Abstract: An actuator that transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy (or vice-versa) that is particularly suited to portable applications requiring a high degree of efficient control, e.g. applications in which human-like movement needs to be simulated or interacted with. The actuator has a stator comprising electromagnetic sectors for generating phased electromagnetic fields around the stator and at least one cylindrical element (and preferably two such elements). The stator and the cylindrical element(s) are arranged concentrically around a central axis. The cylindrical element has permanent magnetic elements magnetized radially and arranged as one or more discontinuous helices. Phased magnetization of the stator causes the cylindrical element to rotate around the axis along a helical path, thereby exerting a longitudinal force along the axis.

Abstract: An actuator that transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy (or vice-versa) that is particularly suited to portable applications requiring a high degree of efficient control, e.g. applications in which human-like movement needs to be simulated or interacted with. The actuator has a stator comprising electromagnetic sectors for generating phased electromagnetic fields around the stator and at least one cylindrical element (and preferably two such elements). The stator and the cylindrical element(s) are arranged concentrically around a central axis. The cylindrical element has permanent magnetic elements magnetized radially and arranged as one or more discontinuous helices. Phased magnetization of the stator causes the cylindrical element to rotate around the axis along a helical path, thereby exerting a longitudinal force along the axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tap handle assembly for positioning about an installed tap body that includes an outwardly extending spindle. The tap handle assembly has a handle body means that has a body aperture and engagement means for engaging an outer end of the spindle, a pin positionable and moveable within the body aperture, and a biasing means to bias the position of the pin within the body aperture. When the tap handle assembly is assembled with the tap body, the pin is biased to the tap body to substantially prevent the movement of the spindle and to restrict the flow from the tap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tap handle assembly for positioning about an installed tap body that includes an outwardly extending spindle. The tap handle assembly has a handle body means that has a body aperture and engagement means for engaging an outer end of the spindle, a pin positionable and moveable within the body aperture, and a biasing means to bias the position of the pin within the body aperture. When the tap handle assembly is assembled with the tap body, the pin is biased to the tap body to substantially prevent the movement of the spindle and to restrict the flow from the tap.

Abstract: A rotary actuator comprises a motor, gearing connected for driving by the motor, an output drive member and bearings for carrying the output drive member, wherein the gearing comprises wave generator gearing and the gearing is at least partially located radially within the bearings. In addition, an artificial limb member comprises an actuator to effect movement of the limb member, wherein the actuator comprises a motor connected to wave generator gearing.

Abstract: A rotary actuator comprises a motor, gearing connected for driving by the motor, an output drive member and bearings for carrying the output drive member, wherein the gearing comprises wave generator gearing and the gearing is at least partially located radially within the bearings. In addition, an artificial limb member comprises an actuator to effect movement of the limb member, wherein the actuator comprises a motor connected to wave generator gearing.