Abstract: An improved dimensional detection system is portable and can be used to characterize a workpiece. The dimensional detection system employs as few as a single focused light source and as few as a single camera along with a calibration data set to convert the illuminated pixels of an image of a beam on the workpiece into a cloud of real world points in space on an outer surface of the workpiece. The cloud of points can be processed to characterize the workpiece, such as by determining the right hexahedron that would encompass all of the real world points in space and which could be used to determine a dimensional weight of the workpiece.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and a circuit are provided for the commutation of brushless direct-current motors (BLDC motors), without using sensors, and especially to a method and a circuit for producing rotor position signals, without using sensors, for the commutation of brushless direct-current motors. In the method and the circuit Hall sensor signals are emulated without sensors and rotor position signals free of disturbing pulses and with a correct phase position are generated from said signals. The rotor position signals can be used to carry out a reliable, sensor-free commutation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).