Empower Robotics Corporation

Socpra Sciences Et Ginie S.e.c.

Alexandre Girard

Haruhiko Harry Asada

Patrick Chouinard

Jean-Sébastien Plante

Jean-Philippe Lucking Bigué

Geneviève Miron

Sylvain Proulx

Methods and systems for seamlessly transitioning a load between two different actuators each having a different transmission ratio are described herein. A multiple drive, variable transmission ratio (MD-VTR) system includes two drive actuators, each having different reduction ratios, a locking mechanism, and a differential transmission subsystem. In one aspect, a MD-VTR system includes a locking mechanism disposed between a drive actuator and an input port of the differential. The locking mechanism couples the input port of the differential to a stationary reference frame element in a locked state. In an unlocked state, the locking mechanism couples the drive actuator to the input port of the differential. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes an actuator to actively transition between the locked and unlocked states. In some other embodiments, the locking mechanism transitions between the locked and unlocked states based on torque applied by the drive actuator.

Multiple drive variable transmission ratio system with selective actuator engagement

There is disclosed a device for orienting an object according to a given spatial orientation. The device comprises a frame and a supporting member connected to the frame and adapted for supporting at least a portion of the object. The device for orienting an object comprises a plurality of fluid actuated devices for displacing the supporting member with respect to the frame. Each of the fluid actuated devices is actuatable between a first position wherein the device has a first length and a second position wherein the device has a second length. The device for orienting comprises an actuation mechanism comprising a plurality of actuating valves for actuating the corresponding fluid actuated device; wherein an actuation of at least one of the fluid actuated devices enables to displace the supporting member with respect to the frame, thereby orienting the object according to the given spatial orientation. The device for orienting may be of particular interest in the medical sector as a medical object manipulator for reaching a given target in an anatomical structure with a suitable accuracy, for example in the treatment and/or diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Device for orienting an object according to a given spatial orientation

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Sherbrooke, Canada

Alexandre Girard