547 results about "Mechanical elements" patented technology

The present invention provides systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient. In particular, a three-component surgical system is provided that includes a non-sterile drive and control component, a sterilizable end effector or surgical tool and an intermediate connector component that includes mechanical elements for coupling the surgical tool with the drive and control component and for transferring motion and electrical signals therebetween. The drive and control component is shielded from the sterile surgical site, the surgical tool is sterilizable and disposable and the intermediate connector is sterilizable and reusable. In this manner, the intermediate connector can be sterilized after a surgical procedure without damaging the motors or electrical connections within the drive and control component of the robotic system.

The present invention provides systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient. In particular, a three-component surgical system is provided that includes a non-sterile drive and control component, a sterilizable end effector or surgical tool and an intermediate connector component that includes mechanical elements for coupling the surgical tool with the drive and control component and for transferring motion and electrical signals therebetween. The drive and control component is shielded from the sterile surgical site, the surgical tool is sterilizable and disposable and the intermediate connector is sterilizable and reusable. In this manner, the intermediate connector can be sterilized after a surgical procedure without damaging the motors or electrical connections within the drive and control component of the robotic system.

An unmanned aerial vehicle selectively formed of high strength composite structural part portions and lightweight aerodynamic foam portions to provide a low-cost and lightweight UAV that comports with export, civil airspace, and safety regulations. To further to reduce an overall weight of the UAV, mechanical elements are designed to provide multiple functionalities. Structural elements may be manufactured in same or similar non-specialized processes, and non-structural elements manufactured in same or similar non-specialized processes, reducing overall manufacturing costs. Materials and bonding elements are selected to provide frangibility and yet maintain normal flight structural integrity.

An automated parking garage includes a three-dimensional warehousing facility for receiving a vehicle at a delivery bay, storing the vehicle in a parking area, and retrieving the vehicle from the parking area. The parking garage includes mechanical elements for transporting the vehicle between the delivery bay and the parking space, namely, at least one shuttle vehicle and at least one elevator. A central computer is in electrical communication with each of the mechanical elements to control the movement of the corresponding elements in the facility. A main catwalk extends the length of the facility to define parking spaces in the parking area to receive at least two vehicles, each vehicle having a front end and a rear end, with the desired end of each vehicle adjacent the main catwalk.

A memory device includes a mechanical element that exhibits distinct bistable states under amplitude modulation. The states are dynamically bistable or multi-stable with the application of a drive signal of a given frequency. The natural resonance of the element in conjunction with a hysteretic effect produces distinct states over a specific frequency range. Devices with multiple elements that respond to different frequency ranges provided on a common contact are formed with improved density. The devices may be excited and read with magnetomotive, capacitive, piezoelectric and / or optical methods. The devices may be planar oriented or out of plane oriented to permit three dimensional memory structures. DC biases may be used to shift frequency responses to permit an alternate method for differentiating states of the element.

A joint for pre-cast concrete twin-leaf arch sections is self-aligning when the two arch sections are initially brought into abutting contact with each other. The joint provides a rigid connection between the twin units and is achieved on site by means of re-inforced cast-in-place concrete. Reinforcement splices for the connection are lap splices, and the joint allows pouring the cast-in-place concrete without the need of formwork. For load distributing purposes, a continuous connection of individual arch rings in the longitudinal direction at the arch crown is possible. An initial abutting contact between the twin units is provided by the joint of the present invention. The contact provided by the joint of the present invention is self-aligning, locking, allows the controlled transmission of the abutting force and allows for a temporary connection. The joint includes mechanical elements for aligning and locking the two arch sections together. The mechanical elements include, in the preferred embodiment, a projection on one arch section and a depression on the other arch section. Cast-in-place concrete is placed in boxed-out, or step, sections located adjacent to the mechanical elements and completes the joint.

The present invention is a mechanical element, commonly referred to as a “Jack Spring” that is based upon the concept of adding and subtracting coils from a spring. In particular, with the method and apparatus of the present invention, by changing the number of coils in a spring, the actual or intrinsic stiffness of the spring is structurally changed. A very simple and practical method is used to adjust the number of coils. The Jack Spring actuator of the present invention is based upon adjusting the effective structure of a spring.

An apparatus and method for simulating the behavior of the drive system and the mechanism of machine tool or production-line machine by use of mathematical models of the drives and the mechanisms of the driven mechanical elements of the machine are disclosed. Preferably actual values for regulated and unregulated axes are calculated at the same time using NC- and PLC-models, respectively by an auxiliary computer using desired values provided by a digital controller. The actual values are then supplied to a mechanism model, preferably a geometric kinematic model, which produces a state signal that is fed back to the digital controller, preferably in real time. The result is an efficient, easy and cost-effective simulation that closely approximates reality and can be provided in real-time.

An OLED device comprised of: an OLED means, a capacitive proximity sensing means for sensing a change in a capacitance, a mechanical element, and a means to provide a signal, wherein the OLED means and the mechanical element are movable relative to each other upon operation by a user and can assume a first position or a second position, wherein the capacitance is adapted to change between a first capacitance and a second capacitance when the OLED means and mechanical element are moved between the first position and the second position by an operator, and wherein the signal depends upon the capacitance.

Retention bodies for securing a fiber optic cable thereto for optical connectorization are disclosed along with fiber optic cable assemblies. The fiber optic cable is inserted into a passage of the retention body and secured to the same using a bonding agent and / or a mechanical element. The rear end opening of the passage is configured for inserting and securing an end portion of the fiber optic cable having at least one strength component and a portion of a cable jacket. Additionally, the retention body has a buckling chamber disposed within the retention body passage for accommodating movement of optical fiber.

An electrical energy generator with improved efficiency has a base on which is mounted an elastically deformable micromechanical element that has a section that is free to be displaced toward the base. An absorber of radioactively emitted particles is formed on the base or the displaceable section of the deformable element and a source is formed on the other of the displaceable section or the base facing the absorber across a small gap. The radioactive source emits charged particles such as electrons, resulting in a buildup of charge on the absorber, drawing the absorber and source together and storing mechanical energy as the deformable element is bent. When the force between the absorber and the source is sufficient to bring the absorber into effective electrical contact with the source, discharge of the charge between the source and absorber allows the deformable element to spring back, releasing the mechanical energy stored in the element. An electrical generator of improved efficiency includes a first energy source comprising a piezoelectric transducer secured to the deformable element to convert the released mechanical energy to electrical energy. A second energy source comprises a betavoltaic cell carried on the deformable element or electron collector cantilever beam to provide a direct current (DC) power output that can be added to the piezo-electric circuit's alternating current (AC) power output, such that there is a continuous power output that can be used to provide power to electronic circuits.