The invention relates to a rotary actuator, converting actuator and method for producing rotation. The rotary actuator includes at least two rotation units for producing stepped angular displacements (Rs). The rotation unit includes a cylinder for producing linear movement (L) and a converter for converting the linear movement to rotation. The stepped rotary movements of the rotation units are transmitted by transmission elements to an output shaft.

A rotary actuator has a rotatable platform rotatably supported on a base. The rotatable platform has a friction surface. An actuator band is operated by a band clamp so as to be selectively frictionally engageable with the friction surface. A motion actuator is coupled between the base and the actuator band such that change in length of the motion actuator causes corresponding movement of the actuator band. A brake band is operated by a brake band actuator so as to be selectively frictionally engageable with the friction surface, the brake band anchored to the base.

Provided is a rotation drive device that has a wide rotary driving range, e.g. a rotary driving range of 0°-180°. Disclosed is a rotation drive device comprising a crank member rotatable about a crank axis, a first cylinder having a first piston and rotatable about a first cylinder rotation axis, and a second cylinder having a second piston and rotatable about a second cylinder rotation axis. The crank member and the first piston are coupled for rotation about a first piston rotation axis spaced from the crank axis. The crank member and the first piston are coupled for rotation about a second piston rotation axis spaced from the crank axis.

Provided is a rotation drive device that has a wide rotary driving range, e.g. a rotary driving range of 0-180. Disclosed is a rotation drive device comprising a crank member rotatable about a crank axis, a first cylinder having a first piston and rotatable about a first cylinder rotation axis, and a second cylinder having a second piston and rotatable about a second cylinder rotation axis. The crank member and the first piston are coupled for rotation about a first piston rotation axis spaced from the crank axis. The crank member and the first piston are coupled for rotation about a second piston rotation axis spaced from the crank axis.

A rotary actuator has a rotatable platform rotatably supported on a base. The rotatable platform has a friction surface. An actuator band is operated by a band clamp so as to be selectively frictionally engageable with the friction surface. A motion actuator is coupled between the base and the actuator band such that change in length of the motion actuator causes corresponding movement of the actuator band. A brake band is operated by a brake band actuator so as to be selectively frictionally engageable with the friction surface, the brake band anchored to the base.

A pneumatic stepper motor includes a housing, said housing accommodating at least part of: a rack or geared axle comprising a plurality of gear elements; and two pistons, each comprising at least two teeth, said pistons being arranged to cooperate with said rack or geared axle. The racks may either be straight or curved. The pistons are preferably double-acting pistons. A device includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, such pneumatic stepper motor(s). The device may in particular be an MRI-compatible robotic system, more in particular for example an MRI-guided breast biopsy device.

The invention relates to a rotary actuator, converting actuator and method for producing rotation. The rotary actuator includes at least two rotation units for producing stepped angular displacements (Rs). The rotation unit includes a cylinder for producing linear movement (L) and a converter for converting the linear movement to rotation. The stepped rotary movements of the rotation units are transmitted by transmission elements to an output shaft.

A pneumatic stepper motor includes a housing, said housing accommodating at least part of: a rack or geared axle comprising a plurality of gear elements; and two pistons, each comprising at least two teeth, said pistons being arranged to cooperate with said rack or geared axle. The racks may either be straight or curved. The pistons are preferably double-acting pistons. A device includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, such pneumatic stepper motor(s). The device may in particular be an MRI-compatible robotic system, more in particular for example an MRI-guided breast biopsy device.

A pneumatic stepper motor includes a housing, said housing accommodating at least part of: a rack or geared axle comprising a plurality of gear elements; and two pistons, each comprising at least two teeth, said pistons being arranged to cooperate with said rack or geared axle. The racks may either be straight or curved. The pistons are preferably double-acting pistons. A device includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, such pneumatic stepper motor(s). The device may in particular be an MRI-compatible robotic system, more in particular for example an MRI-guided breast biopsy device.

The invention relates to a hydraulic system, method, and integrated valve block for a slewing mechanism, comprising a first and second cylinder. The rod cavity of the first cylinder connects to the rodless cavity of the second cylinder through the first oil circuit, first hydraulic control check valve, and fourth oil circuit. The rodless cavity of the first cylinder connects to the rod cavity of the second cylinder through the second oil circuit, second hydraulic control check valve, and third oil circuit. The first oil circuit is connected to the directional valve through the sixth oil circuit, and the second oil circuit is connected to the directional valve through the fifth oil circuit. The directional valve is connected to the hydraulic pump and oil tank. The first hydraulic control check valve is installed between the first and fourth oil circuits, and the second hydraulic control check valve is between the second and third oil circuits. The check valves' control circuits connect to the sixth oil circuit, ensuring braking stability of the slewing mechanism.