Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for redundant flight control configured for use in an aircraft. More specifically, a system is provided that includes a plurality of actuators that are configured to move a flight component of an aircraft such that one actuator is configured to move the flight component if the other actuator fails to move the flight component upon receipt of an attitude command from a pilot control.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises a patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a patient support surface supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises movable members that are movable between at least a first position and a second position. One or more rotary actuators with rotation limiting devices are coupled to each movable member. The actuator with the rotation limiting device permits drive torque to move the movable member in a desired position between the first and second positions and restricts back drive torque from moving the movable member.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adjusting a position of a flight control member relative to a base of an aircraft. The devices and methods include a joint that movably connects the flight control surface to the base. An extension member is connected to the flight control surface and extends through the joint. Adjustable linear members of the base are connected to the extension member and configured to adjust the position of the extension member. This adjustment results in re-orienting the flight control member relative to the base to adjust the flight of the aircraft.

Abstract: Pressure in subsea systems, and accumulators of the subsea systems, may be increased through the use of a supercharge cylinder to generate higher pressures from an initial pressure provided from a surface vessel. The supercharge cylinder may include a piston that can be stroked to increase pressure stored in accumulators located near subsea systems, such as a blowout preventer (BOP). The increased pressure provided by the supercharge cylinder may allow the same number of accumulators to be used in the subsea system but allow additional effective hydraulic fluid to be stored in the accumulators.

Abstract: A system to provide differential movement between a first surface, a second surface and a fixed surface includes a first surface movable between a first position and a second position; a second surface movable with the first surface and further movable beyond the first surface; a shaft connected to the second surface to move the second surface; and a drive unit connected to the fixed surface to drive the shaft to move the second surface relative to the first surface and to allow the shaft to move through the drive unit when the second surface is being moved by the first surface.

Abstract: An actuator comprises an actuator output shaft, a rotatable lock formation associated with the output shaft so as to be axially fixed relative thereto, the lock formation defining an entry passage, a lock pocket and an exit passage, a pin positioned for movement relative to the lock formation such that, as the actuator approaches a fully extended position, a part of the pin is received within and passes along the entry passage, and resilient detent means operable such that, once the pin has moved beyond a predetermined position within the entry passage, the resilient detent means prevents return movement of the pin along the entry passage.

Abstract: A linear actuator for an aircraft comprising a casing comprising a first casing section and a second casing section, wherein the first casing section and the second casing section are extendible and retractable with respect to each other, and a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism disposed in the casing, wherein the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism are operable independently of each other to drive at least one transmission element connected to an interior of the casing.

Abstract: A subsea electric actuator comprises an electric motor and a telescopic drive connection (8) from the motor to a drive unit (10, 11, 12) which can be moved to and fro and converts rotary motion of the connection to linear motion of an actuating stem (5). A return spring (14) is operable on the drive unit to urge the actuating stem towards a datum state. An electromagnetic latch (15) is operative when set to maintain the drive unit in a predetermined position so as to decouple the action of the return spring whereby the stem can be advanced and retracted relative to the drive unit free from the action of the return spring. De-energization of the latch allows the return spring to operate on the drive unit to return the actuating stem to the datum state. Various forms of electromagnetic latch are described.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating movement of a control surface relative to a structure can include a high-efficiency assembly and a low-efficiency assembly. The high-efficiency assembly can be connectable between a control surface and a structure for providing a first load transfer assembly and the assembly can have minimum backlash. The low-efficiency assembly is connectable between the control surface and the structure for providing a second load transfer assembly. The low-efficiency or irreversible assembly can be disposed in parallel relationship to the high-efficiency assembly and can have a higher backlash than the low-efficiency assembly. The low-efficiency assembly can be unloaded in normal operation.

Abstract: A linear step motor can include: a motor housing fixedly mounted at an inner surface of a ring-shaped stator and formed with an opening; a rotor rotatably mounted at a space centrally formed at the stator; a cover member coupled to a bearing to open/close the opening; a nut shaft centrally arranged at the rotor, coupled to an outside of the cover member by passing through a shaft hole centrally formed at an inner ring of the bearing, coupled at a periphery by a magnet and formed with a female screw gear-combined with a lead screw member formed at an inner surface with a male screw; and a fixing unit integrally formed with the nut shaft and fixed to the bearing coupled to the cover member.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first motor for moving an actuator, a first brake for selectively braking the motor, a second brake that is engaged, the second brake dissipating torque spikes in the system, and a gear attaching the first motor to the actuator to cause the actuator to move and to the second brake whereby the torque spikes overcome stiction in the engaged brake so that the torque spike is dissipated in the engaged brake.

Abstract: Vehicles commonly include control-surfaces and other components that are selectively moved during operation among a plurality of positions. Movement of aircraft control-surface components is crucial in flight, and an actuating assembly must consistently and dependably perform during normal operation and be prepared to survive situations outside normal operation and/or to compensate for circumstances causing loss of actuator control. Jam tolerant electromechanically operated actuation systems, of both the rotary and linear types, together with their methods of operation are described herein. Specifically, electrical jam-detection and control systems and associated locking and damping devices can be electrically and mechanically engaged and disengaged, are automatically reversible, and are testable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spindle drive having a first load path which is formed by the spindle and having a second load path which is formed by a torsion bar which is exposed to torsion, which is arranged in the spindle and is connected to it such that a rotary movement is exerted onto the spindle in at least one state of the threaded drive by the torsion bar, with the spindle drive having a sensor unit which is made such that it detects a relative movement between the spindle and the torsion bar.

Abstract: An actuator is arranged to move an aircraft component such as a landing gear leg, flap or aileron between a first position and a second position, net load from external forces acting on the aircraft component tending to drive it towards the first position. The actuator comprises a threaded screw and a threaded nut. A main prime mover is configured to apply torque to the screw or nut acting in opposition to the net load under normal operating conditions. An emergency prime mover is configured to apply torque to the screw or nut acting in the same sense as the net load under emergency operating conditions in which the interface between the nut and the screw has become partially jammed to the extent that the component cannot be moved from the second position to the first position by operation of the net load alone.

Abstract: A spindle drive has a first load path formed by a first nut which meshes with a threaded bolt and a second load path formed by a second nut which also meshes with the threaded bolt and is arranged to be movable relative to the first nut in an axial direction of the threaded bolt in at least one state of the spindle drive. A sensor unit detects relative movement between the first and second nuts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device (20) for entrance/exit devices for public transit vehicles, comprising a drive unit (22) disposed in and driving a column (24) that rotates about an axis of rotation Z-Z during opening and closing operations, said column opening and closing an entrance/exit device. The drive unit (22) is supported in the vehicle by way of a support component (40) and the support component (40) acts as a counterbearing for a torque of the drive unit (22). A coupling device (72) is disposed between the drive unit (22) and the support component (40), said coupling device facilitating a rotation of the drive unit (22) about the axis of rotation Z-Z when a limit of the torque acting on the drive unit is exceeded.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator incorporates a drive housing connected to a motor for rotational motion. A screw is employed with an actuating nut having protruding engagement bosses and a drive coupling is concentrically received within the drive housing having segments equal to the number of engagement bosses. Each segment has a cavity to receive a respective one of the engagement bosses and the segments are cooperatively positionable from an active position radially compressed to engage the bosses within the cavities to a released position radially expanded to disengage the bosses from the cavities.

Abstract: A method for forming an electromechanical actuator that involves using at least one motor module engageable with an output ram for controllably translating the output ram along a linear axis of the output ram. A torque sensing adaptive control (TSAC) system is used for monitoring motor module torque within the motor module and generating a disengagement command signal. The disengagement command signal is used to initiate disengagement of the motor module from the output ram when the torque within the motor module is outside an allowable motor module torque range.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for an electric linear actuator is disclosed. The linear actuator has a guide screw and a telescopic tube. The safety mechanism includes a nut, a nut sheath, a sleeve, and a torsion spring. The nut connects the guide screw. The nut sheath is fixed on one side of the nut to form an integer and is provided with a plurality of bumps. One end of the sleeve is put around the nut sheath and the other end thereof is connected to the telescopic tube. The sleeve is provided with a plurality of rabbets corresponding to the bumps. The torsion spring is disposed around the nut sheath and the sleeve. When the guide screw is rotated, the nut sheath is engaged with the sleeve by embedding the bumps into the rabbets. When the sleeve stops, the bumps and the rabbets depart from engagement to make the nut sheath and the nut freely rotate against the sleeve.

Abstract: An actuator assembly configured to control the movement of a stabilizer includes a ball screw having a longitudinal axis and configured to be rotated by a drive assembly, a primary nut assembly coupled to the stabilizer and received on the ball screw such that rotation of the ball screw causes movement of the primary nut assembly along the longitudinal axis of the ball screw, the ball screw and primary nut defining a primary load path between the between the drive means and the stabilizer, and a secondary nut assembly coupled to the primary nut assembly and configured to engage the ball screw upon failure of the primary load path.

Abstract: A telescopic actuator comprising a cylinder in which a main rod is mounted to slide telescopically along a sliding axis (X) between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuator includes an auxiliary rod mounted to slide in the main rod along the sliding axis between retracted and extended positions. A structure is provided for retaining the auxiliary rod in the retracted position inside the main rod. There also is a brake structure for braking sliding of the auxiliary rod in the main rod in the extension direction. The auxiliary rod has a thread on an outside surface, and the main rod has a rotary bearing that centers the auxiliary rod inside the main rod and co-operates via a reversible helical connection with the thread of the auxiliary rod such that extension of the auxiliary rod causes the rotary bearing to rotate.

Abstract: Direct drive electromechanical rotary-to-linear actuators include one or more electric motors mounted in a housing. Each motor includes a stator and a rotor. The motor drives a planetary drive mechanism that includes an elongated central shaft having one or more helical threads on an external surface coupled to the rotor for conjoint rotation. A planetary nut having helical threads on an internal surface is disposed concentric to the shaft, and a plurality of planetary rollers are disposed concentrically between the shaft and the planetary nut. Each of the rollers has a helical thread on an external surface that is complementary to and in engagement with a thread of the shaft and a thread of the nut. Rotation of the rotor is converted with mechanical advantage into linear movement of the planetary nut. The actuators provide backlash-free operation, higher stiffnesses, slew rates and frequency responses, and better overall efficiency.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises a pair of symmetrically loaded screw actuators driven from a common motor through respective drive shafts, and a protection arrangement arranged to avoid the continued application of full motor drive to one of the actuators in the event of the occurrence of a jam condition associated therewith.

Abstract: A vertical linear actuator mechanism for positioning a load at a desired elevation above a support surface is described. The vertical linear actuator mechanism in one aspect thereof comprises an electric motor having a drivable shaft. The drivable shaft is coupled to a linear extendable mechanism having a load connector at a top end thereof. A potentiometer detects the position of the load connector relative to the support surface and provides position signals to a motor controller circuit which monitors the position of the load connector and controls the operation of the electric motor. In another aspect thereof the vertical linear actuator is comprised by a pair of gas spring cylinders interconnected together. The vertical linear actuator mechanism is secured inside a telescopic pedestal and extends and retracts the pedestal.

Abstract: An actuator includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor, and a transmission coupled to the first and second rotary motors. The transmission converts rotation of the first rotary motor in a first direction and simultaneous rotation of the second rotary motor in a second direction to linear motion of an output shaft in a single direction. The actuator is usable in an active automobile suspension.

Abstract: An actuator includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor, and a transmission coupled to the first and second rotary motors. The transmission converts rotation of the first rotary motor in a first direction and simultaneous rotation of the second rotary motor in a second direction to linear motion of an output shaft in a single direction. The actuator is usable in an active automobile suspension.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating movement of a control surface relative to a structure can include a high-efficiency assembly and a low-efficiency assembly. The high-efficiency assembly can be connectable between a control surface and a structure for providing a first load transfer assembly and the assembly can have minimum backlash. The low-efficiency assembly is connectable between the control surface and the structure for providing a second load transfer assembly. The low-efficiency or irreversible assembly can be disposed in parallel relationship to the high-efficiency assembly and can have a higher backlash than the low-efficiency assembly. The low-efficiency assembly can be unloaded in normal operation.

Abstract: A linear drive for adjusting at least one movable structure includes at least one spindle drive having a rotatable spindle. Disposed on the spindle and restrained against rotation is a lifting nut which is linked to the movable structure. At least one safety mechanism is disposed on the spindle without connection to the lifting nut and restrained against rotation. The safety mechanism includes an inner nut attached to the spindle and an outer guide bushing attached onto the inner nut, wherein the inner nut and the guide bushing have an engagement structure which effects a form-fitting engagement between the inner nut and the guide bushing during normal operation and is so constructed as to effect a disengagement between the inner nut and the guide bushing, when the safety mechanism is subjected to a predefined load torque.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (EMA) is provided. The EMA includes a threaded output ram connectable to a mechanical component and at least one motor module engageable with the output ram for controllably translating the output ram along a linear axis of the output ram. The actuator further includes a torque sensing adaptive control (TSAC) system for monitoring torque within the motor module. The TSAC generates a disengagement command signal when the TSAC system determines torque within the motor module is outside an allowable motor module torque range. The disengagement command signal initiates disengagement of the motor module from the output ram.

Abstract: Direct drive electromechanical rotary-to-linear actuators include one or more electric motors mounted in a housing. Each motor includes a stator and a rotor. The motor drives a planetary drive mechanism that includes an elongated central shaft having one or more helical threads on an external surface coupled to the rotor for conjoint rotation. A planetary nut having helical threads on an internal surface is disposed concentric to the shaft, and a plurality of planetary rollers are disposed concentrically between the shaft and the planetary nut. Each of the rollers has a helical thread on an external surface that is complementary to and in engagement with a thread of the shaft and a thread of the nut. Rotation of the rotor is converted with mechanical advantage into linear movement of the planetary nut. The actuators provide backlash-free operation, higher stiffnesses, slew rates and frequency responses, and better overall efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic actuator comprising a cylinder in which a main rod is mounted to slide telescopically along a sliding axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuator includes an auxiliary rod mounted to slide telescopically in the main rod along said sliding axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuator including controlled retaining means for retaining the auxiliary rod in the retracted position inside the main rod.

Abstract: A threaded nut is provided for a linear drive having a rotatable spindle. The threaded nut is provided with a main nut, wherein the main nut is intended for being arranged with its internal thread on the external thread of the spindle, and is intended to perform a translatory displacing motion during a rotary motion of the spindle. The threaded nut has, furthermore, a safety nut, which is intended not to mesh by its internal thread with the external thread of the spindle during the normal operation of the linear drive and to mesh with the thread of the spindle in case of failure of the main nut. To make possible simple mounting in case of such a threaded nut means and to reduce the risk for incorrect alignment, the main nut (11) has a first part and a second part. The two parts are located at spaced locations from one another and each part being provided with a threaded section (18a, 18b) of the main nut (11), wherein the safety nut (12) is intended to be arranged between the two threaded sections (18a, 18b).

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a spindle, a main nut, and a safety nut which cooperates with the main nut. The flank of the safety nut closest to the load supported by the spindle is made steep, i.e., forms an acute angle of between about 20 to 30 degrees with its longitudinal axis, thereby providing a great frictional force by engagement with the threads of the spindle in the event that the main nut fails. The great frictional force is brought about because the threads of the spindle, exclusively with the outer edge, become in linear engagement with the steep flank on the safety nut.

Abstract: In a threaded drive having a load-bearing nut and a catch nut, for securing against a load-bearing nut, the catch nut is urged by a spring against an axial bearing face of the load-bearing nut.

Abstract: A spindle drive and patient positioning system is provided. The spindle drive includes a drive that is operative to drive a spindle nut. An axially transportable spindle is circled by the spindle nut. A catch nut that is not in mutual engagement with the spindle has a predefined distance to the drive. When the spindle nut fails, the spindle is operative to move the catch nut into mutual engagement with the spindle. A switching element is fixed to the catch nut and includes an emergency off switch, which is activated by a switching sensor.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a screw shaft, a nut translatable along the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position, a tine component carried by the nut, the tine component including tine fingers formed with projections each being engageable with a formation provided on a housing when the nut occupies its extended position to secure the nut against axial movement, and a lock member engageable with the tine fingers to restrict radial movement of the tine fingers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic actuator comprising a cylinder (1) in which a main rod (2) is mounted to slide telescopically along a sliding axis (X) between a retracted position and an extended position, the telescopic actuator including an auxiliary rod mounted to slide telescopically in the main rod along said sliding axis between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuator including controlled retaining means (30, 31, 32, 33) for retaining the auxiliary rod in the retracted position inside the main rod, the actuator further including brake means for braking sliding of the auxiliary rod in the main rod in the extension direction.

Abstract: A linear actuator of the type whose function is based on a spindle (3) and a main nut (4), is provided with a safety nut (7) in connection with the main nut. The flank (9) of the safety nut closest to the load is made steep, i.e. forms an acute angle with its longitudinal axis, thereby providing a great frictional force by engagement with the threads of the spindle in the event that the main nut fails. The great frictional force is brought about in that the threads of the spindle, exclusively with the outer edge, get into linear engagement with the steep flank on the safety nut.

Abstract: A threaded drive has a threaded spindle having a longitudinal axis, a supporting nut which is in a screw engagement with the threaded spindle with a first clearance and which is rotatable relative to the threaded spindle about the longitudinal axis, a catch nut which is in a screw engagement with the threaded spindle with a second predetermined clearance which is greater than the first predetermined clearance, the catch nut being freely rotatable relative to the supporting nut, and also being bringable in a clamping engagement with the supporting nut and fixable on the supporting nut in any desired relative rotary position.

Abstract: An elevator includes an elevator car guided to move up and down relative to a supporting member, a screw shaft having an upper end attached to the supporting member, a driving nut rotatably supported in a coupling device and threaded with the screw shaft, one driving device coupled to rotate the screw shaft and to move the driving nut up and down along the screw shaft, and a coupling device rotatably attached onto the driving nut and coupled to the elevator car. Another spare driving device may further be coupled to drive the screw shaft for moving the elevator car to a lower level or a safe location when the driving device either fails or is damaged.

Abstract: An actuation device for adjusting a powered control device opposite the adjusting direction. The actuation device comprises an actuation element axially displaceable in a housing by a feed device at least in the adjusting direction. The actuation device includes an emergency actuation arrangement that may be actuated from outside the housing of the device. The emergency actuation arrangement is connected in motion with the feed device via a direction-switched coupling device. The feed device includes at least one motor for turning a rotating spindle. The at least one motor is rigidly connected with a rotating sleeve mounted capable of rotating in the housing and surrounding the rotating spindle. The rotating sleeve is capable of being set in a direction opposite the feed direction of the rotating spindle relative to the housing.

Abstract: An electrical actuator comprises two or more electrical motors to drive a threaded screw ram. Each motor has an armature that drives a threaded roller screw that is engaged to the threaded screw ram. Each armature of each motor is independently engageable and/or dis-engageable with the ram. The motor armatures are engageable and disengageable by way of threaded roller screws, the ends of which are tapered to enable them to be lifted away from or lowered into engagement with the threaded ram.

Abstract: A screw nut assembly of a linear actuation device, having a screw, a main screw nut and a safety screw nut is disclosed. The main screw nut and the safety screw nut engaged with the screw are operative to displace linearly along an axis of the screw. The safety screw nut includes an exterior surface and the main screw nut includes a receiving portion for receiving the safety screw nut therein. The receiving portion includes an interior surface recessed with at least one slot and a spring disposed within the slot, such that the safety screw nut is inserted into the receiving portion by a resilient force exerted by the spring.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises rotary motion producing means (1,2,3,4,5); linear motion producing means (6,7,10,11,12) coupled with the rotary motion producing means for converting rotary motion to linear motion; a driven member (18) movable linearly by the linear motion providing means from a first position to a second position; and backdrive means (22) for returning the driven member to the first position. The arrangement is such that the linear motion producing means includes torque reaction means (13,15,16,17) which, in normal operation, is in an activated condition and provides a torque reaction path to enable the driven member to be moved from the first to the second position but which, in the event of a fault, is in a de-activated condition so that it no longer provides the torque reaction path and the back-drive means can move the driven member to the first position, without disengaging the rotary motion producing means from the linear motion producing means.

Abstract: An actuator combining mechanical and hydraulic forces includes a cylindrical body and a piston that can slide relative to the cylindrical body. The piston and the cylindrical body are connected by a mechanical system for transmitting mechanical power that constitutes a device that permanently controls the position of the actuator, a permanent locking device, and a safety device. The device for transmitting hydraulic power constitutes a load compensator device. The two power transmitting devices operate in parallel. Position control using the drive system at reduced power can be synchronized in a simple way for a plurality of actuators.

Abstract: A ballnut assembly is provided in which a locknut (20), which is normally unloaded becomes loaded in the event of failure of a primary load path. This loading causes relative motion between locking nut (24) and the threads of a shaft (8) such that on clearance there between is eliminated. This causes frictional forces to initiate a lock-up of the locknut.

Abstract: In varying embodiments, the fault tolerant linear actuator of the present invention is a new and improved linear actuator with fault tolerance and positional control that may incorporate velocity summing, force summing, or a combination of the two. In one embodiment, the invention offers a velocity summing arrangement with a differential gear between two prime movers driving a cage, which then drives a linear spindle screw transmission. Other embodiments feature two prime movers driving separate linear spindle screw transmissions, one internal and one external, in a totally concentric and compact integrated module.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a sealing device comprises a lift including an upper pulley assembly and a lower pulley assembly, the lift being coupled to the sealing device by a thread rod for either lifting or lowering the sealing device; a rope assembly the rope assembly passing the upper pulley assembly; a rope terminal adjacent the sealing device, the rope terminal being coupled to one end of the rope assembly; a power terminal coupled to the other end of the rope assembly; and a connection cable coupled between the power terminal and the rope terminal through the lower pulley assembly. There is no arc formed by the rope assembly during the lifting or lowering of the sealing device, thereby causing no interference to an operation of the sealing device.

Abstract: One end of a cylinder disposed on the outer periphery of a ball screw shaft is fixed to the end face of a ball nut, while the other end of the cylinder is closed by an end plate to thereby form a lubricant filling space between the end plate and the leading end face of the ball screw shaft. And, the lubricant is supplied into the lubricant filling space from a grease nipple mounted on the cylinder.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises rotary motion producing means (1,2,3,4,5); linear motion producing means (6,7,10,11,12) coupled with the rotary motion producing means for converting rotary motion to linear motion; a driven member (18) movable linearly by the linear motion providing means from a first position to a second position; and backdrive means (22) for returning the driven member to the first position. The arrangement is such that the linear motion producing means includes torque reaction means (13,15,16,17) which, in normal operation, is in an activated condition and provides a torque reaction path to enable the driven member to be moved from the first to the second position but which, in the event of a fault, is in a de-activated condition so that it no longer provides the torque reaction path and the back-drive means can move the driven member to the first position, without disengaging the rotary motion producing means from the linear motion producing means.