Patents Assigned to Motion Control
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Publication number: 20100213779Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a permanent magnet, brushless motor comprising a primary rotor having alternating magnetic poles around a circumference, a secondary rotor similar to the primary rotor. The primary rotor may be free to rotate by approximately plus or minus one pole of the secondary rotor. As such, when the two rotor components have opposite polarities aligned, the motor may be in a field weakened state. Generally, the field weakened state may be the normal state of the motor. As a significant load is encountered, the rotors may automatically transition to a non-weakened state wherein similar polarities are aligned on the rotors. A permanent magnet, brushless motor as described herein may be employed at a motor level or integrated into a linear actuator, wherein the rotor of the permanent magnet, brushless motor may include a hollow shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: CREATIVE MOTION CONTROL INCInventors: Keith Hochhalter, Mike Seiler
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Publication number: 20090319055Abstract: Compositions are provided for a prosthetic ankle comprising: a joint housing having a bottom surface, a clevis coupled to the joint housing such that the clevis can rotate about the joint housing, a prosthetic coupling structure that couples the clevis to an amputee, and an articulating joint contained in the joint housing. Additionally, a portion of the bottom surface of the joint housing can be curved allowing a substrate a preset amount of flexion when coupled thereto and flexed in a concave position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: MOTION CONTROLInventors: Edwin Kay Iversen, Harold H. Sears, Arthur D. Dyck, Steven R. Kunz, Joseph Anthony Jacobs, James R. Linder, Melinda Linder, Peter K. Strazdins
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Patent number: 7438724Abstract: A system and method of grip force feedback for use with a prosthetic device is provided in the present invention. The system can include a prosthetic hand having a plurality of digits for use with the prosthetic device. A force sensor can be provided to produce a force signal and the force sensor is configured to be associated with the plurality of digits for the prosthetic hand. In addition, a force feedback controller can receive the force signal from the force sensor. A force feedback actuator is also in communication with the force feedback controller. The force feedback actuator can provide feedback vibrations to a user of the prosthetic device.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Harold H. Sears, Arthur D. Dyck, Edwin K. Iversen, Steven R. Kunz, James R. Linder, Shawn L. Archer, Reed H. Grant, Ronald E. Madsen, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080167768Abstract: A control system architecture and algorithm to manage a gyrostabilization system for a marine craft. The control system may manage other effectors in addition to the gyrostabilization system. The objective of the control system software is to utilize any and all available control authority so as to bring about the desired change in the vessel's dynamic state. This control authority is produced by the gyrostabilization system or a combination of the gyrostabilization system with a number of other potential actuation systems or effectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: Marine Motion Control, LLCInventors: David S. Rubenstein, Richard H. Akers
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Patent number: 7388188Abstract: The apparatus, the system and the method measure a distance and/or an intensity of emitted light. The apparatus and the system have a compartment, a movable element and/or a sensor array in an interior of the compartment. The sensor array emits light, detects light detects temperature of air and/or detects pressure of the air inside the interior of the compartment. The movable element and/or the interior surface of the compartment absorbs emitted light from the sensor array in the compartment. The sensor array determines and/or measures an intensity of the emitted light from the sensor array which is not absorbed by the movable element and/or an interior surface of the compartment. The intensity of emitted light is based on, corresponds to and/or is indicative of a position P of the movable element in the interior of the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Motion Controls, LLCInventor: Bradley Engstrand
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Patent number: 7301300Abstract: A method and a circuit arrangement for operating stepper motors or other appropriately dimensioned synchronous motors is disclosed in which between a first operational mode for normal motor operation and a second operational mode for detecting an operating state of the motor like for example its load can be switched. The method and the circuit arrangement is especially provided for determining a reference position of the motor without sensors by driving the motor against a mechanical stop wherein an increase of the load which is caused by this, is detected as a change of the operating state (FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Trinamic Motion Control GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Lars Larsson
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Publication number: 20070173955Abstract: A multi-axis wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb. A cross piece, having first and second axes, can be coupled to the base plate. A prosthetic attachment can be coupled to the cross piece. The cross piece can enable a user to simultaneously flex the prosthetic attachment in two different axes. A first and second torsional spring can be coupled to the first and second axes, respectively, to enable the prosthetic attachment to be biased toward a center point.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Shawn Archer, Arthur Dyck, Reed Grant, Edwin Iversen, Joseph Jacobs, Steven Kunz, James Linder, Harold Sears
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Patent number: 7240630Abstract: A gyrostabilizer system that counteracts the natural rolling motion of a small boat or vessel. The invention constitutes an improvement in prior art systems of this type in that the system weighs less because it has a much lighter rotor made of composite materials spinning at much higher speeds. The gyrostabilizer system includes a lightweight rotor spinning at very high speeds to attain a large angular momentum. The mass of the rotor is concentrated away from the spin axis of the rotor to maximize angular momentum while minimizing weight. The rotor is mounted in a frame that, in turn, is mounted on gimbals so that the frame can be rotated about an axis that is normal to the longitudinal roll axis of the vessel. When the rotor is rotated about the gimbals, a torque is created that opposes the torque created by the sea and reduces the rolling motion of the vessel. The rotor may be mounted in an evacuated chamber to reduce air drag.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Marine Motion Control, LLCInventor: Richard H. Akers
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Patent number: 7180053Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for monitoring position of a machine element within a mechanical system and/or cleaning a machine element. A light source and sensor may be positioned within a cylinder. The sensor may detect the intensity of light within the cylinder as a shaft element moves throughout the cylinder. The measurement may indicate the position of the shaft element within the cylinder. An aperture may be placed within the cylinder to enable light to enter the cylinder. In addition, a seal, a wire brush and/or a bronze brush may be placed near an end wall of a cylinder. The seal may surround the shaft element.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Motion Controls, LLCInventor: Bradley Engstrand
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Patent number: 7152301Abstract: A method for winding a stator of a multi-phase motor includes successively winding each of a plurality of teeth on the stator with a continuous winding wire to connect each of the phases in the motor together. The wound wire is disconnected between any two phases where respective ends of the two phases connected by the winding wire are not neutral ends. A jumper wire is connected between a neutral end of any one of the phases to a neutral end of at least one other phase if the neutral end of any one of the phases is not connected to the neutral end of at least one other phase by the winding wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Pacsci Motion Control, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Rittmeyer
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Patent number: 7144430Abstract: A wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb and a sliding lock plate that is slidably engaged with the base plate. Both the base plate and the sliding lock plate have openings. Also included in the invention is a semi-cylindrical rotator that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic hand. The semi-cylindrical rotator has slots configured to receive the sliding lock plate and is coupled to the base plate in a manner that allows the sliding lock plate to lock into the slots.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Shawn L. Archer, Arthur D. Dyck, Reed H. Grant, Edwin K. Iversen, Steve R. Kunz, James R. Linder, Harold H. Sears
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Patent number: 7135799Abstract: A method for winding a stator of a multi-phase motor includes successively winding each of a plurality of teeth on the stator with a continuous winding wire to connect each of the phases in the motor together. The wound wire is disconnected between any two phases where respective ends of the two phases connected by the winding wire are not neutral ends. A jumper wire is connected between a neutral end of any one of the phases to a neutral end of at least one other phase if the neutral end of any one of the phases is not connected to the neutral end of at least one other phase by the winding wire.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Pacsci Motion Control, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Rittmeyer
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Publication number: 20060235544Abstract: A device and system is provided for a prosthetic device having an articulating joint for a leg amputee. The device includes a joint housing forming a chamber, and the chamber has a first opening. A rotary hub can be disposed within the joint housing and configured to act as the articulating joint. One or more vanes can extend outwardly from the rotary hub, and the vane is configured to actuate fluid flow through the first opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2006Publication date: October 19, 2006Applicant: Motion ControlInventors: Edwin Iversen, Harold Sears, Arthur Dyck, Steven Kunz, Joseph Jacobs, James Linder, Peter Strazdins
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Patent number: 7048658Abstract: A device for converting a rotational movement into an axial movement includes driven planetary rollers (10) and a sliding body (5) that can be axially displaced by means of the planetary rollers (10). The planetary rollers (10) are fixed axially in a driven carrier (9), are rotationally mounted and are provided with grooves (11). The grooves (11) of these planetary rollers (10) engage in a thread-type groove of the sliding body (5). In the center of the carrier (9) a bearing body (7) is provided, which engages in the grooves (11). The grooves (11 and 12) have a mutually adapted gradient, and the planetary rollers (10) and the bearing body (7) engage with one another without slip. Also the carrier (9) and the bearing body (7) engage with one another without slip. The carrier (9) and the bearing body (7) are driven in a rotational relationship, which guarantees that no slip occurs between the planetary rollers (10) and the sliding body (5).Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Wittenstein Motion Control GmbHInventors: Michael Butsch, Martin Brehmer
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Patent number: 7041141Abstract: A grip device for an artificial or prosthetic arm, including at least two opposable digits and a drive linkage powered by a drive motor. When the drive motor is powered it enables the two opposable digits to grip. The drive linkage includes a drive and transmission attached to the drive motor. A backlock is connected to the drive and transmission. Surrounding the backlock is a backlock housing which contains the drive, selected transmission elements, and a backlock. A stop element is also included for holding the backlock housing fixed with respect to ground. The stop element can be released to allow the backlock housing to move freely and to avoid power transmission without disrupting the operating structure of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Edwin K. Iversen, James R. Linder, Steven R. Kunz, Arthur D. Dyck, Harold H. Sears
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Patent number: 6952009Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for monitoring position of a machine element within a mechanical system and/or cleaning a machine element. A light source and sensor may be positioned within a cylinder. The sensor may detect the intensity of light within the cylinder as a shaft element moves laterally throughout the cylinder. The measurement may indicate the position of the shaft element within the cylinder. In addition, a seal, a wire brush and/or a bronze brush may be placed near an end wall of a cylinder. The seal may surround the shaft element. Furthermore, the shaft element may be coated with a compound, such as a nitrile compound or a ceramic compound or the like. The wire brush and bronze brush may be in contact with the shaft element and may scrape any contaminants, such as weld spatter, which may be deposited on the shaft element.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Motion Controls, L.L.C.Inventor: Bradley Engstrand
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Publication number: 20050110354Abstract: The invention relates to motors and motor assemblies that can be washed without causing corrosion of components, and without causing premature motor failure as a result of corrosion. The motor and motor assembly comprise components constructed from non-corroding materials, such as stainless steel. The motor and motor assembly are constructed according to an unsealed design, in which washing fluid can enter the motor and the motor housing during washing. The washing fluid can drain away after washing is completed. The unsealed design permits heat generated during operation of the motor to drive off residual washing fluid. The motor and motor assembly can be readily cleaned, easily can be maintained in an corrosion-free state, and are not subject to premature failure from corrosion induced by trapped washing fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2003Publication date: May 26, 2005Applicant: Cleveland Motion Controls, Inc.Inventor: Susanta Datta
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Publication number: 20050076726Abstract: A gyrostabilizer system that counteracts the natural rolling motion of a small boat or vessel. The invention constitutes an improvement in prior art systems of this type in that the system weighs less because it has a much lighter rotor made of composite materials spinning at much higher speeds. The gyrostabilizer system includes a lightweight rotor spinning at very high speeds to attain a large angular momentum. The mass of the rotor is concentrated away from the spin axis of the rotor to maximize angular momentum while minimizing weight. The rotor is mounted in a frame that, in turn, is mounted on gimbals so that the frame can be rotated about an axis that is normal to the longitudinal roll axis of the vessel. When the rotor is rotated about the gimbals, a torque is created that opposes the torque created by the sea and reduces the rolling motion of the vessel. The rotor may be mounted in an evacuated chamber to reduce air drag.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2004Publication date: April 14, 2005Applicant: Marine Motion Control, LLCInventor: Richard Akers
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Publication number: 20040183388Abstract: A method for winding a stator of a multi-phase motor includes successively winding each of a plurality of teeth on the stator with a continuous winding wire to connect each of the phases in the motor together. The wound wire is disconnected between any two phases where respective ends of the two phases connected by the winding wire are not neutral ends. A jumper wire is connected between a neutral end of any one of the phases to a neutral end of at least one other phase if the neutral end of any one of the phases is not connected to the neutral end of at least one other phase by the winding wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: PacSci Motion Control, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Rittmeyer
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Patent number: 6705581Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an electric motor, which is adapted to drive an endless belt at a predetermined tension, to a stationary frame, includes a housing that is adapted to receive the motor. A drive shaft extends from the front end of the housing and is adapted to drive the belt. An elongated base mount is integrally formed on the outside surface of the housing and extends from the front of the housing for pivotally coupling the housing to the stationary frame. The base mount has a first end and a second end, and a bore which extends longitudinally at least partially through the base mount from the first end and the second end of the base mount. A substantially rigid tab is fixedly attached to the cylindrical housing at a substantially opposite side from the base mount. The tension on the belt is set by applying a biasing force on the tab to pivot the motor about the axis of the base mount.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: PacSci Motion Control, Inc.Inventors: Bradley A. Trago, Dennis E. VanZee, Donald Henry DeWall