Rotary To Or From Reciprocating Or Oscillating Patents (Class 74/25)
  • Patent number: 8480633
    Abstract: A pump drive and a method thereof to dispense a liquid drug from a container having a plunger piston are disclosed. The pump drive provides a unidirectional clutch provided about a rotational axis which supports centrally a wheel. The clutch has an inner race operably connected to the plunger piston, wherein the clutch is configured to rotate both the inner race about the axis in unison with rotation of the wheel in only a first direction to advance the plunger piston, and to let the wheel rotate relative to the inner race about the axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction without advancing the piston plunger. The drive in one embodiment includes at least one shape memory alloy wire which when excited rotates the wheel in the first rotational direction to advance the piston plunger and dispense the liquid drug from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven N. Roe
  • Publication number: 20130167671
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism includes a first rotating wheel, a second rotating wheel and an interference mechanism. The interference mechanism includes an engaging slot, a containing slot and an engaging member. The engaging slot is formed on the first rotating wheel, and the engaging slot includes an arc-shaped concave surface. The containing slot is formed on the second rotating wheel. The engaging member is located in the at least one containing slot, and the engaging member includes an arc-shaped convex surface. The first rotating and the second rotating wheel simultaneously rotate when the arc-shaped convex surface of the at least one engaging member engagingly contacts with the arc-shaped concave surface of the at least one containing slot. The first rotating wheel and the second rotating wheel do not simultaneously rotate when the at least one engaging member disengages from the at least one containing slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130167598
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism adapted to an electro-mechanical lock and for driving a latch assembly to be unlocked is disclosed. The transmission mechanism includes a bottom plate, a pushing member, a clutch member and an electro-actuating member. The bottom plate includes at least one first pushed structure. The pushing member includes at least one second pushed structure. The clutch member abuts against the pushing member. The electro-actuating member is for driving the pushing member to rotate toward a first direction. The at least one second pushed structure cooperates with the at least one first pushed structure to move the pushing member relative to the bottom board, so that the clutch member is pushed with movement of the pushing member to an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130145870
    Abstract: A rotation adjusting mechanism includes a first pedestal, a first sliding block and a first adjusting member. The first pedestal defines a first sliding surface, and an adjusting hole at the side, and an elongated hole on the first sliding surface, the elongated hole communicates with the adjusting hole. The first sliding block defines a second sliding surface and includes an engaging portion on the second sliding surface, the second sliding surface moves on the first sliding surface. The first adjusting member is partially received in the adjusting hole, a portion of the first adjusting member is partially exposed out of the elongated hole and engages with the engaging portion, the adjusting member is turned by hand to rotate to enable the first sliding block to slide along the first sliding surface. The embodiment further discloses an adjusting machine using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KAI HUANG, CHI-CHAO LUO
  • Publication number: 20130145550
    Abstract: A backrest of a bed is pivotable with respect to a bed frame. A backrest actuator assembly connects the backrest to the bed frame. The backrest actuator assembly is configured to raise and lower the backrest with respect to the bed frame by way of an actuator. The backrest actuator assembly is further configured with a lockable damper to release the backrest to lower due to gravity over a damped range of motion. The backrest can be so lowered during an emergency, such as an emergency that requires administration of CPR to the bed's occupant. The lockable damper can stop the lowering of the backrest at any position along the damped range of motion. After an emergency lowering, the backrest actuator assembly can automatically reset to a normal operation state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Richard B. Roussy, Jason Connell
  • Publication number: 20130113339
    Abstract: A vibration type driving device includes a vibrator configured to make an elliptic motion of a contact portion by combining vibrations in different vibration modes, and a driven body configured to be rotated relative to the vibrator by the elliptic motion while being in contact with the contact portion. A contact pressure of the contact portion with the driven body is lower on a radial inner side than on a radial outer side in a radial direction of the rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Kojima
  • Patent number: 8424400
    Abstract: The invention relates to mechanical engineering, in particular to piston machines and mechanisms for converting the movement of the pistons thereof into shaft rotation. The technical result of the invention involves increasing the operational reliability, extending the service life, improving the specific mass and dimensional characteristics and enhancing the efficiency of a machine. The essence of the invention is that the piston and the crank of a piston machine are interconnected by means of a hinged joint with at least a flat hinge which enables the piston to self-center along the cylinder surface owing to the movement of the piston with respect to the crank in any direction on a plane that intersects the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Evgeny Nikolaevich Zakharov
  • Patent number: 8407901
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a reciprocating tool includes a plunger and a wobble plate interface operatively connected to a drive shaft assembly. The wobble plate interface includes a lower portion having an effective lower pivot connection, and an upper pivot connection to a rear portion of the plunger. The wobble plate interface is configured to reciprocate the plunger generally in its lengthwise direction during alternating cutting and return strokes. The distances between the upper and lower pivot connections of both the rocker and wobble plate interface together with the distance between the upper pivot connections thereof to the plunger define a four bar mechanism that produces a path of movement of an attached cutting blade that is effective to apply a progressive non-linear cutting force to a work piece during the cutting stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephen C. Oberheim
  • Publication number: 20130068047
    Abstract: The present application describes techniques for the harvesting of kinetic energy from the movement of people and/or vehicles. A motion converter is discussed which converts linear progression caused by traffic-related impulse forces, to be converted to rotational motion for driving the rotor of an electricity generator. An assembly for harvesting energy including the motion converter and a floor unit are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Laurence Kemball-Cook, Philip Tucker
  • Patent number: 8393241
    Abstract: A mechanical transmission gear shifting assembly connected to a transmission with multiple gear selectors that, when moved in a back and forth motion, selects different gear ratios via a cam with a cam follower for moving gear selectors, in response to the same active cam surfaces. The assembly additionally includes a retractable stop dog, and detents for moving, stopping and holding the cam at all times, such that the cam moves in increments corresponding to sequentially increasing or decreasing selected gear states of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventors: Neil H. Akkerman, Daniel O. Dewey
  • Patent number: 8376311
    Abstract: An adjustable valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly comprises a mounting portion and an adjustment assembly comprising an adjustable member threadably engaged with the mounting portion, the adjustable member adapted to change its position relative to the mounting portion when rotated and a clevis coupled to the adjustable member, wherein the position of the clevis relative to the mounting portion is adjustable by rotation of the adjustable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Dori Marshall, Larry Kelly
  • Publication number: 20130036846
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a mobile electronic device is provided with a linkage mechanism that couples first and second members of the device such that the device may be moved between a first position and a second position. The linkage mechanism includes a linkage intermediate the first and second members, the linkage having a fixed length. The linkage mechanism further includes a motion constraint mechanism that constrains movement of the first member with respect to the second member to a controlled motion. The linkage mechanism described herein may further provide that the top member rotates without increasing the length or width of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Jason Tyler Griffin, Martin Riddiford, James William Reeves
  • Patent number: 8359702
    Abstract: An articulating ball joint for connecting a pair of driven members to a driving member such as a crank pin. In one embodiment, a single ball is held in a first, or inner, socket defined by a coupling member having a convex outer surface, and the first socket is held within a second, outer, socket defined in a second coupling member also having a convex outer surface, which is, in turn, engaged by a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Albany Magneto Equipment, Inc
    Inventor: Edward S. Powell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8348344
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat comprising a support including an annular inner surface, an output member mounted to pivot and including an outer surface, first and second rolling bearing members interposed respectively in first wedge-shaped areas, a driving member having driving fingers designed to push the first and second rolling bearing members, the outer surface including driving portions designed to be pushed by said first and second rolling bearing members respectively in the second and first directions of rotation, the outer surface not having direct contact with the annular inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Denis Richard, Olivier Kircher
  • Publication number: 20120325031
    Abstract: A vibration actuator includes an elastic member and a relative movement member. The elastic member generates oscillatory waves by oscillation of an electromechanical conversion element. The relative movement member with which the elastic member is in pressure contact is driven by the oscillatory waves to rotationally move with respect to the elastic member. Of the elastic member and the relative movement member, at least one member has a plurality of spaces at one contacting face opposite to the other contacting face of the other member. The spaces are filled with friction coefficient adjusting substances so that a coefficient of friction of the one contacting face of the one member changes in a radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mine SUMITOMO
  • Patent number: 8336409
    Abstract: A magnetic piston includes a housing having a tapered bore extending along an axis thereof and a piston having a tapered outside wall mating with the tapered bore of the housing for providing radial and longitudinal movement within the tapered bore about a rotational axis of the piston. A shaft is connected to the piston for movement along its longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the axes of the tapered bore and piston are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis. A first set of magnets is embedded within the outside wall of the piston and a second set of magnets is embedded within a surface of a wall forming the bore of the housing. The polarity for each of the magnets within the sets provides attracting and repelling forces causing rotation of the piston relative to the housing and a linear movement of the shaft along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Magnamotor, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20120312105
    Abstract: The proposed mechanism is applied to a reciprocating piston compressor including at least two twin cylinders in each of which a set of piston-rod are housed. Both pistons being driven by the same driving means which in turn is driven by a crankshaft coupled to a motor. The assembly is also mounted on a chassis and covered with a casing. This mechanism comprises a parallelepiped housing defined by two side covers each of which is attached to the end of said rod. Such covers are linked to a driving piece that is in turn linked to the crankshaft counterweights. That way when the crankshaft rotates causes the up-down movement and at the same time a linear horizontal one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: OSVALDO DEL CAMPO
  • Patent number: 8308151
    Abstract: An elevator assembly includes a carrier, a first arm, and a second arm. Each arm has a primary portion pivotally connected to the carrier and a secondary portion pivotally connected to the primary portion. A first gear system interconnects the first arm and the second arm for synchronous rotation with respect to the carrier in opposite directions. A pair of second gear systems establish a geared relationship between the secondary portions of the arms and the carrier. A support member is connected to the secondary portions of the arms, wherein rotation of the primary portions of the arms with respect to the carrier drives the support member between a neutral position and at least a first extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Comau Inc.
    Inventor: John Graham
  • Patent number: 8291781
    Abstract: An actuator is provided for reconfiguring a reversibly expandable structure, also referred to as a deployable structure. The deployable structure includes an enclosed mechanical linkage capable of transformation between expanded and collapsed configurations while maintaining its shape. An actuator coupled to the deployable structure provides a load, force, or torque for actuating a transformation. The actuated deployable structure transfers the actuation force to an external body substances, or element in contact with the deployable structure. The force can be directed inwardly or outwardly depending upon direction of the transformation (i.e., expanding or contracting). The force provided by the deployable structure can be used to perform work by its application over at least a portion of the distance traveled by a perimeter of the deployable structure during its transformation. In some embodiments, the actuatable deployable structure is lockable structure supporting a static load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julio C. Guerrero, Logan Munro
  • Patent number: 8276471
    Abstract: A vibration generator has a piston guided in linear manner, which is connected with a crankshaft by way of a connecting rod. The piston is connected with the connecting rod by way of a piston pin bearing, and the crankshaft is connected with the connecting rod by way of a crank journal. The crank journal bearing is disposed within the piston pin bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ABI Anlagentechnik-Baumaschinen-Industriebedarf Maschinenfabrik und Vertriebsgesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Heichel, Albrecht Kleibl
  • Publication number: 20120240694
    Abstract: A flexible wire assembly of a compact structure that can transmit the torque for a high speed rotation even in a bent condition is provided. The flexible wire assembly (A) includes a flexible outer tube (1), in which a flexible inner wire (2) having its opposite ends defining rotation input and output ends (2a and 2b), respectively, is rotatably supported by means of a plurality of rolling bearings (3). Spring elements (4I and 4O) are employed for applying preloads to those rolling bearings (3). The use is also made of a speed reducing mechanism (22) for reducing in speed and outputting rotation of the inner wire (2). The spring elements (4I and 4O) includes inner ring spring elements (4I) and outer ring spring elements (4O) that are alternately arranged over the length of the inner wire (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Takayoshi Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20120241232
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism includes first and second hollow outer shafts, two rotating wheels located between the first and second outer shafts, and an inner shaft received in the second outer shaft. Each of the first and second outer shafts forms a connecting portion at one end thereof. Each connecting portion defines two receiving holes. Each rotating wheel includes a body and a rod extending through the body. The bodies of the rotating wheels are in contact with each other. Two ends of the rod of each rotating wheel are correspondingly received in the receiving holes of the first and second outer shafts to connect the first and second outer shafts together. One end of the inner shaft contacts the rod of one rotating wheel. The inner shaft is rotatable in the second outer shaft to drive the two rotating wheels to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHEN-CHUN LI, HSIEN-CHUAN LIANG, SHOU-KUO HSU
  • Publication number: 20120222503
    Abstract: This invention provides an actuator, comprising: a supporting frame having a movable element accommodation space; a movable element received by the movable element accommodation space of the supporting frame, at least one elastic element accommodation space and at least one electrically-driven element accommodation space being arranged in proximity to each other around the exterior thereof; an electrically-driven element received by the at least one electrically-driven element accommodation space and configured to cause the movable element to move with respect to at least one axis; and an elastic element configured to provide an elastic force with respect to at least one axis, wherein the elastic element is received by the at least one elastic element accommodation space and able to perform a sliding function with the at least one elastic element accommodation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: LARGAN PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chen Yi Huang, Te Sheng Tseng, Wen Hung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20120216635
    Abstract: The mechanical system includes an interface for moving parts, with the mechanical system including a driving assembly and a driven assembly, wherein the driving assembly mates with the driven assembly at a mechanical joint (41). The driving assembly includes a rotating disc (16) and a drive arm (18) rotatably connected thereto. The driven assembly includes a pivot arm (40) which is driven by the drive arm and also a grounded member (44) fixed to the handle about which the pivot arm moves. A preload assembly, which includes a spring or springs (54, 56) is connected to the drive arm and the pivot arm so as to place a preload at the axis of rotation of the mechanical joint between the drive arm and the pivot arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Patrick A. Headstrom
  • Publication number: 20120216347
    Abstract: A motorized apparatus that produces either rocking or gliding motion, includes a gear motor with a drive shaft; a drive mechanism to functionally connect to a device to be rocked; the drive mechanism being either an actuating linkage or an eccentric that is rotatably coupled to both said drive shaft and said device to be rocked or glided translating rotary motion of the drive shaft when powered to said drive mechanism, that translates the motion to said device to be rocked or glided providing continuously smooth rocking motion to any device that is enhanced by being able to be rocked or glided, such as a cradle, rocker, or wheel chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent E. Tundo, Anthony W. Fini, JR.
  • Patent number: 8252395
    Abstract: An injection-molded body according to the present invention includes a tubular body portion, an airtight seal surface formed on a peripheral surface of the body portion near one end of the body portion, and a plurality of undercuts disposed at positions around the peripheral surface of the body portion that are closer to the end than the airtight seal surface is. The undercuts prevent a seal member mounted on the airtight seal surface from falling off, in which a clearance is formed between a peripheral wall and the undercuts. The peripheral wall defines an inner hole of the body portion, and the clearance accommodates deformation of the undercuts in radial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Kikuchi, Hideki Abe, Junichi Hosogoe, Tsuguhisa Hayashida, Hitoshi Homma
  • Publication number: 20120204661
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting linear reciprocal motion to rotary motion, comprising a reciprocating component and a reciprocating rod capable of linear reciprocal motion in unison, internal gear racks, a segmented gear, and transfer plates is provided. The internal gear racks are disposed on opposing internal sides of the reciprocating rod for inducing rotary motion in the segmented gear by linear reciprocal motion of the reciprocating rod. The segmented gear, disposed within a space defined between the opposing internal sides of the reciprocating rod and rigidly connected to a power shaft, alternately meshes with the internal gear racks to transmit rotary motion to the power shaft. The transfer plates, coaxially disposed on the segmented gear's centric axis, comprise profiled grooves for controlling transition of the reciprocating rod by contacting the reciprocating rod, when the reciprocating component is at a top dead center and a bottom dead center within an engine housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: William James Carr
  • Publication number: 20120204662
    Abstract: A drive mechanism (13) for a drug delivery device (1), comprising a housing (2), a transfer member (14), a drive member (16) and a piston rod (18). The transfer member (14) is configured to be rotated about a transfer member rotation axis (20) with respect to the housing (2) for delivering a dose of a drug (5). The drive member (16) is configured to be rotatable around a drive member rotation axis (39) with respect to the housing (2). The drive member (16) is arranged within the transfer member (14). When delivering the dose of the drug (5), the drive member (16) rotates about the drive member rotation axis (39).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Claudia Matthias, Steffen Raab
  • Patent number: 8230608
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a reciprocating tool includes a housing, a rotatable drive shaft assembly located in the housing, and an elongated plunger located in the housing for a reciprocating motion. The plunger has a front end portion for attaching a cutting blade thereto. The drive apparatus also includes a rotary joint elongated rocker having a lower end portion with a lower pivot connection to the housing and an upper end with an upper pivot connection to a mid portion of the plunger. A wobble plate interface is operatively connected to the drive shaft assembly, a lower portion having an effective lower pivot connection. The wobble plate interface also has an upper pivot connection to a rear portion of the plunger and configured to reciprocate the plunger generally in its lengthwise direction during alternating cutting and return strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephen C. Oberheim
  • Patent number: 8230264
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a change of an existing system to a modified system by using a test system including a subsystem having the same configuration with either of the existing subsystem and the modified system includes: a memory for storing configuration information of the test system and test information; and a processor for executing a process including: activating the test system to execute test on the subsystem, collecting test information from the test system, and storing the test result information while the subsystem has the same configuration as the existing system; confirming the test system has been modified; and activating the test system to execute test on the subsystem, collecting test result information from the test system, and storing the test result information while the subsystem has the same configuration as the modified system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Soichi Shigeta, Yuji Imai
  • Publication number: 20120180584
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pivotal drive, in particular a round indexing table having a plate which can be driven by a motor to execute a rotary movement about an axis of rotation and having a bearing arrangement for the journaling of the plate in a housing of the pivotal drive, the bearing arrangement including at least one radial bearing and at least a first axial bearing and a second axial bearing. The radial bearing cooperates with a radial bearing surface formed by an outer peripheral surface of the plate. The first axial bearing cooperates with a first bearing surface of the plate and the second axial bearing cooperates with a second bearing surface of the plate and the bearing surfaces are arranged displaced parallel to one another with respect to the axis of rotation of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Weiss GmbH Sondermaschinentechnik
    Inventor: Uwe Weiss
  • Publication number: 20120172174
    Abstract: A linear actuator is disclosed. The linear actuator includes a housing, a linear output member, and a rotary lock assembly. The linear output member includes a radial groove and is axially movable from a retracted position within the housing. The rotary lock assembly is constrained from axial motion within the housing and includes a rotor and a lock. The rotor is capable of rotation from a first to a second position. When the linear output member is in the retracted position, the rotor surrounds the radial groove. When the rotor rotates to the first position, the lock engages the radial groove and prevents axial motion of the output member from the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas KOPECEK
  • Publication number: 20120160877
    Abstract: An actuator for advancing a rod which enables release of the rod from an actuating mechanism by rotating the rod to allow the rod to be retreated. The actuator may also provide a mechanism for disabling the driving mechanism as the rod is fully advanced to prevent damage by excessive forces being applied to the rod. The actuating mechanism can be fully enclosed in a stock of a dispenser gun or applicator, facilitating cleaning of the dispenser gun. The disclosed dispenser gun is particularly suitable for dentistry applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Brummitt
  • Publication number: 20120156641
    Abstract: A vibrational frequency adjustment device comprises, as a vibrational frequency adjustment means (22): a first conversion means (40) which is provided with an input-side rotating member (41), an output-side rotating member (42), and a one-way clutch (44) for transmitting only the rotational motion in one direction of the input-side rotating member (41) to the output-side rotating member (42) and which, by causing the input-side rotating member (41) to pivot in a reciprocating manner by a set angle by means of the reciprocating linear motion of an output shaft (10), transmits only the forward motion or the reverse motion of the input-side rotating member (41) to the output-side rotating member (42) through the one-way clutch (44) to thereby rotate the output-side rotating member (42) by a given angle; and a second conversion means (50) which converts the rotational motion of the output-side rotating member (42) into the reciprocating linear motion of a second shaft member (43).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Sunstar Suisse SA
    Inventors: Yukinori Wada, Masahiro Nishiura
  • Publication number: 20120152042
    Abstract: A micro driver includes a translational unit, an actuating unit and a rotational unit. The translational unit includes translational elements movable relative to one another. The actuating unit includes two opposite actuators connected to each of the translational elements. The actuators are operable to move the translational elements relative to one another. The rotational unit includes a frame and semi-spheres each located in an aperture defined in the frame and in contact with the uppermost one of the translational elements so that the uppermost translational element rotates the semi-spheres on the frame when the actuators causes the translational elements to move relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Armaments, Bureau, Ministry of National Defense
    Inventors: Ta-Ching Li, Cheng-Der Chiang, Pin-Chun Tsai, Yu-Shun Cheng, Sheng-Chih Shen
  • Publication number: 20120144939
    Abstract: A double bearing assembly is for supporting a rotatable shaft within a housing and includes two axially-spaced inner races mounted on the shaft. Each inner race has an outer race surface with a radially-outwardly extending shoulder section adjacent one axial end and are arranged such that the two shoulder surfaces are facing. Two axially-spaced outer races are disposed within the housing, each about one of the inner races. Each outer race has an inner race surface with a radially-inwardly extending shoulder section adjacent one end and are arranged such that the two shoulder surfaces face away from each other. A set of rolling element are disposed between each pair of races. At least one biasing member biases one of the outer races axially to retain the associated rolling elements sandwiched between the inner shoulder surface of the outer race and the outer shoulder surface of the corresponding inner race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Arne Lars Jonas Kullin, Janice Duffy
  • Publication number: 20120139395
    Abstract: The adjusting drive for an adjustable part of a piece of furniture, particularly for adjusting the height and/or the lying surface of a bed such as, e.g., a hospital bed or nursing bed, comprises a housing (12), a gear transmission (20) arranged in the housing (12) and including a rotatable drive element (26) and a driven element (32) adapted to be brought into operative connection with an adjustable part of a piece of furniture, and further comprises a motor (16) having a drive shaft (18) for rotationally driving said drive element (26). The adjusting drive is further provided with a displacement sensor (44) for detecting the position of said driven element (32). The drive element (26) is arranged between two substantially opposite gears (28,40) which are mechanically contacted by the drive element (26). The first gear (28) is coupled to the driven element (32), and the second gear (40) is coupled to said displacement sensor (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20120132018
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a member (6) arranged to revolve about a remote centre of motion (O) and a base link (3) coupled to a mounting fixture (1). A first link (4) and a second link (5) are pivotably coupled to the member at respective distances (L1, L2) from the remote centre of motion (O) and are translatable relative to the base link (3) along a first direction and at a fixed ratio of displacement. The ratio of said respective distances equals said fixed ratio of displacement, enabling the member (6) to revolve about the remote centre of motion. The apparatus is characterised in that it comprises means (7) for generating translational motion of a first element (37) and of a second element (57) along parallel but opposite directions. The means for generating translational motion is provided on the first link (4) and is arranged to provide motion parallel to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Hsiao-Wei Tang, Hendrik Van Brussel, Jan Peirs, Thierry Janssens
  • Publication number: 20120121247
    Abstract: A device may comprise an upper module cover, a lower module cover, an outer frame, and an actuator having a movable frame. The movable frame may be at least partially disposed intermediate the upper module cover and the lower module cover. A hinge flexure may interconnect the outer frame and the movable frame such that the movable frame is rotatable with respect to the outer frame. The upper module cover and/or the lower module cover may be adapted to limit a movement of the movable frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Tessera MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Roman C. Gutierrez
  • Publication number: 20120120458
    Abstract: An actuator includes a light reflection part having light reflectivity, a movable part having the light reflection part and being rotatable around a rotation center axis, a pair of connection parts connected to the movable part, and a support part that supports the pair of connection parts, and each of the connection parts includes a pair of beam members, a distance between the pair of beam members gradually increases from a first surface side toward a second surface side of the movable part when seen from a direction in parallel to the rotation center axis of the movable part, and given that a distance between ends at the first surface side of the pair of beam members is W1 and a thickness of the pair of beam members in a thickness direction of the movable part is t, the following expression (1) is satisfied. w 1 < t tan ? ? 54.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makiko HINO, Yasushi MIZOGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20120112508
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat comprising a support including an annular inner surface, an output member mounted to pivot and including an outer surface, first and second rolling bearing members interposed respectively in first wedge-shaped areas, a driving member having driving fingers designed to push the first and second rolling bearing members, the outer surface including driving portions designed to be pushed by said first and second rolling bearing members respectively in the second and first directions of rotation, the outer surface not having direct contact with the annular inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Denis Richard, Olivier Kircher
  • Publication number: 20120111131
    Abstract: A family of vehicle gearboxes having at least a first vehicle gearbox and a second vehicle gearbox, such that the first and the second vehicle gearbox are of modular construction and have an actuation system which is substantially structurally identical. The actuation system is provided in the first vehicle gearbox for actuating a parking lock and in the second vehicle gearbox for actuating a functional unit which differs from the parking lock, in particular, a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Rene Scheucher
  • Patent number: 8172811
    Abstract: A pump drive and a method thereof to dispense a liquid drug from a container having a plunger piston are disclosed. The pump drive provides a unidirectional clutch provided about a rotational axis which supports centrally a wheel. The clutch has an inner race operably connected to the plunger piston, wherein the clutch is configured to rotate both the inner race about the axis in unison with rotation of the wheel in only a first direction to advance the plunger piston, and to let the wheel rotate relative to the inner race about the axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction without advancing the piston plunger. The drive in one embodiment includes at least one shape memory alloy wire which when excited rotates the wheel in the first rotational direction to advance the piston plunger and dispense the liquid drug from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven N. Roe
  • Patent number: 8171812
    Abstract: Systems for facilitating conversion between reciprocating linear motion and rotational motion include a continuous undulating track circumscribing a circular profile and generally defining a cylindrical volume having a central axis; a reciprocator that is configured to linearly reciprocate along the central axis; a converter coupled to the reciprocator to reciprocate with it, configured to rotate about the central axis, and engaged with the undulating track; and a rotator engaged with the converter and configured to rotate about the central axis with the converter but not to linearly reciprocate along the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: WaveTech Engines, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley L. Raether
  • Patent number: 8162794
    Abstract: A rotation/linear motion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft, a sun shaft arranged inside the annular shaft, planetary shafts arranged around the sun shaft, and a first gear mechanism and a second gear mechanism, which transmit force between the annular shaft and the planetary shafts. Each planetary shaft includes a first planetary gear, which configures part of the first gear mechanism, and a second gear, which configures part of the second gear mechanism. The planetary shaft is configured to permit relative rotation between the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kohei Hori, Hiromichi Hashimoto, Yasuo Kinoshita, Kiyoharu Nakamura, Motohiro Tsuzukui, Osamu Satoh
  • Publication number: 20120091670
    Abstract: Skibobs are disclosed having features for conveying the skibob with rider on a moving chairlift while the rider remains mounted on the seat of the skibob. The frame and suspension are configured for elevating the underside of the skibob seat above the level of the chairlift bench during loading, so that the chairlift bench, while moving forward from behind the rider, can pick up the skibob, rider and all, and carry the mounted rider up the ski slope without falling. As the undercarriage of the skibob is lifted off the snow, the rider is deposited on the chairlift bench so that the seat of the skibob is secured in place by the weight of the rider on the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Kolesar, William J. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20120043406
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device (10) for driving a work unit (30), which contains grinding elements for food, for example, and a method for driving the work unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: LEIFHEIT AG
    Inventors: Markus Klotz, Dieter Brand
  • Publication number: 20120042738
    Abstract: A rail train actuated energy generating device for the use in a path of a train includes an actuator arm for transverse disposed on side, parallel to rail tracks across the path of the track ties in a module mounted to the ground, wherein the actuator includes a “Y” type member, the bottom of the “Y” actuator is tied to a shaft with a one way clutch gear in a said module in oil bath, another shaft with a roller is attached to top two tips of “Y”. The actuator arm having being pushed by a “V” type attachment mounted to the edge of train's undercarriage on same side in line with the actuator arms. Thereby moving the actuator arm approximately 75+ degrees as the train passes. This motion of the actuator arm turns the shaft of the actuator arm with the one way clutch locked turning the gear attached to the one way clutch, housed in a module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Arvind A. Daya
  • Publication number: 20120031207
    Abstract: A wave energy converter comprises a space truss having vertical frames between which a plurality of floats are placed, generators and means for converting the vertical reciprocating movement of the floats into a unidirectional rotation of the of the generator shaft on which a flywheel is fixed. This means has a gearing converting alternate rotation of its input shaft into unidirectional rotation of its output shaft provided with an overrunning clutch on which the flywheel is mounted. The flywheel stabilizes the rotation of the generator shaft and together with the overrunning clutch lets the float to sink to initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Usher Meyman
  • Publication number: 20120024090
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting device uses the principle of leverage in such a way that torque input at one end of a lever can become a greater torque per unit time at the other end of the lever, and can be achieved in a uniform fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Tae Ho Youn