Motion Conversion Patents (Class 310/80)
  • Patent number: 7939979
    Abstract: An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly and a rotary encoder with a rotation sensing member rotatable with the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Tol-O-Matic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Hochhalter, Derek Wise, Paul B. Gladen
  • Publication number: 20110101806
    Abstract: The invention concerns a safety device (1) for an actuator comprising a connection means (2) allowing a connection to a releasable holding means (5). The connection means (2) is fixed via a sacrificing means (3) to a supporting means (4), and a resilient means (7) is acting between the supporting means (4) and a supporting portion (8). An extension means (9) is fixed to the supporting means (4) via the connection means (2). The sacrificing means (3) has a mechanical strength such that the sacrificing means (3) breaks when subjected to a force exceeding a predetermined force, such that the extension means is no longer fixed to the supporting means and that a re-connection of the supporting means (4) and the releasable holding means (5) is made impossible. The predetermined force is lower than the mechanical strength of the extension means (9) and the supporting means (4). A linear actuator (13) comprising the safety device (1) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Torbjörn Lövgren, Pontus Claesson, Peter A. Hansson
  • Publication number: 20110089879
    Abstract: Linear actuator device, comprising a housing (102,202), a piston rod (109,209), an electrical motor (116,216) and a transmission means (105,106,305,307) adapted to transfer the rotation of the electrical motor to a linear movement of the piston rod, where the linear actuator device comprises an integrated electrical interface having two signal inputs adapted to extend and retract the piston rod and two signal outputs adapted to indicate a retracted end position (122) and an extended end position (121) of the piston rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits
  • Publication number: 20110084560
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a step motor, including a lead screw, a rotor fixed to an outer surface of the lead screw, a fixture containing a stator disposed to face the rotor and a housing whose one side end part is open to insert the stator and wrap the stator, and a bracket having a bracket body of a plate shape on which the housing is disposed and a bending part bent towards the one side end part of the housing from the bracket body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jungbum Park
  • Patent number: 7919938
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises a plurality of linearly extendable actuators arranged to be driven by a common electrically driven motor, each actuator, being provided with limit stops to limit extension and/or retraction thereof, wherein the limit stops of the actuators are positioned such that a first one of the actuators has a smaller range of permitted extension than at least a second one of the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
    Inventors: John Herbert Harvey, Stephen Harlow Davies
  • Publication number: 20110073297
    Abstract: A direct drive drawworks has a permanent magnet motor, a shaft extending from the permanent magnet motor so that the permanent magnet motor directly rotates the shaft, and a drum connected to the shaft away from the permanent magnet motor such that the rotation of the shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the drum. The permanent magnet motor has a housing, a stator positioned in the housing, and a rotor cooperative with the stator. The rotor has a drive plate affixed thereto. The shaft is directly connected to the drive plate. A bearing housing rotatably supports the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7911096
    Abstract: An oscillator typically includes several pivotable oscillating arms each having a drive magnet and a follower magnet thereon so that the drive magnet on one arm drives movement of the follower magnet on another arm to oscillatingly pivot the other arm. Typically, a first repelling magnet is mounted on each oscillating arm and two repelling magnets are positioned on opposite sides of the first repelling magnet to facilitate the pivotal oscillation of the oscillating arm. A rotatable flywheel with a drive magnet thereon may drive movement of the follower magnet on one of the arms to drive pivotal movement of that arm. An electric motor may be used to drive rotation of the flywheel. A generating magnet may be mounted on each oscillating arm and movable adjacent an electrically conductive coil for producing an electric current therein. The coil may be in electrical communication with the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Froelich
  • Patent number: 7909669
    Abstract: A differential displacement electromagnetic device providing motion over a support frame. Permanent electromagnets are fixedly mounted to a carriage and angularly oriented relative to the support frame lengthwise axis. Upright anchor columns project transversely from the support frame, and are interconnected by tension springs. A movable block is slidingly carried over both rails including a pair of opposite side spring loaded arms, carrying floating electromagnets. A bracket mount carries two spaced pivotal axles, and pivotally mounted rocker arms carrying corresponding permanent magnet. The rocker arms are sized in such a way as to be pivotably movable between a first limit position, where the permanent magnets abut against the angularly oriented electromagnets, and a second limit position, where the permanent magnets abut against the floating electromagnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Maurice Coulombe
  • Patent number: 7902703
    Abstract: Improved energy conversion devices comprise a first ferromagnetic element, a second ferromagnetic element oriented such that similar poles of the first ferromagnetic element and the second ferromagnetic element can be positioned proximate each other, and a mechanical element connected to the first ferromagnetic element such that movement of the first ferromagnetic element can actuate the mechanical element to provide mechanical work. In some embodiments, the energy conversion devices can further comprise an externally powered temperature control device to selectively alter the temperature of the ferromagnetic elements to change the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic elements. The change in temperature of the ferromagnetic elements and the orientation of the first and second ferromagnetic elements allows the repulsive force between the first and second ferromagnetic elements to result in mechanical work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Mustafa O. Ucer
  • Patent number: 7891265
    Abstract: A motorized anti-backlash linear actuator comprises a motor; a hollow shaft that is rotated about a central axis by the motor, an anti-backlash nut that is nested at least partially inside the hollow shaft; and an externally threaded rod or lead screw that engages with the anti-backlash nut such that the rotation of the hollow shaft and the nut imparts a linear motion to the rod that is substantially free of backlash. Nesting the anti-backlash nut at least partially within the hollow shaft provides greater stability to the actuator, and permits high speed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Erikson, Keith W. Erikson
  • Patent number: 7893582
    Abstract: A hollow motor drive device includes a screw shaft provided with a spiral screw groove formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof, a nut member screw-engaged with the screw groove, a hollow drive shaft having an inner peripheral side on which the nut member is fixed and an outer peripheral side on which a permanent magnet is disposed, and a housing provided with a bearing portion rotatably supporting the hollow drive shaft and a coil portion. In the hollow drive shaft, the nut member and the permanent magnet are disposed so as not to be overlapped with each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the hollow drive shaft, and in the housing, the bearing portion is disposed to a position corresponding to the nut member, and the coil portion is disposed to a position corresponding to the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: THK Co., Ltd, THK GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhart G Welle, Dirk Loeckmann
  • Publication number: 20110031424
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator is provided for converting rotary action into linear action, and includes an electric motor, a cable yoke, an output shaft, and a pair of cables. The electric motor is adapted to be selectively energized and is configured, upon being energized to generate a drive torque. The cable yoke is coupled to receive the drive torque and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to rotate about a rotational axis. The output shaft is coupled to receive a drive force and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to translate along a linear axis that is disposed at least substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. Each cable is wound, in pretension, on a portion of the cable yoke and around a portion of the output shaft. The pair of cables is configured, upon rotation of the cable yoke, to supply the drive force to the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Casey Hanlon, Steve Abel, David M. Eschborn, Doug Kortum, Don Christensen
  • Patent number: 7871084
    Abstract: A telescopic actuator includes a motor, an input flange rotated by the motor, a male screw member coupled to the input flange, a female screw member threadedly engaged with the male screw member, an output rod coupled to the female screw member, the output rod being moved in an axial direction thereof to output a thrust force when the input flange is rotated, and a housing inside which the male screw member and the female screw member are accommodated. The input flange is supported by the housing such that a relative movement of the input flange with respect to the housing is allowed in a radial direction but restricted in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Hakui, Kotaro Yamaguchi, Masanori Watanabe, Atsushi Yuta, Hajime Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 7866226
    Abstract: An electromotive actuator for deflecting a mechanical part, comprising a rotatable component and a non-rotatable component of a deflection gear, whereby the rotatable component can be driven by an electric motor in such a way that it can be moved linearly relative to the non-rotatable component between a first position and a second position. The two components of the actuator are constituents of a ball-ramp adjustment device, whereby a rotatable component of the ball-ramp adjustment device is non-rotatably connected to the rotor of the electric motor and acts directly or indirectly on the mechanical part that is to be deflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jan Weule
  • Patent number: 7865275
    Abstract: A method and controller for controlling electric vehicles wherein an output level to an output device is determined on the basis of timing information of input timing data. In one embodiment the timing data is provided on the basis of the duration of one or more user input device, such as one or more buttons. Different algorithms may be applied depending upon the duration of activation of the input device. An electric vehicle including the controller is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Dynamic Controls Limited
    Inventors: Ian Palmer, Richard Rodgers, Piers Seed
  • Publication number: 20100319263
    Abstract: The invention is a system for gearless operation of a movable barrier utilizing Lorentz forces, and in particular, a movable barrier operator retrofitted with a gearless motor capable of high torque at very low speeds. Eliminating a gear system in accordance with the present invention lowers maintenance requirements, increases efficiency, and streamlines operation of any movable barrier. By utilizing a motor which produces high-torque at low a speeds a system in accordance with the present invention does away with the need for complicated gears and pulley systems in order to achieve control of movable barriers. The present invention allows manufacturers, distributors and consumers to implement movable barrier systems with much more versatility and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: HASSAN TAHERI, Jonathan Becerra
  • Publication number: 20100320856
    Abstract: A press drive including an electric motor with a stator and a rotor and permanent magnets arranged around the circumference of the rotor. The rotor includes at least one eccentric integrally therewith and rotatably supported with the rotor. The stator is supported on the rotor by bearings arranged adjacent the eccentrics and is held stationary by torque struts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Lauke, Jürgen Fahrenbach
  • Publication number: 20100314956
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear actuator. The linear actuator has a mounting member. The linear actuator has an output member constrained to move linearly with respect to the mounting member along a linear axis. The linear actuator includes a motor assembly pivotally mounted on the mounting member. The motor assembly has a pivotal actuator member which is pivotally connected to the output member. The motor assembly is capable of moving the output member along the linear axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jon Scott, Ray Tat Lung Wong, Anson Chan
  • Patent number: 7843093
    Abstract: A stepping motor as a driving device has a stator with a plate part, and first and second outer magnetic pole parts axially extending from the plate part. A rotor formed by a rotary shaft and a core, each formed of a soft magnetic material, are disposed between the outer magnetic pole parts. The rotor has one axial end rotatably supported in the plate part. A magnet is rigidly fitted on an outer periphery of the rotor and magnetized such that different poles circumferentially alternate. A top plate is rigidly secured to the respective foremost ends of the pole parts and rotatably supports the other axial end of the rotor. The pole parts are engaged in a bobbin having a cover part covering the outer peripheral surface of the magnet. First and second coils are wound around the outer magnetic pole parts via the bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Mizumaki
  • Patent number: 7834494
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (EMA) is provided. The EMA includes a threaded output ram connectable to a mechanical component and at least one motor module engageable with the output ram for controllably translating the output ram along a linear axis of the output ram. The actuator further includes a torque sensing adaptive control (TSAC) system for monitoring torque within the motor module. The TSAC generates a disengagement command signal when the TSAC system determines torque within the motor module is outside an allowable motor module torque range. The disengagement command signal initiates disengagement of the motor module from the output ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David E Blanding, Jim Peck
  • Patent number: 7828072
    Abstract: An impact tool for simultaneously providing a rotational force and an impact force to an object has an output shaft rotated by a motor, hammer for intermittently providing an impact force to the output shaft, hammer holder for movably holding the hammer, and an impact force generator for generating the impact force from an output of the motor. An air chamber is formed between the hammer and the hammer holder such that a volume of the air chamber is variable in response to a position of the hammer relative to the hammer holder. In addition, the hammer receives a bias force generated in a direction toward the output shaft by a biasing device. This bias force effectively increases the impact force in cooperation with an air pressure caused by a volume change of the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Hashimoto, Hiroyuki Tsubakimoto, Hisashi Oda
  • Publication number: 20100237729
    Abstract: A permanent magnet rotational motor employs the use of a rotating iron band member which absorbs the magnetic flux of both of the opposing magnet flux fields from stator and rotor magnets. This causes mutually opposing, interacting magnetic flux fields of the rotor and stator magnets to enter in close proximity to one another without opposition. This results in the two interacting fields remaining totally one within the other, until the iron band member between the two interacting fields is rotably extracted, compelling the two interacting opposing flux fields to repel each other and causing the rotor assembly to push the power assembly crankshaft in the desired direction. In this manner the aforementioned repelling and attracting effects between the interacting fields experienced in the prior art, which negates rotation in permanent magnet motors, is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20100231070
    Abstract: An actuator having an output axis which is moved linearly by a rotatory force, and a boss for holding the above-mentioned output axis in such a way that the output axis can move linearly includes a connecting member for propagating the linear motion of the above-mentioned output axis to an external device. The above-mentioned connecting member is comprised of a joint connected to the above-mentioned output axis, and a link plate having an end rotatably connected to the above-mentioned joint, and another end rotatably connected to the external device. A mechanism for preventing rotation of the above-mentioned output axis is constructed of only a connecting portion for connecting the above-mentioned joint, the above-mentioned link plate, and the above-mentioned external device to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kenta Hatano, Hirofumi Doi, Toshihiko Miyake
  • Publication number: 20100231071
    Abstract: A stepper motor linear actuator arrangement is formed by casting thermoplastic internal threads within a hollow metal cylinder and arranging the within a hollow metal motor stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Russell Gibas, Don Dienst
  • Patent number: 7777377
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic propulsion motor comprising a magnetic drive assembly comprising a drive magnet, a rotating hub, and a motion magnet attached to the rotating hub to rotate the motion magnet proximate to the magnetic drive assembly. A driving force is applied to the magnetic drive assembly, which causes the drive magnet to rotate to a position proximal to the motion magnet when the motion magnet is in a position proximate to the magnetic drive assembly. This arrangement exerts a repelling force on the motion magnet from the drive magnet as the motion magnet rotates away from the magnetic drive assembly. The rotation of the drive magnet also rotates the drive magnet to a position distal to the motion magnet as the motion magnet approaches the position proximate to the magnet drive assembly thereby minimizes the repelling force exerted on the motion magnet from the drive magnet as the motion magnet rotates towards the magnetic drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Future Force LLC
    Inventor: Mike Tkadlec
  • Publication number: 20100201215
    Abstract: A rotation apparatus includes at least one magnet, and a flexible suspension coupled to the at least one magnet. The at least one magnet is suspended from the suspension, Moreover, when the flexible suspension causes rotation in a first direction via a force, the at least one magnet alternately rotates in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Herbstritt
  • Patent number: 7768161
    Abstract: A device comprising an element to be driven and a driving element designed to be urged into engagement with the element to be driven and an actuating element adapted to generate a reciprocating movement to move the driving element, the driving element and the actuating element being formed by etching in a semiconductor material block, are provided. During a first alternation (a) of the movement generated by the actuating element, the driving element is urged into engagement with the element to be driven to pull the element to be driven. During a second alternation (b) in the opposite direction generated by the actuating element, the driving element slides on the element to be driven, such that the element to be driven is displaced in a step-by-step movement by the driving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Silmach
    Inventors: Patrice Le Moal, Gilles Bourbon, Patrice Minotti, Eric Joseph
  • Patent number: 7755237
    Abstract: A motor for a plate of a labelling machine comprises a housing with a connecting portion for connecting the motor to a carousel of the labelling machine, a motor shaft pivotally supported within the housing, a coupling flange having a first end connected to the motor shaft and a second end that can be connected to the plate. The motor defines a through opening, which is substantially parallel to the motor shaft that allow alignment means to have access to the plate through the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sidel Holdings & Technology S.A.
    Inventors: Vanni Zacche', Antonio Secchi
  • Patent number: 7745967
    Abstract: A cooling fan includes a fan housing (10) having a central tube (102) extending upwardly therefrom, a bearing (40) received in the central tube, a stator (20) mounted around the central tube, a rotor (30), and a cover (50). The bearing defines a bearing hole (47) therein. The rotor includes a hub (32), a plurality of blades (34) extending outwardly from the hub, and a shaft (36) extending downwardly from the hub into the bearing hole of the bearing. The cover is mounted around the shaft and arranged on the bearing to seal a top end of the bearing. The cover is made of powders by sintering and thus has a plurality of pores to generate capillary force to absorb lubricant oil leaking out of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Zhi-Ya Yang, Wun-Chang Shih, Yi-Chyng Fang
  • Publication number: 20100148605
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a rotor rotatable about an axis and a stator spaced radially away from the rotor. An isolation housing, configured to permit magnetic flux to flow therethrough between the rotor and the stator, is disposed between the rotor and the stator and defines an internal rotor chamber, in which the rotor is located. The isolation housing fluidly isolates the internal rotor chamber from the stator. An encapsulating cover is provided that radially and axially surrounds the stator. The cover is formed of a resin material and bonds the stator to the isolation housing to prevent relative movement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael E. Moore, Terry J. Stuckey, Kawall Malhotra, Randall R. Floyd, John S. Bandas
  • Publication number: 20100072842
    Abstract: Electromechanical actuators (EMAs) are provided that include an output disposed at a location that is axially central between two EM devices. The EMAs include either one or two motors and an output mechanism. The motors are adapted to be energized and are operable, upon being energized, to either generate torques about a first axis or drive forces along a first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Johnson, Casey Hanlon, Kellan Geck
  • Publication number: 20100072841
    Abstract: A magnetic drive system and method are provided wherein magnets on a stator interact with a magnet on the rotor to create repulsion and attraction forces that produce axial shaft rotation. More particularly, a magnet is pivotally attached to a carriage that processes about an annular magnet. The resultant magnetic forces interact with a magnet on the rotor shaft and cause the rotor shaft to turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Joe Rich
  • Patent number: 7682045
    Abstract: A linear actuator (1) comprising a housing (6), a motor (2) comprising a stator with coils (4), a screw-nut system, and a rotor (5) axially and radially supported on the motor side by a bearing (11). The bearing comprises a ball (14) rigidly attached to the rotor, a cylindrical cavity (15) formed or positioned in the housing into which the ball (14) is inserted. A stop (17) is positioned in the cavity, supported in an axial direction of the rotor, against the ball (14) in essentially one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle de Sonceboz S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Pfister
  • Patent number: 7677868
    Abstract: A self-lubricated actuator for a rotor blade flap of a helicopter having a housing; a motor having a shaft disposed in a bearing is provided. The actuator further has an output rod and a mechanism operatively associated with the motor and the output rod to transmit movement from the motor to the output rod. The housing includes a lubrication medium capable of substantially immersing the bearing, the motor shaft and the mechanism during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Zaffir Chaudhry, Andrew John Collins, Ulf J Jonsson, Fanping Sun, Brian E Wake, Michael G O'Callaghan, Jimmy Lin-Min Yeh
  • Publication number: 20100060091
    Abstract: An electromagnetic rotor machine (10) of the hypocycloid type comprising a machine housing (12), an annular stator (30) in the machine housing an annular rotor (50) of a magnetic material, which is supported orbiting and rotationally around it's own axis in the machine housing, and at an interior side thereof adapted to operatively engage a drive element supported in the machine housing. The stator (30) comprises circumferentially arranged electromagnets which are magnetically separated from each other, each of said magnets comprising a core (34) and a coil (36) and being arranged in such a number that a plurality of magnets always is located at a side of the rotor (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Nordgren
  • Patent number: 7675208
    Abstract: A pointing actuator comprises a spherical base; a plurality of coils wound around an outside surface of the spherical base, wherein at least one coil is wound along latitudinal lines around at least a portion of the spherical base, and at least one coil is wound along longitudinal lines around at least a portion of the spherical base; at least two magnets positioned such that at least a portion of a magnetic field produced by the at least two magnets passes through at least a section of the plurality of coils, wherein current is selectively provided to one or more of the plurality of coils such that a force is generated which causes the at least two magnets to move; and at least one data sensor coupled to at least one of the at least two magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Pablo Bandera
  • Publication number: 20100056965
    Abstract: An oscillating mechanism includes a motor, a speed reduction assembly, a transporting assembly, and a linking base. The motor operated in a rotational reciprocating motion. The speed reduction assembly is connected to the motor and driven by the motor. The transporting assembly is connected to the speed reduction assembly. The transporting assembly includes a conveyer belt wound around two rollers. One of the two rollers is driven by the speed reduction assembly. The linking base is mounted on the conveyer belt and driven by the conveyer belt to move between the two rollers. A bed is connected to the linking base and moves in a linear reciprocating motion to provide the effort of whole body massage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Don-Lon Yeh
  • Patent number: 7659647
    Abstract: An actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a reversible electric motor having a stator having a housing, a rotor housed in the housing of the stator, and a shaft having a forward portion and a rearward portion extending oppositely and coaxially from the rotor, respectively; a fan member coaxially attached to the forward portion or the rearward portion of the motor shaft such that the fan member is operable simultaneously with the rotor of the reversible electric motor; and an electromagnetic brake movable between a first position and a second position, positioned in relation to the fan member such that when the electromagnetic brake is in the first position, the fan member is rotatable with the rotor of the reversible electric motor, and when the electromagnetic brake is in the second position, the fan member stops rotating firmly, thereby causing the motor stops instantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: I-Trust Better Life Corp
    Inventors: Quan Liu, Xiaoxiang Zhang, Jianming Qiu, Yanjun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7649290
    Abstract: Provided is a bearing bush enabling excellent advancing and retreating movements of a shaft member by eliminating a clearance between the bearing bush and the shaft member to eliminate a backlash therebetween, capable of reducing a load of dimension control on both the bearing bush and the shaft member, and capable of being manufactured at a low cost. The bearing bush (4) for supporting the reciprocating movement of the shaft member (1) in an axial direction has a receiving hole through which the shaft member (1) is passed. Grooves (40) are sequentially formed at predetermined intervals in an inner peripheral surface of the bearing bush (4) facing the receiving hole. An inner diameter of the receiving hole is formed to be equal to or smaller than an outer diameter of the shaft member (1), and the bearing bush is press-fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member (1) in a state of a so-called interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Michioka, Katsuya Iida, Takashi Matsumoto, Masayuki Ishizaka
  • Patent number: 7627922
    Abstract: The power toothbrush, which has a rotating brushhead movement, includes a housing with a motor mounted therein having an armature which in operation rotates through an arc of predetermined magnitude. The toothbrush also includes a brushhead mounted on a shaft which is connected to an output mass. A spring assembly couples the armature to the output mass, the spring assembly including two spring portions with a node point therebetween, wherein when the armature rotates, the brushhead moves in an opposite direction. The frequency of the movement of the armature is set equal to the resonant frequency of the spring coupling system and the output assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Miller, John W. Pace, Aafke G. Koster
  • Publication number: 20090267433
    Abstract: The present invention enables replacement work of a wiper motor to be carried out with a link plate being fixed to an output shaft, and achieves improvement of maintainability. A diameter dimension of a through-hole of a motor bracket is set to that of allowing a tip side of a link plate with a ball joint to pass through the through-hole in a state where the link plate is inclined with respect to the motor bracket. Thus, the replacement work of the wiper motor can be carried out with the link plate being fixed to the output shaft. Alignment work of the link plate with respect to the output shaft becomes unnecessary at a time of the replacement work of the wiper motor, and maintainability can be significantly improved without decreasing positional accuracy of wiper members with respect to a front glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Nakamura, Masahiro Nakazato
  • Patent number: 7608952
    Abstract: A motor (10) for a vehicle includes a stator assembly (14) and a rotor assembly (16). Bearing structure (20, 22) support the rotor assembly to permit rotation of the rotor assembly with respect to the stator assembly. A shaft (30) is threadedly engaged with the rotor assembly and is constructed and arranged such that rotation of the rotor assembly causes linear movement of the shaft. A perfluoropolyether (PFPE) based lubricant (38), having an thermal functionality upper temperature limit of over +200° C., lubricates at least the bearing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, Calvin Wang
  • Publication number: 20090261671
    Abstract: An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly and a rotary encoder with a rotation sensing member rotatable with the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Tol-O-Matic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Hochhalter, Derek Wise, Paul B. Gladen
  • Patent number: 7599615
    Abstract: A motor structure with a built-in lens includes a lens mount (10), a motor (30) received in the lens mount, and a lens unit (50) received in the lens mount and driven by the motor to telescopically move along an axial thereof. The motor includes a stator (32) and a rotor (34) being rotatably received in the stator. A narrow gap is defined between an inner surface of the stator and an outer surface of the rotor. A bearing layer (36) is filled in the gap of the motor to avoid swing of the rotor during rotation thereof. The lens unit threadedly engages with the rotor, whereby when the rotor rotates, the lens unit has a linearly telescopic movement relative to the lens mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Fang Hsiao, Wun-Chang Shih, Ching-Hsing Huang, Chien-Long Hong
  • Patent number: 7589445
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a brushless polyphase synchronous electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The rotor acts on a control element via a driver which can transform the rotation movement thereof into a linear movement over several rotations. Preferably, the inventive actuator comprises elastic and/or magnetic return device which can systematically return the control element to a reference position when the power supply to the motor is cut. The motor has a position detection device which, together with an electronic control unit, is used for the automatic control and regulation of the position of the rotor and, therefore, the control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Moving Magnet Technologies, M.M.T.
    Inventors: Pierre Gandel, Daniel Prudham, Jean-Daniel Alzingre, Antoine Foucaut
  • Patent number: 7582995
    Abstract: A stepping motor comprises first to third coil portions and first to second rotors. The first rotor has a cylindrical shape and a circumferential surface thereof is magnetically-polarized so as to alternately arrange south poles and north poles. The first rotor is disposed inside the first and second coil portions, and is rotated by magnetic fields generated at a time when the first and second coil portions are energized. The second rotor has a disk shape and a surface thereof is magnetically polarized so as to alternately arrange south poles and north poles. The second rotor is disposed such that edge areas of both surfaces thereof are interposed between the second and third coil portions. The second rotor is rotated by magnetic fields generated at a time when the second and third coil portions are energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignees: Fujinon Corporation, FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ito, Yoji Naka, Takehiko Senba, Haruo Onozuka, Mitsuo Manabe
  • Patent number: 7576460
    Abstract: An energy conversion system that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, and with certain power supplies can convert solar energy into mechanical energy. It operates on a timed direct current pulse and its configuration causes a magnetic field to align with a rotational shaft, two rotors, and one or more stationary field pieces each having a coil. One rotor has a spherical configuration and the second rotor mounted on the same shaft has an arcuate configuration with truncated ends. A coil can be mounted between the two rotors. The offset position of field coils allows for higher torque in low to high rpm ranges. The spherical rotor shape was chosen for ease of construction, mass in a condensed space, less gyroscopic effects than flat flywheels, and positive effects of placement in magnetic circuit. Since there is only one major moving part, the present invention is simple, long-lasting, and virtually problem-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Jerome Mergist
  • Patent number: 7564151
    Abstract: A stopper member is included in a linear actuator comprising a stator assembly, a rotor assembly, an output shaft, and a stopper pin which is fixedly disposed at a frontward portion of the output shaft, and which is adapted to axially control the mode and amount of movement of the output shaft initiated by rotation of the rotor assembly. The stopper member is disposed fixedly with respect to the stator assembly and stops the axial movement of the output shaft without making it happen that the stopper pin which moves together with the output shaft touches the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Suzuki, Shinji Tamaki
  • Patent number: 7564153
    Abstract: Improved energy conversion devices comprise a first magnet, a second magnet oriented such that similar poles of the first magnet and the second magnet can be positioned proximate each other, and a mechanical element connected to the first magnet such that movement of the first magnet can actuate the mechanical element to provide mechanical work. In some embodiments, the energy conversion devices can further comprise a ferromagnetic element that can be selectively interposed between the first magnet and the second magnet, which can facilitate movement of the first and second magnets towards the ferromagnetic element. Due to the orientation of the first and second magnets, and the associated mechanical element, the repulsive force between the first and second magnets can be converted into mechanical work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Mustafa O. Ucer
  • Patent number: 7554225
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Kraus, Hansjörg Reick, Uwe Schober, Alexander Schröter