Abstract: A brushless electric motor is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated. The second group of permanent magnets may also be pushed and pulled with a second group of piezoelectric actuators. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan blade assembly having integrated microphones to measure acoustic energy levels uses speakers controlled by a control unit to output anti-acoustic energy vibrations. Specific embodiments wherein the speakers and microphones are radially displaced around the fan blade assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan blade assembly using air bearing features to reduce frictional losses, reduce physical wear and tear, and allow for faster acceleration of the fan blade within the assembly is disclosed. A fan blade housing incorporates inlets for pressurized air which create a pressurized area between the fan blade and the housing. The pressurized area functions as an air bearing interface and the fan blade is kept at a controlled distance from the fan blade housing as it spins. In an alternate embodiment, the fan blade assembly has pass-through inlets which use air pressure generated by the fan itself as it spins to provide the pressurized air for the pressurized area.

Abstract: A piezoelectric linear motor is disclosed. Piezoelectric actuators, when energized, press stator magnets against opposing rotor magnets which impart a repulsive/attractive force onto a rotor. The rotor is constrained such that it can only move in a linear fashion, and it so moves when the force is imparted to it by the repulsive/attractive force.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated. A control unit energizes the piezoelectric actuators to provide a dynamic magnetic bearing. The second group of permanent magnets may also be pushed and pulled with a second group of piezoelectric actuators. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated magnetic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric motor with positional sensing is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated and/or when the load on the motor is moved by an external force. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. The current induced in the piezoelectric actuators is used to detect the position of the motor and/or elements affixed to the motor. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric stepper motor is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated, producing a very precisely controllable stepper motor. The second group of permanent magnets may also be pushed and pulled with a second group of piezoelectric actuators. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated motor is also disclosed.