[0001] US-A-5356500 discloses piezoelectric laminate films using different polymeric laminates. Pelrine et al: Sensors and Actuators A64(1998), 77-85 disclose electrostrictive polymer materials used in solid state actuator technology.
[0002] PVDF is often not suitable for applications requiring strains greater than 4 percent. Shape memory alloys, such as nitinol, are capable of large strains and force outputs. These shape memory alloys have been limited from broad use by unacceptable energy efficiency, poor response time and prohibitive cost.
[0003] In addition to the performance limitations of piezoelectric ceramics and irradiated PVDF, their fabrication often presents a barrier to acceptability. Single crystal piezoelectric ceramics must be grown at high temperatures coupled with a very slow cooling down process. Irradiated PVDF must be exposed to an electron beam for processing. Both these processes are expensive and complex and may limit acceptability of these materials.
[0004] In view of the foregoing, alternative devices that convert from electrical to mechanical energy would be desirable.

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(EN)Systems, devices and methods for capturing motion from a body as disclosed. The systems, devices and methods allow for accurate placement of sensors relative to a body in order capture and analyze motion inlormation. Systems and methods described herein include associated computer systems configured to capture and analyze such data.
(FR)La présente invention concerne des systèmes, des dispositifs et des procédés de capture d’un mouvement d’un corps. Les systèmes, dispositifs et procédés permettent le positionnement précis de capteurs par rapport à un corps en vue de capturer et d’analyser des informations de mouvement. Les systèmes et les procédés décrits dans la présente invention comprennent des systèmes informatiques associés configurés pour capturer et analyser ces données.

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A wearable action-assist device which assists or executes an action of a wearer by substituting for the wearer is provided with an action-assist tool 2 having an actuator 201 which gives power to the wearer 1, a biosignal sensor 221 which detects a wearer’s biosignal, a biosignal processing unit 3 which acquires from a biosignal “a” detected by the biosignal sensor a nerve transfer signal “b” for operating a wearer’s muscular line skeletal system, and a myoelectricity signal “c” accompanied with a wearer’s muscular line activity, an optional control unit 4 which generates a command signal “d” for causing the actuator 201 to generate power according to the wearer’s intention using the nerve transfer signal “b” and the myoelectricity signal “c” acquired by the biosignal processing unit 3, and a driving current generating unit 5 which generates a current according to the nerve transfer signal b and a current according to the myoelectricity signal “c”, respectively, based on the command signal “d” generated by the optional control unit 4, and supplies the currents to the actuator 201.

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[Problem to be Solved] It is an object of the present invention to reduce energy consumed when a rotary apparatus is used and to suppress abrasion and breakage on the rotary apparatus and a driving apparatus which drives the rotary apparatus. [Means for Solving the Problem] Provided is a rotation adjustment apparatus (1) comprising a rotary apparatus (10) which has a plurality of members coupled to each other via a plurality of rotation axes, the rotary apparatus providing a rotational movement of one of the members rotating around the rotation axis with respect to another one of the members; and a rotation restraining means (30, 72) which restrains at least one of a plurality of rotational movements provided by the rotary apparatus.

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The present invention describes, generally, a method and system for controlling the dynamics of an actuatable load functioning or operable within a servo or servo-type system, wherein the dynamics of the load are controlled by way of a unique pressure control valve configured to provide intrinsic pressure regulation. The pressure control valve, which may be referred to as a dynamic pressure regulator because of its capabilities, utilizes dual spools that are physically independent of one another and freely supported in the valve body to regulate the pressures acting within the overall system between the control or pilot pressure and the load or load pressure. The dual spools of the pressure control valve, although physically independent of one another, function in cooperation with one another in an attempt to maintain a state of equilibrium in the system, namely to keep pressure acting on or within the actuator (the load pressure), or the feedback force corresponding to the load pressure, the same as the control or pilot pressure. Moreover, pressure regulation and control is intrinsic to the pressure control valve because of the configuration and function of the dual spools and the mechanical feedback system acting on the spools, thus eliminating the need for electronically or mechanically user controlled systems.

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