1034 results about "Pneumatic actuator" patented technology

Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. The devices and methods provide an elongated clearing member having a first end that is coupled to a driving mechanism and having a second working end that is subjected to repetitive motion for clearing blockages within the artificial tube. The elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices / methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions. The distal working end of the clearing member may comprise tips of differing functions, including an irrigation / aspiration feature.

A hydraulically assisted actuator in a handle connects with a catheter having a deflectable distal ablation tip. The hydraulic actuator translates small mechanical movement by a clinician into large travel movements of connected steering cables and increased tension in the ablation tip for greater deflection. The hydraulic system further dampens the return of the ablation tip from a deflected position to an equilibrium position. The hydraulic actuation system is also incorporated into a set of foot pedals.

Apparatus and methods for dispensing small amounts of a viscous material onto a workpiece. The narrow-profile dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber, a nozzle, and a valve seat disk representing individual components that are removable from a main body of the dispensing apparatus for cleaning and / or replacement. The nozzle is coupled with the fluid chamber by a heat transfer body that may be cooled by, for example, a cooling fluid routed through an air pathway defined in the heat transfer body. The main body of the dispensing apparatus may be cooled by air exhausted from an air cavity of a pneumatic actuator regulating the movement of a needle to control the flow of viscous material in the dispensing apparatus.

A valve achieves a high-vacuum seal and opens and closes with no sliding or otherwise abrading contact between the sealing plate and the valve seat, while maintaining pressure of the plate against the valve seat in the event of a failure in the valve actuation mechanism. These results are attained by use of a composite valve plate that includes a sealing plate joined to a support block through a retractable resilient connector. During retraction, the sealing plate is drawing close to the block by a pneumatic actuator internal to the composite valve plate, the actuator arranged to oppose and overcome a mechanical resilient element also contained within the valve plate that urges the sealing plate outward from the support block to effect the seal when the actuator is not engaged.

A partial stroke testing system for online testing of emergency shut-off valve, said system is designed for implementation on an emergency shut-off valve with a main solenoid with manual reset, main solenoid valve, quick exhaust valve and a pneumatic actuator connected to a source of pressurized air supply for opening and closing the said emergency shut-off valve and the said shut-off valve normally movable between a fully open and fully closed position. The system also include control means programmed into the plant emergency shutdown system controller for initiating electrical signal for initiating a test and for enhancing the bleed rate from the said pneumatic actuator in the event of a emergency trip signal. Test means for testing the said emergency shut-off valve without fully closing the emergency shut-off valve in response to signal from the said control means is included in the system. The said test means, controlled by the said control means, include a second solenoid and a second solenoid valve for bleeding off pressurized air to thereby move the said emergency shut-off valve from full opened position to partially closed position. Means for limiting the movement of said emergency shut-off valve to a partially closed position because of the bleeding of pressurized air is included in the system. The system also includes an isolation valve for isolating the said test means for maintenance purpose.

Apparatus and method for fail-safe high-speed-pneumatic valve is disclosed. Fail-safe dependability is provided by a spring-loaded normally-closed pneumatic actuator. When the spring-loaded actuator is pressurized, the normally closed mechanism is actuated to the valve active position. Concurrently, the pressure is directly applied to deflect a diaphragm or a bellow-assembly back to sealing position. Ultra high purity embodiments with standard dome shaped diaphragms are disclosed. Additional high conductance diaphragms and bellows embodiments are employed for higher conductance valves. Novel flow path layouts are disclosed. The valves are applicable for fast gas and fluid switching and are particularly suitable for high productivity Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) applications. Additional embodiments cover improved diaphragm and seal reliability, externally adjustable valve conductance, improved valve safety and high temperature valve seals.

A method and apparatus for a novel adaptive aerostructure is presented that relies on certified aerospace materials and can therefore be applied in conventional passenger aircraft. This structure consists of a honeycomb material which cells extend over a significant length perpendicular to the plane of the cells. Each of the cells contains an inelastic pouch (or bladder) that forms a circular tube when the cell forms a perfect hexagon. By changing the cell differential pressure (CDP) the stiffness of the honeycomb can be altered. Using an external force or the elastic force within the honeycomb material, the honeycomb can be deformed such that the cells deviate from their perfect-hexagonal shape. It can be shown that by increasing the CDP, the structure eventually returns to a perfect hexagon. By doing so, a fully embedded pneumatic actuator is created that can perform work and substitute conventional low-bandwidth flight control actuators. It is shown that two approaches can be taken to regulate the stiffness of this embedded actuator.

A flight control actuation system comprises a controller, electromechanical actuator and a pneumatic actuator. During normal operation, only the electromechanical actuator is needed to operate a flight control surface. When the electromechanical actuator load level exceeds 40 amps positive, the controller activates the pneumatic actuator to offset electromechanical actuator loads to assist the manipulation of flight control surfaces. The assistance from the pneumatic load assist actuator enables the use of an electromechanical actuator that is smaller in size and mass, requires less power, needs less cooling processes, achieves high output forces and adapts to electrical current variations. The flight control actuation system is adapted for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and other flight vehicles, especially flight vehicles that are large in size and travel at high velocities.

An autonomous guided parachute system for cargo drops that divides the requirements of guidance and soft landing into separate parachutes. Said invention includes a high wing-loaded ram air parachute for guidance, a larger round parachute for soft landing, a harness / container system, flight computer, position sensors and actuation system. The system is dropped from an airplane. A predetermined period of drogue fall ensures a stable position prior to deploying the guidance parachute. The flight controller determines a heading to intersect with an area substantially above the desired target and controls the guidance parachute via pneumatic actuators connected to the parachutes steering lines to fly on that heading. At a minimum altitude prior to the system's impact with the ground the flight computer transitions the system from the fast high performance guidance parachute to a larger landing parachute by releasing the guidance parachute to static line extract and deploy the landing parachute. If the system reaches a position substantially above target area prior to the parachute transition altitude the flight computer controls the system into a spiral dive or other rapid altitude dropping maneuver until the transition altitude is reached. Once transitioned to the landing parachute the system descends for a brief period unguided under the landing parachute until touchdown.

A railway car brake system comprising a control device engageable with a predetermined portion of such railway car for compensating braking force in response to a load carried by such railway car. The control device includes a sensor mechanism engageable with a truck bolster or a movable car structure for sensing a vertical position thereof corresponding to a load carried by the railway car. There is a control valve engageable with the sensor mechanism which generates a fluid pressure signal responsive to such load. A pneumatic actuator engageable with a predetermined brake beam disposed on such truck assembly and connected to such control valve. This pneumatic actuator generates a predetermined braking force responsive to the fluid pressure signal and further responsive to the load carried by the railway car as sensed by the sensor mechanism. Such predetermined braking force may be proportionally adjusted to variations in the load carried by the railway car.

Apparatus and methods for dispensing small amounts of a viscous material onto a workpiece. The narrow-profile dispensing apparatus includes a fluid chamber, a nozzle, and a valve seat disk representing individual components that are removable from a main body of the dispensing apparatus for cleaning and / or replacement. The nozzle is coupled with the fluid chamber by a heat transfer body that may be cooled by, for example, a cooling fluid routed through an air pathway defined in the heat transfer body. The main body of the dispensing apparatus may be cooled by air exhausted from an air cavity of a pneumatic actuator regulating the movement of a needle to control the flow of viscous material in the dispensing apparatus.

A hydraulically assisted actuator in a handle connects with a catheter having a deflectable distal ablation tip. The hydraulic actuator translates small mechanical movement by a clinician into large travel movements of connected steering cables and increased tension in the ablation tip for greater deflection. The hydraulic system further dampens the return of the ablation tip from a deflected position to an equilibrium position. The hydraulic actuation system is also incorporated into a set of foot pedals.

A tunable actuator joint module of a robotic assembly comprises an output member and an input member, where the output member is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A primary actuator (e.g., a motor) is operable to apply a torque to rotate the output member about the axis of rotation. A quasi-passive elastic actuator (e.g., rotary or linear pneumatic actuator) comprising an elastic component is tunable to a joint stiffness value and is operable to selectively release stored energy to apply an augmented torque to assist rotation of the output member and to minimize power consumption of the primary actuator. The tunable actuator joint module comprises a control system having a valve assembly controllably operable to switch the quasi-passive elastic actuator between an elastic state and an inelastic state during respective portions of movement of the robotic assembly (e.g., a hip or knee joint of an exoskeleton). Associated systems and methods are provided.

A surgical system having feedback control for pneumatic actuators includes a pneumatic pressure source and a vitrectomy cutter having a cutting mechanism, a first pneumatic input port, and a second pneumatic input port. A pneumatic actuator is configured to direct pneumatic pressure to one of the first and second pneumatic input ports. A first pressure transducer is located and configured to detect actual pressure at the first pneumatic input port, and a second pressure transducer is located and configured to detect actual pressure at the second pneumatic input port. A controller communicates with the first and second pressure transducers and the pneumatic actuator. It is configured to change the pneumatic actuator actuation timing based on the data communicated from the first and second pressure transducers.

Modular devices for jetting a fluid material and components for modular jetting devices. The devices may include a pressurized air or positive displacement pump fluid supply module to supply a fluid module inlet. A syringe may feed material through a check valve to a positive displacement pump, which feeds material through another check valve to the fluid module. Inside the fluid module is a valve element moved to contact a valve seat and jet a droplet of material by contact between an external drive pin and a movable element of the fluid module. Either a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or another actuator may move the drive pin. A controller may coordinate the supply of fluid from the positive displacement pump with the rate at which material is jetted. The fluid module and positive displacement pump are easily removable from the jetting device.

A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

A gas-driven chest compression apparatus for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprises a flexible pneumatic actuator, capable of axial contraction when fed with a pressurized driving gas, and means for controlling the contraction thereof. Also disclosed are methods of providing chest compressions to a patient by means of a CPR apparatus comprising actuator(s) of this kind, and a corresponding use of the actuator.

A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

There is disclosed an internal sizing apparatus comprising a pneumatically activated probe that moves axially within a shoe and non-destructively measures the interior dimensions of the shoe. A linear pneumatic actuator is mounted between a heel piece and a probe. A linear potentiometer is mounted above the actuator and also connects to the probe. The apparatus is inserted into a shoe with the heel piece seated against the interior heel portion of the shoe. A computer system controlling the actuator extends the probe linearly into the shoe until the probe contacts the toe portion of the shoe. The potentiometer then measures the linear distance traveled by the probe and thus determines the internal linear dimension of the shoe. Depending on the type of probe, three-dimensional internal measurements of the shoe can also be quantified.

Systems and methods for dispensing or jetting a viscous material. The systems include an electronic controller and a jetting dispenser operatively coupled with the electronic controller. The systems further include at least one sensor that senses a system dispensing parameter and communicates an output signal representing the sensed parameter to the electronic controller for controlling system operation. In pneumatically-actuated jetting dispensers, a sensor may sense the fluid pressure in the air cavity of the pneumatic actuator. In jetting dispensers with a movable needle valve, a sensor may sense the displacement of the needle shaft. In other jetting dispensers, a sensor may sense the vibration of the jetting dispenser.

An ambulance cot is provided having a wheeled carriage, a frame for mounting the wheels, a horizontally oriented patient litter supported from the wheeled carriage and variable, pneumatically powered height scissors frame. The pneumatic actuator is designed to give a patient air-ride transportation and an adjustable height litter for lifting a patient from the ground. The patient litter has a pivoting hinge for transporting a patient down stairs. This pivot will allow the stretcher to pivot to a horizontal angle while going down stairs, for patient support and ease of transportation for the operator below. One embodiment has tracks attached over the wheels to provide a more stable and smooth ride as the cot is moved down stairs. Another embodiment comprises a translational trolley configuration. A hand brake is mounted on the patient litter for braking the tank-like motion of the tracks.

A fluid-filled engine mount, including: an elastic body connecting a first and a second mounting member; a pressure receiving chamber partially defined by the rubber elastic body; an equilibrium chamber partially defined by a flexible layer, a first orifice passage connecting between the pressure receiving and equilibrium chambers and tuned to a low frequency range, a second orifice passage connecting the both chambers and tuned to a medium frequency range; a valve member for opening / closing the second orifice passage and operated by a pneumatic actuator; a movable partition member including a rigid center movable plate portion and a readily deformable outer peripheral rubber film portion supported fluid-tightly by the second mount portion; and an intermediate equilibrium chamber formed opposing to the pressure receiving chamber with the movable partition member interposed therebetween.

A sensor used to sense the position of an attached movable object. The sensor can be mounted to a pneumatic actuator. The sensor includes a housing that has a pair of cavities or pockets separated by a wall. A magnet carrier is positioned within one of the cavities and a magnet is coupled to the magnet carrier. The magnet carrier is coupled to the moveable object. A magnetic sensor is positioned in the other of the cavities. The magnetic sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of a position of the movable object.

A mine door assembly has a frame. At least one door leaf is mounted on the frame for swinging movement between open and closed positions. Movement of the door leaf is powered by a pneumatic actuator. The door installation also has a hydraulic checking system for controlling the speed of the door leaf as it moves back and forth between open and closed positions. A pneumatically-powered control system may be provided to control the door installation. The pneumatic control system may comprise a calibrated vent to shorten the delay in the response of the door leaf to direction from the control system to stop moving. The pneumatic control system may also comprise a limit valve to prevent the door installation from opening when a second door installation is open, thereby preventing both door installations in an air lock from being open at the same time.

The invention discloses a cut lamina drying control method and a cut lamina drying system based on feedforward and feedback of HT moisture compensation. By the cut lamina drying control method, steam flow of an HT damping machine is adjusted to compensate HT incoming material moisture fluctuations, cut lamina moisture stability at an inlet of a rolling cylinder is maintained to the utmost extend, influence to a rolling cylinder drying process by the material moisture fluctuations is obviously reduced, dry process parameter stability is maintained, and process processing quality stability is improved; and cut lamina moisture and cut lamina flow at the inlet port of the rolling cylinder are added into a feedback control system through the feedforward, and accuracy of moisture adjustment in the rolling cylinder drying process is improved. The cut lamina drying control system based on the feedforward and feedback of the HT moisture compensation comprises a controller unit, two pneumatic actuators, two moisture meters, an electronic flow scale, a calculator and a cylinder wall steam pressure sensor. The control system is simple in structure, low in cost and easy to promote.

A partial stroke testing system for online testing of emergency shut-off valve, said system is designed for implementation on an emergency shut-off valve with a main solenoid with manual reset, main solenoid valve, quick exhaust valve and a pneumatic actuator connected to a source of pressurized air supply for opening and closing the said emergency shut-off valve and the said shut-off valve normally movable between a fully open and fully closed position. The system also include control means programmed into the plant emergency shutdown system controller for initiating electrical signal for initiating a test and for enhancing the bleed rate from the said pneumatic actuator in the event of a emergency trip signal. Test means for testing the said emergency shut-off valve without fully closing the emergency shut-off valve in response to signal from the said control means is included in the system. The said test means, controlled by the said control means, include a second solenoid and a second solenoid valve for bleeding off pressurized air to thereby move the said emergency shut-off valve from full opened position to partially closed position. Means for limiting the movement of said emergency shut-off valve to a partially closed position because of the bleeding of pressurized air is included in the system. The system also includes an isolation valve for isolating the said test means for maintenance purpose.

A water hammerless valve includes a pneumatically-operated valve having a valve disc for opening and closing a fluid channel by moving upward and downward through a pneumatic actuator operation, and a limiting mechanism for interfering with upward movement of the valve disc when the water hammer occurs. The limiting mechanism includes a stepping motor including a rotation shaft fixed on the upper actuator; a vertical movement component connected to the rotation shaft for moving upward and downward via rotation of the rotation shaft; a lower detecting component for detecting the fact that the vertical movement component contacts the upper end of a stem when the lower detecting component moves downward; and a control device for rotating the stepping motor, for controlling the air supply, and for transmitting a stop signal to the stepping motor when the lower end of the lower detecting component detects the fact.

A wheel lift device includes an upright extending upwardly from a wheeled base. A carriage slides along the upright and includes a wheel support to support an automotive wheel thereon. A pneumatic lift mechanism is housed in the upright and is coupled to the carriage. A lift control comprises a supply valve to couple the lift mechanism to a source of compressed gas for lifting and a vent valve to couple the lift mechanism to a vent for lowering. The lift device has rapid response, is of low cost and requires minimal maintenance when arranged to connect to conventional compressed air supply lines of the type readily available in automotive servicing stations. Location of the lift controls directly on the upright ensures quick access for controlling the lifting and lowering of wheels in direct proximity to the task being performed.