Landis & Gyr Powers, Inc.

Other

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.

Mark G Hanley

Guy P Caliendo

Dean B Anderson

An electromechanical actuator maintains an external device to which the actuator is connected at an operating position when power is applied to the actuator, and allows the external device to return to a default position when the power is removed. Included in the actuator is a housing and an output coupling rotatably mounted thereon. The output coupling is configured to be connected to the external device and displaces the external device between the operating position and the default position. A driving device is mounted in the housing for providing a torque to the output coupling to displace the external device between the default position and the operating position when the driving device is energized. Also provided is a torque transmitting device for transmitting and changing the torque from the driving device to the output coupling. The torque transmitting device is cooperatively engaged to and is located between the driving device and the output coupling. Operatively connected to the torque transmitting device, a retracting device is configured for exerting a retracting force to return the external device to the default position via the transmitting device when the power to the actuator is removed. An important feature of the invention is a piezoelectric braking device for exerting a braking force on the driving device for maintaining the output coupling at the operating position against the retracting force exerted by the retracting device when the braking device is activated, and for releasing the braking force when the braking device is deactivated.

Actuator having piezoelectric braking element

A breathable and washable protective seat cover for automobile seats or the like which comprises a multi-layer construction that has been configured to form a pocket at one end that fits over the upper end of the seat and an elongated section that loosely covers the front surfaces of the seat. Layers comprise an absorbent upper layer and a vapor permeable liquid-blocking lower layer. The upper layer wicks moisture away from the occupant and readily releases it through evaporation, the lower layer provides a breathable property while blocking liquid water, sweat, mud, and the like; thereby protecting the underlying upholstery and providing a comfortable seating surface. The seat cover materials and loose fitting geometry facilitates and withstands frequent installation-removal-laundering cycles. The lower polymeric membrane layer additionally provides a rubbery texture that grips the car seat upholstery to prevent movement or bunching of the seat cover when an individual enters the seat. Also, an integral drawcord and toggle closure provides a self-storing mechanism which simplifies packing and transport of the seat cover between uses.

Breathable protective seat cover

A three-way valve having a valve body with an internal output chamber. A supply means is in fluid communication with the output chamber for providing a source of fluid to pressurize the output chamber and thereby obtain a desired device output signal. An exhaust means in fluid communication with the output chamber provides a passage for the fluid to vent from the output chamber out to atmosphere. An output means, also in fluid communication with the output chamber, is included for directing the device output signal from the output chamber to a pneumatic device. A single bending element selectively actuates the supply means or the exhaust means to obtain a predetermined pressure value to be maintained by the valve. The bending element is positioned adjacent and between the supply and exhaust means.

Three-way piezoelectric valve

An electro-pneumatic pressure transducer is provided with a valve body assembly having a supply chamber, an exhaust chamber and an intake assembly to provide a source of fluid to the transducer. The transducer also has an output assembly directing the fluid to a pneumatic actuator. The valve body further includes a supply valve assembly and an exhaust valve assembly having bender elements adjustably mounted to the valve body with respect to nozzles. A manifold structure is included for fluidly connecting the supply valve, the exhaust valve and the output assemblies. A pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure in the valve body and is responsive to increases or decreases of the pneumatic pressure in the valve body. A monitor is used to monitor the power source and to generate a failure mode signal when the power source fails to supply a predetermined level of power. A control, responsive signal generated by the sensor and the monitor, is included to move the bender elements to achieve a specified fluid pressure in the transducer. An independent fail-safe condition is also provided in the transducer to depressurize the transducer when power is absent for a predetermined period of time.

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Gurnee, IL, United States of America

Mark G Hanley