Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Russell Smithanik
Jeffrey Russell Smithanik 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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Publication number: 20170321749Abstract: A magnetic bearing assembly is for levitating a generally drum-shaped, vertical rotor such that the drum itself is the target of magnetic actuators. The magnetic bearing assembly basically includes at least one active radial actuator configured to center the drum-shaped rotor in an annular air gap so as to enable contactless rotation. The one or more radial actuators are configured to act principally against gravity and is/are located in essentially the same vertical plane as a center of gravity of the drum-shaped rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Daren P. Tremaine, Jeffrey Russell Smithanik
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Patent number: 9538963Abstract: A diagnostic scanning apparatus includes a hollow rotor sized to receive a patient. First and second flanges are connected to and extend radially outward from the rotor in a spaced-apart relationship, each of the first and second flanges including, at least in part, a magnetically-permeable material. A radiation source is affixed to the first flange and/or the rotor. A first axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the first flange and can magnetically pull the first flange in a first axial direction of the rotor. A second axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the second flange and can magnetically pull the second flange in a second axial direction of the rotor that is opposite of the first axial direction. The first and second axial actuators are both at least substantially disposed between the first and second flanges.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Christian Willming, Craig McFarland, Hans-Juergen Mueller, Wray Sparling
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Publication number: 20140270051Abstract: A diagnostic scanning apparatus includes a hollow rotor sized to receive a patient. First and second flanges are connected to and extend radially outward from the rotor in a spaced-apart relationship, each of the first and second flanges including, at least in part, a magnetically-permeable material. A radiation source is affixed to the first flange and/or the rotor. A first axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the first flange and can magnetically pull the first flange in a first axial direction of the rotor. A second axial actuator generates a variable magnetic field, is fixedly disposed adjacent to the second flange and can magnetically pull the second flange in a second axial direction of the rotor that is opposite of the first axial direction. The first and second axial actuators are both at least substantially disposed between the first and second flanges.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicants: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, SKF MAGNETIC BEARINGSInventors: Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Christian Willming, Craig McFarland, Hans-Juergen Mueller, Wray Sparling
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Patent number: 8270563Abstract: An apparatus includes an annular rotor that rotates about a rotational axis. A magnetic bearing system influences the position of the annular rotor in three-dimensional space and includes at least three actuators, wherein at least one actuator generates a force for lifting the annular rotor in a vertical direction, at least one actuator influences the position of the annular rotor in the radial direction of the annular rotor and at least assists in maintaining an annular gap between at least one non-magnetic bearing and the annular rotor during operation and at least one actuator influences the position of the annular rotor in an axial direction of the annular rotor. At least one radiation source may be fixedly mounted on the annular rotor.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Timothy Andrew Harris, Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Daren Paul Tremaine
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Patent number: 8269388Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor having a central axis extending between the two opposing ends and a radial surface, and is rotatable about the central axis. At least one electromagnet is disposed proximal to and configured to exert magnetic force on a portion of the rotor. Further, a channeling member is disposed generally adjacent to the electromagnet and has a radial surface disposed adjacent to the rotor radial surface. As such, magnetic flux generated by the electromagnet extends generally radially between the electromagnet and the rotor portion and generally axially between the rotor portion and the channeling member so that the magnetic force biases the rotor both radially and axially to maintain the rotor at a desired position. Preferably, the assembly includes a plurality of magnets proximal to each end, two channeling members, and a tubular body extending between the channeling members and enclosing the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Tracy Kathryn Strem, Daren Paul Tremaine
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Publication number: 20110194669Abstract: An apparatus includes an annular rotor that rotates about a rotational axis. A magnetic bearing system influences the position of the annular rotor in three-dimensional space and includes at least three actuators, wherein at least one actuator generates a force for lifting the annular rotor in a vertical direction, at least one actuator influences the position of the annular rotor in the radial direction of the annular rotor and at least assists in maintaining an annular gap between at least one non-magnetic bearing and the annular rotor during operation and at least one actuator influences the position of the annular rotor in an axial direction of the annular rotor. At least one radiation source may be fixedly mounted on the annular rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Daren Paul Tremaine, Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Timothy Andrew Harris
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Publication number: 20100194224Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor having a central axis extending between the two opposing ends and a radial surface, and is rotatable about the central axis. At least one electromagnet is disposed proximal to and configured to exert magnetic force on a portion of the rotor. Further, a channeling member is disposed generally adjacent to the electromagnet and has a radial surface disposed adjacent to the rotor radial surface. As such, magnetic flux generated by the electromagnet extends generally radially between the electromagnet and the rotor portion and generally axially between the rotor portion and the channeling member so that the magnetic force biases the rotor both radially and axially to maintain the rotor at a desired position. Preferably, the assembly includes a plurality of magnets proximal to each end, two channeling members, and a tubular body extending between the channeling members and enclosing the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: SKF USA Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Russell Smithanik, Tracy Kathryn Strem, Daren Paul Tremaine