Abstract: A pneumatic/electric actuator for precisely positioning a workpiece and for applying a force to the workpiece. The pneumatic/electric actuator includes an electric actuator in the form of a voice coil motor having an output rod coupled to the cylinder rod of a pneumatic cylinder. The output rod is mounted for extremely precise and measured movements by the electric actuator and can be adapted to contact and precisely position the workpiece. After precise positioning of the workpiece the pneumatic cylinder can be actuated to extend the cylinder rod and exert a force through the output rod to the workpiece. In an alternate embodiment the electric actuator is mounted directly on a pneumatic cylinder and can be moved by the pneumatic cylinder to increase an effective stroke of the output rod of the electric actuator.

Abstract: An actuator 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 movement with the coil piston, and a source of electrical current is connected to the coil which is wrapped around the coil piston. In the operation of the actuator, 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. Additionally, a position sensor can be mounted on the device to determine the location of the coil piston and a controller can be incorporated in the actuator to use this position determination for controlling movement of the coil piston and the attached grip.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly in which a one piece connector housing is mounted generally concentrically upon one end of the stack of core laminations, with alignment thereof obtained between the alignment holes in the core laminations and given points on the housing. The housing contains contacts constructed to terminate both the motor field coil ends and lead wires, without solder if desired, and by automated means, if desired.