Ultra Motion News

  Ultra Motion has developed a new version of our Digit linear actuator that is engineered for use in low-cost hexapod systems. This actuator has 2 inline zero-backlash end mounts, our standard NEMA 17 high-torque stepper motor, a precision leadscrew with an anti-backlash nut, and a 3-channel optical encoder with a resolution as high as 4096 quadrature counts per revolution. The actuator is available with many of the options that our standard Digit linear actuator supports.

  Our magnetic sensors now have an elegant new design. The new switch clamp is more secure, and the overall package size is smaller. The replaceable switch element is available in both SPST with normally-open contacts, and SPDT with both normally open and normally-closed contacts.

  We are very excited that John Carmack of Armadillo Aerospace has decided to use our actuators in his lunar landing craft. The push toward commercial spaceflight is at the forefront of human endeavors, and we are proud to play a small role in this effort. Armadillo has posted a short video clip (wmv) showing the latest test flight of their lunar landing craft, Pixel. In the upper right hand view you can see our actuator controlling the gimbal!

  The Bug linear actuator has been upgraded. The new design allows for easier maintenance and reconfiguration. The variety of motor mounting plates used on the Bug actuator are now interchangeable making it possible to swap out motors and lead screw assemblies. With the addition of ABEC-7 angular contact bearings, this new design will offer improved strength, precision, and reliability while allowing the external features of the Bug linear actautor to remain unchanged.

  Teams are gearing up for another DARPA Grand Challenge event that is set to take place on October 8, 2005. This year, like last year, Ultra Motion has sold linear actuators to several of the teams participating in the competition. We wish them all the best of luck in what has turned out to be a very difficult endeavor.

  Ultra Motion has developed an environmental seal option for the Digit line of linear actuators. The motor section of the actuator is sealed with a layer of waterproof polyolifin. The tube body of the actuator is made of clear anodized 6061-T6 aluminum. The shaft is polished and a cup seal protects the shaft opening. This sealing technique allows for washdown, and operation in harsh environmental conditions.

  The Digit goes to Davy Jones' Locker with new modifications developed for Nova Marine Exploration, Inc. The actuator is sealed, oil-filled, and fitted with pressure-compensating bellows and a high-quality underwater connector. These modifications allow the Digit to operate flawlessly at any depth.

  Is there life on Mars? Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists are developing for possible future Mars missions, an apparatus that will be designed to detect amino acids in the Martian soil if they are present. This is a highly important test as amino acids are considered a 'Signature of Life'. With the apparatus, Martian soil will be tested for the presence of a specific nuclear quadrupole resonance of Nitrogen 14 found in the amino acid molecules of the soil sample.
  Ultra Motion was selected to supply a high accuracy, high speed linear actuator that would be used in a “Concept Apparatus” to evaluate the soil testing procedure. Based on the results, it could become a candidate instrument for future Mars missions.Read More