Abstract: A system and method is described for treating workpieces, in particular vehicle wheels, especially in the context of a powder coating process, with a conveying device that guides the workpieces along a movement path through the arrangement. The conveying device comprises a conveyor. The workpieces can be arranged on spindle-shaped elements that are secured to the conveyor and that are rotatable about their own axis. The conveyor device comprises at least one means for generating a spatially and/or temporally altering magnetic field, which produces a force to rotate or stop the spindle-shaped elements.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mechanisms and methods for effecting rotational and translational motion in three dimensions of objects carried by, or coupled to, actuators that move along a pathway. Vehicles or other conveyances (collectively, “vehicles”) that utilize mechanisms and methods can increase the performance of and decrease the cost of transportation, shipping, manufacturing, materials handling and other systems. In one aspect, the illustrated embodiment provides such a vehicle or other conveyance having two (or more) actuators adapted for movement along a pathway. The actuators are propelled or otherwise capable of motion, relative to each other so that the distance between can be increased or decreased. When desired, that distance can also be maintained the same, e.g., regardless of whether the actuators are moving.

Abstract: An automated fabrication system is provided that utilizes electromagnetism to manipulate and/or sense the location of raw materials on a platform. Tools located around said platform may be utilized to fabricate a predetermined structure out of the raw materials. Tags that can be electromagnetically manipulated and sensed may be placed on passive raw materials. Structures fabricated from such a system may be, for example, a roof truss. Additionally, the fabrication system may be mobilized by way of a truck such that structures may be built on-site.

Abstract: A non-contact conveying device (10) using superconducting magnetic levitation capable of stably conveying an object (11), including: a conveying table (12) having a bottom with permanent magnets (16-19) to convey the object (11); a conveying guide unit (13) having superconductors (20) immediately below the respective magnets (16-19); distance sensors (21) on the conveying guide unit (13) for detecting a distance between the conveying table (12) and the conveying guide unit (13); damping coils (25) in the conveying guide unit (13) for generating a magnetic field upon energization thereof to damp vibration of the conveying table (12); and a control device (27) for detecting vibration of the conveying table (12) by signals from the distance sensors (21) and for controlling current applied to the damping coils (25). If disturbance occurs on the object (11) conveyed contactlessly by the superconducting magnetic levitation, the vibration is stopped within a short period of time.

Abstract: An arrangement for moving a carrier within a vacuum chamber is described. This carrier is formed in the shape of a plate and is supported with its narrow-side lower edge on rollers driven by a drive system. As a drive system uses a magnetic coupling which is disposed partially within the vacuum chamber and partially outside of the vacuum chamber. With the aid of a force acting in the vertical direction the two components of the magnetic coupling can be displaced relative to one another. In addition, horizontal displacement of the carrier is also possible.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to make person conveying systems more simple and less expensive. Said aim is achieved by equipping a person conveying system with a synchronous linear motor comprising a rack-shaped, permanent magnet-less secondary part (S) for driving purposes while the primary part of the synchronous linear motor is fixed to the conveying device (K) in or on which persons can be conveyed. If the person conveying system is embodied as a magnetic levitation railway, the synchronous linear motor makes it possible to conserve a significant amount of energy as opposed to an asynchronous linear motor as the permanent magnets provide a certain basic magnetic flux that can be used for supporting the railway car and driving the same in the direction of travel.

Abstract: A process system contains a device for transporting substrates along a transport path. The device contains a bearing module and a drive module. The bearing module has a bearing stator with actuators embodied in the form of electromagnets and a bearing rotor with a ferromagnetic component. At least two of the actuators are disposed at a distance from each other and define at least one pair of actuators with an associated gap area formed therebetween. An active magnetic bearing of the bearing rotor is provided in the gap area.

Abstract: The present invention is a wafer transfer system that transports individual wafers between chambers within an isolated environment. In one embodiment, a wafer is transported by a wafer shuttle that travel within a transport enclosure. The interior of the transport enclosure is isolated from the atmospheric conditions of the surrounding wafer fabrication facility. Thus, an individual wafer may be transported throughout the wafer fabrication facility without having to maintain a clean room environment for the entire facility. The wafer shuttle may be propelled by various technologies, such as, but not limited to, magnetic levitation or air bearings. The wafer shuttle may also transport more than one wafer simultaneously. The interior of the transport enclosure may also be under vacuum, gas-filled, or subject to filtered air.

Abstract: A linear actuator, method manufacturing and method of using the linear actuator are provided. The invention includes a linear actuator having a plurality of annular magnets surrounded by a bobbin assembly having a coil system. The plurality of annular magnets can be arranged with alternating polarity. The bobbin assembly can be movable along a longitudinal axis extending through the plurality of annular magnets and can further comprise a coil system having coils arranged to, when energized, interact with at least one of the plurality of annular magnets to move the bobbin in a linear mode. Thus, by selectively energizing one or more of the coils, a motive force can be generated on the bobbin assembly by interacting with fields generated by the plurality of annular magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic specimen-transport system for transporting racks of specimen-containers to or within an automated clinical instrument for analysis and/or processing. The magnetic specimen-transport system that is adapted to transport magnetically-attractable racks of specimen-containers in mutually perpendicular (X/Y) directions across a rack-supporting surface, whereby the racks can be transported among various non-linearly aligned positions on such surface.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for levitating and moving objects such as vehicles, doors and windows are shown and described herein. The embodiments incorporate a track with lower rails having lower permanent magnets and the object with upper rails having upper permanent magnets aligned with the lower rails and oriented to oppose the polarity of the lower permanent magnets. Ferrous backing plates may be incorporated behind the lower rails and/or the upper rails. Embodiments may also incorporated a third rail of an electroconductive material, and a driving disc positioned near the third rail. Permanent magnets in the driving disc may be rotated with the driving disc in the presence of the third rail to accelerate the upper rails with respects to the lower rails. The driving disc may be coupled one of the lower rails to maintain a desired alignment with the third rail.

Abstract: A system for reducing torque disturbance includes a motor mechanically coupled to an endless belt. The motor is operable to drive the belt, and the belt has a seam that causes a torque disturbance to the system. The system includes a data structure having a set of values that indicates an amount of compensation for reducing the torque disturbance and a controller electrically coupled with the motor. The controller is configured to control the motor and reduce the torque disturbance based on the set of values in the data structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the planarity of a conveyance element with respect to a guide while the conveyance element is in motion. This control is achieved by coupling a guide to a conveyance element where the conveyance element is held in a level position by a magnetic force. The attractive force specifically holds the edges of the conveyance element in place, so that they do not lift up or separate from the guide as the guide, by way of a chain coupling the guide to the conveyance element, carries the conveyance element through a defined path over a linear distance or around a corner in, for example, a manufacturing line environment.

Abstract: A vertical rapid thermal processing system includes a processing chamber and an elevator structure providing for vertical movement of a workpiece within the processing chamber. The elevator structure includes a workpiece support for supporting the workpiece and an elevator shaft coupled to the workpiece support and extending externally from the processing chamber. An end portion of the elevator shaft, external to the processing chamber, has a selected magnetic polarity. The elevator structure also includes moveable carriage coupled to the shaft to provide vertical movement of the workpiece within the processing chamber. The carriage includes a shaft support having the selected polarity. The shaft support is positioned adjacent the polarized end portion of the elevator shaft such that repulsive magnetic forces maintain a gap between the end portion of the elevator shaft and the shaft support as the shaft support and elevator shaft move vertically along a path of travel.

Abstract: A conveying device for conveying articles, in particular vehicle bodies, in a known manner comprises at least one skid, which comprises two parallel skid runners and a supporting structure, which connects the skid runners to one another, for the article to be conveyed. The skid runners are supported on two parallel tracks, which extend along a conveying path. As a driving device a linear drive is used, which comprises a plurality of energizable primary parts disposed in a stationary manner along the conveying path. Provided on each skid is a secondary part, which interacts with the actually adjacent primary part. The length of the secondary part in conveying direction is tuned to the distance between the primary parts such that at least one primary part is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the secondary part.

Abstract: The invention related to apparatus for transferring flowable particulate material such as dry tablets, for example pharmaceutical tablets, from one station to another. The apparatus comprises a carrier for the tablets, and means externally of the carrier for moving the carrier between stations, the arrangement being such that the carrier and the means are not connected mechanically for movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A linear actuator, method of manufacturing and method of using the linear actuator are provided. The invention includes a linear actuator having a plurality of annular magnets surrounded by a bobbin assembly having a coil system. The plurality of annular magnets can be arranged with alternating polarity. The bobbin assembly can be movable along a longitudinal axis extending through the plurality of annular magnets and can further comprise a coil system having coils arranged to, when energized, interact with at least one of the plurality of annular magnets to move the bobbin in a linear mode. Thus, by selectively energizing one or more of the coils, a motive force can be generated on the bobbin assembly by interacting with fields generated by the plurality of annular magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic specimen-transport system for transporting racks of specimen-containers to or within an automated clinical instrument for analysis and/or processing. The magnetic specimen-transport system that is adapted to transport magnetically-attractable racks of specimen-containers in mutually perpendicular (X/Y) directions across a rack-supporting surface, whereby the racks can be transported among various non-linearly aligned positions on such surface.

Abstract: A path for a linear motor system includes routing system between a trunk of the path and two or more branches. The routing system is operative to couple the trunk with a selected branch to enable a stage to travel between the trunk and the selected branch. The routing system includes armature windings that may be energized to effect movement of the stage in a desired direction between the trunk and the selected branch.

Abstract: A wafer load lock and linear delivery system including within a load lock vacuum chamber a paddle cantilevered from a trolley traveling on a single rail extending on a lateral side of the wafer end of the paddle while it is retracted into the load lock chamber. The trolley is magnetically coupled to an external mechanical drive through a vacuum wall of the vacuum chamber which drives the wafer on the paddle into an attached processing chamber. A single wafer may be loaded onto the paddle through a door in the vacuum wall. Alternatively, a cassette of wafers may be loaded into a cassette station opposite the processing chamber. One end of the paddle removes a wafer from the cassette, and a hand off station moves the wafer to a second end of the paddle, which then moves it into the processing chamber.

Abstract: A wafer load lock and linear delivery system including within a load lock vacuum chamber a paddle cantilevered from a trolley traveling on a single rail extending on a lateral side of the wafer end of the paddle while it is retracted into the load lock chamber. The trolley is magnetically coupled to an external mechanical, drive through a vacuum wall of the vacuum chamber which drives the wafer on the paddle into an attached processing chamber. A single wafer may be loaded onto the paddle through a door in the vacuum wall. Alternatively, a cassette of wafers may be loaded into a cassette station opposite the processing chamber. One end of the paddle removes a wafer from the cassette, and a hand off station moves the wafer to a second end of the paddle, which then moves it into the processing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for levitating and moving objects are shown and described herein. The embodiments incorporate a track with lower rails having permanent magnets abutted against each other and aligned such that the upper surface of each of the lower rails has a uniform polarity; and the object with upper rails having permanent magnets aligned with the lower rails and oriented to oppose the polarity of the lower permanent magnets. Ferrous backing plates behind the lower rails and/or the upper rails may be incorporated. Embodiments may also incorporate a third rail of an electroconductive material, and a driving disc positioned near the third rail. Permanent magnets in the driving disc may be rotated with the driving disc in the presence of the third rail to accelerate the upper rails with respects to the lower rails.

Abstract: A path for a linear motor system includes routing system between a trunk of the path and two or more branches. The routing system is operative to couple the trunk with a selected branch to enable a stage to travel between the trunk and the selected branch. The routing system includes armature windings that may be energized to effect movement of the stage in a desired direction between the trunk and the selected branch.

Abstract: An object is to provide a component made of CFRP for use in a conveyor, which component has been treated so as to hardly pollute precision apparatus components while making the best use of lightweight properties and high rigidity both inherent in CFRP, and a method of treating the component. A CFRP component for use in a conveyor, whose processed surface is coated with a resin which is resistant to a polar solvent and which cures at a low temperature of 90° C. or less. A method of coating a CFRP component for use in a conveyor, which comprises applying the resin diluted to be in a concentration of 5 to 60% by weight with a solvent onto a processed surface of the CFRP component for a conveyor, and then curing the resin applied at 90° C. or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a series of discrete hygienic articles. The apparatus includes a supply means, at least one manipulation means, a reception means spatially separated from the supply means, a manufacturing path segment extending from the supply means to the manipulation means and continuing to the reception means and a transportation system. The transportation system includes a plurality of independent transportation means for transportation of at least one discrete hygienic article along the manufacturing path segment and a guide means to guide all of the transportation means.

Abstract: A conveying device for conveying articles, in particular vehicle bodies, in a known manner comprises at least one skid, which comprises two parallel skid runners and a supporting structure, which connects the skid runners to one another, for the article to be conveyed. The skid runners are supported on two parallel tracks, which extend along a conveying path. As a driving device a linear drive is used, which comprises a plurality of energizable primary parts disposed in a stationary manner along the conveying path. Provided on each skid is a secondary part, which interacts with the actually adjacent primary part. The length of the secondary part in conveying direction is tuned to the distance between the primary parts such that at least one primary part is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the secondary part.

Abstract: A transport system includes at least one product carrier which is adapted to be moved along a slide way by means of a linear motor drive unit comprising a primary part and a secondary part. In order to improve the transport system in such a way that basically any number of product carriers can be moved along the slide way independently of one another and can be used in a versatile manner for transporting a great variety of products or workpieces, the product carrier is provided with a substantially flat base plate for transporting objects, the base plate having associated therewith the primary part, and the slide way having associated therewith the secondary part.

Abstract: An inductive energy transfer system supplies energy from a stationary primary rail to a number of movable secondary rails each connected to a movable unit. The system is particularly suited for conveyor units of a sorter system, each unit having an article support, the energy provided from the energy transfer system being used primarily for discharging articles from the article-support. The primary rail as well as the secondary rails are provided with legs so that the legs in an operational position are overlapping so as to reduce the losses caused by the air gap between the primary rail and the secondary rails. The movable units are each equipped with an electrical battery for smoothing the load from the movable unit on the primary side of the transfer system.

Abstract: A magnetic sample rack adapted to support liquid containers is urged along a surface by means of a magnetic conveyor system located beneath the surface. The magnetic conveyor system comprises a plurality of magnetic housings driven by a belt, the magnetic housings including a magnet slideably contained in a closed upper cavity. Magnetic forces emanating from the magnet overcome frictional resistive forces between the sample racks and the operating surface and move the sample racks along input and output lanes defined in the operating surface. Abrupt movements of the sample racks are eliminated because the housing magnet slides smoothly towards the sample rack, secures the sample rack, and pulls the rack along the operating surface as the housings are moved at a steady rate by the belt.

Abstract: A magnetic sample rack adapted to support liquid containers is urged along a surface by means of a magnetic conveyor system located beneath the surface. The magnetic conveyor system comprises a plurality of magnetic housings driven by a belt, the magnetic housings including a magnet slideably contained in a closed upper cavity. Magnetic forces emanating from the magnet overcome frictional resistive forces between the sample racks and the operating surface and move the sample racks along input and output lanes defined in the operating surface. Abrupt movements of the sample racks are eliminated because the housing magnet slides smoothly towards the sample rack, secures the sample rack, and pulls the rack along the operating surface as the housings are moved at a steady rate by the belt.

Abstract: A drive member has a spiral magnetic coupling in its upper surface configured from a N pole spiral and a S pole spiral. A carrier can slidably move in the shaft direction to pass through a point that is a fixed distance from the upper surface of the drive member, and a magnetic coupling is provided at an interval the same as the interval between the N pole spiral and the S pole spiral of the spiral magnetic coupling. The carrier is moved directly by the rotational operation of the drive member. The arranged interval (d) of the drive member along a conveying path is a positive integer multiple of twice the interval (p) between the N pole spiral and S pole spiral of the spiral magnetic coupling. The carrier can be moved smoothly and without interruption, even though a transfer part divides the magnetic carrying path between successive chambers.

Abstract: The invention is related to induction drives for either straight or curved conveyors as well as methods of driving endless conveyor belts. Pivotable magnets are free floating in holders or interconnected to create a virtual continuous magnetic body. When the virtual continuous magnetic body encounters the stator's electromagnetic field the resultant magnetic flux pushes the continuous magnetic body through the groove of the conveyor bed. The pivotable magnets are dimensioned so they will not interlock with each other, as their pathways are reversed.

Abstract: A magnetic drive system for moving a substrate transfer shuttle along a linear path between chambers in a semiconductor fabrication apparatus. A rack with rack magnets is secured to the shuttle, and a rotatable pinion with pinion magnets is positioned adjacent the rack so that the pinion magnets can magnetically engage the rack magnets. Thus, rotation of the pinion will cause the shuttle to move along the linear path. The magnets may be oriented with a helix angle between their primary axis and the axis of rotation of the pinion. One rack and one pinion are located on each side of the shuttle. A set of lower guide rollers supports the shuttle, and a set of upper guide rollers prevents the shuttle from lifting off the lower guide rollers.

Abstract: A drive member has a spiral magnetic coupling in its upper surface configured from a N pole spiral and a S pole spiral. A carrier can slidably move in the shaft direction to pass through a point that is a fixed distance from the upper surface of the drive member, and a magnetic coupling is provided at an interval the same as the interval between the N pole spiral and the S pole spiral of the spiral magnetic coupling. The carrier is moved directly by the rotational operation of the drive member. The arranged interval (d) of the drive member along a conveying path is a positive integer multiple of twice the interval (p) between the N pole spiral and S pole spiral of the spiral magnetic coupling. The carrier can be moved smoothly and without interruption, even though a transfer part divides the magnetic carrying path between successive chambers.

Abstract: In a conveyor system a magnet element row aligned at least partly parallel to the conveyor path is arranged in a driving region to serve as a stationary drive means and conveyor elements comprise conducting parts (4) and are movable along the conveyor path through the drive region. The magnet element row (11) which for example consists of alternatingly orientated permanent magnets produces a magnetic field locally changing along the row (11). The conducting parts (4) are arranged on the conveyor elements (2) such that in the drive region they are positioned in the effective range of the magnet element row (11). A relative movement between the magnetic element row (11) and the conveyor element (2) produces eddy currents in the conducting parts (4) effecting forces counteracting the relative movement.

Abstract: A drive member has a spiral magnetic coupling in its upper surface configured from a N pole spiral and a S pole spiral. A carrier can slidably move in the shaft direction to pass through a point that is a fixed distance from the upper surface of the drive member, and a magnetic coupling is provided at an interval the same as the interval between the N pole spiral and the S pole spiral of the spiral magnetic coupling. The carrier is moved directly by the rotational operation of the drive member. The arranged interval (d) of the drive member along a conveying path is a positive integer multiple of twice the interval (p) between the N pole spiral and S pole spiral of the spiral magnetic coupling. The carrier can be moved smoothly and without interruption, even though a transfer part divides the magnetic carrying path between successive chambers.

Abstract: A component conveyor which can spend sufficient time for picking and placing operation has low energy consumption, and the moving speed of the head is fast. In order to pick and place a component P, there are provided several movable heads 6 to 9, movable along a closed path, magnets 15a2 to 15d2 and coils 14a to 14d, both of which stop the head at the picking position and the placing position, and magnets 16a to 16d which transfer the kinetic energy of the moving head to the stopped head at the picking position or the placement position. By applying the initial velocity in the progress direction to at least one head, the kinetic energy is sequentially transmitted to the following head. A moving head is made to stop at a position of the preceding head. Thus, the kinetic energy of the moving head is transmitted to the stopped head. By using the repulsion effect, moving and stopping of the head is efficiently performed.

Abstract: A system for advancing a carrying device. The carrying device is for receiving a plurality of products for processing. The carrying device has a first conveyor, and a second conveyor connected to the first conveyor for taking over a carrying device at a precisely determined distance relative to a preceding carrying device. A portion of the carrying device is made of a magnetizable material. The system has a magnet arranged for engaging the magnetizable material of the carrying device thereby engaging the carrying device onto the second conveyor from the first conveyor.

Abstract: A beltless magnetic conveyor assembly including a housing defining a longitudinal length of the conveyor and a magnetic rack assembly moveably supported in the housing. The magnetic rack assembly includes a plurality of magnet assemblies supported at spaced intervals relative to one another along the longitudinal length of the conveyor. The beltless magnetic conveyor assembly also includes a drive system which is operable to index the magnetic rack assembly between a home position proximate to one end of the housing and an end position which is proximate to an opposite end of the housing over the same path. The magnet assemblies are operable to generate a magnetic force which acts to attract ferromagnetic material toward the housing and to move the ferromagnetic material in the direction of the longitudinal length of the conveyor when the magnet rack assembly is indexed in one direction.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus capable for conveying a magnetic workpiece at high speed with low vibration and low noise, superior in durability, and capable of achieving a reduction in driving force. The conveying apparatus includes a non-magnetic rail having a guide surface for slidably guiding a first surface of a workpiece, a non-magnetic belt having a conveying surface in contact with a second surface of the workpiece and movable along the rail, driving means for running the non-magnetic belt in circulation, and a rotatable roller whose peripheral surface is in contact with the surface of the non-magnetic belt opposite to the feeding surface. Provided in the roller is a magnet adapted to generate a magnetic force having a component force for causing the second surface of the workpiece to be attracted to the roller through the intermediation of the non-magnetic belt and a component force for bringing the first surface of the workpiece into contact with the rail.

Abstract: A transporter suitable for conveying ferro-magnetic materials [3] out of progressive-line transfer dies during stamping and other similar processes. This device does not utilize an inline synchronous or induction motor. In order to move the ferro-magnetic material out of said dies, the transporting system has coils wrapped around the core [1] (primary) insulated in their slots, said coils wrapped in a plane located at 90 degrees to the transfer plane so as to maintain one polarity along the transfer direction at any given time. To achieve continuous movement of the ferro-magnetic material [3] in the plane of transport, the current applied to the system is sequentially switched from coil [2] to coil using a mini programmable logic controller, or similar device. As this current is switched, the ferro-magnetic material behaves as a secondary, therefore applying motive force on the material in the transfer plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding electronic components comprises a slide base, a plurality of tape cassettes mounted on the slide base, a linear motor 14, and a control unit for the motor. The control unit includes a motor driver 61, a memory device 66, and a control device 67 which controls the motor driver 61 using data stored in the memory device 66. The control device 67 adjusts the data for controlling the motor according to the load weight of the slide base. The data is used for properly moving the slide base carrying a plurality of tape cassettes to a position for feeding the components.

Abstract: A magnetic drive system for moving a substrate transfer shuttle along a linear path between chambers in a semiconductor fabrication apparatus. A rack with rack magnets is secured to the shuttle, and a rotatable pinion with pinion magnets is positioned adjacent the rack so that the pinion magnets can magnetically engage the rack magnets. Thus, rotation of the pinion will cause the shuttle to move along the linear path. The magnets may be oriented with a helix angle between their primary axis and the axis of rotation of the pinion. One rack and one pinion are located on each side of the shuttle. A set of lower guide rollers supports the shuttle, and a set of upper guide rollers prevents the shuttle from lifting off the lower guide rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating and separating laminations including a lamination storage area; a magnetic fanner arrangement for accumulating and magnetically separating the laminations; a transport mechanism; and a mechanical agitation mechanism. The transport mechanism transports at least one lamination from the lamination storage area to the magnetic fanner arrangement and the mechanical agitation mechanism is in communication with the magnetic fanner arrangement and provides a physical agitation to the magnetic fanner arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, bead dispenser for holding a charged bead and selectively dispensing the bead, the dispenser comprising: (a) a feeder channel having a lower outlet; (b) a bead selection escapement with a depression having an outer lip and located below the first lower outlet such that a bead exiting the lower outlet comes to rest in the depression; (c) a dispenser channel descending from the level of the lip, wherein the lip impedes a bead situated on the bead selection escapement from entering the dispenser channel; and a first dispensing electrode for creating an electromagnetic potential to pull or push the bead over the rim and into the dispenser channel.

Abstract: A carrier transport device is provided with a stator table comprised of a plurality of stators 4 which themselves are comprised of cores 2 and coils 3, and a carrier C in which permanent magnets m1-m4 are provided such that by passing an appropriate current through the coil, the cores of the stators are magnetized. The attraction or repulsion generated between the cores of the stators and the permanent magnets of the carrier is used to transport the carrier along the stator table in two dimensions. This carrier transport device allows for transport of a carrier in two dimensions with a simple design for quick transport of a carrier, and for reliably bringing the carrier to a stop at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A magnetically levitated transport device provides levitation and propulsion of a vacuum carriage. An air carriage is moved by conventional means through both linear and angular displacements. Non-magnetic coils mounted on the air carriage interact with permanent magnets mounted on the vacuum carriage to magnetically link the carriages together using Lorentz forces. The non-magnetic coils, which are exposed to the fields generated by the permanent magnets, produce the Lorentz forces when driven by drive currents in response to inputs received from position sensors. In one embodiment, power requirements are reduced by adding permanent magnets to the air carriage that interact with some of the permanent magnets on the vacuum carriage to provide forces that substantially levitate all of the static load.

Abstract: A conversion frame mounts to pre-existing bolt holes in a conventional USPS tilt-tray carriage with bolts that extend into the holes which previously supported vertical axis rollers for the mechanical drive tilt-tray carriage. The conversion frame has a forward foot and a rear foot, both of which connect to a ferromagnetic driving plate. The feet elevate a connection platform above the driving plate, and provide clearance for the rotation of four positioning rollers which extend sidewardly from the platform on protruding ears. The conversion kit allows the rapid change-over of a conventional mechanical drive tilt-tray sorter system to a LIM drive system with maximum re-use of parts.

Abstract: A magnetic screw device comprising an internal (male) magnetic screw having the even number of magnetized bands spirally magnetized on an outer surface with contiguous magnetized bands having opposite polarities and an external (female) magnetic screw having the even number of magnetized bands spirally magnetized on the same outer surface with contiguous magnetized bands having opposite polarities. The internal and external magnetic screws are composed of a plurality of spiral cylindrical magnets disposed in its axis direction, the spiral cylindrical magnet being formed of short cylindrical permanent magnet materials on each outer or inner surface which is spirally magnetized. The internal magnetic screw includes a rod member to support the inner spiral cylindrical magnets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor provided with a frame and with an endless conveying element, which can be moved in a longitudinal direction by a drive mechanism during operation. The conveying element furthermore includes interconnected carriers, which are pivotable with respect to each other about upwardly extending pivot pins. The carriers are guided by guide wheels coupled to the carriers, which during operation roll on guide rails connected to the frame, and which are near end portion thereof provided with guide wheels, which are rotatable about axes of rotation extending parallel to the pivot pins. A pivot pin, about which a carrier is pivotable with respect to the adjacent carrier, lies in one plane with the axes of rotation extending parallel to the pivot pin of the guide wheels provided on the adjacent carrier.