3096 results about "Mechanical components" patented technology

A system having a customized interface for providing user inputs to an electronic device and a method for configuring the system is disclosed. The system comprises a user interface that includes a finger sensor and a mechanical component, both for receiving user inputs. A customizable device interface couples the user interface to an electronic device, such as a mobile telephone or a digital camera. The device interface is configured to selectively map the output of the user interface to any number of programmed inputs used by the electronic device. Any combination of components that form the user interface can thus be selected and the device interface configured so that the outputs of the components are mapped to functions recognizable by application programs executing on the electronic device. In one embodiment, for example, the output of a finger sensor is used to control a mobile phone; in another embodiment the output of the finger sensor is used to control a digital camera.

Dispenser apparatus for dispensing flexible sheet material including material-recognition apparatus permitting the dispenser to recognize sheet material from an authorized source and to be enabled for operation with such material. The dispenser preferably includes standard mechanical components for dispensing sheet material from the dispenser including a housing, structure for supporting a roll of sheet material, drive and tension rollers forming a nip through which the sheet material is displaced as the drive roller rotates and drive apparatus in power-transmission relationship with the drive roller. The material-recognition apparatus includes a sensor mounted in the dispenser housing and in position to scan a code, preferably located on the core on which the sheet material is wound. The sensor generates a code signal corresponding to the code. A control circuit operatively connected to the sensor is adapted to receive the code signal and compare the code represented by said code signal to at least one code in a code database. The dispenser is placed in a dispenser-enabled state capable of dispensing sheet material corresponding to agreement between the codes and a dispenser-disabled state in which the dispenser is disabled when no such code agreement exists.

Solar panels and assembled arrays thereof include a collection of relatively compact, high-capacity power units. Optical components of each power unit include a front window or surface glazing, a primary mirror, secondary mirror and receiver assembly. Primary and secondary mirrors are defined by respective perimeters, at least a portion of which may be substantially coplanar and in contact with the front window. Some primary mirrors are configured with a perimeter of alternating full and truncated sections, and are curved to a base portion forming a pilot hole therein. Receiver assembly mechanical components include an alignment tube for mating with the primary mirror's pilot hole and for housing a photovoltaic solar cell. A base plate provided adjacent to the alignment tube serves to radiate heat emitted by the solar cell, and in some embodiments an additional heat sink provides further passive cooling. A tapered optical rod also provided within the receiver assembly directs received sunlight to the solar cell where electrical current is generated.

A self tying shoe wherein the weight of a user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe will depress a hingedly movable inner sole which actuates a mechanism which pulls on the laces so as to close in the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user can simply pump the inner sole or walk a couple of steps to accomplish the lacing of the shoes. Using his other foot, the user can move a knob in either one of two positions, one being for tying and the other being for untying the shoe. Most of the mechanical components are situated underneath the movable inner sole and are interconnected in a way reminiscent of the cooperating interconnections of clockwork.

A weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body.

Solar panels and assembled arrays thereof include a collection of relatively compact, high-capacity power units. Optical components of each power unit include a front window or surface glazing, a primary mirror, secondary mirror and receiver assembly. Primary and secondary mirrors are defined by respective perimeters, at least a portion of which may be substantially coplanar and in contact with the front window. Some primary mirrors are configured with a perimeter of alternating full and truncated sections, and are curved to a base portion forming a pilot hole therein. Receiver assembly mechanical components include an alignment tube for mating with the primary mirror's pilot hole and for housing a photovoltaic solar cell. A base plate provided adjacent to the alignment tube serves to radiate heat emitted by the solar cell, and in some embodiments an additional heat sink provides further passive cooling. A tapered optical rod also provided within the receiver assembly directs received sunlight to the solar cell where electrical current is generated.

A quasi-kinematic coupling for mating components (mechanical parts, surfaces, assemblies and the like) employing mating sets of surface of revolution, (conical) grooves and cooperative surface of revolution (spherical / conical) protrusions for establishing six lines (not just prior points) of contact at the kinematic interfaces, and with elastic compliance therebetween and preferably with relief features to define the effective orientation as a clamping force seats the protrusions in the grooves and seals the component mating surfaces into contact.

The present invention provides a nano-integrated system assembly that offers both convenience and cost-efficiency, where multiple fluidic, electronic and mechanical components or chemical processes are optimally embraced effectively and efficiently in a systematic modularized manner. Furthermore, the nano-integrated system assembly has a generic configuration so as to enable and accommodate a wide spectrum of differently combined sequences of analyzing / processing operations to be performed on the identical nano-integrated system assembly.

A method of writing a spiral track on a disk of a disk drive is disclosed. A plurality of reference tracks are written on the disk. A head is moved over the reference tracks to generate a read signal comprising a plurality of peak signals, wherein each peak signal corresponds to a reference track crossing. At least one of a starting radial location and a velocity profile is adjusted in response to a distribution of the peak signals, and the spiral track is written on the disk using the starting radial location and the velocity profile. In one embodiment, the distribution of the peak signals represents a uniform and a non-uniform expansion of a mechanical component.

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

An analog timepiece with smart watch functions is provided that has an overlay full color display and a transparent mode when the smart watch features are not in use. The transparent display mode exposes the underlying analog watch, which operates on a separate power supply then the smart watch functions and display. The analog watch may operate on a traditional winding, long life battery, solar charge, pendulum drive, or a self-winding drive based on watch motion. The smart watch functions operate on a rechargeable battery designed for frequent recharging. In a specific embodiment, recharging of the rechargeable battery may be with an induction mat. The full complement of smart watch functions provided by embodiments of the overlay smart watch display differ from existing analog digital watches that have an analog movement with a smaller digital display on the watch face to show time, dates, or a chronograph.

The invention is directed to a stationary bicycle which has load-providing components allowing for fine-tuned adjustment of the selected load. The load providing components are made of relatively simple mechanical components so as to increase the reliability, reduce the maintenance and provide a relatively smooth cycling feel. In addition, the invention is directed to a stationary bicycle which is manufactured using specific materials and processes so as to provide for a reliable product having a relatively long life cycle characterized by reliable functioning. Furthermore, the stationary bicycle of the invention comprises a design which allows for ergonomic fine tuning of the relative positioning between the various components thereof so as to provide ergonomic adjustments thereby reducing the risk of injury to the body of the individual and allowing for a more efficient workout.

In a method for monitoring plants with mechanical components, measured values (xiT; xiu) are determined at predeterminable time intervals for a fixed set of parameters (xi). The measured values (xiT) which are determined for various working points during a modelling phase are used for the generation of a model for the operating behavior of the components. With the help of the model for the operating behavior at least one monitoring value (r; snu) is derived at predeterminable time intervals which is independent of the respective current working point. The temporal behavior of the monitoring value (r; snu) is used for estimating the wear in the components and / or for the detection of operating disturbances.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for predicting the remaining useful time of mechanical components such as bearings. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for predicting the remaining useful time of bearings based on available condition monitoring data. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for automatically deciding which columns of input information are the most significant for predicting the remaining useful life of bearings. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for performing an analysis of both test bearings and training bearings and determining which training bearings are most similar to a given test bearing. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for training an artificial neural network.

The present invention relates to a device for machining mechanical parts by means of a hollow cylindrical tool presenting a distal end with a free edge that is shaped to perform machining when said tool is rotated about its axis. In accordance with the invention, the hollow cylindrical tool is fitted internally with a transverse member forming a shaving-breaker, and said hollow cylindrical tool is secured axially to a distal end of a hollow cylindrical spindle, said hollow cylindrical spindle being mounted to rotate about its own axis on a support plate, and being driven externally by rotary drive means mounted on said support plate, and said hollow cylindrical spindle having a proximal end facing and directly adjacent to a hollow cylindrical endpiece secured to said support plate and connected to a suction hose, such that the machining shavings can be evacuated internally by passing successively through the hollow cylindrical tool going round the transverse member forming a shaving-breaker, through the hollow cylindrical spindle, through the hollow cylindrical endpiece, and through the suction hose.

The invention relates to a building block system having modules that can be plugged together, wherein electronic and mechanical components required for motion and control are provided in the modules. The object of the invention is to provide a building block system, which facilitates constructing mobile models from simple building blocks. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a building block system having movable modules, wherein the building block system includes at least one energy module, at least one control module having a micro-controller, at least one movement module having an integrated servo motor, and a plurality of connection modules that can be randomly connected with each other, wherein the modules are connectable through plug connections enabling current flow between adjacent modules.

A tube picking mechanism is designed for use in an automated, ultra-low temperature (e.g. −80° C. or −135° C.) or cryogenic (e.g., about −140° C. to −196° C.) storage and retrieval system that stores biological or chemical samples. The samples are contained in storage tubes held in SBS footprint storage racks that are normally stored within an ultra-low temperature or cryogenic freezer compartment. The tube picking mechanism includes a tube picking chamber that is maintained at about −80° C., about −135° C. or at cryogenic temperatures in cryogenic applications. Active electrical and mechanical components are maintained in a compartment above and separate from the refrigerated, ultra-low temperature or cryogenic compartment. Thermal stratification inhibits heat transfer into the lower, ultra-low temperature or cryogenic compartment in which tube picking occurs from the upper compartment in which active electrical and mechanical components are located, and also inhibits heat transfer into the lower, ultra-low temperature or cryogenic compartment via an access door for tube storage racks.

An apparatus for visualizing physical movements includes:a device for acquiring video image files;a data analysis system including processor and memory;a computer program operating in the processor to identify an area in the images where periodic motions associated with physical movement of an object may be detected and quantified, and compute a new image sequence in which the motions are visually amplified; and,a user interface that displays the motion-amplified video image of the mechanical component.An associated method for using the apparatus is also disclosed.

A bonding technique suitable for bonding a non-metal body, such as a silicon MEMS sensor, to a metal surface, such a steel mechanical component is rapid enough to be compatible with typical manufacturing processes, and avoids any detrimental change in material properties of the metal surface arising from the bonding process. The bonding technique has many possible applications, including bonding of MEMS strain sensors to metal mechanical components. The inventive bonding technique uses inductive heating of a heat-activated bonding agent disposed between metal and non-metal objects to quickly and effectively bond the two without changing their material properties. Representative tests of silicon to steel bonding using this technique have demonstrated excellent bond strength without changing the steel's material properties. Thus, with this induction bonding approach, silicon MEMS devices can be manufacturably bonded to mechanical steel components for real time monitoring of the conditions / environment of a steel component.

The invention discloses an automatic adjustment device and method of a curved surface of a flexible display screen. The automatic adjustment device comprises a user position perception sensor unit, a data storage unit, a curved surface adjustment mechanical component and a main control unit; the curved surface adjustment mechanical component comprises an electric hinge, a mechanical arm and a flexible supporting frame; the user position perception sensor unit and the electric hinge are connected with the main control unit; the curved surface adjustment mechanical component also comprises a mobile sliding block which is connected with the mechanical arm; when the state of the curved surface of the flexible display screen is adjusted through the automatic adjustment device, the mobile sliding block slides on the flexible supporting frame to enable the curved surface transition of the flexible supporting frame to be smooth and natural. According to the automatic adjustment device and method of the curved surface of the flexible display screen, the real-time adjustment can be dynamically and automatically performed on the curved surface of the flexible display screen according to the user position and the distribution information, the appropriate steering can be performed when necessary, the plane state can be recovered after usage, and accordingly the occupied space can be saved, the user experience is good, the additional value of products is high, and the market prospect is wide.

A wall fabrication system and method is provided. In an embodiment, an assembly line comprises one or framing stations and one or more insulation stations. The frame stations are configured to build a wall frame consisting of wall studs and a covering such as drywall. The wall studs and drywall define cavities in the frame which are to be insulated. Optionally, mechanical components such as electrical and plumbing can be installed. The wall section is then transferred to the insulation station. The insulation station is configured to fill the cavities in the wall frame with closed cell foam which is injected in flowable form into each cavity.

One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a watering device for animals with continuously flowing water to attract the attention of the animal. To create flowing water, a water screw device may be utilized within the watering device to move water from a lower bowl of the device to an upper bowl. The water screw may be configured such that the electrical components of the water screw remain separated from the water of the watering dish to remove the possibility of electrocution of the water. Rather, only the mechanical components of the water screw device may contact the water of the watering device while the electrical motor of the water screw remains safely out of the water.

A computing device includes a housing with various electrical and / or mechanical components included therein. Disposed within the housing is a processor assembly that includes a fan. The fan is configured to draw air into the interior of the housing and force air heated by the internal components of the computing device from the interior of the housing. The fan has a diameter that is larger than the smallest dimension of the three orthogonal dimensions of the housing of the computing device and generates low levels of acoustic noise having a low frequency. Additionally, the processor assembly includes a support structure that supports the fan and reduces the effects of electromagnetic emissions generated by a processor of the processor assembly upon electrical devices adjacent to the computing device.

Disclosed are methods for determining the largest subset of points that remains within a set of points S (i.e., shape S) when S is subjected to a motion M. These methods, which are generally designated herein as unsweep (or formalistically unsweep(S,M)), can be implemented (preferably by computer) for a variety of practical purposes, for example mechanical parts design. In this instance, simply by knowing the motion to be experienced by a part and the envelope wherein the part must fit during motion, unsweep can define the largest part that fits within the envelope according to the given motion. While direct part shape output is obtained, no part shape needs to be proposed beforehand, and thus the design process is no longer an iterative process of proposing shapes and correcting them in the case of interference. Further, unsweep is related to the known sweep function and can be used to obtain sweeps as well as unsweeps.

The present invention relates to a rollable flexible display apparatus to which an operation-force conversion apparatus is applied, wherein the operation-force conversion apparatus converts an unfolding or a folding operation-force linearly applied by a user to a housing of the rollable flexible display apparatus without the application of a motor or a spring into a rotation force with which a roller can rotate using the screw thread principle through an internal mechanical component, and conveys the converted rotational force to the roller.

A parameter-free method to analyze sensor signals incorporates two or more of frequency demodulation, amplitude demodulation and phase demodulation of the raw signal data. The resulting signal is transformed to a frequency domain, and target fault characteristics from the demodulated signal are identified. The method is used to detect faults in bearings, gears and other mechanical components.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are small integrated devices or systems that combine electrical and mechanical components. It would be beneficial for such MEMS devices to be integrated with silicon CMOS electronics and packaged in controlled environments and support industry standard mounting interconnections such as solder bump through the provisioning of through-wafer via-based electrical interconnections. However, the fragile nature of the MEMS devices, the requirement for vacuum, hermetic sealing, and stresses placed on metallization membranes are not present in packaging conventional CMOS electronics. Accordingly there is provided a means of reinforcing the through-wafer vias for such integrated MEMS-CMOS circuits by in filling a predetermined portion of the through-wafer electrical vias with low temperature deposited ceramic materials which are deposited at temperatures below 350° C., and potentially to below 250° C., thereby allowing the re-inforcing ceramic to be deposited after fabrication of the CMOS electronics.

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatic visual detection of events, for recording images of those events and retrieving them for display and human or automated analysis, and for sending synchronized signals to external equipment when events are detected. An event corresponds to a specific condition, among some time-varying conditions within the field of view of an imaging device, that can be detected by visual means based on capturing and analyzing digital images of a two-dimensional field of view in which the event may occur. Events may correspond to rare, short duration mechanical failures for which obtaining images for analysis is desirable. Events are detected by considering evidence obtained from an analysis of multiple images of the field of view, during which time moving mechanical components can be seen from multiple viewing perspectives.

The invention is directed to an arrangement and a method for the generation of EUV radiation of high average output, preferably for the wavelength region of 13.5 nm for use in semiconductor lithography. It is the object of the invention to find a novel possibility for generating EUV radiation of high average output which permits a time-multiplexing of the radiation of a plurality of source modules in a simple manner without overloading the source modules and without requiring extremely high rotational speeds of optical-mechanical components. This object is met, according to the invention, in that a plurality of identically constructed source modules which are arranged so as to be distributed around a common optical axis are directed to a rotatably mounted reflector arrangement which successively couples in the beam bundles of the source modules along the optical axis. The reflector arrangement has a drive unit by which a reflecting optical element is adjustable so as to be stopped temporarily in angular positions that are defined for the source modules and is oriented to the next source module in intervals between two exposure fields of a wafer by means of control signals emitted by an exposure system.