3624 results about "Linear actuator" patented technology

Using the linear forces that are provided by an electromagnetic solenoid applied near the distal end of a medical catheter, various surgical instruments can be actuated or deployed for use in interventional medicine. The linear actuator uses the principles of magnetic repulsion and attraction as a means for moving a bobbin that can be attached to various types of moving components that translate linear movements into the actuation of a tool that is attached to the linear actuator. Using independent solenoid coils, movement modality is increased from two possible positions to three.

The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

A remotely controlled gastric band system that is practically immune to external magnetic fields, such as from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, incorporates a bi-directional pump and fluid reservoir to adjust fluid volume in a gastric band. A piezoelectrically driven (e.g., rotary actuator, linear actuator) selectively compresses and expands a metal bellows hermetically sealed within a biocompatible and nonferromagnetic case such as titanium.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an imaging probe. The imaging probe includes an elongate body having a proximal end and distal end, the elongate body adapted to enclose a portion of a slidable optical fiber, the optical fiber having a longitudinal axis; and a first optical assembly attached to a distal end of the fiber. The first optical assembly includes a beam director adapted to direct light emitted from the fiber to a plane at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis, a linear actuator disposed at the proximal portion of the elongated body, the actuator adapted to affect relative linear motion between the elongate body and the optical fiber; and a second optical assembly located at the distal portion of the elongate body and attached thereto, the second optical assembly comprising a reflector in optical communication with the first optical assembly, the reflector adapted to direct the light to a position distal to the elongate body.

The present invention relates to a simplified and lower cost two-axes tracker for solar PV (photovoltaic) or CPV (concentrated photovoltaic) solar panel, as well as heliostat solar reflectors and solar Stirling engine. In particular, the disclosure addresses a simplified and gravity centered tracker structure with low cost single or dual linear actuators mounted on the side of ground post which is easier for replacement and maintenance at lower cost.

A remotely controlled gastric band system that is practically immune to external magnetic fields, such as from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, incorporates a bi-directional pump and fluid reservoir to adjust fluid volume in a gastric band. A piezoelectrically driven (e.g., rotary actuator, linear actuator) selectively compresses and expands a metal bellows hermetically sealed within a biocompatible and nonferromagnetic case such as titanium.

A remotely controlled gastric band system that is practically immune to external magnetic fields, such as from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, incorporates a bi-directional pump and fluid reservoir to adjust fluid volume for hydraulic control of a gastric band. A piezoelectric driver (e.g., rotary actuator, linear actuator) selectively compresses and expands a metal bellows hermetically sealed within a biocompatible and nonferromagnetic enclosure or case such as titanium. Directly sensing a position of the metal bellows yields an accurate reading of volume contained therein, allowing for closed-loop control of the gastric band.

An automatic repeater vaccinator apparatus (10) for dispensing a predetermined volume of a fluid into an animal, particularly a fluid which is a vaccine, and reloading after each volume of fluid is dispensed. The apparatus (10) comprises a handheld syringe (100) for dispensing the fluid, a flexible conduit (12) for transferring the fluid from a dispensing means to the syringe (100), and a reservoir (48) for providing the fluid to the dispensing means. The dispensing means is electrically activated by a magnetically closeable switch (preferably a reed switch (142)) in the syringe (100), which enables a predetermined volume of the fluid to be dispensed from the syringe (100) when the dispensing means is activated and reloading fluid from the reservoir (48) to replace the volume of fluid which has been dispensed from the syringe (100) when the dispensing means is deactivated. Preferably, the dispensing means comprises a pump (200 or 500) operated by a linear actuator such as a solenoid (300), which is electrically activated by the magnetically closeable switch in the syringe (100). The apparatus (10) is particularly useful for inoculating poultry, particularly inoculating the poultry by the wing web method using the needle and hub assembly (400) which comprises the filament (402) to prevent leakage between inoculations.

A system applies cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a recipient. An automated controller is provided together with a compression device which periodically applies a force to a recipient's thorax under control of the automated controller. A band is adapted to be placed around a portion of the torso of the recipient corresponding to the recipient's thorax. A driver mechanism shortens and lengthens the circumference of the band. By shortening the circumference of the band, radial forces are created acting on at least lateral and anterior portions of the thorax. A translating mechanism may be. provided for translating the radial forces to increase the concentration of anterior radial forces acting on the anterior portion of the thorax. The driver mechanism may comprise a tension device for applying a circumference tensile force to the band. The driver mechanism may comprise an electric motor, a pneumatic linear actuator, or a contracting mechanism defining certain portions of the circumference of the band. The contracting mechanism may comprise plural fluid-receiving cells linked together along the circumference of the band. The width of each of the fluid-receiving cells becomes smaller as each cell is filled with a fluid. This causes the contraction of the band and a resulting shortening of the circumference of the band.

The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

The present invention relates to a multiple-acting linear actuator (100) intended to drive at least two elements capable of moving relative to a fixed element comprising a plurality of rod-forming concentric tubular bodies (103, 102, 104) engaged successively one inside the next via external and / or internal screw threads (105, 106, 107, 108), characterized in that one of the bodies is connected to rotational-drive means (109), the other bodies then together forming an internal and / or external transmission train, and in that said bodies are associated with selective lock-up means whereas the outermost bodies of the internal and / or external transmission trains are permanently prevented from rotating.

A method for laterally moving an industrial machine is provided. The method may include: supporting the industrial machine on a pair of rail elements configured to be positioned laterally below and support the industrial machine, the rail elements allowing the industrial machine to be moved laterally from a first operative position to a second, maintenance position. A pair of linear actuators configured to laterally move the industrial machine from the first, operative position to the second, maintenance position.

A remotely controlled gastric band system that is practically immune to external magnetic fields, such as from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, incorporates a bi-directional pump and fluid reservoir to adjust fluid volume for hydraulic control of a gastric band. A piezoelectric driver (e.g., rotary actuator, linear actuator) selectively compresses and expands a metal bellows hermetically sealed within a biocompatible and nonferromagnetic enclosure or case such as titanium. Directly sensing a position of the metal bellows yields an accurate reading of volume contained therein, allowing for closed-loop control of the gastric band.

The present invention provides a plasma arc torch that can be used for lean combustion. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and (c) can be moved along the longitudinal axis, a linear actuator connected to the first electrode to adjust a position of the first electrode, a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that the center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and wherein the tangential inlet and the tangential outlet create a vortex within the cylindrical vessel, and the first electrode and the hollow electrode nozzle creates a plasma that discharges through the hollow electrode nozzle.

An electrically activated emergency system for a patient bed comprises: an electrically powered linear actuator for driving a back rest of the patient bed from a lowered back rest position to a raised back rest position and operable to permit the back rest to lower from the raised back rest position to the lowered back rest position without being driven by the linear actuator; and, an independent emergency back rest lowering feature comprising an electrical activation means for activating the linear actuator to permit the back rest to lower from the raised back rest position to the lowered back rest position without being driven by the linear actuator, the electrical activation means not requiring continued operator attendance for continued lowering of the back rest. The present invention permits an attendant, for example a nurse, to press a single button to bring the back rest to a lowered back rest position without having to keep the button pressed so that the attendant is free to immediately begin administering emergency procedures while the back rest is lowering.

The present invention provides a plasma arc torch that can be used for lean combustion. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and (c) can be moved along the longitudinal axis, a linear actuator connected to the first electrode to adjust a position of the first electrode, a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that the center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and wherein the tangential inlet and the tangential outlet create a vortex within the cylindrical vessel, and the first electrode and the hollow electrode nozzle crate a plasma the discharges through the hollow electrode nozzle.

A system for maintaining a height adjustable patient bed in a level position while adjusting height of the bed is provided. The system has electrically powered linear actuators having internal position sensors, the linear actuators operable to adjust the height of the bed. The system also has control means, electrically coupled to the linear actuators, which compares position information from the internal position sensors and then adjusts the power supply to one or the other of the linear actuators in response to the position information. This permits the trailing linear actuator to catch up to the lead linear actuator to maintain the bed in a level position while the height of the bed is being adjusted. Since the internal position sensors work on small changes in position, the leveling effect is not noticeable leading to less tilt of the bed and a smoother motion during height adjustment of he bed.

The invention relates to cementing equipment and mixing equipment for oil and gas field and provides a clear water controlling device for a high-energy mixer and the high-energy mixer. The clear water controlling device comprises a soleplate, a linear actuator, a hinge shaft, a rocking arm, a leading screw, a manual rocking handle, a thread spindle and a valve rod, and is characterized in that the soleplate is hinged with a mounting base of the linear actuator; the hinge shaft is inserted in a central shaft hole of the soleplate; one end of the leading screw is fixed on the hinge shaft; the central portion of the leading screw forms a sleeve joint with the thread spindle, which is inserted in a central hole of the rocking arm; the upper end of the rocking arm is hinged with the valve rod; the lower end of the rocking arm is hinged with a push rod of the linear actuator; a through hole is arranged at the junction of the thread spindle and the leading screw; and a pin is disposed inside the trough hole. According to the invention, automatic and accurate control of the valve rod feed can be conveniently realized such that the slurry mixing effect of the high-energy mixer is more excellent than that in the prior art and the high-energy mixer can be used in both automatic and manual modes.

A rotary shaft (3) and a rotation driven member (4) are so connected as to be capable of transmitting motive power when the rotary shaft (3) rotates relatively to the rotation driven member (4). A roller (6) gets displaced to a first position where a frictional force with an outer race (5) and the rotation driven member (4) decreases, thereby permitting transmission of a rotational force from the rotary shaft (3) to the rotation driven member (4). When the rotation driven member (4) rotates relatively to the rotary shaft (3), the roller (6) gets displaced to a second position where the frictional force with the outer race (5) and the rotation driven member (4) increases, thereby rotationally fixing the rotation driven member (4) with respect to the outer race (5). The power transmission from a brake apparatus (e.g., a parking brake apparatus) to an electric motor (2) can be hindered while permitting the power transmission to the brake apparatus from the electric motor (2) by using neither a worm exhibiting a relatively low transmission efficiency nor a worm wheel. In a state where the brake apparatus exhibits its braking force, the roller (6) receives the force from the brake apparatus and is thereby biased toward the second position, whereby a construction of a power transmission mechanism (50) can be simplified and costs can be reduced to such an extent.

An anti-theft vehicle system for a vehicle wheel having a rotational axis includes a linear actuator disposed within the vehicle wheel for operatively engaging and disengaging an interior surface of the vehicle wheel to resist and allow rotational movement of the vehicle wheel about the rotational axis. The anti-theft vehicle system further includes a receiver mounted within the vehicle wheel to receive a signal to activate the linear actuator.

A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus in which an impingement member is driven between a selectable start point and a selectable endpoint. When coupled with suitable instrumentation and electronic circuitry, the inventive strength training device allows the measurement, tracking, and computation of force exerted, repetitions performed, measurement and display of position, velocity, acceleration, work, impulse, etc. In addition, archived data can be used to show improvement or problem areas as well as provide an indication of the quality of each repetition and the quality of the workout in general. Such an exercise apparatus comprises: a frame including a base; a linear actuator supported from the frame; an impingement member movable relative to the frame and driven by the actuator; and a controller for controlling the actuator.

An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A linear actuator moves in one direction opening the door to the secure compartment, and moves in the opposite direction releasing a shackle that holds the lock box to the structure. A lock box system uses an encryption algorithm to diversify user PIN data at a central computer, and stores that diversified information on a memory card for later use when the user attempts to access a lock box. The central computer and electronic lock box both keep track of system “epoch time,” and the memory card must be presented to the electronic lock box within a correct epoch time window for the diversified PIN data to be successfully decrypted and compared to the user's PIN data that is entered on a keypad of the electronic lock box.

A method of transmitting pressure pulses from a downhole location through a flowing fluid in a wellbore comprises using a linear actuator to controllably move a reciprocating member axially back and forth between a first position and a second position to at least partially obstruct flow of the flowing fluid to generate the pressure pulses. A reciprocating pulser for generating pressure pulses in a fluid flowing in a wellbore, comprises a fluid passage that allows flow of the fluid through the pulser, and a reciprocating member. A linear actuator is coupled to the reciprocating member, such that the linear actuator moves the reciprocating member in a first axial direction and then in a reverse direction to at least partially obstruct flow of the fluid through the pulser to generate pressure pulses in the flowing fluid.

A power circuit interrupter includes a housing having an opening, one or more vacuum interrupters including separable contacts, and an operating mechanism, supported by the housing, adapted to open and close the contacts. A linear actuator cooperates with the operating mechanism to open and close the contacts, and is responsive to a close signal to close the contacts. A pivotable trip member protrudes through the opening of the housing and cooperates with the operating mechanism and the linear actuator to open the contacts when pivoted from a first position to a second position. A close circuit includes an input inputting the close signal. A micro-switch includes an operator and a contact electrically connected in series with the input of the close circuit. The operator is engaged by the pivotable trip member to open the contact in response to partial pivoting thereof from the first position toward the second position.

A thrombectomy catheter deployment system which greatly simplifies setup procedures and operation of a thrombectomy catheter includes a stand alone drive unit and a disposable pump / catheter assembly which is manually placed into a carriage assembly in the drive unit. The pump / catheter assembly has a plurality of preconnected components including tubular structure and a thrombectomy catheter connected thereto and is transported into or out of the interior of the drive unit for automatic high pressure pump piston head engagement or disengagement with a reciprocating linear actuator and for automatic engagement or disengagement of an effluent waste tube with a roller pump. A barcode reader senses specific operational data pertaining to an individual pump and provides an interface for operation of the reciprocating linear actuator. A bubble trap incorporated for effective debubbling of saline solution is closely coupled to an insert molded pump having an improved valve arrangement. A spiked bag with large tubing is incorporated for bubble-free transfer of saline.