Magnetostrictive Patents (Class 310/26)
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Patent number: 8736145Abstract: A micro or nano electromechanical transducer device formed on a semiconductor substrate comprises a movable structure which is arranged to be movable in response to actuation of an actuating structure. The movable structure comprises a mechanical structure having at least one mechanical layer having a first thermal response characteristic, at least one layer of the actuating structure having a second thermal response characteristic different to the first thermal response characteristic, and a thermal compensation structure having at least one thermal compensation layer. The thermal compensation layer is different to the at least one layer and is arranged to compensate a thermal effect produced by the mechanical layer and the at least one layer of the actuating structure such that the movement of the movable structure is substantially independent of variations in temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignees: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Commissariar รก l'Energie Atomique at aux Energies Alternatives (CEA)Inventors: Lianjun Liu, Sergio Pacheco, Francois Perruchot, Emmanuel Defay, Patrice Rey
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Publication number: 20140097709Abstract: A power generation switch includes: parallel beams including at least one magnetostrictive rod made of a beam-shaped magnetostrictive material; a coil wound around the rod; a first connecting part connecting two beams in the parallel beams together, at first ends of the parallel beams; a second connecting part connecting the two beams together at second ends of the parallel beams; a field part that produces magnetic flux to pass through the two beams in the same direction; and an operating part operable by a user. The first connecting part is a non-displaced fixed end. The second connecting part is a free end for free oscillation. The operating part applies external force to the second connecting part to cause free oscillation of the parallel beams, thereby causing a positive axial force in one of the two beams and a negative axial force in the other one of the two beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KANAZAWA UNIVERSITYInventors: Toshiyuki UENO, Yoshio IKEHATA, Sotoshi YAMADA
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Publication number: 20140091646Abstract: An actuator having a drive element which is made of a magnetic shape memory material, can be driven in response to electrical control of a plurality of coil apparatuses (10, 12) and is designed to carry out an expansion movement in response to said control, wherein the coil apparatuses are magnetically connected to the drive element (14) via flux-concentrating means (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30), and a flux-concentrating section of the flux-concentrating means is associated with the coil apparatuses for interaction with the drive element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: ETO MAGNETIC GmbHInventors: Thomas Schiepp, Markus Laufenberg
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Patent number: 8665228Abstract: An electronic device including an interactive display having an interactive mode and a non-interactive mode. The interactive display includes an image display device that displays a user-interactive imaged keypad in at least a portion of the image display device when the interactive display is in the interactive mode and that displays other image data in the at least a portion of the image display device when the interactive display is in the non-interactive mode, a substantially transparent physical keypad that provides tactile feedback to a user indicating location of keys within the imaged keypad, one or more permanent magnets disposed within the physical keypad, and one or more charged electrical circuit elements oriented so that movement of the one or more permanent magnets relative to the one or more charged electrical circuit elements results in generation of electricity.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Tactile Displays, LLCInventor: R. O'Neal Gray
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Patent number: 8659208Abstract: An electrical waveform generator for driving an electromechanical load includes a digital signal processor connected to a waveform generator component in turn connected to an amplifier section with a filter network, the latter being connected to sensing and conditioning circuit componentry that is in turn connected to analog-to-digital converter circuitry. A digital memory stores digitized voltage and current waveform information. The processor determines a phase difference between voltage and current waveforms, compares the determined phase difference to a phase difference command and generates a phase error or correction signal. The processor also generates an amplitude error signal for inducing the amplifier section to change its output amplitude to result in a predetermined amplitude error level for a respective one of the voltage and current waveforms.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Misonix, Inc.Inventors: Emery Rose, Ronald R. Manna, Salvatore Pantano
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Patent number: 8653719Abstract: A dynamic three-degree-of-freedom actuator/transducer element comprising at least three piezoceramic actuators and force sensors, as integrated stacks, which are preloaded in the housing by a low-stiffness tension bar, and are constrained, by means of a flexible shell, against shear force and torsion moment, whereby the element, when powered by external voltage source, is able to generate a dynamical axial force and displacement and dynamical bending and moment in the two principal tilt degrees of freedom around two orthogonal axes perpendicular to the principal displacement. When subjected to an axial force or a tilting moment, the transducer is able to generate charges that are proportional to the exerted force and moments.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U.Leuven R&DInventors: Farid Al-Bender, El Said Mohamed Mohamed, Hendrik Van Brussel
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Publication number: 20140009007Abstract: A device generates electrical energy from mechanical motion in a downhole environment. The device includes a magnetostrictive element and an electrically conductive coil. The magnetostrictive element has a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are coupled between two connectors. The magnetostrictive element is configured to experience axial strain in response to radial movement of at least one of the connectors relative to the other connector. The electrically conductive coil is disposed in proximity to the magnetostrictive element. The coil is configured to generate an electrical current in response to a change in flux density of the magnetostrictive element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Zachary Murphree, Balakrishnan Nair
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Publication number: 20130333947Abstract: A motor includes: a rotor including an undulated surface; a rod disposed about the rotor; and a coil disposed about the rod to induce shape changes in the rod, which in turn impart forces to the undulated surface to rotate the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventor: Richard Thomas Hay
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Publication number: 20130328316Abstract: A magnetostrictor assembly (100) includes a magnetostrictor element (105), a conductor coupled to the magnetostrictor element, and a bluff body (101) coupled to the magnetostrictor element via a transfer arm (103). The bluff body is to be placed in a fluid flow path to, at least in part, produce motion that, at least in part, causes strain in the magnetostrictor element. A preload mechanism comprising a control circuit (1100) may optimize a magnetostrictive generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Michael Fripp
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Patent number: 8519594Abstract: One or more superconductive cells are connected in series to provide voltage arising from the Hall effect when cooled to superconductor temperatures and immersed in a magnetic field. The magnetic field causes the Hall-effect voltage to develop across the London penetration depth, normal to the surface of each superconductive cell. Conductors connect the back side of one cell with the front side of the adjacent cell. Each superconductive cell is at least the thickness of one London penetration depth.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Inventor: David Mitchell Boie
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Publication number: 20130214619Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting electrical power from mechanical energy is described. The apparatus includes at least one magnetostrictive element, at least one electrically conductive coil or circuit, and a magnetic circuit coupled to the electrically conductive coil or circuit to increase or maximize power production. The magnetostrictive element is configured to experience a forced stress and strain in response to external mechanical excitations. The electrically conductive coil or circuit is configured to produce electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: OSCILLA POWER INC.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Zachary Murphree, Andrew Joseph Gill, Jesse Alan Nachlas
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Publication number: 20130193693Abstract: Multi-Mechanism Energy Harvesters (MMEHs) combining magnetostrictive and inductive mechanisms with a shape and size similar to an AA battery. Included are MMEHs with (a) an inductive mode: a cylindrical tube, a rod lengthwise within the tube, permanent magnets with opposing polarities at opposing ends of the tube, an annular oscillatory magnet in the tube and between the magnets and around the rod; and a primary coil around the tube and oscillatory magnet, such that relative movement between the magnet and coil induces electrical current in the coil; and (b) a magnetostrictive mode comprising: piezoelectric cymbal transducers on opposing ends of the tube and comprising a magnetostrictive material surrounded by a secondary coil, such that movement of the magnetostrictive material induces voltage in the secondary coil. During use, electrical energy can be harvested from the relative motion between the magnet and coil and from the magnetostrictive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventor: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
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Patent number: 8487487Abstract: Apparatus includes a magnetostrictive actuator of a medical ultrasound transducer assembly. The actuator comprises a magnetostrictive alloy chosen from a list. A medical ultrasound handpiece includes an ultrasound transducer assembly adapted to attachingly receive an end effector. The transducer assembly includes a magnetostrictive actuator having a magnetostrictive alloy, and includes a first coil surrounding the actuator and adapted to excite the actuator to substantially a desired medical resonant frequency and substantially a desired medical amplitude. A medical ultrasound system includes a handpiece housing, a first medical ultrasound transducer assembly, and a first medical end effector attachable to the first transducer assembly. The first transducer assembly includes a magnetostrictive first actuator having a first magnetostrictive alloy.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Hans Jaeger
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Publication number: 20130175888Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting electrical power from mechanical energy is described. The apparatus includes: a flux path. The flux path includes: a magnetic material having a magnetic property that is a function of stress on the magnetic material; a first magnetically conductive material proximate the magnetic material; a magnet in the flux path, wherein a magnetomotive force of the magnet causes magnetic flux; and a component configured to transfer changes in load caused by an external source to the magnetic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: OSCILLA POWER INC.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Andrew Joseph Gill, Zachary Murphree
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Patent number: 8471432Abstract: A magnetostrictive actuator comprises an assembly of at least two GMM rods (8, 9) spaced apart from each other on the same longitudinal axis, each rod being surrounded by a respective energising electromagnetic coil (10,11) 5 and being mounted between respective biasing permanent magnets (12, 13, 14), the assembly being mounted between mechanical pre-stressing means (20, 21) and a foot (3) adapted to couple the forces produced by the actuator into a surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: FeONIC PLCInventors: Kamlesh Prajapati, Neil Munns, Martin Geoffrey Aston, Christopher Tiler
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Publication number: 20130140919Abstract: A power generation element includes: a first magnetostrictive rod made of a magnetostrictive material; a rigid rod made of a magnetic material and disposed in parallel with the first magnetostrictive rod, the magnetic material having rigidity and a shape that enable uniform application of compression force or tensile force to the first magnetostrictive rod; a first coil wound around the first magnetostrictive rod; and two connecting yokes each of which is provided at one end of each of the first magnetostrictive rod and the rigid rod to connect the first magnetostrictive rod and the rigid rod, wherein the power generation element generates power through expansion or contraction of the first magnetostrictive rod due to vibration in a direction perpendicular to an axis direction of the first magnetostrictive rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KANAZAWA UNIVERSITYInventor: National University Corporation Kanazawa University
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Patent number: 8416972Abstract: A hermetically sealed actuator design for absorbing and reducing the effect of sound or vibration energy from a vibrating surface. The device comprises a body (1) containing a magnetostrictive core (2-6) a reaction mass (7) for energizing the actuator by compression, and a bearing or lever system to control the movement of the reaction mass. The actuator has a foot (11) for receiving the vibration from the structure into the device and a sensor (13) for monitoring vibration levels. The device can also function as an audio transmitter whereby it vibrates the surface onto which it is mounted and can be used for audio trans-10 mission through the structure or noise and vibration reduction by driving the surface out of phase with the vibration received from the structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: FeONIC PLCInventors: Martin Geoffrey Aston, Kamlesh Prajapati, Neil Munns, Christopher Tiler
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Patent number: 8384501Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator (1) with an armature (3) mounted so that the armature can be moved by virtue of a bearing arrangement (6A, 6B) and an electric coil (4) is provided for moving the armature (3). A magnetostrictive element (8) is provided, by which relative movement between the armature (3) and at least part of the bearing arrangement (6A, 6B) is produced.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Michael Pantke
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Patent number: 8378532Abstract: Actuator apparatus having a drive element (26) which can tilt and/or pivot in a predetermined manner in response to electrical activation and which is formed such that it can be contacted by an output partner in order to transmit mechanical drive energy, wherein the drive element, as a connection element, is operatively connected to two expansion units (10, 12; 40, 42), which are formed by means of magnetic shape-memory alloy material, such that the connection element executes a tilting and/or pivoting movement in response to an expansion or contraction movement of one of the expansion units, expansion or contraction movement being produced by the electrical activation and also a magnetic field which is generated by said electrical activation.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: ETO MAGNETIC GmbHInventor: Markus Laufenberg
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Publication number: 20130033130Abstract: An apparatus harvests electrical power from mechanical energy. The apparatus includes first and second load-bearing structures, a plurality of magnetostrictive elements, and an electrical circuit or coil. The load-bearing structures experience a force from an external source. The magnetostrictive elements are arranged between the load-bearing structures. The load-bearing structures transfer at least a portion of the force to at least one of the magnetostrictive elements. In this way, at least one of the magnetostrictive elements experiences the force transferred from the load-bearing structures. The force on the magnetostrictive element causes a change in magnetic flux of the magnetostrictive element. The electrical circuit or coil is disposed within a vicinity of the magnetostrictive element which experiences the force. The electrical circuit or coil generates electric power in response to the change in the magnetic flux of the magnetostrictive element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: OSCILLA POWER INC.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Andrew Joseph Gill, Zachary Murphree
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Publication number: 20130002056Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for harvesting electrical power from fluid motion are described. The apparatus includes a magnetostrictive component having an internal pre-stressed magnetostrictive core. A magnetic property of the magnetostrictive core is configured to change with changes in stress within the magnetostrictive core along at least one direction within the magnetostrictive component. Also, forces at least partially due to fluid motion results in changes of stress within the magnetostrictive core and consequently change the magnetic property. The magnetostrictive component is further configured such that the change in the magnetic property will result in a change in the magnetic flux, which can be used to generate electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: OSCILLA POWER INC.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Andrew Joseph Gill, Zachary Murphree
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Publication number: 20130002057Abstract: Actuator having a drive element (16) which can be driven in reaction to electrical operation of a coil device (14), said drive element consisting of a magnetic shape-memory material and being designed to transmit mechanical drive energy to an actuating partner (28), wherein the drive element, which is in the form of an expansion unit (16) and is aligned such that it extends in a drive direction (22), is associated with a pair of laterally adjacent magnetic flux guide elements (18, 20) for a magnetic flux produced by the coil device, such that the magnetic flux is guided between the flux guide elements through the expansion unit and transversely with respect to the drive direction, the coil device (14) being provided such that it is circumferential around the expansion unit (16) which extends axially in the drive direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: ETO MAGNETIC GMBHInventors: Markus Laufenberg, Oliver Thode
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Publication number: 20120326536Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting energy is described. The apparatus includes a vibration component and a moving mass. The vibration component has a first and second end and further includes a magnetostrictive material. The vibration component further includes a conduction coil wrapped around the magnetostrictive material. The moving mass is coupled to the second end of the vibration assembly. The mass is configured to move in an oscillating path in response to forces acting on the vibration energy harvesting apparatus, inducing strain on the magnetostrictive material. The strain on the magnetostrictive material changes a magnetic property of the magnetostrictive material, inducing electrical energy in the conduction coil wrapped around the magnetostrictive material. Other embodiments of the apparatus are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: OSCILLA POWER INC.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Zachary Murphree
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Patent number: 8338993Abstract: To provide an actuator that can flexibly and softly move like muscles, can maintain a stable operation over a long period of time, can generate a strong driving force, has a rapid input response, has a favorable sensitivity, has a high energy conversion efficiency, and can be accurately controlled, a coil is embedded in a magnetic elastomer obtained by mixing a powder-like ferromagnetic or highly magnetic permeable material with an elastomer, so that the coil can be electrically connected. By electrically connecting the coil, a magnetic field generates in the coil and around the coil. The magnetic field penetrates the magnetic elastomer. When the magnetic field generates in the magnetic elastomer, deformation force acts on the magnetic elastomer by the magnetic force acting on each portion in the magnetic elastomer. Thus, driving force can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Kyushu Institute of TechnologyInventor: Keiichi Kaneto
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Patent number: 8330334Abstract: Provided are a piezoelectric energy harvester and a method of manufacturing the same. The piezoelectric energy harvester is configured to obtain primary voltage from a piezoelectric layer vibrated to generate voltage and secondary voltage from a magnetostrictive layer vibrated to induce a change in magnetic field and a coil surrounding the magnetostrictive layer. Thus, it is possible to obtain sufficient voltage to drive a power conditioning circuit (PCC).Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Sang Kyun Lee, Seung Eon Moon, Yil Suk Yang, Kang Ho Park, Jong Dae Kim
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Publication number: 20120293023Abstract: Tunable microwave magnetic devices that provide increased performance with reduced size, weight, and cost. The disclosed microwave magnetic devices are voltage-tunable devices that include ferrite substrates. To tune the devices, the magnetic permeability of the respective ferrite substrates is varied by external, voltage-tuned, magnetic fringe fields created by one or more magnetoelectric (ME) transducers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITYInventors: Vincent Harris, Anton Geiler, Carmine Vittoria
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Patent number: 8308874Abstract: An alloy comprising: a magnetostrictive iron alloy having the formula: FexGayAlz, where x is of from about 65 at % to about 90 at %, y is of from about 5 at % to about 35 at %, and z is of from about 0 at % to about 30 at %; and wherein said alloy has a room temperature magnetostriction of at least approximately 150 ppm. An alloy having a saturated magnetostriction of from about at least 150 ppm comprising: a magnetostrictive iron alloy having the formula: FexGayBet, where x is of from about 65 at % to about 90 at %, y is of from about 1 at % to about 35 at %, and t is of from about 1 at % to about 30 at %; and wherein said alloy has a room temperature magnetostriction of at least approximately 150 ppm.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Arthur E. Clark, Marilyn Wun-Fogle, James B. Restorff, Thomas A. Lograsso, Rick Allen Kellogg
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Publication number: 20120280516Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an energy conversion device comprising: a casing; a magnet disposed in the casing: an object in the casing attracted to the magnet and free to move relative to the magnet in at least two degrees of freedom; and at least one transducer element positioned to be affected by changes in a magnetic field of the magnet; wherein movement of the object relative to the magnet varies the magnetic field through the at least one transducer element, thereby generating electrical potential across a part of the at least one transducer element. In some embodiments, the transducer element may comprise a magnetostrictive piezoelectric (MP) element and the electrical potential may be generated across a piezoelectric part of the MP element. Alternatively, the transducer element may comprise an electromagnetic (EM) coil element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventor: Scott David Moss
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Publication number: 20120228877Abstract: A system to harvest energy from shaft rotation includes a housing, a curved shaft disposed within the housing, and a magnetostrictive material embedded in the housing. A rotation of the curved shaft strains the magnetostrictive material, generating an electrical current in a conductor disposed proximate to the magnetostrictive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventor: Robello Samuel
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Publication number: 20120204550Abstract: A dynamic three-degree-of-freedom actuator/transducer element comprising at least three piezoceramic actuators and force sensors, as integrated stacks, which are preloaded in the housing by a low-stiffness tension bar, and are constrained, by means of a flexible shell, against shear force and torsion moment, whereby the element, when powered by external voltage source, this actuator/transducer is able to generate a dynamical axial force and displacement and dynamical bending and moment in the two principal tilt degrees of freedom around two orthogonal axes perpendicular to the principal displacement and when subjected to an axial force or a tilting moment, the transducer is able to generate charges that are proportional to the said exerted force and moments.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Farid Al-Bender, El Said Mohamed Mohamed, Hendrik Van Brussel
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Patent number: 8237525Abstract: Conventional devices have a valve needle and a shape memory element which, by the application of a controllable magnetic field, executes a control stroke travel that operates the actuator, and having a coil that excites the magnetic field which is situated in a magnet housing which, at its end face, is bordered with respect to an actuating axis by a front wall in each case, the front walls having a through opening radially within the coil. It is a disadvantage that the magnetic field excited around the coil is conducted unfavorably, so that at most a slight magnetic field develops in the shape memory element. The shape memory element has a magnetic field flowing through it, in the direction of its longitudinal extension, if at all. Since the shape memory element has a high magnetic resistance and is developed to be very long in the axial direction, only a very weak magnetic field can be induced in the shape memory element.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Anh-Tuan Hoang, Martin Maier, Guenther Hohl
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Patent number: 8212436Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting electrical power from mechanical energy is described. The apparatus includes: a flux path. The flux path includes: a magnetic material having a magnetic property that is a function of stress on the magnetic material; a first magnetically conductive material proximate the magnetic material; a magnet in the flux path, wherein a magnetomotive force of the magnet causes magnetic flux; and a component configured to transfer changes in load caused by an external source to the magnetic material.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Oscilla Power, Inc.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Andrew Joseph Gill, Zachary Murphree
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Patent number: 8198761Abstract: A magnetic drive motor includes a housing; a plurality of cylinders bored in the housing, each cylinder having an upper end; a piston reciprocatingly received within each cylinder; a cylinder head covering the upper end of each cylinder; an electromagnet secured within each cylinder head; a source of electrical energy coupled with each electromagnet for delivering electrical energy to each said electromagnet; means for controlling delivery of electrical energy to each electromagnet such that when the electromagnet receives electrical energy, the electromagnet produces a magnetic force which impinges and attractive force upon the piston, urging the piston toward the electromagnet; and a magnetic shield within each cylinder, each magnetic shield actuatable between a first position shielding the piston from the magnetic force produced by the electromagnet and a second position exposing the piston to the magnetic force produced by the electromagnet.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: Richard Eugene Sanford
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Publication number: 20120143046Abstract: A method for the electro-chemical-deposition (ECD) of alloys of iron (Fe) and gallium (Ga) to electro-deposit magnetostrictive โGalfenolโ thin films. Various uses and applications for said Galfenol thin films are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Bethanie J.H. Stadler, Kotha Sai Madhukar Reddy, Douglas A. Rekenthaler
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Publication number: 20120091829Abstract: A contact shear horizontal (SH) mode guided-wave magnetostrictive transducer including: a transduction band which is disposed on a surface of an object to be tested and in which electromagnetic acoustic transduction occurs; and radio frequency (RF) coils disposed on the transduction band, wherein the transduction band includes a plate-shaped solenoid including a magnetostrictive strip in which the electromagnetic acoustic transduction for transmitting or receiving SH mode guided waves occurs, and solenoid coil wound in a spiral form along a circumference of the magnetostrictive strip so as to form a bias magnetic field in a lengthwise direction of the magnetostrictive strip, and the RF coils are used to form a dynamic magnetic field in a widthwise direction of the magnetostrictive strip or to detect a change of magnetic flux in the magnetostrictive strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Myoung Seon Choi, Sung Joon Kim
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Patent number: 8134432Abstract: Provided is a system and method for enabling pressure or acoustic waves to induce magnetostrictive volume or shape change, providing greater control over magnetopropants. A coating material and the spacing between a magnetopropant and a magnetic particle are selected such that a certain pressure causes change in the relative distance of magnetopropant and magnetic particle, thereby changing the amount of magnetostriction. The coating material, magnetopropant, and magnetic particle are assembled to form a pressure sensitive magnetopropant. Given this structure, changes in pressure will cause a fluctuation of the amount of magnetostriction. In a pore space environment, this causes a change in pore space with resulting change in permeability and, hence, changes in fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Charles Saron Knobloch
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Patent number: 8093869Abstract: A ferromagnetic material having non-zero magnetoelasticity, and/or nonzero magnetostriction is driven with vibratory mechanical energy at a frequency producing at least one resonant vibratory mode, by coupling a source of vibratory energy to the ferromagnetic structure. The ferromagnetic material threads at least one conductive wire or wire coil, and couples to at least one source of magnetic induction, and provides an electrical power output driven by the magnetic induction. The origin of vibratory energy and the site or sites of magnetic induction are situated at distinct locations, separated by a specific distance not less than ? the fundamental acoustic wavelength. Various combinations of acoustic wavelength, ferromagnetic material type, and source of vibration produce independent transfer coefficients between acoustic and electromagnetic energy which are either positive, zero, or negative.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Chava Energy LLCInventor: Graham A Gunderson
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Publication number: 20110316362Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting electrical power from mechanical energy is described. The apparatus includes: a flux path. The flux path includes: a magnetic material having a magnetic property that is a function of stress on the magnetic material; a first magnetically conductive material proximate the magnetic material; a magnet in the flux path, wherein a magnetomotive force of the magnet causes magnetic flux; and a component configured to transfer changes in load caused by an external source to the magnetic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: OSCILLA POWER INC.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Andrew Joseph Gill, Zachary Murphree
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Publication number: 20110255197Abstract: A microwave oscillation element of the present invention includes a lamination main part in which an oscillating layer that is a magnetization free layer and that generates a high frequency electromagnetic field by an excitation of a spin wave, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, a polarizer layer, and a reference layer that is to be a base magnetic layer of a spin transfer due to application of current are layered in this order. The oscillating layer is made of CoIr, the polarizer layer is configured of CoCr or CoRu; and the nonmagnetic intermediate layer is configured of Cr or Ru. As a result, the efficiency of the spin injection is improved and the microwave oscillation element where the oscillation efficiency is excellent can be realized.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihiro TSUCHIYA, Kiyoshi Noguchi, Migaku Takahashi, Masakiyo Tsunoda
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Patent number: 8008816Abstract: A magnetoplastic and/or magnetoelastic material transduces linear motion, delivered to it by a mechanical connection, into a change of magnetic field, via twin boundary deformation. A bias magnetic field assures a net change of magnetization during the deformation, and a coil, coaxial with the magnetoplastic/elastic material, couples the magnetic field change to an electrical output. The bias magnetic field or a device that produces strain in a reverse direction resets the magnetomechanical transducer to its initial state. Microgenerators using the magnetoplastic/elastic material may be connected in series or parallel, combined with solar cells, and used to capture energy from passive motion such as random, cyclic or vibrational motion.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Boise State UniversityInventors: Greg Hampikian, Peter Mullner
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Patent number: 7999422Abstract: A linear actuator includes a substantially cylindrical magnetostrictive element disposed in a housing. A retainer is cooperatively engaged with the housing and an exterior of the magnetostrictive element such that relaxed portions of the magnetostrictive element are frictionally retained in the retainer. An actuator rod is functionally coupled to one longitudinal end of the magnetostrictive element. A biasing device is disposed between the housing and the retainer to maintain the retainer in lateral compression. The actuator includes magnets arranged to induce peristaltic motion in the magnetostrictive element.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Alain P. Dorel
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Publication number: 20110140577Abstract: An increased frequency power generator that includes a pair of transducers located on opposite sides of a suspended inertial mass. Magnetic attraction is used to couple the mass to each of the two transducers in alternating fashion in response to vibration and other movement externally imparted on the generator. Each transducer includes a suspended magnetic element that couples and decouples to the inertial mass as it reciprocates in the housing due to the applied external moving force. As the inertial mass decouples from one transducer on its way to magnetically connecting to the other transducer, the decoupled suspended magnetic element oscillates at a frequency greater than the imparting force, thereby generating electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Tzeno Galchev, Hanseup Kim, Khalil Najafi
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Publication number: 20110133477Abstract: A method and device for using magnetostriction to generate electricity from fluid motion. The device includes a first structural component, an outer housing, and a strain structure. The outer housing substantially circumscribes the first structural component and at least partially defines an annular space between the first structural component and the outer housing. The strain structure is coupled within the annular space between the first structural component and the outer housing. The strain structure experiences a change in physical strain imposed by a bearing in response to a relative movement between the bearing and the strain structure. The strain structure includes a magnetostrictive material to generate a magnetic field in response to the change in the physical strain.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Sivaraman Guruswamy
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Patent number: 7952239Abstract: Disclosed are bimetallic strips that incorporate magnetostrictive materials to enhance and provide sensing, actuating and energy harvesting functions. The bimetallic strips include a positive magnetostrictive Fe-based alloy layer and a flexible layer. The flexible layer may be a negative magnetostrictive layer or a permanent magnet layer. One or more permanent magnet materials may also be used in the arrangement. The bimetallic strips are inexpensive and easily manufactured, and have characteristics that enhance sensing and actuator applications, and enables energy harvesting.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Arthur E Clark, Marilyn Wun-Fogle, James B Restorff
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Patent number: 7944071Abstract: A method and device for using magnetostriction to generate electricity from fluid motion. The device includes a first structural component, an outer housing, and a strain structure. The outer housing substantially circumscribes the first structural component and at least partially defines an annular space between the first structural component and the outer housing. The strain structure is coupled within the annular space between the first structural component and the outer housing. The strain structure experiences a change in physical strain imposed by a bearing in response to a relative movement between the bearing and the strain structure. The strain structure includes a magnetostrictive material to generate a magnetic field in response to the change in the physical strain.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Oscilla Power Inc.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas
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Patent number: 7928614Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer, comprising an ultrasonic flange and a magnetostrictive driver, wherein the driver is connected to a contact surface of the ultrasonic flange that faces the same, and wherein the driver and the ultrasonic flange are connected in the region of the contact surface by means of electron beam welding and/or laser beam welding. The contact surface is configured by the bottom of at least one receiving pocket, which receives the end of the driver on the ultrasonic flange side, and at least one receiving pocket is configured in a pedestal-like elevation of the end of the ultrasonic flange facing the driver, and the pedestal-like elevation is higher than the depth of the receiving jackets configured therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Markisches Werk GmbHInventors: Udo Hirnschal, Erik Braam
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Patent number: 7919909Abstract: An integrated package provides contactless communication through a coupling mechanism embedded in the package. Package types include Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) technology, and dual-in-line integrated circuit pressed ceramic packages generally. The package can include an acoustic wave device (AWD) sensor such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device or a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) device. Coupling includes inductive and capacitive effects through plates, loops, spirals, and coils. Coil inductance and SAW capacitance can be parallel resonant at the desired SAW resonance with the coil impedance higher than the SAW impedance, minimizing load-pull effects.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Sabah Sabah, Jeffrey C Andle, Daniel S Stevens
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Publication number: 20110057458Abstract: Provided are a piezoelectric energy harvester and a method of manufacturing the same. The piezoelectric energy harvester is configured to obtain primary voltage from a piezoelectric layer vibrated to generate voltage and secondary voltage from a magnetostrictive layer vibrated to induce a change in magnetic field and a coil surrounding the magnetostrictive layer. Thus, it is possible to obtain sufficient voltage to drive a power conditioning circuit (PCC).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Sang Kyun LEE, Seung Eon Moon, Yil Suk Yang, Kang Ho Park, Jong Dae Kim
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Patent number: 7893801Abstract: Provided is a system and method for enabling pressure or acoustic waves to induce magnetostrictive volume or shape change, providing greater control over magnetopropants. A coating material and the spacing between a magnetopropant and a magnetic particle are selected such that a certain pressure causes change in the relative distance of magnetopropant and magnetic particle, thereby changing the amount of magnetostriction. The coating material, magnetopropant, and magnetic particle are assembled to form a pressure sensitive magnetopropant. Given this structure, changes in pressure will cause a fluctuation of the amount of magnetostriction. In a pore space environment, this causes a change in pore space with resulting change in permeability and, hence, changes in fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventor: Charles Saron Knobloch
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Patent number: 7880573Abstract: A method for reducing a temperature rise of a magnetic material is provided. The method includes applying force to the magnetic material to reduce a dimensional change of the magnetic material during a first part of an operation cycle, such as due to magnetostriction. The force is removed from the magnetic material during a second part of an operation cycle, allowing magnetostrictive dimensional changes to occur.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: iGo, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Wayne McCoy, Jason Walter Swanson