Methods and devices for distraction osteogenesis are disclosed employing an energy storage device and a controlled release of energy to provide a separating force. For example, bone expansion devices can include a first anchor element attachable to a first segment of bone, a second anchor element attachable to a second segment of bone, and an actuator for applying a separating force between the first and second anchor elements. The actuator can include a potential energy storage device and a controller for releasing energy from the energy storage device to provide the separating force.

Distraction osteogenesis methods and devices

A mass flow controller having a feedback controller gain, comprises: a sensor configured so as to sense the flow of fluid through controller; a valve arranged so as to adjust the flow of fluid through the controller; and a processor configured so as to controlling the valve as a function of the flow of fluid sensed by the sensor. The sensor and valve are arranged within a feedback system, and the processor updates the feedback controller gain in real time based on the ratio of at least one calibration gas parameter to at least one operating gas parameter, such that the closed loop transfer function of the feedback system remains substantially constant regardless of operating conditions so as to have a consistent control performance at different operation conditions from the calibration condition.

Controller gain scheduling for mass flow controllers

A system incorporating an actuator. The actuator may have a motor unit with motor controller connected to it. A processor may be connected to the motor controller. A coupling for a shaft connection may be attached to an output of the motor unit. The processor may incorporate a diagnostics program. The processor may be connected to a polarity-insensitive two-wire communications bus. Diagnostic results of the diagnostics program may be communicated from the processor over the communications bus to a system controller. If the diagnostic results communicated from the processor over the communications bus to the system controller indicate an insufficiency of the actuator, then an alarm identifying the insufficiency may be communicated over the communications bus to the system controller.

Actuator with diagnostics

A domestic gas appliance is disclosed. In one implementation the appliance includes a burner and a gas control valve situated to deliver and vary a flow of a gas to the burner. The gas control valve has an actuator that induces an opening and/or closing of the flow control valve dependent on a control signal delivered to the actuator. A control device is electrically coupled to the actuator and is used to control the opening and closing of the gas control valve. The control device is coupled to an audio input and is configured to receive an analog sound signal and to generate the control signal based on the analog sound signal. A method of modulating a flame in a burner of a domestic gas appliance is also disclosed. In one implementation the method includes producing an analog sound signal and subsequently creating a reference signal based on the analog sound signal. A control signal is produced using the reference signal with the relationship between the reference signal and the control signal being linear, logarithmic or potential. The control signal is delivered to an actuator of a gas control valve that is situated to control the flow of gas to the burner, the control signal acting upon the actuator to cause the actuator to open and/or close to modulate the flame in the burner.

domestic gas appliance with flame control

Provided is an automatic pressure regulator for a flow regulator wherein overshoot is prevented from occurring in flow rate on the output side when the output flow rate of the flow regulator is altered or the type of gas to flow is altered. An automatic pressure regulator (20) of gas to be supplied to a flow regulator comprises a pressure regulation valve (15) driven by a piezoelectric element, a control pressure detector (14) provided on the output side of the pressure regulation valve (15), and a controller (16) receiving a detection value (P2) of the control pressure detector (14) and a set value (Pst) of control pressure and supplying a control signal to the piezoelectric element drive section of the pressure regulation valve (15) by proportional control system in order to regulate the opening of the valve, wherein the integral action is disabled so that a residual deviation is produced in the control pressure by the proportional control system of the controller.

Automatic pressure regulator for flow rate regulator

A positioning system includes an actuator, valve (preferably pneumatic), position sensor and an electronic valve controller, integrated in a single unit. Continuously variable setpoints are possible within the range of operation. A preferred control circuit includes a signal converter, a ramp generator to smooth the shape of the command or target value signal applied, a position feedback sensor to report the actual position of the actuator, a controller, and a driver, containing an H-bridge, for controlling the pneumatic valve which feeds air into the actuator mechanism. Integration of all these components into a single unit shortens signal paths, improves resistance to electrical noise, and permits faster response time.

Servo-pneumatic actuator

Disclosed herein is a controlled valve. The valve includes a valve body, a sleeve, a spool, and a valve actuator assembly. The valve body includes a cavity and a first chamber. The sleeve is between the cavity and the first chamber. The sleeve includes an inner bore and at least one opening. The inner bore extends from a first end to a second end of the sleeve. The at least one opening extends through the second end of the sleeve. A portion of the inner bore forms a second chamber. The spool is movably disposed within the inner bore. The valve actuator assembly is connected to the spool. The first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber through the at least one opening. The spool is configured to be movable over at least a portion of the at least one opening to regulate fluid flow therethrough.

Electronically controlled valve and systems containing same

A method for controlling a dome-operated pressure regulator is disclosed. The pressure at a dome side of the pressure regulator is measured. The operation of the pressure regulator is controlled based upon at least a received command signal and the measurement. A proportional control valve may be used to control the pressure on at the dome side of the pressure regulator. A controller and a system are also disclosed.

Method, controller and system providing techniques for control of an air loaded regulator and cascaded control loops

Disclosed herein is an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve includes a valve body and a spool. The valve body includes at least one fluid inlet port, at least one fluid outlet port, an upper cavity, and a lower cavity. The spool is disposed within the valve body. The spool includes a first end and an opening. The opening allows the lower cavity to be in fluid communication with the upper cavity.

Equalization of pressure in an electronically controlled valve

A linear voice coil actuator is described, specifically applied to a fluid power valve. The valve includes at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port. A spool controls fluid flow between the inlet port and outlet port. At least one counter-acting spring asserts a force on the spool. The valve also includes a linear voice coil to regulate movement of the spool. The linear voice coil responds to a pulse width modulated signal, wherein the pulse width modulated signal is based on a determined current in the linear voice coil. Electromagnetic interference filtering may also be used. A controller, system and method are also described.

Daniel S. Cook

Papers

Servo-pneumatic actuator

Electronically controlled valve and systems containing same

Method, controller and system providing techniques for control of an air loaded regulator and cascaded control loops

Equalization of pressure in an electronically controlled valve

Valve, controller, system and method providing closed loop current control of a voice coil using pulse width modulation drive elements