188results about How to "Mechanically simple" patented technology

An apparatus and method for sealing and unsealing a chemical deposition apparatus in a chemical deposition process chamber includes a microvolume that has dual sealing elements at its periphery. One seal, the outer seal, is used to seal the inside of the microvolume from the main process chamber. The second (inner) seal is used to seal the inside of the microvolume from a vacuum source. The apparatus and process of the present invention has several advantages for enhanced chamber performance.

The present invention provides a new class of hybrid-mode horn antennas. The present invention facilitates the design of boundary conditions between soft and hard, supporting modes under balanced hybrid condition with uniform as well as tapered aperture distribution. In one embodiment, the horn antenna (100) is relatively simple mechanically, has a reasonably large bandwidth, supports linear as well as circular polarization, and is designed for a wide range of aperture sizes.

A cardiac ablation apparatus for producing a circumferential ablation that electrically isolates a heart chamber wall portion from vessel such as a pulmonary vein extending into said wall portion comprises (a) an elongate centering catheter having a distal end portion; (b) an expandable centering element connected to said centering catheter distal end portion and configured for positioning within said vessel when in a retracted configuration, and for securing said elongate centering catheter in a substantially axially aligned position with respect to said vessel when said centering element is in an expanded configuration; (c) an ablation catheter slidably connected to said centering catheter said ablation element having a distal end portion, and (d) an expandable ablation element connected to said ablation catheter distal end portion. The ablation element is configured to form a circumferential ablation on the wall around the elongate centering catheter when the centering catheter is axially aligned with respect to the vessel. In a further embodiment, a non-expandable, compliant centering element is employed, such as an elastic finger. Systems incorporating such an apparatus and methods of use thereof are also disclosed.

The present invention determines the dimensions and volume of an object by using a novel 3-D camera that measures the distance to every reflective point in its field of view with a single pulse of light. The distance is computed by the time of flight of the pulse to each camera pixel. The accuracy of the measurement is augmented by capture of the laser pulse shape in each camera pixel. The camera can be used on an assembly line to develop quality control data for manufactured objects or on a moving or stationary system that weighs as well as dimensions the objects. The device can also ascertain the minimum size of a box required to enclose an object.

A recovery craft with a coupling arrangement captures, engages, and transports a defective or expended non-maneuverable spacecraft. The coupling arrangement includes a coupling mast (e.g. a telescoping pipe), a releasable rigid mount that secures one end of the coupling mast to the recovery craft, and spreader arms that are radially spreadable from the other end of the coupling mast. The spreader arms are initially radially inwardly retracted, and are inserted into an interface ring of the spacecraft. Then the spreader arms are radially outwardly extended to engage behind a protruding rim of the interface ring. A spring braces against the spacecraft. Next, the rigid mount is released and the coupling mast remains connected to the recovery craft only by a tension-transmitting cable. Thrusters of the recovery craft are activated to tow the spacecraft to a new target position, orbit, or trajectory.

A universal holding fixture assembly includes a plurality of linear actuators supported by the fixture and adapted to engage and support a workpiece relative to the fixture. A linear displacement member is supported by a housing and adapted to move between retracted and extended positions. An end effector assembly is operatively supported by the linear actuator and adapted to engage the workpiece when the linear displacement member is in its extended position. A sensor is operatively supported by the end effector assembly and is responsive to contact with the workpiece to establish a datum of the position of the linear actuator relative to the workpiece.

A vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The preferred embodiment includes a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base.

A ligament force detection system includes a device configured to be inserted between two body structures connected by ligaments, wherein the device exhibits a predetermined elasticity, and a medical navigation system. The medical navigation system, which is capable of detecting shifts in the body, determines forces acting on the ligaments based on shifts in the body structures and the elasticity of the device.

A fluid reservoir assembly having a pan defining a drain opening and a plug disposed therein is disclosed. The pan includes a pair of ramps disposed on an inner surface thereof adjacent the drain opening. The plug includes a pair of wings in engagement with the ramps. The ramps increase in height relative to the inner surface of the pan along a first direction of rotation about the central axis. The plug is drawn into sealing engagement with an outer surface of the pan by rotating the plug in the first direction of rotation about the central axis thereby moving the wings up the ramps. The pan includes at least one stop to prevent over-rotation of the plug. The ramps define a recess to secure the wings in a closed position.

Forceps instrument comprising a sheath having a first end and an elongated maneuvering element slidably disposed in the first end of said sheath. The sheath has an axis. The instrument comprises two jaw-pieces, at least one of the jaw-pieces being movable away from and toward the other of the jaw-pieces when the maneuvering element slides axially in the first end of the sheath. The jaw-pieces have, in an extension of a part thereof, an arm extending progressively toward the axis of the sheath so as to form a first, internal, inclined surface extending progressively toward the axis and facing the latter and a second, external, inclined surface extending progressively toward the axis and facing the internal surface of the sheath. The arm has a convex excrescence which is slidable substantially against the internal surface of the sheath, the excrescence having a concave hollow cavity facing the axis. The sheath has, near its end beyond which the jaws extend, a transverse element against which the internal surface of the arm slides. The elongate maneuvering element terminates in a head housed in the concave hollow cavity so that, when the elongate maneuvering element is moved toward a free end of the sheath, it pushes the jaw-pieces back beyond the end of the sheath, thus causing the internal surface of the arm, which slides over the transverse element, to pivot by a ramp effect, moving the at least one jaw of the jaw-pieces away from the other jaw, the movement away being permitted by the inclination of the external surface which protrudes from the end of the internal surface of the sheath. The excrescence of the arm pivoting, during this movement, about the head while still being guided in the sheath, reverse movement of the maneuvering element causing the jaw-pieces to move closer by a reverse movement. The transverse element includes a passage having an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the sheath for accommodating an auxiliary tool between the two jaw-pieces.

A recovery craft with a coupling arrangement captures, engages, and transports a defective or expended non-maneuverable spacecraft. The coupling arrangement includes a coupling mast (e.g. a telescoping pipe), a releasable rigid mount that secures one end of the coupling mast to the recovery craft, and spreader arms that are radially spreadable from the other end of the coupling mast. The spreader arms are initially radially inwardly retracted, and are inserted into an interface ring of the spacecraft. Then the spreader arms are radially outwardly extended to engage behind a protruding rim of the interface ring. A spring braces against the spacecraft. Next, the rigid mount is released and the coupling mast remains connected to the recovery craft only by a tension-transmitting cable. Thrusters of the recovery craft are activated to tow the spacecraft to a new target position, orbit, or trajectory.

A blade for use in a wind turbine comprises a pressure side and suction side meeting at a trailing edge and leading edge, the pressure side having a pressure side surface and the suction side having a suction side surface, the pressure side surface and suction side surface for providing lift to the turbine blade upon the flow of air from the leading edge to the trailing edge and over the pressure side and suction side surfaces, the pressure side and suction side extending from a root portion to a tip portion of the turbine blade. In some situations, the root portion is non-aerodynamic. The aerodynamics of such a blade is improved with the aid of pneumatic blowing through one or more blown passages for providing pressurized air (or other fluid) to a suction side and / or pressure side of the blade.

The invention relates to the generation of electricity from flowing fluid and in the preferred embodiment to a horizontal axis turbine and generator assembly. The present invention is applicable to water turbines and the invention is described in relation to this application. It is however to be appreciated that it is applicable to wind turbines. The present invention provides turbine generator for generating electrical power from flowing fluid comprising a rotatable hub having an external surface and a rotational axis arranged, in use, parallel to the direction of the flow, a plurality of blades mounted on the external surface of the hub and extending radially outwards from the hub; a plurality of magnets mounted on a surface inside the rotatable hub said surface arranged to rotate with the rotatable hub thereby forming a rotor of an electrical generator, and a plurality of non-rotating coils fixed to a stationary cylindrical core within the periphery of the rotatable hub, said coils and core thereby forming a stator of the electrical generator.

A rocking device is described for receiving a lower part of a carriage, perambulator, cot or the like in particular to rock an infant therein, with oscillation means to impart an oscillating motion thereto comprising an elongate roller (2) mounted about a generally longitudinal axis, and drive means (9) associated therewith to cause the roller to rotate, the transverse shape of the roller and the position of the axis together being such that the roller imparts an oscillating motion to the carriage in mechanical engagement therewith in use. A method of rocking a carriage, perambulator, cot or the like is also described.

A pointing device is disclosed which does not require a tablet, such as a digitizer, and is mechanically simplified, and a scanner, a robot, a mobile communication device and an electronic dictionary using the pointing device. The pointing device includes a light source, a ball and an optical image sensor. The light source irradiates light. The ball rotates by the movement of the entire pointing device. The optical image sensor detects the movement of the pointing device using an image. The pointing device irradiate light onto the ball through the light source, acquires an image on a surface of the ball through the optical image sensor, and outputs data on movement direction and distance by comparing and analyzing previous and current images.

The invention relates to a starting method for internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, comprising a start-stop system, and to a starting device (10) for carrying out said method, said starting device comprising a starter motor (11) and an insertion device (12, 20) which axially inserts a slip-on pinion (13) into a crown gear (14) of the internal combustion engine when a stop cycle begins. In order to minimize the period until the engine can be restarted, the pinion (13) is resiliently inserted into the still rotating crown gear (14) by means of a pressure spring (25) when the stop phase begins, once the internal combustion engine (15) is switched off but before it comes to a standstill and with the starter motor (11) switched off.

A solution that offers increased comfort for the user and increases the value of the vehicle is obtained with an assembly for a vehicle, having a carrier housing, which has a through-hole, a drive unit, which is attached to the carrier housing, a camera unit, which can move between a standby position and an active position and a protective lid, which can move between an open position and a closed position. An actuating element is movably coupled to the drive unit and forces the protective lid into its open position when the vehicle is driven in reverse and the camera unit is in the active position. The camera unit assumes a collision monitoring position when the vehicle is being driven forwards, in which position the protective lid is disposed in its closed position, and in which the camera unit is disposed at a monitoring opening formed in the protective lid, for filming the following or preceding traffic.

The present invention is a device, which illuminates light inside of a tractor trailer truck van and other loading vehicles at a loading dock during loading and unloading procedures. As professionals working with such vehicles understand, natural lighting is simply not enough to prevent serious loading and unloading accidents, primarily at the deep end of the truck trailer van body. The loading dock spot light of the present invention with its short body design helps prevent fork trucks from hitting and destroying it. The overall short body of the light structure is designed to stay out of the primary main path of the fork truck traffic, allowing the light emitted from the light bulb to just peek beyond the loading dock door seal edge. The present invention is a simple mechanical device, which reduces loading dock operator confusion during loading and unloading operation, maintenance, and repair.

A planar robot for cutting products, such as pieces of meat. The product is displaced along a conveyor or positioned onto a working table and is cut by a tool, preferably a water jet. The tool is held by a pair of arms. The arms have first extremities pivotally mounted on mobile bases. The arms also have second extremities pivotally connected to each other. An actuator displaces each of the mobile bases in order to control the position of the cutting tool in a plane above the conveyor or table.

A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a liquid beverage, with an information adding arrangement for adding information relating to the beverage bottles, and a method of operating the beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

An ice dispensing chute mechanism is characterized by an ice chute adapted for attachment at an upper ice inlet end to an ice retaining bin at an ice outlet from the bin. An actuating arm is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and has a lower end for being contacted and moved by a receptacle into which ice is to be dispensed from a lower ice discharge end of the chute and an upper end for contacting and moving a linkage mechanism upon rotation of the actuating arm by the receptacle. The linkage mechanism is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and is coupled to an ice gate that is linearly moved by the linkage mechanism between open and closed positions that establish and interrupt communication between the upper inlet to the chute and the ice outlet opening from the bin. Movement of the linkage mechanism by the actuating arm operates the linkage mechanism to translate the rotational movement of the actuating arm into linear movement of the ice gate between its open and closed positions to dispense ice and to cease dispensing ice into the receptacle. The ice chute consists of two halves that snap together in a releasable manner to permit easy disassembly of the ice chute for cleaning, repair or replacement of parts. The upper inlet to the ice chute is configured to impart to ice particles a trajectory through the chute that guides the ice particles into the receptacle while preventing the vast majority of the ice particles from contacting interior surfaces of the chute.

The present invention determines the dimensions and volume of an object by using a novel 3-D camera that measures the distance to every reflective point in its field of view with a single pulse of light. The distance is computed by the time of flight of the pulse to each camera pixel. The accuracy of the measurement is augmented by capture of the laser pulse shape in each camera pixel. The camera can be used on an assembly line to develop quality control data for manufactured objects or on a moving or stationary system that weighs as well as dimensions the objects. The device can also ascertain the minimum size of a box required to enclose an object.

The invention relates to a sensor assembly (1, 1a) used for detecting rotation angle at a rotating member in a vehicle. The rotating member is connected with a measured value indicator (26) which is connected with at least one sensor (28, 28a, 28b) to generate a signal indicating the rotation angle of the rotating member (10). According to the invention, the measured value indicator (26) and the rotating member (10) form a movement converter (20) which converts the rotation (12) of the rotating member (10) to the axial translation of the measured value indicator (26) relative to the rotating member (10). The measured value indicator (26) comprises a base (26.1) which can be guided longitudinally and movably on the rotating member (10) through a central hole (26.4). The at least one sensor (28, 28a and 28b) determines the displacement covered by the measured value indicator (26) and the displacement represents the rotation angle of the rotating member (10).

Into a housing (3) is hermetically inserted an annular piston (5), and into the annular piston (5) is hermetically inserted an output rod (8). A spring (14) located below the piston (5) moves the piston (5) upward for locking, pressurized oil in a release chamber (12) formed above the piston (5) moves the piston (5) downward for releasing. On an upper surface of the piston (5) is provided a pressing surface (38), on an inner periphery of a peripheral wall of the release chamber (12) is provided a first tapered surface (41), which narrows upward, and on an outer periphery of the output rod (8) is provided a second tapered surface (52), which narrows downward. Between the pressing surface (38), the first tapered surface (41) and the second tapered surface (52) are inserted a plurality of balls (55) circumferentially at intervals. Thereby, when the spring (14) moves the piston (5) upward for locking, a moving stroke of the output rod (8) is larger than that of the piston (5).

An umbrella device which has a shank, an umbrella-like cap formed as a membrane and a driver. The membrane is connected to the shank and is caused by the driver to move from a position of rest where it droops limply around the shank to an open position where it is essentially horizontal due to the centrifugal forces of the membrane produced by the rotation of the membrane by the driver.

A munitions handling vehicle is adapted for loading and unloading weapons in military aircraft. The munitions handling vehicle includes a vehicle chassis and a plurality of wheel axles attached to the chassis. A plurality of omni wheels are mounted on respective wheel axles, and cooperate to induce omni-directional movement of the vehicle. A mechanical lift is supported by the vehicle chassis. A munitions carrier is secured to a top end of the lift, and is movable upon actuation of the lift between a weapons-transport position and an aircraft-access position. In the weapons-transport position, the lift is sufficiently retracted adjacent the vehicle chassis to facilitate transport of weapons in the carrier to and from the aircraft. In the aircraft-access position, the lift is sufficiently extended to enable precision loading and unloading of weapons in the aircraft without repositioning or reconfiguring the aircraft.