Patents by Inventor Frank A. Goodknight
Frank A. Goodknight has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10958149Abstract: A linear actuator includes dual bucking magnets, dual pole pieces, and dual spacers. The linear actuator includes a coil-and-housing assembly disposed around a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly includes two bucking magnets sandwiched around a central magnet. The central magnet and the bucking magnets may be separated by spacers. A housing is disposed around the magnet assembly. Between the housing and the magnet assembly, a dual coil is wound in two opposing directions to generate additive forces on the magnet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Yeakley, Frank Goodknight, Steven Suttle
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Publication number: 20190097516Abstract: A linear actuator includes dual bucking magnets, dual pole pieces, and dual spacers. The linear actuator includes a coil-and-housing assembly disposed around a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly includes two bucking magnets sandwiched around a central magnet. The central magnet and the bucking magnets may be separated by spacers. A housing is disposed around the magnet assembly. Between the housing and the magnet assembly, a dual coil is wound in two opposing directions to generate additive forces on the magnet assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Applicant: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Yeakley, Frank Goodknight, Steven Suttle
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Publication number: 20190006931Abstract: A linear actuator includes dual bucking magnets, dual pole pieces, and dual spacers. The linear actuator includes a coil-and-housing assembly disposed around a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly includes two bucking magnets sandwiched around a central magnet. The central magnet and the bucking magnets may be separated by spacers. A housing is disposed around the magnet assembly. Between the housing and the magnet assembly, a dual coil is wound in two opposing directions to generate additive forces on the magnet assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2017Publication date: January 3, 2019Applicant: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Yeakley, Frank Goodknight, Steven Suttle
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Patent number: 10170971Abstract: A linear actuator includes dual bucking magnets, dual pole pieces, and dual spacers. The linear actuator includes a coil-and-housing assembly disposed around a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly includes two bucking magnets sandwiched around a central magnet. The central magnet and the bucking magnets may be separated by spacers. A housing is disposed around the magnet assembly. Between the housing and the magnet assembly, a dual coil is wound in two opposing directions to generate additive forces on the magnet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Yeakley, Frank Goodknight, Steven Suttle
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Patent number: 10097075Abstract: A linear actuator for linearly positioning a recording head in a data storage mechanism. The disclosed linear actuator includes an electrically conductive coil having first and second parts that are both wound in the same rotary direction about an axis, and a magnet spaced from the electrically conductive coil by an air gap. Transmission of an electric current through the first part of the electrically conductive coil in a first current flow direction about the axis and through the second part of the electrically conductive coil in an opposite second current flow direction about the axis induces linear movement of one of the electrically conductive coil and magnet relative to the other of the electrically conductive coil and magnet.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Wayne Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Patent number: 10079035Abstract: A linear actuator for linearly positioning a recording head in a data storage mechanism. The disclosed linear actuator includes an electrically conductive coil having first and second parts that are both wound in the same rotary direction about an axis, and a magnet spaced from the electrically conductive coil by an air gap. Transmission of an electric current through the first part of the electrically conductive coil in a first current flow direction about the axis and through the second part of the electrically conductive coil in an opposite second current flow direction about the axis induces linear movement of one of the electrically conductive coil and magnet relative to the other of the electrically conductive coil and magnet.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Wayne Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Publication number: 20180248461Abstract: A linear actuator for linearly positioning a recording head in a data storage mechanism. The disclosed linear actuator includes an electrically conductive coil having first and second parts that are both wound in the same rotary direction about an axis, and a magnet spaced from the electrically conductive coil by an air gap. Transmission of an electric current through the first part of the electrically conductive coil in a first current flow direction about the axis and through the second part of the electrically conductive coil in an opposite second current flow direction about the axis induces linear movement of one of the electrically conductive coil and magnet relative to the other of the electrically conductive coil and magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: DARRYL WAYNE YEAKLEY, FRANK A. GOODKNIGHT
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Publication number: 20180248462Abstract: A linear actuator for linearly positioning a recording head in a data storage mechanism. The disclosed linear actuator includes an electrically conductive coil having first and second parts that are both wound in the same rotary direction about an axis, and a magnet spaced from the electrically conductive coil by an air gap. Transmission of an electric current through the first part of the electrically conductive coil in a first current flow direction about the axis and through the second part of the electrically conductive coil in an opposite second current flow direction about the axis induces linear movement of one of the electrically conductive coil and magnet relative to the other of the electrically conductive coil and magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: DARRYL WAYNE YEAKLEY, FRANK A. GOODKNIGHT
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Patent number: 9985511Abstract: A linear actuator for linearly positioning a recording head in a data storage mechanism. The disclosed linear actuator includes an electrically conductive coil having first and second parts that are both wound in the same rotary direction about an axis, and a magnet spaced from the electrically conductive coil by an air gap. Transmission of an electric current through the first part of the electrically conductive coil in a first current flow direction about the axis and through the second part of the electrically conductive coil in an opposite second current flow direction about the axis induces linear movement of one of the electrically conductive coil and magnet relative to the other of the electrically conductive coil and magnet.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Wayne Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Patent number: 9824706Abstract: A rotary actuator for positioning a recording head in a data storage mechanism and that includes first and second cylindrical subassemblies separated by an air gap. One of the subassemblies includes a magnetically conductive core with an electrically conductive coil wrapped thereover to enable first and second current flow directions in the circuit. The other of the subassemblies includes a magnetically conductive core and at least one magnet secured thereto. Transmission of an electric current through the electrically conductive coil induces rotation of one of the subassemblies relative to the other of the subassemblies to rotate the recording head about an axis that is perpendicular to recording media on the recording head. The disclosed rotary actuator facilitates quick and accurate recording head position changes due to low inertia of the rotating subassembly as well as reduced inductance and symmetrical mass distribution of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Wayne Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight, Steven G. Suttle
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Publication number: 20150348586Abstract: A linear actuator for linearly positioning a recording head in a data storage mechanism. The disclosed linear actuator includes an electrically conductive coil having first and second parts that are both wound in the same rotary direction about an axis, and a magnet spaced from the electrically conductive coil by an air gap. Transmission of an electric current through the first part of the electrically conductive coil in a first current flow direction about the axis and through the second part of the electrically conductive coil in an opposite second current flow direction about the axis induces linear movement of one of the electrically conductive coil and magnet relative to the other of the electrically conductive coil and magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Oracle International CorporationInventors: DARRYL WAYNE YEAKLEY, FRANK A. GOODKNIGHT
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Publication number: 20150116866Abstract: A rotary actuator for positioning a recording head in a data storage mechanism and that includes first and second cylindrical subassemblies separated by an air gap. One of the subassemblies includes a magnetically conductive core with an electrically conductive coil wrapped thereover to enable first and second current flow directions in the circuit. The other of the subassemblies includes a magnetically conductive core and at least one magnet secured thereto. Transmission of an electric current through the electrically conductive coil induces rotation of one of the subassemblies relative to the other of the subassemblies to rotate the recording head about an axis that is perpendicular to recording media on the recording head. The disclosed rotary actuator facilitates quick and accurate recording head position changes due to low inertia of the rotating subassembly as well as reduced inductance and symmetrical mass distribution of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl Wayne Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight, Steven G. Suttle
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Patent number: 8422173Abstract: A dual pole linear actuator includes a dual pole magnet assembly that is moved by providing a bi-directional analog DC control signal to a dual wound coil. The dual pole magnet assembly includes a permanent magnet that is flanked by top and bottom pole pieces. The dual wound coil is assembled to an actuator housing with a top part of the coil being wound in one rotary direction, while the bottom part of the coil is wound in the opposite rotary direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl W. Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Patent number: 8351145Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.Inventors: Darryl W. Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Publication number: 20120206833Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: Oracle America, Inc., formerly known as Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Darryl W. Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Publication number: 20120170153Abstract: A dual pole linear actuator includes a dual pole magnet assembly that is moved by providing a bi-directional analog DC control signal to a dual wound coil. The dual pole magnet assembly includes a permanent magnet that is flanked by top and bottom pole pieces. The dual wound coil is assembled to an actuator housing with a top part of the coil being wound in one rotary direction, while the bottom part of the coil is wound in the opposite rotary direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: ORACLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Darryl W. Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Patent number: 8199440Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl W. Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Patent number: 8059358Abstract: A method of retaining a transducer for a digital storage apparatus that reads and writes data to a tape as the tape is moved in a tape drive path across the transducer. According to the method a head assembly is attached to the base to be movable relative to the base in a linear path that is perpendicular to the tape drive path. Movement of the head assembly is guided on a track that is partially defined by the head and partially defined by the base. At least two balls are disposed in the track between the base and the head assembly. A magnetic coupling retains the balls within the track. A linear motor operatively engages the head assembly to move the head assembly to follow the tape.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Darryl W. Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Publication number: 20110211278Abstract: A method of retaining a transducer for a digital storage apparatus that reads and writes data to a tape as the tape is moved in a tape drive path across the transducer. According to the method a head assembly is attached to the base to be movable relative to the base in a linear path that is perpendicular to the tape drive path. Movement of the head assembly is guided on a track that is partially defined by the head and partially defined by the base. At least two balls are disposed in the track between the base and the head assembly. A magnetic coupling retains the balls within the track. A linear motor operatively engages the head assembly to move the head assembly to follow the tape.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: Oracle America, Inc. , Formerly known as Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Darryl W. Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight
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Publication number: 20110188153Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: Oracle America, Inc.Inventors: Darryl W. Yeakley, Frank A. Goodknight