3062 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 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.

An intelligent door lock system is provided with a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft and assists in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine is provided with a memory coupled to the positioning sensing device. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source is coupled to the circuit. A device converts energy into mechanical energy and is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source.

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.

The present invention relates to 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 used to do mechanical work. Similarly, when a previously charged electroactive polymer deflects, the electric field in the material is changed. The change in electric field may be used to produce electrical energy. An active area is a portion of a polymer having sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection of the portion and/or sufficient deflection to enable a change in electrostatic force or electric field. The present invention relates to energy efficient transducers and devices comprising multiple active areas on one or more electroactive polymers. The invention also relates to methods for actuating one or more active areas on one or more electroactive polymers while maintaining a substantially constant potential energy.

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, R_f, and R, wherein R and R_f are each an alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and wherein R_f 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy which can use a wide range of fuels and perform with a high efficiency. Operating on a little utilized thermodynamic cycle of isentropic compression, isothermal expansion, isentropic expansion and finally constant pressure cooling and contraction. The external heat engine utilizes a heat exchanger carrying heat from the external energy source to the working parts of the engine. Pistons and cylinders are activated by appropriate means to adiabatically compress the working fluid, for example ambient air, to transfer the entire mass of the air through the heat exchanger to accomplish isothermal expansion followed by adiabatic expansion and, finally, exhaust the air to ambient to allow for constant pressure cooling and contraction. Valve pistons in conjunction with the cylinders form valves that allow for the exchange of working fluid with ambient. Energy is added to the engine during isothermal expansion, whereby the energy of compression is added by a flywheel or other appropriate energy storage means, said flywheel stores energy recovered during adiabatic expansion. The thermodynamic cycle described and the engine embodiments disclosed, when run in reverse, perform as a heat pump or refrigeration device.

Described herein are marine devices and methods that convert mechanical energy in one or more waves to mechanical energy that is better suited for conversion into electrical energy. The marine devices employ a mechanical energy conversion system that harnesses wave energy and converts it into limited motion that is suitable for input to an electrical energy generator.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to working fluids and their use in processes wherein the working fluids comprise compounds having the structure of formula (I):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are each independently selected from the group consisting of: H, F, Cl, Br, and C₁-C₆ alkyl, at least C₆ aryl, at least C₃ cycloalkyl, and C₆-C₁₅ alkylaryl optionally substituted with at least one F, Cl, or Br, wherein formula (I) contains at least one F and at least one Cl or Br, provided that if any R is Br, then the compound does not have hydrogen. The working fluids are useful in Rankine cycle systems for efficiently converting waste heat generated from industrial processes, such as electric power generation from fuel cells, into mechanical energy or further to electric power. The working fluids of the invention are also useful in equipment employing other thermal energy conversion processes and cycles.

A vehicle-mounted generator is powered by relative wind produced by the combination of ambient wind and motion of the vehicle, or by movement of water when mounted on the hull of a water-borne vehicle. A rigid cylindrical housing forms an enclosed interior chamber. Wind asymmetrically enters the chamber through an inlet located on one side of a central longitudinal drive shaft, and exits through an outlet located at the top of the housing. A spiraling parabolic deck forms a floor of the interior chamber, and spirals around the central longitudinal shaft from the bottom of the housing to the outlet at the top. A turbine mounted on the drive shaft within the outlet converts energy of the exiting wind to mechanical energy. An electrical generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy for recharging a battery or powering an electric motor.

A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.

Described herein are systems and methods that use an electroactive polymer transducer to convert mechanical energy, originally contained in one or more waves, to electrical energy. Marine devices described herein may employ a mechanical energy conversion system that transfers mechanical energy in a wave into mechanical energy suitable for input to the electroactive polymer transducer.

A micro-generator implant device including (a) a micro-generator, disposed within a living body, the micro-generator including: (i) a first mechanism for harnessing mechanical energy from a natural body movement, and (ii) a second mechanism for converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy, the electrical energy for providing power within the living body.

A tire assembly with integrated power generation features includes one or more piezoelectric devices configured to generate electric charge therein upon being subjected to mechanical strains associated with flexure of tire or wheel components. The piezoelectric device may be incorporated in a variety of tire structures and in many different locations. In pneumatic tire structures, the piezoelectric device and related electronics may be embedded in crown or sidewall locations among such selected components as the exterior tread portion, first and second steel belts of a belt package, carcass, cap ply portion, inner liner, zone base, etc. The piezoelectric device with optional rubber casing may also be attached to such locations as the inner liner and tire exterior. Piezoelectric devices may also be integrated with a tire and safety support combination that is configured to operate in an extended mobility mode when the tire structure loses air pressure. Piezoelectric devices may alternatively be integrated with a non-pneumatic structurally supported tire such as one including a reinforced annular band, a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the annular band, a mounting band at the inner end of the web spokes and a tread portion disposed on the annular band.

A wind power generating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertically stacked wind acceleration modules that are shaped to accelerate wind passing between them. At least one of the modules includes a rotor assembly, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly, and an electrical generator mechanically coupled to the CVT. The electrical generator is capable of converting mechanical energy transferred by the CVT from the rotor assembly into electrical energy. A sensor may be mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly or the electrical generator and electrically coupled to a controller. The controller may control the CVT according to a signal received from the sensor such that the electrical generator operates within a predetermined range of rotational velocities.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a turbine to generate mechanical energy from kinetic energy, a generator coupled to the turbine to receive the mechanical energy and to output multiple isolated supply powers, and multiple power stages each coupled to the generator. Each of the power stages may receive at least one of the isolated supply powers.

A melter apparatus includes a floor, a ceiling, and a wall connecting the floor and ceiling at a perimeter of the floor and ceiling, a melting zone being defined by the floor, ceiling and wall, the melting zone having a feed inlet and a molten glass outlet positioned at opposing ends of the melting zone. Melter apparatus include an exit end having a melter exit structure for discharging turbulent molten glass formed by one or more submerged combustion burners, the melter exit structure fluidly and mechanically connecting the melter vessel to a molten glass conditioning channel. The melter exit structure includes a fluid-cooled transition channel configured to form a frozen glass layer or highly viscous glass layer, or combination thereof, on inner surfaces of the fluid-cooled transition channel and thus protect the melter exit structure from mechanical energy imparted from the melter vessel to the melter exit structure.