Abstract: A torque sensor for use in an electric power assisted steering system comprises a first shaft, a second shaft, and a torsion bar, a hollow sleeve that is secured to the first shaft and extends along the torsion bar to at least partially axially overlap the second shaft, angular deflection indicating means that produce a signal that is dependent on the angular deflection of the first shaft relative to the second shaft as a torque is applied across the torque sensor that causes the torsion bar to twist, at least one drive dog fixed to the sleeve and at least one corresponding drive dog fixed to the second shaft, in normal operation the two dogs being offset so that they permit a defined range of angular deflection of the torsion bar but will engage each other to provide a path for torque to be transferred from the first shaft to the second shaft in the event of a failure of the torsion bar, and a connecting element which has a first part that is secured within a bore in one of the second shaft and the sleeve, t

Abstract: A torque sensor for use in an electric power assisted steering system comprises a first shaft, a second shaft, and a torsion bar, a hollow sleeve that is secured to the first shaft and extends along the torsion bar to at least partially axially overlap the second shaft, angular deflection indicating means that produce a signal that is dependent on the angular deflection of the first shaft relative to the second shaft as a torque is applied across the torque sensor that causes the torsion bar to twist, at least one drive dog fixed to the sleeve and at least one corresponding drive dog fixed to the second shaft, in normal operation the two dogs being offset so that they permit a defined range of angular deflection of the torsion bar but will engage each other to provide a path for torque to be transferred from the first shaft to the second shaft in the event of a failure of the torsion bar, and a connecting element which has a first part that is secured within a bore in one of the second shaft and the sleeve, t

Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

Abstract: Methods and systems that automatically identify breast characteristics such as x-ray density and breast texture from initial x-ray images of the breast and automatically adjust process parameter setting of image processing algorithms that operate on the initial images to derive processing images suitable for display or further processing.

Abstract: Methods and systems that automatically identify breast characteristics such as x-ray density and breast texture from initial x-ray images of the breast and automatically adjust process parameter setting of image processing algorithms that operate on the initial images to derive processing images suitable for display or further processing.

Abstract: A method of linking commutator bars of a commutator for a motor wherein N is the number of magnetic poles of the motor and N is an even integer greater than 2. The method include a) arranging a plurality of commutator bars to be generally equally spaced in a circular arrangement to define the commutator, each commutator bar having a tang extending therefrom, b) contacting an end of a continuous, insulated conductive member to a tang, c) moving the member to contact a second tang which is disposed at an angle of 720°/N from the previously contacted tang to form a link, and when N is greater than four, repeating this step until N/2−1 links are created, d) moving the member to contact a tang which is immediately adjacent to the second tang contacted in step (c) such that the member defines a bridging portion between the adjacent tangs, e) repeating steps (c) and (d) and until all tangs have been contacted by the member, and f) cutting the bridging portion between adjacent tangs.

Abstract: A choke 10, for suppressing radio-frequency interference of a brush-type motor, includes a single wire having a portion 15 wound about a coil axis A to define a plurality of coils 14 including two outermost coils 16 and 18. An attaching structure 20 extends from each outermost coil and is disposed generally transverse with respect to the coil axis. Each attaching structure is constructed and arranged to be inserted through an associated opening in a supporting structure and to be bent so as secure the choke to the supporting structure. An elongated end portion 22 extends from each attaching structure so as to be spaced from and generally parallel to the coil axis. The elongated end portions extend in opposite directions. One of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be directly electrically connected to an electrical connector of a motor and the other of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be in electrical connection with a brush of the motor.

Abstract: A choke 10, for suppressing radio-frequency interference of a brush-type motor, includes a single wire having a portion 15 wound about a coil axis A to define a plurality of coils 14 including two outermost coils 16 and 18. An attaching structure 20 extends from each outermost coil and is disposed generally transverse with respect to the coil axis. Each attaching structure is constructed and arranged to be inserted through an associated opening in a supporting structure and to be bent so as secure the choke to the supporting structure. An elongated end portion 22 extends from each attaching structure so as to be spaced from and generally parallel to the coil axis. The elongated end portions extend in opposite directions. One of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be directly electrically connected to an electrical connector of a motor and the other of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be in electrical connection with a brush of the motor.

Abstract: A motor speed control system 10 includes a permanent magnet direct current electric motor 12. A first switch 14 is operatively associated with the motor. A resistive element 16 is provided in series with the motor and the first switch. A second, pulse width modulated controlled, switch 18 is operatively associated with the motor. A controller 20 is operatively associated with the first and second switches for controlling the first and second switches independently and in combination to control current to the motor to operate the motor at various speeds.

Abstract: A motor speed control system 10 includes a permanent magnet direct current electric motor 12. A first switch 14 is in series with the motor. A circuit 15 is in series with the first switch 14. The circuit 15 includes a resistor 16 and a second, pulse width modulated controlled, switch 18 in parallel with the resistor 16. An electronic controller 20 is operatively associated with the first and second switches for electronically controlling the first and second switches independently and in combination to control current to the motor to operate the motor at various speeds.

Abstract: A motor speed control system 10 includes a permanent magnet direct current electric motor 12. A first switch 14 is in series with the motor. A circuit 15 is in series with the first switch 14. The circuit 15 includes a resistor 16 and a second, pulse width modulated controlled, switch 18 in parallel with the resistor 16. An electronic controller 20 is operatively associated with the first and second switches for electronically controlling the first and second switches independently and in combination to control current to the motor to operate the motor at various speeds.

Abstract: A motor speed control system 10 includes a permanent magnet direct current electric motor 12. A first switch 14 is operatively associated with the motor. A resistive element 16 is provided in series with the motor and the first switch. A second, pulse width modulated controlled, switch 18 is operatively associated with the motor. A controller 20 is operatively associated with the first and second switches for controlling the first and second switches independently and in combination to control current to the motor to operate the motor at various speeds.

Abstract: A choke 10, for suppressing radio-frequency interference of a brush-type motor, includes a single wire having a portion 15 wound about a coil axis A to define a plurality of coils 14including two outermost coils 16 and 18. An attaching structure 20 extends from each outermost coil and is disposed generally transverse with respect to the coil axis. Each attaching structure is constructed and arranged to be inserted through an associated opening in a supporting structure and to be bent so as secure the choke to the supporting structure. An elongated end portion 22 extends from each attaching structure so as to be spaced from and generally parallel to the coil axis. The elongated end portions extend in opposite directions. One of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be directly electrically connected to an electrical connector of a motor and the other of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be in electrical connection with a brush of the motor.

Abstract: A choke 10, for suppressing radio-frequency interference of a brush-type motor, includes a single wire having a portion 15 wound about a coil axis A to define a plurality of coils 14 including two outermost coils 16 and 18. An attaching structure 20 extends from each outermost coil and is disposed generally transverse with respect to the coil axis. Each attaching structure is constructed and arranged to be inserted through an associated opening in a supporting structure and to be bent so as secure the choke to the supporting structure. An elongated end portion 22 extends from each attaching structure so as to be spaced from and generally parallel to the coil axis. The elongated end portions extend in opposite directions. One of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be directly electrically connected to an electrical connector of a motor and the other of the elongated end portions is constructed and arranged to be in electrical connection with a brush of the motor.

Abstract: A motor and fan structure 10 includes direct current motor assembly 18 having a stator assembly 20 including a flux plate 22 and permanent magnet structure 24 mounted on the flux plate 22. The flux plate 22 defines one end of the motor assembly and define a magnetic flux path of the motor assembly. The motor assembly also includes a generally cylindrical armature assembly 32 defining another end of the motor assembly. The armature assembly is radially wound with windings 40, and an outermost part of the armature assembly and at least a portion of the windings is exposed to the environment. The structure includes a fan 12 having a generally cylindrical hub 14 receiving and covering the outermost part and the portion of the windings of the armature assembly. The hub 14 has a plurality of blades 16 extending therefrom. Thus, the weight and axial length of the motor assembly can be reduced since no case is required to cover the armature assembly yet the armature assembly is protected by the fan hub.

Abstract: A motor and fan structure 10 includes direct current motor assembly 18 having a stator assembly 20 including a flux plate 22 and permanent magnet structure 24 mounted on the flux plate 22. The flux plate 22 defines one end of the motor assembly and define a magnetic flux path of the motor assembly. The motor assembly also includes a generally cylindrical armature assembly 32 defining another end of the motor assembly. The armature assembly is radially wound with windings 40, and an outermost part of the armature assembly and at least a portion of the windings is exposed to the environment. The structure includes a fan 12 having a generally cylindrical hub 14 receiving and covering the outermost part and the portion of the windings of the armature assembly. The hub 14 has a plurality of blades 16 extending therefrom. Thus, the weight and axial length of the motor assembly can be reduced since no case is required to cover the armature assembly yet the armature assembly is protected by the fan hub.