6801 results about "Mechanical energy" patented technology

A surgical power tool includes a hand unit and a detachable power module received in the hand unit to provide power to the hand unit. The power module includes a housing, an electric motor in the housing to provide mechanical energy to the hand unit, an electrical power supply in the housing to provide electrical energy to the electric motor, and an electronic controller in the housing for controlling the electric motor. Since the power module is received in the hand unit, there is no need for the power module to be sterilized.

The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical / electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical / electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.

The present invention provides a new family of ultrasonically powered medical devices and systems for powering such devices. Disclosed are methods for improving the overall power transfer efficiency of devices according to the present invention, as well as a wide variety of medical uses for such devices and systems. Devices of the present invention comprise a transducer that, during operation, converts electrical energy into high frequency, low amplitude mechanical vibrations that are transmitted to a driven-member, such as a wheel, that produces macroscopic rotary or linear output mechanical motions. Such motions may be further converted and modified by mechanical means to produce desirable output force and speed characteristics that are transmitted to at least one end-effector that performs useful mechanical work on soft tissue, bone, teeth and the like. Power systems of the present invention comprise one or more such handheld devices electrically connected to a power generator. Examples of powered medical tools enabled by the present invention include, but are not limited to, linear or circular staplers or cutters, biopsy instruments, suturing instruments, medical and dental drills, tissue compactors, tissue and bone debriders, clip appliers, grippers, extractors, and various types of orthopedic instruments. Devices of the present invention may be partly or wholly reusable, partly or wholly disposable, and may operate in forward or reverse directions, as well as combinations of the foregoing. The devices and systems of the present invention provide a safe, effective, and economically viable alternative source for mechanical energy, which is superior to AC or DC (battery) powered motors, compressed air or compressed gas, and hand powered systems.

The present invention relates to transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention also relates to devices including an electroactive polymer to convert between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Passive Physiological monitoring apparatus and method have a sensor for sensing physiological phenomenon. A converter converts sensed data into electrical signals and a computer receives and computes the signals, and outputs computed data for real-time interactive display. The sensor is a piezoelectric film of polyvinylidene fluoride. A band-pass filter filters out noise and isolates the signals to reflect data from the body. A pre-amplifier amplifies signals. Signals detected include mechanical, thermal and acoustic signatures reflecting cardiac output, cardiac function, internal bleeding, respiratory, pulse, apnea, and temperature. A pad may incorporate the PVDF film and may be fluid-filled. The film converts mechanical energy into analog voltage signals. Analog signals are fed through the band-pass filter and the amplifier. A converter converts the analog signals to digital signals. A Fourier transform routine is used to transform into the frequency domain. A microcomputer is used for recording, analyzing and displaying data for on-line assessment and for providing realtime response. A radio-frequency filter may be connected to a cable and the film for transferring signals from the film through the cable. The sensor may be an array provided in a MEDEVAC litter or other device for measuring acoustic and hydraulic signals from the body of a patient for field monitoring, hospital monitoring, transport monitoring, home, remote monitoring.

The present invention relates to improved devices, systems and methods that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. An electroactive polymer transducer converts between electrical and mechanical energy. An active area is a portion of an electroactive polymer transducer. The active area comprises a portion of an electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes that provide or receive electrical energy to or from the portion. The present invention relates to transducers and devices comprising multiple active areas that are in electrically communication. More specifically, the present invention relates to master / slave arrangements for multiple active areas disposed on one or more electroactive polymers. In a master / slave arrangement, a first active area deflects (a ‘master’), and a second active area reacts (a ‘slave’). Communication electronics in electrical communication with electrodes for the first active area and in electrical communication with electrodes for the second active area transfer electrical energy between the two active areas.

A process for recovering waste heat which comprises: (a) passing a liquid phase working fluid through a heat exchanger in communication with a process which produces the waste heat; (b) removing a vapor phase working fluid from the heat exchanger; (c) passing the vapor phase working fluid to an expander, wherein the waste heat is converted into mechanical energy; and (d) passing the vapor phase working fluid from the expander to a condenser, wherein the vapor phase working fluid is condensed to the liquid phase working fluid. The preferred working fluid is an organic Rankine cycle system working fluid comprising compounds having the following general structure: where x, y, z, and m are each selected from the group consisting of: fluorine, hydrogen, Rf, and R, wherein R and Rf are each an alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated.

A power train for a motor vehicle includes a combustion engine, a clutch or other torque-coupling device, a transmission, and an electro-mechanical energy converter that is operable at least as a motor and as a generator. The electro-mechanical energy converter is coupled to the output shaft of the combustion engine through a torque transfer device with at least two rpm ratios that automatically set themselves according to whether the vehicle is operating in a start-up mode or in a driving mode.

Embodiments include apparatus and methods of fluid energy conversion. One embodiment relates to a tube for a fluid energy converter. The tube may include a generally cylindrical and hollow body having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a longitudinal axis. Another embodiment includes a fluid energy converter having a longitudinal axis and a rotatable tube coaxial about the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the rotatable tube converts kinetic energy in a fluid into rotating mechanical energy, or converts rotating mechanical energy into kinetic energy in a fluid.

A cutting tool to be utilized in the resection or removal of bone tissue from patients includes a handle that tensions a wire or cable-like cutting member with a small diameter between at least two features on the handle to present a thin cutting profile. The design of the cutting tool includes features that protect against soft tissue damage and minimize the incision size necessary to utilize the tool. Some embodiments feature details of the cutting tool that interface with a surgical cutting guide system. Other embodiments describe a cutting tool with a selectively changeable length of the cutting profile of the wire cutting member. In one embodiment, the wire cutting member of the cutting tool is energized by mechanical energy in the form of a unidirectional rotation of the cutting member, a mechanical vibration of the cutting member, or an oscillating movement of the wire cutting member.

A device for monitoring a rotating shaft is provided. The device measures strain in the shaft and provides angular velocity and torque in the shaft. The device includes a sensor, sensor conditioning circuitry, a microprocessor, and a transmitter, all located on a rotating shaft. The device obtains power by harvesting mechanical energy of the rotating shaft itself. Coils are provided rotating with the shaft and permanent magnets are mounted adjacent the rotating shaft so electrical energy is induced in the coils as they rotate through the magnetic field of the permanent magnets. A battery or capacitor is connected to the coils for storing energy. A microprocessor is connected to the sensors, the storage device, and the transmitter for managing power consumption and for monitoring the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage device and for switchably connecting the storage device to the transmitter when the stored energy exceeds a threshold.

The present invention relates to an unmanned flying vehicle using a PCB including a main board controlling power supply and flying operation, a motor rotating a propeller by changing electric energy into mechanical energy, a PCB frame changing a signal from a remote controller and connecting the main board with the motor, a propeller generating an impellent force by from rotation by the motor, a receiver receiving a control signal of the remote controller, and a remote controller controlling a motor rotation speed of a quadrotor and direction change, and accordingly, the structure of the unmanned flying vehicle can be simplified so that the flying vehicle can be down-sized and light-weighted, and assemblability can be improved.

The present invention relates to electroactive polymers that are pre-strained to improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an electroactive polymer. The present invention also relates to actuators including an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

In some embodiments, the power generator for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy is described may include a compressible element adapted and configured to be placed in an environment having a variable compressive force such as varying ambient pressures. The compressible element may be compressed by a force applied by the variable pressure to the compressible element. The power generator may further include a transducer that may be coupled to the compressible element and that may convert mechanical energy from the compression of the compressible element to electrical energy. In some embodiments, the power generator may be adapted to be an implantable power generator for converting mechanical energy from a patient to electrical energy, such that the compressible element adapted and configured to be placed between two adjacent tissue layers of the patient and to be compressed by a force applied from the two adjacent tissue layers to the compressible element.

The present invention provides an integrated measuring device that includes a blood collection system for collecting blood for diagnostic purposes. The blood collection system comprises an electric motor which provides energy for propelling a lancet. The blood collection system comprises a mechanical energy store in which the electric energy that is converted by the motor is stored in the form of mechanical energy. The use of a mechanical energy store allows the use of known mechanical drive elements. The blood collection system can also be electrically activated and is thus easy to use for the operator. The motor can also be coupled to another system component, such as a test strip or lancet drum, to operate it.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible core biopsy system uses a biopsy device having intuitive graphical displays and a detachable remote keypad that advantageously allows convenient control even within the close confines afforded by a localization fixture installed within a breast coil that localizes a patient's breast and guides a probe of the biopsy device relative to the localized breast. A control module for interactive control and power generation are remotely positioned and communicate and transmit rotational mechanical energy via sheathed cable.

A power supply for powering a hydraulic implement includes: an electric storage unit; an electric motor, an electric generator, a hydraulic pump and a control unit; the electric motor adapted for receiving electric power and driving the hydraulic pump to power the hydraulic implement; the electric generator adapted for translating mechanical energy into the electric power; the electric storage unit also being adapted for providing the electric power; and the control unit for selecting a source of the electric power from one of the generator and the electric storage unit. A method for operating the power supply and a vehicle are also provided.

This invention provides a medical device for delivering volumetric quantities of a first and a second biochemically reactive fluid comprising a first container having an opening, the first container being adapted to contain the first biochemically reactive fluid; a second container having a second fluid opening adjacent the first fluid opening, the second container being adapted to contain the second biochemically reactive fluid; a spray unit for separately atomizing the first and second biochemically reactive fluids into an aerosol with at least one energy source of a liquid energy, a mechanical energy, a vibration energy, and an electric energy; a fluid pressurizer for pressurizing the first and the second biochemically reactive fluids for delivery under pressure through the spray unit onto a surface; and wherein the first and second biochemically reactive fluids first mix on the surface.

The invention features a method of administering a skin benefit agent to an expanse of skin, wherein the method includes: (a) contacting the expanse of skin with an apparatus, the apparatus including: (i) a skin-contactable element having a skin-contactable surface; (ii) a motor; and (iii) a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; and (b) after contacting the expanse of skin with the apparatus has ceased, further contacting the expanse of skin with a benefit agent, wherein the benefit agent is selected from the group consisting of retinoids, copper moieties, skin-firming agents, depigmentation agents, and combinations thereof.

A system for controlled recovery of thermal energy and conversion to mechanical energy. The system collects thermal energy from a reciprocating engine (for example, from engine jacket fluid) and may also collect further thermal energy from a natural gas compressor (for example, from compressor lubricating fluid). The collected thermal energy is used to generate secondary power by evaporating an organic propellant and using the gaseous propellant to drive an expander in production of mechanical energy. Secondary power is used to power parasitic loads, improving energy efficiency of the system. A supplementary cooler may provide additional cooling capacity without compromising system energy efficiency.

A welding apparatus that includes a first member having a first suture-contacting surface, a second member having a second suture-contacting surface, and a device for moving the first member relative to the second member to define a gap between the respective suture-contacting surfaces. The first member is capable of vibrating and delivering mechanical energy at ultrasonic frequencies. The second member is stationary relative to the first member. A fixture element is adapted to receive and maintain two or more segments of a material to be welded in a predetermined alignment in the gap between the first and second surfaces of the first and second members during a welding operation. According to another aspect of the invention, an ultrasonic welding apparatus includes first and second members with patterned first and second suture-contacting surfaces. The patterned surfaces can be complementary or non-complementary and the surface patterns on each member may vary in either a periodic or a non-periodic manner.

The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.

A wind turbine system for producing compressed air from wind energy. The wind turbine harvests energy from wind to produce mechanical energy. A compressor receives mechanical energy from the wind turbine to compress air to an elevated pressure. Thermal energy may be removed from the air, and the air is stored in a storage devices, such that the air may be released from the storage device on demand.

A method of converting air internal energy into useful kinetic energy is based on air flowing through substantially convergent nozzle, which accelerates the air as the cross section of the nozzle decreases thus increasing the air kinetic energy. The increment of the kinetic energy equals to the decrement of air internal energy, i.e., air temperature. Within said nozzle a turbine is placed to convert airflow kinetic energy into mechanical energy that transformed into electrical energy or transferred into a gearbox to provide driving moment. Devices uses this method could use natural wind as airflow source or artificial airflow means. Devices, which incorporate means to create airflow artificially, can be used as engines for land, sea and flying vehicle. Since air temperature drops within the nozzle, moisture condensation exists and liquid water can be accumulated for further use.

A well service pump system supplies high pressure working fluid to a well. The pump system includes a closed-loop hydraulic circuit for actuating a plurality of working pump assemblies. The pump system is powered by a motor, which transfers mechanical energy to a plurality of pumps, which, in turn, provide hydraulic fluid to operate hydraulic ram cylinders, and thereby operate the working pump assemblies. Each of the polished rods of the hydraulic ram cylinders is connected axially to a plunger rod end of the working fluid end cylinder to operate the working pump assembly.

A remote water meter monitoring system is provided. A mesh network-type transceiver unit is coupled to a water meter housing having a water counting mechanism inside to transmit water consumption information as well as other sensor information, such as backflow detection, water pressure, and water metrics (e.g., residual chlorine and temperature) to a central server system via a bridge device and a corresponding mesh network. Mechanical energy from the water flowing through the water meter housing is converted to electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. An electrically powered shut off valve is remote addressable via the transceiver unit.

A device for collection of energy from mechanical disturbances and distribution of that energy to an electrical load. A transducer converts mechanical energy in the form of forces and displacements into electrical energy in the form of charge pulses. The charge pulses are rectified into a Direct Current (DC) power signal and accumulated and stored in an input storage element. A controlled conversion circuit assures that the voltage on the storage element is maintained within a predetermined optimal range for energy harvesting from the transducer, avoiding the application of peak voltages. The controlled conversion circuit can be hard wired and / or controllably adjustable to match a given disturbance characteristic. Only when the voltage is within the optimal range for a given type of disturbance will the controlled conversion circuit enable a DC / DC converter to further convert the stored energy to a voltage that is coupled to an output storage element. This technique optimizes power conversion by controlling the high voltage to low version conversion process by, for example, sensing the disturbance with external sensor or internal voltage of the system, and then using this information about the disturbance to control how and when the electrical conversion process will occur.