Abstract: An apparatus for moving a spindle along a longitudinal axis, the apparatus includes a spindle; a drive member for moving said spindle over a range of travel along said longitudinal axis in a first direction; a spring for applying a first force in combination with a second force to the spindle in the first direction; a stop element arranged so as to disengage the second force, such that when said spindle is within a first portion of said range of travel, said first force is applied to said spindle in combination with said second force, and when said spindle is within a second portion of said range of travel, said stop element disengages said second force so only said first force is applied to said spindle.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor core movable relative to a stator. The motor core and the stator core comprise base members and a plurality of adjacent tooth members with improved geometry. Each tooth member comprises a tooth surface and tooth sides. The tooth sides extend from the tooth surface toward the base member. At least one of the tooth sides comprises a tip portion and a base portion. The tip portion extends from the tooth surface to the base portion. The base portion extends from the tip portion to an adjoining base portion of a tooth side of an adjacent tooth member. The tip portion is curved.

Abstract: A variable reluctance motor includes a phase assembly (102, 801) having more than one phase unit (121, 122, 123, 821, 822, 823), each of said phase units comprising at least one module (131, 132, 831, 832), each said module comprising an electrically conductive coil (140, 840) wound around the module in one or more windings, each of said phase units being magnetically isolated from every other phase unit, each of said phase units defining a flux path. The motor further includes a ferromagnetic core (101, 810) within the flux path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing noise and vibration generated by a variable reluctance motor. The relative positions of paired opposing modules in each phase unit are adjusted relative to a stator, even after assembly of the motor, to reduce the noise and vibration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing noise and vibration generated by a variable reluctance motor. The relative positions of paired opposing modules in each phase unit are adjusted relative to a stator, even after assembly of the motor, to reduce the noise and vibration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape feeder for use with electronic assembly machines. The feeder simultaneously presents multiple electronic components in a pick up zone for access by a pick up head having a plurality of pick up spindles. The effective feed rate for the electronic components is increased and waiting time for the pick up head is reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor core movable relative to a stator. The motor core and the stator core comprise base members and a plurality of adjacent tooth members with improved geometry. Each tooth member comprises a tooth surface and tooth sides. The tooth sides extend from the tooth surface toward the base member. At least one of the tooth sides comprises a tip portion and a base portion. The tip portion extends from the tooth surface to the base portion. The base portion extends from the tip portion to an adjoining base portion of a tooth side of an adjacent tooth member. The tip portion is curved.

Abstract: A high power, low cost magnetically uncoupled variable reluctance motor that provides increased performance while reducing hysteresis losses, thereby reducing the amount of generated heat that needs to be drawn away from a phase assembly. The motor includes a linear or rotary variable reluctance motor that has at least one phase assembly including a plurality of phase units that are magnetically isolated from each other. At least one phase unit includes at least one module removably positioned between a pair of housing plates. By removably positioning the modules between the housing plates, the number of modules within the phase assembly can be adjusted so that the motor produces a desired power output. In one embodiment, each module has a substantially C-shape that includes a pair of legs, each positioned on one side of a main body portion. An electrically conductive coil is positioned about the main body portion and arranged in a substantially V-shape.