Patents by Inventor Stephen Matthew BUNTING
Stephen Matthew BUNTING 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: 20240035454Abstract: Broadly speaking, the present techniques provide specific arrangements of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires in SMA actuation apparatuses. In one arrangement, a single straight shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, which may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction. In another arrangement, two straight lengths of shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, where the SMA wires may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, James Howarth
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Publication number: 20230400702Abstract: An actuator assembly (2) comprising: first (50) and second (60) parts that are movable relative to each other; and one or more actuating units, each actuating unit comprising: a force-modifying mechanism (72) connected to the first part (50); a coupling link (78) connected between the force-modifying mechanism (72) and the second part (60); and an SMA wire (80) connected between the first part (50) and the force-modifying mechanism (72) for applying an input force on the force-modifying mechanism (72) thereby causing the force-modifying mechanism (72) to apply an output force on the coupling link (78) and causing the coupling link (78) to apply an actuating force on the second part (60); wherein the coupling link (78) is compliant in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the actuating force.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2021Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Robin Eddington, James Howarth, Valerio Polenta, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Adam South, Konstantinos Pantelidis, Stephen Matthew Bunting
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Publication number: 20230384862Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide haptic button assemblies in which the haptic button has a low profile while still providing a satisfying tactile response or sensation to a user. Advantageously, the haptic button assemblies may have a profile that, for example, enables the assembly to be incorporated into the free space along an edge of a portable computing device. The haptic assemblies may, for example, be arranged to move the button perpendicularly with respect to the edge of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: David Kuan Wei Ooi, Peter Van Wyk, Joshua Carr, Thomas James Powell, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, Andreas Flouris, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Dominic George Webber, James Howarth
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Patent number: 11815073Abstract: Broadly speaking, the present techniques provide specific arrangements of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires in SMA actuation apparatuses. In one arrangement, a single straight shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, which may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction. In another arrangement, two straight lengths of shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, where the SMA wires may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, James Howarth
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Patent number: 11762468Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide haptic button assemblies in which the haptic button has a low profile while still providing a satisfying tactile response or sensation to a user. Advantageously, the haptic button assemblies may have a profile that, for example, enables the assembly to be incorporated into the free space along an edge of a portable computing device. The haptic assemblies may, for example, be arranged to move the button perpendicularly with respect to the edge of the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: David Kuan Wei Ooi, Peter Van Wyk, Joshua Carr, Thomas James Powell, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, Andreas Flouris, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Dominic George Webber, James Howarth
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Patent number: 11725636Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide mechanisms for electrically connecting shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires of an actuation device to a power or current source via at least one connection element.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Robert Langhorne, Martin McBrien
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Publication number: 20230236474Abstract: An actuator assembly (23) includes a first part (24), a second part (25), and a bearing arrangement (26) mechanically coupling the first part (24) to the second part (25). The actuator assembly (23) also includes a drive arrangement (11, 20) including a total of four lengths of shape memory alloy wire (141, 142, 143, 144). The drive arrangement (11, 20) and the bearing arrangement (26) are configured such that the second part (25) is movable towards or away from the first part (24) along a primary axis (z), and the second part (25) is movable relative to the first part (24) along a first axis (x) and/or a second axis (y). The first and second axes (x, y) are perpendicular to the primary axis (z) and the second axis (y) is different to the first axis (x).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, Oliver Hart, Joshua Carr, David Ooi, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, James Howarth, Robin Eddington
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Publication number: 20230213836Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator (100) for a camera assembly, comprising:—a support structure supporting an electronic component, wherein the electronic component is susceptible to interference caused by magnetic flux;—a moveable part moveable relative to the support structure; one or more SMA components (12) connected between the moveable part and the support structure, wherein the one or more SMA components are configured to, on contraction, drive movement of the movable part;—a first electrical path and a second electrical path defined between, and/or including, each of the one or more SMA components (12) and respective electrical terminals (3a); and wherein the first and second electrical paths of each of the one or more SMA components are configured to, at least in part, extend adjacently to and in parallel with each other, and enabling the electrical current in the respective paths to flow in opposite directions, so as to minimise combined magnetic flux from the first and second electrical paths intoType: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2021Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Robin Eddington, James Howarth, Konstantinos Pantelidis, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Daniel John Burbridge, Oliver Hart, Joshua Carr, Peter Van Wyk, Stephen Kindness
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Publication number: 20230071152Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly supported on a support structure, wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape connected between the support structure and the lens assembly and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires has features extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility. At least part of the optical image stabilization assembly overlaps the lens assembly in the direction along the optical axis, thereby reducing the height of the camera assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Chee Keong Lai, James Howarth, Peter Francis Ladwig, Richard Rodger Jenneke, Robin Eddington, Stephen Matthew Bunting
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Publication number: 20230032266Abstract: An actuation apparatus comprising: a support structure; a movable element; a helical bearing arrangement supporting the movable element on the support structure and arranged to guide helical movement of the movable element with respect to the support structure along a helical path around a helical axis; an actuating mechanism configured to drive rotation of the movable element around the helical axis which the helical bearing arrangement converts into said helical movement; and a loading arrangement configured to exert a biasing force on the movable element in a direction that is at least substantially normal to the helical path over an operating range of the helical movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2020Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, Oliver Hart, David Ooi, Peter Van Wyk, Joshua Carr
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Publication number: 20220403831Abstract: Broadly speaking, the present techniques provide specific arrangements of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires in SMA actuation apparatuses. In one arrangement, a single straight shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, which may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction. In another arrangement, two straight lengths of shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, where the SMA wires may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, James Howarth
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Patent number: 11526021Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly supported on a support structure, wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape connected between the support structure and the lens assembly and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires has features extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility. At least part of the optical image stabilization assembly overlaps the lens assembly in the direction along the optical axis, thereby reducing the height of the camera assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignees: Cambridge Mechatronics Limited, Hutchinson Technology IncorporatedInventors: Chee Keong Lai, James Howarth, Peter Francis Ladwig, Richard Rodger Jenneke, Robin Eddington, Stephen Matthew Bunting
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Patent number: 11454221Abstract: Broadly speaking, the present techniques provide specific arrangements of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires in SMA actuation apparatuses. In one arrangement, a single straight shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, which may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction. In another arrangement, two straight lengths of shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, where the SMA wires may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, James Howarth
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Publication number: 20220112886Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide mechanisms for electrically connecting shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires of an actuation device to a power or current source via at least one connection element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Robert Langhorne, Martin McBrien
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Patent number: 11286916Abstract: An SMA actuator arrangement is assembled using a strut element shaped to comprise a sacrificial strut body and crimp tabs held apart by the sacrificial strut body. A SMA wire is laid across the crimp tabs which are folded and pressed to form crimps holding the SMA wire. The crimps are then attached to static and moving parts, after which the sacrificial strut body is removed. The method allows the crimping to be performed without hindrance from the static and moving parts, the sacrificial strut body holding the relative locations of the crimps prior to attachment.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Cambridge Mechatronics LimitedInventors: Stephen Matthew Bunting, James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin David Brown
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Patent number: 11231022Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide mechanisms for electrically connecting shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires of an actuation device to a power or current source via at least one connection element.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITEDInventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Robert Langhorne, Martin McBrien
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Publication number: 20210382320Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation apparatus for moving a moveable component relative to a static component or support structure and along a notional primary axis. The SMA actuation apparatus may comprise a biasing element to resist motion of the moveable component in particular directions relative to the primary axis, or may comprise an arrangement of SMA actuator wires that provides the biasing function.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2019Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, David Charles William Richards
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Publication number: 20210365120Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide haptic button assemblies in which the haptic button has a low profile while still providing a satisfying tactile response or sensation to a user. Advantageously, the haptic button assemblies may have a profile that, for example, enables the assembly to be incorporated into the free space along an edge of a portable computing device. The haptic assemblies may, for example, be arranged to move the button perpendicularly with respect to the edge of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2019Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: David Kuan Wei Ooi, Peter Van Wyk, Joshua Carr, Thomas James Powell, Marc-Sebastian Scholz, Andreas Flouris, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Dominic George Webber, James Howarth
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Publication number: 20210348714Abstract: An actuation assembly comprising: a support structure; a movable element movable relative to the support structure, the movable element having a principal axis; and an actuator arrangement for driving movement of the movable element with respect to the support structure, wherein said movement includes rotational movement of the movable element about an axis which is perpendicular to said principal axis and does not pass through the centre of the movable element, and wherein said movement also includes translational movement of the movable element in a direction perpendicular to the principal axis. The actuation assembly may be used to perform optical image stabilisation or to improve the performance of a 3D sensing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2019Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Daniel John Burbridge, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown
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Publication number: 20210156367Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide mechanisms for electrically connecting shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires of an actuation device to a power or current source via at least one connection element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2018Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Stephen Matthew Bunting, Robert Langhorne, Martin MacBrien