Linear Patents (Class 310/12.01)
  • Patent number: 11936317
    Abstract: A representative fault-tolerant rotating electromechanical actuator comprises a permanent magnet synchronous motor with first and second windings that each comprise three phases. First and second voltage source inverters (VSI) provide output signals independently with respect to each other. The first VSI provides output signals to drive the three phases of the first winding, and the second VSI provides output signals to drive the three phases of the second winding. The three phases of the first winding are driven simultaneously with the three phases of the second winding. Control electronics monitor signals associated with the three phases of the windings and detect a fault condition within a first phase of the first winding. The control electronics command the first VSI to drive only second and third phases of the first winding while simultaneously commanding the second VSI to drive the three phases of the second winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Blue Origin, LLC
    Inventors: Vladan Jevremovic, Adrian Alberto Galindo, Austin Gaspar
  • Patent number: 11843279
    Abstract: Provided is a vibration wave driving apparatus comprising: a vibration actuator; and a driven member configured to be driven by the vibration actuator, wherein the vibration actuator includes: a vibrator having an electric-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic member to which the electric-mechanical energy conversion element is fixed; a pressurizing member configured to pressurize the vibrator; a contacting member configured to pressurizing-contact with the vibrator by pressurizing the vibrator by the pressurizing member and move relative to the vibrator; an outputting member configured to output a driving force to the driven member, the driving force generated by the relative-moving of the contacting member to the vibrator, and wherein the driven member includes an output transmission member configured to hold the outputting member in a direction of the relative-moving with a predetermined spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Shimada
  • Patent number: 11738139
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 11735990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a linear motor system, in particular a transport system, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Thomas Leibl
  • Patent number: 11626824
    Abstract: The identifier for identifying the slider is given to this slider. In contrast, the control signal transmitted to the plurality of linear drivers indicates the position command value and the speed command value for the slider and the identifier of this slider in association with each other. The linear driver reads the identifier for identifying the slider from this slider overlapping the assigned region thereof and supplies the current corresponding to the position command value and the speed command value associated with this identifier by the control signal to the linear motor stators. In this way, it is possible to cause the linear driver corresponding to the assigned region, in which the slider is present, to precisely drive the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Ueno, Takayoshi Fujita, Shunsuke Aoki
  • Patent number: 11614614
    Abstract: A disclosed reluctance actuator includes a magnetizable stator, at least one coil, and a yoke. The coil is configured to generate a magnetic field in the stator and the yoke is configured to partially close the magnetic flux of the stator. The yoke is further configured as a movable element that performs lifting/tilting movements. An actuator system including a non-magnetic housing and a reluctance actuator is also disclosed. In the actuator system, the reluctance actuator may be at least partially located in the non-magnetic housing. A method of performing lifting/tilting movements of the yoke of a reluctance actuator is also disclosed. The method includes controlling a current in the at least one coil of the reluctance actuator to thereby generate a magnetic field in the stator. The magnetic field generates a lifting/tilting movement of the yoke due to interaction between the magnetic field and the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: MICRO-EPSILON MESSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Georg Schitter, Ernst Csencsics, Johannes Schlarp, Tobias Schopf
  • Patent number: 11277063
    Abstract: A motor component for a linear motor having a first primary part with two first electromagnetic coils and a second primary part with two second electromagnetic coils, arranged substantially parallel in relation to one another. At least one common laminated core unit is provided for the first and the second primary parts, which common laminated core unit comprises one-piece sheet-metal elements. Each of the one-piece sheet-metal elements of the laminated core unit in each case has first recesses, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of an adjustment path of the linear motor, for the first coils of the first primary part and at second recesses, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the adjustment path of the linear motor, for the second coils of the second primary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Kessler Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Trolliet, Markus Sinner
  • Patent number: 11201569
    Abstract: A vibration actuator that is reduced in the change of posture of a vibration element with respect to a contact body. The vibration element unit and the contact body are movable relative to each other. The vibration element unit includes a vibration element in contact with the contact body, a first holding member that holds the vibration element, a base, a first supporting member that is fixed to the base, and movably supports the first holding member in a direction orthogonal to a friction sliding surface of the contact body in slide contact with the vibration element, while maintaining the vibration element in a predetermined posture with respect to the contact body, and an urging unit that is arranged on the base independently of the first supporting member and presses the vibration element in a direction orthogonal to the friction sliding surface of the contact body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Shihoh
  • Patent number: 11201568
    Abstract: A vibration actuator capable of adjusting the position of a vibration element with respect to a contact body. The vibration actuator includes a vibration element unit and a contact body capable of relative movement to each other. The vibration element unit includes a first vibration element in contact with the contact body, an urging unit that brings the first vibration element and the contact body into contact with each other with predetermined pressure force, a first holding member that holds the first vibration element, a base, a first supporting member that slidably supports the first holding member in a direction in which the first vibration element is pressed against the contact body, and a first connection member that is rotatably connected to the first supporting member and rotatably connected to the base about an axis parallel to a direction of the relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki Oda
  • Patent number: 11196319
    Abstract: A driver cabinet structure includes an upper driver cabinet, a lower driver cabinet, a motor front-end cover and a motor brush rack plate, wherein the motor front-end cover is disposed on the lower driver cabinet; the motor front-end cover is provided with the motor brush rack plate thereon and screw holes on a lateral surface; the motor brush rack plate is provided with brush holders thereon and a through hole in the center; front and rear ends of each of the brush holders are both open and intercommunicated; a limit step is disposed in the through hole; lug bosses are disposed on the limit step; and the lower driver cabinet, the motor front-end cover, the motor brush rack plate and the brush holders are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: OKIN REFINED ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Zuochao Lv, Chenjian Lei, Long Li, Minglong Lei, Haoxiang Zhu
  • Patent number: 11025152
    Abstract: An interface apparatus for releasably attaching a primary part of a linear motor to a carriage includes an attachment module configured to attach the primary part of the linear motor to the interface apparatus. At least one insertion portion is configured to permit insertion into a holding portion of the carriage along an axial direction of the linear motor. At least one blocking apparatus is configured to releasably block the at least one insertion portion in the holding portion of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ETEL S.A.
    Inventors: Samuel Mottier, Jean-Pierre Morel
  • Patent number: 10938288
    Abstract: The electric motor includes at least two opposing magnet sets, at least a coil assembly, and a detection switch circuit. Each magnet set includes at least a magnet whose poles are arranged perpendicular to the movement of the magnet. The magnets in a same magnet set are stacked and have poles on a same side of reversed polarities. Opposing magnets from neighboring magnet sets have facing poles of a same polarity. The coil assembly is disposed between neighboring magnet sets, and axially parallel to an alignment direction between the facing poles of opposing magnets. Each coil assembly includes a magnetizer wrapped in a winding. Yokes are extended from two ends of the magnetizer towards opposite directions and a specific distance is between the yokes' centers. Together with the detection switch circuit's switching between positive and negative power supplies, the electric motor effectively reduces input power, and increases output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignees: YUZEN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CO., LTD., YUZEN (HK) SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CO., LTD., YUZEN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Yung-shun Hsu, Ming-chun Hsu, Wen-yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 10840791
    Abstract: This invention is concerning a linear motor, in which a movable body includes an electricity storage device, a circuit section constituted by an inverter and a control circuit and converting and outputting power supplied from the electricity storage device, and a plurality of armatures, the magnetic fields of which vary in accordance with the power output from the circuit section, and which are arranged so as to be separated from a stator core via a gap. Further, when only the mounted body, the electricity storage device, the circuit section, and the armatures are viewed, the electricity storage device is arranged adjacent to the mounted body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichiro Nakamura, Shinichi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10722647
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 10721406
    Abstract: A lens drive apparatus has: a magnet and a coil configured to displace the lens holder in a direction of an optical axis and a direction orthogonal to the optical axis in collaboration with each other. The coil includes first and second coils. The magnet includes first and second magnets. The first coil is disposed on an outer periphery of the lens holder. The first magnet, the second magnet, the second coil and a Hall device are each disposed to be spaced from the outer periphery of the lens holder at respective positions different from each other in the direction of the optical axis. Inner surfaces of the magnets at a side of the lens holder and outer surfaces of the magnets at an opposite side of the inner surfaces have reverse polarities, the inner surfaces have reverse polarities, and the outer surfaces have reverse polarities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Moriya, Masayoshi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 10686356
    Abstract: A linear controlled motion system include a track formed from one or more track sections and having at least one mover mounted to the track and effective for receiving articles at one location and transporting the articles to another location. The system includes at least one magnetic linear motion motor for providing a magnetic field effective for moving each mover in a controlled motion along the track and a magnetic flux bridge for reducing changes in the magnetic flux that reduces the efficiency or interferes with the operation of the controlled motion system. The ends of each track section of the magnetic linear motion motor may include end teeth that have a small recess in the top portion thereof. The recesses may be sized to fit the lip of a cover placed over the track section so that the ends of each track section form substantially smooth and planar surfaces that may be joined together to substantially eliminate any air gap between the joined track sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick A. Sommerhalter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10666123
    Abstract: A secondary element of a linear motor includes magnets arranged on a magnet support. The magnet support is configured as a laminated core. Laminations of the laminated core lie parallel to a plane that is perpendicular to a direction of magnetization of the magnets. Such a secondary support advantageously provides for a simplified assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: ETEL S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Gause, Jose Manuel Fernandes Goncalves
  • Patent number: 10640332
    Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator car constructed and arranged to travel in a hoistway. A linear propulsion system of the elevator system is configured to impart a force upon the elevator car to control movement of the car. The linear propulsion system includes a secondary portion mounted to the elevator car and may have a plurality of magnets. A first primary portion (42) of the linear propulsion system includes a mounting assembly (60), a plurality of coils engaged to the mounting assembly (60), and a first cooling device (80) including at least one conduit (82) projecting outward from the mounting assembly (60) and into the hoistway for transferring heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Ram Ranjan, Enrico Manes
  • Patent number: 10625949
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus comprises a rod-shaped member that comprises a magnetic material, a cover, made of a nonmagnetic material, that covers the rod-shaped member, a first terminal member configured to allow insertion of one end portion of the rod-shaped member, a second terminal member configured to allow insertion of the other end portion of the rod-shaped member, and a driving device, connected to the first terminal member, that rotates the rod-shaped member about a central axis of the rod-shaped member, in which the rod-shaped member and the first terminal member are fixed to each other, the cover and the first terminal member are fixed to each other, the rod-shaped member and the second terminal member are not fixed to each other, and the cover and the second terminal member are fixed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Beppu, Yoichi Okawa
  • Patent number: 10615649
    Abstract: In an installation structure of a magnet plate for installing a magnet plate for a linear motor to a machine mounting part via a joining member, the magnet plate includes a first face, a second face, a first female threaded part at the second face, and an opening at the first face; the machine mounting part includes a second female threaded part having a winding direction opposite to the first female threaded part on a side opposing the magnet plate; the joining member includes a first male threaded part and a second male threaded part; and the magnet plate is installed to the machine mounting part with the first female threaded part being screwed with the first male threaded part, and with the second female threaded part of the machine mounting part being screwed with the second male threaded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Nishifukumoto
  • Patent number: 10493619
    Abstract: A piezoelectric drive device includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrating portions that drive a driven member. A difference between the maximum resonance frequency and the minimum resonance frequency in each resonance frequency of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrating portions falls within a range of 0.001% to 5% of an average resonance frequency of the plurality of piezoelectric vibrating portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 10483877
    Abstract: A one-dimensional large-stroke precise positioning platform includes a housing, a cross ball guiding rail, piezoelectric ceramic and an elastic member. The cross ball guiding rail includes a mover guiding rail and stator guiding rails. A first and second fixing member is movable in a containing chamber provided in the housing. In the longitudinal direction of the mover guiding rail, one end of the piezoelectric ceramic is abutted against the first fixing member, and the other end against the second fixing member. The mover guiding rail is fixed on the second fixing member, and the elastic member is fixed on the first fixing member. In the width direction of the mover guiding rail, the two sides of the elastic member are abutted against the inner side surfaces of the containing chamber, and the first fixing member is connected with the second fixing member by a flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Bowen Zhong
  • Patent number: 10480055
    Abstract: A self-limiting shaped memory alloy device, including a shape memory alloy member, with first and second ends, a first anchor member connected to the first end, an energy contact, a second anchor member connected to the energy contact, an energy source connected in energetic communication to the energy contact, a moveable member connected to the second end, and a biasing member operationally connected to the moveable member for urging the moveable member towards and into physical contact with the second anchor member. The moveable member is in physical contact with the second anchor member and the second end is in energetic communication with the energy contact. Actuation of the energy source energizes the energy contact. Energization of the shape memory alloy member initiates a phase change that urges the moveable member away from the second anchor member. Movement of the moveable member away from the second anchor member disengages the second end from the energy contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Marcus E. Merideth
  • Patent number: 10469692
    Abstract: A scanning exposure device includes a stage that supports a substrate, wherein a space is provided between a stage surface and the substrate; a light source unit that radiates light to a light irradiation area that extends in one direction above the substrate; and a scanning device that moves one or both of the stage and the light source unit relatively in a scanning direction that intersects the one direction. The scanning device is provided with an acceleration zone from a position in which the stage and the light source unit are at a standstill to a position in which the substrate supported by the stage enters the light irradiation area. The stage comprises a light shielding member that covers the space between the stage surface and the substrate at an end part of the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignees: V TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Yoshida, Mineyuki Matsumoto, Toshinari Arai, Shigeki Tanaka, Keita Katayose, Hideyuki Suzuki, Makoto Kanbe
  • Patent number: 10461667
    Abstract: A vibration actuator capable of determining positional relationship between a vibration body and driven body with high accuracy while keeping a pressurized contact state therebetween. The driven body contacts with the vibration body in a first direction and moves in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A holding member that holds the vibration body has two holes. A support member that supports the holding member has two projections that fit in the holes to form first and second fitting parts. The projection contacts with the hole in the second direction and in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions in the first fitting part. The projection contacts with the hole in the third direction in the second fitting part. A contact range of the projection and hole in the third direction in the first fitting part differs from that in the second fitting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Kojima
  • Patent number: 10451074
    Abstract: An electric pump is provided, which includes a housing, a shaft, a rotor assembly and a stop assembly. The shaft is fixed to the housing, the rotor assembly is rotatable about the shaft, and the rotor assembly is sleeved on the shaft. The stop assembly is configured to limit the position of the rotor assembly in the chamber. The stop assembly includes a first stop and a second stop, the first stop is fixed with respect to a second portion of the shaft, and the second stop is fixed with respect to a first portion of the shaft. No relative movement occurs between the stop assembly and the shaft, which reduces the abrasion between the stop assembly and the shaft resulted from friction, and facilitates improving a service life of the stop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Zhejiang Sanhua Automotive Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongxiang Shi, Junfeng Bao, Hongmin Song
  • Patent number: 10408796
    Abstract: Systems and methods for non-destructive testing of specimens are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) includes an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) configured to controllably apply a biasing magnetic flux to a target location. The EPM includes a hard magnet, and a soft magnet at least partially enclosing the hard magnet. The EPM also includes a magnetizing coil having a plurality of turns at least partially encircling the soft magnet. The magnetizing coil is configured to controllably magnetically bias the soft magnet when a current is applied to the magnetizing coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Quest Integrated, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Dewayne Bondurant, Anthony Mactutis, Giovanni Nino
  • Patent number: 10355575
    Abstract: A linear motor includes a plurality of magnets arranged at equal intervals, and an armature arranged opposite to the magnets and including an armature core having a plurality of teeth extending toward the magnets. The teeth include a first tooth located at one end in the thrust direction and a second tooth located at the other end on the opposite side. The first tooth and the second tooth have different dimensions or shapes so as to reduce cogging force generated due to the structure of the armature core at the ends in the thrust direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuya Maeda
  • Patent number: 10315221
    Abstract: A vibration motor is provided in the present disclosure. The vibration motor includes a shell providing an accommodating space, a vibrating system accommodated in the accommodating space, a pair of elastic connectors for suspending the vibrating system in the accommodating space, and at least one block member fixed to the shell. The vibrating system includes at least one mass member with a limiting groove, the limiting groove is formed at a surface of the at least one mass member along a direction perpendicular to a vibrating direction of the vibrating system. The at least one block member is partly received in the limiting groove, and a distance between the at least one block member and the at least one mass member is not greater than a maximum vibrating amplitude of the vibrating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: AAC TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Lubin Mao, Hongxing Wang, Fei Hou
  • Patent number: 10297119
    Abstract: An electronic device can include one or more actuators. The actuator or actuators may be operably connected to a feedback surface. Movement is produced in at least one actuator that causes an audio output. The movement in the actuator(s) by itself may produce the desired audio output. The movement in the actuator(s) can produce a force in at least one direction that produces movement in the feedback surface, and the movement in the feedback surface produces audio output. The movement in the actuator may also provide a haptic output to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis P. Wiederhold, Benjamin A. Bard, Justin D. Crosby, Hugo D. Verweij
  • Patent number: 10218250
    Abstract: A vibrating actuator is disclosed, comprising: a magnetic part including at least two magnets (1) arranged with same polarities facing each other; a receiving part including a hollow member (4) with a cavity (5) for receiving the magnetic part and at least one coil (2) wrapped around the hollow member (4) and fixed thereto; elastic elements (6) interconnecting the magnetic part and the hollow member (4); and a chassis (7). In one aspect, the magnetic part is fixed to the chassis (7) via attachment elements (8, 10) such that the magnetic part, the attachment elements (8, 10) and the chassis are stationary, and the receiving part performs a linear movement with changing direction causing the vibration when an alternating current passes through the coil(s) (2). In another aspect, the elastic elements (6) are flat elastic metal or plastic membranes (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Lofelt GmbH
    Inventors: Amir Berrezag, Daniel Büttner
  • Patent number: 10205370
    Abstract: A linear compressor and a linear motor are provided. The linear motor may include a first stator, a second stator spaced apart from the first stator, and a permanent magnet disposed to be movable in a first direction between the first and second stators. The first stator may include a bobbin with a coil wound thereon, and a stator core that surrounds the bobbin. The stator core may be located between the second stator and the coil and may include first and second magnetic poles spaced apart from each other. One portion or entire portions of each of the first and second magnetic poles may have a constant magnetic path width within a range of a movement trajectory of the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Eonpyo Hong, Wonhyun Jung, Jeonguk Byun
  • Patent number: 10191392
    Abstract: An actuator includes coil assemblies arranged in an array, wherein each coil assembly defines a core chamber having a core chamber height; and at least one magnetic member that extends partly along the core chamber height of the core chamber of a corresponding at least one coil assembly, wherein the at least one magnetic member is made of a magnetic material. A shape of the at least one magnetic member, a size of the at least one magnetic member, a position of the at least one magnetic member and/or the magnetic material of the at least one magnetic member may be selected so as to control one or more parameters of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Adrianus Antonius Theodorus Dams, Dirk Hendrikus Marinus Engelen, Peter Michel Silvester Maria Heijmans, Simon Bernardus Cornelis Maria Martens, Hans Butler, Antonius Franciscus Johannes De Groot
  • Patent number: 10181780
    Abstract: A stator device for a linear motor comprises an electrically energizable magnetic field generator for forming a magnetic field, the magnetic field generator comprising a stator tooth and a coil wound around the stator tooth and a holding module for holding the magnetic field generator, the holding module having a first and a second holding device, wherein the magnetic field generator is arranged between the two holding devices in that a first end of the stator tooth is fixed to the first holding device and a second end of the stator tooth is fixed to the second holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: BECKHOFF AUTOMATION GMBH
    Inventors: Jan Achterberg, Uwe Prüssmeier
  • Patent number: 10173549
    Abstract: Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, are described. Further, vehicles, which employ the hover engines and associated hover engines are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Arx Pax Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert William Melvin, D. Gregory Henderson, Shauna Moran, Victor Espinoza, Kyle O'Neil, Garrett Foshay
  • Patent number: 10035652
    Abstract: In a storage system with racks for storing products and with a first transfer device for transferring products to be stored in and removed from the racks from a transport system to a rack conveying system and with a second transfer device for transferring products removed from storage which have been transported with the transport system and, respectively, for receiving products to be stored and to be transported with the transport system, it is envisaged that the transport system includes rail-mounted shuttles which are individually controllable with regard to the transport direction and the transport speed and are configured for transporting the products removed from storage and the products to be put into storage between the first transfer device and the second transfer device across rails of at least one main loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: KNAPP AG
    Inventors: Roman Schnabl, Roland Koholka
  • Patent number: 9948170
    Abstract: A mobile terminal can include a case, a touch screen, a haptic module to generate vibration, a memory storing data, and a power supply unit. The haptic module may be a linear vibration motor including a housing, a coil, a moving portion, first and second elastic members; the housing includes an inner space defined by top and bottom surfaces, and first to fourth side surfaces; the coil, moving portion, and first and second elastic members are in the housing; the first and third side surfaces are spaced apart from the moving portion; the moving portion includes a magnet, first and second insertion grooves; the first and second elastic members are coil springs, the first and second elastic members are between the moving portion and the first third side surfaces, respectively; and one end of each coil spring is located at the first and second insertion grooves of the moving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Minsu Jun, Hongki Kim, Jaecheon Choi
  • Patent number: 9935536
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic actuator of the type producing a force due to the current that remains substantially constant over the entirety of its useful travel Y and that has a low force in the absence of current, including at least one stator structure, at least one electrical supply coil, and a moving member, the stator structure having, on the one hand, a central pole running perpendicular to the direction of the travel Y and having a width YC1 in the direction of the travel and terminating at its end in a width YC2 that is greater than or equal to the travel Y of the moving member, YC2 being greater than YC1, and, on the other hand, two lateral poles having widths YL1 in the direction of the travel and terminating at their end in a width YL2 greater than YL1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Moving Magnet Technologies (MMT)
    Inventors: Javier Rios-Quesada, Guillaume Loussert, Michaël Delbaere
  • Patent number: 9871468
    Abstract: A vibration-type driving device according to the present invention includes a plurality of vibrators in which contact portions perform an elliptical motion using a combination of vibrations in different vibration modes; and a driven object having contact regions that come into contact with the contact portions and move relative to the plurality of vibrators, wherein the contact regions for the individual vibrators differ in position so as not to overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Kojima
  • Patent number: 9862288
    Abstract: Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, are described. Further, vehicles, which employ the hover engines and associated hover engines are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Arx Pax Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert William Melvin, D. Gregory Henderson, Shauna Moran, Victor Espinoza, Kyle O'Neil, Garrett Foshay
  • Patent number: 9866096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear drive (1), comprising a running track (2), at least one movement unit (4) with at least one magnetic element (5), which is linearly movable on the running track (2), a plurality of electrical primary magnets (3) which are stationarily arranged on the running track (2) and act magnetically upon the at least one magnetic element (5), wherein the primary magnets (3) can be activated individually or in groups for driving the movement unit (4), a magnetically activatable element (7) on the movement unit (4), wherein the magnetically activatable element (7) can be activated by at least one primary magnet (3) independently of the drive of the movement unit (4), and an actuator (9) and/or a load on the movement unit (4), the magnetically activatable element (7) being in operative connection with the actuator (4) and/or the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Felix Preuss
  • Patent number: 9780634
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for low cost linear actuators that can deliver strokes and forces at different values. The embodiments presented herein have parts and components that may be usable for both multi-coil and single-coil actuator designs. According to one embodiment, a magnet housing may removably or permanently coupled to a coil assembly having any number of coils. According to a further embodiment, an actuator housing may be coupled to a magnet housing having any number of magnets or coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Edward A. Neff, David Huang, Toan Vu
  • Patent number: 9777972
    Abstract: A heat sink for the primary part of a linear motor includes a coil system having at least one coil that is to be energized when the motor is in operation, the heat sink being provided for accommodating the coil system of the primary part and forming at least one duct, through which a coolant is flowing during the operation of the heat sink, and at least one intake as well as at least one outlet for the coolant. The heat sink is arranged as an integrally formed component, which has an interface for connecting an object to be moved with the aid of the primary part, the interface having a contact surface via which the object to be moved is able to be brought into contact with the heat sink, and which is arranged and provided for cooling both the coil system of the primary part and the contact surface, such that coolant supplied to the heat sink through an intake is used for cooling the coil system and the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ETEL S.A.
    Inventor: André-Rafael Da Conceição Rosa
  • Patent number: 9729039
    Abstract: A linear drive unit and a machine tool having the linear drive unit, capable of being applied to various applications, while taking into consideration the balance between the thrust force and the cogging of a linear motor. The linear drive unit has a magnetic gap changing mechanism which is configured to change a magnitude of a magnetic gap between a coil and a magnet, by displacing at least one of the coil and the magnet so that the coil and the magnet approach or are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventors: Yonpyo Hon, Kenzo Ebihara
  • Patent number: 9689361
    Abstract: A solenoid actuator is described. The solenoid actuator comprises an armature, pole piece(s), electromagnet coil(s) arranged, in response to energization, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions along a direction of travel, permanent magnet(s) positioned and orientated for latching the armature in at least the first position when the armature is in the first position and spring(s) arranged to bias the armature. The solenoid actuator can be operated to provide partial lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SENTEC LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew Dames
  • Patent number: 9644720
    Abstract: Focus arrangements for laser radar and other applications provide compensation of orientation-dependent gravitational forces. A linear stage can be preloaded and provided with balanced linear encoders so that gravitational force induced pitch, yaw, and roll can be reduced, detected, or compensated. Alternatively, movable focus elements can be secured to actuator driven spring assemblies that are controlled to compensate orientation-dependent gravitational forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Alec Robertson, Douglas C. Watson, Alexander Cooper
  • Patent number: 9583247
    Abstract: A magnet includes a magnetic body having a length and width. The body has a first notch in one side and extending along at least a portion of the length of the body, and a second notch in an opposite side of the body extending along at least a portion of the length of the body. A magnetic field produced by the body has a substantially uniform magnetic flux along at least a portion of the length of the body. A system for detecting a target includes one or more magnetic field sensing elements positioned within the portion of the magnetic field having substantially uniform flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. David, Ryan Metivier
  • Patent number: 9397528
    Abstract: A shaft linear motor includes an armature portion, a magnetic way and a sealing resin. The armature portion includes a frame, two ribs and a bobbin. The frame is formed with a receiving space therein. The two ribs are disposed on an inner wall of the frame. The ribs are respectively formed with a sectional surface. The bobbin is disposed in the receiving space and formed with an axially penetrated hole. The magnetic way is linearly and movably disposed in the axially penetrated hole. The sealing resin is fully filled in the receiving space for wrapping the inner wall of the frame and the sectional surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hong-Cheng Sheu, Chi-Wen Chung, Chi-Shin Chuang, En-Yi Chu
  • Patent number: 9324523
    Abstract: A power generation device includes a push button, a slider, a first spring, and a power generation unit. A first spring has a first end engaging the push button, and a second end engaging the slider. The power generation unit includes a first yoke member, a second yoke member, and a coil. The second yoke member includes a first movable member and a second movable member. The first movable member includes a first permanent magnet and is held in the slider. The second movable member includes a second permanent magnet and is held in the slider. The first yoke member is disposed between the first movable member and the second movable member. The coil is disposed to the outer periphery of the first yoke member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaharu Matsumoto, Suguru Oishi, Koichi Nagahara
  • Patent number: 8952580
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a linear vibration motor including: a stator part; a vibrator part received in the stator part to thereby linearly vibrate; an elastic member having one end fixedly coupled to the stator part and the other end fixedly coupled to the vibrator part, wherein the vibrator part includes a printed circuit board having one end fixedly coupled to the stator part and the other end fixedly coupled to the vibrator part to thereby linearly vibrate integrally with the vibrator part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jin Hoon Kim