Abstract: Devices and methods for operating a linear actuator, optionally for use in controlling a choke valve as part of a managed pressure drilling operation. Such a device may include a motor, a transmission, a linear actuator and an override mechanism selectively engageable with the transmission to enable operation of the linear actuator independently of the motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an motor that may be used to stir or agitate a material without the drive components of the motor making direct contact with said material. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an motor and a method of using such to stir or agitate a food material while insulating the drive components of the motor, and preventing them from coming into direct contact with the food material. The present disclosure has particular application to agitation of materials which should not come into direct contact with the drive components for safety or cleanliness purposes, such as ice cream or slushies, as well as materials with which contact is generally discouraged, such as biomedically pure substances or harsh chemicals.

Abstract: An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a hollow rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly, and a lubricant passage for replenishing lubricant to the force transmitting components of the actuator.

Abstract: A friction stir weld apparatus having a linear drive actuator and a separate friction stir weld device. The linear actuator and the friction stir weld device are driven by concentric motors. In the preferred embodiment, the thrust member of the actuator is connected to the friction stir weld device within or adjacent to the friction stir weld device motor to advance and retract the friction stir weld device along a linear axis concentric with the actuator and friction stir weld device motors.

Abstract: An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly and a rotary encoder with a rotation sensing member rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly and a rotary encoder with a rotation sensing member rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly and a rotary encoder with a rotation sensing member rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: An electric actuator having an in-line rotation shaft, electric motor and encoder in which the encoder shaft, the motor shaft and the rotation shaft is concentric and integrally formed.

Abstract: An adaptable, servo-control system for force/position actuation generally includes an electric linear actuator and a controller. The controller interfaces with the electric linear actuator and with a number of I/O signals that are independent from the electric linear actuator. The controller interface to the independent I/O signals is transparent to the manner in which the I/O signals are produced. Rather the controller simply looks for the status of the I/O that is preferably received into the controller by hard-wiring or field bus I/O messaging such as from a industrial robot or programmable logic controller. The controller utilizes the I/O signals to select a number of parameters to generate a motion profile for closed loop-controlled, position actuation or force actuation of the electric linear actuator.

Abstract: An electric actuator having an in-line rotation shaft, electric motor and encoder in which the encoder shaft, the motor shaft and the rotation shaft is concentric and integrally formed.

Abstract: A precision servo control system for a pneumatic actuator has a piston positionable over a stroke of the pneumatic actuator using a supply of pressurized gas. A brake and a sensor system are connected to the actuator and to the servo control system. The servo control system operates to initiate the forward thrust from the pressurized gas to move the piston along the stroke. When a braking point along the stroke is determined, the servo control system initiates a reverse thrust from the pressurized gas while maintaining the forward thrust and simultaneously begins to selectively apply the brake to stop the piston within a predetermined tolerance of a desired stopping position.

Abstract: A linear motion device having an elongated body a carriage moveable in a linear path relative to the body and a bearing positioned between the carriage and body for supporting the carriage for movement along the linear path. The device further includes a wedge member in the body for adjusting the position of the bearing.

Abstract: A precision servo control system for a pneumatic actuator has a piston positionable over a stroke of the pneumatic actuator using a supply of pressurized gas. A brake and a sensor system are connected to the actuator and to the servo control system. The servo control system operates to initiate the forward thrust from the pressurized gas to move the piston along the stroke. When a braking point along the stroke is determined, the servo control system initiates a reverse thrust from the pressurized gas while maintaining the forward thrust and simultaneously begins to selectively apply the brake to stop the piston within a predetermined tolerance of a desired stopping position. The precision servo control system is easily programmable in a manner similar to that of a control system for electrical actuators. The precision servo control system can maintain the predetermined tolerance even under changing loads, long stroke lengths or vertically oriented stroke directions.

Abstract: A precision servo control system for a pneumatic actuator has a piston positionable over a stroke of the pneumatic actuator using a supply of pressurized gas. A brake and a sensor system are connected to the actuator and to the servo control system. The servo control system operates to initiate the forward thrust from the pressurized gas to move the piston along the stroke. When a braking point along the stroke is determined, the servo control system initiates a reverse thrust from the pressurized gas while maintaining the forward thrust and simultaneously begins to selectively apply the brake to stop the piston within a predetermined tolerance of a desired stopping position. The precision servo control system is easily programmable in a manner similar to that of a control system for electrical actuators. The precision servo control system can maintain the predetermined tolerance even under changing loads, long stroke lengths or vertically oriented stroke directions.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a ball screw actuator of the type having a housing, and externally threaded lead screw and a drive nut movable along the lead screw in which the stabilizer includes a first member rotationally fixed but movable linearly relative to the cylinder housing and a second member rotatable relative to, but linearly fixed, relative to the first member.

Abstract: A multiple diaphragm actuator for exerting linear forces of precise and repeatable amounts in opposite directions with no friction and no fluid leakage.

Abstract: A slot bearing assembly for a member moveable relative to a slot such as a carrier for a slotted rodless cylinder in which the slot bearing is allowed to float relative to the moveable carrier.

Abstract: A multiple diaphragm actuator for exerting linear forces of precise and repeatable amounts in opposite directions with no friction and no fluid leakage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary gripper for robotic use including a support portion for connection to a robotic apparatus, a gripper head movably mounted on the support portion and carrying a pair of opposed gripping fingers, a first drive mechanism for opening and dosing the gripper fingers and a second drive mechanism for rotating the gripper head. The drive mechanisms are generally transverse relative to each other and each includes at least one pneumatically driven, reciprocating piston. In the first drive mechanism, a pinion gear is operably connected to the piston for reciprocating movement therewith. The piston in the second drive mechanism is operably coupled to a rack engaging the pinion gear to turn the gear, thereby moving the gripper head relative to the support portion.

Abstract: A linear motion device having an elongated body a carriage moveable in a linear path relative to the body and a bearing positioned between the carriage and body for supporting the carriage for movement along the linear path. The bearing includes a side rail adjustably connected to the body and bearing elements between the carriage and the side rail.