Abstract: Active and semi-active damping of systems include a first link supported by a base, a second link, a damper coupling the first link to the second link, the damper having a variable damping coefficient, and a processor. The processor is configured to predict an acceleration or a vibration of the second link expected to result from a commanded movement of the second link and adjust the variable damping coefficient of the damper based on the predicted acceleration or the predicted vibration to reduce vibration in the second link.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed for identifying an operating state of a motor, the system comprising: a speed sensor for determining a speed of a motor and providing a speed signal as a function of time in response thereto, and a processor configured to identify a symmetric and/or an asymmetric oscillation of the speed signal as a function of time.

Abstract: A robot apparatus includes a base, a strut unit, and a linear expansion mechanism 1 rotatably supported on the strut unit. The linear expansion mechanism includes: a plurality of cylindrical bodies assembled in series to each other; a block train including a plurality of blocks coupled to each other in a row, the block at the leading end being connected to the cylindrical body at the leading end; and a housing part that houses the block train along an arc-shaped trajectory, the housing part being arranged below the cylindrical body at the trailing end and above the strut unit.

Abstract: This Angular Momentum Engine 2 in this patent application uses three simple systems: angular momentum, centripetal force, and relative motion to convert a rotational centripetal force to a linear centripetal force. This Angular Momentum Engine 2 is an ‘add-on’ to any existing vehicles propulsion system. Centripetal force cannot accelerate a vehicle as once this centripetal force reaches a vehicles ‘net force resistance’, the resistance of a physical object to any change in velocity, the centripetal force becomes tangential. This Angular Momentum Engine centripetal force can only equal a vehicles' ‘net force resistance’, therefore acceleration is left to the exiting propulsion system, such as a series or parallel automotive hybrid systems, or electric vehicles as examples. Centripetal forces are exponential, as its force is proportional to the square of the speed, while acceleration forces are linear giving this patent design an exponential edge over existing propulsion systems.

Abstract: An electromechanical linear actuator may include: a containment structure; first and second lead nuts; two electric motors operably connected to rotate the lead nuts; a shaft inserted in the lead nuts; and coupling means with an intermediate coupling stage configured to mechanically couple the lead nuts with the shaft. A method of assessing fault in an electromechanical linear actuator may include: actuating the electric motors to drive the lead nuts in a same direction of rotation or in opposite directions of rotation; during the actuating of the electric motors, checking whether or not the shaft translates relative to the containment structure; checking for mechanical failure of the intermediate coupling stage with either lead nut, to actuate the electric motors in the same direction of rotation; and checking for mechanical failure of the shaft with the intermediate coupling stage, to actuate the electric motors in the opposite directions of rotation.

Abstract: A permanently engaged starter system for use in a vehicle includes a dual-mass flywheel. The vehicle includes a crankshaft, an engine block, and a transmission. The dual-mass flywheel includes an engine side primary mass, a transmission side primary mass rotatably coupled to the engine side primary mass, and a secondary mass rotatably coupled to the transmission side primary mass. The permanently engaged starter system also includes a one-way clutch including an inner race disposed about the axis. The permanently engages starter system additionally includes a ring gear rotatably coupled to the inner race of the one-way clutch. The transmission side primary mass or the secondary mass of the dual-mass flywheel is configured to be an outer race for the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A gear train side latching mechanism may include a bracket having one or more guiding features, a handle mechanically coupled to the bracket via the one or more guiding features such that the handle is linearly movable with respect to the bracket, a rack mechanically coupled to the handle comprising a first plurality of gear teeth and configured to move linearly relative to the bracket in a fixed relation to the handle, a driving gear rotatably coupled to the bracket and comprising a compound circular spur gear having a second plurality of gear teeth on an outer diameter of the driving gear and a third plurality of gear teeth on an inner diameter of the driving gear, wherein the second plurality of gear teeth are mechanically coupled to the first plurality of gear teeth, and an actuator gear rotatably coupled to the bracket and comprising a fourth plurality of gear teeth mechanically coupled to the third plurality of gear teeth and further comprising one or more features configured to engage with a correspond

Abstract: A helical gearing for driving an adjusting element, which may be an actuator or a piston of a piston-cylinder unit, is driven by an electric motor. The adjusting element may be moved along an axis. The drive apparatus has a rotor, or a translator rotatably mounted in a housing by a bearing and fixedly connected to the input of or formed integrally with the helical gearing. The output of the helical gearing is connected to or formed integrally with the adjusting element. An anti-twist means may prevent the adjusting element from twisting in the circumferential direction about the axis. The helical gearing and/or at least part of the adjusting element is/are formed to be transversely elastic to the axis of rotation, at least in one region.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic power pressure generator for a vehicle braking system which includes an electric motor, a planetary gear, a screw drive, and a piston cylinder unit. To prevent the brake fluid from entering the electric motor, there is a drive shaft between the electric motor and the planetary gear which is rotatably fixedly connected to a motor shaft via a slot coupling and which is sealed by a radial shaft sealing ring.

Abstract: The present disclosure related to a travel stop assembly for preventing rotation, and undesired locking, of a shaft. The travel stop assembly may comprise a shaft that extends along an axis and is rotatable about the axis. A lead screw may extend along the axis and be operatively engaged, and rotatable, with the shaft about the axis. A nut may be in threaded engagement with the lead screw and axially movable along a length of the lead screw upon rotation of the lead screw. At least one stop pin may operatively engaged the lead screw and the at least one stop pin may extend from the lead screw perpendicularly relative to the axis. The stop pin may be positioned on the lead screw to stop rotation of the lead screw and the stop pin may prevent locking of the nut to the lead screw.

Abstract: A screw shaft 22 constitutes a feed screw mechanism provided in an electric actuator. In the screw shaft 22 on which a mounting surface 22c for mounting a sensor target is formed, a portion where the mounting surface 22c is formed has a non-circular, line-symmetric cross section.

Abstract: An electromotive furniture drive includes a housing having an opening, a drive motor attached to the housing and including an output shaft, and a standpipe inserted into the housing laterally in a form-fitting manner. The standpipe has an outer wall formed with a transverse groove, with a lifting spindle arranged in the standpipe. A gear assembly is arranged in the housing and configured to couple the output shaft of the drive motor to the lifting spindle. A locking element is configured to engage in the transverse groove and held in a recess in the housing.

Abstract: A differential actuator including: a shuttle supported for rotation around a central axis and including a body portion, a first pinion gear connected to the body portion, and a second pinion gear connected to the body portion; a first component including a first plurality of teeth meshed with the first pinion gear and supported for rotation around the central axis; and a second component including a second plurality of teeth meshed with the second pinion gear and supported for rotation around the central axis. For a first operating mode of the differential actuator: the shuttle is arranged to be rotated by an actuator in a first circumferential direction around the central axis; and the first pinion gear is arranged to rotate the first component in the first circumferential direction around the central axis.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus for an electric shift-by-wire system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a shift stage sensor detecting information on a target shift stage according to the operation of the shift lever; a position sensor detecting information on a position of the motor; and a controller configured to receive the detected information from the shift stage sensor and the position sensor, when the target shift stage is a P stage, determine whether the P stage is likely to be released using the position information of the motor, and when it is determined that the P stage is likely to be released, limit rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A slide-out room system includes a drive mechanism that may be fixed to a vehicle wall adjacent the slide-out room. A drive unit includes a drive screw that is rotatable with rotation of an output shaft. A drive block that engages the drive screw may be fixed to a side wall of the slide-out room. Rotation of the drive screw effects displacement of the drive block to extend and retract the room, depending on a rotation direction of the motor.

Abstract: A drive unit for a slide-out room of a recreational vehicle includes a rotary component, an elongate component, and a structural member configured to be coupled to a wall panel of the slide-out room and having an elongate cavity. The elongate component and the rotary component are arranged within the elongate cavity of the structural member and are configured to mesh such that a rotary motion of the rotary component results in a linear motion of the elongate component together with the structural member relative to the rotary component. Advantageously, the drive unit may further include a guide member and a guide rail, where the guide rail is integrated into the elongate cavity of the structural member and where the guide member and the guide rail are configured to cooperate to support the linear motion of the structural member.

Abstract: A rigid-flexible coupling motion platform driven by a ball screw includes a base, a linear guide rail fixed to the base, a rigid-flexible coupling platform, a servo motor, a ball screw, a guide rail sliding block, a displacement sensor and a driving controller. The rigid-flexible coupling platform includes a frame and a workbench. The frame and the workbench are connected through a flexible hinge; the servo motor is configured to drive the ball screw; the workbench is connected with the ball screw; the frame is connected with the linear guide rail by the guide rail sliding block; the displacement sensor is configured to feed back the position of the workbench; and the driving controller controls the ball screw to drive the workbench to move according to different control modes. The advantages of the ball screw drive and the rigid-flexible coupling motion platform are fully combined, and the positioning precision of the platform is greatly improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft system comprising: a linkage comprising a first end, an opposing second end and a clevis therebetween; a motion limiter configured to engage the clevis; wherein: the first end is configured for connecting to one of a strut of a ram air turbine (RAT) and an enclosure door, and the second end is configured for connecting with another of the strut and the door; and the motion limiter limits rotation between the first end of the linkage and the second end of the linkage.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for electric-powered propellantless propulsion in space. In addition to its breakthrough methods to produce thrust, the invention is also incorporated into propellantless velocity control and propellantless direction control systems. Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a mechanical propulsion system that do not require a propellant and do not violate Newton's Laws of Motion. The invention produces a significant amount of thrust solely in the intended direction of the propulsion system, with the main elements needed for the invention's successful operation successfully tested using multiple prototypes. Due to the Law of Conservation of Momentum, propellantless propulsion by mechanical means is generally considered not possible by propulsion experts.

Abstract: A vehicle shifter is provided for selecting gears of a vehicle transmission. The vehicle shifter including: a base configured for mounting to a center floor console of a vehicle; a first rotary knob positioned on the base and rotatable about an axis; and a second rotary knob positioned on the base and below the first rotary knob and rotatable about the same axis as the first rotary knob, wherein rotation of one of the first rotary knob and the second rotary knob causes selection of the gears of the vehicle transmission, and rotation of the other one of the first rotary knob and the second rotary knob provides input for a secondary function.