Abstract: A moving coil brushless motor including an actuator having a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a cylindrical array of permanent magnets. The rotor includes a coil assembly having a plurality of coils interposed between a stator back plate and the permanent magnet array. The coil assembly rotates relative to the array of permanent magnets. A center shaft is disposed to rotate about a longitudinal axis. A cylindrical transformer is disposed within an interior space circumscribed by the stator back plate and includes a primary side and a secondary side. The primary side includes a primary coil and the secondary side includes a secondary coil magnetically coupled to the primary coil. Primary electronics are in communication with secondary electronics attached to the center shaft. The secondary electronics are configured to receive power from the secondary coil and to provide current to the actuator.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a magnet housing having first and second planar sides, a front plate and a rear plate, and a base plate covering a channel defined by the magnet housing. A first plurality of magnets is secured to the first planar side and a second plurality of magnets is secured to the second planar side. A linear guide slidably secured to an inner surface of the base plate. A piston assembly has a piston element attached to the linear guide. The piston assembly includes a shaft and a printed circuit board attached to the piston element. The printed circuit board defines a controller and a printed coil assembly. A flex cable is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The piston assembly is disposed to move linearly during operation of the linear actuator.

Abstract: A moving coil brushless motor including an actuator having a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a cylindrical array of permanent magnets. The rotor includes a coil assembly having a plurality of coils interposed between a stator back plate and the permanent magnet array. The coil assembly rotates relative to the array of permanent magnets. A center shaft is disposed to rotate about a longitudinal axis. A cylindrical transformer is disposed within an interior space circumscribed by the stator back plate and includes a primary side and a secondary side. The primary side includes a primary coil and the secondary side includes a secondary coil magnetically coupled to the primary coil. Primary electronics are in communication with secondary electronics attached to the center shaft. The secondary electronics are configured to receive power from the secondary coil and to provide current to the actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for a guided single-phase or multi-phase linear motor actuator with a snap-together design. Some embodiments include the ability to monitor and/or adjust work being done, yet with a cost that is comparable to that of cams or pneumatic devices. In one embodiment, a coil is attached to a bobbin assembly that is secured behind a piston. To prevent rotation of the piston during operation, a spline bearing may be slidably fitted onto one or more grooves of a spline shaft disposed within the piston assembly. One or more cylindrical magnets surrounding the coil actuate the piston based upon the direction that current is traveling through the coil. Since the electromotive force generated is linear with respect to the spline shaft, unwanted lateral force acting upon the spline shaft can be reduced and/or eliminated.