Patents Assigned to Energen, Inc.
  • Hybrid piezoelectric-magnetostrictive actuator
    Patent number: 7352112
    Abstract: Hybrid actuator. The actuator includes a piezoelectric actuator spaced apart from a magnetostrictive actuator. A linkage is in contact with the piezoelectric and magnetostrictive actuator, the linkage having an end including microgrooves. A rotatable shaft includes microgrooves mating with the microgrooves in the linkage end. Electronic circuitry is provided to drive the piezoelectric actuator and the magnetostrictive actuator resulting in the piezoelectric and the magnetostrictive actuators moving 180° out of phase thereby moving the linkage to rotate the shaft. It is preferred that the actuators be driven at resonance. In one embodiment, the actuator includes three actuators to provide motion about three axes. In another embodiment the actuator is a linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Energen, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Mavanur, Jordan Cormier
  • Magnetostrictive thin film actuator
    Patent number: 7250839
    Abstract: Magnetostrictive actuator. The actuator includes a flexible substrate and a magnetostrictive film on the substrate. The shape of the flexible substrate is altered in the presence of a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Energen, Inc.
    Inventors: Livia M. Racz, Chandrashekhar H. Joshi
  • Terbium-dysprosium-iron magnetostrictive materials and devices using these materials
    Patent number: 7179339
    Abstract: A terbium-dysprosium-iron magnetostrictive material of the type Tb1-xDyxFe2-y wherein x is less than 0.7, and y is less than or equal to 0.1, and devices using these materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Energen, Inc.
    Inventors: Chiu-Ying Tai, Chandrashekhar H. Joshi
  • Magnetohydraulic motor
    Patent number: 6886331
    Abstract: A magnetohydraulic motor with a positive displacement pump that pumps hydraulic fluid to and from the two sides of a bi-directional piston that provides the motor's output force and motion. Motion control is provided by properly controlling valves that selectively open and close fluid passageways between the actuator member and each side of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Energen, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandrashekhar H. Joshi
  • Terbium-dysprosium-iron magnetostrictive materials and devices using these materials
    Patent number: 6451131
    Abstract: A Terbium-Dysprosium-Iron magnetostrictive material of the type Tb1−xDyxFe2−y wherein x is less than 0.7, and y is less than or equal to 0.1, and devices using these materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Energen, Inc.
    Inventors: Chiu-Ying Tai, Chandrashekhar H. Joshi
  • Magnetostrictive actuator
    Patent number: 6246132
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive actuator, comprising: a magnetostrictive member which elongates upon application of a magnetic field; a translating member mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive member, for translating the change in length of the magnetostrictive member into a desired action; and a selectively-energized coil surrounding the magnetostrictive member, to apply a magnetic field to the magnetostrictive member, and thus selectively change the length of the magnetostrictive member, and thereby cause the translating member to create the desired action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Energen, Inc.
    Inventors: Chandrashekhar H. Joshi, Bruce R. Bent