Propulsion Means Employed To Suspend Car Patents (Class 104/282)
  • Patent number: 11964832
    Abstract: A transporting system and method for a linear motor conveyor system, wherein the conveyor system includes at least one moving element and at least one track on which the moving element moves, the transporting system including: a rotatable element; a motor for rotating the rotatable element; a coupler connected to the rotatable element, wherein the coupler is configured to engage with the moving element when the coupler is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the moving element; and a controller configured to: operatively connect with the linear motor conveyor system; and control at least one of the moving element and the rotatable element so that the coupler is positioned in the predetermined relationship with the moving element on the track such that the coupler strips the moving element off the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ATS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger Hogan, Albert Kleinikkink, Blake Robert Lambert
  • Patent number: 11933659
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying a load and/or wear of a transport element of a transport system with a long-stator linear motor, comprising the steps of: exciting a dynamic system consisting of the long-stator linear motor (160) and the transport element according to at least one excitation pattern; detecting the movement profile of the transport element on the basis of the at least one excitation pattern; and detecting a temporal course of a load current and/or of a load voltage of the long-stator linear motor according to the at least one excitation pattern by means of an integrated measuring device of the long-stator linear motor; wherein a loading condition of the transport element is determined depending on the detected movement profile and the detected temporal course of the load current and/or of the load voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Thomas Kiendl
  • Patent number: 11870318
    Abstract: Homopolar linear synchronous machines are provided herein that include a mover device. The mover device includes a cold plate with ferromagnetic cores extending through slots in the cold plate. Layers of armature coils are located around the ferromagnetic cores on opposite sides of the cold plate. The mover device further includes at least one field coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Jedinger, Arbi Gharakhani Siraki, Erik Johnson, Shahriyar Beizaee, Rachel Ozer, Ju Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 11862391
    Abstract: Magnet array structure includes a first linear magnet array and a second linear magnet array having a first and a second arrangement of magnets, respectively, in which the first and the second arrangement of magnets are repeated along respective lengths of the first and second linear magnet array. The first and second arrangement of magnets include respective individual first and second magnet elements arranged along the respective length of the first and second linear magnet array so that no net magnetic forces parallel to the length of the first and second linear magnet array result on the first and second arrangement of magnets, respectively. The first arrangement of magnets is offset from the second arrangement of magnets so that the first arrangement of magnets and the second arrangement of magnets partially overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Casey Handmer
  • Patent number: 11851282
    Abstract: The invention provides a conveying device having a conveying performance higher than that of the related art, a sample analysis system and sample pretreatment device with the conveying device and a method for conveying a conveyance object. A conveying device 1 includes a permanent magnet 10 which is provided on a sample rack 111 side, magnetic poles 25 each of which includes a core 22 made of a second magnetic body and a winding 21 wound around an outer periphery of the core 22, drive circuits 50 each of which supplies a current to the winding 21 of the magnetic pole 25, and current command calculation units 55 each of which controls a value of the current to be supplied to the winding 21 from the drive circuit 50. The current command calculation unit 55 makes the currents to be supplied to the windings 21 vary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuaki Aoyama, Ryosuke Hoshi, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Satoru Kaneko, Takeshi Tamakoshi, Hiroshi Watanabe, Katsuhiro Kambara, Kuniaki Onizawa
  • Patent number: 11834078
    Abstract: A levitation, propulsion and guidance integrated magnetic levitation system and an improvement method of levitation and guidance. The system includes a maglev train and a maglev track. The maglev train is provided with a permanent magnet array. The maglev track is provided with a driving device and a levitation driving device in sequence along a running direction of the maglev train. An iron plate is arranged in the middle of the maglev track. The driving device accelerates the maglev train from 0 to take-off velocity. The levitation driving device provides a driving force and a levitation force for the maglev train. The iron plate enables the centered running of the maglev train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Southwest Jiaotong University
    Inventors: Zigang Deng, Hongfu Shi, Yuqing Xiang, Jun Zheng, Huan Huang
  • Patent number: 11739738
    Abstract: An energy conversion method transfers energy from celestial bodies, including the Earth, to a vehicle apparatus by way of a gravity assist, a descent towards the surface of the celestial body, or both. The energy transferred to the vehicle apparatus may be utilized by: a kinetic energy converter apparatus converting the kinetic energy to any form of kinetic energy, potential energy, or both; doing work on any end use process or power plant apparatus immediately, later, or both; storing the kinetic energy, the potential energy, or both on an accumulator apparatus to be utilized on site, at another location, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Christopher John Fritz
  • Patent number: 11702299
    Abstract: Provided is a transport robot and a substrate treating apparatus including the transport robot. The substrate treating apparatus includes a transport chamber having a long shape on one side, and for providing a moving space of a substrate, a load lock chamber connected to the transport chamber to provide an exchange space between the transport chamber and a substrate before a process or a substrate after a process, a process unit connected to the transport chamber to perform a process for a substrate transferred from the transport chamber, a track provided in the transport chamber to provide a moving path of a substrate, and a transport robot capable of moving along the track in a non-contact manner, and entering or exiting the load lock chamber to perform a substrate exchange between the load lock chamber and the transport chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Oh Kim, Jun Ho Song, Myungjin Lee, Heejae Byun
  • Patent number: 11635754
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a high-velocity mobile imaging system. The system can include a tube, which may have at least one wire coil extending for a least a portion of a length of the tube. The system can further include a carriage that is movable along an interior of the tube. The carriage can include a permanent magnet, a sensor, a network communications interface, a processor, a memory, and machine readable instructions stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to capture a reading using the sensor and report the reading to a remote computing device through the network communications interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: FLUX DYNAMICS, LLC
    Inventor: Derek D. Burnes
  • Patent number: 11541918
    Abstract: A disclosed method extends a support system for a maglev vehicle, the support system having at least a first landing gear assembly and a second landing gear assembly. The method includes the steps of determining a weight-on-wheels status for each of the first and the second landing gear assemblies and determining a distance from each of the first and second landing gear assemblies to a support surface. First and second extension speeds are determined for each of the first and second landing gear assemblies, respectively. The first landing gear assembly is extended at the first extension speed until the first landing gear assembly reaches a weight-on-wheels condition, and the second landing gear assembly is extended at the second extension speed until the second landing gear assembly reaches the weight-on-wheels condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS, SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Ellis, Graeme Peter Arthur Klim, Thibaud Mazoue
  • Patent number: 11496035
    Abstract: Homopolar linear synchronous machines (200) are provided herein that include a mover device (111). The mover device (111) includes a cold plate with ferromagnetic cores extending through slots in the cold plate. Layers of armature coils are located around the ferromagnetic cores on opposite sides of the cold plate. The mover device (111) further includes at least one field coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Jedinger, Arbi Gharakhani Siraki, Erik Johnson, Shahriyar Beizaee, Rachel Ozer, Ju Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 11413967
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a guide rails extending parallel with each other, a vehicle configured to be movable along the guide rails, and a contactless driving module mounted to the vehicle. The contactless driving module includes a pair of running rails extending parallel with the guide rails and comprising a plurality of first permanent magnets and a plurality of second permanent magnets arranged in a extending direction, respectively, a driving wheel disposed between the running rails to be spaced apart from the running rails and comprising a plurality of third permanent magnets arranged in a circumferential direction, and a driving unit for rotating the driving wheel. Particularly, at least one of the third permanent magnets is disposed between the first permanent magnets and the second permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SEMES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Hyun Lee, Jung Hun Lee, Dong Won Shin
  • Patent number: 11377310
    Abstract: A magnetic levitation system for contactlessly holding and moving a carrier in a vacuum chamber, including a base defining a transportation track, a carrier movable above the base along the transportation track, and at least one magnetic bearing for generating a magnetic levitation force between the base and the carrier. The at least one magnetic bearing includes a first magnet unit arranged at the base and a second magnet unit arranged at the carrier. The magnetic levitation system further includes a magnetic side stabilization device for stabilizing the carrier in a lateral direction, the magnetic side stabilization device comprising a stabilization magnet unit arranged at the base, wherein at least one of the first magnet unit and the first stabilization magnet unit is arranged in a housing space of the base, the housing space being separated from an inner volume of the vacuum chamber by a separation wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Henning Aust, Thorsten Meiss
  • Patent number: 11307275
    Abstract: An array coil according to an embodiment includes a plurality of element coils, a first electrically-insulative coupler, and a second electrically-insulative coupler. Each of the plurality of element coils has a first fixation point and a second fixation point. The plurality of element coils are two-dimensionally arrayed in a first direction and a second direction while overlapping one another. The first electrically-insulative coupler is configured to couple together two or more of the first fixation points in the first direction. The second electrically-insulative coupler is configured to couple together two or more of the second fixation points in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuya Okamoto
  • Patent number: 11027615
    Abstract: A system for determining the position of a mover as the mover transitions between segments along a track includes a first controller on a first track segment and a second controller on a second track segment. The first and second track segments are adjacent to each other and a junction is located between the two segments. The first and second controllers are in communication with each other and share a locally determined position value with the other controller. Each controller determines a compensated position value as a function of both a locally determined position value and the shared position value received from the other controller. Each controller utilizes the compensated value of the position value as determined on that controller to control operation of the mover while it is present on the corresponding track segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuhong Huang
  • Patent number: 10940764
    Abstract: A magnetic bearing system for controlling magnetic coupling between a mobile carriage and a guideway and a method for controlling the magnetic bearing system. The magnetic bearing system includes at least one engine, which includes at least two poles, at least one permanent magnet and at least one coil. The engine is configured to be magnetically coupled to the guideway through at least one air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Irfan-ur-rab Usman, Tim Lambert
  • Patent number: 10759607
    Abstract: A linear conveyor includes a plurality of modules constituting a conveyance path and a slider that travels along the conveyance path. The linear conveyor includes at least one relay unit disposed across adjacent modules. The modules are configured such that each of the modules has first and second module-side connection sections provided at both ends in a direction along the conveyance path, the modules being connected in a row along the conveyance path. The relay unit includes a first unit-side connection section that is connected to the second module-side connection section of one of a set of the adjacent modules, a second unit-side connection section that is connected to the first module-side connection section of the other of the set of the adjacent modules, and a first circuit that electrically connects the first and second unit-side connection sections to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masayuki Mukai
  • Patent number: 10677559
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of slowing down a moving projectile, the projectile moving within an electromagnetic railgun, the method comprising: using an electromagnetic field generated by the railgun to slow down the projectile, wherein the projectile is a munitions projectile, and/or a carrier for catching the munitions projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventor: Raymond Charles Davies
  • Patent number: 10636687
    Abstract: An apparatus for transportation of a substrate carrier in a vacuum chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a first track providing a first transportation path for the substrate carrier, and a transfer device configured for contactlessly moving the substrate carrier from a first position on the first track to one or more second positions away from the first track. The one or more second positions include at least one of a position on a second track and a process position for processing of a substrate. The transfer device includes at least one first magnet device configured to provide a magnetic force acting on the substrate carrier to contactlessly move the substrate carrier from the first position to the one or more second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Lau, Wolfgang Buschbeck
  • Patent number: 10541167
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first device configured to support at least one substrate thereon; and a first transport having the device connected thereto. The transport is configured to carry the device. The transport includes a plurality of supports which are movable relative to one another along a linear path; at least one magnetic bearing which at least partially couples the supports to one another. A first one of the magnetic bearings includes a first permanent magnet and a second magnet. The first permanent magnet is connected to a first one of the supports. A magnetic field adjuster is connected to the first support which is configured to move the first permanent magnet and/or vary influence of a magnetic field of the first permanent magnet relative to the second magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Persimmon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Martin Hosek
  • Patent number: 10533289
    Abstract: Non-contact bearing system, such as a magnetic levitation system, having a geometry. The geometry includes a plurality of track elements arranged to nest together in a length direction. The plurality of track elements are shaped to define at least an upper and a lower null flux crossing and the plurality of nested track elements form a conductive metamaterial. Method for constructing a metamaterial null flux magnetic levitation track with tessellating elements of stamped conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Casey Handmer, Brian Towle, James Coutre
  • Patent number: 10514112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable bearing element, to an arrangement of cable bearing elements and to a method of manufacturing a cable bearing element. The cable bearing element is adapted to position and/or to hold at least one line section of an electric line, wherein the cable bearing element provides at least one guiding channel for the section of the electric line, wherein a base of a first section of the guiding channel is arranged within a first plane and a base of another section of the guiding channel is arranged within a second plane, wherein the second plane is parallel to the first plane and spaced apart from the first plane with a first predetermined distance, wherein the guiding channel comprises a base part and side walls, wherein a geometry or size of the guiding channel is adapted to the diameter of the electric line or cable which is to be arranged within the guiding channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Leininger, Johannes Schütz, Anton Geiger, Federico Garcia, Ping Wei, Nestor Martinez Pelaez, Oliver Kerle
  • Patent number: 10434899
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a magnetic field communication ground power system of an electric vehicle, the system includes a reflux rail and multi-segment conductive rail mounted on a ground. The electric vehicle runs through the reflux rail, and receives electric power from the conductive rail through conductive boots so as to drive the electric vehicle to move. The system further includes: a plurality of driving positive electrodes configured to connected to the conductive rail; at least one electromagnetic controlling system configured to turn on or turn off the driving positive electrodes; a plurality of magnetic controlling systems configured to collect a position of the electric vehicle on the reflux rail, wherein the magnetic controlling systems transmit the sampled position of the electric vehicle to the electromagnetic controlling system, and the electromagnetic controlling system turns on or turns off voltage of the driving positive electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN HOME HEALTH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Zhimin Yuan, Zhongwen Li
  • Patent number: 10269604
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first device configured to support at least one substrate thereon; and a first transport having the device connected thereto. The transport is configured to carry the device. The transport includes a plurality of supports which are movable relative to one another along a linear path; at least one magnetic bearing which at least partially couples the supports to one another. A first one of the magnetic bearings includes a first permanent magnet and a second magnet. The first permanent magnet is connected to a first one of the supports. A magnetic field adjuster is connected to the first support which is configured to move the first permanent magnet and/or vary influence of a magnetic field of the first permanent magnet relative to the second magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Persimmon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Martin Hosek
  • Patent number: 10204810
    Abstract: There is described apparatus and methods for transporting and processing substrates including wafers as to efficiently produce at reasonable costs improved throughput as compared to systems in use today. A linear transport chamber includes linear tracks and robot arms riding on the linear tracks to linearly transfer substrates along the sides of processing chambers for feeding substrates into a controlled atmosphere through a load lock and then along a transport chamber as a way of reaching processing chambers. A four-axis robot arm is disclosed, capable of linear translation, rotation and articulation, and z-motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gee Sun Hoey, Terry Bluck, Hoang Huy Vu, Jimin Ryu
  • Patent number: 10158304
    Abstract: A linear motor control apparatus has: a plurality of coil units; a plurality of position detecting units for detecting positions of a plurality of trucks which move over the plurality of coil units; a plurality of deviation calculating units for operating deviation information as differences between the detected truck positions and a target position of the detected truck; a plurality of position control units for operating current control signals based on the deviation information; a plurality of current control units for supplying driving currents to the coil units based on the current control signals; and a switching unit for switching the position control units to which the deviation information is transmitted or switching the current control units to which the current control signals are transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihiro Suzuki, Takeshi Yamamoto, Koji Tomoda, Satoru Deguchi, Hidetada Narahara
  • Patent number: 10056279
    Abstract: A system for processing a substrate is provided including a first planar motor, a substrate carrier, a first processing chamber, and a first lift. The first planar motor includes a first arrangement of coils disposed along a first horizontal direction, a top surface parallel to the first horizontal direction, a first side, a second side. The substrate carrier has a substrate supporting surface parallel to the first horizontal direction. The first processing chamber has an opening to receive a substrate disposed on the substrate carrier. The first lift includes a second planar motor having a second arrangement of coils disposed along the first horizontal direction. A top surface top surface of the second planar motor is parallel to the first horizontal direction. The first lift is configured to move the top surface of the second planar motor between a first vertical location and a second vertical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Karthik Janakiraman, Hari K. Ponnekanti, Juan Carlos Rocha, Mukund Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 10054387
    Abstract: Apparatus for electromagnetic launching system for the linear acceleration of macro particles. The apparatus disclosed is autonomously-powered, compact, and lightweight. The apparatus disclosed has low recoil force, low acoustic report, and low visible and infra-red signature. The apparatus disclosed is capable of automatic operation and the maximum particle velocity can be adjusted. The apparatus disclosed includes a trigger, controller, component power source, particle container, particle loader, propellant container, propellant loader, igniter, combustion chamber, sound suppressor, linear electrical generator, linear electrical motor, and thermal barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Gregory Engel
  • Patent number: 9932129
    Abstract: A device for moving aircraft along the ground includes at least one runway and at least one aircraft. The aircraft is secured to a tractor element having a magnetic mass formed mainly of type II superconductor material and the runway includes stator coils arranged in the runway with at least one line of coils parallel to an axis of the runway. A command/control system supplies power to the stator coils to generate a magnetic field that levitates the tractor element, magnetized beforehand into a phase II superconducting state, above the runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS SAS
    Inventors: Emmanuel Joubert, Charles Nespoulous, Bruno Rechain, Hichem Smaoui
  • Patent number: 9784317
    Abstract: A transport system is a vacuum processing system that includes a transport device that is provided in a vacuum, and a lubricating agent supply device that supplies lubricating agent to the transport device and provided in the ambient atmosphere. The transport device has a lubricating agent flow channel that is a channel for grease injected to a site subject to lubrication. The lubricating agent supply device has a grease server that stores a lubricating agent in the ambient atmosphere, a lubricating agent supply pipe which is a channel that guides the grease stored in the grease server to the lubricating agent flow channel and that connects the grease server and the lubricating agent flow channel, and an exhaust pump that exhausts the inside of the lubricating agent supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: NISSIN ION EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Onoda
  • Patent number: 9777364
    Abstract: An organic layer deposition apparatus, and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device using the organic layer deposition apparatus. The organic layer deposition apparatus includes: an electrostatic chuck that fixedly supports a substrate that is a deposition target; a deposition unit including a chamber maintained at a vacuum and an organic layer deposition assembly for depositing an organic layer on the substrate fixedly supported by the electrostatic chuck; and a first conveyor unit for moving the electrostatic chuck fixedly supporting the substrate into the deposition unit, wherein the first conveyor unit passes through inside the chamber, and the first conveyor unit includes a guide unit having a receiving member for supporting the electrostatic chuck to be movable in a direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok-Rak Chang, Myeng-Woo Nam, Hee-Cheol Kang, Jong-Heon Kim, Jong-Won Hong, Uno Chang
  • Patent number: 9739534
    Abstract: A device for loading and unloading the utility surface (3?) of a drying chamber (2) of a freeze drying system. The device includes a carriage (8) which forms a movable guiding edge for the drying vessels (5), and is moveable on guides (7) disposed on both sides of the utility surface (3) and which extend in parallel with the movement direction and form fixed guiding edges for the drying vessels (5). At least one linear motor is provided to produce a drive for the carriage. All of the components of the device can be located inside the drying chamber (1), and the device of the present invention is suitable for upgrading existing freeze drying systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Martin Christ Gefriertrocknungsanlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Christ
  • Patent number: 9694986
    Abstract: A transport device and a transport method for transporting a fragile object, in particular a semiconductor wafer, a glass panel, a solar module, etc., are provided. The transport device comprises at least two coils configured to drive the object along a predetermined movement path, and a control unit configured to control a movement of the object along the predetermined movement path. The control unit is further configured to base the control of the movement of the object on at least a third order setpoint profile. The control unit is also configured to generate the third order setpoint profile for at least two coils in a synchronized manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Rob Bierbooms
  • Patent number: 9511681
    Abstract: A transport system comprising linear motor modules utilized both straight and curved track modules, with movers displaced on the track modules by control of power applied to coils of the modules. Curved track modules have modified spline geometries to provide desired acceleration and jerk characteristics. The modified spline geometries may be defined by more than one generators, such as an equation generator and a spline fit between the equation-generated segment and one or more constrained points or locations. The curved track modules may be divided into 180 degree modules, or may be reduced to 90 degree, 45 degree or other fractional arcs to provide for modular assembly, mirror-image geometries and motion profiles, and the like. The system may be adapted to provide improved motion characteristics based on modification of a conventional spline geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen C. Wernersbach, Marc D. Koeppel, Keith G. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9354019
    Abstract: An electromagnetic tube gun is a device for launching a projectile through kinetic energy. The device features a first conductive rail with a first electrical current, a second conductive rail with a second electrical current, an at least one conductive sheet with a cross current, and a magnetic field induction coil with a third electrical current. The at least one conductive sheet connects the first conductive rail and the second conductive rail. The magnetic field induction coil is positioned within a projectile case and placed between the first conductive rail and the second conductive rail. A rail power supply is connected to the first conductive rail and the second conductive rail while a coil power supply is connected to the magnetic field induction coil. Magnetic induction generated by the magnetic field induction coil interacts with the cross current in order to generate a Lorentz force that launches the projectile case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Ernesto Aguilar Gonzaga
  • Patent number: 9246377
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for transferring substrates capable of stably transferring substrates by using magnetic levitation. The apparatus includes a substrate stage including a substrate loading unit, a first guide block disposed at a first end of the substrate stage and including a first magnet generator, a second guide block disposed at a second end of the substrate stage and including a second magnet generator, a first guide rail accommodating the first magnet generator and including a third magnet generator, and a second guide rail accommodating the second magnet generator and including a fourth magnet generator. The first magnet generator and the third magnet generator exert repulsive force on each other, and the second magnet generator and the fourth magnet generator exert repulsive force on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Fukasawa, Yeon-Keon Moon, Sang-woo Sohn, Katsushi Kishimoto, Sang-Won Shin
  • Patent number: 9228298
    Abstract: A High Temperature Superconductor Maglev (HTSM) for Evacuated Tube Transport (ETT) with a magnetic levitation structure for ETT capsule vehicles traveling in an evacuated tube. At least one ETT capsule travels within an evacuated tube, an upper and a lower cryostat respectively mount at the top and bottom of said ETT capsule along the length thereof, at least a plurality of superconductor levitation force elements divided between said upper and lower cryostats. The levitation force being spread over the length of capsule, however substantially concentrated in a compact cross-sectional area. At least a pair of permanent magnetic elements mounted at the top and bottom of the evacuated tube to levitate the capsule. At least a pair of capsule based switchable diverge force elements cooperate with at least a pair of tube based diverge force elements to steer the capsule while in an interchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Daryl Oster
  • Patent number: 9168950
    Abstract: A banked curve detection system determines the presence of a vehicle on a banked curve by sensing a vertical acceleration and a lateral acceleration of a vehicle. A banked curve is determined when the vertical acceleration and lateral acceleration are each greater than previously sensed vertical and lateral accelerations, the lateral acceleration is less than an expected reference lateral acceleration value, and the vertical acceleration is greater than gravity. The reference lateral acceleration value is based on yaw rate, steering angle, and wheel speed. When the acceleration conditions are met, the electronic stability control adjusts the parameters due to the vehicle being driven on a banked curve. Once the acceleration condition is no longer valid, the electronic stability control returns to normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hirak Chanda, Marcin Kowalewski
  • Publication number: 20150083018
    Abstract: The invention provides in some aspects a transport system comprising a guideway having a plurality of regions in which one or more vehicles are propelled, where each such vehicle includes a magnet. Disposed along each region are a plurality of propulsion coils, each comprising one or more turns that are disposed about a common axis, such that the respective common axes of the plurality of coils in that region are (i) substantially aligned with one another, and (ii) orthogonal to a direction in which the vehicles are to be propelled in that region. The plurality of coils of at least one such region are disposed on opposing sides of the magnets of vehicles being propelled along that region so as to exert a propulsive force of substance on those magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Tracy M. Clark, Todd Webber, Michael Bottasso, Robert Mosher, Nathan King
  • Patent number: 8960099
    Abstract: A drive system for a transport apparatus includes a plurality of permanent magnets connected to the transport apparatus, a plurality of stationary windings exposed to a field of at least one of the plurality of permanent magnets, a control system for energizing the stationary windings to provide magnetic force on the transport apparatus, and an arrangement of ferromagnetic components proximate at least one side of the transport apparatus for providing passive stabilization of lift, pitch, and roll of the transport apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc
    Inventors: Martin Hosek, Christopher Hofmeister, Alexander Krupyshev
  • Publication number: 20140331888
    Abstract: A transport system comprising linear motor modules utilized both straight and curved track modules, with movers displaced on the track modules by control of power applied to coils of the modules. Curved track modules have modified spline geometries to provide desired acceleration and jerk characteristics. The modified spline geometries may be defined by more than one generators, such as an equation generator and a spline fit between the equation-generated segment and one or more constrained points or locations. The curved track modules may be divided into 180 degree modules, or may be reduced to 90 degree, 45 degree or other fractional arcs to provide for modular assembly, mirror-image geometries and motion profiles, and the like. The system may be adapted to provide improved motion characteristics based on modification of a conventional spline geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Glen C. Wernersbach, Marc D. Koeppel, Keith G. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8798868
    Abstract: The automobile described herein employs an aerodynamic chassis control system to limit and/or control the affect of yaw and roll created by environmental and operating conditions on an automobile with minimal penalty to improve ride comfort and performance of the automobile. The aerodynamic chassis control system employs various movable stabilization elements to control yaw and roll. Moreover, aerodynamic chassis control system constantly monitors environmental and operating conditions of the automobile and adjusts the stabilization elements to provide ride comfort and automobile performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America
    Inventor: Mark E. Mares
  • Patent number: 8783192
    Abstract: Transportation infrastructure comprises linear induction drives wherein a roadway surface is induced to simultaneously exert forward, lateral, levitation and three axis angular alignment forces on a vehicle and wherein a vehicle is capable of inducing roadway surface currents that produce said forces in said roadway surface. Comprehensive system sustains continuous traffic flow from the point of entering the infrastructure to the moment of disembarking in a parking facility. Transportation infrastructure comprises integration of air and space travel with substantially reduced cost and transit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8528486
    Abstract: A dynamic magnetic suspension propeller includes an separate body electromotor and an external force to reversely rotate the separate body electromotor. The separate body electromotor includes a stator and a rotor mounted separately, wherein the stator includes a single layer plane magnetic path having magnetism, the rotor includes a cantilever electromagnet having a first pole provided at an end portion of the cantilever and a second pole provided at a rotating shaft close to the cantilever, wherein the electromagnet is reversely rotated by the external force around the rotating shaft with respect to the stator, so as to produce a countertorque with respect to an magnetic force of the stator, wherein the countertorque includes a magnetic suspension force and a magnetic propelling force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: China Sight Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Kwang Hwee Lee
  • Publication number: 20130139717
    Abstract: Transportation infrastructure comprises linear induction drives wherein a roadway surface is induced to simultaneously exert forward, lateral, levitation and three axis angular alignment forces on a vehicle and wherein a vehicle is capable of inducing roadway surface currents that produce said forces in said roadway surface. Comprehensive system sustains continuous traffic flow from the point of entering the infrastructure to the moment of disembarking in a parking facility. Transportation infrastructure comprises integration of air and space travel with substantially reduced cost and transit time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8453580
    Abstract: A method and system for magnetically levitating a load is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a system for magnetically levitating a load, the system comprising at least two lift generators, each comprising a source of magnetic flux configured to induce a magnetic flux in a rail via a leg on either side of the rail, at least one magnetically permeable beam connecting the lift generators, and control circuitry configured to generate and modulate a magnetic current flux through the crossbeam so as to maintain gaps between the legs and rail, wherein the gaps defined by the legs on either side of the rail are of unequal size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Sandor Wayne Shapery, Philip Albert Studer
    Inventor: Philip Albert Studer
  • Patent number: 8430039
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic levitation vehicle (11) and to a method for lifting said magnetic levitation vehicle (11) and to lowering said magnetic levitation vehicle onto a roadway. According to the invention, the carrier magnetic units (38) of the magnetic levitation vehicle (11) are not all activated or deactivated at the same time but at different times in order to keep the current energy requirement from an external energy supply or main power supply to a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Transrapid GmbH
    Inventors: Qinghua Zheng, Peter Becker
  • Patent number: 8402899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a maglev railway comprising a support and drive system of the long stator-linear motor type, magnetic support poles that are situated in the vehicle being additionally provided with linear generator windings (10) that generate electric energy in the vehicle. The aim of the invention is to prevent unwanted, periodic vibrations (ripples) from being generated at low speeds. To achieve this, according to the invention, the teeth (5) and grooves (6) of the long stator (3) are arranged in high-speed sections (2a) parallel to the cores and the linear generator windings (10) of the support magnets provided in said cores and in low-speed sections (2b) obliquely to said cores (7) and linear generator windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Transrapid GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Loeser, Qinghua Zheng, Luitpold Miller
  • Patent number: 8391936
    Abstract: A magnetic levitation device includes at least two superconductor molded bodies with stored magnetic field configurations above a magnetic guide track. The at least two superconductor molded bodies have at least one of a stored magnetic field configuration with different vertical spacing from the guide track and a stored magnetic field configuration with different horizontal position with respect to the guide track. The at least two superconductor molded bodies are mechanically held in a position deviating from their stored position above the guide track and connected to one another. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Leibniz-Institut Fuer Festkoerper-und Werkstoffforschung Dresden E.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Beyer, Oliver De Haas, Torsten Riederich, Ludwig Schultz
  • Patent number: 8371792
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus including a transport chamber having an end and defining more than one substantially linear substrate transport zone where each transport zone extends longitudinally along the transport chamber between opposing walls of the transport chamber and at least one of the more than one substantially linear substrate transport zones is configured as a supply zone for enabling transport of substrates from the end and at least one of the more than one substantially linear substrate transport zones is configured as a return zone for enabling transport of substrates to the end, and at least one substrate transport located in and movably mounted to the transport chamber for transporting substrates along the more than one substantially linear substrate transport zone, where each substrate transport zone is configured to allow the at least one substrate transport to move from one transport zone to another transport zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hofmeister, Robert T. Caveney