Electromagnet Patents (Class 188/161)
  • Publication number: 20100301785
    Abstract: An electromagnetic braking system and method is provided for selectively braking a motor using an electromagnetic brake having an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, a rotor assembly, and a brake pad. The brake assembly applies when the electromagnet is de-energized and releases when the electromagnet is energized. When applied the permanent magnet moves the brake pad into frictional engagement with a housing, and when released the electromagnet cancels the flux of the permanent magnet to allow a leaf spring to move the brake pad away from the housing. A controller has a DC/DC converter for converting a main bus voltage to a lower braking voltage based on certain parameters. The converter utilizes pulse-width modulation (PWM) to regulate the braking voltage. A calibrated gap is defined between the brake pad and permanent magnet when the brake assembly is released, and may be dynamically modified via the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., The U.S.A. as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Donald R. Davis, Nicolaus A. Radford, Frank Noble Permenter, Adam H. Parsons
  • Patent number: 7839252
    Abstract: A spool includes at least one bobbin and one winding wire, e.g., a winding wire lacquered for electrical insulation, the bobbin including at least one channel, e.g., one arranged as a pocket, at least one sleeve being electrically connected to the winding wire, the sleeve being electrically connected to an electrical line, e.g., a stranded conductor of a cable, the sleeve including deformable regions, for producing the electrical connections, a respectively deformable region being deformable such that a force-locking connection is provided and welding is able to be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sew-Eurodrive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Pascal Heinrich, Gerhard Flörchinger, Laurent Criqui, Jean-Pierre Lambling, Gerd Schüler
  • Publication number: 20100252379
    Abstract: An exemplary elevator brake device includes a permanent magnet. A core supports the permanent magnet. A first plate is positioned near one side of the core with a first gap between the first plate and the core. A second plate is positioned near another side of the core with a second gap between the second plate and the core. The first and second plates remain fixed relative to each other and are arranged such that relative movement is possible between the core and the plates. An electromagnet selectively influences an amount of magnetic flux across the first and second gaps, respectively, to control a braking force of the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Zbigniew Piech, Wojciech Szelag
  • Publication number: 20100200338
    Abstract: A motor provided with a secondary driving system including: a casing; a dented wheel permanently rotating during the normal operation of the motor together with the rotor inside the casing; an endless screw that can be brought into a clutch engagement position in which the screw meshes with the dented wheel and in which the rotation of the screw drives the dented wheel in a non-reversible manner and that can be removed from said position in order to allow the normal operation of the motor; a driving member for manually rotating the endless screw, the driving member rotating about the same rotation axis as the endless screw and rotating the latter by direct engagement
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: MOTEURS LEROY-SOMER
    Inventors: Christophe Laliche, Serge Deltreil, Francisco Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20100132584
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle comprising an eddy current brake (23) for a tracked traffic system. According to the invention, the eddy current brake (23) is composed of permanent magnets (25, 26) and is equipped with activating means which allow the permanent magnets (25, 26) to be moved from an inactive position into an active position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Friedrich Loeser, Qinghua Zheng
  • Publication number: 20100101901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a braking device that comprises an electric motor (1) capable of acting with the means (2) for the quick movement of the pads (3) into contact with a disk (4) or a drum, and a magnetostrictive actuator capable of generating a clamping force on the pads and against the disk or the drum. The magnetostrictive actuator comprises at least one winding (5) of a magnetic material on a holder (5a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S
    Inventor: Sebastien Gay
  • Patent number: 7703717
    Abstract: A transport vehicle wheel assembly comprising a set of rotating components and a set of static components wherein an applied electrical current applied to conductive material incorporated into at least one components structural matrix of one set of components gives rise to primary magnetic fields which interact with reactive magnetic fields associated with material incorporated into at least one components structural matrix of another set of components and gives rise to rotational forces which act on the rotating components of said transport vehicle wheel assembly to induce controlled forward rotation of a wheel and having regenerative braking and reverse drive ability thus allowing controlled retardation assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Rod F. Soderberg
  • Patent number: 7686141
    Abstract: A brake-equipped retracting device (3) returns a liquid crystal display device (1) from a deployed position (1B) to a stored position (1A) using an elastic returning force of a spiral spring (18) that is wound up when the liquid crystal display device (1) is opened by the rotational force of a motor. A braking force for preventing the liquid crystal display device (1) from returning with too much force is applied to an input shaft (17a) of a reducer by having a rope (21) whose tensile force increases and decreases in relation to the opening and closing of the liquid crystal display device (1) be wound around a slip clutch (15) that is connected to the input shaft (17a). In emergency situations such as when the rope (21) breaks, a centrifugal grip (53) of a rotation-restraining mechanism (50) strikes an engagement notch surface (56b) on a fixed side, and the rotation of the input shaft (17a) is forcibly halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignees: Harmonic Ad, Inc., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Shirokoshi, Satoru Kimura
  • Publication number: 20100038189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arresting brake (10) for arresting at least one rotatably mounted component (12, 14) with respect to a housing (32), and is suitable in particular for use in an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle. The arresting brake (10) comprises an electromagnet (26), two armature components (40, 42) and two rotatably mounted components (12, 14). The electromagnet (26) preferably has a core (26) and a coil (30; 50, 52). The armature components (40, 42) are arranged such that they can move in relation to the electromagnet (26) and are rotationally fixed with respect to the housing (32). The electromagnet (26) is arranged between the armature components (40, 42), in order to arrest the rotatably mounted components (12, 14) using the arresting brake (10), in each case an armature component (40, 42) can be engaged with, in each case, one rotatably mounted component (12, 14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Matthias Lang, Rainer Gugel, Bernd Kneer
  • Patent number: 7641026
    Abstract: A brake assembly for a motor, the brake assembly comprising a stack of brake elements, at least one of which is rotatable with an output shaft of the motor, in use, and at least one of which is non-rotatable relative to a housing, and actuator means controlling the magnitude of a compressive load applied to the brake elements, wherein the brake elements are provided, at least in part, with a surface coating which raises the coefficient of friction of the brake elements to a value greater than 0.2. The invention also relates to a brake assembly comprising a plurality of brake elements and an electromagnetic actuator arranged to permit control of a compressive load applied to the brake elements, wherein the actuator includes a winding located such that the brake elements are accessible without requiring removal of the winding from the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Goodrich Control Systems Limited
    Inventors: Dennis Richard Hayward, Paul Harris, David Bonniemann
  • Patent number: 7604099
    Abstract: Provided is a braking device for an elevator in which energy required for braking and releasing is reduced. The braking device includes a movable plunger (5), braking mechanisms (1-4, 6, 7) which are connected to one end of the movable plunger and are switched between a braking state and a releasing state by an axial movement of the movable plunger, a first drive mechanism (10) using mechanical or magnetic force, for reversing the movable plunger in the middle of a movable range in an axial direction for the switching between the braking state and the releasing state to press and hold the movable plunger to the braking side or the releasing side, and a second drive mechanism (20) using an electromagnetic force, for driving the movable plunger to a reversion position in the middle of the movable range from the braking side or the releasing side against a pressing force of the first drive mechanism in order to switch between the braking state and the release state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kigawa, Takaharu Ueda, Kenichi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7591351
    Abstract: A self-centering brake for a lift provides for the same braking moment in the case of normal operation and in the case of failure of a brake half. The brake consists of a housing which is U-shaped in cross-section, wherein a limb of the U corresponds with a brake half. The brake halves are of identical construction. An active brake lining and a passive brake lining are provided for each brake half. The active brake lining is loaded by a spring force of a compression spring. In the case of failure of a brake half the passive brake lining takes over the function of the active brake lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Publication number: 20090194370
    Abstract: A brake assembly (18) includes a permanent magnet (36) that generates a first magnetic field (52) in a direction that causes application of a clamping force on a brake disk (22). An electromagnet (38) is energized with current of a proper polarity to generate a second magnetic field (54) opposite the first magnetic field (52). The rate and magnitude at which current is applied produces a controlled repulsive force between the two magnetic fields (52, 54) to disengage the brake disk (22). As a distance between the permanent magnet (36) and the electromagnet (38) increases, the difference in field strength decreases until an equilibrium position is obtained. The brake is applied and released in a controlled manner by varying the strength of the second magnetic field (54) relative to the first magnetic field generated by the (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard N. Fargo
  • Publication number: 20090114461
    Abstract: A manual release mechanism for an electric braking assembly is provided. In various implementations, the manual release mechanism includes a shaft having an armature retraction cap connected to a distal end of the shaft and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The shaft includes threads that are mateable with threads provided in a bore of a magnet body of the braking assembly. The shaft threads are formed along at least a portion of the shaft such that a small angular displacement of the handle will cause an axial translation of the shaft within the magnet body. The axial translation will move the retraction cap to exert force on an armature plate of the braking assembly. The force of the retraction cap on the armature plate disengages contact between the armature plate and a friction disk of the braking assembly allowing the friction disk to rotate freely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Warren W. Clark, Landon N. Ball
  • Patent number: 7503438
    Abstract: A transmission brake (1) is described, where one transmission shaft (3) can be braked to carry out an upshift operation. The aim of the invention is to provide a transmission brake that is devoid of any hydraulic or pneumatic actuation device and that requires very little axial installation space. Such a transmission brake (1) has one electromagnetic actuation device (6, 7, 8) with which the friction elements (4, 5) of the transmission brake (1) can be pressed against each other for actuating the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Renner, Reiner Keller, Markus Ulbricht
  • Patent number: 7504920
    Abstract: A powdered metal electromagnetic is provided that has much less variance between units, increased frictional drag, reduced wear of itself and the brake drum disk during use and an increased resistance to moisture due to the use of a donor material that increases performance and reliability. In addition it can withstand much higher surface speeds while producing higher frictional drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Tekonsha Engineering Company
    Inventor: William E. Richeson
  • Publication number: 20090045020
    Abstract: A powdered metal electromagnetic is provided that has much less variance between units, increased frictional drag, reduced wear of itself and the brake drum disk during use and an increased resistance to moisture due to the use of a donor material that increases performance and reliability. In addition it can withstand much higher surface speeds while producing higher frictional drag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: WILLIAM E. RICHESON
  • Publication number: 20080283347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-energizing electromechanical friction brake includes a self-energizing device provided with, for example, a wedge mechanism. According to the invention, the friction brake is equipped with a linear drive, for example an electromagnet, for brake actuation. The self-energizing device converts a friction force exerted by a rotating brake body on a friction brake lining during braking actuated by the linear drive of an actuation device into a second contact pressure that presses the friction brake lining against the brake body in addition to the first contact pressure exerted by the actuation device. The self-energizing device provides a non-proportional characteristic magnetic force curve of the electromagnet of the linear drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Chi-Thuan Cao, Dietmar Baumann, Dirk Hofmann, Herbert Vollert, Willi Nagel, Andreas Henke, Bertram Foitzik, Bernd Goetzelmann
  • Patent number: 7451859
    Abstract: A magnetic damping device comprises a frame, a load wheel, two magnetic means, and a damping adjusting mechanism, wherein these two magnetic means have two arched plates that coaxially couple with each other by a connection shaft for synchronously adjusting the magnetic damping force. The damping adjusting mechanism has the structure for providing multi-sectional adjustment and for fine adjusting the magnetic damping force so as to provide the product with stable and uniform quality. As a result, the product can be maintained and tested easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Yen-Piao Yin
  • Publication number: 20080277214
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake device includes a motor, a control mechanism and an operation unit. The control mechanism includes a fixed seat, an electromagnetic valve, a press button and a rotation plate. The operation unit includes a mounting tube, a locking bar, a push button, and an elastic member. Thus, a user only needs to press the push button to lock or unlock the operation unit and the control mechanism to control operation of the electromagnetic valve so as to control the braking operation of the brake disc, so that the electromagnetic brake device is operated easily and quickly, thereby facilitating the user operating the electromagnetic brake device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Feng-Chu Chang
  • Publication number: 20080251329
    Abstract: Blocking apparatus, as well as a gearbox drive unit containing such a blocking apparatus, as well as a method for production of a gearbox drive unit such as this for blocking any rotary movement of a shaft (14) with respect to a housing (16) of the gearbox drive unit (10), having a first blocking element (32) which can rotate and having a second blocking element (34) which can be moved with respect to the first blocking element (32) by means of at least one electromagnet (44) and at least one return element (42), with the blocking elements (32, 34) engaging with one another in an interlocking form in the axial direction in the blocked state, and with at least one acoustic damping element (28) being arranged axially between the interlock (85) and the electromagnet (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Ulrich Rettmar, Peter Klobes
  • Publication number: 20080245626
    Abstract: An electromagnetic retarder used to reduce the speed of a rotating machine. This retarder comprises a stator through which a first shaft passes and a rotor which is assembled with the first shaft. The first shaft has a first end and a second end which are axially opposite and which can be coupled respectively to a second shaft which is linked to a motive source and a third shaft which is linked to a load. The first shaft is configured, at least at one of the two ends thereof, in such a way that it can be respectively coupled to the first or second shaft in an axially sliding manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: TELMA
    Inventor: Zeng Gang Liu
  • Publication number: 20080217123
    Abstract: In a vehicle parking system, when a selected shift position is changed between Park and a shift position other than Park, if both an electric motor of an electric parking lock mechanism and an electric motor of an electric parking brake mechanism are operated, these electric motors are started in such a manner that the times at which striking currents supplied to these electric motors reach their peaks are staggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kozo FUJITA
  • Publication number: 20080210501
    Abstract: A front electric brake assembly for assisting vehicle braking is provided. The front electric brake assembly includes a spindle that includes at least one mounting flange. A shaft extends substantially perpendicular from the spindle. An electric brake mounts to the at least one mounting flange of the spindle. A hub assembly rotates about the shaft and interconnects with the electric brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Warren Clark
  • Publication number: 20080190718
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating an electromechanically operable parking brake for motor vehicles with a driving engine furnished with a mechanical gear box, being substantially composed of an operating element, an electronic control unit, to which are sent wheel rotational speed values from wheel rotational speed sensors, at least one unit for generating a brake application force, and brake devices on at least one axle being lockable by the unit, with the electronic control unit actuating the unit after detection of a starting maneuver of the motor vehicle in the sense of a release operation of the parking brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Rainer Klusemann, Karel Stastny, Mirco Hinn, Ronald Kulbe
  • Patent number: 7354372
    Abstract: An electric actuator for an automatic transmission includes an adapter to transmit rotary motion between the adapter and the automatic transmission. An electric motor has an output shaft operably connected to the adapter by a gear set which includes a ring gear. The gear set reduces speed and increases torque supplied by the output shaft of the electric motor and applied to the adapter. A release mechanism is operably connected to the gear set and includes a lock member movable between a first position wherein the lock member is in engagement with the ring gear to lock the ring gear against rotary motion in both directions and a second position wherein the lock member is out of engagement with the ring gear to permit rotary motion of the ring gear in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7347305
    Abstract: An actuator for an electro-mechanical-brake motor assembly includes a housing surrounding a rotatable motor shaft presenting a longitudinal axis. A spring is non-rotatably supported on the housing. A latching device is non-rotatably supported by the housing. The latching device has a plurality of teeth. A latch gear is non-rotatably supported on the rotatable motor shaft and circumscribes the longitudinal axis and presents a plurality of axially facing angled teeth presenting a meshing engagement with the teeth of the latching device. The latching device is axially movable relative to the housing in response to magnetic force generated by the electric coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Klode, John B Hageman, Paul Rymoff, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070278053
    Abstract: This invention relates to a double-sided equipment for a braking system, comprising a first braking pad, a second braking pad, a braking component, a fixing spring component, a compression spring, and an electromagnet, wherein the braking component located between the first braking pad and the second braking pad is movable along the axle of the door operator but is unrotatabe with respect to the door operator axle. As a result of the compression spring, the first braking pad and the braking component will be pushed together towards the second braking pad, thereby the the braking component is clamped from its two sides by the two braking pads. When the first braking pad is retracted by the electromagnet, the fixing spring enables the braking component to separate from the second braking pad, causing the braking component to be fully separated from the first and second braking pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7281612
    Abstract: A brake structure for a roll-up door includes a brake drum fixed to a transmission shaft of a speed reducer. The brake drum receives a pair of brake shoes in opposite inner sides thereof. The brake shoes are pivotably connected to each other at an end of each brake shoe. A linking resilient member is connected between the free ends of the brake shoes. A brake pad is attached to a surface of each brake shoe facing the inner surface of the brake drum. A controlling lever is disposed at the top of the speed reducer corresponding to the free ends of the brake shoes. One end of the controlling lever is connected to an end of a fixing resilient member. The other end of the fixing resilient member is connected to a moving iron of a first solenoid. A clasping block is connected to the moving iron of the first solenoid. The other end of the controlling lever is connected to a moving iron of a second solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Anchuan Corporation
    Inventor: Chung-Jung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7241244
    Abstract: An electric actuator for an automatic transmission includes an adapter to transmit rotary motion between the adapter and the transmission. An electric motor has an output shaft operably connected the adapter by a gear set which includes a ring gear. A release mechanism includes a solenoid which selectively moves a lock member. In a first position, the lock member engages the ring gear to lock the ring gear so that the adapter is rotated by rotary motion of the output shaft and the adapter rotates to a predetermined zone about a desired gear position. In a second position, the lock member is out of engagement with the ring gear to permit rotation of the ring gear so that the adapter is rotated by internal forces of the transmission and the adapter automatically self-aligns to the exact desired gear position when the adapter is within the predetermined zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7205688
    Abstract: An actuator has an electric motor, a screw shaft connected to a rotational shaft of the electric motor in such a manner as to be capable of transmitting power, a nut member disposed on peripherally of the screw shaft and connected to the rotational shaft of the electric motor in such a manner as to be capable of transmitting the power and a ball rolling within a spiral groove formed between the screw shaft and the nut member, characterized in that the rotational speed of the screw shaft and the rotational speed of the nut member are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Otaki, Koji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7201696
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes a case, a pair of pinion gears, a pair of side gears and an electrically operable coupling including an electromagnet. The coupling selectively drivingly interconnects one of the side gears and the case. The electromagnet of the coupling is axially moveable within the case to selectively place the differential assembly in an open or a locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. DeGowske
  • Patent number: 7198137
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback with position sensing are described. In one described system, a first and second brake surfaces are configured to contact each other. An actuator may be configured to exert a force on at least one of the first and second brake surfaces in order to produce a haptic effect. The actuator comprises an actuator surface. The actuator surface defines a cavity configured to receive a sensing device. The first brake surface may comprise a coding from which the sensing device can sense relative movement of the first brake surface with respect to the sensing device. The described system may comprise a processor in communication with the actuator and the sensing device to control the actuator in providing the haptic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventor: Neil T. Olien
  • Patent number: 7188793
    Abstract: A spool control unit includes a circuit board, a plurality of electric components, an external device connector, and an insulating film. The circuit board includes a printed circuit on a surface thereof. The plurality of electric components include a microcomputer that controls the fishing equipment through a control program, and are disposed on the circuit board such that they are electrically connected to the printed circuit. The external device connector is mounted on the circuit board such that it is electronically connected to the printed circuit, and serves to connect to an external device. The insulating film covers at least a portion of the circuit board as well as the electric components but does not cover the regions of the circuit board on which the external device connector is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikuta, Ken′ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7178644
    Abstract: A retarder (16), as a braking device or auxiliary braking device for vehicles or the like, in particular rail vehicles, is described, having a stator (3), comprising at least two axially spaced-apart stator halves (3a, 3b), which each have magnetic field coils, and a rotor which is disposed between the at least two stator halves (3a, 3b), the rotor being coupled in a manner fixed against relative rotation to an axle (5) or shaft of the vehicle and the stator being coupled with the vehicle, or a undercarriage (19) of the vehicle. The rotor is formed by at least one rotor disk (1) divided into two parts, comprising two adjacent rotor halves (1a, 1b), which are joined to one another in a radially inner annular region, oriented toward the axle (5) or shaft, and are disposed in a radially outer annular section (7a, 7b), with axial clearance from one another (FIG. 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignees: Visapa, S.L.U.
    Inventors: Lothar Kloft, Pablo Carballo Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7168532
    Abstract: A magnetic braking system for inhibiting excessive motion between a float and a column intended to be placed in a body of water; with the float and column moving relative to each other as a function of the waves present in the body of water. The braking system includes a permanent magnetic assembly (PMA) mounted on, and attached to, one of the float and column and a coil assembly (or a conductive plate) mounted on, and attached to, the other one of the float and column. The braking system is mounted such that motion between the float and the column is inhibited when the displacement of the float relative to the column exceeds a predetermined operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: David B. Stewart, George W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7165737
    Abstract: A spool braking device for a dual-bearing reel that applies a braking force to a spool during casting includes a spool brake unit, a switch element, a casting state detecting device and a spool control device. The spool brake unit is configured to brake the spool and includes a rotor having a plurality of magnets and a plurality of coils. The magnets are arranged along a rotational direction with alternating polarities. The coils are arranged to be spaced apart in a circumferential direction. The coils have end faces that are arranged to face a side face of the rotor. Each of the coils has a winding diameter that is larger than a full length of the coil. The casting state detecting device is configured to detect a casting state. The spool control device is configured to control an on/off status of the switch element based on the casting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shouji Nakagawa, Takeshi Ikuta, Ken'ichi Kawasaki, Hiroaki Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 7137921
    Abstract: A method of transitioning between modes of differentiation in a differential includes measuring a vehicle parameter, determining a mode of differentiation, selectively providing an electrical signal to an electromagnet based on the determination, generating a magnetic field, moving the electromagnet and selectively operating the differential in one of an open mode of differentiation and a locked mode of differentiation in response to movement of the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. DeGowske
  • Patent number: 7124863
    Abstract: A brake assembly (1) for the coupling of two components, especially two stabilizer-halves of a motor vehicle stabilizer, with a brake housing (2), a motor shaft (3) penetrating through the brake housing (2), a magnet component (6) and an electrically connectable armature (9), rigidly connected with the brake housing (2) and the motor shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Martin Münster
  • Patent number: 7114674
    Abstract: An idler roll brake in a paper handing machine wherein the roll brake employs a brake shoe mounted to the roll end bearing. The brake shoe slides forward to bring the brake shoe against the interior surface of the roll. An electromagnet positioned external to and mounted closely spaced from the cylindrical shell the roll attracts a ferromagnetic armature or permanent magnet mounted to the brake to pull the brake shoe into engagement with the inner surface of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Fuchs, Michael J. Daul
  • Patent number: 7073639
    Abstract: A rotational machine includes a shaft, a rotary member rotatably mounted on the shaft with a bearing fitted between the shaft and the rotary member, an oil seal for sealing the bearing to prevent leakage of lubricant from inside the bearing through its axial end onto a surface of the rotary member, a brake which comes into sliding contact with a contact surface area formed on the surface of the rotary member for arresting rotation of the rotary member, a supporting member fixedly mounted on the shaft face to face with the rotary member forming a gap therebetween, the gap serving as a fluid path through which the lubricant which has leaked over the oil seal is allowed to flow, and an oil stop portion formed at a location in the gap between the oil seal and the contact surface area for impeding flow of the leaked lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ota, Akira Hashimoto, Shinichiro Yoshida, Yuji Nakahara, Hisanori Uozumi, Naoki Hashiguchi, Naoki Kajita
  • Patent number: 7073641
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking system for an electric motor, the braking system comprising: a chassis; and at least one brake supported by the chassis, the brake comprising: at least one brake disk connected via a fluted connection to a shaft driven by the motor; an armature that is movable in translation along an axis of rotation of the shaft; a plurality of armature-guiding spacers, at least one of the spacers being engaged at one end in a corresponding housing in the chassis, so as to enable the chassis to take up torque that is exerted on the brake during braking; a plurality of springs for urging the armature against the disk; and an electromagnet which, when powered, attracts the armature and moves it away from the disk against the action of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Moteurs Leroy-Somer
    Inventor: Pascal Carriot
  • Patent number: 7063190
    Abstract: A braking system having a brake disc and a brake plate. The brake disc and brake plate each include three plateaus that include ramps on each end. The plateaus of the brake disc are configured to substantially mate with the plateaus of the brake plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: MPC Products Corporation
    Inventors: Dale A. Sylvan, Craig H. Scott, Anton A. Petrou
  • Patent number: 7059453
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake interposed between a fixed housing and a rotating member. The electromagnetic brake includes a multiplate brake mechanism, a ringlike core member fixed through an annular brake guide inside the fixed housing, an exciting coil accommodated in an annular groove formed on the core member, and a ringlike armature member arranged radially outside of the core member. Each of the core member and the armature member has a plurality of tapering surfaces. The tapering surfaces of the core member are respectively complementary in shape to the tapering surfaces of the armature member. The electromagnetic brake further includes a cylindrical pressure member movable in a direction of pressing the multiplate brake mechanism. The cylindrical pressure member has one end fixed to the armature member and another end engaged with the multiplate brake mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichiro Yamamoto, Katsuhiro Kitamura, Rikiya Kunii, Keiichi Ooiso, Kenji Honda, Akihiro Iwazaki
  • Patent number: 7051846
    Abstract: An electric heat-generating circuit installed within disc brakes of vehicles to generate heat and dry the discs when current flows. An electromagnetic induction unit generates a current to the electric heat-generating circuit by using an electromagnetic induction phenomenon via the formation of a magnetic field. Therefore, a power can be supplied to discs by a wireless method using electromagnetic induction phenomenon, thereby enabling the brakes to maintain a dry state even during operation under wet conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong-Chan Lee
  • Patent number: 7022040
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes a case, a pair of pinion gears, a pair of side gears and an electrically operable coupling including an electromagnet. The coupling selectively drivingly interconnects one of the side gears and the case. The electromagnet of the coupling is axially moveable within the case to selectively place the differential assembly in an open or a locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. DeGowske, David M. Morse, John C. Hibbler
  • Patent number: 7011191
    Abstract: A locking strut including a housing with a piston rod extending therethrough. A baffle mounts on the piston rod to divide the housing into two chambers. An orifice through the baffle allows fluid to pass between the chambers to damp reciprocating movement. An electromagnetic driver within the housing is selectively energized to move a ferromagnetic plate between an open position, wherein fluid flows freely between the chambers, and a closed position, wherein the ferromagnetic plate blocks the orifice to prevent fluid flow between the chambers and lock the locking strut in position. A plurality of orifices may be spaced about the baffle, with the number and size of the orifices determining the damping capability of the locking strut. A plurality of drivers may be disposed within the housing to overcome fluid forces during movement of the locking strut between an extended and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Litens Automotive
    Inventors: Gary Spicer, Gerald J. Hamers, Terry Cleland, John W. Miller, Zbyslaw Staniewicz
  • Patent number: 7007779
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake assembly has a brake shoe) movable between a first position at which it is located in a braking engagement with a movable surface and a second position at which it is located out of braking engagement with the movable surface. An electromagnet is energizable to bias the shoe to one or other of the first and the second positions and a power supply is provided having a direct current source for supplying a direct current flow to energize the electromagnet. The power supply further has an alternating current source that provides an alternating current flow through the electromagnet with a successively decreasing amplitude characteristic, after interruption of the direct current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Conny Johansson, Lars Nygren, Bruno Slettenmark
  • Patent number: 6988742
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller ski comprising a ski body (1) having a front and a rear end. A wheel (2) is arranged at each end. The invention aims at providing a roller ski that resembles skiing on snow. In accordance with the invention the roller ski is provided with a wheel brake and a brake activator, which brake activator is arranged the wheel brake when a certain downward flexing of the ski is exceeded. The brake activator comprises electric brake activating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: RO Rollytech AB
    Inventors: Niclas Jonsson, Magnus Ingesson, Peter Stenlund, Roland Ohrvall
  • Patent number: 6982502
    Abstract: A hybrid linear actuator features a central load shaft on which a plurality of solid-state magnetostrictive thrusters are positioned in operative relation to electric motors of a permanent magnet synchronous type to impart linear thrust force to the load shaft through clutch units also positioned thereon and under control of force and stroke amplification of output force from motor shafts projecting from the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Musoke H. Sendaula, Joseph P. Teter, David J. Brady