Patents Assigned to GRQ Instruments, Inc.
  • Smart sonic bearings and method for frictional force reduction and switching
    Patent number: 6936951
    Abstract: An ultrastiff precision sonic bearing assembly and method thereof for controlling an effective coefficient of friction between two elements in slidable contact configured along an interface under a force sufficient to maintain contact and having static friction therebetween, by inducing a repetitive motion in one of the elements parallel to the interface thereby altering the effective coefficient of friction therebetween. The bearing assembly also provides for additional and independent electronic control over the average thickness thereof and senses the force thereon to allow the bearing assembly stiffness to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: GRQ Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Cheng, Christopher Damien Carruno
  • Smart sonic bearings for frictional force reduction and switching
    Patent number: 6724128
    Abstract: An ultrastiff precision sonic bearing assembly and method thereof for controlling an effective coefficient of friction between two elements in slidable contact configured along an interface under a force sufficient to maintain contact and having static friction therebetween, by inducing a repetitive motion in one of the elements parallel to the interface thereby altering the effective coefficient of friction therebetween. The bearing assembly also provides for additional and independent electronic control over the average thickness thereof and senses the force thereon to allow the bearing assembly stiffness to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: GRQ Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Cheng, Christopher Damien Carruno