Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140034643 | HANDBAG PRESERVATION UNIT - A handbag preservation unit includes a suspension mechanism to connect with an upper portion of a handbag and support part of the weight of the handbag. The handbag preservation unit further includes a support surface configured to support a bottom of the handbag and support a remainder of the weight of the handbag. | 02-06-2014 |
20150147108 | MODULAR STRUCTURES FOR MOTION STAGES - A modular structure includes a structural element, a rod, a knuckle, a rod mount, and a bearing holder. The knuckle is connected to a first end of the structural element and the rod mount is connected through the structural element. The bearing holder is removably connected to an actuated member and slides along the rod held by the rod mount. | 05-28-2015 |
20150147427 | EXTRUSION HEADS - In one example, an extrusion head includes a mounting block, a heater block, and a polymer sleeve extending between the heater block and the mounting block. A fastener connector also connects the heater block to the mounting block, wherein the polymer sleeve and the fastener create a fully constrained connection between the heater block to the mounting block. | 05-28-2015 |
20150284220 | Intelligent Motorized Lifting Device - An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A tracking module tracks an actual amount of line let out from the drum. A servo control unit receives the actual amount, compares the actual amount to a desired amount of line to let out from the drum, and generates an error signal reflecting a difference between the actual amount and the desired amount. A modulation module generates, from the error signal, a control signal to control the motor, thereby bringing the actual amount into better alignment with the desired amount. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284221 | Compact Motorized Lifting Device - An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line, and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. In certain embodiments, the motor and transmission are substantially entirely contained within the drum. In the same or other embodiments, a bearing may provide support for both the transmission and the drum. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284222 | Motorized Lifting Device Conveying Power and/or Data - An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A cable is incorporated into the line to transport at least one of power and data along the line to an object or device at the end of the line. In certain embodiments, the cable is configured to support all or a portion of the load. In other embodiments, the line includes a load-bearing wire separate from the cable which is configured to support all or a portion of the load. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284223 | Grooved Drum and Associated Roller for Motorized Lifting Device - An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. A roller is provided that tracks the groove and extends into the groove. The roller pushes the line into the groove. In certain embodiments, the roller pushes the line to a bottom of the groove to ensure that the line is properly seated therein. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284224 | Grooved Drum and Associated Passive Guide for Motorized Lifting Device - An apparatus includes a motor and a drum rotated by the motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. In certain embodiments, a depth of the groove is equal to or greater than a radius of the line. In the same or other embodiments, a passive guide that physically engages and tracks the groove may be used to guide the line into the groove. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284225 | Synchronized Motorized Lifting Devices for Lifting Shared Loads - A system includes multiple lifting devices, where each lifting device includes a drum to draw in or let out a line, and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A grouping module is provided to group the lifting devices for synchronized operation. A synchronization module monitors an amount of line that is drawn in or let out from each of the lifting devices and, based on the amount, adjusts operating parameters (e.g., position, speed, etc.) of one or more of the lifting devices in the group to substantially synchronize the amount of line drawn in or let out with other lifting devices in the group. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284226 | Load Distribution Management for Groups of Motorized Lifting Devices - A system includes multiple lifting devices, where each lifting device includes a drum to draw in or let out a line, and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A grouping module groups the lifting devices for synchronized operation in lifting a shared load. A load distribution management module monitors an amount of weight carried by each of the grouped lifting devices and provides feedback to a user to enable more optimal distribution of the shared load amongst the grouped lifting devices. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284227 | Motorized Lifting Device with Isolated Logistics and Power Electronics - An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. Logistics electronics are mounted proximate a first end of the drum and power electronics are mounted proximate a second end of the drum. In general, the logistics electronics include lower power electronics that enable data processing as well as data and commands to be communicated to the apparatus from an external location. By contrast, the power electronics may include higher power electronics needed to receive power and drive the motor. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284228 | Motorized Lifting Device with Accurate Weight Measuring Capability - An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. A power sensor measures an amount of current drawn and/or voltage supplied to the motor as the motor applies torque to the line. A processor calculates an amount of weight that is attached to the line based on the amount of power consumed by the motor. Alternatively, if the motor is operated in generator mode, a current sensor may measure an amount of current generated by the motor and the processor may calculate an amount of weight that is attached to the line based at least partly on an amount of current that is generated by the motor. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284229 | Accurate Position Tracking for Motorized Lifting Device - An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. An encoder is provided to measure an angular position of the drum. A counter is provided to record a number of rotations of the drum. A locking mechanism automatically prevents rotation of the drum when the drum stops. Using this information, a processor may calculate an amount of line let out from the drum based on the number of rotations of the drum, the angular position of the drum, and a radius of the drum. In certain embodiments, the angular position and/or number of rotations is stored in non-volatile memory so that is can be recovered in the event of a power outage or other significant event. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284230 | Locking Mechanism for Motorized Lifting Device - An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. The transmission includes at least one stage of gearing to reduce a gear ratio of the motor relative to the drum. A shaft couples the motor to the transmission and a locking mechanism selectively locks the shaft to prevent rotation of the drum. In certain embodiments, a braking mechanism may be provided in addition to the locking mechanism to slow the motor when the motor is not applying torque to the drum. This may slow the motor sufficiently to enable engagement of the locking mechanism. | 10-08-2015 |
20150284992 | Intelligent Window Covering Incorporating Security Features - An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A security device, such as a camera, motion sensor, audio sensor, proximity sensor, impact sensor, or the like, communicates with the controller and is configured to monitor security at a window associated with the window covering. Such a security sensor may, for example, monitor opening and/or closing of the window, breaking of the window, or the like. In certain embodiments, operation of the window covering is triggered in response to conditions sensed by the security device. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein. | 10-08-2015 |