Patents by Inventor Timothy A. Fofonoff
Timothy A. Fofonoff 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: 20160111987Abstract: Systems and methods of operating an electric motor including a first linear actuator including a first coil, a second linear actuator including a second coil, a rotational shaft, a cam assembly mounted on said rotational shaft for translating linear movement of the first and second linear actuators to rotational movement of the rotational shaft. The first coil is driven with a first signal that produces a first radially-directed force. The second coil is simultaneously driven with a second signal that produces a second radially-directed force, wherein the first radially-directed force is represented by a sine function and the second radially-directed force is represented by the sine function phase shifted by ±?/2 radians.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Ian W. HUNTER, Serge LAFONTAINE, Timothy A. FOFONOFF
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Patent number: 9231462Abstract: An electric motor including: a first and second linear actuator, each linear actuator including a first and second coil respectively, a rotational shaft, a cam assembly mounted on the rotational shaft for translating linear movement of the two linear actuators to rotational movement of the rotational shaft, a controller programmed to generate during operation a first and second drive signal for first coil and second coil respectively, wherein the first drive signal causes the first linear actuator to generate a first torque on the rotational shaft that varies periodically over a complete rotation of the shaft and the second drive signal causes the second linear actuator to generate a second torque on the rotational shaft that varies periodically over a complete rotation of the shaft, and wherein the sum of the first and second torques produces a total torque that is substantially constant throughout the complete rotation of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: NUCLEUS SCIENTIFIC, INC.Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Serge LaFontaine, Timothy A. Fofonoff
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Patent number: 9172287Abstract: A rotary drive includes: a support structure; and a linear actuator supported by the support structure. The linear actuator includes: a first member; a second member that moves in a linear direction relative to the first member when a drive signal is applied to the linear actuator; and a bearing arrangement supporting the first and second members within the support structure and enabling independent movement of the first member and the second member relative to the support structure. The rotary drive also includes a linear-to-rotary converter to which the second member of the linear actuator is coupled. The linear-to-rotary converter includes an output member having a rotational axis. During operation, the linear-to-rotary converter converts linear reciprocating movement of the second member of the linear actuator to rotary movement of the output member about the rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: NUCLEUS SCIENTIFIC, INC.Inventors: Timothy A. Fofonoff, Ian W. Hunter
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Publication number: 20140312716Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator including: a core comprising a material having a high magnetic permeability relative to air; an array of coils sequentially arranged on the core, each coil of the array of coils being wound around the longitudinal axis of the core; and a magnet assembly movably mounted along the array of coils, the magnet assembly having a coil side facing the array of coils and an opposite side facing away from the array of coils and including an array of permanent magnets sequentially arranged along the array of coils in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the magnetic moments of the plurality of magnets are selected and arranged to augment the magnetic field produced on the coil side of the magnet assembly and to reduce the magnetic field produced on the opposite side of the magnet assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Nucleus Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. Fofonoff, George C. Whitfield
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Publication number: 20140265649Abstract: A rotary drive includes: a support structure; and a linear actuator supported by the support structure. The linear actuator includes: a first member; a second member that moves in a linear direction relative to the first member when a drive signal is applied to the linear actuator; and a bearing arrangement supporting the first and second members within the support structure and enabling independent movement of the first member and the second member relative to the support structure. The rotary drive also includes a linear-to-rotary converter to which the second member of the linear actuator is coupled. The linear-to-rotary converter includes an output member having a rotational axis. During operation, the linear-to-rotary converter converts linear reciprocating movement of the second member of the linear actuator to rotary movement of the output member about the rotational axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Timothy A. Fofonoff, Ian W. Hunter
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Patent number: 8766493Abstract: An electric device including: a stator assembly; and an actuator including a coil having an axis, wherein the stator assembly includes: a stator core arranged along a linear axis, the stator core made up of a plurality of magnets each characterized by a magnetic moment, the plurality of magnets arranged in a stack along the linear axis with the magnet moments of the plurality of magnets being co-linearly aligned parallel to the linear axis, wherein the plurality of magnets includes a first magnet and a second magnet positioned adjacent to each other in the stack separated by a gap and with their magnetic moments in opposition to each other, and wherein the actuator is arranged on the stator core with the coil of the actuator encircling the linear axis with the axis of the coil parallel to the linear axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Nucleus Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. Fofonoff
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Patent number: 8742633Abstract: A rotary and linear motion device includes a magnetic stator assembly, opposed electromagnetic actuators, and a linear-to-rotary converter (e.g., cam). Each electromagnetic actuator includes a coil that is configured to reciprocate relative to the magnetic stator assembly or to linearly translate in a common direction relative to the magnetic stator assembly. The electromagnetic actuators are coupled to the linear-to-rotary converter and upon reciprocation or linear translation, drive the linear-to-rotary converter in rotary or linear motion. The device may be located inside a wheel, which may be part of a vehicle. If part of a wheel of a vehicle, the device can be used to provide propulsion, steering, braking, and suspension for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Nucleus Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. Fofonoff
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Publication number: 20140109395Abstract: Instead of being made from one continuous piece of material, a coil includes multiple flat coil segments that are stacked together and electrically coupled in series. In many embodiments, the coil segments are U-shaped segments, and the segments are arranged so that each segment is rotated (e.g., by 270 degrees) with respect the segment it follows. The stacked coils may then be fastened together using, for example, bolts through the corners of the coil segments. The combined coil segments form a continuous coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Nucleus Scientific, LLCInventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. Fofonoff
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Patent number: 8624699Abstract: Instead of being made from one continuous piece of material, a coil includes multiple flat coil segments that are stacked together and electrically coupled in series. In many embodiments, the coil segments are U-shaped segments, and the segments are arranged so that each segment is rotated (e.g., by 270 degrees) with respect the segment it follows. The stacked coils may then be fastened together using, for example, bolts through the corners of the coil segments. The combined coil segments form a continuous coil.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Nucleus Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. Fofonoff
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Publication number: 20130300218Abstract: A rotary and linear motion device includes a magnetic stator assembly, opposed electromagnetic actuators, and a linear-to-rotary converter (e.g., cam). Each electromagnetic actuator includes a coil that is configured to reciprocate relative to the magnetic stator assembly or to linearly translate in a common direction relative to the magnetic stator assembly. The electromagnetic actuators are coupled to the linear-to-rotary converter and upon reciprocation or linear translation, drive the linear-to-rotary converter in rotary or linear motion. The device may be located inside a wheel, which may be part of a vehicle. If part of a wheel of a vehicle, the device can be used to provide propulsion, steering, braking, and suspension for the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. Fofonoff
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Patent number: 8519575Abstract: A rotary and linear motion device includes a magnetic stator assembly, opposed electromagnetic actuators, and a linear-to-rotary converter (e.g., cam). Each electromagnetic actuator includes a coil that is configured to reciprocate relative to the magnetic stator assembly or to linearly translate in a common direction relative to the magnetic stator assembly. The electromagnetic actuators are coupled to the linear-to-rotary converter and upon reciprocation or linear translation, drive the linear-to-rotary converter in rotary or linear motion. The device may be located inside a wheel, which may be part of a vehicle. If part of a wheel of a vehicle, the device can be used to provide propulsion, steering, braking, and suspension for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Nucleus Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. Fofonoff
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Publication number: 20130093265Abstract: An electric motor including: a first and second linear actuator, each linear actuator including a first and second coil respectively, a rotational shaft, a cam assembly mounted on the rotational shaft for translating linear movement of the two linear actuators to rotational movement of the rotational shaft, a controller programmed to generate during operation a first and second drive signal for first coil and second coil respectively, wherein the first drive signal causes the first linear actuator to generate a first torque on the rotational shaft that varies periodically over a complete rotation of the shaft and the second drive signal causes the second linear actuator to generate a second torque on the rotational shaft that varies periodically over a complete rotation of the shaft, and wherein the sum of the first and second torques produces a total torque that is substantially constant throughout the complete rotation of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: Nucleus Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Ian W. HUNTER, Serge LAFONTAINE, Timothy A. FOFONOFF
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Publication number: 20130002052Abstract: An electric device including: a stator assembly; and an actuator including a coil having an axis, wherein the stator assembly includes: a stator core arranged along a linear axis, the stator core made up of a plurality of magnets each characterized by a magnetic moment, the plurality of magnets arranged in a stack along the linear axis with the magnet moments of the plurality of magnets being co-linearly aligned parallel to the linear axis, wherein the plurality of magnets includes a first magnet and a second magnet positioned adjacent to each other in the stack separated by a gap and with their magnetic moments in opposition to each other, and wherein the actuator is arranged on the stator core with the coil of the actuator encircling the linear axis with the axis of the coil parallel to the linear axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. FOFONOFF
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Publication number: 20110109413Abstract: Instead of being made from one continuous piece of material, a coil includes multiple flat coil segments that are stacked together and electrically coupled in series. In many embodiments, the coil segments are U-shaped segments, and the segments are arranged so that each segment is rotated (e.g., by 270 degrees) with respect the segment it follows. The stacked coils may then be fastened together using, for example, bolts through the corners of the coil segments. The combined coil segments form a continuous coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Nucleus ScientificInventors: Ian W. Hunter, Timothy A. Fofonoff
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Patent number: 7934698Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Atlas Devices, LLCInventors: Nathan Ball, Timothy Fofonoff, Bryan Schmid, Daniel Walker
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Patent number: 7581715Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Atlas Devices, LLCInventors: Nathan Ball, Timothy Fofonoff, Bryan Schmid, Daniel Walker
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Publication number: 20080203370Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Atlas Devices, LLCInventors: Nathan Ball, Timothy Fofonoff, Bryan Schmid, Daniel Walker
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Publication number: 20080128668Abstract: A multiple-rope or multiple-cable pulling device is provided for positioning a load. The device can include an electronic controller that interprets a user's input from an interface such as a trigger or a joystick, and activates electronically controlled motors that drive one or more rope pulling mechanisms, such as winches. When the winches pull in or pay out cable in accordance with the controller's demand, the load is moved along the desired trajectory as specified by the user through the device interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: Atlas Devices LLCInventors: Timothy Fofonoff, Nathan Ball, Daniel Walker, Bryan Schmid
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Publication number: 20080017838Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: Atlas Devices, LLCInventors: Nathan Ball, Timothy Fofonoff, Bryan Schmid, Daniel Walker
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Patent number: 7261278Abstract: A device for pulling an elongate member includes a powered rotational motor having an output and a rotating drum connected to the output of said rotational motor where the rotating drum has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. The device further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the resilient elongate element onto, around at least a portion of the circumference of, and off of, the rotating drum. When the powered rotational motor turns the rotating drum, the rotating drum thereby continuously pulls the resilient elongate element through the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Atlas Devices, LLCInventors: Nathan Ball, Timothy Fofonoff, Bryan Schmid, Daniel Walker