Including Screw And Nut Patents (Class 74/89.23)
  • Patent number: 8418573
    Abstract: A ball-screw spline includes: a screw shaft; a ball-screw nut engaged with the screw shaft via balls; and a spline nut assembled to an outside of the ball-screw nut via balls to reciprocate in an axial direction of the ball-screw nut. The ball-screw nut includes a screw portion and an extended portion formed integrally, with the same outer diameter. The screw portion has an inner peripheral surface including a load-rolling groove forming a load path for the balls together with a ball rolling groove on the screw shaft side; and a ball return path coupling adjacent valley portions of the load-rolling groove to form a circulation path corresponding to one loop around the screw shaft. The ball-screw nut has an outer peripheral surface including a ball rolling groove for the spline nut, the ball rolling groove being formed over a range corresponding to the screw portion and the extended portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wataru Yamakura
  • Patent number: 8408083
    Abstract: A linear actuator, in particular telescopic legs for height-adjustable tables, and comprising an outer profile (18), a spindle (7) mounted at an upper end of the outer profile, a transmission (8) connecting the spindle (7) with a reversible electric motor, a spindle nut (11) secured against rotation on the spindle (7), an intermediate profile (10) mounted with its one end on the spindle nut (11), a guide at a lower end of the outer profile (18) for the intermediate profile (10), a cord element (12, 20; 26) secured at the lower end of the outer profile (18) and connected via a guide with an inner profile (14), such that this together with the intermediate profile (10) is telescopically pushed out of and into the outer profile (18) by the rotation of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Jens J. Nielsen, Norbert Klinke
  • Publication number: 20130074622
    Abstract: The roller screw mechanism is provided with a screw comprising an external thread, with a nut arranged around and coaxial with the said screw, the nut comprising an internal thread, and with a plurality of rollers interposed between the screw and the nut and comprising flanks interacting with the said threads. The value of the opening angle ? of the flanks of the external thread of the screw is greater than the value of the opening angle of the flanks of the rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Gerard Buvril, Philipp Krebs, Jean-Paul Giraudeau, Sebastien Lecluse
  • Patent number: 8402853
    Abstract: A linear motion device has a first assembly and a second assembly which is linearly movable relative to the first assembly; a row of rolling elements that may circulate endlessly is located between the first and second assemblies, the first assembly including a rotatable threaded spindle that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction, and that is engaged in a screw-type manner with a threaded nut, the threaded nut being a component of the second assembly; the first assembly also includes an electric motor that is connected to the threaded spindle in a rotationally driving manner, and the rotational axis of which extends parallel to the threaded spindle; the first assembly includes a single-pieced, first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Pfister, Bernhard Keller
  • Patent number: 8402852
    Abstract: A ballscrew assembly may comprise a ballscrew having an axially distributed ballscrew groove about a circumference of the ballscrew, an extended top plate having an axially distributed extended top plate groove, and an axially distributed thrust bearing disposed in a space bounded by the axially distributed ballscrew groove and the axially distributed extended top plate groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Klode, David Bernard Drennen
  • Patent number: 8402854
    Abstract: A linear actuator capable of setting a bed to a flat state in emergencies is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Zentaro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8397594
    Abstract: A feed drive mechanism and a connecting assembly thereof are described. The connecting assembly includes a main body and an outer sleeve. The main body has a connecting plate and an inner sleeve connected to a side surface of the connecting plate. Two opposite side surfaces of the connecting plate are respectively fixed on a screw nut seat and a lead screw nut of the feed drive mechanism, and a channel surrounds an outer side surface of the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is sleeved on the outer side surface of the inner sleeve, enables the channel to be formed into a sealed space, and has an inlet and an outlet respectively communicating with the channel, thereby injecting a cooling medium into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Feng-Ming Ou, Jen-Ji Wang, Shih-Chang Chen, Chien-Chih Chiu, Yi-Huang Liou
  • Patent number: 8393237
    Abstract: A driving device for a hatch in a motor vehicle includes a first fastening element which can be connected to a stationary structural component, a second fastening element which can be connected to a movable structural component, and a housing tube fixed to the second fastening element and extending toward the first fastening element. A spindle drive includes a threaded spindle and a nut fixed in a spindle tube connected to the first fastening element by a bolt, wherein the spindle can be driven in rotation to move the first fastening element axially relative to the housing tube. An elastomeric decoupling element between the spindle tube and the bolt decouples the spindle drive from the first fastening element in order to damp noise and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Arenz, Andreas Ritter
  • Publication number: 20130056316
    Abstract: An cable drive device (10) having a motor (M), a speed reducer (G), a nut member (26) connected to the speed reducer, a rod (32) screwed to the nut member (26) and guided by a guide member (34) so as not to rotate, a control cable (15) composed of an inner cable (45) connected to the rod and a guide tube (49) for guiding the inner cable, a sensor for detecting the amount of operation of the cable based on the amount of rotation of the speed reducer (G), and a load sensor (17) for detecting a load applied to the cable. An electric brake device can be obtained by connecting the control cable and a brake mechanism of the cable drive device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Hi-Lex Corporation
    Inventors: Ritsu SANO, Tatsuya Imakura, Chikashi Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20130048411
    Abstract: Disclosed are a belt type driveline and a rack assist type electric power steering apparatus including the belt type driveline, which improve power transmission efficiency and increases durability by preventing spinning with no traction of a ball nut and a nut pulley due to a slip between the ball nut and the nut pulley in an operation of a belt by a motor, and provide a user with convenient steering by minimizing vibration and noise transferred through a rack bar, the ball nut, the nut pulley, etc., when the rack bar slides while the nut pulley and the ball nut rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Je Ho LEE
  • Publication number: 20130048443
    Abstract: An electric brake system is proposed which includes an electric linear motion actuator and can generate the required braking force with high accuracy. A load sensor (30) is provided in a motion converting mechanism of the actuator which converts the rotary motion of a rotary shaft (4) to which the rotation of an electric motor (2) is transmitted to linear motion of an outer ring member (5) as an output member. The load sensor (30) detects the pushing force with which the outer ring member (5) linearly drives a driven member. With this arrangement, if the driven member is a braking member of an electric brake system, it is possible to directly detect the braking force applied by the driven member and thus to accurately generate the required braking force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Makoto Muramatsu, Tatsuya Yamasaki, Masaaki Eguchi, Tomomi Goto
  • Publication number: 20130047758
    Abstract: Disclosed is Z-axis stage driving apparatus to move a stage on which a workpiece such as a wafer is placed along a Z-axis. The Z-axis stage driving apparatus includes a motor, a plurality of elevating devices to move a stage along a Z-axis, a power transmission device to transmit power of the motor to the plurality of elevating devices, and a clutch to control power transmission between the power transmission device and the elevating devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ul Tae KIM, Hi Kuk Lee, Sang Don Jang, In Bae Jang, Jong Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20130042707
    Abstract: A compound differentially threaded element engages two or more longitudinally severed segments of a mating threaded element to provide differential linear motion. Different thread types may include pitch, thread starts, handedness or thread-form. Combinations of differential threads may be selected to enable fine or coarse linear motion without correspondingly fine or coarse thread pitches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TWIN TURBINE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Twin Turbine Technologies LLC
  • Patent number: 8375813
    Abstract: A rotary drive, with a drive element, with an outer tube, with an end piece mounted and able to rotate in relation to the outer tube and unable to shift axially, with a helical slider arranged able to move axially in the outer tube but not rotate, with a helical shaft arranged axially parallel in the outer tube, which interacts by a steep thread with a thread profile of the helical slider, wherein the relative axial movement of helical slider and helical shaft brought about by the drive element is transformed into a relative rotation of outer tube and end piece, wherein the drive element is arranged coaxially inside the outer tube, the helical shaft and the thread profile of the helical slider are arranged coaxially in the outer tube, and the end piece is mounted coaxially in at least one end of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Karlheinz Baumeister
  • Patent number: 8371397
    Abstract: A cartridge feed screw nut includes a body having a tubular threaded opening defined therein and having side portions. The side portions include a plurality of lateral surfaces and a plurality of end surfaces. The lateral surfaces and the end surfaces form a profile shaped to prevent rotation of the cartridge feed screw nut relative to a front washer cylinder through engagement between at least one of the lateral surfaces or the end surfaces with the front washer cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil James Roberts
  • Patent number: 8365630
    Abstract: A transmission drive unit (10) for adjusting a movable part (58) in a motor vehicle includes a drive element (18), which is capable of being driven by a drive assembly (42), and which is rotatably supported in a support tube (14) via at least one end shield (28). The drive element (18) has a first axial stop (23), which bears against a first axial support surface (21) of the support tube (14), and a second axial stop (35), which rests against a second axial support surface (27) of the end shield (28). The end shield (28) is pressed against the second axial stop (35) of the drive element (18) via a material deformation of the support tube (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Oberle, Peter Mueller, Andreas Lienig
  • Publication number: 20130025388
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device for adjusting two vehicle parts relative to each other, comprising a first guide rail (10), which is longitudinally extended along a longitudinal axis and which is formed by a base (100) and lateral legs (101, 102) connected to the base, a second guide rail (11), which is movably arranged on the first guide rail and which is longitudinally extended along the longitudinal axis, an adjusting mechanism (2), which is arranged between the legs on the first guide rail and which comprises a spindle nut (23), which can be rotated about the longitudinal axis in order to drive the adjusting device, a spindle (3), which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the second guide rail and which is longitudinally extended along the longitudinal axis and which engages with the spindle nut in such a way that, when the spinal nut is rotated, the first guide rail is moved along the longitudinal axis relative to the second guide rail, and a fastening device for fastening the adju
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Flieger, Stefan Bosecker, Sergej Kostin
  • Publication number: 20130008268
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus converts linear movement along a first axis into either linear movement along another axis or rotational movement. The apparatus includes a fixed element and one or more moveable elements which are moveable relative to the fixed element. A first guide element is attached to the fixed element and a second guide element is attached to the moveable element. An adjustment mechanism, which is associated with the first and second guide elements, is moveable relative to the fixed element along a first axis, and movement of the adjustment causes movement of the moveable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Siskiyou Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Hodge, Robert S. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20130000431
    Abstract: Transmission, in particular for converting a rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the transmission into a linear movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis or vice versa, having a rod having a gearing, a gear tooth carrier, in which gear teeth are accommodated so they are radially movable for an engagement with the gearing, the rod and the gear tooth carrier being mounted rotationally fixed relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: WITTENSTEIN AG
    Inventor: Heiko Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20130000430
    Abstract: An apparatus for compressing or decompressing a compressible body is provided. The apparatus comprises an upper nest arm and a lower nest arm separated by a rigid rod. The upper nest arm has an upper nest arm mounting feature configured to receive a first end of the compressible body. The upper nest arm mounding feature is shaped to fit the contours of the compressible body. The lower nest arm has a lower nest arm mounting feature configured to receive a second end of the compressible body. The lower nest arm can traverse the rigid rod to either compress or decompress the compressible body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randal Frank ZYCHOWSKI, Ronnie D. BOGGS
  • Patent number: 8342055
    Abstract: This invention provides a precise positioning platform by using of toggle type principle, wherein the positioning platform can be single toggle type, double toggle type, or combination with multi-link to enhance positioning platform precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: Shih-Ming Wang, Yu-Ding Chen
  • Publication number: 20120325033
    Abstract: An adjusting means for adjusting two vehicle parts relative to each other, in particular for the longitudinal setting of a vehicle seat is provided. The adjusting means comprising an adjusting gear unit arranged on a first vehicle part and a spindle arranged on a second vehicle part, which extends in longitudinal direction, is in engagement with the adjusting gear unit and along which the adjusting gear unit is movable for adjusting the first vehicle part relative to the second vehicle part. There is provided a reinforcement part which supports the adjusting gear unit with respect to the first vehicle part in the longitudinal direction of the spindle such that due to the reinforcement part with forces introduced in the longitudinal direction from the first vehicle part into the adjusting gear unit the adjusting gear unit is supported with respect to the first vehicle part with a higher rigidity than with forces introduced against the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Stefan Bosecker, Wolfgang Suck, Florian Lipp, Andrea Bauersachs, Harald Bätz, Sven Fischer
  • Publication number: 20120325865
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism for a drug delivery device, comprising: a housing, an axially displaceable piston rod to act on a piston of a cartridge containing a medicinal product to be dispensed, a drive member threadedly engaged with the piston rod and being slidably disposed relative to the housing between a distal stop position and a proximal stop position, wherein for setting of a dose, the drive member is rotatable with respect to the housing (14), a dose dial member operably engaged with the drive member by means of a reduction gear, wherein the drive member at its proximal end section comprises a radially extending receptacle adapted to receive the reduction gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Axel Forstreuter, Axel Teucher
  • Patent number: 8336817
    Abstract: In a vehicle, having a fixed supporting structure and a load movable relative thereto, a jam tolerant actuating system, a method for controlling this system including: Locating a physical coupling/decoupling mechanism between the load and an actuator assembly as close a practicable to the load; constructing the coupling/uncoupling mechanism to be reversible, and hence testable; and controlling the connection/disconnection via decision making electronics which will detect any system failure by monitoring, at a minimum: actuator main motor load and speed, and actuator output load. Also set forth are specific embodiments of pivotable rotary geared actuators as well as linear ball screw type actuators embodying the coupling/uncoupling mechanisms of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Flatt
  • Patent number: 8336818
    Abstract: In a vehicle, having a fixed supporting structure and a load movable relative thereto, a jam tolerant actuating system, a method for controlling this system including: Locating a physical coupling/decoupling mechanism between the load and an actuator assembly as close a practicable to the load; constructing the coupling/uncoupling mechanism to be reversible, and hence testable; and controlling the connection/disconnection via decision making electronics which will detect any system failure by monitoring, at a minimum: actuator main motor load and speed, and actuator output load. Also set forth are specific embodiments of pivotable rotary geared actuators as well as linear ball screw type actuators embodying the coupling/uncoupling mechanisms of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Flatt
  • Publication number: 20120316475
    Abstract: An actuator system for assisting extension of a biological joint is provided with a motor assembly, a rotary-to-linear mechanism, and an extension stop. The rotary-to-linear mechanism includes a screw that accepts rotational output of the motor assembly, and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut. The extension stop is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction to cause extension of the biological joint. The motor assembly, the rotary-to-linear mechanism and the extension stop cooperate to allow unpowered flexion of the joint. The system is configured without a flexion stop, and is configured such that the nut cannot drive the joint in a flexion direction. Methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: TIBION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kern Bhugra, Robert W. Horst, Richard R. Marcus, Jonathan Smith
  • Patent number: 8328154
    Abstract: An adjustable motor vehicle seat comprises an adjustment device. The adjustment device comprises a spindle drive equipped with a spindle, and having a first articulation area and a second articulation area. The adjustment device is adjustable in an adjustment direction. The spindle extends in an angle of one of alpha (?) >2° and alpha >10°, to the adjustment direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Burkhard Becker, Antal Teer
  • Publication number: 20120304788
    Abstract: An actuator comprises a rotatable nut arranged to be driven for rotation by a motor, an axially translatable shaft cooperable with the nut and arranged such that rotation of the nut drives the shaft for axial movement, and a steering rack coupled to the shaft by a coupling arrangement so as to be driven for axial movement by the shaft, wherein the coupling accommodates limited relative lateral movement between the shaft and the steering rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Antony Morgan, John Herbert Harvey
  • Publication number: 20120297908
    Abstract: An assembly comprises a housing, a motor within the housing, and a thrust tube with an anti-rotation mechanism. The motor comprises a hollow rotor. An externally threaded screw shaft is coupled to the hollow rotor for rotation therewith. An internally threaded nut is coupled to the externally threaded screw shaft, wherein rotation of the screw shaft causes the nut to move axially. The thrust tube is operably connected with the nut, and the anti-rotation mechanism is attached to the thrust tube to substantially prevent rotation relative the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Ryan H. Bourgoine, Gary W. Rosengren, Brett C. Holker
  • Patent number: 8316729
    Abstract: A linear unit, having a drive unit which is mounted in a guide tube (1) and supports a guide carriage (5) for holding a workpiece, a tool or the like, composed of a threaded spindle (2) and a spindle nut (4), wherein the guide carriage (5) or the spindle nut (4) is guided in a longitudinal groove (3) of the guide tube (1) in a rotationally fixed and axially movable manner, is embodied in such a way that the guide tube (1) is composed of a sheet metal strip which is curved around an imaginary longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: RK Rose + Krieger GmbH Verbindungs-und Positioniersysteme
    Inventor: Kurt Schunke
  • Patent number: 8312783
    Abstract: A direct acting force limiting actuator wherein the actuator output force either directly or indirectly causes significant drag on a rotary input shaft rather than on the translating output member. Consequently, input energy is dissipated before the actuator gear train mechanical advantage amplifies the reaction forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Ted Alexander McKay
  • Patent number: 8302227
    Abstract: Today, electromechanical actuator systems are used in a variety of applications, of which some are more safety critical than others. Likewise, they are used in a wide range of applications where the safety of persons often to a higher or lesser extent depends on that the actuators remains safe both during normal use and in the fault conditions, which may occur. By an actuator comprising a DC motor (2) equipped with a worm drive and a spindle (4), the typical wearing components are the bearing, which carries the spindle (4), the spindle nut (5) and the worm wheel (9) in the worm drive. Common to the described defect situations is that they in the time leading up to the occurrence of the defect will show a decrease in the ratio of efficiency. Whether it is the spindle bearing, the worm drive, the spindle nut (5) or for that matter the motor, which is getting worn, the proportion between the current which the motor absorbs and the force the actuator performs will change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventor: Svend Erik Knudsen Jensen
  • Patent number: 8302438
    Abstract: A driving device for an electric lock latch, comprises a housing, a motor having a power output shaft connected to a drive shaft with an external thread on a part thereof, an unequal diameter coil spring having a cylindrical spiral in the middle thereof screwing with the drive shaft, and a first and second conical spiral on both end thereof not screwing with the drive shaft, and a lock latch secured to the second conical spiral. The drive shaft is driven and rotated by a motor to pass the rotation power to the cylindrical spiral, and a rotary motion of the drive shaft is converted into a linear motion of the unequal diameter coil spring for moving the lock latch to change the locked and unlocked state of the lock device. Accordingly, the lock structure and the installation thereof may be simplified and the power-saving effect is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Pang-Cheng Lui
  • Patent number: 8303458
    Abstract: An automatic speed reduction ratio switching apparatus is equipped with a sun gear connected to an input shaft, first and second carriers connected to a feed screw shaft, planetary gears meshed with the sun gear and which are mounted rotatably in the first and second carriers, and an internal gear meshed with the planetary gears and which is capable of movement in an axial direction. A packing member is arranged between the internal gear and the second carrier, for regulating movement in the axial direction of the internal gear, while enabling movement of the internal gear in the axial direction when a thrust force is applied at or above a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Toru Sugiyama, Masaki Imamura
  • Patent number: 8291782
    Abstract: An actuator assembly configured to control the movement of a stabilizer includes a ball screw having a longitudinal axis and configured to be rotated by a drive assembly, a primary nut assembly coupled to the stabilizer and received on the ball screw such that rotation of the ball screw causes movement of the primary nut assembly along the longitudinal axis of the ball screw, the ball screw and primary nut defining a primary load path between the between the drive means and the stabilizer, and a secondary nut assembly coupled to the primary nut assembly and configured to engage the ball screw upon failure of the primary load path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Milad A. Shaheen, Teodoro J. Landas
  • Patent number: 8286518
    Abstract: A drive device for a lid of a motor vehicle includes a first fastening element connectable to a stationary component or to a movable component, and a housing tube located at the end of the drive device opposite the first fastening element and is free to move axially relative thereto. The housing tube includes, at the end opposite the first fastening element, a second fastening element connectable to the movable component or to the stationary component. A spindle drive including a threaded spindle and a spindle nut mounted on the threaded spindle is actuatable by a rotary device to move the first fastening element and the housing tube axially relative to each other. A stroke position of the first fastening element can be detected by a magnetic field sensor which senses longitudinal movements of a permanent magnet of the spindle along a sensitivity area of the stationary magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Marian Bochen
  • Patent number: 8286519
    Abstract: Linear actuator device, comprising a housing (2), an externally threaded screw (5), a piston (9) and an internally threaded extended nut (7), where the extended nut (7) comprises a plurality of longitudinal segments (40) having longitudinal edges (39) parallel to a center axis (18) of the internally threaded nut (7), where each segment (40) has an identical radius of curvature and an angle of curvature of less than 360°, so that the circumference of the internally threaded nut (7) is formed by at least two segments (40). One advantage of the invention is that linear actuators of different lengths can be manufactured in an easy and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits, Martin Voegelin
  • Patent number: 8281677
    Abstract: An electromotive linear drive with a drive unit having a drive motor and a spindle driven by the drive unit. The drive includes a spindle nut disposed on the spindle. The spindle nut is movable longitudinally on the spindle. A lifting tube is operatively connected to the spindle nut so that the spindle nut moves together with the lifting tube. A connecting part is disposed on a free end of the lifting tube. A braking assembly is disposed in the lifting tube and is operatively connected to the spindle nut via an adjustable, frictional connection. The braking assembly is manipulable. During operation of the drive motor, the spindle nut frictionally engages the braking assembly, preventing rotation of the spindle nut. The frictional connection may be adjusted to permit the spindle nut to rotate with respect to the spindle, thereby manipulating a linear speed component of the lifting tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Dewertokin GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Dück, Christian Müller
  • Patent number: 8281678
    Abstract: A ballscrew assembly for an actuator is provided. In an embodiment, the ballscrew assembly includes a ball nut assembly including a view port; a ballscrew provided within at least a portion of the ball nut assembly; an inner rod provided within the ballscrew in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the inner rod including an enlarged end portion; and a compression mechanism, such that at least a portion of the compression mechanism is provided between the enlarged end portion and the ballscrew. In another embodiment the assembly is configured such that when the inner rod is in a failed state, the compression mechanism provides a force that moves the visual indicator toward the view port. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a proximity sensor in addition to, or in lieu, of a view port to detect a failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Cavalier, Garen R. Maines
  • Publication number: 20120247240
    Abstract: A linear actuator is provided which is able to simplify its structure by adding a stopper function, too, to a detent mechanism and to prevent generation of radial load. The linear actuator comprises a ball screw mechanism, to which a rotational driving force is transmitted, for converting a rotational motion into a linear motion. The ball screw mechanism comprises radially projecting guide projections provided in a linear motion component, and a guide groove arranged in a securing portion facing the linear motion component and is engaged with the guide projections to guide the guide projections in an axial direction. The guide projection has a projection projecting by the predetermined length, while engaging into the guide groove, at a stroke end of the linear motion component and a locking portion provided in a rotary motion component is locked to the projection of the guide projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawahara, Tooru Harada, Tomofumi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8272284
    Abstract: An electrically driven linear actuator (1) has an electric motor with a ball screw mechanism (3 and 4) connected to an output shaft (2a) of the electric motor (2), via a power transmitting mechanism (10 and 12) to convert a rotary motion of the electric motor (2) to a linear motion of an object member to be controlled by the actuator (1). Housing members (5, 6 and 8) contain the ball screw mechanism (3 and 4) and the power transmitting mechanism (10 and 12). Stroke end members (14 and 14), of a ball screw shaft (4) or a ball screw nut (3) forming the ball screw mechanism (3 and 4), are rotatably supported relative to the housing members (5 and 8) via a free rotation mechanism (20 and 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Tateishi, Yoshinori Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20120234117
    Abstract: A subsea electric actuator comprises an electric motor and a telescopic drive connection (8) from the motor to a drive unit (10, 11, 12) which can be moved to and fro and converts rotary motion of the connection to linear motion of an actuating stem (5). A return spring (14) is operable on the drive unit to urge the actuating stem towards a datum state. An electromagnetic latch (15) is operative when set to maintain the drive unit in a predetermined position so as to decouple the action of the return spring whereby the stem can be advanced and retracted relative to the drive unit free from the action of the return spring. De-energisation of the latch allows the return spring to operate on the drive unit to return the actuating stem to the datum state. Various forms of electromagnetic latch are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: AKER SUBSEA LIMITED
    Inventor: Walter OSWALD
  • Patent number: 8266975
    Abstract: An electronic assembly comprises a rotation device comprising a fixed platform defining a through hole. An annular groove is formed in the inside wall of the fixed platform. A first transmission element seats a plurality of teeth. A second transmission element is located in the through hole, and comprises a threaded axis portion and a toothed portion meshing with the plurality of teeth. A third transmission element comprises a rotation portion rotatably mounted in the interior of the annular groove of the fixed platform. A threaded hole is defined in the rotation portion, and is configured for cooperating with the threaded axis portion. A driver source is fixed on the fixed platform and is configured for rotating the first transmission element. An electronic device is mounted on the third transmission element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kim-Yeung Sip, Jin-Shi Lai
  • Publication number: 20120227523
    Abstract: A shifting apparatus including a base, first and second shifting elements, a pushing element, a fixed portion, and two screws is provided. The fixed portion fixed on the base has two trenches extending along first and second directions perpendicular to each other. The first shifting element is slidably disposed on the base along the first direction. The second shifting element is slidably disposed on the first shifting element along the second direction. The pushing element is slidably disposed in the two trenches. One screw screwed on the fixed portion along the second direction is capable of pushing the pushing element to move along the two trenches, such that the first shifting element is pushed by the pushing element to shift along the first direction. Another screw screwed on the first shifting element along the second direction is capable of pushing the second shifting element to shift along the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CORETRONIC DISPLAY SOLUTION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kuo-Ming Tseng
  • Publication number: 20120228463
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to tension adjustment for a tension spring in a flex arm. Example embodiments include a tension adjustment mechanism comprising a handle, a collar, and an adjustment nut. The adjustment nut is centrally threaded and engages with a threaded shaft. The adjustment nut is positioned between the collar and the tension spring of the flex arm. The collar surrounds the shaft and comprises at least one pin that protrudes toward the adjustment nut. The adjustment nut comprises a plurality of radial slots each separately configured to receive a pin. The handle is connected to the collar and configured to rotate the collar to displace the adjustment nut along the shaft. The handle may be further configured to disengage the pin with a radial slot, rotate to align the pin with a different radial slot, and engage the pin with the newly aligned radial slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Troy A. Nelson, Dave Terrill
  • Publication number: 20120222510
    Abstract: Linear actuator comprising a housing (1) consisting of at least two parts (1 a, 1 b) a mounting console (2) a reversible motor (7) with a transmission (22), a spindle (5) which over the transmission is driven by the motor, a bearing (16) for embedding the spindle (5), a spindle nut (6) secured against rotation on the spindle, an outer tube (3) which surrounds the spindle, an activation element (4) telescopically mounted in the outer tube (3) and connected to the spindle nut (6), a front mounting (8) on the outer end of the activation element (4), a rear mounting (9) arranged in the housing. In the rear mounting (9) is a seat for the bearing (31) of the spindle. The motor (7), the transmission (22) and the outer tube (3) is secured to the console (2). The mounting console (2) is constructed as a separate element around which the two parts (1a, 1 b) of the housing is assembled and the mounting console (2) constitutes alone the bearing chassis of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Henrik Winther, Torben Iversen
  • Patent number: 8256311
    Abstract: An actuator mounting assembly includes a cap, a rod, a spring mechanism, and a switch assembly. The cap is adapted to couple to an actuator. The rod extends through the cap and includes a first end adapted to extend through the actuator and a second end adapted to attach to a fixed location. The spring mechanism is disposed in the cap cavity, is compressible, and has a predetermined preload. The switch assembly is disposed in the cap and adapted to sense relative positioning between the rod and the cap and to provide signals based on the sensed relative positioning. When the rod and the cap are in a first relative position, the switch assembly provides a first signal to the actuator to allow the cap to move axially relative to the rod, but when in a second relative position, the switch assembly discontinues providing the first signal to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Payne, Jim Kern, Stephen Birn
  • Publication number: 20120218401
    Abstract: A cable apparatus is provided and includes a cable to assume discrete positions, an actuator operably coupled to the cable and including a power source and a cable unit, which, when activated, causes the cable to translate and draws power from the power source and, when deactivated, draws no power and permits cable translation and a housing operably disposed along the cable and including a first element that rotates and translates with respect to the cable and a second element fixed to the cable, the first element being configured to cause the second element to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Joshua Lynn Scott
  • Patent number: 8251119
    Abstract: A reversible control rod mechanism adapted for selectively and repeatedly rotating a shaft bidirectionally and thereby moving an attached load bidirectionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew J. Toti, Russell L. Hinckley, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20120212393
    Abstract: A screw mechanism for adjusting an angle of an antenna module is disclosed in the present invention. The screw mechanism includes a screw rod. The screw rod includes a rod portion. A thread is formed on a first area of the rod portion. An annular protrusion is formed on a second area of the rod portion, and an outer diameter of the annular protrusion is greater than an outer diameter of the rod portion. The screw rod further includes a handle disposed on an end of the rod portion adjacent to the second area. The screw mechanism further includes an accommodating component whereon a sunken part is formed. The sunken part is for accommodating the annular protrusion of the screw rod. The screw mechanism further includes a screw having a side hole. The screw is installed on the first area of the screw rod and moves along the thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Ming-Chan Lee, Lan-Chun Yang, Hung-Yuan Lin, San-Yi Kuo, Wei-Te Chien, Yu-Fu Ku