5754 results about "Power unit" patented technology

A surgical apparatus, having a surgical assembly, a power unit providing the needed power for actuating said surgical assembly, a drive assembly connecting said power unit and said surgical assembly, being flexible at least in the limits of the part of its length, and including an elongated body, and at least of one drive member designed for transmitting a driving motion from said power unit to said surgical assembly and movably disposed within said elongated body, a distal coupling means for coupling the distal ends of said drive assembly to said surgical assembly, a separable proximal coupling means for detachable coupling the proximal ends of said drive assembly to said power unit, an operating means designed for an operation control of said surgical assembly and disposed on said drive assembly distally of said separable proximal coupling means.

A system and method for adjusting power employed by a light emitting device used for medical applications, such as measurement of patient parameter. A system or device includes a light emitting device, a power unit coupled to the light emitting device for powering the light emitting device and responsive to a control signal for adjusting power applied to the light emitting device, and a control unit for providing the control signal and coupled to the power unit, the control signal being determined in response to a characteristic of a signal associated with a physiological parameter measured using light produced by the light emitting device.

A modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system may include a dialysis unit, e.g., that contains suitable components for performing hemodialysis, such as a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer, and a power unit having a housing that contains suitable components for providing operating power to the pumps of the dialysis unit. The power unit may be selectively connected to the dialysis unit and provide power (e.g., pneumatic power in the form of pressure and/or vacuum) to the dialysis unit for the pumps when connected to the dialysis unit, but may be incapable of providing power to the dialysis unit when disconnected from the dialysis unit. The dialysis unit and the power unit are sized and weighted to each be carried by hand by a human.

A wireless power supply device is adapted for providing electric power to an exterior electronic appliance. The wireless power supply includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit includes a power unit for providing power to a voltage-controlled oscillator circuit and a signal amplification unit, the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit for receiving the power and then generating corresponding radio signals, the signal amplification unit for amplifying the radio signals generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator circuit and a transmitting antenna module for transmitting out the radio signals amplified by the signal amplification unit. The receiving unit includes a receiving antenna for wirelessly receiving the radio signals transmitted by the transmitting antenna module and then transforming the radio signals into electric power for being provided to the exterior electronic appliance.

A photovoltaic unit is disclosed comprising a plurality of sub-units connected in series, each sub-unit having a main input and a main output, which main output is connected to the respective main input of a neighbouring sub-unit, each sub-unit further comprising a segment comprising one or more series-connected solar cells, and a supplementary power unit, wherein the supplementary power unit is configured to at least one of receive power from or supply power to the neighbouring sub-unit. The supplementary power unit is preferably a DC-DC converter, and arranged to exchange energy between neighbouring segments, without requiring a high-voltage connection across the complete string (of more than 2 segments). The converter may be inductive or capacitive.

A DC-DC converter configured for use in such a unit is also disclosed, as is a method of controlling such a photovoltaic unit.

An implantable hearing unit is provided that includes an implantable microphone, a rechargeable power storage device and a speech signal processor. The hearing unit further includes a signal coupling device that is adapted for electrical interconnection to an implantable auditory stimulation device, which is operative to stimulate an auditory component of a patient. Such a stimulation device may include cochlear implants, brain stem stimulation systems, auditory nerve stimulation systems, and middle or inner ear transducer systems. The signal coupling device is operative to provide processed drive signals from the signal processor to the stimulation device as well provide power from the power storage device to operate the stimulation device. In one arrangement, the signal coupling device is a wireless coupling between first and second coils. In such an arrangement, the hearing unit may be utilized with an existing implanted stimulation device to make that device a fully implanted hearing system.

A TET system is provided which is operable to vary an amount of power transmitted from an external power supply to an implantable power unit in accordance with a monitored condition of the implantable power unit. In such way, the amount of power supplied to the implantable power unit for operating a pump, for example, can be varied in accordance with a cardiac cycle, so as to maintain the monitored condition in the power circuit within a desired range throughout the cardiac cycle.

The present invention provides an intelligent power unit, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the intelligent power unit includes a battery, a power switch, and a control unit. The control unit receives price information and operates the power switch based on the price information to charge the battery during periods of relatively low electrical energy prices. During periods of relatively high electrical energy prices, the control unit cause the energy stored in the battery to be used to power attached loads. The price information provided to the control unit can be actual price information regarding the cost to generate electrical power, estimated price information, or contract price information. It is a feature of the intelligent power unit of the present invention that it can be used to shift a utility's electrical power demand in time.

A multiple convective cushion seating and sleeping system for providing temperature modified air to multiple surfaces, such as a seating surface and a sleeping surface, with the same air cooling or heating source. The invention includes the use of tubular spacer material including tubular spacer fabric. A power unit including a heat pump and blower is in fluid communication with a first convective cushion by a first duct and with a second convective cushion by a second duct to provide the temperature modified air to both convective cushions for controllably heating or cooling multiple users. A thermoelectric heat pump, a Stirling cycle heat pump or other type of heat pump can be used. The invention includes the use or one or more valves to control the air flow to one or more of the convective cushions and provides for manual operation, electronic control and operation by a remote telecommunications unit. The invention can be utilized in vehicles, such as tractor trailers and recreational vehicles, and in buildings such as apartments, dorm rooms and houses.

A cushion that is heated convectively using a positive coefficient of resistance type resistive heating element that is provided with heat exchanging surfaces, includes a mattress pad, seat or the like with a bottom surface secured around its perimeter to an air permeable top surface, forming a plenum and containing tubular spacer material therein. The plenum is connected to a power unit housing a blower, a heating module and a controller unit. The heating module preferably includes a PTC type heating element in conduction with a base plate and a number of heat exchanger fins. Preferably the heating element is sandwiched between a pair of the base plates and the heat exchanger fins, and there is a seal between the base plates to minimize air flow from the blower from passing there between. A remote control for the user's convenience may be provided, and a foldable antenna attachable to the convective unit facilitates wireless communication between the remote control and controller unit. The user resting atop the cushion is able to control the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and through the top surface. The invention advantageously replaces the current carrying, conductive wires and insulation found inside prior art heated mattresses, enhancing safety and performance while at the same time offering a cooled or ventilated capability.

A hybrid electric propulsion system for powering a vehicle using a natural fuel engine and an electric motor. The hybrid electric vehicle is comprised of a drive train; an electric motor for driving the drive train; an auxiliary power unit (APU); an electric energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric motor; and wherein the auxiliary power unit and the electric energy storage system provide energy for powering the vehicle. An electric bus is directly connected to both the auxiliary power unit and the electric energy source and the voltage across the electric bus is substantially the same as the voltage across the electric energy source so that a change in voltage of the electric bus results in the same change to the voltage across the electric energy source. A power management controller is programmed to control output power of the power unit to maintain the energy storage system between a predetermined high voltage set-point and a predetermined low voltage set-point.

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for auxiliary power units (APU). In one embodiment, the APU includes a source of rotational power such as a combustion engine operably coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be coupled to a load. In some embodiments, the load is provided by a generator. In one embodiment, the APU has a control system configured to control the operation of the engine and the operation of the CVT. The control system can facilitate substantially constant speed operation of the generator in the presence of variable operation of the engine. In another embodiment, the APU includes a continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD) operably coupled to an engine. The CVAD can include a continuously variable transmission operably coupled to a generator. In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD.

A transportable power tool such as an impact driver has a power unit in which a motor and a reducer-transmitter are contained, a grip and a coupler unit with which a battery pack is coupled. Maximum dimensions of the power unit and maximum dimensions of the battery pack in a direction perpendicular to both of center axes of the power unit and the grip and in a direction parallel to the center axis of the power unit are larger than those of the grip in the same directions. Operation members used for selecting an operation mode of the motor and a display device are provided at positions near to the grip from a line binding contacting portions of the power unit and the battery pack when the power unit and the battery pack are simultaneously contacted with the same plane in each state.

An electronic traction vehicle comprising a principal power unit, a power storage unit mounted on a vehicle platform. A plurality of wheels are rotably mounted on the vehicle platform with an electric motor coupled to at least one wheel. A drive controller is coupled to the electric motor and a vehicle controller having an input and output terminal is coupled to the drive controller. A data bus network is coupled to the drive controller and the vehicle controller. An A/C bus assembly is coupled to the principal power unit, the power storage unit and the electric motor through the drive controller. Another embodiment of the electronic traction vehicle provides at least four electric motors and four drive controllers coupled to four wheels and the data bus network and A/C power bus assembly. Another embodiment of the electronic traction vehicle provides the components of the vehicle as moduled including an auxiliary module removably connected to the data bus network and the A/C bus assembly.

The present invention discloses a shopping cart with RFID capability, for detecting a RFID tag, comprising: a frame, further comprising: an accommodating space for accommodating RFID-tagged items; a plurality of wheels, coupling to the frame for carrying the frame to move according to the rotation of the wheels; and a cover, rotatably mounted on the frame for sealing the accommodating space; a reader unit, further comprising: a RFID reader, attached to the frame; and at least an antenna, electrically connected to the RFID reader and being received in the accommodating space of the frame; a memory unit, attached to the frame and being electrically connected to the RFID reader; a control unit, further comprising: an actuating device, coupled to the frame and the cover in respective and capable of open/close the cover while operating; a sensing device, attached to the frame and being electrically connected to the RFID reader, capable of activating the RFID reader to start/stop reader RFID tags through the antenna with respect to the sensing unit sensing the opening/closing of the cover; and a power unit, for providing power to the reader unit, the memory unit and the control unit.

A fuel cell system, control method and current measuring device for a power unit are disclosed. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell having local areas, a current measuring device associated with at least one of the local areas to measure localized current related to a specified operating characteristic, and a control section for diagnosing an operating condition of the fuel cell in response to localized current to enable optimum control of the fuel cell depending upon a specified operating characteristic determined by localized current. The control method controls the operating condition of the fuel cell in response to localized current indicative of the specified operating characteristic of the fuel cell. The current measuring device includes an electrical conductor formed with a recessed portion, a localized current conductor received in the recessed portion, and a current sensor for detecting current flowing across the localized current conductor.

The invention belongs to the field of oil equipment, and particularly relates to full-automatic intelligent remote-control cementing equipment. A long-distance automatic displacement and density automatic control system being used for the cementing equipment is characterized in that the long-distance automatic displacement and density automatic control system at least comprises a power unit and acontrol unit. The power unit comprises an engine, a gearbox and a plunger pump, and the control unit comprises a device operation screen, a device PLC processor, a remote-control operation screen, a remote-control PLC processor and an Anybus module. Operating personnel write in a set displacement set value or a set density value on the remote-control operation screen or the device operation screen, after the device PLC processor reads the set displacement information, a set gear needed by the current set displacement and the accelerator position are calculated through program internal calculation, so that the rotating speed of the engine and the gears of the gearbox are controlled, finally the long-distance automatic displacement and density automatic control system is used for controllingthe input rotating speed of the plunger pump, and the purpose of controlling the discharging displacement of the plunger pump is achieved.

An apparatus and method for denaturing corneal tissue. The apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are both inserted into a cornea. The electrodes are coupled to a power unit that delivers energy sufficient to denature corneal tissue. The dual electrode assembly allows for the creation of multiple denatured spots with a single application of energy. Additionally, the multi-electrode assembly provides uniform spacing between the denatured spots.

A lower extremity exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes: leg supports configurable to be coupled to the person's lower limbs and designed to rest on the ground during stance phases, with each leg support having a thigh link and a shank link; two knee joints, each configured to allow flexion and extension between respective shank and thigh links; an exoskeleton trunk configurable to be coupled to the person's upper body, rotatably connectable to the thigh links of the leg supports, allowing for the flexion and extension between the leg supports and the exoskeleton trunk; two hip actuators configured to create torques between the exoskeleton trunk and the leg supports; and at least one power unit capable of providing power to the hip actuators. In use, power is supplied to the hip actuators in an amount to reduce the energy consumed by a user during a walking cycle.

A floor cleaning machine having a body in which the body cover assembly is hollow and serves as the recovery solution reservoir; while the lower body assembly, which is also hollow, serves as the cleaning solution tank or reservoir. In addition, the lower body has a recessed area proportioned to receive and secure the batteries required for driving the motors involved in the floor cleaning machine. A trans-axle drive supports the lower body and has a drive wheel at each end powered by a motor differential engaging the axles coupled to the wheels. Together the body and trans-axle drive comprise a modular power unit. Mounting means are provided on the forward portion of the lower body of the power unit for lift arms to be secured to various power floor scrubbers for use on hard floors or a carpet extractor for cleaning carpeted floors. The linkage for the floor scrubber mode and carpet cleaning mode is the same. Such linkage also uses a maximum number of resiliently mounted bushings which, along with the monocoque body and retained fluid movement, cushion against damage by impact under power.

A method of distributed control of train throttle and braking includes transmitting an instruction to a remote power unit to apply at least one acceleration to the train at a future time; receiving the instruction; transmitting a confirmation that the remote power unit is armed to execute the instruction to a lead power unit; and computing a profile describing at least one acceleration to be applied to the train as it travels over a predetermined route. The computation is determined at least in part on whether or not the confirmation has been received by the lead power unit. The instructions may be contained in a profile which optimizes fuel consumption, emissions, and/or trip time. The accelerations may be carried out by direct control or by prompting an operator. In another aspect, the confirmed instructions may be used to ensure braking in accordance with a predetermined braking curve.

A semi-actuated above knee prosthetic system, which is mostly passive in nature and includes a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link attached to an above-knee remaining lower limb of an amputee, is operable in either an actuated mode or an un-actuated mode controlled by a signal processor linked to various prosthetic mounted sensors. In the actuated mode, power is delivered to a torque generator connected to the knee mechanism to cause a forced movement between the thigh and shank links. In the un-actuated mode, a control circuit operates in a non-powered manner to allow operation of the knee mechanism with modulated resistance. Power is delivered through an electric motor connected to a battery source and employed to drive a hydraulic pump which is part of an overall hydraulic power unit including the torque generator.

An autonomous vehicle collision/crossing warning system provides for simple, inexpensive and decentralized installation, operation and maintenance of a reliable vehicle collision/crossing warning system. The autonomous warning system preferably utilizes a single frequency TDM radio communication network with GPS clock synchronization, time slot arbitration and connectionless UDP protocol to broadcast messages among vehicles and components in the warning system. Adaptive localized mapping of components of interest within the warning system eliminates the need for centralized databases or coordination and control systems and enables new vehicles and warning systems to be easily added to the system in a decentralized manner. Preferably, stationary warning systems are deployed as multiple self-powered units each equipped to receive broadcast messages and to communicate with the other units by a low power RF channel in a redundant Master-Slave configuration. The communication schemes are preferably arranged for low duty cycle operation to decrease power consumption.

A case and universal power pack for a hand held video game device includes a power pack with integrated plug engaging the external power supply jack on the hand held game device, and thereby provides power to the game device. A cover flap may be selectively adjusted by the user to provide optimum playing conditions and includes a glare reducing surface to further aid in providing the optimum playing environment. The case includes grip strips on opposing sides thereof, and includes access points for accessing the various external controls and jacks of the game device. The power pack is accessible from inside the case when the game device is removed therefrom.

A system and method directed to a countertop oven comprising a powerhead or power unit, a dome, and a base, which may include a stainless steel pan, and/or a plastic base, adaptable to receive a dehydrating adapter, base, and/or one or more dehydrator trays. According to exemplary embodiment, the powerhead may include a sensor to detect when the powerhead has been inserted in the dehydrator adapter, according to an exemplary embodiment. The power unit may be detachably connectable to the dehydrating enclosure and a cooking enclosure dome. The power unit and the cooking enclosure may collectively combine into a multi-stage counter-top electric oven. The power unit and the dehydrating enclosure may also collectively combine into a dehydrator. The dehydrating enclosure may include a plurality of stackable dehydrating trays through which dehydrating air is circulated from the power unit.

An apparatus and method for providing a controllable supply of fluid, and optionally power and/or communication signals, to a subsea equipment are provided. The fluid may be a water-based fluid, oil-based fluid, or chemicals. The apparatus includes a reservoir disposed on a seabed for storing a supply of fluid for delivery to the subsea well equipment. A subsea pumping device is configured to receive the fluid from the reservoir, pressurize the fluid, and deliver the pressurized fluid to an accumulator of a hydraulic power unit disposed on the seabed. The hydraulic power unit can store the pressurized fluid and control an output of the pressurized fluid to the subsea well equipment, thereby providing a subsea fluid source for the subsea equipment.

Combined aircraft hybrid fuel cell auxiliary power unit and environmental control system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an auxiliary power unit includes a fuel cell component which chemically converts combustible fuel into electrical energy. Unutizlied fuel emitted by the fuel cell component is combusted by a burner to generate heated gas. The heated gas is received by and drives a turbine, which in turn drives a drive shaft. A compressor, coupled to the drive shaft, compresses a source of oxidizing gas for supplying compressed oxidizing gas to the fuel cell component and to an environmental control system. A heat exchanger controls the temperature of the pressurized air leaving the environmental control system to provide the cabin air supply. Finally, a generator is coupled to the drive shaft to be driven by the turbines to generate additional electrical energy.

The invention discloses an electronic cigarette, comprising an inductor shell, and a power unit, a control unit, a liquid resistant device and an atomizer chamber which are equipped inside the shell; one end of the shell is provided with a suction nozzle, while the other end is provided with an air inlet channel; the atomizer chamber is internally provided with a heater, the outside of the atomizer chamber is provided with a multilayer drainage mechanism, wherein, one end of the drainage mechanism is communicated with a liquid storage core; the liquid resistant device, a sealing sheet and the atomizer chamber are all provided with airflow channels, both ends of the periphery of the liquid storage core are provided with mist channels, and the airflow channels and the mist channels are communicated with the air inlet channel and the suction nozzle; an inductor is formed by the suction nozzle and/or the shell, which is connected with the control unit via a connecting wire, and one end of the connecting wire is connected with the suction nozzle and/or the shell to form a conductive body. The invention is a humanized electronic cigarette which can simulate smoking effect; the invention is simple and compact in structure, low in cost, and closer to reality.

A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly, a door assembly, a cooling assembly, a customer enticement device, and a power unit. The product container assembly defines an interior region for containing products. The cooling assembly is connected to the product container assembly and includes a powered cooling device to cool the interior region. The enticement device is adapted to encourage customer interest in the merchandising unit and includes a powered component. The power unit includes a power supply electrically connectable to an external power source, with each of the powered cooling device and the power component of the enticement device being electrically coupled to the power supply. With this configuration, the common power supply serves to power both the cooling assembly as well as the customer enticement device. In some embodiments, the cooling assembly includes a thermoelectric device.

A powered patient lift device includes a main frame having a beam and a wheel chassis. The top of the beam is pivotally connected with a lifting arm. One end of the lifting arm is provided with a seat. A power unit is adapted to drive a lifting unit which then links the lifting arm to move. A control unit is to activate the power unit. A knee support is disposed at a lower section of the beam. The knee support is provided with a knee pad to engage with a user's knee. When the lifting unit is activated, the lifting arm is linked to move the supporting unit to assist the user to stand up or to sit down.