Showing papers on "Pulley published in 2010"

Cable actuated end-effector for a surgical instrument

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft coupled to the handle and extending along a longitudinal axis, an end effector, and a cable. The end effector may comprise a first jaw member, a second jaw member and a reciprocating member. The cable may extend distally from the handle through the shaft to a first pulley of the first jaw member. From the first pulley, the cable may extend proximally to the reciprocating member, such that proximally directed motion of the cable exerts a distally directed force on the reciprocating member.

A passive weight compensation mechanism with a non-circular pulley and a spring

Abstract: We propose a new weight compensation mechanism with a non-circular pulley and a spring. We show the basic principle and numerical design method to derive the shape of the non-circular pulley. After demonstration of the weight compensation for an inverted/ordinary pendulum system, we extend the same mechanism to a parallel five-bar linkage system, analyzing the required torques using transposed Jacobian matrices. Finally, we develop a three degree of freedom manipulator with relatively small output actuators and verified that the weight compensation mechanism significantly contributes to decrease static torques to keep the same posture within manipulator's work space.

Surgical forceps including belt blade reverser mechanism

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts having a jaw connected thereto. At least one jaw is moveable from an open to a closed position and includes a blade slot extending therealong configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. An actuation assembly is disposed within one shaft and is configured for translating the blade between retracted and extended positions. The blade extends at least partially through the blade slot in the extended position. The actuation assembly includes an actuator engaged to a belt disposed within the shaft. The belt is configured for rotation about at least one pulley. A blade holder having the blade connected thereto is engaged to the belt. The blade holder defines a pre-determined load limit that, when exceeded, disengages the blade holder from the belt. Translating the actuator proximally translates the blade distally to the extended position when the blade holder is engaged to the belt.

Robot hand with human-like fingers

Abstract: A robotic hand with finger assemblies to better simulate human hand form factors and gestures. For each finger assembly, the robotic hand includes a finger drive assembly that is operable to selectively apply tension to four elongated and flexible tension elements (e.g., steel cable). Each of the finger assemblies includes a set of links or link members that are actuated or moved by the selective tensioning/movement of the tension elements by the drive assembly. The links are interconnected with pivotal joints such that they have three degrees-of-freedom, and the finger assembly includes a set of pulleys that are supported on the links and that are arranged to provide support and to guide the tension elements through the finger assembly. The tension elements preferably extend only partially about any one of the pulleys, whereby the finger assembly utilizes "n+1" actuation with non-helical wrapping of the tension elements.

Dynamic Modeling of a Two-Axis, Parallel, H-Frame-Type XY Positioning System

Abstract: XY positioning is an important task in industrial applications. This paper addresses the dynamic modeling of a belt-driven, parallel-type XY positioning system constructed in the form of a capitalized H. The system uses one long timing belt to transmit the rotation of two stationary motors to end-effector motion. Due to less moved masses, the studied H-frame system is potentially capable of fast acceleration, and therefore, faster positioning than traditional stacked systems. The use of an elastic transmission element also causes the biggest disadvantage of the system, which is an uncertainty of end-effector position due to stretching in the belt. Thus, the objective of this paper is to develop a dynamic model that can capture the response of this system. Using Lagrange's method, an eighth-order lumped parameter dynamic model of the stage motion is derived. The effect of nonlinear friction in the pulleys and cart motion is added to the model. The response of the model was simulated in MATLAB Simulink, and the model prediction is compared with real data obtained from the developed system. The results show that the model can accurately predict the dynamics of the developed H-frame positioning system.

Orthopedic device for treatment of the back

Abstract: In an embodiment, an orthopedic device in the form of a lumbar support includes first and second elongate belt members, an anatomically shaped plate, and a closure system connecting the belt members to the plate. The closure system is arranged to move the belt members relative to the plate, and connects to the belt members via a flexible belt attachment which removably secures to the belt members. The closure system includes tensioning elements corresponding to the belt members, and a pulley system connecting to the tensioning elements. The closure system is slidably mounted to the plate and arranged to the belt members relative to the plate between opposed linear directions. The plate has various contours which provide pressure distribution over a lumbar region of a back. Anatomically shaped and resiliently formed handles secure to the tensioning elements and the belt members.

Steer-by-wire steering system having an electromechanical steering lock

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering device for a road vehicle according to the steer-by-wire principle, comprising a steering wheel that can be operated by a driver and a steering gearbox that is not permanently mechanically coupled in a forcible manner and that is equipped with an electric-motor drive for pivoting steered wheels, wherein the electric-motor drive comprises an electric motor, a pinion (1), a belt (2), and a belt pulley (3), wherein the belt pulley (3) is coupled to a threaded spindle (4) by a ball nut, wherein an electromechanical device (5-8) for blocking the electric-motor drive is provided on or in the steering gear.

Elevator arrangement and method

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator arrangement, which comprises one or more elevator units (1, 2) to be moved in an elevator hoistway, said unit(s) including at least an elevator car (1), and possibly also a counterweight (2), roping (R) connected to an elevator unit, which roping comprises a plurality of ropes, and a moveable supporting structure in the elevator hoistway for supporting the aforementioned one or more elevator units (1, 2) below it via the aforementioned roping (R), and a rope pulley or rope pulley stack (4) of the supporting " structure in connection with the supporting structure, around which rope pulley or rope pulley stack the aforementioned roping (R) travels, and from which the roping (R) travels down to an elevator unit (1, 2). The roping (R) travels from the aforementioned rope pulley or rope pulley stack (4) down to an elevator unit (1, 2), in connection with which is a first rope pulley or rope pulley stack and a second rope pulley or rope pulley stack, which are disposed non- coaxially in relation to each other, their rotation axes being separate from each other in the lateral direction, and in that the first part (a) of the ropes of the roping (R) traveling from the rope pulley or rope pulley stack (4) down to the elevator unit (1, 2) travels, to the elevator unit (1, 2), to the first rope pulley or rope pulley stack that is in connection with the elevator unit (1, 2), under the pulley or stack, and onwards back up to a rope anchorage arrangement, and the second part (b) to the second rope pulley or rope pulley stack in that is, connection with the elevator unit in question, under the pulley or stack, and onwards back up to a rope anchorage arrangement. The invention also relates to corresponding guidance of compensating roping, as well as to a method wherein the service range of the elevator car is increased.

Method of converting vehicle into hybrid vehicle

Abstract: A method of converting a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a transmission, an alternator and a battery into a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises installing an electric motor to the vehicle that is configured to assist the internal combustion engine in rotating a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, installing an energy storage element configured to provide power to the electric motor, installing a motor control unit configured to control the amount of power delivered from the energy storage element to the electric motor and replacing an existing pulley on a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine with a new pulley configured to receive a first belt extending between the new pulley and an alternator pulley and a second belt extending between the new pulley and an electric motor pulley.

Power transmission device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power transmission device which has improved noise characteristics by changing a frequency of sound caused by string vibrations while reducing the string vibrations, and which has improved assemblability to reduce the cost. SOLUTION: A tubular stabilizer 6, into which a string portion of a power transmitting chain 4 is inserted so as to be movable relative to the stabilizer and which thus restricts the movement of the power transmitting chain 4, is arranged between a primary pulley 2 and a secondary pulley 3. While the stabilizer 6 is supported by the power transmitting chain 4 so as to be movable in the traveling direction of the power transmitting chain 4 in accordance with its movement in the traveling direction, a movement of the stabilizer of which the amount is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount is restricted by a restricting device 7. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Control device of continuously variable transmission for vehicle

Abstract: A control device of a continuously variable transmission for a vehicle having a pair of variable pulleys with variable effective diameters of an input-side variable pulley and an output-side variable pulley and a transmission belt wound around between the pair of the variable pulleys, the continuously variable transmission respectively controlling an input-side thrust force in the input-side variable pulley and an output-side thrust force in the output-side variable pulley to set an actual gear ratio to a target gear ratio while preventing a slip of the transmission belt, the continuously variable transmission includes: a hydraulic control circuit capable of accurately controlling one of the input-side variable pulley and the output-side variable pulley in terms of thrust force as compared to the other, in the case that a target thrust force on the one side for assuring belt slip prevention of the both pulleys on the one side is set, based on a target thrust force on the one side, a target thrust force on the other side for achieving a target gear ratio on the other side being set, and a larger one being selected as the target thrust force on the one side out of a limit thrust force to a slip on the one side required for belt slip prevention on the one side, and a thrust force on the one side required for achieving a target gear ratio on the one side calculated based on a limit thrust force to a slip on the other side required for belt slip prevention on the other side.

Vehicular hybrid drive system

Abstract: In a vehicular hybrid drive system including an engine, a first rotary machine that is mechanically connected to the engine and is used at least as a generator, a belt-and-pulley continuously variable transmission to which output of the engine and the first rotary machine is transmitted via an input shaft, and a clutch device that permits and interrupts power transmission between the belt-and-pulley continuously variable transmission and driving wheels, and a second rotary machine that is used at least as an electric motor, and is arranged to cause a vehicle to run even when the engine is stopped, an input pulley of the belt-and-pulley continuously variable transmission is disposed coaxially with the engine, and is mechanically connected to the engine via the input shaft, such that the input pulley is rotated and stopped along with the engine at all times.

Accessory Drive and Engine Restarting System

Abstract: A drive system includes a pulley, an engine, a variator for varying a ratio of an output speed and an input speed, a gearset including a first and second components driveably connected to the engine and pulley, respectively, and a third component connected to the output, and a second gearset for increasing an input speed relative to an pulley speed.

Compound archery bow with intermediate cable pulleys

Abstract: A compound archery bow includes a bow handle having projecting limbs, and first and second pulleys mounted on the respective limbs for rotation around respective axes. A bow cable system includes a bowstring cable extending between the pulleys, and first and second power cables extending from the respective first and second pulleys toward the opposing pulley. Third and fourth pulleys are mounted on the handle. The third and fourth pulleys are engaged by the power cables and are at least partially offset from the bowstring cable so that the third and fourth pulleys hold the first and second power cables away from the bowstring cable, and the bowstring cable and an arrow engaged by the bowstring cable are unobstructed by the first and second power cables.

Cleaning system for solar panel

Abstract: A cleaning system for solar panels includes a number of solar cells and a transparent protection pane covering the solar cells. The cleaning system includes a frame, a cleaning device, and an operating device. The frame includes a first sidewall and a opposite second sidewall facing away from the first sidewall. The cleaning device is affixed on the transparent protection panel. The operating device includes a motor, a pulley and a belt. The motor is affixed on one end of the first sidewall. The pulley is affixed on the other end of the first sidewall. The belt is wrapped around the rotating shaft of the motor and the pulley. The cleaning device includes an axle connected to the operating device and a washer provided on the axle. The cleaning device is driven by the operating device to clean the solar panel.

Method for minimally invasive tendon sheath release

Abstract: A device and method for minimally invasive tendon sheath release. The device and method that enables a surgeon to cut (“open”) a pulley that is obstructing a nodule and keeping a tendon from sliding smoothly. A ball tipped guide probe goes through a small incision and is used to find the edge of the pulley. Once found, the probe is guided to an end of the pulley. After proper position is assured, a cutting blade is deployed by pushing and holding a blade deployment switch. This deploys the sharp end of a retractable cutting shaft beyond the sheath. The entire device is then pushed or pulled using the device handle along the pulley until the pulley is completely released or where resistance is no longer felt. In an alternate embodiment, the cutting blade is static.

An Enhanced CMM Model for the Accurate Prediction of Steady-State Performance of CVT Chain Drives

Abstract: The paper deals with the theoretical and experimental evaluation of the performance of a continuously variable transmission chain drive in steady-state conditions. We propose an enhanced version of the Carbone–Mangialardi–Mantriota (CMM) model, to accurately predict the slip behavior and the traction performance of the variator. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to accurately estimate the elastic displacements of the pulley. The determination of the actual pulley deformation allows to obtain a better estimation of the sliding velocities between the pins and the pulley surfaces and, therefore, to calculate the amount of total slip between the primary and secondary pulleys with a higher degree of accuracy. In contrast to multibody models, the approach presented here has a very simple formulation and results in an easy implementation, which allows a complete and fast evaluation of the variator working points. The theoretical results are discussed and critically compared with experimental data. The comparison confirms the validity of the CMM approach in a large range of clamping forces, speed ratios and torque loads. DOI: 10.1115/1.4000833

Pulley training system

Abstract: The present invention resides in a pulley training system comprising a pulley wheel mounted on an axle within a pulley housing and a cord configured to be draped over the pulley wheel. An attachment strap may be configured to be adjustably attached to the pulley housing. A first clip may be configured to be attached proximate a first end of the cord, and a second clip may be configured to be attached proximate a second end of the cord.

Folding exercise rowing machine

Abstract: A folding exercise rowing or sculling machine has left and right fold-down oar assemblies (40), each formed of an arm (42) hinged to the side of the frame, and a pivot (46) at the end of the arm on which the oar (50) and oarlock (49) are mounted. A cam plate (48) at a lower end of the pivot pulls a cable that drives the sprocket wheel (84) of a flywheel (80) mounted to the rear or proximal end of the frame. The oar assemblies fold to rearward, with the cam wheels fitting into a space (D) between the flywheel and the frame. Multiplier pulley assemblies couple the power cable and elastic cords to a drive chain that is wound around the sprocket wheel (84).

Exercise apparatus with a pull cord central pulley attached to a carriage and a pulley locking mechanism

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.

Deflected bearing shield as a bearing seal for a pulley assembly and method of assembly

Abstract: Disclosed is a pulley assembly including a pulley having an axis of rotation a pulley shell, and a bearing; a shaft having a pulley-receiving end that receives the pulley; and a first bearing shield disposed at the pulley-receiving end of the shaft. The pulley shell includes an annular wall that defines an opening for housing the bearing. The bearing is housed therein and has an inner race, outer race, and a rolling element. The first bearing shield includes a deflected sealing member biases against at least one of the outer race of the bearing and the pulley shell as a first contact seal to protect the bearing from contaminants.

Apparatus and System for a Resistance Training System

Abstract: An apparatus and a system include an electrically controlled motor comprising an output shaft, at least one winding and a rotor for exerting torque on the output shaft. An encoder senses and outputs a rotational position of the output shaft. A pulley is joined to the output shaft for converting a rotational motion to a linear motion. A cable is joined to the pulley where at least a portion of the cable is wound about the pulley. The cable is configured for joining to a resistance training system to provide a force element. A controller is in communication with the electrically controlled motor and the encoder for controlling the electrically controlled motor to exert a predetermined torque during motion of the cable in conjunction with operation of the resistance training system.

Vertical gravity/buoyancy power generator

Abstract: A power generator utilizing gases and the gravitational force as efficiently as the buoyant force which act on an apparatus in a natural or man-made liquid medium and convert such forces into mechanical energy. The power generator includes methods for a plurality of weighted uniquely configured variable density containers which ascend and descend in a primarily vertical plane and which drive one or more chains, belts or conveyances with rotating sprockets or pulleys on horizontally aligned shafts in primarily a vertical arrangement upon such apparatus. The chains, belts or conveyances driven by the movement of the containers rotate the sprockets or pulleys (FIG. 1 ) and their associated shafts in both the ascending and descending motion creating mechanical power. Such power can be used to turn electrical generators or other mechanical machines which necessitate such power input.

Belt drive system

Abstract: A self aligning belt drive system comprises a belt drive (26) having a plurality of longitudinally spaced inner lobs each having an alignment groove (46). The system further comprises at least one pulley (22,24) comprising a frame configured to rotate about a rotation axis and having a circular outer rim. A plurality of circumferential teeth extend radially and axially of the rim with each tooth being configured to be received between adjacent inner lugs (42) of the drive belt. An alignment flage extends radially between circumferential teeth. The alignment flange is configured to be received in the alignment groove and the alignment flange extends no further radially from the rotational axis than the circumferential teeth. The circumferential teeth, the alignment flange and the alignment groove are configured so that with the alignment flange received in the alignment groove, the drive belt rides on the circumferential teeth.

Platen roller assemblies for printer and methods of removal therefrom

Abstract: A platen roller assembly for a printer includes a platen roller, a retaining clip, a plurality of bearings, and a pulley assembly. The platen roller defines a longitudinal axis. The retaining clip mounts to a support body of the printer and is positioned to retain the platen roller relative to the support body. The plurality of bearings are operably coupled to the platen roller. Each of the bearings permit rotational movement of the platen roller about the longitudinal axis thereof. The pulley assembly is mounted to the support body and is operably associated with one or more of the bearings. The pulley assembly includes a pulley and a belt. The belt is operably coupled to the pulley such that the platen roller rotates in response to rotational movement of the belt. The platen roller may be selectively coupled and uncoupled to/from the support body independent of the pulley assembly.

Belt-type continuously variable transmission

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent reduction in entire efficiency of a continuously variable transmission, which is a belt-type continuously variable transmission using a rotational differential by a planetary gear mechanism and having an inverse input cutoff function. SOLUTION: This belt-type continuously variable transmission has respective pulleys 2 and 7 on the primary side and the secondary side, a movable mechanism 20 for varying its pulley width, a driving device 5 and a gear mechanism 30 for transmitting driving force of its driving device 5 to the movable mechanism 20, and is constituted so that the movable mechanism 20 has the planetary gear mechanism 23 having planetary gears 23p1 and 23p2 of double rows and a screw mechanism 22 for changing the pulley width by relatively rotating a male screw member 22a and a female screw member 22b by the rotational differential of its planetary gear mechanism 23, and an inverse input cutoff device 40 for cutting off the transmission of rotation to the driving device 5 from a first sun gear 23s1, is arranged between the driving device 5 and the first sun gear 23s1 being an input gear to the planetary gear mechanism 23 of the driving force of its driving device 5. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Automatic material conveying device

Abstract: The utility model discloses an automatic material conveying device which can automatically lift materials from a silo and send out the materials, the automatic material conveying device is characterized by comprising a rack, and the silo arranged at the bottom of the rack, as well as a horizontal movement mechanism and a clamping head mechanism, wherein the horizontal movement mechanism uses a main shaft of a motor to drive a synchronous belt to rotate through a synchronous belt pulley, two guide tracks are distributed on two sides of the synchronous belt, the horizontal movement mechanism is sheathed on the two guide tracks by a flat plate through two sliding blocks fixed on the two sides, the flat plate is connected with the synchronous belt, and the flat plate is driven by the synchronous belt to move horizontally along the horizontal direction; the horizontal movement mechanism is mounted at the top of the rack, the clamping head mechanism is fixed on the flat plate of the horizontal movement mechanism by a clamping head seat; the clamping head mechanism is positioned above the silo; in addition, the automatic material conveying device can add a lifting mechanism, a longitudinal movement mechanism and a swing mechanism. The automatic material conveying device has the advantages of automatically taking the materials from a plurality of silos through the clamping head mechanism and sending the materials into a plurality of machines.

A Weight Compensation Mechanism with a Non-Circular Pulley and a Spring: Application to a Parallel Four-Bar Linkage Arm

Abstract: We propose a new weight compensation mechanism with a non-circular pulley and a spring. We show the basic principle and a numerical design method to derive the shape of the non-circular pulley. Aft...

Braking device for mine pedestrian car

Abstract: The utility model relates to a braking device used for a mine pedestrian car, which comprises a front switching handle (1), pulleys (2), a bumping block (3), a spring (4), a hair-wire rope (6), a guide rail block (5), a sliding block (7) and a rear switching handle (8); the number of the pulleys (2) is two, one of the two pulleys is arranged on the front side of the front switching handle (1), the other pulley is arranged on the rear side of the rear switching handle (8), the pulleys (2) are connected with the pedestrian car through a rotating shaft, one end of the spring (4) is fixedly connected with the pedestrian car, the other end of the spring (4) is fixedly connected with one end of the hair-wire rope (6), the other end of the hair-wire rope (6) is fixedly connected with the front switching handle (1) and wound on the two pulleys (2), the bumping block (3) and the guide rail block (5) are respectively arranged between the spring (4) and the rear switching handle (8) in sequence and fixedly connected with the hair-wire rope (6), a chute is arranged on the guide rail block (5), the sliding block (7) is arranged in the chute, and the rear switching handle (8) is connected with the sliding block (7); therefore, the operation is more accurate and flexible.