Abstract: A method of manufacturing oscillator devices each having an oscillator and a resilient supporting member for supporting the oscillator for oscillatory motion, includes a step of processing one and the same substrate to form oscillators and resilient supporting members of oscillator devices so that oscillators of adjacent oscillator devices are connected to each other, a step of forming or placing a magnetic material so that it extends across the connected oscillators of the adjacent oscillator devices, and a step of simultaneously cutting and separating the connected oscillators and the magnetic material formed or placed to extend across the connected oscillators, whereby oscillator devices, such as oscillatory type actuators having good reliability and performance evenness can be manufactured with high productivity.

Abstract: The motor includes an E-core stator assembly with a source of alternating current and an armature portion mounted to be responsive to the stator to oscillate back and forth through an arc portion of the personal care appliance and flexure elements are connected between the armature and the mounting member, the flexure elements crossing each other, wherein the crossing point defines a pivot point about which the armature rotates. A workpiece assembly, which includes a mounting arm, is configured so that a skin brush mounted on a free end of the mounting arm has an axis of rotation about the pivot point.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy transducer configured to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy comprises two magnetic elements including a permanent magnetic element and a soft-magnetic element and an electrical coil. The permanent magnetic element and the soft-magnetic element are arranged to form a magnetic circuit and one of the two magnetic elements is movable in relation to the other of the two magnetic elements. The electrical coil surrounds a part of the soft magnetic element. The movable magnetic element is held in a first position by a spring force and moved into a second position by applying an external mechanical force exceeding the spring force, and at the first position the magnetic flux within the soft magnetic element is different than the flux at the second position.

Abstract: A vibration motor comprises a permanent magnet supported by a spring and an electromagnet. The electromagnet generates an alternating second magnetic field which exerts a torque on the permanent magnet and causes said permanent magnet to rotate and vibrate. The supporting spring transfers the vibration energy from the permanent magnet to the housing and ultimately to the user.

Abstract: A vibration generator is provided. The vibration generator comprising a case having a hollow inside and a lower plate. A first vibrator is disposed away from the lower plate of the case and supported by first elastic member fixed to the lower plate. A second vibrator is disposed away from the first vibrator and supported by second elastic member fixed to the first vibrator. The first vibrator and the second vibrator are operable to vibrate separately. When operated separately at least two different resonance frequencies are created and transmitted to the case.

Abstract: An oscillatory device incorporating a limited angle torque motor capable of oscillating one or more end effector(s) is provided. The device may additionally incorporate an ultrasound transducer and/or a waveguide structure.

Abstract: A 2-axis driving electromagnetic scanner, having a structure in which a mirror is separated from a driving unit and directly driven, is provided. The electromagnetic scanner includes: an outer driving unit which is capable of rotating around a first axis; an inner driving unit which is suspended from the outer driving unit so as to rotate around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a stage which is located on an upper surface of the inner driving unit so as to rotate together with the inner driving unit. In the electromagnetic scanner, the stage is connected to the inner driving unit by a link unit protruding from a center of a lower surface of the stage.

Abstract: Enhanced internal electrical generators are provided which include pole pieces that form air gaps flanked with conductive wire coils. Rotatable armatures supporting permanent magnets are arranged to swing or revolve relative to the air gaps such that the magnetic flux thereof is intersected by the wire coils to generate electrical voltage and current therein. These generators may be incorporated within the housing of many portable devices such as cell phones to self generate electrical current useful for operating the device or recharging its batteries or other component that stores the generated electrical energy.

Abstract: A pump for generating fluid flow in an elastic tubular conduit. The pump comprises a plurality of electrically operated valves, each valve being positionable adjacent to the conduit. Each valve has a valve head configured to alternate from a first position in which the lumen of the conduit adjacent to the valve head is unobstructed and a second position in which the lumen of the conduit adjacent to the valve head is obstructed. The pump also comprises a driver configured to control the positions of the valve heads, so as to execute a predetermined temporo-spatial array of valve head positions.

Abstract: A vibrational energy harvesting apparatus comprising: a substrate having a plurality of integral compliant regions; at least two ferromagnetic masses each coupled to a corresponding one or more of the integral compliant regions such that at least one of the ferromagnetic masses moves with respect to the substrate responsive to substrate acceleration, each ferromagnetic mass having an inner magnetic pole disposed such that the inner magnetic poles are separated by a gap, wherein the magnetic polarities of the inner magnetic poles on the opposing sides of the gap are similar; wherein the inner magnetic poles form a steep flux gradient region in and around the gap; and a coil coupled to the substrate and disposed within the steep flux gradient region where it is exposed to a changing magnetic flux arising from motion of at least one of the ferromagnetic masses with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

Abstract: An system and apparatus for capturing electricity comprised of: a wheel and a fixed conducting rod, both in electrical contact with the wheel and at least one electrical component or system in which the wheel is rotatable about an axis. The wheel is comprised of: a rotatable hub; a rotatable conducting rod within the rotatable hub; at least one electricity generating device positioned on the hub and comprised of: a generally hollow housing having a distal end and a proximate end; a wire coil fixed within the housing and having an axial bore therethrough; a translatable magnet; and at least one wire in electrical contact with the wire coil and the rotatable hub; wherein as the wheel is rotated, the translatable magnet laterally translates back and forth within the housing and passing through the wire coil to generate the electric current.

Abstract: An actuator includes: a first oscillatory system including a frame-shaped driving member and a pair of first axial members holding the driving member from both ends so as to allow the driving member to rotate around an X-axis; a second oscillatory system including a movable plate provided inside the driving member and a pair of second axial members holding the movable plate to the driving member from both ends so as to allow the movable plate to rotate around a Y-axis perpendicular to the X axis; and a driving unit including a permanent magnet provided on the driving member, a coil provided so as to face the permanent magnet, and a voltage applying unit applying a voltage to the coil. The permanent magnet is provided such that a line segment connecting both poles is slanted with respect to each of the X-axis and the Y-axis, in a plan view of the movable plate.

Abstract: The personal care appliance drive system includes a pair of linear actuators capable of operating both in an opposing phase mode or in a parallel (in-phase) mode. The system includes a motion converter assembly which converts the opposing phase action of the two linear actuators into a rotational action of an output drive shaft and converts in-phase action to a translation motion of the output shaft or to drive another function of the appliance, such as a pump. The motion converter, operating simultaneously in an opposing phase mode and in-phase modes, produces a complex motion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A flexure includes a shaped sheet of material having a middle portion coupled to a magnet, an end portion, and a corner portion between the end portion and the middle portion, the corner portion including a curve with a concave curvature relative to a point of view outside the corner portion. The flexure may be used in a linear motor.

Abstract: An electric drive unit for generating an oscillating movement, having a stator, a rotor, a torsion element and a tuning element. The tuning element acts upon the torsion element and serves to mechanically tune the resonant frequency of the drive unit.

Abstract: A moving coil type linear actuator system which can stably and linearly control a relatively large load despite using relatively low electric force applied to a coil unit, thus enhancing control accuracy and preventing energy loss.

Abstract: An indicator has a permanent magnet and a coil rotatably supported on the permanent magnet and wound so as to form a surface that is parallel to and disposed at a preselected distance from a bottom surface of the permanent magnet. The coil generates a torque by interaction with a magnetic field of the permanent magnet upon supply of a current to the coil. An indicator needle is mounted to undergo rotation with the coil through a range of angles corresponding to indicator angles of the indicator needle. A pair of spiral springs urge the indicator needle in a direction opposite to a direction of the torque to undergo rotation through the range of indicator angles. The pair of spiral springs comprise a first spiral spring connected at one end thereof to one end of the coil and a second spiral spring connected at one end thereof to another end of the coil.

Abstract: A magnetic latch includes a stator having first and second permanent magnets disposed on either side of a center portion. Each of the first and second permanent magnets has at least two associated poles. A rotor has at least one magnetic region. The rotor is configured for rotation about an axis of the stator between a first latched position and a second latched position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a rotor rotatable within a predetermined angular range, a magnetizing coil, and a yoke having an arcuate surface facing the rotor, and first and second magnetic-pole parts that have mutually different magnetic poles upon energizing the coil. The rotor includes a magnetized rotor part defining the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and magnetized to have different magnetic poles, a non-magnetized driving pin rotatable with the magnetized rotor part, and a protrusion part protruding radially from the rotor and facing the first or second magnetic-pole part while being magnetized to have the same magnetic pole as the outer peripheral surface of the rotor. The surface of the rotor that faces the yoke and that exerts a magnetic action is increased due to the inclusion of the protrusion part, and hence a desired maintaining force and driving torque can be obtained.

Abstract: A voice coil motor. A guide bar connects to a fixed base. A coil connects to the fixed base and includes a first winding portion and a second winding portion. A current direction in the first winding portion is opposite that in the second winding portion. A support base movably fits on the guide bar. A magnetic member connects to the support base and includes a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. A magnetization direction of the magnetic member parallels a moving direction of the support base and magnetic member and is perpendicular to a central axis of the coil. The first and second magnetic poles respectively oppose the first and second winding portions of the coil. The first and second magnetic poles respectively interact with the first and second winding portions to generate a first force and a second force, moving the support base and magnetic member.

Abstract: A rocking actuator and a laser machining apparatus which can suppress a temperature rise of a permanent magnet in a moving-magnet actuator. Even when a steerable mirror is positioned by rapid and continuous motions, highly reliable machining can be performed without degrading machining throughput or hole position accuracy. A cooling jacket for cooling a casing and heat transfer units brought into contact with a coil and the casing are provided. Heat generated in the coil is introduced to the casing through the heat transfer bypass units. Thus, the temperature rise of the coil is suppressed. Radial grooves are provided in the permanent magnet opposed to the coil so as to prevent an eddy current from appearing therein. Groove depth is made not smaller than skin depth expressed by a function of volume resistivity and permeability of the permanent magnet and a fundamental frequency of a current applied to the coil.

Abstract: An actuator driving apparatus comprises the following. A start signal generator generates a start signal having a frequency substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the movable portion of an actuator. A rock detector detects rock of the movable portion. A drive timing signal generator generates a drive timing signal based on the output of the rock detector. A switch is connected to the start signal generator and drive timing signal generator for selectively transmitting their outputs to a section arranged in a subsequent stage. A drive signal generator generates a drive signal based on the output of the switch, and supplies it to the actuator. A superposition preventing section prevents a frequency component of a frequency substantially equal to the resonance frequency from being superposed upon the output of the rock detector. The apparatus performs driving according to the rocking state of the movable portion, by switching the switch.

Abstract: A scanner has a rotor, and a stator disposed in the outside of the rotor. The rotor includes a shaft, and a permanent magnet mounted on the outer circumferential side of the shaft. The stator includes a casing, a yoke held in the inner circumferential side of the casing, and coils disposed in the inner circumferential side of the yoke. The permanent magnet of the rotor has radially depressed grooves formed in its outer circumferential portion. The torque constant of the scanner is circumferentially equalized by the grooves.

Abstract: An electromagnetic exciter that enables thickness reduction has a casing, a stator having an electromagnet and fixed in the casing, an oscillator having a permanent magnet, and an elastic support member that positions the oscillator in horizontally-opposed relation to the stator at a distance between them and that supports the oscillator oscillatably in a direction parallel to the stator. The elastic support member has a fixed portion fixed to the casing and a pair of arms extending from the fixed portion toward the stator along side surfaces of the oscillator to support the oscillator oscillatably. The oscillator is oscillated by an alternating magnetic field generated by application of an alternating voltage to the electromagnet of the stator.

Abstract: A motor and a method for serves finding the position of an armature in relation to a stator of the motor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for driving one or more force coils. A system for driving force coils is provided including a PWM drive coupled to a first coil and a linear drive coupled to a second coil. The PWM drive efficiently drives the first coil to apply a first force. The linear drive drives the second coil to apply a second force that is substantially noise-free. The first force is greater than the second force.

Abstract: Linear electric generators include stationary windings and armature magnets arranged to reciprocate axially relative to the windings, or stationary magnet structures and movable windings arranged to reciprocate relative to the stationary magnet structures. The armature magnets or stationary magnet structures are in the form of multiple pole magnets made up of a plurality of individual pole structures, each pole structure including a pair of magnets joined to each other with facing poles of like polarity. In addition, the windings may be in the form of a double winding structure including at least one first clockwise winding and at least one second counterclockwise winding arranged in a multi-layered stacked arrangement.

Abstract: A tactile wave generating apparatus for generating amplified low frequency waves for transmission as tactile waves into a structure or a person's body. There is a housing in which is positioned a drive section that in turn comprises a magnet section that moves upwardly and downwardly as an inertial mass, two coils on opposite sides of the magnet and two flux path return plates for the coils. Each coil comprises upper and lower longitudinally aligned generally linear coil portions which drive the magnet section upwardly and downwardly. The magnet section is supported by upper and lower interconnecting sections that resiliently resist the up and down motion of the magnet section and restrain the magnet section to move up and down within close tolerances.

Abstract: An electric motor for a small-scale electrical appliance, such as a toothbrush or shaver. The electric motor includes at least one oscillatory motor component, a magnet arrangement having at least one permanent magnet, and a coil for generating a magnetic field which, in interaction with the magnet arrangement, generates a force for excitation of an oscillatory linear motion. During the interaction between the magnet arrangement and the magnetic field produced by the coil, a torque for excitation of an oscillatory rotational motion is additionally generated.

Abstract: An electromechanical generator comprising an electromechanical device for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the electromechanical device comprising a housing, an electrically conductive coil fixedly mounted in the housing, a magnet assembly movably mounted in the housing for linear vibrational motion along an axis, the magnet assembly having a pair of opposed polar surfaces defining a gap therebetween, the coil being disposed in the gap, and a biasing device mounted between the housing and the magnet assembly, the biasing device biasing the magnet assembly in opposed directions along the axis towards a central position.

Abstract: The oscillating weight includes a primary oscillating weight (10) secured to a drive arbor (6) and at least one secondary oscillating weight (20), which is mobile relative to the primary weight to cause the initial impulse. The secondary weight (20) is formed by a part assembled to the primary weight (10) from the exterior, while being able to have a travel between two stop members (12a, 12b) of a guide means (14, 18) located on the periphery of the primary weight (10).

Abstract: A driving assembly of camera shutter and diaphragm comprises a first stator, a second stator, a coil set and a rotor. The coil set is installed between the first stator and second stator. A first wing is axially extended from a round periphery of the first stator and a second wing is axially extended from a round periphery of the second stator. Each of the first stator and second wing is a round cambered sheet. In assembly the first stator and second wing are formed as a space for receiving the rotor; thus the rotor is driven to rotate by the magnetic force of the first wing and second wing so as to drive the diaphragm and shutter. Each of the first wing and second wing has a plurality of parts which are formed around the respective stator and are spaced with an equal spaced.

Abstract: To accurately tune the vibration frequency of a suspension during assembly. Secured positions 3e where a magnetic circuit part 2 is secured to a suspension 3 are provided near to each other. From among the secured positions 3e, secured positions 3e suitable for the characteristics of a suspension 3 to be mounted and the weight of a magnetic circuit part 2 are selected and secured to each other. Thus, the distance between the securing position and the central position of vibration of a suspension 3 and a housing 1 can be changed to tune the frequency to the desired value.

Abstract: A switching system includes two or more rotary switching mechanisms for selectively moving items. The switching system may be used for switching optical elements, such as filters, into and out of an optical path, for example selectively placing one of a group of available filters into the optical path. Each of the rotary switching mechanisms has a passive torque device, including a mechanical flexure and a magnetic latch, that provides most of the torque for moving an item between a retracted position and an extended position, and vice versa. The passive torque device has a pair of null positions or detents at the retracted and extended positions. A brushless DC motor is used to provide a force to get the passive torque device out of these null positions. Thereafter the passive torque device is able on its own to provide most of the torque for movement.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is provided, including a bobbin made of a non-magnetic material including a hollow cylindrical portion and disk flanges; a coil formed between the disk flanges; a power supply which supplies a current to the coil; a movable member pivoted on the hollow cylindrical portion; and a stationary member made of a permanent magnet and fixed to a disk flange. The movable member is a magnetic material and includes a shaft portion and a rotating portion. The rotating portion is fixed to the shaft portion, lies on the disk flange, and extends in a radial direction of the shaft portion. When the power supply supplies the current to the coil in a predetermined direction, the rotating portion is magnetized to a predetermined polarity and rotates. The stationary member includes a stopper for stopping rotation of the movable member at a predetermined rotational position.

Abstract: A movable body apparatus includes a vibratory system, a driving portion for driving the vibratory system, a detecting portion for detecting a resonance frequency of the vibratory system, a drive controlling portion, and a storing portion. The vibratory system has a resonance frequency, and includes at least a movable body capable of being reciprocally, rotatably oscillated. The drive controlling portion regulates a driving frequency of a drive signal applied to the driving portion, based on the resonance frequency of the vibratory system. The storing portion stores the frequency detected by the detecting portion at a first predetermined time. The drive controlling portion regulates the driving frequency with reference to the stored frequency, at a second predetermined time after the storing portion stores the frequency, and executes a drive control of the vibratory system.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator according to the present invention includes a stator yoke made of a magnetic substance and having projecting streaks on the inner circumference thereof to produce magnetic bias to a rotor magnet. The stator yoke is fitted into and fixed to a coil bobbin, a base plate, or a sheet metal having a concave portion formed therein. This can hold shading members to a totally closed position after shutoff of electric current through a coil and can stably achieve an appropriate position of the stator yoke in a rotation direction to eliminate the need for fixing the stator yoke with an adhesive or the like.

Abstract: The airflow generator includes a plate having a pivot and a swinging end. The invention also includes a first magnetic induced portion assembled nearby the pivot opposite to a second magnetic induced portion. With magnetic induced change, the first and second magnetic induced portions generate magnetic attraction or repulsion to drive the swinging end. The innovative airflow generator of the present invention can be applied to a compact structure and yield a satisfactory heat radiation effect and widely applied to the heat-radiating structure of various small-sized electronic devices.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) power generator employing a plurality of magnetic masses disposed to oscillate on spring elements in a manner that produces an unusually steep flux gradient at one or more conductive coils, thereby harvesting a substantial portion of the available mechanical energy. The energy from ambient mechanical vibration is harvested to produce electrical power sufficient to power individual electronic elements for a variety of low-cost and high-performance distributed sensor systems for medical, automotive, manufacturing, robotics, and household applications.

Abstract: A vibratory linear actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a stator having a through hole therein and a winding wire therearound, a movable member having a through hole therein and a member made of a magnetic material, said movable member being provided inside said through hole of said stator, so as to reciprocate in an axis direction upon an application of electric current to said winding wire, a shaft inserted into said through hole of said movable member so as to be movable reciprocally in relation to said movable member, and a coordinating member that enables said shaft to reciprocate in opposite phase to said movable member.

Abstract: An oscillator device includes an oscillator, a resilient support member configured to support the oscillator for oscillatory motion about an oscillation central axis, a magnetic member provided on the oscillator, and a magnetic-field generating member disposed opposed to the oscillator, wherein the oscillator has a through-hole extending through the oscillator from its top surface to its bottom surface, and wherein the magnetic member is provided in the through-hole.

Abstract: An oscillator device includes an oscillator supported for oscillatory motion about an oscillation central axis, a magnetic member provided on the oscillator, and a magnetic-field generating member disposed opposed to the oscillator, wherein the magnetic member is provided at a side portion sandwiched between a top surface and a bottom surface of the oscillator.

Abstract: Self powered cell phones are provided with an armature which is supported to freely oscillate in swinging opposite motions and which includes a wire coil configured to intersect the magnetic flux of a permanent magnet during such motions, which generates electrical voltage and current that can be used to operate the phone or charge or recharge its batteries. Recharging mechanisms are manually or flywheel operated to impart the armature's motions and supply the generated current to the cell phone batteries.

Abstract: A ventilation apparatus includes a stator, a vibrator arranged close to the stator, a permanent magnet to generate a magnet flux to form a path of the magnet flux along the stator and the vibrator, a coil wound around the stator or vibrator, and a ventilator coupled to the vibrator and operated by a linear reciprocating motion of the vibrator generated when an electric current is applied to the coil to change the magnet flux of the permanent magnet. Thus, the ventilation apparatus having a simplified ventilation structure increases a ventilation efficiency.

Abstract: Enhanced internal electrical generators are provided which include pole pieces that form air gaps flanked with conductive wire coils. Rotatable armatures supporting permanent magnets are arranged to swing or revolve relative to the air gaps such that the magnetic flux thereof is intersected by the wire coils to generate electrical voltage and current therein. These generators may be incorporated within the housing of many portable devices such as cell phones to self generate electrical current useful for operating the device or recharging its batteries or other component that stores the generated electrical energy.

Abstract: A device for generating electrical energy has at least one pair of permanent magnets and at least one coil. They are moved about a pivot axis relative to one another by agitating or shaking. Each coil is disposed between the pole surfaces of the at least one pair of permanent magnets which are disposed opposite each other.

Abstract: A vibration motor and an electronic device utilizing the same. The vibration motor is disposed in a housing to abut the housing. A first case is disposed in the housing. A second case is combined with the first case. A magnet and a rotor are disposed between the first and second cases. A shaft passes through the magnet, the rotor, and the second case, and is rotatably disposed on the first case. A weight is exposed by the second case, and connected to the shaft passing through the second case. The weight rotates along with the shaft to generate vibration. The vibration of the weight is transmitted to the housing.

Abstract: A resonator of an acoustic compressor is provided at each side of an actuator so that the two resonators are arranged side by side. Two pistons are provided at the inner ends of the resonators and actuated by the actuator. At the outer end of the each of the resonators, a gas is introduced into the resonator through a suction hole. When the pistons are actuated by the actuator, the gases in the two resonators are oscillated and compressed by the piston and discharged through discharge holes at the outer ends of the resonators.

Abstract: The linear actuator for both vibrating and rolling movement according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a shaft supported so as to be movable reciprocally in an axis direction and a rotation direction about the axis, a first linear driver including a cylindrical stator having a winding wire thereon and a movable member arranged inside the stator so as to reciprocate the shaft linearly in the axis direction, a second linear driver including a cylindrical stator having a winding wire thereon and a movable member arranged inside the stator so as to reciprocate the shaft rollingly in the rotation direction, one of the movable members being secured on the shaft and another one of the movable members being movable relative to the shaft, and a coordinating member for enabling the shaft and the one of the movable member to move in opposite phase to the another one of the movable member.