Patents by Inventor Scott Coakley
Scott Coakley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20250030317Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2024Publication date: January 23, 2025Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 12027956Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2023Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Publication number: 20240055946Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 11750065Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Publication number: 20230198367Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Patent number: 11616428Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Publication number: 20220399784Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 11404937Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Mainspring Energy, Inc.Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Publication number: 20210288570Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Patent number: 10985641Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: MAINSPRING ENERGY, INC.Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Publication number: 20200195093Abstract: An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Matt Svrcek, David DeGraaff, Kevin Walters, Cameron Wylie, John Powers, John Lawler, Sam Sherman, Jodie Prudhomme, Scott Coakley
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Publication number: 20200036273Abstract: A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: John Lawler, John Powers, Scott Coakley, Alan Crapo, David DeGraaff, Christopher David Gadda, Andrew Hancock, Shannon Miller, Samuel Sherman, Matthew Svrcek, Kevin Walters
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Patent number: 10215229Abstract: An element is provided to maintain a clearance gap between a piston and a cylinder wall. In some embodiments, an element is included that is capable of spatial change. In some embodiments, the element is a component such as a clearance ring, a surface bearing, or a segment of a clearance ring or surface bearing. A clearance gap may be maintained by inward and outward motion of the component with respect to a piston assembly and a cylinder wall, where the motion is determined by a balance of forces acting on the component. In some embodiments, an inward force generated by an external gas pressure source is balanced by an outward preload force generated by, for example, a pneumatic piston. In some embodiments, a clearance gap is maintained based on in part on the ratio of inner to outer surface areas of a clearance ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: EtaGen, Inc.Inventors: Matt Svrcek, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 9529353Abstract: An exemplary stage assembly has movable stage mass and counter-mass. A stage motor is coupled to the stage mass and counter-mass such that stage-mass motion imparted by the stage motor causes a reactive motion of the counter-mass counter to the motion of the stage mass. At least one trim-motor is coupled to the counter-mass. A control system commands the trim-motor to regulate movement of the counter-mass in reaction to stage-mass motion. A PI feedback controller receives the following-error of the counter-mass and generates corresponding center-of-gravity (CG) force commands and trim-motor force commands to the trim-motor(s) to produce corrective counter-mass motion. A trim-motor force limiter receives trim-motor force commands and produces corresponding limited trim-motor force commands that are fed back as actual CG force commands to the feedback controller to modify integral terms of the feedback controller according to the limited trim-motor force commands.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Pai-Hsueh Yang, Michael B. Binnard, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 9465305Abstract: A method for determining a commutation offset for a mover (250A) of a mover assembly (220C) that moves and positions a stage (220A) relative to a stage base (220B) includes controlling the mover assembly (220C) in a closed loop fashion to maintain the position of the stage (220A) along a first axis and along a second axis with the stage (220A) levitated above the stage base (220B). The method also includes the steps of (i) directing current to a coil array (240) of the mover assembly (220C) so that the mover assembly (220C) imparts a disturbance on the stage (220A); and (ii) evaluating one or more forces generated by the mover assembly (220C) as a result of the disturbance on the stage (220A) created by the mover (250A). Further, a method for generating a compensation map (1402) includes sequentially directing a plurality of excitation signals to the control of the mover assembly (220C) and determining the control commands that result from the plurality of excitation signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Pai-Hsueh Yang, Scott Coakley, Michael B. Binnard, Kazuhiro Hirano, Bausan Yuan, Shiang-Lung Koo
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Patent number: 9013134Abstract: A method for determining a commutation offset for a mover (250A) of a mover assembly (220C) that moves and positions a stage (220A) relative to a stage base (220B) includes controlling the mover assembly (220C) in a closed loop fashion to maintain the position of the stage (220A) along a first axis and along a second axis with the stage (220A) levitated above the stage base (220B). The method also includes the steps of (i) directing current to a coil array (240) of the mover assembly (220C) so that the mover assembly (220C) imparts a disturbance on the stage (220A); and (ii) evaluating one or more forces generated by the mover assembly (220C) as a result of the disturbance on the stage (220A) created by the mover (250A). Further, a method for generating a compensation map (1402) includes sequentially directing a plurality of excitation signals to the control of the mover assembly (220C) and determining the control commands that result from the plurality of excitation signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Pai-Hsueh Yang, Scott Coakley, Michael B. Binnard, Kazuhiro Hirano, Bausan Yuan, Shiang-Lung Koo
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Patent number: 8853988Abstract: Embodiments of the invention compensate for one or more effects of a stage motor in a precision stage device. A feedforward module receives an input signal corresponding to the effect of the motor and generates a feedforward control signal that can be used to modify a motor control signal to compensate for the effect of the motor. In some embodiments, a control system is provided to compensate for a back-electromotive force generated by a motor, while in other embodiments, a control system may compensate for an inductive effect of a motor. Embodiments of the invention may be useful in precision stage devices, for example, lithography devices such as steppers and scanners.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Michael B. Binnard, Scott Coakley, Douglas C. Watson, Pai-Hsueh Yang
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Patent number: 8847721Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide improved thermal conductivity within, among other things, electromagnetic coils, coil assemblies, electric motors, and lithography devices. In one embodiment, a thermally conductive coil includes at least two adjacent coil layers. The coil layers include windings of wires formed from a conductor and an insulator that electrically insulates the windings within each coil layer. In some cases the insulator of the wires is at least partially absent along an outer surface of one or both coil layers to increase the thermal conductivity between the coil layers. In some embodiments, an insulation layer is provided between the coil layers to electrically insulate the coil layers. In some cases the insulation layer has a thermal conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of the wire insulator.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Alexander Cooper, Alton H. Phillips, Scott Coakley
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Publication number: 20140260951Abstract: An element is provided to maintain a clearance gap between a piston and a cylinder wall. In some embodiments, an element is included that is capable of spatial change. In some embodiments, the element is a component such as a clearance ring, a surface bearing, or a segment of a clearance ring or surface bearing. A clearance gap may be maintained by inward and outward motion of the component with respect to a piston assembly and a cylinder wall, where the motion is determined by a balance of forces acting on the component. In some embodiments, an inward force generated by an external gas pressure source is balanced by an outward preload force generated by, for example, a pneumatic piston. In some embodiments, a clearance gap is maintained based on in part on the ratio of inner to outer surface areas of a clearance ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: EtaGen, Inc.Inventors: Matt Svrcek, Scott Coakley
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Patent number: 8705222Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting the amount of current provided to a magnetic actuator to compensate for a temperature change associated with the magnetic actuator are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes an actuator, which has at least one magnet and an associated force constant. The apparatus also includes a temperature sensing arrangement and a control arrangement, the temperature sensing arrangement being arranged to determine or measure a temperature of the magnet. The control arrangement adjusts the current provided to the actuator based on the temperature of the magnet. The current is adjusted to maintain a correct or desired force in light of temperature-induced variations to a force constant.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Scott Coakley, Michael B. Binnard