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6565 results about "Torque sensor" patented technology

A torque sensor, torque transducer or torque meter is a device for measuring and recording the torque on a rotating system, such as an engine, crankshaft, gearbox, transmission, rotor, a bicycle crank or cap torque tester. Static torque is relatively easy to measure. Dynamic torque, on the other hand, is not easy to measure, since it generally requires transfer of some effect (electric, hydraulic or magnetic) from the shaft being measured to a static system.

Robotic surgical system for performing minimally invasive medical procedures

A robotic surgical system for performing minimally invasive medical procedures includes a robot manipulator for robotically assisted handling of a laparoscopic instrument having a manipulator arm, a manipulator wrist supported by the arm and an effector unit supported by the wrist, wherein the manipulator arm provides three degrees-of-freedom by means of a first joint, a second joint and a third joint, each having an associated actuator, for robotically positioning the wrist, the wrist providing two degrees-of-freedom by means of a fourth joint and a fifth revolute joint having an associated actuator, for robotically setting the yaw angle and the pitch angle of the effector unit respectively; the effector unit includes a laparoscopic instrument actuator and provides one degree-of-freedom by means of a revolute sixth joint having an associated actuator for robotically setting the roll angle of the LIA which includes a seat, with an associated coupling mechanism for mounting an instrument stem adaptor to the effector unit, and an actuation mechanism cooperating with the instrument stem adaptor for actuating a laparoscopic instrument connected to the adaptor. The effector unit is configured such that the rotation axis of the revolute sixth joint coincides with the longitudinal axis of a laparoscopic instrument mounted to the effector unit and the effector unit includes a sensor assembly having a 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) force / torque sensor and a 6 DOF accelerometer. The sensor assembly connects the LIA to the sixth revolute joint.
Owner:EURO ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY (EURATOM)

Detecting driver grip on steering wheel

Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to determining by what degree a driver is gripping a steering wheel. In one example, a computer may send an electrically assisted power steering system (EPS) motor an excitation command to move. The EPS motor may respond by moving a flexible coupling between the steering wheel and the EPS motor. This may cause a corresponding movement at the steering wheel. A torque sensor may generate pattern data by monitoring the flexible coupling during the movement. The EPS motor may generate system position data for the entire steering system, for example, from the tires to the steering wheel. The pattern data and the system position data may be compared by the computer to determine the degree of grip. In this regard, the computer may determine the degree of a driver's grip without the need for additional sensors.
Owner:WAYMO LLC

Force estimation for a minimally invasive robotic surgery system

A method of force estimation for a minimally invasive medical system comprising a robot manipulator (10). The manipulator has an effector unit (12) equipped with a 6-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) force / torque sensor and is configured to hold a minimally invasive instrument (14) having a first end (16) mounted to the effector unit and a second end (20) located beyond an external fulcrum (23) that limits the instrument in motion, usually to 4 DOF. The method comprising the steps: —determining a position of the instrument relative to the fulcrum; —measuring by means of the 6-DOF force / torque sensor a force and a torque exerted onto the effector unit by the first end of the instrument; and —calculating by means of the principle of superposition an estimate of a force exerted onto the second end of the instrument based on the determined position, the measured force and the measured torque.
Owner:EURATOM

Precision-fastening handheld cordless power tools

Cordless power tools include a pistol housing having an upper portion that merges into a downwardly extending handle, a DC motor residing in the upper portion of the housing, the DC motor having a rotor that drives an output shaft; a torque transducer on board the tool in communication with the output shaft; and a dynamic motor control circuit residing in the housing in communication with the motor and torque transducer. The dynamic motor control circuit includes a Kelvin resistor in communication with the motor for measuring motor current and digital hall switches in communication with the motor for measuring motor speed. The motor current can vary by at least 100 A during operation.
Owner:INGERSOLL RAND IND U S INC

Arm-equipped mobile robot and method for controlling the same

A mobile robot contains a movable robot body, arms provided on the movable robot body, each of the arms having a multiple joint structure including plural joints, an actuator for actuating each of the joints and shaft torque sensors incorporated in each of the joints to detect a torque from the actuator at an output shaft of each of the joints, and a controller provided in the robot body to determine whether each of the arms is in contact with or in collision with a peripheral obstacle or obstacles based on change of an output from the shaft torque sensors and control an operation of each of actuators of each arm.
Owner:KK TOSHIBA

Vehicle steering apparatus

A vehicle steering apparatus is comprised of an assist motor, a steering torque sensor, a steering angle sensor, and a controller. The controller has a torque producing section for estimating a virtual steering model input torque from a torque sensor detection value and a steering angle detection value, a virtual steering model of representing a desired steering characteristic which receives the virtual steering model input torque and outputs a target steering angle of a steering column shaft, and a steering angle servo for controlling an output of the assist motor so that the steering angle detection angle follows the target steering angle.
Owner:NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

Surgical simulation system using force sensing and optical tracking and robotic surgery system

A surgical simulation device includes a support structure and animal tissue carried in a tray. A simulated human skeleton is carried by the support structure above the animal tissue and includes simulated human skin. A camera images the animal tissue and an image processor receives images of markers positioned on the ribs and animal tissue and forms a three-dimensional wireframe image. An operating table is adjacent a local robotic surgery station as part of a robotic surgery station and includes at least one patient support configured to support the patient during robotic surgery. At least one patient force / torque sensor is coupled to the at least one patient support and configured to sense at least one of force and torque experienced by the patient during robotic surgery.
Owner:INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

Joint Actuation Mechanism for a Prosthetic and/or Orthotic Device Having a Compliant Transmission

Disclosed herein a prosthetic or orthotic device having a joint portion and a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The device restores the normal capabilities and natural dynamics of a healthy joint for common activities. The compliant transmission assembly includes a compliant element. The compliant transmission assembly absorbs energy when a torque is applied. between a prosthetic or orthotic device portion and another adjacent device portion or the adjacent limb segment, of the user. The compliant element of the invention absorbs energy during flexion of a joint for the dampening thereof and releases this energy during extension of the joint for assistance thereof. Also disclosed herein is an actuator assembly, a torque sensor and an actuator locking device as well as a method for determining the torque of such prosthetic and orthotic devices.
Owner:NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA

Continuously variable transmission

InactiveUS6336878B1Simple and compact and inexpensiveExcellent substituteGearingPortable liftingEngineeringControl theory
A continuously variable transmission for use in the power train of a motor vehicle has parallel input and output shafts, an adjustable pulley on each shaft, an endless torque transmitting chain or belt trained over the pulleys, and a torque sensor which transmits variable torque from the engine of the motor vehicle to the pulley on the input shaft. The torque sensor also serves to initiate and regulate the adjustments of the pulleys.
Owner:LUK GETRIEBE SYST

Powered multichannel infusion and monitoring system

InactiveUS6279511B1Eliminate needReducing the torque on the animalAnimal housingVeterinary instrumentsMonitoring systemCatheter
A method and system for infusing and monitoring a tethered laboratory animal includes a platform suitable for carrying the laboratory animal. A tether assembly includes a flexible conduit for connecting to the animal and a tether for tethering the animal. A torque sensor detects a motion of the animal and drives the tether assembly in response to the detected motion of the animal, and thereby reduces the torque on the animal. The platform is driven in a direction opposite to the tether assembly so that it appears to be stationary when the tether assembly is driven in response to a detected motion of the animal.
Owner:INSTECH LAB

Motor having an integrated torque sensor

A motor unit comprises a housing for containing a motor, a motor shaft for receiving a motor provided driving force, a torque sensor mechanism for detecting torque, and a controller for controlling power to the motor in response to a detected amount of torque. An actuator couples the torque sensor to a sensor of the controller. The actuator is configured to move relative to the controller sensor thereby causing the sensor to produce a signal indicative of the detected level of torque. The controller is contained within the housing of the motor. The motor unit may also have an auxiliary shaft for receiving an externally provided driving force with a first torque transmission path for transferring the externally provided driving force to a drive mechanism and a second torque transmission path for transferring the motor provided driving force to said drive mechanism. A first one way drive means is provided in the first torque transmission path between the auxiliary shaft and the drive mechanism such that when the drive mechanism is being driven by the motor provided driving force through the second torque transmission path, the auxiliary shaft is able to freewheel. The motor unit can drive any apparatus, but may be used in a pedal driven apparatus such as a bicycle where an externally provided driving force is provided by manually operable pedals of said apparatus which are fixed for rotation with the auxiliary shaft. In this case, the auxiliary shaft comprises a pedal spindle of the bicycle and the drive mechanism comprises a sprocket or belt drive.
Owner:FOSTER ASSETS CORPORATION

Electric power steering system

An electric power steering system for an automotive vehicle, includes a torque sensor disposed to a steering shaft to detect a steering torque. A first pinion is disposed to the steering shaft. A rack shaft is in mesh with the first pinion and connected with the steering shaft to change a rotational motion of the steering shaft to an axial motion of the rack shaft and provided to be operated in relation to the steering shaft. A first motor is connected with the first pinion to generate a steering assist torque in accordance with the steering torque detected by the torque sensor. A second pinion is disposed to be separate from the first pinion and in mesh with the rack shaft. A second motor is connected with the second pinion to generate a steering assist torque in accordance with the steering torque.
Owner:HITACHI LTD

Modular rotational electric actuator

A modular rotational electric actuator includes an output housing and internal drive components that include integrated control electronics, a torque sensor, and a portion of a joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a joint connector coupled to the internal drive components, including integrated control electronics, e.g., by a resilient member. The resilient member elastically couples the joint connector to a portion of the output housing, the joint connector including a portion that extends outward therefrom.
Owner:HDT EXPEDITIONARY SYST

Individual cylinder controller for four-cylinder engine

A generic technique for the detection of air-fuel ratio (or torque) imbalances in a 4-cylinder engine equipped with either a production oxygen sensor or a wide-range A / F sensor (or a crankshaft torque sensor) is developed. The method is based on a novel frequency-domain characterization of pattern of imbalances and its geometric decomposition into four basic templates. Once the contribution of each basic template to the overall imbalances is computed, templates of opposite direction are imposed to restore air-fuel ratio (or torque) balance among cylinders. At any desired operating condition, elimination of imbalances is achieved within few engine cycles. The method is applicable to current and future engine technologies with variable valve actuation, fuel injectors and / or individual spark control.
Owner:GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS LLC

Sensors and methods and apparatus relating to same

In one form a capacitive sensor is disclosed for immersion into a fluid, the capacitive sensor having a housing and first and second electrodes with the first electrode being disposed at least partially within the housing and electrically connected to a circuit, the second electrode being electrically connected to the circuit via an electrical connection and physically separated from the housing containing at least a portion of the first electrode so that at least a portion of the electrical connection or second electrode is located above or outside of the fluid to reduce the risk that minerals will form between the electrodes. In another form the electrodes are separated into their own cavities of the sensor housing via a bridging member which separates the electrodes to help reduce the risk of mineral buildup occurring between the electrodes. In other forms, capacitors, capacitive sensors, pump controls and systems utilizing these features are disclosed along with methods and apparatus relating to same. In yet other forms additional sensors such as current sensors, thermal sensors, speed sensors, torque sensors and Hall Effect sensors are disclosed for use alone or in combination with said capacitive sensor for detecting fluid level and / or controlling pumps. In still other forms, apparatus and methods relating to self cleaning pumps are disclosed.
Owner:MAYLEBEN PHILIP +2

Torque wrench with fastener indicator and system and method employing same

A system for controlling torque related data is disclosed. The system may include one or more torque wrenches each having a first controller, and each being adapted to communicate with a second controller. Each torque wrench may further include a handle and a torquing tool. A torque sensor is disposed on each of the torque wrenches and is adapted to provide torque related data of a fastener to the first controller. The second controller is communicably coupled to the first controller and receives the torque data of the fastener.
Owner:RYESON CORP

Multi-force sensing surgical instrument and method of use for robotic surgical systems

A multi-force sensing instrument includes a tool that has a tool shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, a strain sensor arranged at a first position along the tool shaft, at least one of a second strain sensor or a torque-force sensor arranged at a second position along the tool shaft, the second position being more towards the proximal end of the tool shaft than the first position, and a signal processor configured to communicate with the strain sensor and the at least one of the second strain sensor or the torque-force sensor to receive detection signals therefrom. The signal processor is configured to process the signals to determine a magnitude and position of a lateral component of a force applied to the tool shaft when the position of the applied force is between the first and second positions.
Owner:THE JOHN HOPKINS UNIV SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Five degree of freedom ectoskeleton type upper limb rehabilitation robot

The invention provides a five-freedom exoskeleton type robot for healing upper limbs, which comprises a mounting deck used for mounting the robot. The mounting deck is provided with a lead rail, an erector is arranged on the lead rail and is provided with a height adjustment mechanism, a rotatable mounting arm is arranged on the erector by a rotatable axis. A healing mechanical arm body composed of a shoulder width, an upper arm, a forearm and a hand lever is installed on the rotatable mounting arm. Five freedom joints and five drive motors are respectively arranged on the rotatable axis of each joint; four torque sensors which are connected with the drive motors in a cascading way are respectively arranged on the parts of shoulder, elbow and wrist, wherein, the shoulder parts are provided with two torque sensors, the elbow part is provided with one torque sensor and the push-up part of the wrist part is provided with one torque sensor. The torque sensors that are taken as transfer devices and detecting devices are connected with a motor reducer and an executing mechanism. The robot provides single joint movement of each joint and three-dimension multi-joint compound movement for suffers as well as provides simple and basic movement training of daily life.
Owner:HARBIN INST OF TECH

Constant detecting apparatus for brushless DC motor, control apparatus for brushless DC motor, and program for detecting constant of brushless DC motor

A constant detecting apparatus 15 comprising a detecting unit 26 and a calculating unit 27. The detecting unit 26 is structured comprising a rotation sensor 41, a torque sensor 42, a position sensor 43, a rotor temperature sensor 44, a winding temperature sensor 45, a phase voltage detector 46, and phase current detectors 47 and 47. The calculating unit 27 calculates the induced voltage constant Ke that changes depending on the motor temperature Tmag while the motor 11 is being driven based on each of the detected signals from the detecting unit 26, and at the same time, the d axis current Id and the q axis current Iq are calculated after elimination of the iron loss, and the d axis inductance Ld and the q axis inductance Lq in the actual operating state of the motor 11 are calculated.
Owner:HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

Exoskeletal rehabilitation robot for upper limbs

The invention discloses an exoskeletal rehabilitation robot for upper limbs. The exoskeletal rehabilitation robot comprises a base, two mechanical arm assemblies and six motor driving components, wherein the base comprises a moving base, an electrical cabinet, an electric lifting post, a base platform, a motor mounting corner bracket, a base rotating motor, a coupling, a base main bearing block, a base and ball screw nut assembly, a base nut seat, a base shared secondary bearing block, a right support, a base linear guide rail assembly and a left support; the mechanical arm assembly comprises a mechanical shoulder girdle assembly, a mechanical shoulder joint assembly, a mechanical elbow joint assembly, a mechanical front arm assembly, a mechanical wrist joint assembly and a mechanical hand part assembly; each motor driving assembly comprises a motor and speed reducing component, a torque sensor component and a driving component which are respectively arranged on the same motor driving base frame. The exoskeletal rehabilitation robot can be worn on the upper limbs of the human body and can be used for assisting the upper limbs of the human body in moving in a three-dimensional space and performing rehabilitation training.
Owner:SHANGHAI ZHUODAO MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
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