Abstract: A stacked actuator system including a plurality of electromagnetic actuators operative to drive a piston shaft between extended and retracted positions. A plurality of electrical connectors and a plurality of signal lines are connected between the plurality of electromagnetic actuators and the plurality of electrical connectors. A system housing at least partially defines an interior volume containing the plurality of electromagnetic actuators. The system housing includes a plurality of apertures through which extends the piston shaft of each of the plurality of electromagnetic actuators. A controller is disposed within the interior volume and connected to the plurality of electrical connectors. The stacked actuator system may further include a base platform element upon which are mounted the plurality of electromagnetic actuators and the system housing. Each piston shaft may move between extended and retracted positions within a plane substantially parallel to the base platform element.

Abstract: A linear actuator, comprising a base housing, a top housing, and a piston assembly. The base housing may include at least one recess configured to restrain at least one magnet in three dimensions and a channel configured to receive a linear guide. The top housing may be fixedly attached to the base housing and may include at least one recess configured to restrain another at least one magnet in three dimensions. The piston assembly may include at least one coil bobbin, a shaft, a linear encoder scale, and a flex cable, wherein the piston assembly may be positioned between the base housing and the top housing.

Abstract: A linear actuator, comprising a base housing, a top housing, and a piston assembly. The base housing may include at least one recess configured to restrain at least one magnet in three dimensions and a channel configured to receive a linear guide. The top housing may be fixedly attached to the base housing and may include at least one recess configured to restrain another at least one magnet in three dimensions. The piston assembly may include at least one coil bobbin, a shaft, a linear encoder scale, and a flex cable, wherein the piston assembly may be positioned between the base housing and the top housing.

Abstract: A linear actuator, comprising a base housing, a top housing, and a piston assembly. The base housing may comprise at least one recess configured to restrain at least one magnet in three dimensions and a channel configured to receive a linear guide. The top housing may be fixedly attached to the base housing and may comprise at least one recess configured to restrain another at least one magnet in three dimensions. The piston assembly may comprise at least one coil bobbin, a shaft, a linear encoder scale, and a flex cable, wherein the piston assembly may be positioned between the base housing and the top housing.

Abstract: A linear actuator, comprising a base housing, a top housing, and a piston assembly. The base housing may comprise at least one recess configured to restrain at least one magnet in three dimensions and a channel configured to receive a linear guide. The top housing may be fixedly attached to the base housing and may comprise at least one recess configured to restrain another at least one magnet in three dimensions. The piston assembly may comprise at least one coil bobbin, a shaft, a linear encoder scale, and a flex cable, wherein the piston assembly may be positioned between the base housing and the top housing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for changing the friction and stiffness characteristics of a linear guide assembly are disclosed. Micro-shims are strategically added between a carriage of the linear guide assembly and a mating component to increase or decrease the clearance between the carriage and a linear rail of the linear guide assembly.