Motion-converting Mechanism Patents (Class 310/20)
  • Publication number: 20100117462
    Abstract: A damper power-generating system includes a damper, a driving apparatus, and a generator. The driving apparatus simply consumes energy to do work for generation of electric power. That is, the work is done by utilizing the displacement due to the strong up-and-down vibration within a damper, wherein the displacement due to the up-and-down vibration drives a set of gear racks, which, in turns, drives gears having a one-way driving apparatus, so that rotation can be achieved in one direction, and, further, buffering springs and accelerative gears are used, so that speedy and uniform rotation can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: June-Chi WANG, Hon-Wei Hsiao, Dun-Zen Jeng, Chao-Ching Wang
  • Publication number: 20100079013
    Abstract: A machine for generating reciprocal motion includes a first magnet rotatable about a first magnet axis, a second magnet spaced apart from the first magnet and rotatable about a second magnet axis, and a third magnet arranged between the first and second magnets and reciprocatable therebetween. A switching mechanism is associated with the first and second magnets to rotate the first and second magnets between a first position, in which the first and second magnets respectively attract and repel the third magnet, and a second position, in which the first and second magnets respectively repel and attract the third magnet. The third magnet can be reciprocatable along a reciprocation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second magnet axes. The switching mechanism can include a first suspended weight that is selectively releasable to impel rotation of at least one of the first and second magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Brian WANDZILAK
  • Patent number: 7687944
    Abstract: The personal care appliance drive system includes a pair of linear actuators capable of operating both in an opposing phase mode or in a parallel (in-phase) mode. The system includes a motion converter assembly which converts the opposing phase action of the two linear actuators into a rotational action of an output drive shaft and converts in-phase action to a translation motion of the output shaft or to drive another function of the appliance, such as a pump. The motion converter, operating simultaneously in an opposing phase mode and in-phase modes, produces a complex motion of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Wolter Benning, John W. Pace
  • Patent number: 7682045
    Abstract: A linear actuator (1) comprising a housing (6), a motor (2) comprising a stator with coils (4), a screw-nut system, and a rotor (5) axially and radially supported on the motor side by a bearing (11). The bearing comprises a ball (14) rigidly attached to the rotor, a cylindrical cavity (15) formed or positioned in the housing into which the ball (14) is inserted. A stop (17) is positioned in the cavity, supported in an axial direction of the rotor, against the ball (14) in essentially one point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle de Sonceboz S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Pfister
  • Publication number: 20100066181
    Abstract: An engine powering device with magnetic components that aid in the operation of piston propelled engines by attaching the device individually to the pistons, causing the pistons to perform the up and down thrusts without the use of fuel combustion thereby mobilizing the engine, eliminating the necessity of fuel and preventing pollution exhausting into the atmosphere. An exemplary system for a magnetically controlled propelled engine that uses exhausted clean air from the engine that flows through an electric generating turbo or turbine to charge the battery to power the engine. Passenger compartment comfort heating is supplied by and electric liquid boiler or liquid heater with a circulation pump. A fuel door mounted universal electrical connector to aid in charging engine battery. This engine has magnetic shielding safety components to protect people and other electronic devices from strong rare earth magnets and electromagnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Christian Harvey Keller
  • Publication number: 20100045119
    Abstract: A system for generating electrical energy from ambient energy such as the energy of ambient motion and acoustic vibrations. The system has at least two stages, a resonating electrical generator and a kinetic energy conversion system. The stages have differing resonant frequencies to enable harvesting energy from lower frequency ambient motion and converting the energy to higher frequency resonant oscillation for efficiently generating electrical energy. A multiaxial system having a plurality of systems for generating electrical energy from ambient motion each oriented to be responsive to motion along a different axis. An embodiment of a system for generating electrical energy from ambient motion for which the resonating electrical generator is at least part of a driving mass of the kinetic energy conversion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Jackson, John F. Gardner, David Harris
  • Patent number: 7659647
    Abstract: An actuator. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a reversible electric motor having a stator having a housing, a rotor housed in the housing of the stator, and a shaft having a forward portion and a rearward portion extending oppositely and coaxially from the rotor, respectively; a fan member coaxially attached to the forward portion or the rearward portion of the motor shaft such that the fan member is operable simultaneously with the rotor of the reversible electric motor; and an electromagnetic brake movable between a first position and a second position, positioned in relation to the fan member such that when the electromagnetic brake is in the first position, the fan member is rotatable with the rotor of the reversible electric motor, and when the electromagnetic brake is in the second position, the fan member stops rotating firmly, thereby causing the motor stops instantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: I-Trust Better Life Corp
    Inventors: Quan Liu, Xiaoxiang Zhang, Jianming Qiu, Yanjun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090322163
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of engines. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods used in the field of energy generation. Embodiments of the present invention provide environmentally friendly piston engines and/or the capability of retrofitting existing combustion engines to provide engines that run using no or little fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: David Walters
  • Publication number: 20090315506
    Abstract: Over the course of decades, man has relied on the internal combustion engine to power such things as a car engine. Although efficient, fossil fuels are needed to power such engines, with a cost, not only to the environment but also for refueling. By resorting to the electro-mechanical piston engine to power such things as a car, you eliminate the need to burn fossil fuels which result in global warming and green house gases, which are currently destroying our environment. With the onboard charging system, you have the ability to charge the batteries while on the go, thus eliminating the need for refueling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Robichaud
  • Patent number: 7589445
    Abstract: A linear actuator includes a brushless polyphase synchronous electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The rotor acts on a control element via a driver which can transform the rotation movement thereof into a linear movement over several rotations. Preferably, the inventive actuator comprises elastic and/or magnetic return device which can systematically return the control element to a reference position when the power supply to the motor is cut. The motor has a position detection device which, together with an electronic control unit, is used for the automatic control and regulation of the position of the rotor and, therefore, the control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Moving Magnet Technologies, M.M.T.
    Inventors: Pierre Gandel, Daniel Prudham, Jean-Daniel Alzingre, Antoine Foucaut
  • Patent number: 7582995
    Abstract: A stepping motor comprises first to third coil portions and first to second rotors. The first rotor has a cylindrical shape and a circumferential surface thereof is magnetically-polarized so as to alternately arrange south poles and north poles. The first rotor is disposed inside the first and second coil portions, and is rotated by magnetic fields generated at a time when the first and second coil portions are energized. The second rotor has a disk shape and a surface thereof is magnetically polarized so as to alternately arrange south poles and north poles. The second rotor is disposed such that edge areas of both surfaces thereof are interposed between the second and third coil portions. The second rotor is rotated by magnetic fields generated at a time when the second and third coil portions are energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignees: Fujinon Corporation, FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ito, Yoji Naka, Takehiko Senba, Haruo Onozuka, Mitsuo Manabe
  • Patent number: 7564151
    Abstract: A stopper member is included in a linear actuator comprising a stator assembly, a rotor assembly, an output shaft, and a stopper pin which is fixedly disposed at a frontward portion of the output shaft, and which is adapted to axially control the mode and amount of movement of the output shaft initiated by rotation of the rotor assembly. The stopper member is disposed fixedly with respect to the stator assembly and stops the axial movement of the output shaft without making it happen that the stopper pin which moves together with the output shaft touches the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Suzuki, Shinji Tamaki
  • Patent number: 7557473
    Abstract: An electromagnetic engine comprises an electromagnet having opposing magnetic poles at ends thereof. A non-magnetic rigid support is mounted for oscillatory stroke movement relative to the electromagnet. A crankshaft is coupled to the support; a sensor is coupled to the crankshaft and outputs a crankshaft position signal. First and second permanent magnets are affixed to the support on either side of the electromagnet and are oriented so as to present the same magnetic pole to each respective end of the electromagnet. The permanent magnets are spaced from one another by a distance approximately equal to the distance between the first and second ends of the electromagnet plus the stroke movement of the support. A timing circuit is operative to switch the electromagnet between first and second energized states in response to the crankshaft position signal. Also disclosed is an electromagnetic engine in which a piston moves along guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Kala Butler
  • Publication number: 20090171460
    Abstract: An electromechanical system for the stimulating of vibration of biological tissue, particularly of the human throat tissue, is provided with an electromechanical converter (12) having a self-resonant frequency and being operative for converting electric energy into mechanical energy, designed as a linearly movable, driven element (14) arranged to osculate about a zero-point position or from a zero-point position into a positive or negative direction, and with a vibration surface (20) for acting on the bio-logical tissue. The driven element (14) of the electromechanical converter (12) is supported by an elastic, resilient unit (24) having a self-resonant frequency above the self-resonant frequency of the electromechanical converter (12), whereby the vibration surface (20) is caused to oscillate across a certain frequency range with a swing which at a constant input voltage is substantially constant across the frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Servona Gmbh
    Inventor: Martin Kuper
  • Publication number: 20090134722
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a magnet engine, more specifically an engine that derives its power from the power contained in a magnet (22) and employs a cam or barrel drive mechanism (28) to translate the power in the magnet (22) into useful power output. The magnet engine is comprised generally of one or more in-line reciprocating magnet (22) and piston (20) component pairs arranged circularly around and parallel to a central axis, one or more variable magnetic field conductors (23) positioned generally between and generally equidistant from each of the magnet (22) and piston (20) components, in a magnet (22) and piston (20) component pair, that effect a reciprocating motion in the magnet (22) and piston (20) components, and one or more cam drives (28), positioned concentric to the magnet (22) and piston (20) component pairs, that are employed to translate the reciprocating motion of the magnet (22) and piston (20) component pairs into rotary motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Henry Robert Gasull, III
  • Publication number: 20090090334
    Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder having a two pistons slidably disposed therein, a port arranged to admit a reactant into the cylinder between the two pistons, and a converter operable with at least one piston to convert mechanical energy of the piston to electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, William H. Gates, III, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20090058581
    Abstract: This invention describes a compact linear moving coil actuator that incorporates a piston bobbin coil assembly that provides a shaft with linear reciprocal movement. Optionally, a rotary motor can be coupled to the shaft to provide rotary reciprocal movement. The piston and bobbin sections of the piston bobbin coil assembly may be integrally formed as a single unitary piece and easily changed in size and/or configuration during manufacture to enable easier and more cost-effective assembly of various actuator sizes and configurations. Additionally, the compact size of the actuator requires less work space and also allows multiple actuators to be positioned next to each for various applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Edward A. NEFF, Toan Vu, Karl Stocks, Naoyuki Okada, Andrew Gladoch
  • Publication number: 20090009009
    Abstract: A yoke of an actuator of an active vibration isolation support system, which controls an internal pressure of a liquid chamber by reciprocally oscillating a movable core by energizing a coil, includes a cylindrical portion and a flange portion. The cylindrical portion is disposed on an outer side of the yoke in a radial direction and faces an inner peripheral surface of the coil, while the flange portion faces an end surface of the coil. The yoke further includes an inner inclined surface formed in an inner side of an intersection of the cylindrical portion and the flange portion, and inclined in such a manner that an outer side thereof in the radial direction with respect to an axis of an actuator inclines upward. Accordingly, the vector of a magnetic flux generated through the energization of the coil can be oriented toward the movable core from the flange portion of the yoke via the inner inclined surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: KEIHIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirozumi Kon
  • Patent number: 7471020
    Abstract: A linear actuator, preferably for sickbeds and beds for domestic use, comprises a reversible electric motor (2) which, via a reduction gear, drives a spindle (4) with a nut (5) secured against rotation so that an activating element (6) connected with the nut is moved to and fro in response to the direction of rotation of the motor. In an emergency, the actuator may be driven manually with a hand crank, as a rear attachment, with which the actuator is secured, has a longitudinal opening in the longitudinal axis of the spindle, whereby the hand crank may be caused to engage the spindle. For this purpose, a shaft member is mounted in the rear attachment, said shaft member being engaged with the spindle and protruding rearwards from the rear attachment with one end. Control of the motor typically takes place via an H-bridge so that the motor does not short-circuit when the actuator is operated manually, it is ensured that the motor is not self-locking when the actuator is operated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventor: John Abrahamsen
  • Patent number: 7446440
    Abstract: A permanent magnet reciprocating engine and method are provided wherein a first field plate having magnetic fields of two polarities interact with the magnetic field of a magnet located on a piston plate. The first field plate is moved to alternately bring the magnetic field of a first polarity and the magnetic field of a second polarity into alignment with the magnetic field of the piston plate, thus alternately attracting and repelling the piston plate to the field plate. The piston plate is connected to a piston rod, which reciprocates along an axis as a result of the alternately attractive and repulsive forces exerted on the piston plate by the field plate. A translation mechanism, such as a crankshaft, translates the linear motion of the piston rod along the axis into rotary motion that can be harnessed as power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Miodrag Mihajlovic
  • Patent number: 7443060
    Abstract: A resonator of an acoustic compressor is provided at each side of an actuator so that the two resonators are arranged side by side. Two pistons are provided at the inner ends of the resonators and actuated by the actuator. At the outer end of the each of the resonators, a gas is introduced into the resonator through a suction hole. When the pistons are actuated by the actuator, the gases in the two resonators are oscillated and compressed by the piston and discharged through discharge holes at the outer ends of the resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Anest Iwata Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Kawahashi, Mohammed Anwar Hossain, Tamotsu Fujioka
  • Patent number: 7440689
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated adjusting apparatus for lens is disclosed. The adjusting apparatus comprises a body capable of furnishing a lens inside, at least one permanent magnet, a first magnetic conductor and a second magnetic conductor. The first and the second magnetic conductors are respectively wound with a plurality of coils. The permanent magnet is adjoined to the body and has a first polarity and a second polarity opposing each other. The first magnetic conductor has at least a first extension member provided opposite to the first polarity. The second magnetic conductor has at least a second extension member provided opposite to the second polarity. The first extension member and the second extension member can better converge magnetic flux lines emanating from the coils when charged to the positions nearing the two polarities of the permanent magnet so high-efficiency focusing and zooming of lens can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Aiptek International Inc.
    Inventors: Kuo Tung Tiao, Shih Yuan Chang, Ming Jen Tsai
  • Patent number: 7436090
    Abstract: A rotary motor shaft extends through a rheological brake unit through which variable braking resistance to rotation of the motor shaft is applied while it undergoes rotation in response to torque mechanically applied thereto in sequence through a peripheral gear by a selected pair of diagonally aligned electro-magnetically energized push-rod actuators adjustably positioned axially along a varying diameter section of the gear under electrical control for stroke change to yield a variable output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David J. Brady, Joseph P. Teter
  • Patent number: 7411320
    Abstract: A motor includes a plurality of linearly activated pistons, positioned radially around an axis, which are selectively and sequentially biased against on offset element to produce rotation of a rotatable element about the axis. The motor further includes an power source, which may be electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic and a structure for supporting the pistons, the offset element and the rotational element, and providing direction of a desired motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: George E. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20080179971
    Abstract: An actuator assembly including an actuator housing assembly and a single axis of rotation locking member fixedly attached to a portion of the actuator housing assembly and an external mounting structure. The single axis of rotation locking member restricting rotational movement of the actuator housing assembly about at least one axis. The single axis of rotation locking member is coupled at a first end to the actuator housing assembly about a Y axis and at a 90° angle to an X and Z axis providing rotation of the actuator housing assembly about the Y axis. The single axis of rotation locking member is coupled at a second end to a mounting structure, and more particularly a mounting pin, about an X axis and at a 90° angle to a Y and Z axis providing rotation of the actuator housing assembly about the X axis. The actuator assembly is thereby restricted from rotation about the Z axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: James N. Quitmeyer, Dwayne M. Benson, Kellan P. Geck
  • Patent number: 7400069
    Abstract: A generator for producing electric power includes a drive mechanism, such as a drive motor, having a rotor supported for rotation about an axis. A first generator magnet driveable by the rotor includes a reference pole facing in a first direction. A second generator magnet driveable by the rotor includes a pole of opposite polarity from the reference pole located near the reference pole and facing in the first direction. The first and second generator magnets produce a magnetic field whose flux extends between the reference pole of the first generator magnet and opposite pole of the second generator magnet. A stator includes an electrical conductor winding located adjacent the first and second magnets such that the magnetic field repetitively intersects the winding as the rotor driveably rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Kundel
  • Publication number: 20080150297
    Abstract: A system for generating electric power includes an electric generator capable of generating such electric power upon supply of a rotational motion and an elongated member supported by air spring actuators which are mounted within a motor vehicle roadway for generating a vertical motion. A crank assembly is provided and has a first end thereof secured to a protruding end of an input shaft of the electric generator and has an opposed second end thereof operably connected to the elongated member for converting the vertical motion into the rotational motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Brett Shadwell
  • Publication number: 20080122299
    Abstract: An electro-magnetic reciprocating engine and method for converting an internal combustion engine to an electro-magnetic reciprocating engine wherein a ferrite magnet is secured to the top of each piston reciprocally disposed in a cylinder, and an electro-magnet spaced apart from said ferrite magnet on the top of each cylinder. The electro-magnets are energized with a constant voltage to create a magnetic field and the ferrite magnets are selectively intermittently polarized when the piston is about one degree past TDC. The ferrite magnets are polarized by contract strike through a distributor allowing the conventional camshaft to provide timing. The distributor is electrically coupled to a DC power source and a capacitor used to provide a stored but adjustable instant burst of voltage to the contact strike to optimize the magnetic field about the ferrite magnet to interact with the magnetic field about the electro-magnet to effect reciprocal motion of the pistons within the cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Cristoforo, Stephen Miles
  • Publication number: 20080093942
    Abstract: A step-by-step motor able to carry out up-and-down motion includes a housing, a bearing, a connecting member, a magnet, a rod unit, a right-handed coil, a reverse coil and a bayonet socket combined together. After the electric wires of the bayonet are electrically connected, the right-handed coil and the reverse coil respectively connected with the electric wires will be electrified to actuate the magnet and the connecting member to rotate clockwise or counter- clockwise. Simultaneously, the rod unit will be driven by the connecting member to move up or down linearly, able to carry out transmission effectively, small in size and taking less space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Hsian-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 7315098
    Abstract: A linear oscillator and an electric toothbrush capable of emitting a low noise and of being assembled compact are provided. The linear oscillator, which reciprocates a shaft in an axial direction thereof, includes a plunger movable together with the shaft in the axial direction of the shaft, an elastic member for applying an axially acting resilient force to the plunger, an electromagnetic driving unit operable to reciprocate the plunger in the axial direction of the shaft at a resonant frequency when an alternating current is supplied thereto, and a fixing member restricting rotation of the plunger about an axis thereof within a predetermined angle. The electric toothbrush includes the linear oscillator and a brush head attached to the shaft for use in brushing teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kunita, Yoshihiro Kitamura, Hidekazu Yabuuchi, Hiroki Inoue, Masayuki Suzuki, Tomohiro Izumi, Tomio Yamada, Katsuhiro Hirata, Yasushi Arikawa, Yoshitaka Ichii
  • Patent number: 7312541
    Abstract: In an actuator of a bonding apparatus, a rotating body 16 that has a bonding head is rotatably supported on a supporting carrier having the same shape as magnetic path members 32L and 32R, and coil portions 40 and 42 are disposed on both outer sides of this supporting carrier. Rectilinear magnetic fields created by the coil portions 40 and 42 and a circumferential magnetic field created by permanent magnets of the rotating body 16 act cooperatively via magnetic path members 32L and 32R in which a plurality of magnetic paths are formed, so that the rotating body 16 makes a movement combining rotation and a linear movement along the Y axis in accordance with the respective driving of the coil portions 40 and 42. The rotating body 16 is movable along the X and Y axes by the shape of the magnetic paths of the magnetic path members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventor: Manabu Haraguchi
  • Publication number: 20070241640
    Abstract: An inertial drive actuator includes a vibrating substrate configured to be reciprocally moved by small reciprocally displacements generated by a displacement generating unit arranged on a fixing member. The vibrating substrate has a first electrode on a plane of the vibrating substrate and an insulating layer on the first electrode. The inertial drive actuator further includes a mobile object arranged on the plane of the vibrating substrate and having a second electrode on a plane facing the first electrode through the insulating layer, a frictional force control unit configured to control frictional force between the vibrating substrate and the mobile object such that a potential difference is applied across the first electrode and the second electrode to cause electrostatic adsorptive force to act, and a frictional force applying unit configured to frictionally couple the mobile object and the vibrating substrate to each other by magnetic adsorptive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kaoru Matsuki
  • Patent number: 7268449
    Abstract: A stopper member is included in a linear actuator comprising a stator assembly, a rotor assembly, an output shaft, and a stopper pin which is fixedly disposed at a frontward portion of the output shaft, and which is adapted to axially control the mode and amount of movement of the output shaft initiated by rotation of the rotor assembly. The stopper member is disposed fixedly with respect to the stator assembly and stops the axial movement of the output shaft without making it happen that the stopper pin which moves together with the output shaft touches the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Suzuki, Shinji Tamaki
  • Patent number: 7262525
    Abstract: A rotor of a motor includes a cylindrical rotor shaft that is formed through plastic working. The shaft includes a positioning portion that is formed in an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical shaft by the plastic working of the shaft. The positioning portion is detachably engageable with a securing member, which is insertable into the shaft in an axial direction of the shaft to position the shaft in a circumferential direction. When the positioning portion is engaged with the securing member, relative rotation between the shaft and the securing member is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takenobu Kawakami, Kazunobu Kanno
  • Patent number: 7239052
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator. A yoke includes a first opening and a second opening, a frame, and a path. A first magnet is disposed in the first opening in the vicinity of the frame. A second magnet is disposed in the second opening in the vicinity of the frame. A coil comprises a wire surrounding the path. A light shield is connected to an end of the coil. A guiding element disposed outside the path is connected to an end of the coil. When current passes through the coil, the coil moves along the path by magnetic induction between the first magnet and the second magnet such that the iris diaphragm is adjustable by the light shield. When there is no current through the coil, dynamic force produced by the guiding element returns the light shield to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chii-How Chang, Sean Chang
  • Patent number: 7239050
    Abstract: There is provided a uniaxial drive unit using a linear motor having a fixed part which is a rod-shaped magnet fixed to a unit body and formed so that the N poles and the S poles are arranged alternately; and a moving part which is a ring-shaped member having a coil member, fitted on the fixed part, and capable of moving along the fixed part. A driving section provided so as to be slidable in the uniaxial direction with respect to the unit body is connected to the moving part or a balance weight fixed to the moving part by a winding motion transmission member via a winding motion transmitting support member provided near one end or both ends of the unit body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7218022
    Abstract: A linear actuator for displacing a member or a set of movable members, having an electric stepping motor (7) with a rotor having a portion in the form of a nut (9), and a linear-movement screw (12) engaging the nut portion of the rotor. The screw has a coupling portion (19) disposed at an extremity and intended to engage a coupling portion (5) of the movable member to be displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Société Industrielle de Sonceboz, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-François Pfister, Pierre Gandel
  • Patent number: 7199494
    Abstract: The invention proposes an electric linear actuator with a take-off element (12) that is adjustably supported on a main housing (5) and is connected to and driven by an electric motor (14) via a spindle drive (8). This connection is realized in the form of a purely plug-type coupling (41) that is formed by a gear transmission (43). The gear transmission (43) comprises a first transmission gear (44) that forms part of the spindle drive (8) and a second transmission gear (45) that together with the electric motor (14) forms part of a motor module (3). When the motor module (3) is attached or removed, the teeth of the gear transmission (43) are disengaged or disengaged automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Rapp, Thomas Feyrer
  • Patent number: 7151332
    Abstract: A motor includes a rotor supported for rotation about an axis, at least one pair of rotor magnets spaced angularly about the axis and supported on the rotor, at least one reciprocating magnet, and an actuator for moving the reciprocating magnet cyclically toward and away from the pair of rotor magnets, and consequently rotating the rotor magnets relative to the reciprocating magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen Kundel
  • Patent number: 7141897
    Abstract: An electric actuator that is capable of driving a motor in a cylindrical structure, such that the electric actuator itself can be expanded. The electric actuator includes: a motor for driving the electric actuator and a screw cylinder for connecting a shaft of the motor to a connecting part and for surrounding the external surface of the motor. The screw cylinder has right-handed and left-handed screw recesses formed thereon, and has first and second ball screw nuts. The first ball screw nut has a first electronic brake mounted thereon and the second ball screw nut has a second electronic brake mounted thereon, thereby enabling a non-stop reciprocating linear movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Cheung-Geun Park
  • Patent number: 7026900
    Abstract: A magnetic motion device is disclosed, wherein a permanent magnet slides back and forth along a pivoting rail due to the interaction between the slide's magnetic field, the magnetic fields produced by a permanent/electromagnet combination at each end of the rail, and gravitational force. The ends of the rail thereby move up and down in a reciprocating, “see-saw” fashion. Power-take-off mechanisms can be connected in any suitable manner to the device, so that the motion of the rail can power an external device such as a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: John Gregory, James Kearns
  • Patent number: 7021603
    Abstract: A magnetic device is formed from a permanent magnet generating magnetic flux, an armature which can occupy two positions between four poles and an electromagnet winding to which current can be supplied to produce a magnetic flux in one direction or the other, the flux from the winding causing the armature to move into one position and continue to remain in that position after the current flow ceases. The device can be incorporated into a fluid valve to act as a drive for opening and closing the valve. It may also serve as the drive for opening and closing electrical contacts. Monostable operation can be achieved by locating a magnetic flux shunt at one end of the armature travel. A holding solenoid may be incorporated. A pivoting armature in a fluid tight chamber comprises a fluid flow controlling device. It can adopt either of two home positions in contact with two magnetic poles and is retained by magnetic flux from a permanent magnet. Fluid can flow into and out of the chamber via a first passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Wladyslaw Wygnaski
  • Patent number: 7009315
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting vibration energy into electric power is provided, in which vibration of a power source is transmitted to a power-generating coil 14, and is then transmitted to an iron core 20 via helical compression springs 26 and 28, thereby causing relative movement between the iron core 20 and the power-generating coil 14 due to inertia, resulting in a change in the magnetic field. An electromotive force is thus generated due to electromagnetic induction, thereby causing a current to flow to an electric wire material 18. Specifically, use of vibration of the power source as energy for power generation can achieve efficient use of energy. The acquisition of electric energy by the power generation may also lead to mitigation of the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kesatoshi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6962015
    Abstract: A sound actuated display device incorporating a vibratory-rotary motion converter to convert vibrations resulting from sounds and music to rotary motion. The rotary motion causes display elements to move and pulse in a manner synchronized to the rhythms of the sounds and music. The result is an aesthetically interesting display of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventors: Wesley Tyler, George Tyler
  • Patent number: 6909223
    Abstract: A rotation/displacement converting actuator has an actuator unit constituted by a displacing body and an actuator in which the displacing body can be linearly displaced. The actuator has a pair of plate-shaped bases, a rotor, a vibrating element that rotates the rotor, and a cam mechanism for converting rotary motion of the rotor to linear motion of the displacing body. The rotor is fixed to a shaft to which the rotor (cam rotor) is fixed. An outer circumferential surface of the rotor constitutes a cam surface of the cam mechanism. A roller is provided at a tip portion of the displacing body. The roller abuts on the outer circumferential surface (cam surface) of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 6879065
    Abstract: An improved linear actuator incorporates a DC motor whose stator is secured to a frame is provided for. To improve operational longevity and reliability of a linear actuator, the improved actuator includes a retention clutch and an axial load limiter. An axially configured retention clutch is configured to slidably fit within the open inner channel diameter of an axial load limiter and over a motor shaft of a linear actuator. In operation, the retention clutch reduces the impact loads on the stop and extending the fatigue life of these wearable components. Similarly, when the screw encounters axial loads during operation, these loads are distributed across both the axial load limiter and the motor, thereby reducing direct forces on the motor and contributing to an extended use of the motor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse Vernon Corbett, Jr., Richard Hunter Harris, Mark Leland Myers
  • Patent number: 6857332
    Abstract: An actuator (1) for the linear displacement of a member to be controlled comprising a motor part (2) and an actuating device part (3) including a threaded screw (11) with linear displacement, and a rotary member (9) provided with a threaded portion (10) matching the screw thread, the rotary member capable of being driven in rotation by the motor part and being supported by bearings (15,16) in the form of roller bearing stops with four contact points arranged on either axial side of said threaded portion to guide the rotary member axially and radially. The raceways of the balls are directly in the rotary member and integral with parts of the body (14) or the cover (13) of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle de Sonceboz SA
    Inventor: Jean-François Pfister
  • Publication number: 20040222706
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical linear drive, in particular for an injection moulding machine, comprising an electric motor with a hollow-shaft rotor, open on one side, with a subsequent screw gear which converts the rotational movement of the hollow-shaft rotor into a linear movement. The hollow-shaft rotor is supported on the motor housing, at the end thereof closed by a end wall, such as to rotate, by means of a central bearing spigot projecting axially from the end wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Demag Ergotech GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Ickinger
  • Patent number: 6806597
    Abstract: To provides a lead screw type stepping motor which is excellent in a response and controllability and can carry out an accurate initial alignment, a rotor (2) is rotatably supported inside of a stator (1) around which an exciting coil (1A) is wound, a female threaded hole (2A) is provided in the center of the rotor (2), a slider (6) is arranged to be engaged with the female threaded hole (2A), a slit groove (6C) shaped in an oblong hole is pierced through in the slider (6), which is movably arranged in a guide hole (3B) of a case (3), a guide pin (7) is arranged to be inserted into the slit groove (6C), and both ends of the guide pin (7) are press inserted and fixed to a bearing portion (3A) in which the guide hole (3B) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6794772
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly is provided that includes a housing. A rotor is arranged in the housing and is rotatable about an axis. A vehicle wheel is coupled to the rotor. The rotor has an annular profile defining sinusoidal teeth and is generally concentric with the axis. The angle and number of oblique surfaces of the teeth and the diameter of the rotor, in part, define the speed and torque of the rotor. A plurality of electric linear actuators are arranged circumferentially about and generally parallel to the axis. The actuator includes shafts having ends that engage the profile. The shafts are movable between extended and retracted positions to rotate the rotor in a desired direction. A sensor detecting the position of the rotor and a controller may be used to effect the desired rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Dale K. Bell, Dennis A. Kramer, Clive Harrup, Mehmet S. Ciray, Silvio M. Yamada, Dean M. House, David K. Platner, Dale J. Eschenburg