Carriage Surrounding, Guided By, And Primarily Supported By Member Other Than Screw (e.g., Linear Guide, Etc.) Patents (Class 74/89.32)
  • Patent number: 11957883
    Abstract: A machine for coupling a plunger rod to a syringe assembly may include a carriage including a cradle having a seat portion sized to receive a syringe assembly and an aperture portion disposed above the seat portion and sized to receive a plunger rod. An actuating device may be operatively coupled to the carriage and adapted to move the cradle from a first position to a second position to couple the plunger rod to the syringe assembly. The carriage may be selected from separate and interchangeable first and second carriages, wherein the first carriage includes a cradle adapted to receive a syringe assembly of a first size and the second carriage including a cradle sized to receive a syringe assembly of a second size that is different from the first size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: AMGEN INC.
    Inventors: Jeroen Ketelaars, Lawrence G. Leka, Ernesto J. Perez, Manuel Rey, Jomasoel Rivera, Javier O. Tapia, Martin van Wezel, Francisco Almedina Vazquez, Noel Wah Reyes
  • Patent number: 11911122
    Abstract: A robotic surgical tool for a robotic instrument driver that includes a handle having a first end, at least one spline rotatably coupled to the handle and extending proximally from the first end, a carriage movably mounted to the at least one spline and including a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. At least one spline extends through a portion of at least one of the first and second layers and the carriage translates along the at least one spline. The robotic surgical tool also includes an elongate shaft extending from the carriage and penetrating the first end, the shaft having an end effector arranged at a distal end thereof and an activating mechanism coupled to one or both of the first and second layers and actuatable to operate a function of the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Charles J. Scheib, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Jason A. Hill
  • Patent number: 11754157
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Tolomatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas Keranen, Wyatt Grunerud, Gary Rosengren
  • Patent number: 11662040
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electric water diverter, which includes a controller, a brushless DC motor, a core and a T-shaped body. The controller is electrically connected to a fixed Hall PCB circuit board and the brushless DC motor in turn. The brushless DC motor has a rotating shaft detachably connected to the core via a connector, which is also embedded with a magnet cooperating with the Hall PCB circuit board. The Hall PCB circuit board obtains a relative position signal of the rotating shaft through Hall induction and feeds the relative position signal back to the controller. A user controls the brushless DC motor to perform phase rotation through the controller and drive the connector and the core to selectively rotate forward or backward relative to the T-shaped body. Thereby, stepless adjustment of water flow from water outlet is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Guangzhou Rising Dragon Recreation Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xuewen Liu, Ziqin Guo, Yingjun Wu, Huamin Tang
  • Patent number: 11598400
    Abstract: A nut assembly for use with lead screws is provided. The nut assembly includes a nut member and an adjustment arrangement that can independently adjust the biasing of flexible fingers of the nut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Pacific Bearing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Schroeder, Kent Proffitt, Kollin Proffitt, Keith Cummings, Caleb Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 11529892
    Abstract: A vehicle seat adjustment mechanism may include a gearbox, a first gear, a second gear, and a spindle screw. The first gear is received in the gearbox and is rotatable relative to the gearbox about a first axis. The second gear is received in the gearbox and is rotatable relative to the gearbox about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second gears are meshingly engaged with each other. The spindle screw is meshingly engaged with the second gear and extends through the second gear along the second axis. The spindle screw may have trapezoidal threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Fisher & Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mircea Napau, Doina Napau, Ileana Dacia Napau, Ioan Napau
  • Patent number: 11499610
    Abstract: A motor stop mechanism for a motor including an output shaft includes a motor mounting surface to which the motor is attachable and a threaded drive shaft fixed to and rotatable with the motor output shaft. A trunnion threaded on the threaded drive shaft is displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position by forward and reverse rotation of the threaded drive shaft. A housing surrounds the threaded drive shaft and the trunnion, and a stop limit fixed to the housing defines the extended position of the trunnion. In use, when the trunnion reaches the stop limit, the motor is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Carlson, Patrick Quigley
  • Patent number: 11337702
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shell assembly and an adapter. The shell assembly includes a shell housing, a plurality of staples, a staple pusher, a staple actuator configured to engage the staple pusher, a knife member, and a knife carrier supporting the knife member. The adapter includes a staple band operatively coupled to an actuation mechanism for axial displacement, a knife band at least partially received within the staple band, and a cam ring rotatably supported about the knife band. The staple band is configured to releasably engage the staple actuator. The knife band is operatively coupled with an actuation mechanism for axial displacement. The cam ring is rotatable between an engaged position in which the knife carrier engages the cam ring for concomitant axial displacement with the knife band and a disengaged position in which the knife carrier is disengaged from the cam ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph Guerrera, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Patrick Mozdzierz
  • Patent number: 11339599
    Abstract: A drive device for a pivoting vehicle flap, includes a first housing part (3), a second housing part (4), wherein the first housing part (3) and the second housing part (4) are designed to be movable toward each other in the direction of the axial extension (x) of the drive device (1), a spindle rod (12) rotatably arranged on one of the first housing part (3) and the second housing part (4) and a spindle nut (13) arranged in a rotatably fixed manner on the other of the first housing part (3) and the second housing part (4), a braking device (19), comprising a first brake element, which is connected to the spindle rod (12) in a rotatably fixed manner, a second brake element, which is connected to one of the first housing part (3) and the second housing part (4) in a rotatably fixed manner, wherein the first brake element can interact with the second brake element in order to generate a brake force, and a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: EDSCHA ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventors: Andre Wirth, Jochen Bals
  • Patent number: 11280390
    Abstract: A vehicle mechanism with a housing may have a spindle/nut assembly and a rotation lock, where in order to displace a spindle rod of the spindle/nut assembly in the longitudinal direction of the spindle rod, a rotational movement of a spindle nut of the spindle/nut assembly is blocked by the rotation lock. In order to support the spindle nut such that it cannot rotate, and/or to facilitate an assembly of the vehicle mechanism, and/or the rotation lock, the rotation lock may have at least one elastomer element for retaining the rotation lock on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Mallmann
  • Patent number: 11266406
    Abstract: Surgical instruments and control systems therefor are disclosed. A surgical instrument can comprise: a power circuit comprising a power source and a switch, a microcontroller coupled to the power circuit, a handle comprising an attachment portion, and a control circuit in signal communication with the microcontroller. The attachment portion can comprise a first electrical contact in signal communication with the microcontroller. The control circuit can comprise a sensor configured to detect an attachment state of the attachment portion. The control circuit can communicate the detected attachment state to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller can ignore signals from the first electrical contact when the control circuit communicates a detached state. The attachment portion can comprise a second electrical contact coupled to a second power circuit, and the second power circuit can decouple the second electrical contact and the second power source when the sensor detects the detached state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Mark D. Overmyer, Shane R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11154301
    Abstract: A modular shaft assembly is disclosed. The modular shaft assembly includes one or more inputs configured to receive input motions from a surgical instrument system, such as a handle, for example. The shaft assembly further includes one or more on-board inputs configured to generate input motions. The input motions received and generated by the shaft assembly are transferrable to an end effector of the shaft assembly to perform various functions at the end effector. The end effector can include a staple cartridge and a firing member which is movable between a proximal position and a distal position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The end effector can include a plurality of jaw members and the firing member can comprise camming members which are configured to position the jaw members relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Andrew T. Beckman, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, David C. Yates, Chester O. Baxter, III, Joshua R. Uth, Jeffrey L. Savage, Jason L. Harris
  • Patent number: 11149827
    Abstract: A linear drive device includes an output shaft having a first spiral groove, a movable body engaged with the first spiral groove so as to move in an axial direction, a first fixed shaft extending along an axial line, and a second fixed shaft extending around the axial line. The movable body includes a moved member engaging with the first spiral groove, and a slider moving in the axial line direction integrally with a moved member. The slider is provided with guide holes in which the first fixed shaft penetrates, a penetration part in which the second fixed shaft penetrates with play in the direction in which the first and second fixed shafts are connected, and a first and second receiving part for receiving a moved member when the moved member was rotated to one side along the axial line and when the moved member rotated to the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Higuchi
  • Patent number: 11040456
    Abstract: A robot operating apparatus includes a force sensor mounted on the distal end part of an arm unit and a handle supporting unit mounted on the distal end part of the arm unit via the force sensor. The handle supporting unit supports two handles, and a handle structure including the two handles has two force points where forces are applied while being gripped with both hands. The force sensor detects a resultant force of forces acting on the two force points, and transmits the same to a robot control apparatus, so that the distal end part of the arm unit moves in accordance with a direction and a magnitude of the resultant force detected by the force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Murakami
  • Patent number: 10935075
    Abstract: A low dust linear module includes a rail unit, a slide seat unit, a dustproof strip and two magnetic members. The two magnetic members are disposed at the two slide seat end portions of the slide seat, the first magnetic attraction gap is defined between the magnetic attraction area and a corresponding one of the magnetic members, and the second magnetic attraction gap is defined between the magnetic attraction area and the slide seat cover. When the dustproof strip passes through and are magnetically attracted by the magnetic members, a gap will appear between the magnetic members and the slide seat and the slide seat cover, so that the magnetic members and the dustproof strip are kept in a gap without friction, so as to avoid the generation of dust due to friction, so that the linear module can operate normally and maintain the standard of the working environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Ciao-Cun Hung, Meng-Lung Tsai, Tsung-Wen Peng
  • Patent number: 10842473
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector configured to perform a plurality of end effector functions is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a drive shaft which is both rotatable and translatable to drive the end effector functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Scheib, Adam D. Hensel, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10843349
    Abstract: Provided is a conveyance device capable of achieving high-speed conveyance of a workpiece through arm weight reduction and inertial moment reduction. The conveyance device 100 capable of rotating and linearly moving an arm 121 comprises: a rotary motion mechanism 101 which has a first rotary shaft 108 capable of rotating about a first axis 103; a rotation transmission mechanism 109 which is connected to the first rotary shaft 108 and is capable of rotating the arm 121 when the rotation transmission mechanism 109 is caused to rotate about a second axis 106 in response to rotation of the first rotary shaft 108; and a linear movement mechanism 104 which is capable of linearly moving the arm 121. The linear movement mechanism 104 is disposed on the inner side of the rotation transmission mechanism 109 in such a manner as not to rotate in response to rotation of the first rotary shaft 108.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SANKYO SEISAKUSHO CO.
    Inventor: Kengo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10617422
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shell assembly and an adapter. The shell assembly includes a shell housing, a plurality of staples, a staple pusher configured to eject the plurality of staples from the shell housing, a staple actuator configured to engage the staple pusher, a knife member, and a knife carrier supporting the knife member. The adapter includes a staple band operatively coupled to an actuation mechanism for axial displacement, a knife band at least partially received within the staple band, and a cam ring rotatably supported about the knife band. The staple band is configured to releasably engage the staple actuator. The knife band is operatively coupled with an actuation mechanism for axial displacement. The cam ring is rotatable between an engaged position in which the knife carrier engages the cam ring for concomitant axial displacement with the knife band and a disengaged position in which the knife carrier is disengaged from the cam ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph Guerrera, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Patrick Mozdzierz
  • Patent number: 9482326
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) may comprise a ball screw having at least one tab extending from an inner surface thereof and/or an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing that interfaces with the at least one tab. The bail screw may include three tabs extending from the inner surface thereof. An outer surface of the ball screw may be threaded to mate with a threaded portion of an inner surface of the ADU housing, and/or the ADU housing may interface with the at least one tab, and the ball screw may be rotated to translate a ball nut situated concentrically over ball screw axially. The ADU housing may include a gear train assembly having a carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate includes at least one receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David Drennen, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
  • Patent number: 9399300
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a patient side-system is provided that includes a column with a rail and a counterbalance subsystem. The patient side-system may further include a braking subsystem. The counterbalance subsystem includes a spring assembly coupled at one end to the column with a spring member, and a housing movably coupled to the rail. The housing includes a drum to receive the spring member and a plurality of roller elements to guide a movement of the spring member winding or unwinding on the drum. If present, the braking subsystem includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to the column, a second pulley with a locking mechanism spaced apart from the first pulley and rotatably coupled to the column, and at least one brake cable wrapped around the first pulley and the second pulley with ends coupled to the housing. The locking mechanism can set a position of the housing along the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal P. Goldberg, Henry Hazebrouck, Dean Hoornaert, David Lidgey
  • Patent number: 9295820
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SURMODICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Mark F. Carlson
  • Patent number: 9228567
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transportation system for transporting at least one drive train component (7a, 7b, 7c) of a wind turbine (1) comprising a tower (2) and a nacelle (3) arranged on the top of said tower, said transportation system comprising a displacement system comprising one or more transportation rails (8, 8a, 8b) being arranged to support said at least one drive train component during displacement thereof, the displacement system facilitating displacement of the drive train component substantially parallel to the rotor axis between an installation location for the drive train component and a second location (10) by means of a first drive arrangement of said displacement system, and a second drive arrangement (11) mounted on said nacelle and comprising at least one winch (12), said second drive arrangement being separate to said displacement system and facilitating transportation of said drive train component between said second location and a lower level when connected to the drive train componen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Michael Lundgaard Bitsch, Abolfazlian Mazyar, Morten Mogensen
  • Patent number: 9136582
    Abstract: An antenna mount is provided with a bracket with an azimuth slot, an azimuth pivot hole and a boss hole. An azimuth adjuster with an extension portion passes through a boss seated in the boss hole. An offset portion of the azimuth adjuster has an azimuth fastener aperture spaced apart from a longitudinal axis of the extension portion. An azimuth fastener passes through the base, the azimuth slot and the azimuth fastener aperture. An azimuth pivot fastener passes through the base and the azimuth pivot hole. The azimuth slot is provided as an arc segment with a center point at the azimuth pivot hole. Adjustment of a longitudinal position along the extension portion of an interconnection between the boss and the extension portion drives the azimuth fastener within the azimuth slot to pivot the base about the azimuth pivot hole with respect to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R Lewry, Alastair Douglas Wright
  • Publication number: 20150143935
    Abstract: A ball screw with support devices includes a nut base having two sides equipped with the support devices for preventing the screw from deflection. Two runner structures are provided near two ends of the screw. The runner structure includes a driving wheel and a driven wheel having different diameters and concentrically installed. The nut base is connected to the driving wheel via an active connecting element for driving the driving wheel to rotate. The driven wheel moves with the driving wheel and is connected to the support devices via passive connecting elements so that the support devices and the nut displace synchronously. By controlling a diameter ratio between the driving and driven wheels, the nut and the support devices displace with proportional speeds, thereby allowing the support devices to always stay at the two sides of the nut as designed and provide reliable support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: YING-JU LIN, HUNG-CHIH HSU
  • Patent number: 9027424
    Abstract: The invention concerns a displacement device comprising a transmission 2 driven by an electric motor 1, guide rails 5, a displacement slider 6, a transmission housing 8 and a closure cover 7, characterized in that an externally threaded nut (4) is arranged longitudinally slidably on a profile bar (3) between the transmission (2) and said externally threaded nut (4) and said externally threaded nut (4) is mounted rotatably in a displacement slider (6) in such a way that said externally threaded nut (4) is longitudinally displaced upon rotation by the transmission (2) which is driven by the drive motor (1) and the profile bar (3) in the thread profile segments of the guide rails (5) and is displaced along the guide rails (5) by way of the end run-on surfaces (9) of the displacement slider (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: DewertOkin GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Peter Flamme
  • Patent number: 9021904
    Abstract: An axial adjustment device includes: a main body; two slide seats disposed in the main body; a first and a second threaded rods disposed in the main body and respectively screwed in the two slide seats; a first transmission gear connected with the first threaded rod; a second transmission gear connected with the second threaded rod; and a fastening member. When the fastening member is switched to a fastening position, the two threaded rods are driven with each other via the two transmission gears. When the fastening member is switched to a releasing position, the two threaded rods can be only independently rotated. The axial adjustment device can control the two slide seats to independently or synchronously move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Gison Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuang-Tai Li
  • Patent number: 9010205
    Abstract: A linear slide is provided. The linear slide includes a guide rail, a carriage arrangement and a drive mechanism. The carriage arrangement includes a sidecar or nut arrangement for engagement with a screw of the drive mechanism. The nut arrangement is laterally offset from a carriage of the carriage arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Pacific Bearing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Schroeder, Joseph A. Binka, Timothy J. LeCrone
  • Patent number: 8973453
    Abstract: A feed screw mechanism includes a feed screw shaft connected to a drive source and formed with first screw threads on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a displacement nut, which is screw-engaged with respect to the feed screw shaft through a plurality of balls. The displacement nut is supported with respect to a slider that makes up an electric actuator by a pair of pins. The pins are inserted and fixed in first pin holes formed in the slider, and distal end portions of the pins are inserted respectively into second pin holes formed in the displacement nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Toru Sugiyama, Masaki Imamura
  • Publication number: 20150059503
    Abstract: A linear actuator having particular application for reconfigurable fixtures used to hold large area workpieces. The linear actuators include a thrust rod connected to a translatable nut member that is driven by a rotatable drive screw that has a longitudinal axis off-set from the longitudinal axis of the thrust rod that preferably is centrally disposed within the housing of the actuator. The off-set axis of the drive screw enables the drive screw per unit size to handle greater loads and run at higher speeds. Also, the use of a solid thrust rod enables the thrust rod per unit size to handle greater loads and be less expensive as opposed to being hollow when the drive screw is coaxial with the thrust rod. This arrangement also enables less material to be used to manufacture the linear actuator per unit size. The linear actuators may be used as an alternative to existing assemblies with central thrust rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas J. Baric, Mike Bridges, Adis Halimic
  • Publication number: 20150007676
    Abstract: A linear guide including a guide rail, a carriage, a drive screw and a connection arrangement is provided. The guide rail defines a linear travel path. The carriage is mounted to the guide rail for motion along the linear travel path. The drive screw is operably mounted to the guide rail. The connection arrangement couples the drive screw to the carriage to convert rotary motion of the drive screw to linear actuation of the carriage along the linear travel path. The connection arrangement provides a single degree of linear freedom between the drive screw and the carriage in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the linear travel path. The single degree of linear freedom permits relative motion between the screw and the carriage to relieve internal binding between the relative components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Pacific Bearing Company
    Inventors: Robert Schroeder, Jonathan R. Schroeder, Joseph A. Binka, Paul D. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140326091
    Abstract: A linear positioning system is miniaturized by using a low profile guide extrusion supporting a low profile carriage that can be moved along the guide by a drive screw. The guide includes coplanar mounting flanges, C-slots for receiving electric wires, and angled recesses to serve as ways for guiding the carriage. The carriage has an opposed pair of projections fitting the guide ways to allow the carriage to move along the guide, and the drive screw and carriage are arranged closely above the guide profile to contribute to dimensional compactness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Velmex, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchel L. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140298933
    Abstract: A cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, a nut and screw assembly, a thrust tube that extends axially from the nut and out the cylinder, a drive assembly mounted to the cylinder for rotating the screw to effect axial translation of the nut relative to the screw, thereby causing the thrust tube to axially extend or retract relative to the cylinder, and an anti-rotate feature for restricting rotation of the nut relative to the cylinder. The anti-rotate feature may include a guide member coupled to the nut and including at least one key on one of the guide member or the cylinder and at least one corresponding slot on the other of the guide member or the cylinder that engages on the key. The guide member may be allowed limited movement relative to the nut and/or the cylinder thereby preventing binding of the nut relative to the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruce Kohlmeyer, Kevin Koenigs
  • Publication number: 20140245847
    Abstract: A screw actuated press unit for mounting parts with press fit includes a casing, an actuating screw rotationally journalled in the casing and coupled to a rotation motor, a nut assembly cooperating with the actuating screw, a thrust rod rigidly connected to the nut assembly and extending out of the casing for connection to a work piece, and a locking device effective to rotationally lock the nut assembly to the casing at rotation of the actuation screw, wherein the lock device includes at least three roller studs mounted on and radially extending from the nut assembly and arranged to guidingly cooperate with two parallel guide rails at the edges of an axially extending slot in the casing . The roller studs are spring biased in opposite directions in contact with the guide rails so as to eliminate rotational play between the nut assembly and the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventor: Kjell Thomas Martin Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20140245846
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Philippe Garrec
  • Patent number: 8806973
    Abstract: Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Adam J. Ross, John W. Beardsley, Peter Datcuk, Michael A. Zemlok, Teddy R. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20140182405
    Abstract: In an electric actuator (100), a fast releasing mechanism (30) includes a rotary base (31), a coupling ring (32), a sleeve (34), and a clutch device (36). The coupling ring (32) rotates with the rotary base (31). Locking slots (322) are disposed on the coupling ring (32). The rotary base (31) can rotate with respect to the sleeve (34). Chain slots (343) communicating with the locking slots (322) are disposed on the sleeve (34). The clutch device (36) is correspondingly sleeved around the sleeve (34). Raised ribs (361) slidably connected to the locking slots (322) and the chain slots (343) are disposed on the clutch device (36). The sleeve (34) can be selected to move together with or move separately with the rotary base (31) by means of the axial movement of the clutch device (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TIMOTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chou-Hsin WU
  • Publication number: 20140174224
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism includes a screw mandrel and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a first transmission member, a fixing member, a second transmission member, a first magnetic member, and a second magnetic member. The first transmission member is screwed with the screw mandrel. The fixing member is fixedly-connected to the first transmission member. The second transmission member is screwed with the screw mandrel and resisting against the fixing member to avoid rotating relative to the first transmission member. The first magnetic member is fixedly mounted on the fixing member. The second magnetic member is fixedly mounted on the first transmission member towards the first magnetic member to interact with the first magnetic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventor: CHENG ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20140157921
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a motor, a transmission mechanism including a housing defining an accommodation chamber, a screw rod inserted with its one end into the accommodation chamber, a worm gear threaded onto the screw rod and coupled to the motor, two axle bearings mounted at the worm gear at two opposite sides and a top cover covering the housing, and a linking mechanism fixedly mounted in the housing and including a tubular member defining a longitudinal straight passage for receiving the other end of the screw rod and two sliding slots at two opposite sides and a screw nut formed of a linking member that is threaded onto the screw rod and two mating connection members respectively slidably mounted in the sliding slots and connected to the linking member. Thus, the supported worktable can be moved along the full length of the screw rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: J-STAR MOTOR INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuo-Cheng WU
  • Publication number: 20140137680
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator comprising a cylinder (1) in which a rod (2) is mounted to slide, the actuator having a screw (8) extending inside the rod to co-operate with a nut (7) secured to the rod, the screw being driven in rotation by a motor (10), the actuator being characterized in that a hydraulic chamber (CH) filled with hydraulic fluid is arranged inside the actuator by means of a floating piston (20) sliding in sealed manner against the rod inside of the actuator, the hydraulic chamber being in fluid flow communication with an accumulator (21) via a solenoid valve (22) that is controllable between a closed state in which the chamber is isolated from the accumulator, and a fluid-passing state in which the hydraulic chamber and the accumulator are in communication, calibrated resistance being exerted against the passage of fluid from the chamber towards the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventor: Ludovic LEGLIZE
  • Patent number: 8656798
    Abstract: A linear actuator is provided which is able to simplify its structure by adding a stopper function, too, to a detent mechanism and to prevent generation of radial load. The linear actuator comprises a ball screw mechanism, to which a rotational driving force is transmitted, for converting a rotational motion into a linear motion. The ball screw mechanism comprises radially projecting guide projections provided in a linear motion component, and a guide groove arranged in a securing portion facing the linear motion component and is engaged with the guide projections to guide the guide projections in an axial direction. The guide projection has a projection projecting by the predetermined length, while engaging into the guide groove, at a stroke end of the linear motion component and a locking portion provided in a rotary motion component is locked to the projection of the guide projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawahara, Tooru Harada, Tomofumi Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20130333500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oblique-driven platform structure, comprising: a base, a first rail, a screw, a first sliding block, a second sliding block, an oblique slide rod, at least one second rail, at least one third sliding block, a work platform, and a motor. There is a trigonometric relation between the oblique slide rod, the screw and the second rail, and an oblique drive angle is formed between the oblique slide rod and the screw; Therefore, with the change of the stroke position of the screw, the displacement resolution of the work platform can still kept the same value when the work platform is driven. Moreover, the displacement of the screw stroke can be proportionally transformed to the feed rate of the work platform through the trigonometric relation, such that the driven work platform can get an extremely high displacement resolution without using any high-level servo motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: CHUNG-YUAN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shih-Ming Wang, Yan-Hong Chen
  • Publication number: 20130327167
    Abstract: Temperatures of a base, a support member, and a support member are measured, and amounts of linear expansion of the base, the support member, and the support member due to temperature differences from a reference temperature are computed. An amount of linear expansion of a ball screw with respect to the support member is measured. An amount of linear expansion of a lead of the ball screw is computed based on the sum of the aforementioned amounts of linear expansion, and an amount of rotation of the ball screw is adjusted from an amount of rotation of the ball screw at the reference temperature, to an amount of rotation of the ball screw, which corresponds to the amount of linear expansion of the lead at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Yuji SASAKI, Hideki IWAI, Kimihiro ONISHI, Yasumasa SAKURAI
  • Publication number: 20130319148
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing and a cover tube that is supported relative to the housing. A nut engages the cover tube so as to prevent rotation of the nut relative to the cover tube. A lead screw rotatably engages the nut, wherein rotation of the lead screw causes the nut to travel along the lead screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: DANAHER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Don C. Alfano, Robert Lipsett, Edward Myers, Gregory Nichols, Peter Paulsson
  • Publication number: 20130276562
    Abstract: A drive system for moving a support assembly is disclosed. The drive system includes a lead screw configured for connection to the support assembly and defining a longitudinal axis. The drive system further includes an epicyclic gear assembly. The epicyclic gear assembly includes a carrier and a plurality of rotatable gears. The epicyclic gear assembly is rotationally coupled to the lead screw. Operation of the epicyclic gear assembly causes translation of the support assembly along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: David Michael Sheridan
  • Patent number: 8561491
    Abstract: In an electric actuator, a first bore portion in which a driving section is accommodated, and a second bore portion that extends in parallel with the first bore portion and in which a feed screw of a drive force transmission mechanism is inserted, are provided in the interior of an elongate body. Further, a rotary drive source of the driving section and the feed screw are connected through the drive force transmission mechanism. In addition, a drive force of the rotary drive source is transmitted to the feed screw through the drive force transmission mechanism for displacing a slider disposed on an upper portion of the body along an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Ryuichi Masui
  • Publication number: 20130220042
    Abstract: A slider apparatus of the invention includes a ball screw, first and second support members which respectively support the two end portions of the ball screw, a slider which includes a driving means for rotating a ball nut threadably engaging with the ball screw while rotatably holding the ball nut, and is disposed to be movable in the axial direction of the ball screw, first and second intermediate support members which are disposed to sandwich the slider, and each of which includes a support hole through which the ball screw passes and is movable in the axial direction of the ball screw, and a connecting member which engages with the first and second intermediate support members, and allows free movement of the first and second intermediate support members within the range of the full length of the connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirata Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130161414
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a nacelle having an aft edge and a translating thrust reverser sleeve with a trailing edge. The thrust reverser sleeve is movably disposed aft of the nacelle's aft edge and is movable between a forward position and an aft position. A translating fan nozzle having a forward edge is movably disposed behind the trailing edge, and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An upstream bypass flow exit is defined between the trailing edge and the forward edge when the fan nozzle is in the deployed position. An extendable actuation system is configured to move the fan nozzle between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited, Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Rohr, Inc., Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
  • Patent number: 8459174
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a rod-less cylinder, device adapted to longitudinally displace loads, said device comprising a shaft, a nut confined to move longitudinally within the shaft, a slider circumscribing said shaft and coupled to said nut, a drive adapted to displace said nut within said shaft, and a sensing means adapted to affect a signal sent via wireless means towards said drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Eliezer Zeichner
  • Publication number: 20130139622
    Abstract: A moving device is disclosed. A moving device includes a driving unit comprising a rotary shaft that is rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction by air pressure, a power delivery unit connected to the rotary shaft and adapted and configured to convert rotary motion of the rotary shaft to linear motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hyun Sung Park, In Sung Chang, Jung Whan Yeum
  • Publication number: 20130133448
    Abstract: A inverted spline rail system is provided. The inverted spline rail system includes a drive motor that rotates a drive screw. The drive screw has a associated nut body. The nut body includes a attachment portion that a user can attach a device that requires linear motion control. Furthermore, the nut body is located inside of a cylindrical body that encases the drive screw. The nut body has guide teeth that mate with an internally splined guide rail of the cylindrical body that contains both the nut and the drive screw. The reciprocating nature of the guide teeth of the nut and the internally splined guide rail of the cylindrical body translate the rotational motion of the drive screw into linear motion of the nut body. The inverted spline rail system is protected from its operating environment by a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Pacific Bearing Company
    Inventors: Robert Schroeder, Jonathan R. Schroeder