The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 13, 2011
Filed:
Jun. 21, 2007
Brian Weinberg, Brookline, MA (US);
Constantinos Mavroidis, Arlington, MA (US);
John M. Vranish, Crofton, MD (US);
Brian Weinberg, Brookline, MA (US);
Constantinos Mavroidis, Arlington, MA (US);
John M. Vranish, Crofton, MD (US);
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC (US);
Northeastern University, Boston, MA (US);
Abstract
A gear bearing drive provides a compact mechanism that operates as an actuator providing torque and as a joint providing support. The drive includes a gear arrangement integrating an external rotor DC motor within a sun gear. Locking surfaces maintain the components of the drive in alignment and provide support for axial loads and moments. The gear bearing drive has a variety of applications, including as a joint in robotic arms and prosthetic limbs.