Abstract: The present invention provides a linear module, which includes a casing, and a linear transmission device (20). The casing has an internal cavity, in which the linear transmission device (20) is at least partially disposed, and an output opening (31) which extends along a movement direction of the linear transmission device (20) defined on the case. A sealing band (32) is arranged at the output opening (31). The linear module further includes a first rolling mechanism (50) which is moveable in synchronization with the linear transmission device (20) and is arranged on a side of the sealing band (32) which is away from the internal cavity. The first rolling mechanism (50) is in rolling contact with the sealing band (32). This linear module enables high cleanliness and has good sealing performance, high accuracy and high stability.

Abstract: A damping system includes a spool about which a tension line is wound. The line's first end is coupled to a first structure subject to forces causing unwanted movement thereof. A damper is coupled to a second structure not subject to the unwanted movement of the first structure. The damper is coupled to the spool for engagement with the spool to slow a rotational speed thereof when the spool rotates in a first direction. The damper is disengaged from the spool when the spool rotates in a second direction in opposition to the first direction. A device, coupled to the line's second end and to the second structure, applies a tension force to the line's second end. The tension force is exceeded when the first structure moves to place the line in tension, and is not exceeded when the first structure moves to place the line in compression.

Abstract: A DNA-structured linear actuator comprised of a ladder-like structure that twists to generate linear motion. In its base state, the DNA structured linear actuator best resembles a rope ladder. When this ladder is twisted, it takes on the appearance of a DNA double-helix structure. By application of a torsional force on one end, the ladder-like structure extends or contracts to allow linear translation of one end of the structure.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes first and second support structures configured to be coupled to a wearer of the exoskeleton. A joint connects the first and second support structures, the joint enabling relative movement between the first and second structures. First and second cord loops connect the first and second support structures. At least one motor twists and thereby shortens the first and second cord loops, wherein shortening of the first cord loop causes relative movement of the first and second support structures about the joint in a first direction, and shortening of the second cord loop causes relative movement of the first and second support structures about the joint in a second, opposite direction. A brake mechanism prevents relative movement of the first and second support structures about the joint in at least one of the first and second directions if one of the first and second cord loops breaks.

Abstract: A system of missile control surfaces includes a control surface housing, a control surface shaft which is rotatably mounted in the control surface housing, a control surface secured on the control surface shaft, a control surface drive and a coupling unit. The coupling unit couples the control surface drive to the control surface shaft in such a way that a movement of the control surface drive produces a rotation of the control surface shaft. To enable high forces to be applied reliably to a guided missile control surface, it is proposed that the coupling unit has at least one flexible tension element, which is secured on the control surface drive and is rolled up onto the control surface shaft to a certain extent.

Abstract: One example of an actuation system for an active blade element of a rotor blade includes an actuator system coupled to a linear transmission system. The actuator system attaches to a structure within a rotor blade and provides a linear motion in a direction that is spanwise to the rotor blade. The linear transmission system is coupled with the actuator system and to an active blade element attached to the rotor blade. The linear transmission system receives the linear motion provided by the actuator system, and responsively provides at least a partial rotation of the active blade element about an axis of the linear transmission system which is in the direction that is substantially parallel to the spanwise axis of the rotor blade.

Abstract: A twisted string actuator system includes a motor generating rotary motion of a rotor and a twisted string comprised of a pair of cords. One end of the twisted string is attached to the rotor and an opposite end of the twisted string is coupled to a load. The cords are twisted about each other for a first section of the twisted string and untwisted for a second section of the twisted string. A cord guide is fixedly disposed between the cords. The first and second sections of the twisted string are on a first side and second side, respectively, of the cord guide. Rotary motion of the rotor in one direction operates to twist the pair of cords on the first side of the cord guide while pulling a portion of the pair of cords from the second side of the cord guide into the first side.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes an attachment assembly and a strap attachment assembly having a cylinder moveable relative to the attachment assembly along a first axis. The mounting assembly further includes a strap at least partially encircling the cylinder, wherein the strap has first and second strap ends with at least one of the first and second strap ends secured to the attachment assembly such that the strap allows movement of the cylinder substantially along the first axis, and such that the strap substantially prevents movement of the cylinder along a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-rotation device for preventing the rotation of a driven element (4) about a longitudinal axis (Ox), said device comprising: a cross-piece (7) guided in a planar manner on a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw by guiding means (8) that block the rotation of the guiding cross-piece (7) about the longitudinal axis, while allowing the rotation of the guiding cross-piece (7) about two axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to one another; and a coupling member (6) at one end of the driven element (4), connected to the guiding cross-piece (7) by linking means that permit a sliding connection (5), the axis (5) of which does not converge with the longitudinal axis. The invention also relates to a screw jack and a cable jack comprising such a device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear movement device comprising at least two linear movement units (12, 14) which are guided in a movable manner along a shared linear movement axis (L), wherein the linear movement device (10) comprises a first linear drive (28) and a second linear drive (30), in such a way that each linear movement unit (12, 14) can be driven in movement along the linear movement axis (L) merely by the first linear drive (28), merely by the second linear drive (30), and also by both linear drives (28, 30) together, the first and the second linear drive (28, 30) being coupled to the linear movement units (12, 14) so as to transmit drive force, in such a way that when merely the first linear drive (28) or merely the second linear drive (30) is activated the linear movement units (12, 14) can be driven in movement in a shared direction along the linear movement axis (L) with a speed relative to one another, whereas when the first and the second linear drives (28, 30) are activated simultane

Abstract: A link member includes a first pin hole, a second pin hole, a first engaging portion, and a second engaging portion. The second pin hole is an elongated hole extending in a longitudinal direction of a two-way push-pull chain. The pin is movably inserted into the second pin hole and fixed to the first pin hole. With the pin being movably inserted into the second pin hole, adjacent link members are expandable and contractible relative to each other by a length. The length is greater than a length of a portion where the first engaging portion contacts the second engaging portion in a state where the adjacent link members are contracted relative to each other.

Abstract: Provided is an interlocking chain unit that has reliable and strong interlocking and avoids buckling, breaking, and bending of a rigidified chain portion. In the interlocking chain unit (100), the interlocking operation of an outer tooth link plate (112BZ) and an outer tooth link plate (112AY) that are just about to complete the interlocking operation is completed in a manner that causes a first inter-pin distance (d1) and a second inter-pin distance (d2) become substantially equal to each other, and causes a third inter-pin distance (d3) to approach the second inter-pin distance (d2).

Abstract: With the traction means tensioner, a traction means having at least two ends is tensionable. The traction means tensioner comprises a first fastening means, a second fastening means and a coupling means. The first fastening means has a first fastening portion at which the first end of the traction means as fastenable. The second fastening means has a second fastening portion at which the second end of the traction means is fastenable. The coupling means couples the first and the second fastening means to each other so that the first and the second fastening means are movable with respect to each other and their movability is at least restricted on one side. Further, the first and the second fastening means are pre-tensionable with respect to each other via at least one spring element.

Abstract: Provided is an interlocking chain forward and backward actuating device type device, the device being configured so that the space within the device is effectively utilized and that a device configuration most suitable for driving interlocking chains is selected to enable the interlocking chains to be smoothly driven. An interlocking chain type forward and backward actuating device (100) is configured in such a manner that a pair of flat face-shaped chain support faces (132AS, 132AS) which sandwich and support a rigid chain portion (110G) from both sides thereof each form a portion of each of the guide groove faces (132, 132) of chain guide grooves (131, 131) while being continuously connected to each of a pair of curved guide faces (132BS, 132BS) which respectively guide disengaged portions (110H, 110H) of a pair of interlocking chains (110, 110), the disengaged portions (110H, 110H) having been disengaged from each other.

Abstract: An actuating device includes a first actuating device mounted to a second actuating device. Each of the first and second actuating devices includes a base link, a first link, a second link, a translating link, a shaft, and a drive. The base link includes a first joint, a second joint, and a base plate extending between them. The first link is mounted for rotation to the first joint, and the second link is mounted for rotation to the second joint. The translating link includes a third joint, a fourth joint, and a translating plate extending between them. The drive includes an arc surface and is mounted to the translating link such that, when operating the actuating device, a position of the arc surface is fixed relative to the translating plate. The shaft is mounted to the arc surface to cause translation of the translating link as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: An actuating device has a string element (16) for actuating a shading system (10), which string element is guided at least with one half loop (19) within an actuating device section (15) of the actuating device (11), with a gripping element (17) guided displaceably at the actuating device section in the longitudinal direction of the section. The gripping element has an actuating element (29, 30), which can be reached and operated with a thumb, for detachably connecting the gripping element with the string element. The actuating element is mounted pivotably at the gripping element. The actuating element has a mount (31) for receiving a section of the string element on a side facing the string element. The mount is U-shaped or C-shaped for partially enclosing the string element and/or for extending behind a string member (26) of the string element.

Abstract: A drive transmission system for a sheet-like structure movable in relation to a vehicle section, with at least one flexible drive cable which can transmit tensile and/or compressive forces, and with at least one stationary dimensionally stable conduit in which the drive cable is laid. The drive cable is guided in a slidably movable manner in a flexible plastic hose which is arranged in the conduit and which is held stationarily in relation to the conduit, the plastic hose having on the inside low sliding friction with respect to the drive cable.

Abstract: A steering actuator comprises a housing having a steering cable entry port. A drive mechanism is rotatably mounted within the housing. A steering cable extends through the steering cable entry port and is actuated by the drive mechanism. A steering cable core support sleeve is disposed within the housing between the steering cable entry port and an interface between the steering cable and the drive mechanism. A cable core of the steering cable extends through the steering cable support sleeve.

Abstract: Provided is a differential member that is used in a surgical instrument, which may be manually operated to perform laparoscopic operations or various surgical operations, to receive an input of two or more rotation motions or translation motions and output a single rotation motion or translation motion.

Abstract: A device for controlling a window treatment operated by a cord includes a control mechanism coupled to the window treatment for positioning the window treatment in response to the movement of a cord and a safety device disposed in a common housing with the control mechanism. The safety device interferes with and prevents movement of the cord if the cord is not tensioned properly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a medical device. The medical device may include an elongate member, a first control member and a second control member each coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, an actuator coupled to the first control member and the second control member and configured to selectively move the first control member and the second control member to steer the elongate member, and a holding mechanism deflecting a path of the first control member from the actuator to the distal end of the elongate member and a path of the second control member from the actuator to the distal end of the elongate member. The holding mechanism may be configured to apply tension on one of the first control member and the second control member as the other is moved to steer the elongate member.

Abstract: An actuator for adjusting the length of an extensible member, the actuator comprising: a driving mechanism; a rotary member arranged to be driven about its axis by the driving mechanism selectively in a first direction and a second direction; and an elongate flexible member supported by a constraint means for transmitting force from the actuator to the extensible member in order to adjust the length thereof; the elongate flexible member passing around and being engaged with the rotary member such that rotation of the rotary member in the first direction causes the elongate flexible member to be extended and rotation in the second direction causes the elongate flexible member to be retracted.

Abstract: A motorized drive system and method for articulating an articulated joint having a motor and an elastic cable. The elastic cable is operatively connected to both the motor and the articulated joint such that the motor articulates the joint via the elastic cable. In addition, the elastic cable is adapted to be sufficiently elastic such that the motorized drive system is configured to use one motor for each degree of freedom through which the articulated joint moves.

Abstract: The invention provides a cable drive device (10) including a linear drive member (12), and a cable drum (14) attached to a support bracket (30, 32) adapted to be affixed to a surface. The cable drum (14) has an axle (26) supported by the support bracket (30, 32) to allow rotation of the cable drum (14). The cable drum (14) has a cable (42) affixed at either end of said linear drive member (12) and tautly wrapped around the cable drum (14). The cable drum (14) is located between the ends of the linear drive member (12) to, in use, allow the linear drive member (12) to be guided through the bracket (30, 32) to move the linear drive member (12) longitudinally when the axle (26) is rotated.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a mechanism for providing motion having two degrees of freedom and centered on a single point within a sphere. Methods to design the mechanism consistent with specified parameters are also described.

Abstract: The current invention is a motion imparting decoy device that will help individuals to more effectively lure game animals into reasonable range.

Abstract: A deceleration device includes a driving device and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a driving member, a first active subassembly, a second active subassembly, a first transmission member, a second transmission member and two regulatory mechanisms. The driving member is connected to the driving device. The first transmission member connects the driving member to the first active subassembly, and is driven by the driving device, and rotates the first active subassembly. The second transmission member connects the first active subassembly to the second active subassembly, and is driven by the first active subassembly, and rotates the second active subassembly. The two regulatory mechanisms elastically resist the first transmission member and the second transmission member, respectively.

Abstract: A force transmission includes a gimbal plate having two degrees of freedom. Each of three lever arms is supported by a pivot between two ends of the lever arm. One end of each lever arm is coupled to the gimbal plate such that the three couplings are not collinear. An equalizer cable has two opposing ends, each end fixedly coupled to one of the lever arms. The equalizer cable is routed over a lever arm pulley pivotally coupled to another of the lever arms between the pivot and one end of the lever arm. The gimbal plate may be coupled to the three lever arms by flexible cables or by links that transmit compression forces but not tension forces. The cables may be substantially contained within a tube. The links may be electrically non-conductive. The force transmission may control a surgical end effector in a teleoperated surgical instrument.

Abstract: A deceleration mechanism comprises a driving wheel, a driven wheel of a diameter exceeding that of the driving wheel, a transmission member coiling around the driving wheel and the driven wheel; and a tension assembly fixed to the driven wheel. The transmission member coils around the driving wheel, criss-crosses, and coils around the driven wheel. The tension assembly is arranged between the transmission member and the driven wheel and elastically resists the transmission member and the driven wheel.

Abstract: A deceleration mechanism includes a transmission assembly and a driving device. The transmission assembly includes a driving member, a first driven assembly, a second driven assembly, a first transmission member, and a second transmission member. The first transmission member coils around the driving member and the first driven assembly. The second transmission member coils around the first driven assembly and the second driven assembly. The driving device rotates the driving member, the driving member rotates the first driven assembly, and the first driven assembly rotates the second driven assembly.

Abstract: A pitched cable having a flexible core around which a coil is wrapped. The flexible core includes an end area which protrudes beyond the coil and passes through a hole of a carrier. The carrier bears at one end of the hole against an end of the coil, and at an other end of the hole against a stop body fastened to an end of the core. An end region of the coil is provided with a metal casting that encloses the coil and the core. Mutually abutting surfaces of the metal casting and of the carrier can be formed with a positive-locking engagement, which prevents relative twisting between the metal casting and the carrier about the core. The metal casting can be formed as a zinc die casting.

Abstract: In a motor-driven power steering apparatus, in an intermediate assembled state in which an input shaft, an output shaft, a torsion bar, a worm gear, a worm wheel, a torque detecting apparatus and a spiral cable are assembled in a gear housing, and an electric motor is not assembled yet, a rotation preventing arm which prevents the worm gear from rotating is loaded with respect to the gear housing.

Abstract: A transmission 7 includes three ball bearings 81A, 81B, 81C, an input shaft 74, an output holding member 83, and an output shaft 72. Each of the ball bearings 81A, 81B, 81C has an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rolling elements. The input shaft 74 has an insertion portion inserted into the inner race, and is rotated about the rotation axis of the ball bearing 81A, thereby rotating the inner race. When the inner race is rotated, the rolling elements roll in accordance with the rotation of the inner race. The output holding member 83 includes a holding portion 831 which is held by the rolling elements, and is rotated about the rotation axis of the ball bearing 81C in accordance with rolling of the rolling elements, whereby the output shaft 72 is rotated about the rotation axis of the ball bearing 81C.

Abstract: This invention relates to an actuator and has particular reference to linear and rotary actuators, particularly those for use in the control of robotic arms. The invention provides a relatively low cost means of achieving substantially backlashfree rotary and/or linear motion.

Abstract: A hypocycloid reducer 70 for reducing rotation of a flat motor 60 to output the speed-reduced rotation to a drum is provided between the drum and the flat motor 60, a rotor shalt member 65 which is rotated with the same rotation number as the flat motor 60 is axially aligned with the drum is provided on the same side as the flat motor 60. An output rotation body 74 for outputting the speed-reduced rotation is axially aligned with the drum and provided on the same side as the drum. Since the rotor shaft member 65 and the output rotation body 74 are axially aligned with the drum, turning force can be transmitted bi-directionally between the rotor shaft member 65 and the output rotation body 74. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate an electromagnetic clutch to reduce the driving apparatus in size and weight, and since wires and control logic of the electromagnetic clutch are not needed for the driving apparatus, the driving apparatus can be reduced in production cost.

Abstract: An actuating device includes a base link, a first link, a second link, a translating link, a shaft, and a drive. The base link includes a base plate, a first joint, and a second joint. The base plate extends between the first joint and the second joint. The first link is mounted to the first joint to allow rotation of the first link relative to the base plate at the first joint. The second link is mounted to the second joint to allow rotation of the second link relative to the base plate at the second joint. The drive includes an arc surface and is mounted to the translating link such that, when operating the actuating device, a position of the arc surface is fixed relative to the translating plate. The shaft is mounted to the arc surface to cause translation of the translating link as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot joint driving apparatus and a robot having the same, capable of minimizing tension of a wire applied to a movable member by installing an idle pulley in a power transmission structure using a ball screw apparatus and the wire. The robot joint driving apparatus includes a reversible drive motor, a pair of movable members performing a linear movement according to rotation of the reversible drive motor, a wire connected to the movable members from both directions of the movable members, an idle pulley rotatably installed at one side of the wire, a joint part rotatably installed at an opposite side of the wire, and an adjustment unit to adjust tension of the wire.

Abstract: A strap-drive system that provides smooth, reliable potentiometer adjustment, particularly in devices used in conjunction with musical instruments.

Abstract: This application relates to a device which is mounted onto a threadless curveable/flexible shaft and which converts the rotary motion of the outer of a curveable/flexible shaft into linear translation of the device. The device includes a threadless curveable/flexible shaft and two blocks with have an axial bore therethrough and a plurality of roller bearings, four of which are disposed on the block called the upper block and two of which are disposed on the block called the lower block. The upper block carries the tensioning devices which generate the friction between the bearing and the outer of the shaft. The lower block is the component to which both the driven load and the upper block are secured.

Abstract: A drive system for an expandable enclosure having a slide out, the drive system including a first guide, a second guide spaced from the first guide, a drive wheel supported between the first and second guides and inward thereof, and a belt operatively engaging the drive wheel and having a first end and a second end, where the first end extends outward from the drive wheel and over the first guide and the second end extends outward from the drive wheel and over the second guide, each of the ends being attachable to the slide out, where the drive wheel is rotatable to move the belt to move the slide out.

Abstract: An endoscope device comprises a replaceable endoscope probe, a carriage for holding the endoscope probe, a zoom unit, a tilting unit, and a rotation unit. Preferably, the tilting unit comprises a telescopic arm which is extendable and retractable along an arcuate path, the telescopic arm includes two rigid arcuate members which are telescopically slidable relative to each other, wherein the tilting device is rotatable about an axis of rotation which passes through the fixed point, so that the telescopic arm is movable in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A linear actuator, in particular telescopic legs for height-adjustable tables, and comprising an outer profile (18), a spindle (7) mounted at an upper end of the outer profile, a transmission (8) connecting the spindle (7) with a reversible electric motor, a spindle nut (11) secured against rotation on the spindle (7), an intermediate profile (10) mounted with its one end on the spindle nut (11), a guide at a lower end of the outer profile (18) for the intermediate profile (10), a cord element (12, 20; 26) secured at the lower end of the outer profile (18) and connected via a guide with an inner profile (14), such that this together with the intermediate profile (10) is telescopically pushed out of and into the outer profile (18) by the rotation of the spindle.

Abstract: A bending operation apparatus includes a bending portion, an operation section; an operation lever provided with an axis whose tilting direction and tilting angle are variable; at least two pulling members coupled to the bending portion; a suspension frame fixed to the axis; and an amount-of-operation-force adjustment section which includes a first coupling section provided on the suspension frame and coupled to a first of the pulling members and a second coupling section coupled to a second of the pulling members and adjusts amounts of forces by adjusting a distance from a center line of the axis to the first coupling section and a distance from the center line of the axis to the second coupling section such that a first amount of force to tilt the axis in a first direction and a second amount of force to tilt the axis in a second direction differ from each other.

Abstract: A reconfigurable power pack, that produces rotational power and can be used with separate accessories. The housing can be mounted in a first configuration with its motor facing downward and in which the housing is energized to move along a substantially horizontal extrusion. A second configuration mounts the housing is to move along a track in a deck. Other configurations are also possible.

Abstract: An actuating assembly, including a rotatable core and an electric drive for driving the rotatable core are disclosed. The rotatable core is arranged for engagement with a cable disposed within a pair of conduit sections and the cable can connect with a pair of actuatable devices. The rotatable core is arranged to be operable to pull the cable on each side of the core upon rotation thereof in a first direction, and to extend the cable on each side of the core upon rotation thereof in a second direction. The assembly further includes a pair of reaction abutments disposed on opposite sides of the rotatable core and to which a respective end of each conduit section can be connected. The assembly is arranged to be fixedly mounted and the reaction abutments are mounted for movement relative to the rotatable core for equalisation of cable load transmitted through the conduit sections.

Abstract: An operating element with a drive motor equipped with a drive shaft, which can be driven in two opposite rotational directions to move an actuating element between two end positions by a motion transmission device. Each of two motion transmission devices includes a winding body, onto which a traction element is wound in the direction opposite to that in which the traction element of the other transmission device is wound. The free end of the traction element is attached to the actuating element.

Abstract: Rotary to linear and linear to rotary motion conversion devices that consist of rotational elements, at least two flexible linking elements, and motion elements are disclosed. Rotary elements and motion elements are connected by the flexible linking members, which twist around each other when rotational elements rotate and thus produce pulling force on the motion elements. A methodology to design the motion conversion devices and robotic joints incorporating the motion conversion devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An articulated driving mechanism for a dispenser which in one embodiment is a caulking gun has a series of rigid links that are secured to one another by pins. The pins can slide in a slot which allows the links to space away from one another in a first position or be squeezed side by side which then prevents any rotation in a second position. The links all have ratchet teeth to engage two different driving wheels. The two driving wheels rotate at different speeds which allows the links to be consistently opened before reaching a circumferential wheel so that then the spaced links can rotate and safely and reliably rotate as they follow the circumference of the wheel. The articulated driving mechanism is used as a substitute for a push rod in a caulking gun in at least one embodiment.

Abstract: The invention is an elevator comprising a movable component, a vertical track mounted along an elevator shaft, a driven frictional engagement device for frictional engagement with one side of the track with a coefficient of friction, and a connected support disposed on an opposite side of the track. The frictional engagement device is pivotally mounted on a lever which pivotally supports an effective weight of the movable component whereby the lever makes an angle ?1 with the horizontal. The tangent of the angle ?1 is less than or equal to the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A sprocket having a slot formed therethrough can be disposed about the non-rotating support rod of a given roller door. This sprocket is then attached to the door-supporting frame such that the sprocket is positioned externally to the roller door. A connector can serve to effect this attachment. This connector might comprise a plurality of bolts with support sleeves. By this approach, the sprocket can be maintained at a fixed distance from the door supporting frame. This connector might also comprise an adjustable connector that adjustably and fixedly connects the sprocket with respect to the door-supporting frame. By one approach, the sprocket connects directly to the door-supporting frame. By another approach, if desired, the sprocket connects to a frame interface which connects, in turn, to the door-supporting frame. This frame interface can itself also have a slot formed therethrough to again facilitate placing the frame interface into an installed position.