39334 results about "Motor drive" patented technology

A portable electric nailing gun operating from a power supply. The motor accelerates a flywheel, which at the appropriate energy state is coupled through a mechanism to an anvil acting directly on the nail. The actuation is governed by a control circuit and initiated from a trigger switch. The stored energy delivered from the motor is coupled to the output anvil drives the nail. At least one position of the output anvil is sensed and once the nail is driven, the power is disconnected from the motor. This method uses a direct acting clutch and a harmonic motion nailing mechanism to reduce wear and increase robustness of the nailer. Elastic elements are used to limit stresses during the impact periods. The electrical control circuit and sensors allow precise control and improve safety. The power supply is preferably a rechargeable low impedance battery pack.

In one embodiment of the invention, a control system for a robotic surgical instrument is provided including a torque saturation limiter, a torque to current converter coupled to the torque saturation limiter, and a motor coupled to the torque to current converter. The torque saturation limiter receives a desired torque signal for one or more end effectors and limits the desired torque to a range between an upper torque limit and a lower torque limit generating a bounded torque signal. The torque to current converter transforms a torque signal into a current signal. The motor drives an end effector of one or more end effectors to the bounded torque signal in response to the first current signal.

In one embodiment of the invention, a control system for a robotic surgical instrument is provided including a torque saturation limiter, a torque to current converter coupled to the torque saturation limiter, and a motor coupled to the torque to current converter. The torque saturation limiter receives a desired torque signal for one or more end effectors and limits the desired torque to a range between an upper torque limit and a lower torque limit generating a bounded torque signal. The torque to current converter transforms a torque signal into a current signal. The motor drives an end effector of one or more end effectors to the bounded torque signal in response to the first current signal.

A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector, a main drive shaft assembly connected to the end effector, and a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a movable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned in the end effector. The instrument also includes a main motor for actuating the gear drive train and a firing trigger for actuating the main motor. The instrument also includes a tactile position feedback system for applying force to the firing trigger such that the position of the firing trigger is related to the position of the cutting instrument in the end effector.

A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob when an instrument shaft is engaged with the handle. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler and can provide certain motor drive profiles for predetermined positions of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.

A pump system for an infusion system includes a linear drive (36, 36′) which minimizes the space occupied by the pump components in a portable housing (10, 10′). A motor (34) and a motor drive shaft (42) are arranged in parallel with, and adjacent to a syringe (14, 14′) and lead screw (94, 94′). A gear box (54) connects the drive shaft and lead screw to transfer rotational movements between them. A piston driving member, such as a cone (116) or drive nut (116′) converts the rotational movement of the lead screw into linear motion of a syringe piston (24). Sensors (150, 152) detect when the piston or cone is in a “home” position and in an “end” position, respectively. Optionally, a proximity sensor (170) is used to ensure that the cone and the piston (24) are abutting during dispensing. Alternatively, a clamping member (350) selectively clamps the lead screw (94′) against linear motion in at least a dispensing direction.

A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motorto be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position.

A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body, a suction brush, through which air and contaminants are drawn in, and a cyclone type dust collecting device. The cleaner body has a motor driving chamber and a dust collecting chamber in communication with the motor driving chamber. The cyclone type dust collecting device is mounted in the dust collecting chamber and separates by centrifugal force the contaminants from the air. The cyclone type dust collecting device includes a hollow cylindrical cyclone body having an open top, a closed bottom, and a contaminant outlet. The open top allows air and contaminants into the cyclone body, where the contaminants are separated from the air by centrifugation. The contaminants are then discharged from the cyclone body through the contaminant outlet. The cyclone type dust collecting device further includes a contaminant receptacle for collecting the contaminants discharged through the contaminant outlet, a base member hingedly connected to the contaminant receptacle, and a cover for covering the top of the cyclone body. The cover has an air inlet passage, through which air and contaminants drawn in through the suction brush enter into the cyclone body, an air outlet passage, through which the air is discharged from the cyclone body, and a contaminant separating grill. The grill extends downward from the air outlet passage into the cyclone body and has a plurality of fine holes.

An automatic skin puncturing system that was operable with one hand for allowing individuals with the use of only a single hand to take the blood samples needed to monitor their blood glucose levels. The automatic skin puncturing system includes a housing assembly, a power connecting jack, a battery holder, an indexable, motor driven turntable, an index switch, a reed switch, a lancet lifting assembly, a disposable lancet carousel cartridge, and an electronic, micro-processor controlled circuit.

A first apparatus for cleaning a distal end of a medical scope includes an annular sheath surroundingly attachable to the scope wherein the distal scope end is in fluid communication with the distal end of a lumen of the attached sheath with the proximal lumen end fluidly connectable to an irrigation fluid source and / or vacuum source. A second apparatus includes a motor-driven rotatable cannula having a closed distal end. A third apparatus includes an annular sheath and a lens which closes off the sheath, wherein the scope is insertable into the sheath, and wherein the lens is exposed to a distal lumen end of a lumen of the attached sheath. A fourth apparatus includes an annular sheath and a transparent shield rotatable attachable to the sheath to seal the distal sheath end. A fifth apparatus includes a sleeve attachable to and slidable along a scope.

A surgical fastener apparatus having a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector including a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. A cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners, the actuator including a power source and a motor. Means for electrically adjusting the amount of spacing between the jaws when the end effector is in the closed position.

The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having one or more motorized pumps and associated motor drives, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and / or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation.

The invention provides mechanical devices to enhance the input process for touch screen devices. Fader tracks with or without fader caps, rotary and fixed knobs, and joysticks may be removably adhered to a touch screen and used to emulate their respective functions, using software interpretation of the touch detections provoked by the devices to carry out the emulations. The devices are inexpensive and simple, and the touch screen and associated software provide the function and feel of electromechanical controllers that are far more expensive and difficult to connect and maintain. The devices may be provided as components on a crack-and-peel sheet. For fixed knobs, the software application accepts initial inputs and determines the location on the touch screen, and also interprets the geometry of the input strokes as commands for selected controller emulations, such as joystick, fader, knob, or mouse. The invention also provides a touch sensor controller having a longitudinal web that incorporates touch sensor electrodes and conductors and emulates a fader controller. The invention further provides a flexible track controller mounted at the periphery of a touch screen and extendable thereover to emulate a fader controller. The flexible track may be motor driven.

A surgical tool having an elongate shaft, with a directional operative element at its distal end, is provided with a mechanism to rotate the shaft and the operative element about a longitudinal axis shaft. This allows the operative element to be aligned with an element of tissue without excessive hand movement by the user. In a preferred version, the mechanism is electrically powered and is regulated to produce smooth, controlled, accurate motion between selected rotational positions. The mechanism may include a linear magnetic motor drive to move a drive element longitudinally along the tool. This drive element is engaged with a helical formation on a drive shaft, such that longitudinal motion of the drive element is converted to rotational motion of the drive shaft, and of the shaft and operative element, to which the shaft is mounted.

A dental hygiene system provided with interchangeable dental heads permits power-enhanced brushing and concurrent fluid irrigation to optimize a user's personal dental hygiene efforts. The system has a handle assembly with an irrigation nozzle in close proximity to displaceable bristles driven by a battery-operated handle motor. Pumping of irrigation fluid such as an antiseptic solution into the oral cavity is also motor driven. A telescoping chamber with irrigation fluid fits on the piston-like base end of the handle and is refilled by docking the handle assembly on a complementary docking station that includes a detachable fluid reservoir, microswitch controls and a base fluid pump. Docking of the handle assembly triggers the microswitches and opens a check valve in the bottom of the handle chamber, which activates the flow of fluid from the reservoir into the chamber. An optional fiberoptic subassembly illuminates the oral cavity.

An insulin pump for use in conjunction with a mobile communication terminal capable of measuring a blood glucose level, and a network for transmitting control information for the insulin pump are disclosed. The insulin pump includes an external input port, an output port, memory, a key input unit, a control unit, and a motor driver. The external input port receives information on the amounts of insulin to be injected. The output port outputs information on the amounts of insulin injected. The memory stores the information on the amounts of insulin injected. The key input unit inputs the status of a user. The control unit extracts the information on the amounts of insulin to be injected from the memory. The motor drive operates a soft motor to supply insulin.

Control systems and methodologies are disclosed for controlling a process having one or more motorized pumps and an associated motor drives, which comprise selecting a desired operating point within an allowable range of operation about a process setpoint according to performance characteristics associated with a plurality of components in the process, and controlling the system according to the desired operating point. The control system comprises a motor drive providing electrical power to a motor in a controlled fashion according to a control signal, and a controller providing the control signal to the motor drive according to a desired operating point within an allowable range of operation about a process setpoint. The controller selects the desired operating point according to one or more performance characteristics or criteria associated with a plurality of components in the process, such as cost, throughput, lifetime, or the like. Also disclosed are methods and systems for diagnosing operating conditions in a pump or other motorized device.

A pump system for an infusion system includes a linear drive (36, 36′) which minimizes the space occupied by the pump components in a portable housing (10, 10′). A motor (34) and a motor drive shaft (42) are arranged in parallel with, and adjacent to a syringe (14, 14′) and lead screw (94, 94′). A gear box (54) connects the drive shaft and lead screw to transfer rotational movements between them. A piston driving member, such as a drive nut (116) converts the rotational movement of the lead screw into linear motion of a syringe piston (24). A cap (190, 190′) couples the syringe (14, 14′) to the housing and provides an outlet for the liquid to be dispensed. In one embodiment, the cap (190′) is configured to rotate relative to the housing in one direction only, during locking. Rotational movement is also used for locking the piston (24) to the drive nut (116) against relative axial movement. In another embodiment, the cap (190′) carries a rotatable hub (330) which is connected at a first end (336) with an infusion line (191) and at a second end defines a needle (338) for piercing a closure (340) on the syringe.

A rotary sensor that outputs two analog signals, such as one sine wave and one cosine wave and has multiple periods within one period of the electrical angle of a motor is employed. The motor is energized at each position for a specified length of time upon its startup by using multiple electrical angles corresponding to the multiple candidate absolute angles obtained from the rotary sensor signal as the initial position of the motor, and the electrical angle at which the motor acceleration becomes maximum is determined as the absolute angle. While the motor drive is in operation, on the other hand, the phase difference Δθ between the phase of the motor at the counter electromotive voltage and the control phase is directly computed from the parameters of the motor, sensed current, voltage command and angle speed so as to correct the shifted position. A high-efficiency motor drive unit with improved maintainability of rotary sensor and improved accuracy of sensing the magnet pole position of a permanent magnet synchronous motor that accelerates and decelerates very quickly in a wide range of speed is realized.

An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that allows operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system utilizes a variable speed, motor driven compressor controlled by an intelligent power generation management controller. This controller selects from one of the available sources of power on the vehicle to drive the compressor, and modulates the compressor speed and capacity based on operational parameters and source availability and depletion. The controller may also operate a coolant or air heater to provide heating to the interior compartments.

An improved reservoir is provided for use in a medication infusion device for operating the reservoir to administer a fluid to a patient. The reservoir comprises a hollow barrel adapted to receive a supply of fluid for delivery through infusion tubing or the like to the patient, in combination with a reservoir plunger. The reservoir plunger is designed to engage a motor-driven lead screw of the medication infusion device. The reservoir plunger has an integral split nut connector formed on the end of the plunger, which is in co-axial alignment with the lead screw whereby the split nut connector can be engaged directly to the lead screw.

A converterless motor-driven pump system includes an off-grid prime mover. The prime mover includes a rotational driveshaft that operates in response to a throttle or fuel input controller to control a rotation speed of the prime mover driveshaft. Operation of the throttle or fuel input controller is based on desired output characteristics of a pumping load. One or more electric power generators are driven by the off-grid prime mover to generate AC or DC power on an electrical bus shared by a plurality of variable speed electric motors. A plurality of pumps is connected to a common manifold shared by the plurality of pumps. The plurality of pumps is driven by the plurality of variable speed electric motors to generate a desired wellhead pressure or pumping load flow rate via the shared common manifold.

A remotely controlled insertion system for a medical device is described. The system comprises a robotic device and a remote control mechanism. The robotic device has a handle controller to receive and hold the control handle or proximal end of a medical device. The medical device is capable of moving in up to six ranges of motion. In ione embodiment a first motor is connected through a drive screw to a handle controller to move the medical device forward and backward. A second motor is connected to drive wheels effective to rotate the medical device clockwise and counter-clockwise. A third motor drives a series of gears that are connected to one or more control members on the medical device, this being effective to deflect a tip of the medical device so that movement of the third motor causes such deflection. A control unit is connected to all three motors.