at each position, ie, upstream of trace 1752 and downstream of trace 1752.

[0125]

[0220] 89, it is contemplated that a rotary linear actuator 1780 coupled to a single transmission nut (not shown) may be used to drive the single transmission nut between positions that engage a first output module (not shown) and a second output module (not shown). However, without the development of the rotary linear actuator 1780, such an embodiment would be limited to a single transmission nut or transmission nuts with a fixed distance between them.

[0126]

[0221] 38 and 39, a first example of an output module 600 operable on a drive shaft to supply power is shown therethrough. The output module 600, which is voluntarily omits task-specific components, includes a stator assembly 610 and a rotor assembly 620 drivable by a drive shaft and having no locking mechanism associated therewith. The stator assembly 610 is adapted to be mounted to a frame, and when the rotor assembly 620 is subjected to rotational movement, the rotor assembly 620 pivots within the stator assembly 610 to transfer power to the task-specific components coupled to the rotor assembly 620.

[0127]

[0222] Stator assembly 610 includes a housing 612 with a rotor opening 614 extending across the housing 612 for a rotor assembly 620 to rotate freely therein.

[0128]

[0223] Rotor assembly 620 features an outer cylindrical surface 622 adapted to mate with housing 612 and an inner surface 624 adapted to connect, for example, to a transmission nut, e.g., transmission nut 150, or directly to a shaft. In the illustrated example, inner surface 624 features a key 616 adapted to mate with a splined shaft, the rotation of which causes rotor assembly 620 to pivot about the shaft axis.

[0129]

[0224] According to an embodiment, task-specific components such as those shown in Figures 46, 47, and 48 may be attached to the disks 626, 628 of the rotor assembly 620 or may be attached to the rotation surface 632 of the hub 630 of the rotor assembly 620.

[0130]

[0225] 45 and 46, the output module is a peristaltic pump 1300 that includes a series of rollers 1310 designed to sequentially apply pressure to a tube 1312 as the rotor assembly 1320 rotates about the drive shaft 136 as it is driven by the drive shaft and, in turn, by the transmission nut itself engaged thereto. The rollers 1310 are attached to a disk 1330 of the rotor assembly 1320.

[0131]

[0226] 47 and 48, the output module is a power supply 1350 that includes a series of pins 1360 that are designed to engage a toothed belt (not shown) and thereby drive the belt as the rotor assembly 1370 rotates about the drive shaft 136 as it is driven by a transmission nut engaged on the rotor assembly 1370, which is itself driven by the drive shaft. The pins 1360 are also attached to a disk 1380 on the rotor assembly 1370.

[0132]

[0227] Through example output module 1300 and example output module 1350, it is contemplated that there may be considerable variation in the nature of the output module and the work performed by the output module, e.g., converting pressure into a tube for a pumping function and the movement of a toothed belt coupled to another component into some work (e.g., mechanical work, pneumatic work, etc.). Thus, it is believed that the scope of work contemplated herein is intended to encompass converting power from a pivot into any other work.

[0133]

[0228] 52, 53, 54, and 55, an exemplary rotor 1530 of an output module is adapted to provide position as a work output driven by a drive shaft. The exemplary rotor 1530 includes a core 1532 having an outer surface 1534 ranging between a minimum diameter 1536 and a maximum diameter 1538. A follower 1540, e.g., a roller attached to an arm, is adapted to follow the outer surface and provide displacement as the diameter of the outer surface 1534 changes.

[0134]

[0229] Referring to Figures 86, 87, and 88, an exemplary rotor 1680 of the output module is adapted to have a cable (not shown) connected to it at an anchor 1682, such that movement of the rotor performs an action on the cable, such as winding the cable.

[0135]

[0230] 56 and 57, an example rotor 1550 is thicker than the stator (not shown) of the output module that houses the rotor 1550. The rotor 1550 features a gear 1552. The gear 1552 orbits outside of the housing provided by the rotor and is designed to interface with a gear to provide work to an external device, the work being in rotation therewith as a result of power transmitted by the drive shaft.

[0136]

[0231] 58 and 59, planetary gears 1560 may be coupled to or part of a rotor (not shown) of an output module. Planetary gear set 1560, via sun gear 1562, planet gears 1564, and ring gear 1566, allows for varying the rotational speed between the rotor and the output provided to a device connected to planetary gears 1560. In this case, the rotation of planetary gears 1560 at the varied rotational speed may be considered the work output of the output module.

[0137]

[0232] 40 and 41 , another example of an output module operable on a drive shaft to supply power is shown. Output module 700, voluntarily omitting task-specific components, includes a stator assembly 710 and a rotor assembly 720 drivable by a drive shaft, output module 700 including a nut sensing locking mechanism 740. Stator assembly 710 is adapted to be mounted to a frame, such that when rotor assembly 720 is subjected to rotational motion, rotor assembly 720 pivots within stator assembly 710 to transmit power to task-specific components coupled to rotor assembly 720.

[0138]

[0233] The stator assembly 710 includes a biasing means, for example, a spring 742, that biases the lock pin 744 toward the rotor assembly 720. The rotor assembly 720 includes a push knob 752 having a nut abutment end 754 with a surface that is inclined relative to the direction of the axis 705 of the rotor assembly 720. The push knob 752 is biasedly abutted by the lock pin 744, such that the nut abutment end 754 of the push knob 752 extends inward from the inner surface 724 of the hub 730. The rotor assembly 720 further includes a recess 762 that can accommodate the nut abutment end 754 of the push knob 752 when the push knob 752 is pushed by a transmission nut that engages with the output module 700. Thus, when the transmission nut is engaged, the nut abutment end 754 of the push knob 752 is received by the recess 762 and the push knob 752 pushes the locking pin 744 out of the rotor opening 714, allowing the rotor assembly 720 to rotate freely within the rotor opening 714.

[0139]

[0234] As soon as the transmission nut is disengaged from the stator assembly 710 and the locking pin 744 and push knob 752 are aligned with one another, the spring 742 causes the locking pin 744 to extend into the rotor assembly 720 and the push knob 752 to extend beyond the inner surface 724 of the rotor assembly 720 .

[0140]

[0235] 42, 43, 44, and 44A, another example of an output module operable on a driving drive shaft is shown therethrough. Output module 800, voluntarily omitting task-specific components, includes a stator assembly 810 and a rotor assembly 820 drivable by a drive shaft, with output module 800 including a shaft-controlled locking mechanism 870. Stator assembly 810 is adapted to be mounted on a frame such that rotational movement of rotor assembly 820 causes rotor assembly 820 to pivot within stator assembly 810 and transmit power to task-specific components coupled to rotor assembly 820. FIG. 44A shows a cam 874 with a three-way channel 875 that guides displacement of nut abutment end 862.

[0141]

[0236] The shaft-controlled locking mechanism 870 of the output module 800 is controllable by a keyed shaft that is controllable by an actuator, such as keyed shaft 175 of FIG. 1. The shaft-controlled locking mechanism 870 includes a latching mechanism 872 that includes a cam 874 having a shaft opening 876 designed to extend transversely from the keyed shaft, and a key 878 designed to mate with the keyed shaft, such that rotation of the keyed shaft also pivots the cam 874.

[0142]

[0237] The shaft-controlled locking mechanism 870 further includes a lock pin 860 biased toward the rotor assembly 820 by a spring 844, the lock pin 860 including a lock pin probe face 854 and further including a nut abutment end 862 that interfaces with a three-way channel 875 of a cam 874.

[0143]

[0238] The lock pin 860 features a first locked position in which the lock pin 860 blocks rotation of the rotor assembly 820 within the stator assembly 810, allowing the transmission nut to pass freely through the output module 800; a second locked probe position in which the lock pin 860 blocks rotation of the rotor assembly 820 within the stator assembly 810, preventing the transmission nut from passing through the output module 800, thus allowing the transmission nut to be probed; and a third unlocked position in which the lock pin 860 provides clearance for rotation of the rotor assembly 820 within the stator assembly 810.

[0144]

[0239] The three-way channel 875 of the cam 874 features a first position when the cam 874 rotates in a first direction and the nut abutment end 862 rests at the first end of the cam's travel in the three-way channel 875, securing the lock pin 680 in a first, locked position, and a second position when the cam 874 is midway through its travel between the first and second positions, where the nut abutment end 862 is free from the three-way channel 875 and the lock pin 860 moves to a second lock probe position and blocks movement of the lock pin probe face 854 when the output module 800 is not engaged with a transmission nut. The lock pin 860 is biased toward the rotor assembly 820 by the spring 844, and when the output module 800 is engaged with a transmission nut, the lock pin 860 remains in the first, locked position and blocks movement of the lock pin probe face 854 of the lock pin 860. The three-way channel 875 of the cam 874 features a third position where, when the cam 874 rotates in a second direction and the lock pin 860 is in the second lock probing position (transmission nut not engaged) prior to rotation, the nut abutment end 862 stops at the second cam travel end of the three-way channel 875, locking the lock pin 860 in the second lock probing position, or when the lock pin 860 is in the first lock position (transmission nut engaged) prior to rotation, the nut abutment end 862 stops at the third cam travel part of the three-way channel 875, locking the lock pin 860 in the unlocked position.

[0145]

[0240] This therefore confirms that the external locks are operational and synchronizes the locking state between output modules 800 that are crossed by the same keyed shaft.

[0146]

[0241] 49, 50, and 51, another exemplary embodiment of a mechanism portion of a rotor locking mechanism includes a rotating arm 1502 including an inner end 1504 and an outer end 1506. The rotating arm 1502 is movable in a first position in which the locking member 1502 is pushed outward and the inner end 1504 is located in a recess 1514, clearing a passageway 1520 in the rotor 1500. The rotating arm 1502 is further movable between a second position shown in FIGS. 52, 53, and 54 in which the locking member 1502 is pushed inward and the outer end 1506 is located in a recess 1516, partially blocking the passageway 1520 in the rotor 1500.

[0147]

[0242] See Figures 81 and 82. A passive solution may be used as the locking mechanism, for example a spring-loaded friction plate mechanism 1620 with a spring 1622 coupled to a friction plate 1624, whereby the friction plate 1624 provides a reaction force that is adjusted to the velocity of the parts being locked.

[0148]

[0243] 83, 84, and 85, an alternative locking mechanism includes a latch mechanism 1630 mounted on the output module (not shown) and an external actuation mechanism 1640 mounted on the outside of the output module and adapted to selectively penetrate the output module and press against a plate 1632, urging a fork 1634 toward a passage 1636 in the rotor. A spring-loaded arm 1638 features a hook portion 1642 at one end that interfaces with the fork 1634 and an abutment portion 1644 at the other end that extends into the passage 1636. Such a mechanism allows for limited control of the force required when locking occurs.

[0149]

[0244] 14, 15, 25, 26, and 27, an example drive shaft assembly 900 uses common elements to perform the functions of guide, leading, and power transmission components. FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the drive shaft assembly 900 and a side view of the drive shaft assembly 900.

[0150]

[0245] 14 shows a gearbox cap 2001, a dog clutch fork, a gearbox 2010 including a slot, and a locking plate 2011 interacting with a dog clutch 2020. The dog clutch mechanism allows for selective driving, e.g., rotation, of the lead screw or the entire drive shaft, depending on the embodiment, via control means as shown throughout the figure and in other figures.

[0151]

[0246] The drive shaft assembly 900 is motorized by a motor (not shown) and includes a clutch 920 that allows controllably motorizing any of three lead screws 930 to which a transmission nut 940 is attached, each lead screw 930 having a threaded hole 942 coupled to the drive shaft 930 and an oversized hole 944 coupled to the other lead screw 930, and which serves as a guide on the transmission nut 940.

[0152]

[0247] Throughout these exemplary embodiments, it is again envisioned that variations are available in the elements that perform the functions of guide element, leading element, and power transmission element. It is further envisioned that one component performs all three functions one at a time based on the current operating state of the drive shaft assembly 900. In this drive shaft, the guide element is embodied through the threads of the lead screw, the leading element is embodied through the threads of the lead screw, and the power supply element is embodied through the threads of the lead screw.

[0153]

[0248] 28, 29, 30, and 31, an example drive shaft assembly 1000 uses a stepper motor 1042 to drive a transmission nut 1040 along a rack 1020 portion of a worm drive 1045. In this exemplary embodiment, the leading component, stepper motor 1042, is integrated into the transmission nut 1040.

[0154]

[0249] In the exemplary drive shaft assembly 1000, the rack 1020 performs guide and power transmission functions. A step motor 1042, powered via bus bars 1022 attached to either side of the rack 1020, performs the leading function, guiding the transmission nut 1040 along the rack 1020 upon actuation of the worm drive 1045. In this drive shaft, the guide elements are embodied through three toothless faces of the shaft, the leading elements are embodied through teeth on the drive shaft, and the drive elements are embodied through three toothless faces of the shaft.

[0155]

[0250] As shown in FIG. 31 , the stepper motor 1042 is attached to the rack 1020 using a mounting element 1060 that terminates in a terminal 1062 that couples the stepper motor 1042 to the bus bar 1022. The mounting element 1060 extends to the side of the rack 1020, with the terminal passing through the groove 1010 in which the bus bar 1022 is received. This arrangement provides a guide for the stepper motor 1042, so that when the worm drive 1045 is actuated, the stepper motor 1042 moves along the drive shaft 136, where the guide element is embodied by the profile of the transmission nut, the leading element is embodied by the threads of the splined lead screw, and the power supply element is embodied by the spline.

[0156]

[0251] 23A, 23B, and 24, these figures illustrate a transmission nut 1800 adapted to be attached to a power splined lead screw. The transmission nut 1800 operates by remaining longitudinally stationary relative to the power splined lead screw when power is not applied. When power is applied, a clutch mechanism allows the transmission nut 1800 to move along the drive shaft. The transmission nut 1800 includes a frame 1802 including internal threads 1804 that mate with the threads of the splined lead screw, a transmission nut core 1806, a spring 1808, a connector 1810, a flanged sleeve bearing 1812, a spring 1814, a bearing 1816, a permanent magnet 1818, and a cap 1820 that can be threaded onto the frame 1802.

[0157]

[0252] Referring to Figures 32, 33 and 34, one example of a drive shaft assembly uses a magnetic motor to drive the transmission nut.

[0158]

[0253] The transmission nut 1140 includes an electrical connector and a magnetic component adapted to rotate the threaded core, thereby driving the transmission nut 1140 to move along the drive shaft and controllably locking the connection between the threaded core and the splined component to transmit power to an engaged output module (not shown).

[0159]

[0254] 32, 33, and 34, the transmission nut 1140 includes a body 1162, a bushing 1164, a connector support 1166, cores 1168, 1172, 1174, a magnet 1176, a bushing 1178, and a transmission nut element 1180. The transmission nut 1140 further includes a connector support 1184 and a connector 1186. The securing element 1182 is used to secure the components of the transmission nut 1140.

[0160]

[0255] 16, 35, 36, and 37, an example drive shaft assembly 1200 uses an engagement mechanism to lock a transmission nut 1240 onto a splined drive shaft 1220, also known as a drive shaft that includes external threads and a surface that fits over a thread profile that provides a guide surface. FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the drive shaft assembly 1200 and a side view of the drive shaft assembly 1200, respectively.

[0161]

[0256] The engagement mechanism of the transmission nut 1240 includes a male part adapted to fit into a groove 1222 of the drive shaft 1220 and lock the connection between the transmission nut 1240 and the drive shaft 1220 to transmit power therethrough when the clutch is engaged by abutting a surface, such as a retractable surface of an output module. The clutch mechanism 1242 is used to either pull the male part away from the drive shaft 1220 against the force applied by a spring 1274 or to release the male part into the groove 1222.

[0162]

[0257] 35, 36, and 37, the transmission nut 1240 includes a body 1262 that houses a first bushing 1264, a coil spring 1266, an outer dog clutch 1268 element, an inner dog clutch element 1272, a coil spring 1274, a second bushing 1276, a threaded portion 1278, a third bushing 1280, and a position transfer dog clutch element 1282. A mounting nut 1270 is used for assembly.

[0163]

[0258] 97 and 98, a clutch 1850 that can be used to operate a drive shaft according to one embodiment includes a frame element 1852, an output dog clutch support 1854, a dog clutch lock block 1856 including a protrusion 1857 that interfaces with a tether of a dog clutch 1858, an actuator 1866 coupled to a worm screw 1860, a spur gear 1862 with internal threads 1864, a screw gear 1870 including teeth 1872 extending radially about the axis of the screw gear 1870 and recesses in the teeth 1872 forming threads 1874, a clutch shaft coupling 1876, and a frame piece 1878. The clutch 1850 further includes an optical encoder (not shown) attached to the spur gear 1862 that exchanges signals with a controller.

[0164]

[0259] 21, 22, 17, 18, 19, and 20, another embodiment of a drive shaft assembly 1400 uses a guide circular shaft 1410 having a central passage 1412 through which a lead screw 1420 extends. The guide circular shaft 1410 includes a groove 1414 extending from its outer surface to the central passage 1412, which longitudinally guides a transmission nut 1450 attached to the guide circular shaft 1410 as it moves therein. According to one embodiment, the drive shaft 1410 is a split shaft. The interface between the projection 1452 of the transmission nut 1450 and the groove 1414 prevents the transmission nut 1450 from rotating when the guide circular shaft 1410 is not rotating.

[0165]

[0260] Throughout the exemplary embodiments, the system features guide elements, e.g., surfaces that are constant in the longitudinal direction and perform a guiding function for the transmission nut moving along the drive shaft; powering elements, e.g., non-cylindrical surfaces that provide a non-sliding function between the drive shaft and the transmission nut, such as when the drive shaft rotates about the drive axis, and the transmission nut is forced to rotate about the drive axis together with the drive shaft; leading elements, e.g., surfaces that can provide a longitudinal non-sliding interface so that the transmission nut may move longitudinally along the drive axis, such as the transmission nut being driven or driving along the drive axis between two positions along the drive axis.

[0166] Complete Mechanical System

[0261] A complete mechanical system represents all functional, independent systems that can be used to perform multiple specific tasks, either "as is" or as a component of a more complex, larger system. A complete mechanical system is available in multiple different final configurations. A complete mechanical system represents the set of all possible configurations.

[0167]

[0262] According to a preferred embodiment, the complete mechanical system should contain a single control module (ie, only one).

[0168] Multiple complete mechanical systems

[0263] According to an embodiment, a plurality of complete mechanical systems includes one control module connected to a plurality of drive systems, each drive system being connected to one single mechanical demultiplexer, one dual mechanical demultiplexer, one multiple selectable mechanical demultiplexer, one multiple simultaneous mechanical demultiplexer, or one combined mechanical demultiplexer, and including multiple output modules, zero or one or more standard mechanical power and position transmission components, and zero or one or more external modules, and for all main motors in the complete mechanical system, the main motor configuration is either a single fully mechanical system or a dual fully mechanical system, depending on whether the configuration of the mechanical demultiplexer connected to the main motor is a single mechanical demultiplexer or a dual mechanical demultiplexer.

[0169]

[0264] According to one embodiment, a plurality of complete mechanical systems comprises one control module connected to one drive system that controls a plurality of main motor systems, each main motor system being connected to one single mechanical demultiplexer, one dual mechanical demultiplexer, one multiple selectable mechanical demultiplexer, one multiple simultaneous mechanical demultiplexer, or one combined mechanical demultiplexer, one or more output modules, zero, one, or more standard mechanical power and position transmission components, and zero, one, or more external modules, and for all main motors in this complete mechanical system, the main motor configuration is either a single complete mechanical system or a dual complete mechanical system, depending on whether the configuration of the mechanical demultiplexer connected to the main motor is a single mechanical demultiplexer or a dual mechanical demultiplexer.

[0170]

[0265] According to one embodiment, a multiple complete mechanical system comprises one control module connected to multiple drive components that control multiple motor systems, each motor system connected to one single mechanical demultiplexer, one dual mechanical demultiplexer, one multiple selectable mechanical demultiplexer, one multiple simultaneous mechanical demultiplexer, or one combined mechanical demultiplexer, one or more output modules, zero, one, or more standard mechanical power and position transmission components, and zero, one, or more external modules, and for all main motors in the complete mechanical system, the main motor configuration is either a single complete mechanical system or a dual complete mechanical system, depending on whether the configuration of the mechanical demultiplexer connected to the main motor is a single mechanical demultiplexer or a dual mechanical demultiplexer.

[0171]

[0266] According to one embodiment, when multiple mechanical outputs need to operate simultaneously at different rotational speeds, a multiple complete mechanical system can be used. A multiple complete mechanical system consists of two or more mechanical demultiplexers whose demultiplexing sections are arranged in parallel and connected to each other via mechanical link add-ons for each aligned output module that needs to operate simultaneously at different rotational speeds. This allows the connected output modules to become a single mechanical output that can be controlled by one or a combination of the demultiplexing section drive shafts.

[0172]

[0267] According to an embodiment, in the very special case of a manually operated system, the control module and embedded electronic system are replaced by a user manually operating a mechanical demultiplexer mechanism with a user actuated crank, which replaces the actuator unit, the user actuated main motor and clutch position selection lever.

[0173]

[0268] According to an embodiment, the simplest configuration of a complete mechanical system consists of the following essential subsystems: The control module is the user; The drive system is a crank actuated by the user; The mechanical demultiplexer is a simultaneous section assembly, and the output module is a single output module; The user can manually operate the output module using the crank.

[0174] Mechanical Demultiplexer Types

[0269] Thus, mechanical demultiplexers may be available in several different configurations: A single mechanical demultiplexer may include one mechanical demultiplexer with a mechanical input coupled to an output module and one end of a drive shaft. Dual mechanical demultiplexers can include modules coupled to either side of the drive shaft and one mechanical demultiplexer with a mechanical input coupled to the center of the drive shaft. · A multi-selectable mechanical demultiplexer which may include single and / or dual mechanical demultiplexers interconnected through their output modules in the demultiplexing section, with redundant single and / or dual mechanical demultiplexers connectable in a similar fashion. · Multiple simultaneous mechanical demultiplexers which may include single and / or dual mechanical demultiplexers interconnected via their output modules or mechanical power and position transmission components or via drive shaft inputs in the simultaneous section, with redundant single and / or dual mechanical demultiplexers connectable in a similar fashion. · Hybrid mechanical demultiplexers that may include combinations of single mechanical demultiplexers, and / or dual mechanical demultiplexers, and / or multiple selectable mechanical demultiplexer connection structures, and / or multiple simultaneous mechanical demultiplexer connection structures, in any order or configuration.

[0175]

[0270] According to an embodiment, a mechanical demultiplexer directly coupled to the motor of a multi-selectable mechanical demultiplexer can operate autonomously without selecting and activating any other mechanical demultiplexer.

[0176] motor

[0271] In this description, the term "motor" refers to all subsystems, assemblies, and components that provide torque, rotational speed, and / or angular position to the drive shaft assembly of a mechanical demultiplexer.

[0177]

[0272] According to one embodiment, the main motor system may include, but is not limited to, the motor and all components that enable operation of the motor, such as starting, stopping, angular positioning, monitoring and changing rotational speed, reversing rotational direction, etc.

[0178]

[0273] Exemplary compatible motors include electric DC motors, electric AC motors, step motors, servo motors, hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors, internal combustion engines, and other mechanical power sources.

[0179]

[0274] According to one embodiment, a motor with discrete angular positioning is best suited to powering a mechanical demultiplexer, while a motor without discrete angular positioning is typically coupled to a clutch. The clutch allows the motor to be engaged and disengaged, allowing a secondary motor with discrete angular positioning to be connected. The secondary motor's task may include angular positioning to change operating modes via a transmission nut. Such a secondary motor is typically not used to transmit torque or rotational speed in this operating mode.

[0180] drive shaft

[0275] In this description, based on the explanations provided so far, the drive shaft is adapted to transmit at least one of the torque, rotational speed, and angular position provided by the motor to the rotor of the output module.

[0181]

[0276] The drive shaft, according to an embodiment, typically extends longitudinally at the drive axis of the mechanical demultiplexer, and mechanically couples the components of the mechanical demultiplexer.

[0182]

[0277] The drive shaft can be subdivided into various sections based on function and connections, including but not limited to the following sections: A demultiplexing section from which selectable output modules can be disengaged and to which they are connected. A synchronization section connecting continuously operating modules and mechanical power and position transmitting components that cannot be disengaged. It may include a center shaft drive shaft end section. Main motor section. · A drive shaft end section at the end of the drive shaft assembly to which an external module for continuous operation can be connected. An independent clutch mechanism section drive shaft, where the drive shaft can be connected and disengaged from the motor using an independent clutch mechanism.

[0183]

[0278] Generally, a drive shaft has a single mechanical input and up to three types of mechanical outputs.

[0184]

[0279] The first type of mechanical output allows the torque and rotational speed provided by the main motor system to be transmitted to one or more output modules, and / or to one or more standard mechanical power and position transmission components, and / or to one or more external modules that operate continuously and require continuous motion without precise angular positioning.

[0185]

[0280] The second type of mechanical output allows the torque, rotational speed, and angular position provided by the main motor system to be transferred to one or more output modules selected from a plurality of output modules.

[0186]

[0281] A third type of mechanical output allows the torque and rotational speed provided by the main motor system to be transmitted only during Operation Mode 2 of the demultiplexing section drive shaft assembly, which does not transmit rotational motion during Operation Mode 3, to one or more output modules and / or one or more standard mechanical power and position transmission components and / or one or more external modules that operate continuously and require continuous motion without precise angular positioning.

[0187]

[0282] The drive shaft assembly has three operating modes: Operating Mode 1 (Neutral Mode), Operating Mode 2 (Transmission Mode), and Operating Mode 3.X (Selection Mode). Different sections of the drive shaft can operate simultaneously in different operating modes.

[0188]

[0283] Some configurations of the demultiplexing section drive shaft are capable of operating modes 2 and 3. Some configurations of the demultiplexing section drive shaft are capable of operating modes 1, 2, and 3. Operating modes 1 and 2 can be operated in an independent clutch mechanism for operating mode 1.

[0189]

[0284] The first operating mode (1) (neutral mode) is an operating mode in which the mechanical output is disconnected from the mechanical input, disconnecting the section between the main motor and the disconnect position from the remainder of the center shaft drive shaft.

[0190]

[0285] Operation mode 1 can be activated in the demultiplexing section drive shaft and an independent clutch mechanism for operation mode 1.

[0191]

[0286] There are two ways to achieve full neutral mode and one way to achieve partial neutral mode.

[0192]

[0287] The first way to achieve a fully neutral mode is to add independent clutch mechanisms to connect and disconnect the transmission shafts on each side of the clutch, similar to the independent clutch mechanisms for the operating mode 1 system.

[0193]

[0288] A second way to achieve a fully neutral mode is to add an additional position in the mechanism for transitioning the operating mode of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, dedicated to the neutral mode.

[0194]

[0289] Partial neutral mode disconnects all output modules in the demultiplexing section from the mechanical input. It is called partial neutral mode because the end of the demultiplexing section drive shaft is always the active mechanical output.

[0195]

[0290] The partial neutral mode can be achieved by adding an equal or greater number of idle transmission nuts or idle output modules with locking functions to the center shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft than the number of existing transmission nuts, allowing the demultiplexing section drive shaft to stop all existing transmission nuts, thereby disconnecting all output modules in the demultiplexing section.

[0196]

[0291] The second operating mode (2) (transmission mode) allows the torque and rotational speed provided by the main motor system to be transferred to one or more mechanical outputs.

[0197]

[0292] Operational mode 2 can be activated on the demultiplexing section drive shaft and an independent clutch mechanism for operational mode 1.

[0198]

[0293] When the demultiplexing section drive shaft is in Operation Mode 2, the torque and rotational speed provided by the main motor system are transmitted to the selected output module or modules. Regardless of the configuration group of the demultiplexing section, the torque and rotational speed provided by the main motor system are transmitted to the end of the demultiplexing section drive shaft assembly.

[0199]

[0294] When the independent clutch mechanism for operating mode 1 is in operating mode 2, the mechanical input is connected to the mechanical output and the torque and rotational speed provided by the main motor system is transmitted to the mechanical output.

[0200]

[0295] The transition from Operating Mode 2 to Operating Mode 1 transfers the angular position provided by the main motor system to the remainder of the central shaft drive shaft. The transfer of angular position is accomplished by stopping the rotation of the central shaft drive shaft assembly at a precise position and disconnecting the mechanical output from the mechanical input.

[0201]

[0296] The transition from Operation Mode 2 to Operation Mode 3.X transmits the angular position provided by the main motor system to the output module by stopping the rotation of the demultiplexing section drive shaft assembly at a precise position and decoupling the transmission nut assembly from the positioned rotor.

[0202]

[0297] If the demultiplexing section drive shaft assembly stops rotating in a position other than one of the locked and linear displacement positions, or if the output module function requires reverse rotation before rotor disengagement, the demultiplexing section drive shaft assembly must rotate in the reverse direction to place the movable clutch nut assembly in one of the locked and linear displacement positions, after which the movable clutch nut assembly can simply be moved to the next selected rotor.

[0203]

[0298] If the demultiplexing section drive shaft assembly stops rotating in either the locked or linear displacement position and the output module function does not require forcing the rotor to reverse rotation before disconnecting, the movable clutch nut assembly can simply move to the next selected rotor.

[0204]

[0299] In the third operating mode (3 or 3.1 to 3.X) (selection mode), it is possible to select an output module in the demultiplexing section.

[0205]

[0300] The selection of the output module or OP3.X is performed in different ways depending on the configuration of the assembly of the demultiplexing section used.

[0206]

[0301] The selection of an output module is achieved by linear displacement (translation without rotation in the shaft) and precise positioning of one or more transmission nuts along the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft. The third operating mode integrates all possible combinations of linear movement and positioning of the transmission nuts. Each combination of these linear movements and positioning causes the embedded electronic system, via the actuator unit and the mechanism for transitioning operating modes, to perform a series of movements and positioning that result in the selection of an output module. These various possible combinations are identified by the dot following the number 3.

[0207]

[0302] The operating mode 3.X can only be activated in the demultiplexing section.

[0208]

[0303] To implement this mode of operation, some configurations use a combination of enabling and / or disabling mechanisms for transitioning between operational modes and precision rotation of the main motor.

[0209]

[0304] To implement this mode of operation, some configurations use only enabling and / or disabling mechanisms for transitioning between operating modes, with the main motor remaining off.

[0210]

[0305] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in some configuration groups of demultiplexing section drive shaft assemblies, the central shaft assembly of the demultiplexing section drive shaft remains stationary during this mode of operation.

[0211]

[0306] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a particular configuration group of demultiplexing section drive shaft assemblies, the central shaft assembly of the demultiplexing section drive shaft must rotate on its axis to linearly displace (translate without rotation on the axis) one or more transmission nuts along the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft. In this case, torque and speed provided by the main motor system are transmitted to the end of the drive shaft, which is a first type of mechanical output (type 1 mechanical output).

[0212]

[0307] The assembly of the mechanism for operational mode transitions represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components involved in implementing the current operational mode and changing the operational mode of the system from the current operational mode to the next operational mode.

[0213]

[0308] The implementation of an operating mode can be simple, involving a single subsystem being controlled, or complex, involving multiple identical or different subsystems being controlled and coordinated.

[0214]

[0309] A mechanical demultiplexer can have multiple mechanical inputs if they are connected to a mechanism that allows only one mechanical input to be powered at a time, or if the mechanical inputs are mechanically linked, such as a differential.

[0215]

[0310] The demultiplexing section of the drive shaft can be performed by at least four types of mechanisms, including a barrel mechanism, a splined lead screw, a rack gear, and a rotary linear actuator.

[0216] Barrel mechanism type

[0311] The barrel mechanism type has a combination of one or more lead screws and one or more linear guides used to move one or more transmission nuts along their travel path. Leading is provided by the lead screws. All lead screws can be replaced with ball screws, and vice versa. Guiding is provided by linear guides. Power is provided by the linear guides and rotation around the central axis of the locked lead screw and linear guide assembly.

[0217]

[0312] The barrel mechanism type has a mechanism for shifting the operating mode installed at the beginning of their assembly, and the transmission nut does not have a mechanism for shifting the operating mode or any electrical components associated with the mechanism.

[0218]

[0313] Linear guides are available in several different configurations that have the same function but use different profile shapes to accomplish it. Some of the possible profile shapes include, but are not limited to, round linear guides, oblong linear guides, elliptical linear guides, stadium-shaped linear guides, polygonal linear guides (triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.), slotted / keyed linear guides, or splined linear guides. Some of the round linear guide configurations may also have lead screw threads machined across the entire guide surface. These configurations allow for simultaneous guiding and movement of the transmission nut.

[0219]

[0314] The barrel mechanism type can be divided into three subtypes: central linear guide, eccentric linear guide, and central linear guide and eccentric linear guide. The central linear guide and eccentric linear guide can be further divided into two subtypes: single transmission nut with central lead screw and multiple transmission nut.

[0220]

[0315] The central linear guide subtype includes a linear guide concentric with the axis of rotation of the central shaft assembly of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, and can have different profile shapes as described in any of the previous paragraphs. When this subtype is associated with the central lead screw subtype, the central linear guide includes a central hole and at least one slot.

[0221]

[0316] Eccentric linear guide subtypes include one or more linear guides whose central axis is not parallel to and concentric with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft and can have different profile shapes, as mentioned in one of the previous paragraphs.

[0222]

[0317] The central linear guide and eccentric linear guide subtypes include combinations of central linear guide subtypes and eccentric linear guide subtypes.

[0223]

[0318] The single transmission nut with central lead screw subtype is a group of configurations for the assembly of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, in which only one transmission nut can be controlled by the central lead screw.

[0224]

[0319] To change the operating mode of the barrel mechanism type demultiplexing drive shaft, the embedded electronic system controls, via the main motor system, the rotation of the main motor connected to the mechanical input shaft, which always follows the operation of the main motor, either directly or via another drive shaft, and also controls, via an actuator unit, a mechanism for transitioning the operating mode, including without limitation, a dog clutch or clutch position, which is located immediately next to the mechanical input, connected to the clutch inner shaft, and connected to the clutch fork connected to the mechanical output of the actuator unit, and, if necessary, controls, via the actuator unit, a rotor locking mechanism attached to the main frame.

[0225]

[0320] In this configuration, the movement and position of the dog clutch or clutch along the clutch inner shaft determines the operating mode. The main motor must not be operated to allow a change of operating mode unless a mechanical actuator unit with direction reversal is used.

[0226]

[0321] Some configurations can activate operating modes 2 and 3. In this case, the dog clutch has only two positions, the first position is for OP2 and the second position is for OP3.

[0227]

[0322] Some configurations can operate in operating modes 1, 2, and 3. In this case, the dog clutch has only three positions, the first position is for OP2, the second position is for OP1, and the third position is for OP3.

[0228]

[0323] In operating mode 2, the dog clutch or clutch connects the clutch inner shaft to a mechanical input shaft, which can be connected to the main motor or another drive shaft. If this arrangement cannot operate OP1, the inner lead screw is connected to the mechanical input shaft and follows its motion. If this arrangement can operate OP1, the inner lead screw is disconnected from the mechanical input shaft and connected to the clutch inner shaft and follows its motion. The rotation of the main motor controls the clutch inner shaft and, therefore, the entire drive shaft.

[0229]

[0324] In operating mode 1, the dog clutch or clutch connects the clutch inner shaft to the main frame, locking it in place and decoupling it from the mechanical input shaft, and the inner lead screw remains decoupled from the mechanical input shaft and connected to the clutch inner shaft. Rotation of the main motor has no effect on the inner lead screw and clutch inner shaft.

[0230]

[0325]

[0546] In operating mode 3, a dog clutch or clutch connects the clutch inner shaft to the main frame, locking it in place and keeping it disconnected from the mechanical input shaft, and if this arrangement cannot actuate OP1, the inner lead screw connects to the mechanical input shaft and follows its movement, or if this arrangement can actuate OP1, a mechanism connects the inner lead screw to the mechanical input shaft and allows the main motor to control the movement of the transmission nut. Rotation of the main motor controls the inner lead screw.

[0231]

[0326] The multiple transmission nut subtype is a group of configurations of demultiplexing section drive shaft central shaft assemblies that can simultaneously and / or sequentially control multiple transmission nuts.

[0232]

[0327] The multiple transmission nut subtypes can be divided into six subtypes: eccentric lead screw, central lead screw and eccentric lead screw, eccentric linear guide with lead screw threads, eccentric linear guide with central lead screw and lead screw threads, eccentric linear guide with eccentric lead screw and lead screw threads, and eccentric linear guide with central lead screw and eccentric lead screw and lead screw threads.

[0233]

[0328] All six subtypes are controlled by the same mechanism for rotating the lead screw, which is connected to a gear carriage within a gearbox that is used to control the lead screw of the transmission nut.

[0234]

[0329] An eccentric lead screw includes one or more lead screws whose central axis is not parallel to and concentric with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

[0235]

[0330] The lead screw threaded eccentric linear guide includes one or more lead screws with a special outer surface used as a linear guide surface, and the central axis is not parallel to and concentric with the rotation axis of the drive shaft.

[0236]

[0331] Central and eccentric lead screws include one or more lead screws whose central axis is not parallel to and concentric with the drive shaft's axis of rotation, and include lead screws that are concentric with the drive shaft's axis of rotation.

[0237]

[0332] The eccentric linear guide with a central lead screw and a lead screw thread subtype or an eccentric lead screw, the eccentric linear guide with a lead screw thread subtype or a central lead screw and an eccentric lead screw, and the eccentric linear guide with a lead screw thread subtype include combinations of eccentric linear guides with lead screw thread subtypes and / or eccentric lead screw subtypes and / or central lead screw and eccentric lead screw subtypes.

[0238]

[0333] To change the operating mode, this component group operates exactly the same as the above component group of the sub-type single transmission nut with central lead screw. The only difference is that the mechanical input shaft is not connected to the central lead screw, but has a drive shaft that passes through the gear carriage inside the gearbox to operate the internal gear of the gearbox.

[0239]

[0334] Some configurations can operate in operating modes 2 and 3.X. In this case, the dog clutch has multiple positions, the first position is for operating mode 2 and all other positions are for operating modes 3.1 through 3.X.

[0240]

[0335] Some configurations can operate in operating modes 1, 2, and 3.X. In this case, the dog clutch has multiple positions, with the first position being for operating mode 2, the second position being for operating mode 1, and all other positions being for operating modes 3.1 through 3.X.

[0241]

[0336] This component group uses one or more lead screws to control the linear displacement of each transmission nut during operating modes 3.1 to 3.X.

[0242]

[0337] This dog clutch or clutch is connected to a gear carriage within the gearbox, which is used to control the lead screw of the transmission nut. Depending on the gearbox configuration and the position of the mechanism for the operational mode transition, the transmission nuts can be controlled individually, or some or all of the transmission nuts on the drive shaft can be controlled simultaneously. One or more lead screws can be used to control the linear displacement of each transmission nut. The number of transmission nuts on the demultiplexing section drive shaft assembly determines the minimum and maximum number of operational mode transition mechanism positions required to individually and / or simultaneously control all possible unique combinations of the transmission nuts. To determine the maximum number of positions, follow the formula (X = (2^n)), where (n) is the number of transmission nuts and (X) is the maximum number of positions and unique combinations. To create a gear carriage configuration, create a "truth table" with (n) rows and (2^n) columns, with the last column at the beginning of the table. 1 is the drive gear and 0 is the gear carriage's gear guide. The columns must then be rearranged so that the ones and zeros form a diagonal column representing the lateral movement of the gear carriage.

[0243]

[0338] If it is necessary to add Operation Mode 1, an additional position must be added to the gear carriage. This additional position allows for the lead screw rotation to be locked while still exiting Operation Mode 2, because the lead screw gear does not leave the lock zone of the gear carriage and does not contact the drive gear of the gear carriage.

[0244]

[0339] In operating mode 2, a dog clutch or clutch connects the clutch inner shaft to a mechanical input shaft, which can be connected to the main motor or another drive shaft, and all lead screws are within the lock zone of the gear carriage. The rotation of the main motor controls the clutch inner shaft and, therefore, the entire drive shaft.

[0245]

[0340] In operating mode 1, the dog clutch or clutch connects the clutch inner shaft to the main frame and locks it in place, disconnecting it from the mechanical input shaft, and the lead screw remains in the lock zone of the gear carriage. Main motor rotation has no effect on the lead screw and clutch inner shaft. Main motor rotation has no effect on the lead screw and clutch inner shaft.

[0246]

[0341] In operating modes 3.1 through 3.X, the dog clutch or clutches connect the clutch inner shaft to the main frame, locking it in place and remaining disconnected from the mechanical input shaft, and each position of the dog clutch or clutches aligns one or more drive gears of the gear carriage with different configurations of one or more lead screw gears, allowing the main motor to control movement of the transmission nut. Rotation of the main motor controls the lead screw.

[0247]

[0342] These types and subtypes of demultiplexing section drive shaft center shaft assemblies can be combined with multiple transmission nuts of the same or different configurations.

[0248] Splined lead screw type

[0343] The splined lead screw type has a unique lead screw with at least one spline machined along its entire length, which is used to move one or more transmission nuts along a travel path. Leading is provided by the lead screw threads. Guidance is provided by splines or a locked rotor stack, depending on the type and configuration of the installed transmission nut. Power is provided by the splines.

[0249]

[0344] The central shaft of the splined lead screw type demultiplexing section drive shaft does not include any mechanism for transitioning operating modes at the end, because the mechanism for transitioning operating modes is partially present in the interchangeable transmission nut.

[0250]

[0345] The splined lead screw type can be divided into two subtypes: mechanical and electrical.

[0251] Mechanical Subtype

[0346] The central shaft assembly of the splined lead screw type and mechanical sub-type demultiplexing section drive shaft can be combined with one or more transmission nuts of the mechanical sub-type internal mechanism type.

[0252]

[0347] To change the operating mode, the embedded electronic system controls, via the main motor system, the rotation of the main motor connected directly or via another drive shaft to the mechanical input of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft of the splined lead screw type and mechanical subtype, and controls, via an actuator unit, the rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator, the rotor locking mechanism attached to the rotor, and the rotor locking mechanism attached to the main frame that controls all output module add-ons and transmission nut stop plate add-ons present in this section, and controls, via the actuator unit, a mechanism for transitioning the operating mode. The mechanism for transitioning the operating mode includes, without limitation, one or more transmission nuts of the internal mechanism type and mechanical subtype connected to the travel path section of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, and, if necessary, one or more idle output modules with locking functions connected to transmission nut stop plate add-ons individually connected to actuator units and controlled by the embedded electronic system for each transmission nut present minus one.

[0253]

[0348] In this configuration group, the locking idle output module connected to the transmission nut stop plate add-on and the internally-mechanized transmission nut type and mechanical subtype transmission nuts are considered to be mechanisms for operating mode transition.

[0254]

[0349] When an outer portion of the mechanism for transitioning the operating mode of the transmission nut contacts the stop plate of the transmission nut stop plate add-on in the active mode, the mechanism for transitioning the operating mode changes to transition from the de-clutch mode to the clutch mode, and when the stop plate of the transmission nut stop plate add-on is in the inactive mode, the mechanism for transitioning the operating mode changes to transition from the clutch mode to the de-clutch mode.

[0255]

[0350] If a complete OP1 needs to be added to this configuration group, an additional independent clutch mechanism for operating mode 1 must be added to the mechanical input of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft configuration. This additional subsystem allows for switching from OP2 to OP1 and from OP1 to OP2. To switch between OP1 and OP2 or vice versa, the main motor must not be running.

[0256] Electrical Subtype

[0351] The splined lead screw type and electric subtype multiplexing drive shaft assembly is a splined lead screw type and mechanical subtype demultiplexing section drive shaft assembly that includes one or more electrical slide conductor rail bus bars along its travel path. The electrical slide conductor rail bus bars are directly connected to slip rings at the mechanical input of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft. The electrical slide conductor rail bus bars contain multiple pairs of electrical slide conductors.

[0257]

[0352] The splined lead screw type and electric subtype demultiplexing drive shaft assembly can be combined with one or more transmission nuts of the internal mechanism type and electric subtype.

[0258]

[0353] To change the operating mode, the embedded electronic system controls, via the main motor system, the rotation of the main motor connected directly or via another drive shaft to the mechanical input of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft of the splined lead screw type, electric subtype, and multiplexed electric slide conductor rail busbar subtype, and controls, via an actuator unit, a rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator, a rotor locking mechanism attached to the rotor, and a rotor locking mechanism attached to the main frame that controls all output modules and all idle output modules with locking functions present in this section, and controls, via the actuator unit, a mechanism for transitioning the operating mode. The mechanism for transitioning the operating mode includes, without limitation, one or more transmission nuts of the transmission nut type with internal mechanism, electric subtype, and subtype without internal relay circuits individually connected to actuator units and controlled by the embedded electronic system, connected to the movement path section of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, and, if necessary, one or more idle output modules with locking functions controlled by the rotor locking mechanism attached to the main frame for each transmission nut present minus one.

[0259]

[0354] In this configuration group, the idle output module with a locking function and the transmission nut type with an internal mechanism, an electrical subtype, and a subtype without an internal relay circuit are considered as the operating mode transition mechanism.

[0260]

[0355] If a complete OP1 needs to be added to this configuration group, an additional independent clutch mechanism for operating mode 1 must be added to the mechanical input of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft configuration. This additional subsystem allows switching from OP2 to OP1 and from OP1 to OP2. To switch between OP1 and OP2 or vice versa, the main motor must not be running.

[0261]

[0356] In operation mode 1, the independent clutch mechanism for operation mode 1 is set to OP1, and the rotor lock mechanism attached to the main frame is set to lock mode. In this case, all rotors of the output module are locked, and all electric slide conductor rail bus bars send a signal to set the transmission nut to clutch mode. The rotation of the main motor does not affect the drive shaft of this section and all subsequent sections.

[0262]

[0357] In Operational Mode 2, the rotor locking mechanism mounted on the mainframe is set to unlocked mode. In this case, all rotors on the output modules and idle output modules with locking transmission nuts are unlocked. The other rotors on the output modules and idle output modules with locking functions remain locked. The actuator unit, including the electric sliding conductor rail busbar, sends a signal to set the transmission nuts to clutch mode. At least one transmission nut must be in one output module to be considered in OP2. If the rotor locking mechanism mounted on the mainframe is set to unlocked mode but all transmission nuts are in idle output modules with locking functions, this is considered a partial OP1 condition. If an independent clutch mechanism for Operational Mode 1 is present, it is set to OP2. The entire drive shaft is controlled by the rotation of the main motor.

[0263]

[0358] In Operational Modes 3.1 through 3.X, rotation of the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft is used to simultaneously move all transmission nuts along their travel paths. The transmission nuts can be individually controlled, or some or all of the transmission nuts on the drive shaft can be simultaneously controlled to clutch or declutch. To position a transmission nut in or out of an output module and / or in or out of an idle output module, a lock is used to capture the transmission nut at a specific position along the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft travel path, allowing other transmission nuts to continue moving along their travel paths, thereby changing the relative position of the transmission nut relative to the other transmission nuts. The number of Operational Modes 3.X is equal to the number of all possible unique combinations of lockable idle output modules present in the demultiplexing section assembly. To determine the number of Operational Modes 3.X, the following formula must be followed: X = n * (2^n), where (n) is the number of lockable idle output modules and (X) is the number of unique combinations, or the number of OP3s. To create the table for OP3, create a "truth table" with (n) columns and (2^n) rows, where 1 represents the locked mode of the idle output module with locking function, and 0 represents the unlocked mode. In OP3, the rotor locking mechanism attached to the main frame is set to locked mode by the actuator unit. In this case, all rotors of the output module are locked, so the transmission nut can move along its travel path. The actuator unit, including the electric slide conductor rail busbar, sends a signal to set the transmission nut to clutch mode or declutch mode. If an independent clutch mechanism exists for operating mode 1, it is set to OP2. The entire drive shaft is controlled by the rotation of the main motor.

[0264]

[0359] The splined lead screw type and electric sub-type demultiplexing drive shaft assemblies can be combined with one or more transmission nuts with internal motors.

[0265]

[0360] To change the operating mode, the embedded electronic system controls the rotation of a main motor connected directly or via another drive shaft to the mechanical input of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft of the splined lead screw type, electric subtype, and multiplexed electric slide conductor rail busbar subtype via a main motor system, and controls the mechanism for transitioning the operating mode via an actuator unit. The mechanism for transitioning the operating mode includes, without limitation, one or more transmission nuts of the lead screw subtype with internal motors connected to the movement path sections of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, each individually connected to an actuator unit by the embedded electronic system and controlled by the embedded electronic system.

[0266]

[0361] In this configuration group, the free space can be used for an idle transmission nut.

[0267]

[0362] In this configuration group, if a complete OP1 needs to be added, an additional independent clutch mechanism for operating mode 1 must be added to the mechanical input of the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft configuration. This additional subsystem allows for switching from OP2 to OP1 and from OP1 to OP2. To switch between OP1 and OP2 or vice versa, the main motor must not be stopped.

[0268]

[0363] In operation mode 1, the current independent clutch mechanism for operation mode 1 is set to OP1. The internal motor of the transmission nut type with built-in motor is set to inactive mode. The rotation of the main motor does not affect the drive shaft of this section and all subsequent sections.

[0269]

[0364] In operation mode 2, the internal motor of the transmission nut of the transmission nut type with built-in motor is set to inactive mode, and at least one transmission nut must be in one output module to be considered in OP2 state. If all transmission nuts are in the free space for idle transmission nuts, this is considered a partial OP1 state. If an independent clutch mechanism for operation mode 1 is present, it is set to OP2. The entire drive shaft is controlled by the rotation of the main motor.

[0270]

[0365] In operating modes 3.1 through 3.X, the lead screw teeth on the central shaft of the demultiplexing section drive shaft are used by the internal motor of the transmission nut to move along the travel path, while the main motor does not rotate. The internal motor of the internally motorized transmission nut type can be set to left operating mode, right operating mode, or inactive mode. The transmission nuts can be controlled individually, or some or all of the transmission nuts on the drive shaft can be controlled simultaneously. The number of operating modes 3.X is equal to the number of all possible unique combinations of controlled transmission nuts present in the demultiplexing section assembly. To determine the number of operating modes 3.X, follow the formula: X = n * (3^n) - 1, where (n) is the number of transmission nuts and (X) is the number of unique combinations, or the number of OP3s. To create the OP3 table, a "truth table" with (n) columns and (3^n) rows is created. where L represents the movement of the transmission nut to the left, R represents the movement of the transmission nut to the right, and 0 represents the transmission nut not moving. If an independent clutch mechanism exists for operation mode 1, it is set to OP2. The rotation of the main motor controls the entire drive shaft.

[0271] Rack gear type

[0366] The rack gear type uses a rack gear to move one or more transmission nuts with an internal motor along a travel path.

[0272]

[0367] For functioning and changing operating modes, the rack gear type operates in exactly the same way as the splined lead screw type and electric subtype demultiplexing drive shaft assemblies combined with one or more transmission nuts with built-in motors.

[0273]

[0368] The rack-gear type demultiplexing drive shaft assembly can be combined with one or more transmission nuts with built-in motors.

[0274] Rotary Linear Actuator Type

[0369] A rotary linear actuator is a special type in which a rotary linear actuator is used in place of one of the three types of demultiplexing section drive shaft assemblies mentioned above. A transmission nut is fixed to the end of the transmission shaft of the rotary linear actuator, which allows the rotary linear actuator to perform two operating modes. When a rotary linear actuator type exists in a complete mechanical system, the rotary linear actuator also replaces the main motor system and the mechanism for operating mode transition.

[0275]

[0370] According to one embodiment, two rotary linear actuator types can be used simultaneously to control two transmission nuts simultaneously when a rotary linear actuator is located on each side of the demultiplexing section.

[0276] Transmission nut

[0371] The transmission nut represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components intended to connect and / or disconnect the demultiplexing drive shaft assembly to one or more rotors by clutching and / or declutching the demultiplexing drive shaft assembly to the rotors.

[0277]

[0372] The basic transmission nut type is the simplest transmission nut because it does not have an internal mechanism for transitioning between operating modes. Transmission nuts have features such as, but not limited to, a threaded hole for the lead screw, a through hole for another lead screw if necessary, a contact surface for a linear guide, and a contact surface for the guide.

[0278]

[0373] According to one embodiment, but without limitation, a basic transmission nut with a reservoir can be a two-part assembly of a split transmission nut core with an internal lubricant reservoir and, if necessary, a bushing and / or frictionless plate for the linear guide and / or a threaded insert for the lead screw.

[0279]

[0374] The transmission nut may include a casing and an internal mechanism, the latter designed for transitioning between operating modes.

[0280]

[0375] The internal mechanism includes a clutch that engages the transmission nut casing and allows the transmission nut to be fixed at its current position along the drive shaft, and the clutch that disengages the clutch from the transmission nut casing, thereby disengaging the transmission nut from its current position along the travel path.

[0281]

[0376] Mechanical-type transmission nuts have a mechanism that acts as a mechanical clutch that is actuated by an external force, such as interaction with a stop plate.

[0282]

[0377] Electric type transmission nuts have an electric mechanism including an internal dog clutch controlled by an electromagnet and may be single-acting (spring return) using an electromechanical and / or mechanical force acting in one direction with a spring (spring return) returning it to its original position when the force is stopped, or double-acting (double-acting) using two electromechanical and / or mechanical forces acting in two directions so that when the force is stopped the mechanism remains stable in its current position. The latter may be embodied with or without an internal relay circuit.

[0283]

[0378] The internal relay circuit is connected to an external electrical contact on the casing of the transmission nut, which can electrically connect or disconnect the internal electromechanical clutch. The external electrical contact is connected to a locking actuator on the stator so that the connected electrical sliding conductor rail busbar can be actuated to set the transmission nut to clutch mode or declutch mode even when an electrical signal is sent that forces all transmission nuts to switch modes.

[0284]

[0379] The transmission nut may include an internal electric motor connected to mechanical components, such as an electric motor hollow rotor with internal threads that contact the threads of the splined lead screw, a worm screw or gear that contacts the teeth of the rack, and an electric bus bar that runs along the path of travel.

[0285]

[0380] The internal motor is controllable to move in both directions on the demultiplexing section of the drive shaft and remain in a predetermined position, allowing the transmission nut to move toward a first end, remain in a predetermined position, and move toward the opposite end along the path of travel of the demultiplexing section of the drive shaft.

[0286] Output Module

[0381] Output modules represent all subsystems and assemblies whose purpose is to perform a specific task, action, or function in the system's external environment, or to communicate the torque, rotational speed, and optionally angular position provided by the main motor to connected external modules and / or other mechanical demultiplexers.

[0287]

[0382] In most configurations, the power module includes a stator and a rotor.

[0288]

[0383] The output module is an assembly platform for embedded functions.

[0289]

[0384] The output module may operate with or without a locking mechanism attached to the stator or rotor, depending on the configuration of the embedded features and the configuration of the drive shaft. The presence and nature of the locking mechanism affects the potential configurations of the stator and rotor.

[0290]

[0385] When multiple output modules need to operate simultaneously to perform a specific task in the system's external environment, they can be coupled using rotor connecting rods that pass through the rotors in question. In this way, the rotors are linked and rotate together. In this configuration, all output modules connected by the rotors must have their own rotor locking mechanisms that are connected and synchronized with each other, or the output modules connected by the rotors must have a rotor locking mechanism that functions for all output modules and a transmission nut must be placed on this rotor locking mechanism to unlock and control all connected rotors.

[0291]

[0386] It should be noted that some output module configurations may not include a rotor locking mechanism, as the rotor locking mechanism is not essential to system operation if the embedded functional configuration consists of a self-locking mechanism and / or includes a mechanism that creates a frictional force to prevent the rotor from spinning on its own.

[0292]

[0387] It should be noted that some output module configurations may include embedded features that need to be attached to multiple rotors and stators.

[0293]

[0388] An output module may be used to perform a task, action, or function whose behavior is modified over time by internal components.

[0294]

[0389] The output module may be used to perform tasks, actions, or functions that require the sequential operation of multiple internal rotors.

[0295]

[0390] According to one embodiment, powder and granule metering devices that require vibration to function properly can be achieved by combining an output module with metering screw feeder functionality with an output module including vibration functionality, where the two rotors are connected by a rotor connecting rod passing through them, resulting in a new output module with vibratory metering screw feeder functionality.

[0296]

[0391] Thus, an output module may combine one or more embedded functions that can be programmed to run synchronously or sequentially. Rods may connect subparts of the output module to ensure operation as a single component.

[0297]

[0392] The output module may be coupled to a rotor locking mechanism assembly attached to the stator and a rotor locking mechanism assembly attached to the rotor.

[0298]

[0393] The output module can be an assembly platform for a rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator and a rotor locking mechanism attached to the rotor.

[0299]

[0394] According to one embodiment, some configurations of the output module include one or more radial and / or axial static friction surfaces on the stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism and on the rotor-mounted rotor locking mechanism that are in constant contact with each other, thereby creating a permanent friction force that prevents the rotor from spinning within the stator when the transmission nut is not present within the rotor.

[0300]

[0395] The output module can be combined with optional add-ons.

[0301]

[0396] The output module can be a building platform for selective add-ons.

[0302]

[0397] According to a preferred embodiment, the output modules are highly standardized, allowing for standard placement and replacement.

[0303]

[0398] For manufacturing purposes, the configuration of an output module is simply determined by the configuration of its embedded features, the configuration of any optional add-ons present, the compatible configuration of the first stator, the compatible configuration of the rotor, the compatible configuration of the opposing stator, and, if necessary, the configuration of the rotor locking mechanism.

[0304]

[0399] A dual-type mid-stack stator is a stator placed between two single-type stators.

[0305] Output module stacks and blocks

[0400] When the output modules are arranged and assembled within the mainframe of the mechanical demultiplexer, they can be arranged and assembled in two types: a block of output modules and / or a stack of output modules.

[0306]

[0401] The block of output modules is obtained by assembly intended to fix and arrange a number of output modules into an integral stack that is pre-assembled and can remain assembled outside the mainframe of the mechanical demultiplexer.

[0307]

[0402] All components within a block of output modules are connected and assembled by one or more of the block's support and positioning bars / plates. Alternatively, each stator of each output module can be assembled to the preceding and succeeding stators, creating a support structure equivalent to the presence of the block's support and positioning bars / plates. Each output module is assembled, supported, and positioned relative to the preceding and succeeding output modules.

[0308]

[0403] The block of the output module includes at least one compatible configuration of a first stator of the single stator type, a compatible configuration of a rotor, one compatible configuration of a last stator of the single stator type, and one or more support and positioning bars / plates for the block, or a support structure equivalent to the presence of support and positioning bars / plates for the block.

[0309]

[0404] The block of output modules may include one compatible configuration of a first stator of a single stator type, a compatible configuration of a rotor, multiple compatible configurations of a mid-stack stator of a dual stator type with multiple compatible configurations of a rotor, one compatible configuration of a last stator of a single stator type, and one or more support and positioning bars / plates of the block, or a support structure equivalent to the presence of support and positioning bars / plates of the block.

[0310]

[0405] Blocks of output modules are also used to create complex output modules that are made up of multiple other output modules whose individual embedding functions are combined to perform complex embedding functions.

[0311]

[0406] A stack of output modules is a configuration of output modules that differs from a block in that the assembly does not remain outside the mechanical demultiplexer: each output module in the stack is assembled directly within the frame.

[0312]

[0407] The first and last stacks of the output module stack can consist of stators assembled directly to the bearing frames of the main frame or manufactured directly on the main frame.

[0313]

[0408] Optional add-ons may be further coupled to the mechanical demultiplexer via drive shafts or output modules to add new functionality and / or assist, improve, and optimize the operation, performance, and reliability of the task, action, or function being performed, or to complete a particular configuration without departing from the scope of this description.

[0314]

[0409] An example of a specific configuration of a subsystem requiring multiple selective add-ons for proper operation is a section drive shaft that includes a splined lead screw and multiple mechanical transmission nuts. To operate properly, this particular section drive shaft requires stop plate add-ons installed on every output module along the path of travel of the transmission nut.

[0315] Actuator

[0410] Actuators are generally used for components having the purpose of transmitting control signals from an embedded electronic system to a mechanism for transitioning operating modes, a mechanism for controlling the movement of a mechanism for transitioning operating modes, and / or a mechanism for transmitting control signals to a rotor locking mechanism mounted on a mainframe, and / or a mechanism for controlling the movement of a rotor locking mechanism mounted on a mainframe.

[0316]

[0411] The actuator may be controlled directly by the embedded electronic system of the mechanical demultiplexer, or alternatively may be connected to a main motor of a main motor system connected to the embedded electronic system.

[0317]

[0412] According to one embodiment, the rotor locking mechanism mounted on the mainframe can be combined with the mechanism for transition of operating modes to be synchronously operated and controlled by the same actuator.

[0318]

[0413] According to one embodiment, the actuator may be comprised of an electric motor, a servo motor, a step motor, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, a magnetic linear actuator, a solenoid, a rotary linear actuator, an electrical control component, or the like.

[0319]

[0414] The mechanical actuator unit can be connected to any configuration of mechanisms for shifting the operating mode of the drive shaft of a barrel mechanism type demultiplexer drive shaft with direction reversal, using the reversal of rotation of the main motor at a precise angular position to trigger their internal mechanisms that produce precise and controlled translational movement of the connecting rod directly connected to the mechanism for shifting the operating mode.

[0320] Stator

[0415] The Stator represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components intended to serve as an assembly platform for supporting, coupling, stabilizing, positioning, aligning, and securing all stationary subsystems, assemblies, and / or stationary components of the embedded feature, for supporting, positioning, aligning, and / or coupling, stabilizing, and securing optional add-on assemblies, for supporting, positioning, aligning, and / or coupling, stabilizing, and securing assemblies of rotor locking mechanisms attached to the Stator, for supporting, and / or coupling, and / or stabilizing, and / or positioning, and / or aligning, and / or securing itself to the mainframe, and for supporting, positioning, and aligning the rotor assembly or assemblies of rotors.

[0321]

[0416] The stator may be assembled and / or manufactured with a rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator.

[0322]

[0417] The stators may be interconnected between the blocks, for example.

[0323]

[0418] The stator may have positioning features such as shoulder screws, positioning pins, positioning knobs, protrusions, ridges, projections, etc. for accurate positioning.

[0324]

[0419] Some embodiments of the stator may have one or more features such as holes, slots, friction surfaces, etc. for interfacing with a rotor lock core assembly of a rotor lock mechanism assembly attached to the rotor.

[0325]

[0420] Stators can be classified into at least two main types, including, but not limited to, single stators and dual stators.

[0326]

[0421] A single stator has two main parallel surfaces, called the inner surface where the rotor and embedded features reside, and an outer surface that may contact the outer surface of another single stator, the outer surface of an optional add-on, or the frame, or may not contact anything.

[0327]

[0422] The dual stator type has two inner surfaces where the rotor and recessed features reside, and the outer surface is unavailable if it is not an assembly of two single stators.

[0328]

[0423] A dual stator type configuration in which the outer surface can be split into two may be assembled with one or more optional add-ons between the two outer surfaces.

[0329]

[0424] The rotor may not require a stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism that must be assembled with a particular configuration of the stator assembly to be functional.

[0330]

[0425] The single stator and dual stator can be divided into at least two subtypes, including but not limited to modular and custom subtypes.

[0331]

[0426] The modular subtype is a multipurpose assembly platform that is compatible with most of the fixed subsystems, fixed assemblies, and / or fixed components of embedded functionality, as well as most of the optional add-on assemblies.

[0332]

[0427] A custom subtype is specifically designed for assembly of one or more different specific types of embedded features and, if desired, assembly of one or more different specific types of optional add-ons. A custom subtype has been manufactured with some or all of the shapes, features, and functions of the fixed subsystems, fixed assemblies, and fixed components of a particular embedded feature and, if desired, one or more specific optional add-ons.

[0333] rotor

[0428] The rotor represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components intended to transmit torque, rotational speed, and optionally angular position provided by the main motor system connected to the central shaft drive shaft assembly to the rotating subsystems, rotating assemblies, and / or rotating components of the embedded features, and optional add-ons as required. The rotor also represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components intended to serve as an assembly platform for supporting, coupling, stabilizing, positioning, aligning, and securing all rotating subsystems, rotating assemblies, and rotating components of the embedded features, for supporting, positioning, aligning, and / or coupling, stabilizing, and securing assemblies of rotor locking mechanisms attached to the rotor, for supporting, positioning, aligning, and / or coupling, stabilizing, and securing assemblies of optional add-ons, and for supporting, positioning, and aligning itself relative to the stator assembly.

[0334]

[0429] The rotating part of the embedded feature can be, for example, a gear, a custom gear, an anti-backlash gear, a cable drum, a cable reel, a cable guide, a finger-like structure, a lever arm, a pulley, a timing pulley, a roller and / or wiper of a peristaltic pump, a sprocket, a timing sprocket, a cam track, a cam, a custom part, etc. The embedded feature can be assembled and / or manufactured onto its rotor, one rotating part or multiple of the same rotating parts or multiple different rotating parts.

[0335]

[0430] The rotor may be assembled and / or manufactured with a rotor locking mechanism attached to the rotor.

[0336]

[0431] The inner surface of the rotor may be fabricated with parts and / or features that allow the rotor to be coupled to the transmission nut.

[0337]

[0432] Some embodiments of the rotor may have one or more features such as holes, slots, friction surfaces, etc. for interfacing with a rotor lock core assembly of a rotor locking mechanism assembly attached to the stator.

[0338] Rotor Lock Mechanism

[0433] The rotor locking mechanism represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components intended to lock and unlock the rotation of a rotor that requires locking with respect to its associated stator. Rotor locking mechanisms exist at three distinct levels defined by the structure in which they are assembled:

[0339]

[0434] The lowest level is a rotor locking mechanism attached to a rotor assembled or fabricated on a rotor, which is always connected to the next level rotor locking mechanism attached to a stator assembled or fabricated on a stator. The highest level of the hierarchy is a rotor locking mechanism attached to a mainframe, which allows simultaneous control of the operation of multiple rotor locking mechanisms attached to stators.

[0340]

[0435] The rotor locking mechanism is optional when the output module includes a self-locking mechanism or a mechanism that creates a frictional force that prevents the rotor from rotating by itself.

[0341] Rotor lock mechanism attached to the main frame

[0436] The mainframe mounted rotor locking mechanism refers to all subsystems, assemblies, and components assembled to the mainframe and intended to lock and unlock the rotor rotation at precise angular positions where locking is required, and / or actuate one or more selective add-ons.

[0342]

[0437] All configurations of mainframe mounted rotor locking mechanisms require combination with a stator mounted rotor locking mechanism to perform the task of locking and unlocking the rotation of the rotor where locking is required.

[0343]

[0438] A mechanical demultiplexer may include one or more rotor locking mechanisms mounted on the same or different types of mainframe in the same and / or different sections.

[0344]

[0439] The rotor locking mechanism mounted on the mainframe may reside in a mechanical demultiplexer for activating and deactivating add-ons without being connected to the rotor locking mechanism mounted on the stator. The rotor locking mechanism operates according to at least two modes: locked and unlocked. Depending on the configuration used, additional modes of operation may exist. Other modes of operation may be used to control the rotor locking mechanism mounted on the stator or to control selective add-ons that may be used to control specific functions of the rotor locking mechanism mounted on the stator and / or selective add-ons. Such rotor locking mechanisms mounted on the mainframe may be mechanically powered, electrically powered, or powered by pressurized fluid.

[0345]

[0440] The mechanical rotor locking mechanism mounted on the mainframe may use motions such as rotating, sliding, pushing, pulling, and diving to actuate components via linear or radial movement to manipulate the rotor locking mechanism mounted on the stator and / or optional add-ons.

[0346]

[0441] According to an embodiment, encoders can be used for precise angular or linear positioning.

[0347]

[0442] Mechanical types can be divided into three subtypes: rotary shaft, push-pull bar for axial linear movement, and lever arm with radial push bar.

[0348]

[0443] The rotary shaft subtype includes structures whose rotary shafts can perform rotational motion parallel to the axis of rotation of the central shaft. The structures can be precisely positioned to multiple angular positions. A rotary encoder, such as one of the rotary encoder sensor add-ons, can be used for precise angular positioning. The structure can pass through all output modules in the section in which it is located, or through a subset of all output modules in that section. If the structure does not pass through all output modules in the section, an extra support is added to the last output module the structure passes through as it passes from one support frame to the other.

[0349]

[0444] The push-pull bar for the axial linear motion subtype includes a structure capable of linear motion parallel to the central axis. This structure can be precisely positioned to multiple linear positions. A linear encoder, such as one of the linear encoder sensor add-ons, can be used for precise linear positioning. The structure can pass through all output modules in the section in which it is located, or through a subset of all output modules in the section. If the structure does not pass through all output modules in the section, extra support is added to the last output module the structure passes through as it passes from one bearing frame to the other.

[0350]

[0445] The lever arm with radial push bar subtype comprises a structure capable of performing linear motion perpendicular to the central axis in the direction of the central axis drive shaft. Because this system includes a rotating section (lever arm) and a translating section (parallel bar), it can be accurately positioned to multiple linear positions using a linear or rotary encoder, such as one of the linear encoder sensor add-ons or one of the rotary encoder sensor add-ons. The structure can pass through all output modules in the section in which it is located, or through a portion of all output modules in the section. If the structure does not pass through all output modules in the section from one bearing frame to the other, extra support is added to the last output module the structure passes through.

[0351]

[0446] The mainframe-mounted electric rotor locking mechanism includes an electrical conductor rail busbar that is used to distribute power to operate the stator- or add-on-mounted rotor locking mechanism. If only one voltage value is to be distributed, there will be at least two electrical conductor rail busbars; additional busbars must be added for each required voltage of a different value.

[0352]

[0447] The pressurized fluid rotor lock mechanism mounted on the mainframe includes a pressure hose with connection ports along its length that is used to distribute fluid pressure to actuate the rotor lock mechanism mounted on the stator or add-on. There is at least one pressure hose if only one pressure value is distributed, and additional pressure hoses for each additional pressure value. In this specific case, the actuator unit is a fluid pump or control pressure regulator to which the pressure hoses are connected. The type of pressurized fluid can be hydraulic or pneumatic.

[0353] Rotor lock mechanism attached to the stator

[0448] The stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components assembled to the stator that are intended to lock and unlock the rotor's rotation at precise angular positions where locking is required. The stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism is assembled to the stator and does not rotate with the rotor.

[0354]

[0449] To provide a rotor locking mechanism, a rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator and a rotor locking mechanism attached to the rotor are used in combination.

[0355]

[0450] A rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator is assembled with the stator and does not rotate with the rotor.

[0356]

[0451] The stator-mounted rotor-locking mechanism is typically the link between the mainframe-mounted rotor-locking mechanism and the rotor-mounted rotor-locking mechanism, and is usually connected to both. Some configurations of a stator-mounted rotor-locking mechanism combined with a compatible rotor-mounted rotor-locking mechanism can operate independently without the need to be connected to the mainframe-mounted rotor-locking mechanism.

[0357]

[0452] The stator mounted rotor locking mechanism is available in several different configurations including a stator locking core, a transmission nut detector assembly, and a lock actuator assembly, which can be used alone or in combination.

[0358]

[0453] The stator lock core assembly represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components intended to interact with the rotor-mounted rotor locking mechanism, lock actuator, and, depending on configuration, transmission nut detector, in order to slow, stop, and / or lock or unlock the rotation of the rotor.

[0359]

[0454] The transmission nut detector represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components intended to detect the presence of a transmission nut in the engaged position of the output module with which it is assembled. Some configurations also allow the embedded electronic system to determine the precise position of the transmission nut along the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft.

[0360]

[0455] The lock actuator assembly represents all subsystems and assemblies whose purpose is to move the stator lock core assembly, and optional add-ons as needed, by powering the rotor lock mechanism mounted on the mainframe upon receiving a signal or movement from the transmission nut detector assembly or a signal from the embedded electronic system.

[0361]

[0456] Some embodiments of the stator-mounted rotor-locking mechanism may include holes, slots, static friction surfaces, and / or components such as replaceable high-friction stripes, bands, or plates that interact with compatible assemblies on the other side of the rotor-locking core of the rotor-mounted rotor-locking mechanism.

[0362]

[0457] Some embodiments of rotor locking mechanisms may use electricity to power and control them, including using a controller or embedded microcontroller to operate them. When a closed-loop control electrical circuit is connected to an embedded microcontroller add-on, the embedded electronic system can directly control the operation of the lock actuator assembly, as in the case of the locking idle output module, and the embedded electronic system can use the electrical signals of the transmission nut detector assembly for positioning and calibration processes.

[0363]

[0458] A closed loop control electrical circuit monitors the transmission nut detector assembly and receives its signals to control and monitor the operation of the lock actuator assembly.

[0364]

[0459] The stator lock core is intended to interact with the rotor locking mechanism, lock actuator, and, depending on the configuration, transmission nut detector to stop and / or lock or unlock the rotor from rotating.

[0365]

[0460] In addition to its braking, locking, and unlocking functions, the stator lock core may have portions on its structure dedicated to the lock actuator including follower pins or knobs or protrusions or ridges or projections with one or more contact surfaces capable of interacting with other components of the lock actuator assembly, and may also have portions dedicated to the transmission nut detector assembly, if deemed necessary, including contact surfaces capable of interacting with the transmission nut.

[0366]

[0461] The stator locking core may use locking bolts, friction surfaces, locking bolts with friction surfaces, locking bolt pushers, and locking features on the opposite side of the stator to connect and lock the rotor rotation. These may operate radially or axially, where axial and radial refer to the contact location between the rotor-mounted rotor locking mechanism components and the stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism components. Axial ones are located between the outer side of the rotor and the inner rotor plane of the stator, and the contact movement with the stator is parallel to the central axis. Radial ones are located between the outer cylindrical surface of the rotor and the inner cylindrical surface of the stator, and the contact movement with the stator is perpendicular to the central axis.

[0367]

[0462] The lock bolt comprises a lock bolt component capable of locking itself within an opposing lock bolt hole or slot. The lock bolt component can be internally spring loaded, whereby the lock bolt component includes an assembly of a stator lock core split into two sections that allows them to be spring loaded, thereby allowing the lock actuator to actuate the stator lock core even when not aligned with the rotor lock mechanism.

[0368]

[0463] When the lock actuator is activated, the tip of the lock bolt immediately contacts the outer surface of the rotor, compressing the spring. The rotor then continues to rotate until it reaches its final angular position. When the lock bolt and internal spring-loaded subtype stator lock cores are aligned with the rotor locking mechanism, the spring presses the lock bolt type stator lock core into the locked position.

[0369]

[0464] Friction surface features include components with surfaces specifically used to generate friction or that can lock themselves due to the friction created when pressed into contact with an opposing static friction surface. Friction surface type configurations may include interchangeable high-friction stripes, bands, or plates, typically made from different materials. These may be internally spring loaded.

[0370]

[0465] When the lock actuator is activated, the friction surface immediately contacts the friction surface of the rotor lock mechanism, compressing the spring and gradually initiating a braking action. The rotor then continues to rotate, and when it reaches its final angular position, the lock actuator pushes the friction surface type stator lock core into the locked position, preventing the rotor from rotating.

[0371]

[0466] A friction surfaced rockbolt includes a lockable rockbolt component within an opposing rockbolt hole or slot and a component with a surface specifically used to create friction, or a surface specifically used to create friction that can lock itself due to the friction created when pressed into contact with an opposing static friction surface. Some configurations of the friction surface type may include interchangeable high friction stripes, bands, or plates, typically formed from different materials.

[0372]

[0467] The friction surface component can then be used as a brake to provide a gradual braking action, while the lock bolt component is used as the final locking mechanism.

[0373]

[0468] Radial locking bolts with radial friction surfaces, radial locking bolts with axial friction surfaces, axial locking bolts with radial friction surfaces, and axial locking bolts with axial friction surfaces can be internally spring loaded.

[0374]

[0469] The internal spring loaded configuration includes a three-section stator lock core assembly that allows the lock bolt and friction surface sections to be individually spring loaded. The lock bolt section operates as the previously mentioned lock bolt type with the internal spring loaded subtype. The friction surface section operates as the previously mentioned friction surface type with the internal spring loaded subtype.

[0375]

[0470] A rock bolt pusher comprises a rock bolt component that can push other rock bolts out of their holes or slots and block the holes or slots, preventing other rock bolts from re-entering them. The rock bolt pusher stops at the edge of its own hole or slot, blocking other rock bolts from accessing the rock bolt hole or slot. When the rock bolt pusher blocks the hole or slot, it bridges the sides of the hole as if it were a continuous, smooth surface. The rock bolt pusher operates exactly like the rock bolt type, but in the opposite direction. This is because when the rock bolt type moves toward the rotor, the rock bolt type locks the rotor, while the rock bolt pusher type unlocks the rotor, and vice versa.

[0376]

[0471] Stator locking cores that feature a locking bolt or friction surface can feature a locking spring, an unlocking spring, or no spring.

[0377]

[0472] The locking spring includes one or more springs that push or pull the stator locking core toward the rotor, meaning that the locking actuator must pull the stator locking core away from the rotor to activate the locking mechanism or to change the state (locked or unlocked) of the stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism and the rotor-mounted rotor locking mechanism.

[0378]

[0473] The unlocking spring comprises one or more springs that press the stator lock core against or away from the rotor, meaning that the lock actuator must press the stator lock core against the rotor to activate the locking mechanism or to change the state (locked or unlocked) of the stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism and the rotor-mounted rotor locking mechanism.

[0379]

[0474] The absence of a spring means that the lock actuator must fully control the position of the stator lock core, such as by pushing it toward or pulling it away from the rotor, in order to activate the locking mechanism or to change the state (locked or unlocked) of the rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator.

[0380]

[0475] Stator-type opposing locking features are a group of configurations of stator lock cores of rotor locking mechanisms attached to a stator, including features such as opposing holes and / or slots and / or static friction surfaces and / or static components, such as interchangeable high-friction stripes, bands, or plates, that interact with compatible assemblies on the opposing side of the rotor lock core of the rotor locking mechanism attached to the rotor. While stator-type opposing locking mechanisms are included in the stator lock core, compared to other main types that include at least one movable component that performs the locking and unlocking action, this group of configurations is fundamentally different from the others because it is primarily a specific configuration of the stator that includes specific features and / or static components.

[0381]

[0476] Opposing locking features can include single lock bolt holes / slots, multiple lock bolt holes / slots, and static friction surfaces. Thus, combinations can lead to many variations contemplated throughout this description.

[0382]

[0477] In the absence of a transmission nut detector assembly, the transmission nut engagement position is calculated by an embedded electronic system with a rotary encoder. If the system is fully manual, the position is determined visually by the user.

[0383]

[0478] Transmission nut detectors can be divided into at least two main types of configurations, including but not limited to mechanical and electrical.

[0384]

[0479] The mechanical type involves a mechanism that is physically actuated by a transmission nut that passes through the central hole of the rotor.

[0385]

[0480] Mechanical types can be further divided into five subtypes, including but not limited to: mechanical pusher mechanisms, mechanical probe mechanisms, mechanical trigger mechanisms, mechanical pusher electric limit switches, and mechanical pusher pressurized fluid valves.

[0386]

[0481] Electrical type transmission nut detectors can be subdivided into at least four subtypes, including, but not limited to, conductivity detectors, magnetic field detectors, optical detectors, and ultrasonic detectors.

[0387]

[0482] The conductivity detector subtype includes two electrical contacts such as brushes or contact segments that utilize the presence of a transmission nut to close the circuit created between the two electrical contacts.

[0388]

[0483] The magnetic field detector subtype includes a magnetic field sensor or switch that utilizes the change in strength and / or presence of a magnetic field as the transmission nut traverses the magnetic field sensor or switch path, and optionally one or more permanent magnets in the stator or as an optional add-on of the stator intermediate subtype, or in or on the transmission nut.

[0389]

[0484] Photodetector subtypes include light sources or lasers and optical sensors that utilize the presence or change in light intensity as the transmission nut traverses the light path.

[0390]

[0485] The ultrasonic detector subtype includes an ultrasonic emission source and an ultrasonic sensor that utilizes the presence or change in intensity of ultrasonic waves as the transmission nut traverses the ultrasonic path.

[0391]

[0486] A lock actuator assembly may be present in the rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator for activating and deactivating the stator locking core assembly and for activating and deactivating one or more optional add-ons.

[0392]

[0487] A lock actuator assembly may be present in the output module for activating and deactivating one or more selective add-ons without being connected to any assembly of the stator lock core of the rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator.

[0393]

[0488] All assemblies of the electrical lock actuator are connected to and controlled by a closed loop control electrical circuit.

[0394]

[0489] The lock actuator assembly is typically connected to and controlled exclusively by the closed loop control electrical circuit.

[0395]

[0490] The lock actuator assembly may be connected to and controlled by a closed loop control circuit and an embedded electronic system.

[0396]

[0491] The lock actuator assembly may be connected to and controlled solely by the implanted electronic system.

[0397]

[0492] All assemblies of the lock actuators that use electricity are connected to an electrical distribution rotor locking mechanism mounted on the main frame.

[0398]

[0493] All assemblies of the lock actuators that use pressurized fluid are connected to a pressurized fluid distribution rotor lock mechanism mounted on the main frame.

[0399]

[0494] All assemblies of the lock actuators using electricity and pressurized fluid are connected to a mainframe mounted electrical distribution rotor lock mechanism and a mainframe mounted pressurized fluid distribution rotor lock mechanism.

[0400]

[0495] Lock actuator assemblies can be divided into at least four main types of configurations, which are, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, pressurized fluid, and transmission nut as the actuator.

[0401]

[0496] The mechanical type includes a mechanism that is physically actuated by a rotor locking mechanism mounted on a mechanical type mainframe and, if necessary, by a mechanical type transmission nut detector.

[0402]

[0497] Mechanical types can be subdivided into three subtypes: rotary, linear, and radial pushing plates.

[0403]

[0498] The rotary and linear subtypes can be further divided into four subtypes: cam, hook, cam and hook, and slot-path subtypes.

[0404]

[0499] The cam subtype includes a cam-shaped structure with one or more contact surfaces that allow the mechanical lock actuator to compress and / or hold a follower pin, knob, protrusion, ridge, or projection on the lock actuator portion of the stator lock core assembly toward the central shaft drive axis.

[0405]

[0500] The hook sub-type includes a hook-shaped structure with one or more contact surfaces that allow a mechanical-type lock actuator to capture and / or pull a follower pin, knob, protrusion, ridge or projection of a lock actuator portion of a stator lock core assembly in a direction opposite to the direction of the central shaft drive axis.

[0406]

[0501] The cam and hook sub-type includes a combination of the aforementioned structures with multiple contact surfaces that allow the mechanical type lock actuator to capture and / or pull and / or press and / or hold a follower pin, knob, protrusion, ridge or projection of the lock actuator portion of the stator lock core assembly in a direction opposite to and in the direction of the central shaft drive axis.

[0407]

[0502] The slotted path subtype includes a structure with one or more slots or openings with one or more contact surfaces, where a follower pin, knob, protrusion, ridge, or projection of a lock actuator portion of a stator lock core assembly is captured in the slot and moved along a path determined by the slot. The slotted structure allows the mechanical type lock actuator to capture and / or pull and / or press and / or hold a follower pin, knob, protrusion, ridge, or projection of a lock actuator portion of a stator lock core assembly in a direction away from and toward the central shaft drive axis.

[0408]

[0503] The pushing plate for the radial pushing bar subtype includes a structure that allows a rotor locking mechanism attached to the main frame of the mechanical type and lever arm subtype with radial pushing bar to press and / or hold a follower pin, knob, protrusion, ridge, or projection with one contact surface of the lock actuator portion of the stator locking core assembly toward the central drive axis. The linear movement of the structure is perpendicular to the central axis. To generate linear movement, the mechanical type locking actuator interacts with the rotor locking mechanism attached to the main frame of the mechanical type and lever arm subtype with radial pushing bar. The mechanical type locking actuator is assembled or fabricated in the lock actuator portion of the stator locking core assembly. Various functions are linearly distributed on the structure at different locations. This allows different functions to be performed depending on the direction of movement and the precise linear positioning of the structure.

[0409]

[0504] Electric types can be subdivided into two subtypes: DC and AC, which can be further subdivided into two subtypes: solenoid actuators and electric motors.

[0410]

[0505] Pressurized fluid types can be subdivided into two subtypes: hydraulic and pneumatic, which can be further subdivided into two subtypes: linear and rotary actuators, which can be further subdivided into two subtypes: electrically operated and mechanically operated.

[0411] Rotor lock mechanism attached to the rotor

[0506] The rotor-mounted rotor locking mechanism represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components assembled to the rotor that are intended to lock and unlock the rotor's rotation at precise angular positions where locking is required. The rotor-mounted rotor locking mechanism is assembled to the rotor and rotates with the rotor.

[0412]

[0507] There are two main types of rotor-locking mechanism assemblies attached to the rotor, which differ from each other by the type of actuator used to interact with them: the transmission nut actuator and the stator locking actuator.

[0413]

[0508] Transmission nut actuators are a group of devices that are actuated by the transmission nut itself, creating mechanical movement as the transmission nut passes through the rotor's central bore. Transmission nut actuator types are further divided into two subtype groups of devices. The first subtype group includes retraction mechanisms and lockbolt pusher subtypes.

[0414]

[0509] Stator-type locking actuators are a group of configurations operated by a rotor locking mechanism locking actuator assembly attached to the stator. The first subtype group includes rotor counter-locking features and multiple rotor internal locking springs and lock bolts. The rotor counter-locking features are the same as those on the stator, but located on the rotor.

[0415] Embedding Features

[0510] The embedded function represents the function or work performed by the output module, in other words, the conversion of the torque, speed, and optionally angular position provided by the rotor in transmitting power to the drive shaft into useful motion to perform a specific task or function.

[0416]

[0511] Embedded functions can be simple or complex. Simple refers to providing a single output to perform a task, operation, or function or to communicate torque, rotational speed, and angular position. Complex refers to providing multiple, distinct outputs to perform a task, operation, or function or to communicate torque, rotational speed, and angular position.

[0417]

[0512] The embedded function can be, for example, mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic.

[0418]

[0513] The mechanical embedded function can provide, for example, power, torque, linear force, rotational speed, linear velocity, position linear output, position rotational output, and continuous rotational output.

[0419]

[0514] The electrical embedded functions may provide, for example, mechanically actuated contactors, mechanically actuated relays, remotely switchable circuit breakers, rotary variable resistors, linear variable resistors, rotary potentiometers, and linear potentiometers.

[0420]

[0515] Fluidic implants can provide fluid flow control using, for example, pumps and valves.

[0421]

[0516] All rotating components providing the recessed function can be attached to the mechanical output of the gearbox of the rotor add-on or of the clutchable rotor sleeve with continuous positioning add-on.

[0422]

[0517] Examples of embedded mechanical functions provided by the output module include a vertical shaft coupling mechanical output, a parallel shaft coupling mechanical output, a parallel mechanical output, a flexible shaft mechanical output, a single Bowden cable mechanical output, a double Bowden cable mechanical output, a winch mechanical output, a reciprocating mechanical output, a rack-and-pinion linear actuator mechanical output, a rigid chain / belt linear actuator mechanical output, a lever mechanical output, a vibration function, a screw conveyor function, a metering screw feeder function, and a vibratory metering screw feeder function, as further described below.

[0423]

[0518] Vertical shaft coupled mechanical outputs provide one to multiple mechanical outputs distributed around the rotor and / or stacked in parallel along the rotor core, typically at a 90 degree angle to the rotor central axis, but can be deflected or positioned between 45 and 135 degrees.

[0424]

[0519] The mechanical output embedding features of the vertical shaft coupling include, but are not limited to: a fixed frame including holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the stator and / or fabricated on the stator, and one or more support holes linked to the external cylindrical surfaces of one or more bevel pinion gears and / or spiral bevel pinion gears and / or hypoid pinion gears and / or cross helical pinion gears, including bearings or bushings as needed, or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact with or without lubricant; one or more laminated bevel gears and / or spiral bevel gears and / or crown gears and / or hypoid gears and a mechanical input comprising one or more bevel pinion gears and / or spiral bevel pinion gears and / or hypoid pinion gears and / or cross-helical pinion gears, mounted or fabricated on the rotor, each of which is connected to one or more bevel pinion gears and / or spiral bevel pinion gears and / or hypoid pinion gears and / or cross-helical pinion gears; a mechanical output comprising one or more bevel pinion gears and / or spiral bevel pinion gears and / or hypoid pinion gears and / or cross-helical pinion gears, each of which includes an output shaft or shaft-coupled output bore; and a gearbox, if required, with rotor add-ons or clutchable rotor sleeves with continuous positioning add-ons.

[0425]

[0520] If the gears used are of the bevel gear and bevel pinion gear type, or the spiral bevel gear and spiral bevel pinion gear type, or the crown gear and bevel pinion gear type, the first end of the vertical output shaft is in the gear bore, and the second end of the vertical output shaft is available as a standard mechanical output shaft.

[0426]

[0521] If the gears used are of the hypoid and hypoid pinion type, or cross-helical and cross-helical pinion type, the vertical output shaft can pass through the gear bore, and both ends of the vertical output shaft can be used as standard mechanical output shafts.

[0427]

[0522] The mechanical output of a parallel shaft coupling provides one to multiple mechanical outputs distributed around the rotor and / or stacked side-by-side along the rotor core, generally parallel to the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, but can be deflected or positioned from 0 degrees to 45 degrees and 135 degrees to 180 degrees.

[0428]

[0523] The mechanical output recessed features of the parallel shaft coupling include, but are not limited to: holes and locating features that can be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator, and, if necessary, guide features for transmission components, and one or more support holes coupled to one or more external cylindrical surfaces of one or more output spur gears and / or output helical gears and / or output double helical gears and / or output herringbone gears and / or any type of output anti-backlash gears and / or any type of output pulleys and / or any type of output timing pulleys and / or any type of output sprockets and / or any type of output timing sprockets, and, if necessary, bearings or bushings, or a fixed frame including direct surface-to-surface sliding contact with or without lubricant; one or more stacked input spur gears and / or input helical gears and a mechanical input including a and / or double input helical gear and / or input herringbone gear and / or any type of input anti-backlash gear and / or any type of input pulley and / or any type of input timing pulley and / or any type of input sprocket and / or any type of input timing sprocket is mounted or fabricated on the rotor, each connecting one or more output spur gears and / or output helical gears and / or output double helical gears and / or output herringbone gears and / or any type of output anti-backlash gear and / or any type of output pulley and / or any type of output timing pulley and / or any type of output sprocket(s) via a chain and / or via a timing chain to any type of output timing sprocket(s);Mechanical outputs consisting of one or more output spur gears and / or output helical gears and / or output double helical gears and / or output herringbone gears and / or any type of output anti-backlash gears and / or any type of output pulleys and / or any type of output timing pulleys and / or any type of output sprockets and / or any type of output timing sprockets, each mechanical output having an output shaft or shaft coupling output bore; and, optionally, a gearbox with rotor add-on or a clutchable rotor sleeve with continuous positioning add-on;

[0429]

[0524] Parallel mechanical outputs are embedded features that can provide one to multiple mechanical outputs distributed around the rotor and / or stacked side-by-side along the rotor core, typically parallel to the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, but can be deflected or positioned in the ranges of 0 degrees to 45 degrees and 135 degrees to 180 degrees.

[0430]

[0525] Parallel mechanical output embedded features include, but are not limited to: a fixed frame, which may be directly connected to the stator and / or has holes and positioning features manufactured on the stator, and optionally has guide features for transmission components; a mechanical input consisting of one or more stacked pulleys and / or timing pulleys of any type and / or sprockets of any type and / or timing sprockets of any type, each mounted or manufactured on the rotor, connected to a belt or timing belt or chain or timing chain; a mechanical output consisting of one or more belts and / or timing belts and / or chains and / or timing chains; a clutchable rotor sleeve with rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on, if desired.

[0431]

[0526] The mechanical output of the flexible shaft provides one to multiple flexible output shafts. The mechanical output of the flexible shaft is based on the mechanical output recessed function of the vertical shaft coupling. The outer flexible shaft housing is fixed to the fixed frame of the mechanical output recessed function of the vertical shaft coupling, and the flexible shaft is connected to the mechanical output of the mechanical output recessed function of the vertical shaft coupling.

[0432]

[0527] Single Bowden cable mechanical outputs provide one to multiple flexible mechanical outputs distributed around the rotor and / or stacked side-by-side along the rotor core. A single Bowden cable mechanical output utilizes the movement of an inner cable relative to a hollow outer cable housing to transmit a pulling mechanical force, while a pushing mechanical force is generated by a spring. All single Bowden cable mechanical outputs installed on a single output module move in the same way when pulled or released simultaneously. A single Bowden cable mechanical output configuration can include one or more linear actuators used as position linear outputs and / or one or more rotary actuators used as position rotation outputs.

[0433]

[0528] The mechanical output embedding features of a single Bowden cable include, but are not limited to: a fixed frame with holes and locating features connectable directly to and / or fabricated on the stator, and one or more outer cable housings connected thereto; one or more stacked cable reels mounted on or fabricated on the rotor, each cable reel being mechanical input linked to one or more cable input ends; one or more outer cable housings connected to Bowden cable support structures as needed, the outer cable housings having internal mechanisms with cables; one or more outer cable housing ends connected to one or more fixed output support structures, the fixed The output support structure is coupled to one or more linear actuators having a moving shaft connected to one or more cable output ends, the moving shaft connected to one or more cable output ends and a spring that urges the moving shaft back to a rest position, and / or one or more rotary actuators having a rotating shaft connected to the cable output ends and a spring that rotates the rotating shaft back to a rest position, the mechanical output comprising one or more rotary actuators; optionally, a spring-loaded support plate for the outer cable housing input end, and / or a spring-loaded support plate for the outer cable housing output end; optionally, a gearbox for a rotor add-on, or a clutchable rotor sleeve with a continuous positioning add-on.

[0434]

[0529] Double Bowden cable mechanical outputs provide one to multiple flexible mechanical outputs distributed around the rotor and / or stacked side-by-side along the rotor core. Double Bowden cable mechanical outputs utilize the movement of at least two inner cables relative to at least two hollow outer cable housings to transmit at least two pulling mechanical forces, one in each direction of rotation or translation. All Bowden cable mechanical output pairs installed on a single output module move in opposite directions, pulling and pushing simultaneously. Double Bowden cable mechanical output configurations can include one or more linear actuators used as position linear outputs and / or one or more rotary actuators used as position rotation outputs.

[0435]

[0530] The embedded features of the mechanical output of the double Bowden cable include, but are not limited to, a fixed frame that can be connected directly to the stator and / or includes holes and locating features manufactured on the stator, and one or more outer cable housing pairs connected thereto; a mechanical input that includes one or more stacked pairs of cable reels mounted on or manufactured on the rotor, each reel coupled to one or more pairs of cable input ends; an internal mechanism consisting of one or more pairs of outer cable housings, each with a cable and connected to a Bowden cable support structure as needed; a mechanical output that consists of one or more outer cable housing ends, and the outer cable housings The housing ends are connected to one or more fixed output support structures, which are coupled to one or more linear actuators having a moving shaft connected to one or more pairs of cable output ends with cables pulling in each direction and / or coupled to one or more rotary actuators having a rotating shaft connected to one or more pairs of cable output ends with cables pulling in each direction; optionally, a spring-loaded support plate for the outer cable housing input end and / or a spring-loaded support plate for the outer cable housing output end; optionally, a gearbox for the rotor add-on or a clutchable rotor sleeve with a continuous positioning add-on.

[0436]

[0531] Winch mechanical outputs provide one to multiple flexible mechanical outputs distributed around the rotor and / or stacked side-by-side along the rotor core. Winch mechanical outputs utilize the mechanical pulling force of one or more cables to move one or more objects. All winch mechanical outputs mounted on a single output module move simultaneously by pulling or releasing simultaneously.

[0437]

[0532] Winch mechanical output embedded features include, but are not limited to, a fixed frame with holes and positioning mechanisms that can be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator, with one or more fairleads connected to the stator, if necessary, for guiding the winch cable; a mechanical input including one or more stacked cable reels mounted on or fabricated on the rotor, each of which is coupled to one or more cable input ends; a mechanical output including one or more cable output ends connected to a hook or directly to the object to be moved; a gearbox or clutchable rotor sleeve on a rotor add-on with a continuous positioning add-on.

[0438]

[0533] The reciprocating mechanical output may provide one or more cam follower mechanical outputs to one or more cams and / or cam tracks, and / or one or more scotch yokes to one or more cams, which are distributed around the rotor and / or stacked on the rotor, generally at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the rotor central axis, but can deviate or be positioned at 45 to 135 degrees. The reciprocating mechanical output may be used as a linear actuator.

[0439]

[0534] Reciprocating mechanical output embedded features include, but are not limited to, a fixed frame including holes and locating features that may be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator, and one or more support holes or guide features coupled to the outer surface of one or more cam followers, including linear bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts, with or without lubrication, if necessary, and one or more springs coupled to the core of one or more cam followers to urge the cam follower towards the cam or cam track so that they are in constant contact; a mechanical input including one or more stacked cams and / or cam tracks with a regularly repeating pattern to be mounted or fabricated on the rotor coupled to one or more cam followers and / or scotch yoke contact surfaces, including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts, with or without lubrication, if necessary; a mechanical output including one or more cam follower output shaft ends and / or scotch yoke output shaft ends; and a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on, if necessary.

[0440]

[0535] The mechanical outputs of a rack and pinion linear actuator provide one to multiple mechanical outputs generally at a 90 degree angle to the rotor central axis, distributed around the rotor periphery and / or stacked side-by-side along the rotor core.

[0441]

[0536] The mechanical output recess of the rack and pinion linear actuator may include, but is not limited to, a fixed frame including holes and locating features that may be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator, and one or more support and guide surfaces coupled to the outer surface of one or more rack gears and / or helical rack gears and / or double helical rack gears and / or herringbone rack gears, if necessary, including linear bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts, with or without lubricant; each of which may be one or more rack gears and / or helical rack gears and / or double helical rack gears and / or herringbone rack gears; A mechanical input including one or more stacked spur pinion gears and / or helical pinion gears and / or double helical pinion gears and / or herringbone pinion gears mounted on or fabricated on the rotor and connected to a ringbone rack gear; a mechanical output including one or more rack gears and / or helical rack gears and / or double helical rack gears and / or herringbone rack gears, each of which includes one or two output shaft ends and / or one or two shaft coupling output bores; and, if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0442]

[0537] Rigid chain / belt linear actuator mechanical outputs provide one to multiple mechanical outputs distributed around the rotor periphery and / or stacked side-by-side along the rotor core, generally at a 90 degree angle to the rotor central axis.

[0443]

[0538] The mechanical output embedded features of a rigid chain / belt linear actuator include, but are not limited to, a fixed frame including holes and positioning features that may be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator and, if necessary, one or more support and guide surfaces coupled to the outer surface of one or more rigid chains / belts including linear bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact and / or guide pulleys or sprockets or timing pulleys or timing sprockets, with or without lubrication; a mechanical input including one or more stacked timing pulleys or timing sprockets mounted or fabricated on the rotor, each of which is connected to one or more rigid belts or rigid chains; a mechanical output including one or more rigid belts or rigid chains, each of which includes an output hole / slot or output shaft or shaft coupling output bore; and a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on, if necessary.

[0444]

[0539] The embedded function of the lever mechanical output may be a lever arm for pushing or pulling one or more connecting rods, or a finger-like structure for pressing one or more buttons or actuating one or more switches. The lever mechanical output is generally at a 90-degree angle relative to the rotor central axis, but can deviate or be positioned at 45 to 135 degrees, distributed around the rotor periphery, and / or stacked side-by-side along the rotor core. The lever mechanical output may be used as a linear actuator.

[0445]

[0540] Embedded features of the lever mechanical output include, but are not limited to, a fixed frame including holes and positioning features that can be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator, and support features connected to components including guide features for connecting rods and, if necessary, buttons or switches; a mechanical input including one or more stacked lever arms attached to or fabricated on the rotor, each of which is connected to a tip structure in contact with one or more connecting rods and / or buttons and / or switches; and a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on, if necessary.

[0446]

[0541] The vibration feature is an embedded feature that generates controlled vibrations. The vibration feature comprises one or more masses connected to the rotor, the rotor being unbalanced by the positioning of said masses.

[0447]

[0542] A screw conveyor function is an embedded function that can move a specific amount of powder and / or granules from A to B.

[0448]

[0543] Screw conveyor features include, but are not limited to: a fixed frame including holes and positioning features that can be connected directly to and / or fabricated on the stator and / or that can be connected to the fixed frame of a vertical shaft coupled mechanical output or the fixed frame of a parallel shaft coupled mechanical output, which mechanical outputs are connected to the mechanical input shaft of the auger screw and, if necessary, connected to both support surfaces of the auger screw including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact with or without lubricant, and connected to a powder and / or granule tank or chute; a mechanical input including the mechanical input shaft of the auger screw connected to the mechanical output of a vertical shaft coupled mechanical output or a parallel shaft coupled mechanical output; a powder and / or granule input including a slot between the powder and / or granule tank or chute and the auger screw tube; a powder and / or granule output including a slot; and, if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0449]

[0544] The dosing screw feeder function is a built-in function that allows you to dose a specific amount of powder and / or granules.

[0450]

[0545] Dosing screw feeder features include, but are not limited to, a fixed frame including holes and positioning features that can be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator and / or can be connected to the fixed frame of a vertical shaft coupled mechanical output or the fixed frame of a parallel shaft coupled mechanical output, which mechanical outputs are connected to the mechanical input shaft of the auger screw and, if necessary, linked to both support surfaces of the auger screw including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact with or without lubricant, and connected to a powder and / or granule tank or chute; a mechanical input including the mechanical input shaft of the auger screw connected to the mechanical output of a vertical shaft coupled mechanical output or a parallel shaft coupled mechanical output; a powder and / or granule input including a slot between the powder and / or granule tank or chute and the auger screw tube; a powder and / or granule output including a slot; and, if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0451]

[0546] The vibratory dosing screw feeder function can dose a specific amount of powder and / or granules using vibration to compact the dosed powder and / or granules to reduce filling time and vibration.

[0452]

[0547] The vibratory dosing screw feeder function includes, but is not limited to, an output module including a dosing screw feeder connected to an output module including a vibratory function, the rotors of which are connected to each other by rotor connecting rods, and the rotor locking mechanisms of which are connected to each other.

[0453]

[0548] Fluid-embedded features are used to control fluid flow, such features being performed by, for example, hydraulic or pneumatic pumps or valves.

[0454]

[0549] The pump embedding function can perform peristaltic pump function, rotary planar peristaltic micropump function, external gear pump function, lobe pump function, internal gear pump function, vane pump function, peripheral pump function, progressive cavity pump function, radial piston pump function, radial plunger pump function, diaphragm pump function, etc. These pumps can be either rotary pumps or reciprocating pumps.

[0455]

[0550] A rotary pump is an embedded function that uses a rotor rotation and, if necessary, one or more intermediate mechanisms to rotate one of the pump's main components to a precise angular position in order to pump a fluid.

[0456]

[0551] A reciprocating pump is a recessed function that uses rotor rotation and one or more intermediate mechanisms to move a pump connecting rod to a precise linear position to pump fluid.

[0457]

[0552] Rotary pumps include, for example, peristaltic pump functions, rotary planar peristaltic micropump functions, external gear pump functions, lobe pump functions, internal gear pump functions, vane pump functions, peripheral pump functions, progressive cavity pump functions, and the like.

[0458]

[0553] Reciprocating pumps include, for example, radial piston pump functions, radial plunger pump functions, diaphragm pump functions, and the like.

[0459]

[0554] Peristaltic pumping capabilities allow for the pumping of a variety of fluids with a wide range of accuracy and / or flow rates. Peristaltic pumping capabilities allow for the use of a wide range of tubing diameters, a wide range of roller or wiper diameters and numbers, and the use of one or more tubes in the same pump.

[0460]

[0555] Peristaltic pump implant features include, but are not limited to, a peristaltic pump body including holes and positioning features that can be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator, and one or more support holes and positioning features coupled to removable and adjustable peristaltic tube guides, and one or more tubing inlets and outlets with or without tube support; removable and adjustable peristaltic tube guides including holes and positioning features coupled to the peristaltic pump body and one or more tubing paths with adjustable diameters, each of which can be configured to accommodate one compressed and / or decompressed tube. a mechanical input including one or more rollers and / or wipers assembled to the rotor with two contact surfaces including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact, with or without lubricant, where at least one of the rollers or wipers is in contact with the respective peristaltic tube; a fluid input / output including one or more peristaltic tubes, each of which includes an input and output hole for the fluid; and a clutchable rotor sleeve with a gearbox or continuous positioning add-on for the rotor add-on, if necessary.

[0461]

[0556] The peristaltic rollers or wipers may have a constant diameter along their entire tube contact surface, or may have multiple stages with different diameters.

[0462]

[0557] Peristaltic pumps can pump one tube or multiple tubes simultaneously.

[0463]

[0558] Rotary planar peristaltic micropumps are capable of pumping a variety of fluids with high precision and can use a wide range of roller or cage ball diameters and numbers.

[0464]

[0559] Rotary planar peristaltic micropump implant features include, but are not limited to, a rotary planar peristaltic micropump body including holes and positioning features that can be directly connected to and / or fabricated on the stator and one or more support holes and positioning features coupled to one or more removable microfluidic cartridges; one or more removable microfluidic cartridges including holes and positioning features and one or more tubing inlets and outlets coupled to the rotary planar peristaltic micropump body with or without tubing support; a mechanical input including one or more roller disks or caged axial ball disks assembled on the rotor at multiple contact points that compress and / or decompress the microfluidic cartridge to create rotational pressure on one of the microfluidic cartridge plates that creates peristaltic action within the microfluidic channels; and, if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0465]

[0560] Rotary planar peristaltic micropumps are capable of pumping one microfluidic channel or multiple microfluidic channels simultaneously.

[0466]

[0561] The external gear pump embedding is capable of pumping a variety of fluids.

[0467]

[0562] External gear pump recessed features include, but are not limited to, one or more external gear pump bodies that can be stacked along the rotor, with holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the stator and / or other external gear pump bodies and / or fabricated on the stator, one tubing inlet and outlet with or without tube supports and one rotor hole with their inner surfaces in contact with the rotor outer surface including sealing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact with or without lubrication; a removable external gear pump body cover for each external gear pump body present, with holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the external gear pump body with sealing components between the two surfaces and / or fabricated on the stator. one rotor bore with its inner surface in contact with the rotor outer surface including the gearing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact with or without lubrication; a fluid input for each external gear pump body present, including a main pump gear mounted or fabricated on the rotor connected to one secondary pump gear fabricated with an internal shaft with two contact surfaces connected to the external gear pump body, including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact with or without lubrication; a fluid input including an input bore for each external gear pump body; a fluid output including an output bore for each external gear pump body; if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0468]

[0563] The lobe pump implant is capable of pumping a variety of fluids.

[0469]

[0564] Lobe pump embedded features include, but are not limited to, one or more lobe pump bodies that can be stacked along the rotor, with holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the stator and / or other lobe pump bodies and / or fabricated on the stator, one tubing inlet and outlet with or without tube support, one rotor hole and two secondary pump probe internal axial holes with their inner surfaces in contact with the rotor outer surface and shaft outer surface including sealing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings with or without lubrication or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact; a removable lobe pump body cover for each present lobe pump body, with holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the lobe pump body with sealing components between the two surfaces, one rotor hole, and one secondary pump probe internal axial hole with their inner surfaces in contact with the rotor outer surface including sealing components; and a mechanical input for each present lobe pump body, mounted or fabricated on the rotor. a main pump probe having a rotor including, but not limited to, a spur gear and / or a helical gear and / or a double helical gear and / or a herringbone gear and / or any type of anti-backlash gear and / or any type of custom gear and / or any type of input timing pulley and / or any type of input timing sprocket mounted or fabricated on the rotor, each of which is connected via a timing belt and / or any type of output timing sprocket to one or more spur pinion gears and / or a helical pinion gear and / or a double helical pinion gear and / or a herringbone pinion gear and / or any type of anti-backlash pinion gear and / or any type of custom pinion gear and / or any type of output timing pulley via a timing chain mounted or fabricated on a secondary pump probe internal shaft connected to one secondary pump probe for each lobe pump body present;A secondary pump probe manufactured with an internal shaft having two contact surfaces connected to a lobe pump body; a fluid input including an input hole for each lobe pump body; a fluid output including an output hole for each lobe pump body; and, if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0470]

[0565] The internal gear pump embedding is capable of pumping a variety of fluids.

[0471]

[0566] Internal gear pump recessed features include, but are not limited to, one or more internal gear pump bodies that can be stacked along the rotor and that can be directly connected to the stator and / or other internal gear pump bodies and / or holes and locating features fabricated on the stator, one tubing inlet and outlet with or without tube support, an outer gear hole, one crescent, one rotor hole with their inner surface in contact with the rotor outer surface including sealing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings with or without lubricant or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact; and a removable internal gear pump body cover for each internal gear pump body present, that directly connects to the internal gear pump body with sealing components between the two surfaces. a rotor bore having an inner surface in contact with an outer rotor surface including holes and positioning features that can be fitted with sealing components, and if necessary, a bearing or bushing with or without lubrication or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact; a mechanical input for each internal gear pump body present including an inner gear mounted or fabricated on the rotor connected to an outer gear that is connected to the internal gear pump body with one contact surface including a bushing or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact with or without lubrication; a fluid input including an input hole for each internal gear pump body; a fluid output including an output hole for each internal gear pump body; and if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0472]

[0567] The vane pump recessed function is capable of pumping a variety of fluids.

[0473]

[0568] Vane pump recessed features include, but are not limited to, one or more vane pump bodies that can be stacked along the rotor and can be directly connected to the stator and / or other vane pump bodies and / or holes and locating features fabricated on the stator, one tubing inlet and outlet with or without tube support, offset sliding vane rotor holes, one rotor hole with its inner surface in contact with the rotor outer surface including sealing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings with or without lubricant or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact; and a removable vane pump body cover for each vane pump body present that can be directly connected to the vane pump body with sealing components between the two surfaces. a rotor bore having its inner surface in contact with an outer rotor surface including holes and positioning features, sealing components, and, if necessary, bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts with or without lubrication; a mechanical input for each vane pump body present, including a sliding vane rotor mounted or fabricated on the rotor coupled to a plurality of sliding vanes coupled to a vane pump body with a plurality of contact surfaces including an outer bushing or a plurality of direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts; a fluid input including an input hole for each vane pump body; a fluid output including an output hole for each vane pump body; and, if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0474]

[0569] Peripheral pump embedded functions can pump fluids for applications requiring low viscosity, medium to high pressure liquid transfer pumps, for example, for hydrocyclone supply, filtration, long distance fluid transport, jets, and display fountains.

[0475]

[0570] Peripheral pump embedding features include, but are not limited to, one or more peripheral pump bodies that can be stacked along the rotor and that can be directly connected to the stator and / or other peripheral pump bodies and / or holes and locating features fabricated on the stator, one tubing inlet and outlet with or without tube support, impeller holes, one rotor hole with its inner surface in contact with the rotor outer surface including sealing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings with or without lubricant or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact; a removable pump body cover for each peripheral pump body present, between the two surfaces a rotor bore having holes and positioning features with sealing components for direct connection to the peripheral pump body, one rotor bore having its inner surface in contact with the rotor outer surface including the sealing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings with or without lubrication or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact; a mechanical input for each peripheral pump body present, including an impeller mounted or fabricated on the rotor; a fluid input including an input hole for each peripheral pump body; a fluid output including an output hole for each peripheral pump body; and if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0476]

[0571] The progressive cavity pump recess is capable of pumping fluids for fluid metering and viscous or shear sensitive material pumping applications.

[0477]

[0572] The progressive cavity pump recessed features include, but are not limited to, one or more progressive cavity pump bodies that can be stacked along the rotor, and that can be directly connected to the stator and / or other progressive cavity pump bodies and / or holes and locating features fabricated on the stator, one tubing inlet and outlet with or without tube support, progressive cavity rotor bores, one rotor bore with its inner surface in contact with the rotor outer surface including sealing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings with or without lubricant or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact; a removable progressive cavity pump body cover for each progressive cavity pump body present, with two surfaces including holes and positioning features that can be directly connected to the progressive cavity pump body with sealing components therebetween, one rotor hole whose inner surface is in contact with the rotor outer surface including the sealing components, and if necessary, bearings or bushings with or without lubricant or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact; a mechanical input for each progressive cavity pump body present, including a progressive cavity rotor mounted along the rotor or manufactured along the rotor; a fluid input including an input hole for each progressive cavity pump body; a fluid output including an output hole for each progressive cavity pump body; and if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0478]

[0573] Radial piston pumps are capable of pumping a variety of fluids with a wide range of precision and / or flow.

[0479]

[0574] Radial piston pump recessed features include, but are not limited to, reciprocating mechanical output recessed features comprising one or more stacked cams and / or cam tracks, each coupled to one or more cam follower mechanical outputs and / or one or more scotch yoke mechanical outputs; one or more radial piston pump bodies that can be stacked along and / or around the rotor, including holes and locating features that can connect directly to the stator and / or fixed frame of the reciprocating mechanical output recessed features and / or to other radial piston pump bodies, with or without tube support, including a fluid input including an inlet hole with a check valve and a fluid output including an output hole with a check valve, and whose inner surfaces are in contact with the piston outer surface. one piston bore in contact with the piston and piston head for each radial piston pump body, including an outer surface with a sealing component, and a piston connecting rod connecting the piston and piston head to one mechanical output of the reciprocating mechanical output embedded function; one or more inlet tubes connected to one or more radial piston pump body inlet holes; one or more outlet tubes connected to one or more radial piston pump body outlet holes; one or more intermediate tubes connecting one or more radial piston pump body inlet holes and / or outlet holes to each other, if necessary; and a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on, if necessary.

[0480]

[0575] Radial plunger pumps are capable of pumping a variety of fluids with a wide range of accuracy and / or flow.

[0481]

[0576] Radial plunger pump recessed features include, but are not limited to, reciprocating mechanical output recessed features comprising one or more stacked cams and / or cam tracks, each coupled to one or more cam follower mechanical outputs and / or one or more scotch yoke mechanical outputs; one or more radial plunger pump bodies that can be stacked along and / or around the rotor, including holes and locating features that can connect directly to the stator and / or fixed frame of the reciprocating mechanical output recessed features and / or to other radial plunger pump bodies, with or without tube support, and a fluid input including an inlet hole with a check valve and a fluid output including an output hole with a check valve, the inner surfaces of which are in contact with the plunger outer surface. one plunger hole having a sealing component in contact with the plunger; a plunger connecting rod connecting the plunger and plunger head for each radial plunger pump body including an outer surface with a bushing sleeve or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact to one mechanical output of the reciprocating mechanical output embedded function; one or more inlet tubes connected to one or more radial plunger pump body inlet holes; one or more outlet tubes connected to one or more radial plunger pump body outlet holes; if necessary, one or more intermediate tubes connecting one or more radial plunger pump body inlet holes and / or outlet holes to each other; if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0482]

[0577] Diaphragm pumps are capable of pumping a variety of fluids with a wide range of precision and / or flow.

[0483]

[0578] The diaphragm pump recessed feature may include, but is not limited to, a reciprocating mechanical output recessed feature comprising one or more stacked cams and / or cam tracks, each coupled to one or more cam follower mechanical outputs and / or one or more scotch yoke mechanical outputs; one or more diaphragm pump bodies that may be stacked along and / or around the rotor, including holes and locating features that may connect directly to the stator and / or fixed frame of the reciprocating mechanical output recessed feature and / or to other diaphragm pump bodies; and a fluid input including an inlet hole with a check valve and a fluid output including an output hole with a check valve, with or without tube support, and a sealing arrangement if necessary. one diaphragm chamber having a member, the peripheral surface of which is in contact with the diaphragm inner surface; a diaphragm for each diaphragm pump body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the diaphragm chamber having a member, the peripheral surface of which is in contact with the diaphragm inner surface; a diaphragm connecting rod for connecting the diaphragm mechanical input at the center of its outer surface to the mechanical output of one of the reciprocating mechanical output embedded functions; one or more inlet tubes connected to one or more diaphragm pump body inlet holes; one or more outlet tubes connected to one or more diaphragm pump body outlet holes; if necessary, one or more intermediate tubes connecting one or more diaphragm pump body inlet holes and / or outlet holes to each other; if necessary, a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on.

[0484]

[0579] The valve implant is used to control the flow of fluid.

[0485]

[0580] The valve embedding feature can be a single valve, multiple separate valves, a valve manifold including multiple valves, multiple separate valve manifolds including multiple valves, a single valve with a valve manifold including multiple valves, a single valve with multiple separate valve manifolds including multiple valves, multiple separate valves with a valve manifold including multiple valves, and multiple separate valves with multiple separate valve manifolds including multiple valves.

[0486]

[0581] Each valve is individually and sequentially controlled by the rotation and angular positioning of the rotor, or some of the valves are controlled simultaneously and others are individually and sequentially controlled by the rotation and angular positioning of the rotor, or all valves are controlled simultaneously by the rotation and angular positioning of the rotor.

[0487]

[0582] Each valve present in the valve embedding function may be a flow control ball valve, a flow control plug valve, a flow control butterfly valve, a flow control diaphragm valve, a flow control needle valve, a flow control globe valve, a 2 / 2 directional control valve, a 3 / 2 directional control valve, a 4 / 2 directional control valve, a 4 / 3 directional control valve, a 5 / 2 directional control valve, a 5 / 3 directional control valve, a 5 / 4 directional control valve, an X / X directional control valve, a pressure relief valve, a pressure reducing valve, a pressure valve with a fixed throttle, etc.

[0488]

[0583] These valves mentioned can be considered based on the type of mechanical movement required to operate them, such as undergoing rotary valve control and linear valve control.

[0489]

[0584] A rotary valve control is a type of valve that uses a rotor rotation and one or more intermediate mechanisms to rotate the valve stem to a precise angular position to perform a task, operation, or function.

[0490]

[0585] Linear valve control is a type of valve that uses rotor rotation and one or more intermediate mechanisms to move the valve stem to a precise linear position to perform a task, operation, or function.

[0491]

[0586] The operation of the output module controls all rotational or translational movements of the valve stem very accurately from 0 to 100%, with the minimum number of two positions and the maximum number of positions being equal to the number of locking positions of the rotor without the installation of a gearbox with rotor add-on or a clutchable rotor sleeve with continuous positioning add-on, or equal to the number of locking positions of the rotor multiplied by the selected gearbox ratio or maximum number of positions if a gearbox with rotor add-on is installed, or equal to infinity if a clutchable rotor sleeve with continuous positioning add-on is installed.

[0492]

[0587] Valve embedding features include, but are not limited to, one or more valve discs, including one or more inlet holes and one or more outlet holes, and holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the stator and / or fabricated on the stator and / or connected to a valve manifold; if necessary, one or more valve manifolds connected to a plurality of valve discs, including holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the stator and / or fabricated on the stator and / or connected to one or more valve discs and / or connected to one or more valve manifolds; if necessary, a fixed frame, including holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the stator and / or fabricated on the stator and / or connected to one or more valve discs and / or connected to one or more valve manifolds, and one or more guide features and / or support holes coupled to the external cylindrical surface of one or more intermediate features, including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts, with or without lubrication, if necessary; if the plane of rotation of the rotary valve stem is parallel to the plane of rotation of the rotor, including, but not limited to, a rotary valve stem mounted on the rotor or manufactured, one or more stacked spur gears and / or helical gears and / or double helical gears and / or herringbone gears and / or any type of anti-backlash gears and / or any type of custom gears and / or any type of input timing pulleys and / or any type of input timing sprockets and / or any type of input lever arms, each of which is connected to, but not limited to, one or more spur pinion gears and / or helical pinion gears and / or double helical pinion gears and / or herringbone pinion gears and / or any type of anti-backlash pinion gears and / or any type of custom pinion gears and / or any type of output timing pulleys via a timing belt and / or any type of output timing sprockets via a timing chain and / or any type of output lever arms, each of which is connected to one rotary valve stem;or where the plane of rotation of the rotary valve stem is perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the rotor, including, but not limited to, one or more stacked bevel gears and / or spiral bevel gears and / or crown gears and / or hypoid gears and / or cross helical gears mounted or fabricated on the rotor, each of which is connected to, but not limited to, one or more bevel pinion gears and / or spiral bevel pinion gears and / or hypoid pinion gears and / or cross helical pinion gears, each of which is connected to one rotary valve stem; or where the translational plane of the linear valve stem is parallel to the plane of rotation of the rotor, including, but not limited to, one or more stacked input lever arms of any type and / or cams or cam tracks and / or spur pinion gears and / or helical pinion gears and / or double helical pinion gears and / or herringbone pinion gears mounted or fabricated on the rotor. an intermediate mechanism connected to one or more output lever arms of any type, each of which is connected to one linear valve stem, and / or an output shaft, if necessary, including a contact surface including a bearing or bushing or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact, with or without lubrication, and each of which is connected to one linear valve stem, and / or a cam follower including a rack gear and / or a helical rack gear and / or a double helical rack gear and / or a herringbone rack gear, each of which is connected to one linear valve stem; a mechanical output including one or more rotary valve stems and / or one or more linear valve stems; one or more inlet tubes connected to one or more valve body inlet holes; one or more outlet tubes connected to one or more valve body outlet holes; if necessary, one or more intermediate tubes connecting one or more valve body inlet holes and / or outlet holes to each other and / or to one or more valve manifolds; if necessary,Includes a clutchable rotor sleeve with a gearbox or continuous positioning add-on for the rotor add-on.

[0493]

[0588] The electrical implants are used to control the flow of electricity.

[0494]

[0589] The electrical embedded function may be a mechanically actuated contactor or a mechanically actuated relay or a remotely switchable circuit breaker or a rotary variable resistor or a linear variable resistor or a rotary potentiometer or a linear potentiometer or a task-oriented or externally oriented type electrical embedded function and simple or complex subtypes and electrical subtypes and AC subtypes and variable autotransformers.

[0495]

[0590] The electrical embedded function may be a single electrical on / off component, a plurality of separate electrical on / off components, a single electrical component with rotary control, a plurality of separate electrical components with rotary control, a single electrical component with linear control, a plurality of separate electrical components with linear control, a single electrical on / off component with a single electrical component with rotary control, a single electrical on / off component with a plurality of separate electrical components with rotary control, a single electrical on / off component with a single electrical component with linear control, a single electrical on / off component with a plurality of separate electrical components with linear control, a single electrical on / off component with a single electrical component with rotary control. The on / off component can be a plurality of separate electrical on / off components with a plurality of separate electrical components with rotary control, a plurality of separate electrical on / off components with a single electrical component with linear control, a plurality of separate electrical on / off components with a plurality of separate electrical components with linear control, a single electrical component with rotary control with a single electrical component with linear control, a single electrical component with rotary control with a plurality of separate electrical components with linear control, a plurality of separate electrical components with rotary control with a single electrical component with linear control, a plurality of separate electrical components with rotary control with a single electrical component with linear control, a plurality of separate electrical components with rotary control with a linear control.

[0496]

[0591] Each electrical component is individually and sequentially controlled by the rotation and angular positioning of the rotor, or some of the electrical components are controlled simultaneously and others are individually and sequentially controlled by the rotation and angular positioning of the rotor, or all electrical components are controlled simultaneously by the rotation and angular positioning of the rotor.

[0497]

[0592] Each component present in the electrical embedding function may be a mechanically actuated contactor, a mechanically actuated relay, a remotely switchable circuit breaker, a rotary variable resistor, a linear variable resistor, a rotary potentiometer, a linear potentiometer, a variable autotransformer, or the like.

[0498]

[0593] All the different electrical components mentioned above can be divided into rotary and linear controls.

[0499]

[0594] A rotary control is a type of electrical component that uses a rotor rotation and one or more intermediate mechanisms to rotate the sliding contacts (wipers) of the electrical component to a precise angular position to perform a task, operation, or function.

[0500]

[0595] A linear control is a type of electrical component that uses rotor rotation and one or more intermediate mechanisms to move an electrical component's sliding contact (wiper) to a precise linear position or to move an electrical component's on / off switch / button to perform a task, operation, or function.

[0501]

[0596] By operation of the output module, the sliding contacts (wipers) of the electrical components are controlled very accurately from 0 to 100%, with the minimum number of two positions and the maximum number of positions being equal to the number of locking positions of the rotor or the maximum number of positions without the installation of a gearbox with rotor add-on or a clutchable rotor sleeve with continuous positioning add-on, or equal to the number of locking positions of the rotor multiplied by the selected gearbox ratio or the maximum number of positions if a gearbox with rotor add-on is installed, or equal to infinity if a clutchable rotor sleeve with continuous positioning add-on is installed.

[0502]

[0597] The electrical embedding features include, but are not limited to, one or more electrical component bodies including one or more input electrical contacts and one or more output electrical contacts, and holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the stator and / or are fabricated on the stator; if necessary, holes and locating features that can be directly connected to the stator and / or are fabricated on the stator and / or are connected to one or more electrical component bodies, and a fixed frame including one or more guide features and / or support holes that are coupled to the external cylindrical surface of one or more intermediate features including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts, with or without lubricant, if necessary.

[0503]

[0598] The intermediate mechanism may include, but is not limited to, one or more stacked spur gears and / or helical gears and / or double helical gears and / or herringbone gears and / or any type of anti-backlash gear and / or any type of custom gear and / or any type of input timing pulley and / or any type of input timing sprocket and / or any type of input lever arm mounted on or fabricated on the rotor, where the plane of rotation of the rotary control is parallel to the plane of rotation of the rotor, each of which may be connected to, but is not limited to, one or more spur pinion gears and / or helical pinion gears and / or double helical pinion gears and / or herringbone pinion gears and / or any type of anti-backlash pinion gear and / or any type of custom pinion gear and / or any type of output timing pulley and / or any type of output timing sprocket via a timing belt. a rocket and / or any type of output lever arm, each of which is connected to one or more stacked input lever arms of any type and / or cams or cam tracks and / or spur pinion gears and / or helical pinion gears and / or double helical pinion gears and / or herringbone pinion gears mounted or fabricated on the rotor, including, but not limited to, where the translational plane of the linear control is parallel to the rotational plane of the rotor, each of which is connected to one or more output lever arms of any type, each of which is connected to one linear sliding contact (wiper) or one linear on / off switch / button connecting rod, and / or cam followers, including contact surfaces including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts, with or without lubrication, if necessary, and an output shaft, each of which is connected to one or more output lever arms of any type, each of which is connected to one or more linear on / off switch / button connecting rod, and / or cam followers, including contact surfaces including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts, with or without lubrication, if necessary, and an output shaft,The electrical component may include a rack gear, a helical rack gear, a double helical rack gear, and / or a herringbone rack gear, each connected to one linear sliding contact (wiper) or one linear on / off switch / button connecting rod; a mechanical output including one or more rotary sliding contacts (wiper) and / or one or more linear sliding contacts (wiper) and / or one or more linear on / off switch / button connecting rods; one or more cables connected to the input electrical contacts of one or more electrical component bodies; one or more outlet tubes connected to the output electrical contacts of one or more electrical component bodies; one or more intermediate cables connecting the input electrical contacts and / or output electrical contacts of one or more electrical component bodies to each other, if necessary; and a clutchable rotor sleeve with a rotor add-on gearbox or continuous positioning add-on, if necessary.

[0504] Selective add-ons

[0599] Optional add-ons refer to all subsystems, assemblies, and components to add new capabilities and / or to assist, improve, and optimize the operation, performance, and reliability of the task, operation, or function being performed, or to complete a particular configuration of a subsystem or assembly that requires one or more optional add-ons to operate properly in special conditions.

[0505]

[0600] The optional add-ons can be divided into, but are not limited to, at least two main types of configurations, which themselves can be further divided into three subtype groups, which themselves can be further divided into two subtype groups, which themselves can be further divided into four subtype groups. The two main types are task-oriented and system-oriented. The two main types differ from each other by how they assist the internal workings of the completed mechanical system or how they assist the completed mechanical system in performing the task.

[0506]

[0601] The task-oriented type is a type of selective add-on that aims to add new capabilities to the output module and / or connected external modules and / or aims to assist, improve and optimize the operation, performance and reliability of the tasks performed by the output module and / or connected external modules.

[0507]

[0602] One example of adding new capabilities is that a configuration of an output module with a peristaltic pump embedded functionality can be used when trying to perform a simple pumping task for, say, soda syrup in the food sector. The same configuration of an output module with the same peristaltic pump embedded functionality assembled with an embedded microcontroller add-on connected to two non-invasive fluid sensor add-ons may now be used to perform a complex and precise metering task for making drugs in the pharmaceutical sector.

[0508]

[0603] The system-oriented type is a type of optional add-on that aims to complete some specific configuration of a subsystem or assembly that requires one or more optional add-ons to operate properly. These optional add-on types are optional because other assemblies in the same group as the completed specific configuration do not require the same optional add-ons or do not require any optional add-ons at all. These optional add-on types are intended to add new capabilities and / or to assist, improve, and optimize the operation, performance, and reliability of internal tasks performed by any system in the mechanical demultiplexer that are not specific tasks in the system's external environment, or to transmit the torque, rotational speed, and, if necessary, angular position provided by the main motor to an external module or external machine.

[0509]

[0604] One example of a particular configuration of a subsystem that requires multiple optional add-ons to operate properly is a demultiplexing section drive shaft that includes a splined lead screw and multiple mechanical transmission nuts. To operate properly, this particular demultiplexing section drive shaft configuration requires transmission nut stop plate add-ons installed at every output module along the transmission nut travel path.

[0510]

[0605] The first subtype group includes mechanical, electrical / electronic, and pressurized fluid subtypes. The three subtypes differ from each other by the type of energy required to perform their work.

[0511]

[0606] The mechanical subtype is an optional add-on subtype that includes mechanical components, assemblies, and mechanisms that use mechanical energy provided by the main motor and / or by a rotor locking mechanism attached to a mechanical mainframe and / or by a lock actuator assembly for the rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator and / or by any other moving mechanism in the mechanical demultiplexer to fulfill their function.

[0512]

[0607] The Electric / Electronic subtype is an optional add-on subtype that includes electric and / or electronic circuits and / or components that use electrical energy provided by a rotor lock mechanism attached to the mainframe of the Electric type and DC or AC subtype and / or by an external power source in an external module and / or by the embedded electronic system via an actuator unit and / or by the embedded electronic system via a data bus add-on and / or any other electric circuitry in a mechanical demultiplexer to fulfill their function, and that use control signals from the embedded electronic system and / or from closed-loop control electric circuitry and / or from the embedded microcontroller add-on.

[0513]

[0608] The pressurized fluid subtype is a selective add-on subtype that uses pressurized fluid energy provided by the rotor lock mechanism attached to the mainframe of the pressurized fluid type and hydraulic or pneumatic subtype and / or any other pressurized fluid lines in the mechanical demultiplexer to fulfill its function, and includes hydraulic and / or pneumatic circuits and / or components and / or lines using control signals from an embedded electronic system and / or closed-loop control circuit and / or an embedded microcontroller add-on connected to an electrically actuated valve add-on or a mechanically actuated valve add-on. The pressurized fluid energy can be generated by an output module assembled with the pump's embedded function. The second subtype group includes the rotor lock mechanism-dependent subtype and the rotor lock mechanism-independent subtype. The two subtypes differ from each other by the source of their energy for operation.

[0514]

[0609] The rotor lock mechanism dependent subtype is an optional add-on subtype that uses mechanical, electrical or pressurized fluid energy of a rotor lock mechanism to operate properly.

[0515]

[0610] The rotor lock mechanism independent subtype is an optional add-on subtype that does not use mechanical or electrical or pressurized fluid energy of the rotor lock mechanism to operate properly.

[0516]

[0611] The third subtype group includes the internal subtype, external subtype, stator intermediate subtype, rotor intermediate subtype, and system subtype. The four subtypes differ from each other depending on how they are positioned within the system and assembly.

[0517]

[0612] The internal subtype is an optional add-on subtype assembled within the output module. They can be assembled anywhere between the two inner surfaces of the stator.

[0518]

[0613] External subtypes are optional add-on subtypes assembled with external modules.

[0519]

[0614] The stator intermediate subtype is an optional add-on subtype assembled directly with the stator on its outer surface or directly with the bearing frame on its main surface. They can be assembled between a single stator outer surface, a single locking stator outer surface, a bearing frame main surface, between two single stator outer surfaces, between two single locking stator outer surfaces, between a single stator outer surface and a single locking stator outer surface, between a bearing frame main surface and a single stator outer surface, between a bearing frame main surface and a single locking stator outer surface, etc.

[0520]

[0615] Rotor-intermediate subtypes are optional add-on subtypes positioned between the rotor and the rotating subsystem, rotating assembly, and / or rotating component of the embedded feature, which may be assembled or connected to the rotor, the rotating subsystem, rotating assembly, and / or rotating component of the embedded feature, and, if necessary, one or both of the stators.

[0521]

[0616] The system is an optional add-on subtype assembled with any other subsystem or assembly in a mechanical demultiplexer that is not an output module or external module.

[0522]

[0617] A rotor add-on gearbox is a category of optional add-on intended to change the torque and rotational speed and / or, if necessary, the direction of the rotor mechanical output received by the mechanical input of the rotating component of the installed embedded function and is installed between the outer surface of the rotor and the rotating component of the installed embedded function and fixed to the stator of the output module.

[0523]

[0618] The gear stage includes an external cylindrical surface that may contact the internal cylindrical surface of the rotating component of the installed recessed feature, including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact, with or without lubrication if necessary, and an external fixed frame including holes and locating features connected to the fixed components and features of the internal mechanism of this gear stage and the external fixed frame of the stator or previous gear stage; a mechanical input including an internal rotating frame connected to the rotating component of the internal mechanism of this gear stage and a mechanical input including an input component connected to the mechanical output of the previous gear stage or an input component connected to the rotating component of the internal mechanism of this gear stage and the rotor, or an input component connected to the rotor and the rotating component of the internal mechanism of this gear stage; a mechanical output including an internal rotating frame connected to the mechanical input of the next gear stage or an output component of the rotating component of the internal mechanism of this gear stage and the rotating component of the installed recessed feature, or an output component of the rotating component of the internal mechanism of this gear stage connected to the rotating component of the installed recessed feature; and internal mechanisms specific to this gear stage.

[0524]

[0619] The input component connected to the rotor may include a rotor core of a custom subtype, and the other rotor core may be one or more rotor cores of a modular subtype and a cylindrical surface subtype, or may include a side plate or a separate component connected to a rotor core of a modular subtype.

[0525]

[0620] The cylindrical section of the gearbox of the rotor add-on can be installed on a rotor core of the modular subtype and cylindrical surface subtype or a rotor core of the custom subtype that includes a cylindrical surface for the cylindrical section.

[0526]

[0621] Contact between the cylindrical portion of the gearbox of the rotor add-on and the cylindrical surface or rotor core may include bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact, with or without lubrication, if necessary.

[0527]

[0622] Some of the gearboxes in the rotor add-on configuration may include a single gear stage that includes a unique, non-repeating gear arrangement.

[0528]

[0623] Some rotor add-on configuration gearboxes may include multiple compound gear stages, each representing a precise output / input ratio and / or output / input direction reversal and / or characteristic.

[0529]

[0624] Some rotor add-on configuration gearboxes may include multiple compound gear stages, in whole or in part, of the same type and subtype and / or different types and subtypes.

[0530]

[0625] Some gearboxes with rotor add-on configuration have a fixed output / input ratio and a fixed output / input direction of rotation.

[0531]

[0626] Some of the gearboxes in rotor add-on configuration have a fixed output / input ratio and a variable output / input rotation direction that can be controlled by one other output module.

[0532]

[0627] Some gearboxes with rotor add-on configuration have a variable output / input ratio that can be controlled by one other output module, and a fixed output / input direction of rotation.

[0533]

[0628] Some of the gearboxes in rotor add-on configuration have variable output / input ratios and variable output / input rotation directions, which can be controlled by one or two other output modules.

[0534]

[0629] The use of a gearbox in a rotor add-on configuration with variable elements automatically transforms the output module into a complex output module, since multiple output modules are required to perform a single task.

[0535]

[0630] Some of the gearboxes in the rotor add-on configuration stages may have inverted inputs and outputs, so that the input becomes the output and vice versa. This is done by simply reversing the gear stages.

[0536]

[0631] All gearboxes in rotor add-on configuration stages may include gear shifters that can change the connections between the gear stage input and the rotor and between the gear stage input and the output of the previous gear stage. The shifters change the connection of the gear stage input from the output of the previous gear stage to the rotor, thereby disconnecting the previous gear stage, and vice versa. Gear shifters are used when a rotor add-on configuration gearbox includes two or more compatible compound gear stages, allowing another output module to change at least the gear ratio and / or direction at the output of the rotor add-on gearbox.

[0537]

[0632] Rotor add-on gearboxes can be divided into at least nine main stage configuration types, including, but not limited to: basic gear x:x reduction stages, basic gear x:x reductions with reverser stages, planetary gear x:x reduction stages, strain wave gearing x:x reductions with reverser and non-backlash stages, cycloidal drive x:x reductions with reverser stages, worm drive self-locking x:x reduction stages, worm drive self-locking x:x reductions with reverser stages, v1 basic gear reverser 1:1 reduction stages, and v2 basic gear reverser 1:1 reduction stages.

[0538]

[0633] The basic gear X:X reduction stage type is used to vary the torque and rotational speed of the rotor mechanical output. This gear stage may have inverted inputs and outputs.

[0539]

[0634] A basic gear X:X reduction stage includes, but is not limited to, an external fixed frame including one compound gear central shaft; a mechanical input including an input gear connected to a smaller gear of the compound gear; a mechanical output including an output gear smaller than the input gear connected to a larger gear of the compound gear; and an internal mechanism including a compound gear including two gears with different numbers of teeth. The gears may be, but are not limited to, spur gears and / or helical gears and / or double helical gears and / or herringbone gears.

[0540]

[0635] A basic gear X:X reduction type with a reverser stage is used to add self-locking characteristics, highly vary torque and rotational speed, and change the direction of the rotor mechanical output. This gear stage can have reversed inputs and outputs.

[0541]

[0636] A basic gear X:X reduction ratio with a reverser stage includes, but is not limited to, an external fixed frame including one compound gear central shaft and one reverser gear central shaft; a mechanical input including an input gear coupled to a reverser gear connected to a smaller gear of the compound gear; a mechanical output including an output gear smaller than the input gear coupled to a larger gear of the compound gear; and an internal mechanism including a compound gear including two gears with a different number of teeth than the smaller gear of the compound gear and a reverser gear with the same number of teeth. The gears may be, but are not limited to, spur gears and / or helical gears and / or double helical gears and / or herringbone gears.

[0542]

[0637] The planetary gear X:X reduction stage type is used to vary the torque and rotational speed of the rotor mechanical output. This gear stage may have inverted inputs and outputs.

[0543]

[0638] A planetary gear X:X reduction ratio stage includes, but is not limited to, an external fixed frame including two ring gears coupled to the planet gears; a mechanical input including a sun gear coupled to the planet gears; a mechanical output including a carrier including one or more planet gear center shafts coupled to the planet gears; and an internal mechanism including one or more planet gears. The sun gear and / or ring gear and / or planet gears may be, but are not limited to, spur gears and / or helical gears and / or double helical gears and / or herringbone gears, or the sun gear and / or ring gear and / or planet gears may be, but are not limited to, crown gears and / or bevel gears and / or spiral bevel gears and / or hypoid gears.

[0544]

[0639] The strain wave gearing X:X reduction ratio stage type with reverser and non-backlash is used to change the torque and rotational speed and direction of the rotor mechanical output without backlash.

[0545]

[0640] A strain wave gearing X:X reduction ratio stage with reverser and no backlash includes, but is not limited to, an external fixed frame including one circular spline coupled to a flexspline; a mechanical input including an input wave generator coupled to the flexspline; and a mechanical output including a flexspline with a smaller number of teeth than the circular spline.

[0546]

[0641] A cycloidal drive X:X reduction ratio stage type with reverser is used to vary the torque and rotational speed and direction of the rotor mechanical output.

[0547]

[0642] A cycloidal drive X:X reduction ratio stage with reverser includes, but is not limited to, an external fixed frame including a plurality of ring pins coupled to cycloidal discs; a mechanical input including one or more eccentrically mounted contact surfaces including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts with or without lubrication coupled to one or more cycloidal discs; a mechanical output including an output frame including a plurality of eccentrically mounted output rollers / pins with contact surfaces including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts with or without lubrication coupled to one or more cycloidal discs; and an internal mechanism including one or more cycloidal discs.

[0548]

[0643] The worm-driven self-locking X:X reduction ratio stage type adds a self-locking feature and is used to achieve high variations in torque and rotational speed without changing the direction of the rotor mechanical output.

[0549]

[0644] The worm-driven self-locking X:X reduction stage includes an internal mechanism including, but not limited to, two compound gears: an external fixed frame including two compound gear central shafts; a mechanical input including an input crossed-helical gear coupled to the crossed-helical pinion gear of the first compound gear; a mechanical output including an output worm wheel coupled to the worm gear of the second compound gear; and two compound gears, with the first compound gear including a crossed-helical pinion gear coupled to a gear coupled to the worm gear of the second compound gear. The gears may be, but are not limited to, spur gears, helical gears, double helical gears, and / or herringbone gears.

[0550]

[0645] Worm drive self-locking X:X reduction ratio stage types with reversers add a self-locking feature and are used to provide high variations in torque and rotational speed and change the direction of rotor mechanical output.

[0551]

[0646] Self-locking X:X gear reduction stages with reversers include, but are not limited to, the same components as worm-driven self-locking X:X reduction stages, but with reversed rotational directions of the worm gear and worm wheel teeth.

[0552]

[0647] V1 Basic Gear Reverser 1:1 Reduction Ratio Stage Type is used to change the direction of the rotor mechanical output without changing the torque and rotational speed.

[0553]

[0648] The v1 basic gear reverser 1:1 reduction ratio stage includes, but is not limited to, an external fixed frame including two compound gear central shafts; a mechanical input including an input gear connected to the first compound gear; a mechanical output including an output gear identical to the input gear connected to the second compound gear; and an internal mechanism including two connected identical compound gears. The gears may be, but are not limited to, spur gears, helical gears, double helical gears, and / or herringbone gears.

[0554]

[0649] V2 Basic Gear Reverser 1:1 Reduction Ratio Stage Type is used to change the direction of the rotor mechanical output without changing the torque and rotational speed.

[0555]

[0650] A v2 basic gear reverser 1:1 reduction ratio stage includes, but is not limited to, an external fixed frame including at least one bevel gear central shaft; a mechanical input including an input crown or bevel gear coupled to at least one bevel gear; a mechanical output including an output crown or bevel gear identical to the input crown or bevel gear coupled to the same bevel gear; and an internal mechanism including at least one bevel gear. The gears may be, but are not limited to, bevel gears and / or spiral bevel gears and / or hypoid gears and / or crown gears.

[0556]

[0651] Clutchable rotor sleeves with continuous positioning add-ons are a category of optional add-ons that are intended to enable the rotating components of the installed recessed features to have an infinite number of angular positions and are installed between the outer surface of the rotor and the rotating components of the installed recessed features.

[0557]

[0652] In order to use a clutchable rotor sleeve with continuous positioning add-on, a second stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism must be installed on the stator opposite the stator containing the stator-mounted rotor locking mechanism that locks and unlocks the rotor.

[0558]

[0653] The clutchable rotor sleeve with continuous positioning add-ons contains two friction clutches, one on each side, coupled to each other to synchronize opposing locking and unlocking actions. When clutch 1 locks, clutch 2 unlocks, and vice versa. Clutch 1 is coupled to the rotor, and clutch 2 is coupled to a second rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator. The second rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator controls the locking and unlocking actions of the two friction clutches.

[0559]

[0654] If the system desires to position the rotating component of the recessed feature installed at an angular position other than that through which the transmission nut can pass the rotor, the rotor is moved to the desired angular position and a second rotor locking mechanism attached to the stator is activated, disengaging the clutchable rotor sleeve with the continuous positioning add-on from the rotor and locking it in place, after which the rotor can return to the standard locked position.

[0560]

[0655] The transmission nut stop plate add-on is a category of optional add-ons intended to stop the movement of the transmission nut at a precise location along the path of travel of the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft.

[0561]

[0656] Transmission nut stop plate add-ons include, but are not limited to, an external fixed frame containing holes and locating features that can connect directly to the outer surface of or between one stator and can connect directly to the outer surface of two stators or directly to the bearing frame at its main surface and contains guide features for the stop plate; an actuated stop plate connected directly to a rotor locking mechanism attached to the main frame via a locking actuator or to a stator via a locking actuator or to an actuator add-on or to a rotor locking mechanism attached to a lever.

[0562]

[0657] The transmission nut stop plate add-on can be in two different modes which are active mode and inactive mode.

[0563]

[0658] In an operating mode, the stop plate blocks the central passage of the transmission nut along the path of travel of the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft, thereby capturing the transmission nut.

[0564]

[0659] In the inoperative mode, the stop plate unblocks the central passage of the transmission nut, allowing the transmission nut to move along the path of travel of the central axis of the demultiplexing section drive shaft.

[0565]

[0660] A direct mechanical link add-on is used to connect and synchronize the rotation of at least two rotors in two linked output modules found in two different mechanical demultiplexers that are connected to each other. The direct mechanical link add-on allows an output module located in a mechanical demultiplexer to be controlled by one or more other main motors connected to output modules located in one or more other mechanical demultiplexers.

[0566]

[0661] Some direct mechanical link add-on configurations may include a single link stage that includes unique standard mechanical power and position transmission components.

[0567]

[0662] Some direct mechanical link add-on configurations may include multiple multiple link stages, each representing a precise output / input ratio.

[0568]

[0663] Some direct mechanical link add-on configurations may include, in whole or in part, multiple multiple link stages of the same type and subtype and / or different types and subtypes.

[0569]

[0664] The direct mechanical link add-on configuration has a fixed output / input ratio and a fixed output / input direction of rotation.

[0570]

[0665] The link stage may include, but is not limited to, an external, fixed frame that may be directly connected to or between the outer surface of one stator and directly connected to the outer surfaces of two stators, or may have a bearing frame directly on its main surface, including holes and positioning features and, if necessary, including guide features for transmission components and including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contacts, with or without lubrication if necessary; a mechanical input / output connected to the rotor and, if necessary, the external, fixed frame, and including one or more multiple, standard mechanical power and position transmission components of the same and / or different types; one or more transmission components connected to the two mechanical inputs / outputs that connect two aligned link stages of two different direct mechanical link add-ons, including belts or timing belts or chains or timing chains or transmission shafts, etc.

[0571]

[0666] When an output module interconnected to one or more output modules via a direct mechanical link add-on is actuated, all rotor locking mechanisms attached to the stators are unlocked simultaneously in a synchronized fashion, because all rotors rotate even though only one of the rotors is driven.

[0572]

[0667] According to one embodiment, a mechanical demultiplexer can operate without a central axis drive shaft if all its output modules are connected by direct mechanical link add-ons to other (basic) output modules present in other mechanical demultiplexers present in parallel to the mechanical demultiplexer without a central axis drive shaft.

[0573]

[0668] Different mechanical link add-ons are used to connect and synchronize the rotation of at least two rotors in two linked output modules found in two different mechanical demultiplexers connected together.

[0574]

[0669] By means of different mechanical link add-ons, an output module located on a mechanical demultiplexer is controlled by one or simultaneously or individually by a plurality of other main motors connected to output modules located on one or more other mechanical demultiplexers.

[0575]

[0670] A different mechanical link add-on configuration includes two inputs / outputs, one of which may be locked and deactivated, and each of the two inputs / outputs may be coupled to a respective other differential mechanical link add-on.

[0576]

[0671] A differential mechanical link add-on configuration has a fixed output / input ratio and a fixed output / input direction of rotation.

[0577]

[0672] The link stage includes, but is not limited to, an external, fixed frame that can be directly connected to or between the outer surface of one stator and can be directly connected to the outer surfaces of two stators, or can have bearing frames directly on its main surface, including holes and locating features and, if necessary, including guide features for the differential transmission components and, if necessary, including bearings or bushings or direct surface-to-surface sliding contact, with or without lubrication, an outer surface of a gear connected to the rotor; a gear connected to the rotor and a central input / output of the differential gearbox; a differential gearbox including a central input / output, a left input / output, and a right input / output; a left input / output transmission shaft; a right input / output transmission shaft; and one or two outer transmission shafts.

[0578]

[0673] When an output module interconnected to one or more output modules via a differential mechanical link add-on is actuated, only the rotor locking mechanisms attached to the stators of the actuated output module and the rotor locking mechanisms attached to the stators of the driven output module are simultaneously unlocked in a synchronized manner.

[0579]

[0674] According to one embodiment, a mechanical demultiplexer can operate without a central axis drive shaft if all output modules are connected by differential mechanical link add-ons to other output modules present in other mechanical demultiplexers that are present in parallel to the mechanical demultiplexer without a central axis drive shaft.

[0580]

[0675] Rotor lock mechanism valve add-ons are a category of optional add-ons whose purpose is to block or unblock fluid flow when a mainframe-mounted rotor lock mechanism or a stator-mounted rotor lock mechanism is actuated.

[0581]

[0676] Rotor lock mechanism valve add-ons include, but are not limited to, any type of valve connected to a main frame mounted rotor lock mechanism or a stator mounted rotor lock mechanism; an external fixed frame containing holes and locating features that can connect directly to the inner surface of one stator or that can connect directly to the outer surface or between one stator and that can connect directly to the outer surfaces or main surfaces of two stators with bearing frames directly.

[0582] Mechanical Power Clutch Add-On

[0677] Mechanical output clutch add-ons are a category of optional add-ons whose purpose is to clutch or declutch the mechanical output of externally directed embedded features.

[0583]

[0678] Mechanical output clutch add-ons include, but are not limited to, an external fixed frame including holes and locating features that can be directly connected to a stator or externally oriented type embedded feature or main frame; a mechanical input including one side of a clutch connected to the shaft of a mechanical output of an externally oriented type connected embedded feature; a mechanical output including the other side of a clutch connected to an output shaft or output shaft coupling; and a clutch pack mechanism including at least two clutch sides that can be locked or unlocked from each other.

[0584]

[0679] The mechanical power clutch add-on can be in two different modes: an activated mode and a deactivated mode.

[0585]

[0680] The operating mode opens the clutch pack, unblocking rotation.

[0586]

[0681] The inactive mode closes the clutch pack, blocking rotation.

[0587]

[0682] Electrical / electronic add-ons are an optional category of add-ons that use electrical energy supplied by a rotor lock mechanism attached to the mainframe of electrical type and DC or AC sub-type and / or by an external power source in an external module and / or by the embedded electronic system via an actuator unit and / or by the embedded electronic system via a data bus add-on and / or by any other electrical circuitry in a mechanical demultiplexer, and also use control signals from the embedded electronic system and / or from closed loop control electrical circuitry and / or from an embedded microcontroller add-on to fulfill their functions.

[0588]

[0683] The electrical / electronic selective add-on subcategory includes, but is not limited to, data bus add-ons; embedded microcontroller add-ons; remote I / O terminal add-ons; transmission nut position feedback add-ons; sensor add-ons; actuator add-ons; etc.

[0589]

[0684] The data bus add-on represents all subsystems, assemblies, and components intended to transmit data between the embedded microcontroller add-on and / or remote I / O terminal add-on and / or transmission nut position feedback add-on and / or sensor add-on and / or actuator add-on and / or closed loop control electrical circuitry and the embedded electronic system of the mechanical demultiplexer.

[0590]

[0685] The data bus add-on may distribute power to operate the electrical / electronic add-ons.

[0591]

[0686] An embedded microcontroller add-on represents any electronic circuit with a microcontroller and I / O terminals that is intended to connect one or more sensor and / or actuator add-ons in an output module or complex output module and is a slave to the embedded electronic system.

[0592]

[0687] The embedded microcontroller add-on performs all real-time tasks for the embedded functionality of the output module and optional add-ons that require it.

[0593]

[0688] One of the primary tasks of an embedded microcontroller add-on is to monitor all sensor add-ons and / or control the movement of connected actuator add-ons.

[0594]

[0689] The embedded microcontroller add-on may be located in or on the output module, may be fixed directly to one or both stators of the output module, or may be fixed directly to the support and positioning bars / plates of the block of the output module, or may be fixed directly to the support and positioning bars / plates of the main frame, or may be fixed directly to a protective housing and / or casing present at the location of said output module.

[0595]

[0690] The embedded microcontroller add-on may be installed in place of standard mechanical power and position transmission components, may be secured directly to the mainframe's support and positioning bars / plates, or may be secured directly to a protective housing and / or casing.

[0596]

[0691] The embedded microcontroller add-on is connected to the embedded electronic system of the mechanical demultiplexer via a data bus add-on.

[0597]

[0692] A remote I / O terminal add-on refers to any electronic circuit with I / O terminals intended to connect one or more sensor add-ons and / or actuator add-ons that are not considered essential or are internal components of the embedded functionality of the output module, and that are outside the normal range of the mechanical demultiplexer and its output module, e.g., sensor add-ons and / or actuator add-ons located in the external environment or sensor add-ons and / or actuator add-ons located in or on an external module, to the embedded electronic system of the mechanical demultiplexer.

[0598]

[0693] The remote I / O terminal add-on can be used as a standard control terminal, like the I / O terminal of a programmable logic controller, and therefore can be used to control external modules.

[0599]

[0694] The remote I / O terminal add-on may be mounted on the output module, may be fixed directly to one or both stators of the output module, or may be fixed directly to the support and positioning bars / plates of the output module block, or may be fixed directly to the support and positioning bars / plates of the main frame, or may be fixed directly to a protective housing and / or casing present at the location of said output module.

[0600]

[0695] The remote I / O terminal add-ons may be installed in the locations of standard mechanical power and position transmission components, may be secured directly to the mainframe support and positioning bars / plates, or may be secured directly to the protective housing and / or casing.

[0601]

[0696] The remote I / O terminal add-on is connected to the embedded electronic system of the mechanical demultiplexer via an embedded microcontroller add-on or directly via a data bus add-on.

[0602]

[0697] The transmission nut position feedback add-on represents all electronic circuitry whose purpose is to send a signal from the transmission nut detector add-on assembly of the stator mounted rotor locking mechanism transmission nut detector or sensor add-on to the embedded electronic system to verify the exact position of the transmission nut.

[0603]

[0698] The transmission nut position feedback add-on may be mounted on the output module, may be fixed directly to one or both stators of the output module, or may be fixed directly to the support and positioning bars / plates of the block of the output module, or may be fixed directly to the support and positioning bars / plates of the main frame, or may be fixed directly to a protective housing and / or casing present at the location of said output module.

[0604]

[0699] The transmission nut position feedback add-on is connected to the embedded electronic system of the mechanical demultiplexer via an embedded microcontroller add-on or directly via a data bus add-on.

[0605]

[0700] Sensor add-ons include, but are not limited to, a fixed frame containing holes and positioning features that can be fixed to multiple surfaces if desired; power and signal cables; and analog or digital sensors.

[0606]

[0701] The sensors included in the sensor selective add-on may include any type of sensor, such as, but not limited to, a conductivity sensor add-on; a reed switch sensor add-on (magnetic field detector); a Hall effect sensor add-on (magnetic field detector); an electro-optical sensor add-on (optical detector); an ultrasonic sensor add-on (ultrasonic detector); a linear encoder sensor add-on; a rotary encoder sensor add-on; a fluid detection sensor add-on; a non-invasive fluid detection sensor add-on; an air bubble detection sensor add-on;

[0607]

[0702] Actuator add-ons include, but are not limited to, a fixed frame containing holes and locating features that can be secured to multiple surfaces if desired; power and signal cables; and actuators.

[0608]

[0703] The solenoid linear actuator add-on includes a solenoid with a sliding ferromagnetic plunger connected to a connecting rod and a spring that provides linear motion.

[0609]

[0704] The solenoid linear actuator add-on includes two solenoids with sliding ferromagnetic plungers connected to connecting rods that perform linear motion.

[0610]

[0705] The electric motor linear actuator add-on includes an electric motor connected to a gearbox connected to a lead screw with a nut that provides linear motion, or an electric motor connected to a lead screw with a nut that provides linear motion, or an electric motor connected to a gearbox connected to a rack and pinion with a rack gear that provides linear motion, or an electric motor connected to a rack and pinion with a rack gear that provides linear motion.

[0611]

[0706] An electric motor rotary actuator add-on includes an electric motor with an output shaft that provides rotary motion or an electric motor connected to a gearbox with an output shaft that provides rotary motion.

[0612]

[0707] Pressurized fluid add-ons are an optional category of add-ons that use pneumatic and / or hydraulic energy supplied by rotor lock mechanisms attached to pressurized fluid type and hydraulic or pneumatic sub-type mainframes and / or by any other pressurized fluid in a mechanical demultiplexer to fulfill their function, and use control signals from an embedded electronic system and / or from closed-loop control circuitry and / or from an embedded microcontroller add-on connected to an electrically actuated valve add-on or from a mechanically actuated valve add-on. The pressurized fluid energy can be generated by an output module assembled with the pump's embedded function.

[0613]

[0708] The pressurized fluid selective add-on subcategory includes, but is not limited to, electrically actuated valve add-ons; mechanically actuated valve add-ons; hydraulic linear actuator add-ons; hydraulic rotary actuator add-ons; pneumatic linear actuator add-ons; pneumatic rotary actuator add-ons; and the like.

[0614]

[0709] The electrically actuated valve optional add-on subcategory includes, but is not limited to, any type of electrically controlled actuator add-on coupled to the same type of valve that can be used in an implanted function.

[0615]

[0710] The optional add-on subcategory of mechanically actuated valves includes, but is not limited to, the same types of valves that can be used in implanted functions.

[0616]

[0711] The optional add-on subcategory of hydraulic linear actuators includes, but is not limited to, hydraulic linear actuators.

[0617]

[0712] An optional add-on subcategory of hydraulic linear actuators includes, but is not limited to, hydraulic rotary actuators.

[0618]

[0713] The pneumatic linear actuator optional add-on subcategory includes, but is not limited to, pneumatic linear actuators.

[0619]

[0714] The optional add-on subcategory of pneumatic rotary actuators includes, but is not limited to, pneumatic rotary actuators

[0620] Examples of intended use

[0715] It is contemplated herein that the mechanical demultiplexer may be used in the following alternative applications, including, but not limited to: fluid dosing / dispensing systems (such as cocktail makers and dispensers, cleaning product dispensing, food and beverage preparation, dye and paint industry, bulk liquid dispensing, cultivated plant fertilization systems, biotechnology designer molecules, phytotherapy product manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, aggressive fluid chemical manipulation systems, wastewater treatment systems, drinking water plant systems, custom moisturizers and creams, custom liquid or cream cosmetics, custom hair dye, custom liquid makeup, custom liquid makeup remover, custom foundation, custom eye concealer, custom liquid lip gloss, custom liquid lip balm, custom liquid lipstick, custom liquid shampoo, custom liquid conditioner, custom liquid body wash, custom liquid scrub, custom liquid face and body masks); precision fertilization and irrigation systems for plants installed in industrial, commercial or personal greenhouses; precision fertilization and irrigation systems for plants grown as part of personal home gardening. Fertilizer and irrigation systems; precision fertilization and irrigation systems for plants that are mounted on agricultural tractors and precisely fertilize farmland by adjusting fertilizer formulations in real time while on the move; powder or granule dosing and distribution systems (bulk silo material dosing and distribution, strong solid chemical dosing and distribution systems, powder dosing and distribution systems, granule dosing and distribution systems, etc.); blood circulation systems (surgical bypass, cardiopulmonary bypass, real-time drug administration and blood analysis systems); mechanical devices with multiple adjustment functions (hospital beds, car seats, ambulance cots, ergonomic chairs, etc.); robots (arms, pick-and-place, android®, multi-tool grippers, etc.); multi-axis machining machines (CNC routers, CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, CNC tool change systems, etc.); industrial valve cluster routing systems; clean-in-place industrial skid systems (CIP); multi-ink industrial printers; aquaculture systems (aquaculture feeding systems, aquaculture water treatment systems); handling systems; packaging systems; palletizing systems;Home automation systems (curtains, garage doors, retractable awnings, shutters, pet feeding, etc.); automated food recipe systems (restaurants, industrial food processing machines, industrial food processing plants, self-manufactured vending machines, etc.); conveyor systems (conveyor drives, diverter path controls, vibrators, etc.); distribution vending machine systems; camper systems (curtains, slide-out compartments, retractable awnings, water pumps, roof fans, refrigerator compressors, etc.); a system for selecting which wheels or groups of wheels of a vehicle receive or do not receive torque and rotational speed from the vehicle's engine and / or transmission, where each wheel that receives torque and rotational speed can receive it at a different rate; a weight and gravity energy storage system including multiple weights, each connected to an output module; a flywheel energy storage system including multiple flywheels, each connected to an output module;

[0621]

[0716] While preferred embodiments have been described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from the present disclosure, and such modifications are considered possible variations that fall within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly extending along a drive shaft driven by a power source, the demultiplexing drive shaft assembly comprising: Transmission nut and a power supply element for transmitting rotation about the drive shaft to the transmission nut; a leading element for effecting movement of the transmission nut along the drive shaft; a guide element for linear translation of the transmission nut relative to the drive shaft without rotation; A demultiplexing drive shaft assembly, wherein both the power supply element and the leading element are powered by the power source that drives the drive shaft.

2. 2. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 1, wherein said power supply element and said leading element are the same single power supply and leading structure.

3. 3. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 2, further comprising a guide structure including said guide element, said guide structure being distinct and separate from said power supply and leading structures.

4. 3. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 2, wherein said power supply and leading structure is a central lead screw including splines.

5. 2. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 1, wherein said power supply element and said guide element are the same single power supply and guide structure.

6. 6. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 5, further comprising a leading structure including said leading element, said leading structure being distinct and separate from said power supply and guide structure.

7. 7. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 6, wherein the leading structure includes a lead screw that is centered on or eccentric to the drive shaft, and the power supply and guide structure is eccentric to or centered on the drive shaft.

8. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 1 , comprising a power supply, leading and guide structure including said power supply element, said leading element, and said guide element.

9. The power supply, leading and guide structure comprises: a central lead screw including a spline; Gear racks, and A linear guide lead screw eccentric to the drive shaft 9. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 8, comprising one of:

10. 10. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 1, including at least a second transmission nut, said transmission nut being movable along said drive shaft.

11. 2. The demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 1, wherein the transmission nut includes at least one of a container, a motor, an electrical connection, a clutch mechanism, an electronic control unit, one or more interface structures contacting the power supply element, one or more interface structures contacting the guide element, and one or more interface structures contacting the leading element.

12. 1. A mechanical demultiplexer, comprising: The frame and a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly as claimed in claim 1, coupled to the frame and motorized by a power source; a plurality of output modules coupled to the frame along the demultiplexing drive shaft, the demultiplexing drive shaft being engageable with the output modules via a transmission nut; The mechanical demultiplexer is adapted to selectively and individually engage a number of the output modules with the demultiplexing drive shaft, such that the demultiplexing drive shaft provides power to a number of the engaged output modules.

13. 10. A mechanical demultiplexer comprising the demultiplexing drive shaft assembly of claim 1 including a demultiplexing section and a non-demuxing section, wherein a first transmission nut is adapted to move only on the demultiplexing section.

14. 1. A mechanical demultiplexer, comprising: The frame and a drive shaft motorized by a power source, coupled to the frame, and extending along a drive axis defining a longitudinal direction; a first transmission nut attached to the drive shaft; a plurality of output modules coupled to the frame along the drive shaft, the drive shaft engageable with the output modules via the first transmission nut; The mechanical demultiplexer is adapted to selectively and individually engage a number of the output modules with the drive shaft, such that the drive shaft provides power to a number of engaged output modules.

15. The drive shaft a power supply element for transmitting rotation about the drive shaft to the first transmission nut; a leading element for moving the first transmission nut along the drive shaft; a guide element for linear translation of the transmission nut relative to the drive shaft without rotation; 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein both the power supply element and the leading element are powered by the power source that drives the drive shaft.

16. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein the drive shaft includes a demultiplexing section and a non-demuxing section, and the first transmission nut is adapted to travel only on the demultiplexing section.

17. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, further comprising a second transmission nut, said first transmission nut and said second transmission nut being movable along said drive shaft.

18. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein any number from zero to all of the plurality of output modules can be simultaneously engaged.

19. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein any number from zero to all of the plurality of output modules can be individually engaged.

20. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein the plurality of output modules includes a second output module, the first transmission nut being movable and the drive shaft being engageable with the first output module and the second output module to simultaneously power the first output module and the second output module.

21. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein the first transmission nut includes an outer surface having a non-cylindrical shape that interfaces with the output module.

22. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein a first one of the output modules includes at least a first rotor and at least a first stator.

23. The first output module: i) a locking mechanism for selectively engaging the first stator with the first rotor; and ii) a friction mechanism that engages the first stator with the first rotor; 23. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 22, comprising at least one of:

24. 24. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 23, further comprising a linking component linking the locking mechanisms of at least two of the plurality of output modules for simultaneous locking thereof.

25. a second one of the output modules including at least a second rotor and at least a second stator; 23. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 22, wherein the first one of the output modules includes components each coupled to at least one of the rotor and the stator, the first components capable of performing a first task, and the second one of the output modules includes components each coupled to at least one of the second rotor and the second stator, the second components capable of performing a second task independent and distinct from the first task.

26. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein the drive shaft includes two sections coupled to the power source that extend in two separate directions, or extend parallel to each other, or extend from either side of the input of the power source.

27. 15. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 14, wherein the power source is a single motor that motorizes the drive shaft.

28. 26. The mechanical demultiplexer of claim 25, further comprising a linking component linking the first rotor and the second rotor of the first output module of the plurality of output modules and the second output module of the plurality of output modules.

29. 15. A system comprising two mechanical demultiplexers according to claim 14, said system including a single controller for controlling the two mechanical demultiplexers.

30. 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the output module of at least one of the two mechanical demultiplexers is capable of engaging with the output module of another of the two mechanical demultiplexers.

31. 1. A method of operating a mechanical demultiplexer, comprising: a) providing a mechanical demultiplexer having a demultiplexing drive shaft assembly and a drive shaft; b) setting the mechanical demultiplexer in a first state in which a transmission nut is drivable to move along the drive shaft; c) driving the transmission nut along the drive shaft between i) a first position in which the transmission nut is spaced from and disengaged from a first output module, and ii) a second position in which the transmission nut is engaged with the first output module; and d) setting the mechanical demultiplexer to a second state in which the demultiplexing drive shaft assembly drives the transmission nut to rotate with the drive shaft without longitudinal movement along the drive shaft, thereby providing power to the first output module.

32. e) setting the mechanical demultiplexer to the first state; f) driving the first transmission nut between i) the second position and ii) a third position in which the transmission nut is engaged with a second output module; 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of: g) setting the mechanical demultiplexer to the second state, thereby powering only the second output module.

Images