Abstract: A linear voice coil actuator using a removable electromagnetic coil includes an electrically conductive wire wound on a plastic bobbin. The wire which is wrapped around the bobbin is connected to an external power source as the electromagnetic coil is attached to the linear voice coil actuator. Current applied from the external power source causes the electromagnetic coil to selectively generate a magnetic field and, in response to generation of the magnetic field, to move translationally within a fixed magnetic field. The translational movement of the coil moves a grip which is mounted on the coil to allow the grip to selectively position and manipulate objects and things.

Abstract: An in-line linear/rotary drive mechanism for a voice coil actuator includes an electro-magnetic drive motor having a rotatable drive shaft. Specifically, both the drive motor and its rotatable shaft are slidably mounted for translational movement on the housing of the actuator. An actuator probe is also slidably mounted on the actuator housing. Importantly, a bearing unit constrains the actuator probe to translational movement along a predetermined axis on the actuator housing. Further, a rotary-servo coupling selectively connects the rotatable drive shaft of the electro-magnetic drive motor with the actuator probe. Within this combination, the actuator probe moves in direct translation with the drive motor along the predetermined axis. Also, within this combination the actuator probe moves in rotation about the predetermined axis in response to the rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: An actuator for precisely moving and positioning a manufacturing component includes a housing on which a magnet is mounted. An electromagnetic is slidingly mounted on the housing for movement within the magnetic field generated by the magnet. A rod, having a member for gripping the component, is attached for translational movement with the electromagnetic coil. In the operation of the actuator, a current is selectively applied to the electromagnetic coil. The current in the coil creates a magnetic field that moves the electromagnetic coil and the attached grip within the magnetic field to position the component as desired in translation. A retractor causes the grip to preferentially adopt a predetermined position, or dwell configuration.

Abstract: A mechanism for precise translational positioning of a rotatable rod includes a reciprocating piston. A rotary motor is mounted on the piston for establishing rotation about a first axis, and a flexible coupling connects the rotary motor with a rod for precise rotation of the rod about an axis substantially parallel to the first axis. Further, the mechanism includes a pair of roller bearings. These roller bearings are distanced from each other, and each interconnect the rotatable rod with the reciprocating piston to permit rotation of the rod relative to the piston while preventing translation relative thereto. Additionally, a sleeve with a pair of O-rings is mounted to the rod between the pair of roller bearings to create a fluid chamber between the O-rings, the rod, and the piston. A fluid passageway in the rod then allows a vacuum pump to draw a vacuum from the chamber to the distal end of the rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely moving and positioning a manufacturing component includes a housing on which a magnet is mounted. An electrical coil is wound around a coil piston which is slidingly mounted on the housing for movement within the magnetic field generated by the magnet. A rod, having a member for gripping the component, is attached for translational movement with the coil piston, and a source of electrical current is connected to the coil which is wrapped around the coil piston. A pneumatic rotary actuator is mounted on the apparatus, and a coupling connects the rotary actuator to the grip for rotation of the grip as desired. A vacuum source can be connected to the grip to allow picking up a fragile workpiece. In the operation of the apparatus, a current is selectively passed through the coil. This current in the coil then moves the coil piston and the attached grip within the magnetic field to position the component as desired in translation.