Abstract: A mount that enables a smart home device or directional speaker to be selectively positioned so as to optimize audibility.

Abstract: An apparatus or actuator system having a motor, a housing and a thrust rod or thrust tube, where the actuator is configured to convert rotational motion of the motor into axial motion of the thrust tube for axial motion of a tool coupling therewith. A guide assembly is coupled to the actuator housing, extending along an axis thereof. The guide assembly comprises a guide shaft and a coupling between the guide shaft and the thrust tube, and is configured to provide positional stability for the tool coupling when positioned along the actuator axis by motion of the thrust tube.

Abstract: A linear actuator system having an actuator housing, a motor assembly, a screw shaft, a thrust tube, and a nut assembly. The nut assembly is engaged with the screw shaft and directly coupled with the thrust tube. The nut assembly can define a mechanical fitting for direct physical engagement between the thrust tube and the nut assembly, absent additional load bearing components intervening therebetween. The nut assembly is configured to convert rotational motion of the rotor about the longitudinal axis to linear motion of the thrust tube along the longitudinal axis. A cooling loop can be at least partially embedded, potted or seated within the actuator housing, with a thermally conductive material disposed at least partially about the cooling loop to conduct heat from the actuator housing.

Abstract: A wall mount includes a wall attachment assembly with spaced apart top and bottom rails. A pair of display mount assemblies hang from the wall attachment assembly and attach to a television or other electronic display such as a computer monitor. The display mount brackets include an engaging assembly, a display mount member, a scissors assembly, and a carrier assembly. The engaging assembly has hooks and a swivel guide engaged with the top rail of the wall attachment assembly, and a latch assembly engaged with the bottom rail of the wall attachment assembly. The swivel guide and a contact portion of the latch assembly enable the display mount assemblies to swivel or pivot about a vertical axis relative to the wall attachment assembly. This enables an attached television or monitor to be laterally swiveled relative to the wall.

Abstract: A mount that enables a smart home device or directional speaker to be selectively positioned so as to optimize audibility.

Abstract: A linear actuator system having an actuator housing, a motor assembly, a screw shaft, a thrust tube, and a nut assembly. The nut assembly is engaged with the screw shaft and directly coupled with the thrust tube. The nut assembly can define a mechanical fitting for direct physical engagement between the thrust tube and the nut assembly, absent additional load bearing components intervening therebetween. The nut assembly is configured to convert rotational motion of the rotor about the longitudinal axis to linear motion of the thrust tube along the longitudinal axis. A cooling loop can be at least partially embedded, potted or seated within the actuator housing, with a thermally conductive material disposed at least partially about the cooling loop to conduct heat from the actuator housing.

Abstract: An actuator (10) system includes an output rod (20) coupled to a piston member (30) disposed within an actuator housing (14) or cylinder (14). A belt drive (24) is configured to drive the piston (30) or similar coupling member (30) in reciprocal motion within the housing (14), along its longitudinal axis. The opposite end (22) of the output rod (20) is selectively positioned with respect to the exterior of the actuator housing (14) in response to the motion of the piston (30) within the housing (14); e.g., in order to manipulate a tool or workpiece at the opposite (exterior) end (22) of the output rod (20), or to perform another automated machine task.

Abstract: An apparatus having an actuator having a motor, a housing and a thrust rod, where the actuator is configured to convert rotational motion of the motor into axial motion of the thrust rod. A movable holder is coupled to the thrust rod and configured for axial motion of a tool coupling therewith. A bearing assembly is coupled to the actuator, extending along an axis thereof. The bearing assembly is configured to engage with the bearing to provide positional stability for the movable holder and tool coupling when positioned along the actuator axis by motion of the thrust rod.

Abstract: An actuator system includes a housing with a screw shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The stator component of an electric motor is coupled to the housing, with a rotor extending along the longitudinal axis. A thrust tube is engaged with the screw shaft, for example with a nut assembly configured to convert rotational motion of the rotor into linear motion of the thrust tube. A modular cooling assembly is selectively coupled to the exterior surface of the actuator housing, and configured to dissipate heat.

Abstract: A part placement system includes a linear actuator adapted to drive an output rod between a first position and a second position, with a part placement tool or probe on the end of the output rod. The probe is adapted to engage the part at the first position, and to place the part with respect to a locating fixture at the second position. A controller can be operably coupled with the linear actuator, and configured to modulate an acceleration of the output rod, determine the second position responsive to contacting the locating fixture, or both.

Abstract: An actuator (10) system includes an output rod (20) coupled to a piston member (30) disposed within an actuator housing (14) or cylinder (14). A belt drive (24) is configured to drive the piston (30) or similar coupling member (30) in reciprocal motion within the housing (14), along its longitudinal axis. The opposite end (22) of the output rod (20) is selectively positioned with respect to the exterior of the actuator housing (14) in response to the motion of the piston (30) within the housing (14); e.g., in order to manipulate a tool or workpiece at the opposite (exterior) end (22) of the output rod (20), or to perform another automated machine task.

Abstract: An actuator system includes a housing with a screw shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The stator component of an electric motor is coupled to the housing, with a rotor extending along the longitudinal axis. A thrust tube is engaged with the screw shaft, for example with a nut assembly configured to convert rotational motion of the rotor into linear motion of the thrust tube. A modular cooling assembly is selectively coupled to the exterior surface of the actuator housing, and configured to dissipate heat.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a linear actuator includes inserting a portion of a thrust member of the actuator into a casting portion of a molding apparatus. The casting portion includes a model screw member having a threaded portion. A molding material can be added into the cast portion to overmold a nut to the thrust member. Thus, the nut will include a threaded portion on an internal circumference mateable with the threaded portion of the model screw member. The overmolded nut and thrust tube member may be coupled to a screw shaft of the actuator, such that the threaded portion of the nut mates with a threaded portion of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a linear actuator includes inserting a portion of a thrust member of the actuator into a casting portion of a molding apparatus. The casting portion includes a model screw member having a threaded portion. A molding material can be added into the cast portion to overmold a nut to the thrust member. Thus, the nut will include a threaded portion on an internal circumference mateable with the threaded portion of the model screw member. The overmolded nut and thrust tube member may be coupled to a screw shaft of the actuator, such that the threaded portion of the nut mates with a threaded portion of the screw shaft.