Patents by Inventor Toan M. Vu
Toan M. Vu 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: 20210001495Abstract: A direct drive brushless motor including a plurality of rotational components and a plurality of non-rotational components. Ones of the pluralities of rotational and non-rotational components form a dual magnetic circuit. The plurality of rotational components includes a center rotation shaft circumscribed by a plurality of coils and a coil termination plate configured to support the plurality of coils. The plurality of non-rotational components includes a plurality of outer magnets arranged around the plurality of coils in a Halbach configuration and a plurality of inner magnets arranged in a Halbach configuration between the coils and the shaft. A flex cable having one or more leads provides electrical current to the plurality of coils without the use of brushes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Edward A. NEFF, Toan M. VU, David D. Huang, Naoyuki Okada, Andrew Gladoch
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Patent number: 10807248Abstract: A direct drive brushless motor including a plurality of rotational components and a plurality of non-rotational components. Ones of the pluralities of rotational and non-rotational components form a dual magnetic circuit. The plurality of rotational components includes a center rotation shaft circumscribed by a plurality of coils and a coil termination plate configured to support the plurality of coils. The plurality of non-rotational components includes a plurality of outer magnets arranged around the plurality of coils in a Halbach configuration and a plurality of inner magnets arranged in a Halbach configuration between the coils and the shaft. A flex cable having one or more leads provides electrical current to the plurality of coils without the use of brushes.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Systems, Machines, Automation Components CorporationInventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, David D. Huang, Naoyuki Okada, Andrew Gladoch
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Patent number: 10429211Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for linear actuators that can deliver strokes and forces at different values. The linear actuators include both multi-coil and single-coil actuator designs. The linear actuators include a controller that is removably or permanently coupled to a piston assembly having any number of coils. An encoder may also be removably or permanently coupled to the piston assembly. The piston assembly, controller and encoder move as one unit during actuation of the linear actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu
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Patent number: 10215802Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for using a magnetic latch to maintain a desired force between a test-probe assembly and a surface of a component. The method includes moving the test-probe assembly into an approach position, the approach position being a predetermined distance from the surface of a component. The test-probe assembly is then moved from the approach position to the surface of a component pursuant to a soft landing procedure. The method further includes magnetically latching the test-probe assembly in contact with the surface of a component at a constant force. The moving coil of the actuator can be de-energized while the test-probe assembly performs measurements on the component. After the testing is completed, the moving coil is energized and the test-probe assembly is retracted away from the component. The applied force may be monitored based upon an output of a load cell responsive to a force exerted by the test-probe assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu
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Patent number: 10205355Abstract: An electric motor including a coil assembly having a plurality of coils which may be arranged in the shape of a cylinder. The motor further includes a rotor including a plurality of outer magnets configured as a first Halbach cylinder surrounding the coil assembly. An outer magnet housing of the rotor is coupled to and surrounds the plurality of outer magnets. A plurality of inner magnets are arranged as a second Halbach cylinder with the coil assembly being interposed between the plurality of inner magnets and the plurality of outer magnets. An inner magnet housing is coupled to the plurality of inner magnets and surrounds an output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, Reyhan Zanis
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Publication number: 20180191210Abstract: An electric motor including a coil assembly having a plurality of coils which may be arranged in the shape of a cylinder. The motor further includes a rotor including a plurality of outer magnets configured as a first Halbach cylinder surrounding the coil assembly. An outer magnet housing of the rotor is coupled to and surrounds the plurality of outer magnets. A plurality of inner magnets are arranged as a second Halbach cylinder with the coil assembly being interposed between the plurality of inner magnets and the plurality of outer magnets. An inner magnet housing is coupled to the plurality of inner magnets and surrounds an output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2017Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, Reyhan Zanis
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Patent number: 10005187Abstract: A prosthetic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, Johannes Theodorus Antonius van de Ven, Michael A. Ferris, Naoyuki Okada, David D. Huang
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Publication number: 20180071921Abstract: A direct drive brushless motor including a plurality of rotational components and a plurality of non-rotational components. Ones of the pluralities of rotational and non-rotational components form a dual magnetic circuit. The plurality of rotational components includes a center rotation shaft circumscribed by a plurality of coils and a coil termination plate configured to support the plurality of coils. The plurality of non-rotational components includes a plurality of outer magnets arranged around the plurality of coils in a Halbach configuration and a plurality of inner magnets arranged in a Halbach configuration between the coils and the shaft. A flex cable having one or more leads provides electrical current to the plurality of coils without the use of brushes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Edward A. NEFF, Toan M. VU, David D. Huang, Naoyuki Okada, Andrew Gladoch
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Patent number: 9731418Abstract: A system and method for using a probe assembly to apply a desired force to a target surface. The method includes moving the probe assembly into an approach position, the approach position being a predetermined distance from the target surface. The probe assembly is then moved from the approach position to the target surface pursuant to a soft landing procedure. The soft landing procedure includes determining that the probe assembly has moved into soft contact with the target surface. The method further includes applying, subsequent to establishment of the soft contact between the probe assembly and the target surface, force to the probe assembly until an applied force on the target surface reaches the desired force. The applied force may then be monitored based upon an output of a load cell responsive to a force exerted by the probe assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu
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Publication number: 20170089976Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for using a magnetic latch to maintain a desired force between a test-probe assembly and a surface of a component. The method includes moving the test-probe assembly into an approach position, the approach position being a predetermined distance from the surface of a component. The test-probe assembly is then moved from the approach position to the surface of a component pursuant to a soft landing procedure. The method further includes magnetically latching the test-probe assembly in contact with the surface of a component at a constant force. The moving coil of the actuator can be de-energized while the test-probe assembly performs measurements on the component. After the testing is completed, the moving coil is energized and the test-probe assembly is retracted away from the component. The applied force may be monitored based upon an output of a load cell responsive to a force exerted by the test-probe assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu
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Publication number: 20170012519Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for linear actuators that can deliver strokes and forces at different values. The linear actuators include both multi-coil and single-coil actuator designs. The linear actuators include a controller that is removably or permanently coupled to a piston assembly having any number of coils. An encoder may also be removably or permanently coupled to the piston assembly. The piston assembly, controller and encoder move as one unit during actuation of the linear actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu
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Publication number: 20160229064Abstract: A prosthetic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Applicant: Systems, Machines, Automation Components CorporationInventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, Johannes Theodorus Antonius van de Ven, Michael A. Ferris, Naoyuki Okada, David D. Huang
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Patent number: 9381649Abstract: A robotic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, Johannes Theodorus Antonius van de Ven, Michael A. Ferris, Naoyuki Okada, David D. Huang
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Publication number: 20160184989Abstract: A system and method for using a probe assembly to apply a desired force to a target surface. The method includes moving the probe assembly into an approach position, the approach position being a predetermined distance from the target surface. The probe assembly is then moved from the approach position to the target surface pursuant to a soft landing procedure. The soft landing procedure includes determining that the probe assembly has moved into soft contact with the target surface. The method further includes applying, subsequent to establishment of the soft contact between the probe assembly and the target surface, force to the probe assembly until an applied force on the target surface reaches the desired force. The applied force may then be monitored based upon an output of a load cell responsive to a force exerted by the probe assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu
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Patent number: 9375848Abstract: A prosthetic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, Johannes Theodorus Antonius van de Ven, Michael A. Ferris, Naoyuki Okada, David D. Huang
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Publication number: 20160013712Abstract: Serial linear actuators that are compact in size and can operate at high speeds with reduced failure rates. The disclosed linear actuators may be used in sub micron positioning applications such as, for example, in semiconductor or biotechnology scanning applications. An actuator apparatus may include a magnet housing which defines an interior volume in which a permanent magnet and a moving coil assembly are disposed. The moving coil assembly includes electrically conductive coils wound around a set of substantially flat moving coil scaffolds. The moving coil assembly is centrally located within the actuator between a set of outer cross roller guides to reduce or eliminate the internal moment effect of the coil on the guiding system of the actuator and to allow the actuator to have a small height and compact form factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu
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Publication number: 20150171723Abstract: An actuator apparatus includes a magnet housing defining an interior volume between a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. Multiple magnets are included within the magnet housing. A piston assembly includes a piston housing, a coil and a shaft. A magnetic pole is configured to be received through the second opening of the magnet housing and within the interior volume. The magnetic pole defines an interior lumen and an opening in communication with the interior lumen. At least a portion of the piston assembly is configured to be movably received through the first opening of the magnet housing and within the interior volume such that the magnetic pole is received within the interior region of the piston housing and at least a portion of the shaft is received within the interior lumen of the magnetic pole.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2014Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, David D. Huang, Naoyuki Okada, Andrew Gladoch, Jaime Sandoval
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Publication number: 20140159407Abstract: A prosthetic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Syetems, Machines, Automation Components CorporationInventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, Johannes Theodorus Antonius van de Ven, Michael A. Ferris, Naoyuki Okada, David D. Huang
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Publication number: 20140159408Abstract: A robotic finger, comprising: a first axis of movement comprising a moving magnet; a second axis of movement comprising a moving coil, wherein the second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis; and a third axis of movement comprising a moving magnet, wherein the third axis of movement is generally oriented in the same direction as the first axis of movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Systems, Machines, Automation Components CorporationInventors: Edward A. Neff, Toan M. Vu, Johannes Theodorus Antonius van de Ven, Michael A. Ferris, Naoyuki Okada, David D. Huang
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Publication number: 20120043832Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a compact linear actuator having an improved rotary mechanism are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the linear actuator comprises a spline bearing for guiding the shaft of the actuator as it is linearly actuated. A rotor positioned around the spline bearing rotatably engages the spline bearing when magnetically actuated by a surrounding stator. A rotational lock connected to the piston assembly may be used to prevent the piston assembly from rotating during operation. Optionally, a rotary scale may be attached to the spline bearing in order to indicate how far the shaft has rotated. Since the shaft does not bear the mass of the rotary mechanism, linear performance of the actuator is substantially improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Edward A. NEFF, Toan M. Vu