1045 results about "Electromechanical actuator" patented technology

An integrated endoscopic image acquisition and therapeutic delivery system for use in minimally invasive medical procedures (MIMPs). The system uses directed and scanned optical illumination provided by a scanning optical fiber or light waveguide that is driven by a piezoelectric or other electromechanical actuator included at a distal end of an integrated imaging and diagnostic / therapeutic instrument. The directed illumination provides high resolution imaging, at a wide field of view (FOV), and in full color that matches or excels the images produced by conventional flexible endoscopes. When using scanned optical illumination, the size and number of the photon detectors do not limit the resolution and number of pixels of the resulting image. Additional features include enhancement of topographical features, stereoscopic viewing, and accurate measurement of feature sizes of a region of interest in a patient's body that facilitate providing diagnosis, monitoring, and / or therapy with the instrument.

A portable lancing aid for providing liquid samples comprises a lancet system having at least one lancet, a tensioning device, and an electromechanical actuator. The tensioning device can be tensioned by the electromechanical actuator. The portable lancing aid may further include an energy source for storing electrical energy that is connected to the electromechanical actuator. Additionally, the portable lancing aid may include an interface for charging the energy source where the interface is externally accessible from the lancet system. The invention is ergonomical and easy to handle for children and patients with physical limitations. Furthermore, a lancing system for collecting liquid samples is provided with a portable lancing aid that is detachably mountable to a charging station for charging the portable lancing aid.

A transmission or actuator offering multiple rotational outputs proportionate in speed to that of a common rotational input, each output according to its own ratio. The ratios are continuously variable between positive and negative values, including zero, and may be varied by electromechanical actuators under computer control. The transmission relates the output speeds one to another under computer control, and thus makes possible the establishment of virtual surfaces and other haptic effects in a multidimensional workspace to which the transmission outputs are kinematically linked. An example of such a workspace is that of a robotic or prosthetic hand.

An electromechanical actuator (EMA) is provided. The EMA includes a threaded output ram connectable to a mechanical component and at least one motor module engageable with the output ram for controllably translating the output ram along a linear axis of the output ram. The actuator further includes a torque sensing adaptive control (TSAC) system for monitoring torque within the motor module. The TSAC generates a disengagement command signal when the TSAC system determines torque within the motor module is outside an allowable motor module torque range. The disengagement command signal initiates disengagement of the motor module from the output ram.

An electromechanically-assisted control system for use in a second-stage regulator. Regulator control assembly (20), also referred to as EMA assembly (20), includes a mechanical actuator sub-assembly (21) and an electromechanical actuator (EMA) sub-assembly (22) for controlling airflow through single air supply line (23). EMA sub-assembly (22) includes electronically controllable actuator (ECA) (34), which removably seals EMA orifice (36) in wall (30) of pilot chamber (32). ECA (34) is electrically connected with and controlled by control electronics (38). The control electronics include programmable microprocessor (40), which is electrically connected with charge and discharge electronics (42), both of which are electrically connected with power supply (44). Alternatively, regulator control assembly (20′), also referred to as all-electronic (AE) assembly (20′), has only an EMA sub-assembly and no mechanical actuator sub-assembly. AE assembly (20′) does not include a low-pressure diaphragm, a lever arm, a first valve, or a pilot jet orifice.

A perovskite compound of the formula, (Na1 / 2Bi1 / 2)1-xMx(Ti1-yM′y)O3±z, where M is one or more of Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Th, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; and M′ is one or more of Zr, Hf, Sn, Ge, Mg, Zn, Al, Sc, Ga, Nb, Mo, Sb, Ta, W, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni, and 0.01<x<0.3, and 0.01<y<0.3, and z<0.1 functions as an electromechanically active material. The material may possess electrostrictive or piezoelectric characteristics.

An electromechanical actuator (100) suitable, for example, in hearing aid applications is disclosed. Certain embodiments of the actuator comprise a hermetic titanium housing (1), a mechanical output structure (110) emulating the long process of incus (8), and means for efficiently generating movement in the audible frequency range. The electromechanical actuator (100) may be configured to be coupled to the inner ear fluids via a conventional stapes prosthesis. The implantable actuator (100), which may be considered to be operably equivalent to a loudspeaker of a conventional hearing aid, may bypass the outer and the middle ear in order to directly drive the inner ear fluids. As such, embodiments of the electromechanical actuator of the present invention may be used to remedy any source of conductive hearing loss. Additionally, certain embodiments of the electromechanical actuator may be configured to provide sufficiently high output levels to treat severe sensorineural hearing loss while being sufficiently small to completely fit into a human mastoid.

Disclosed is a light steering device including: a mirror connected to one or more electromechanical actuators through a flexible interconnect element, one or more electromechanical actuators mechanically interconnected to a frame, and a controllable electric source to, during operation of the device, provide a sensing signal at a source voltage to an electric source contact on at least one of the one or more actuators.

A releasable security tag for attachment to an article of merchandise is disclosed. Features of the security tag include: a locking mechanism with a release for attaching the tag to the article of merchandise; an EAS resonant circuit or an RFID circuit for responding to a first RF signal at a predetermined frequency corresponding to the resonant circuit or to the RFID circuit; an ambient RF energy harvesting circuit; a release signal detection circuit coupled to and powered by the ambient RF energy harvesting circuit and an electro-mechanical actuator electrically coupled to the release signal detection circuit. The electro-mechanical actuator releases the locking mechanism whenever the release signal detection circuit receives a release signal.

An arrangement for cooling an electronic assembly includes a circuit board, an enclosure member and at least one electromechanical actuator. The circuit board has a first surface, a second surface, and at least a first heat-generating element secured to the first surface. The circuit board further comprises at least one aperture extending between the first surface and the second surface. The enclosure member is secured to the circuit board so as to form a fluid tight barrier of a compartment defined at least in part by the enclosure member. The compartment includes a first subcompartment defined at least in part by the first surface and the enclosure member and a second subcompartment defined at least in part by the second surface and the enclosure member. The at least one electromechanical actuator is secured within the fluid type barrier and is operable to generate a flow movement in the direction of the at least one aperture when liquid is disposed in the fluid tight barrier.

A telecommunications network includes a mobile phone with an audio-modulated vibrotactile module that responds to a telecommunications signal containing information about incoming speech from a called / calling party, for providing an audio-modulated vibrotactile module force containing information about the incoming speech from the called / calling party to vibrate a user's fingers, facial skin, wrist, cheek or other suitable location. The audio-modulated vibrotactile module has an audio-to-vibrotactile converter that responds to the telecommunications signal, for providing an audio-to-vibrotactile converter signal containing information about a vibration modulation of the incoming speech from the called / calling party. The audio-modulated vibrotactile module also has a vibrotactile actuator that responds to the audio-to-vibrotactile converter signal, for providing the audio-modulated vibrotactile module force in the form of a vibrotactile actuator force. The telecommunications system may also have the audio-to-vibrotactile converter. The vibrotactile actuator may be an electromechanical actuator arranged in the housing of the mobile phone for providing vibration to a user's fingers wrist or facial skin.

Process, apparatus, compositions and application modes are provided that relate to nanofiber spinning without the use of superacids in the spinning solution. The methods employ either acids or bases for a flocculation solution. The advances disclosed therein enable the use of nanofibers, including carbon nanotubes, for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, electromechanical actuators, supercapacitors, electronic textiles, and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

According to the present invention, an electromechanical braking system is provided. The braking system includes at least one brake system control unit (BSCU) for converting an input brake command signal into a brake clamp force command signal. In addition, the braking system includes a first electromechanical actuator controller (EMAC) and a second electromechanical actuator controller (EMAC) configured to receive the brake clamp force command signal from the at least one BSCU and to convert the brake clamp force command signal to at least one electromechanical actuator drive control signal. Further, the braking system includes at least one electromechanical actuator configured to receive the at least one drive control signal and to apply a brake clamp force to at least one wheel to be braked in response to the at least one drive control signal. Moreover, the first EMAC and the second EMAC are configured to perform antiskid control in relation to the at least one wheel to be braked.

A combined vehicle brake including a hydraulically actuated service brake and an electromechanically actuated parking brake device, a hydraulic operating pressure chamber in a brake housing being defined by a brake piston, which for performing service braking actions can be acted upon by hydraulic pressure fluid, so that the brake piston can be actuated along a piston longitudinal axis in order to produce a braking action, and the parking brake device acting on the brake piston by way of a transmission that translates the rotary motion of an electromechanical actuator into a translational motion and actuates the brake piston to perform parking brake actions and to keep it in the actuated position. Also disclosed is a transmission for translating a rotary motion into a translational motion by way of a screw spindle and a spindle nut, which are in contact with one another by way of multiple rolling elements.

A flight control actuation system comprises a controller, electromechanical actuator and a pneumatic actuator. During normal operation, only the electromechanical actuator is needed to operate a flight control surface. When the electromechanical actuator load level exceeds 40 amps positive, the controller activates the pneumatic actuator to offset electromechanical actuator loads to assist the manipulation of flight control surfaces. The assistance from the pneumatic load assist actuator enables the use of an electromechanical actuator that is smaller in size and mass, requires less power, needs less cooling processes, achieves high output forces and adapts to electrical current variations. The flight control actuation system is adapted for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and other flight vehicles, especially flight vehicles that are large in size and travel at high velocities.

An infinitely variable cam indexer utilizes engine oil pressure to actuate a cam and preferably uses an inlet check valve in the oil source to minimize back flow during a torque reversal. The control system is in the center of the rotor and uses an electromechanical actuator, preferably a variable force solenoid, acting directly on the spool to control oil flow. This design reduces leakage and improves the response of the phaser. There are shorter oil passages as compared to a control system mounted at the cam bearing.

A sheet product dispenser is provided for sheet product from a roller. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll of sheet product, called a stub roll, a main roll of sheet product, and a dispensing arrangement. A sensor is provided for detecting when sheet product on a stub roll is depleted. The sensor generates a signal in response to the depletion of the stub roll and a controller activates an electromechanical actuator. The actuator acts to operate a transfer bar that moves an end portion of the main roll sheet product adjacent a roller assembly that engages the main roller sheet product.

A printing mechanism includes an elongate support structure. A pair of busbars is mounted on the support structure. A plurality of printed circuit boards is mounted on the support structure to be electrically connected to the busbars. Each printed circuit board includes print engine control circuitry that is configured to control operation of a number of printhead chips. A plurality of ink distribution structures is mounted on the support structure and connectable to a supply of ink. A plurality of printhead modules is mounted on respective ink distribution structures. Each printhead module has a carrier and a printhead chip positioned on the carrier. Each printhead chip has a plurality of nozzle arrangements that are positioned on a wafer substrate. Each nozzle arrangement incorporates a micro-electromechanical actuator for ejecting ink from a nozzle chamber and is mounted on a respective ink distribution assembly. A number of the printhead chips are connected to the print engine control circuitry such that each nozzle arrangement can receive data signals from the print engine control circuitry.

A wearable thorax percussion device for dislodging mucous buildup in the airways of a human patient, the device comprising a garment fitting over the thorax, a rigid element attached to the external surface of the garment, an electromechanical actuator retained by the rigid element to intermittently percuss the thorax, and an electronic controller for generating and modulating an electrical signal to energize the actuator. The rigid element may be adjustably positioned on the garment to accommodate thoraxes of different dimensions. The actuator may be compressible between the rigid element and the thorax to better maintain contact with the thorax.

A relatively small, lightweight actuator includes a plurality of motors, an actuation element, a translation member, and a plurality of position sensors. The motors each supply a drive force to the actuation member, causing it to rotate. The translation member is configured, upon rotation of the actuator, to translate to a position. The position sensors sense the translational position of the translation member and the rotational position of each motor. The actuator is relatively small, lightweight, and can withstand the relatively severe environmental conditions and relatively significant levels of vibration and shock associated with many aerospace applications.

A releasable security tag for attachment to an article of merchandise includes: a locking mechanism with a release for attaching the tag to the article of merchandise; an EAS resonant circuit or an RFID circuit for responding to a first RF signal at a predetermined frequency corresponding to the resonant circuit or to the RFID circuit; an ambient RF energy harvesting circuit; a release signal detection circuit coupled to and powered by the ambient RF energy harvesting circuit and an electro-mechanical actuator electrically coupled to the release signal detection circuit. The electro-mechanical actuator releases the locking mechanism whenever the release signal detection circuit receives a release signal.

A combined electromechanical vehicle brake has a hydraulically activated operating brake and an electromechanically activated parking brake apparatus. A hydraulic operating pressure chamber in a brake housing is delimited by a brake piston that can be loaded by hydraulic pressure to carry out operating braking actions. The brake piston can be activated along a longitudinal piston axis to achieve a braking effect. The parking brake apparatus acts upon the brake piston by a gear unit because the gear unit converts the rotational movement of an electromechanical actuator into a translational movement, causing the brake piston to be activated to carry out parking brake processes and remain in the activated position. The gear unit has a threaded spindle and a threaded nut that contact one another via a plurality of rolling elements. A spring element allows the rolling elements to slip when the gear unit is activated in the unloaded state.

A method and system for synchronizing rotating machinery or other electromechanical actuator devices to a series of sync pulses derived from a video stream comprising point optimized control laws.

A guard structure of a patient support, such as a hospital bed, is electrically unlockable. An electromechanical actuator, such as a solenoid, may be used to electrically unlock the guard structure. The guard structure may also be mechanically unlockable. The guard structure may automatically unlock during a CPR emergency. A maximum allowable height of the patient support may be adjusted based on a sensed locked state or position of the guard structure. A release for the guard structure may be positioned to be accessible to an occupant of the patient support. The release may include an access port that may be opened. The release may include a button that electrically unlocks the guard structure.

The invention provides a method of actuating an airplane brake fitted with at least one electromechanical actuator including a pusher that can be displaced in controlled manner in register with a stack of disks to apply a force on the stack of disks in response to a braking reference signal, the method comprising the steps of: when the braking reference signal crosses a contact threshold, controlling the actuator so that the pusher approaches the stack of disks, until the pusher reaches a contact position with the stack of disks; storing said contact position; and then immediately afterwards, controlling the actuator so that the pusher applies a force on the stack of disks in response to the braking reference signal.

An Occupant Retraction System (ORS) retracts a partially exposed occupant into a vehicle. The system responds to a trigger, wherein an occupant support retracts and actively pulls the occupant into the vehicle interior. The triggering event may be initiated by a manual switch, a rollover sensor, a crash sensor, a hostile ordnance sensor, or the like. A belt, harness, or foot strap may be connected to the occupant support to pull the occupant into the vehicle interior. A forcing means may be provided by a spring, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electro-mechanical actuator. The system further includes a damper for limiting acceleration to a safe maximum.

The invention herein applies generally to General-purpose, Surgical and Tracheal suction regulators. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one micro-latching valve is opened and closed by at least one solenoid electromechanical actuator. The micro-latching solenoid valve in turns opens and closes at least one main valve that is connected the hospital vacuum or gas intake conduit. The latching nature of the solenoid, along with its low power activation allows for a battery powered, long-life device. Timing and control of the electromechanical actuator is performed by a low power micro-controller. This provides opportunity for highly accurate timing cycles, user adjustable timing intervals and feedback loop control operations. The invention also features a wireless suction control system of many suction regulators comprising a network. Wherein the plurality of wireless suction regulators are linked to at least one router with at least one wireless transmitter, and the network is linked through the router to the internet.

The invention provides an electro-mechanical brake system which can keep a stop state even if a malfunction is generated in a parking brake, and an electro-mechanical brake apparatus used for the electro-mechanical brake system. An electro-mechanical brake actuator presses a brake pad to a disc rotor so as to independently brake a braking force of each of wheels. A parking brake is constituted by a pawl portion attached to a motor of a motor driving the electro-mechanical actuator and a latch. A main controller detects a failure of the parking brake on the basis of a motor displacement at a time of reducing a motor current, and increases the pressing force in the remaining normal parking brake in the case that the parking brake failure in one wheel or more is detected.