C. R. Bard, Inc.

Lucas Western Inc.

Andrew S Williams

An actuator receives an input torque command and rotates an aeronautical surface within a prescribed range of motion. An output shaft is rigidly secured to the aeronautical surface, such that axial rotation of the output shaft results in displacement of the aeronautical surface. A drive motor controls rotation of the output shaft by applying a motive force thereto. A drive circuit controls the drive motor, to thereby control axial rotation of the output shaft, in response to keep input torque command. A torque sensor is operatively coupled to the drive shaft. The torque sensor measures output shaft rotational torque and provides an electronic representation of the output shaft rotational torque to the drive circuit. The drive circuit receives the electronic representation as a torque command feedback signal, and derives a torque error command as the difference between the input torque command and the output shaft rotational torque. When the aeronautical surface is within the range of motion, the drive circuit rotates the output shaft to compensate for the torque error command. When the aeronautical surface is not within the range of motion, the drive circuit rotates the output shaft to compensate for the torque error command only if the rotation moves the aeronautical surface closer to within the range of motion. This system may be applied of missiles or other aircraft. A separate actuator can be applied to each missile fin.

Actuator system and method

A nebulizer and heater system for delivering a heated aerosol spray to a patient. The nebulizer includes a nebulization chamber where an aerosol spray is formed and a subsequent heating chamber. Large liquid particles are collected in a well formed in the heating chamber. The heater is configured such that it can easily be joined to and removed from the nebulizer. The heater has a heating rod which extends into the well and heats the liquid collected therein. The heated liquid, in turn, heats the aerosol as it passes through the heating chamber.

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Brea, CA, United States of America

Andrew S Williams