Magnetostrictive Patents (Class 310/26)
  • Publication number: 20110018368
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: M.RKISCHES WERK GMBH
    Inventors: Udo Hirnschal, Erik Braam
  • Patent number: 7834490
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Arthur E. Clark, Marilyn Wun-Fogle, James B. Restorff
  • Patent number: 7834514
    Abstract: The subject invention is related to wireless proximity sensor and sensing system for detecting the position of an object. The system includes a transceiver for providing wireless communication with a passive wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) proximity sensor. The wireless proximity sensor receives a wireless signal from the transceiver, which powers the SAW device and in turn transmits a signal back to the transceiver that includes information about the position of an object. The wireless proximity sensor uses one or more SAW devices with a sensing element made of magnetostrictive material, in conjunction with one or more magnets and one or more targets that are positioned relative to an object. The movement of the target(s) in relation to the proximity sensor operatively produces a mechanical response due to the shift in the magnetic field of the sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Spivak, Chuang-Chia Lin
  • Publication number: 20100277011
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: KYUSHU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Keiichi Kaneto
  • Patent number: 7816799
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Oscilla Power Inc.
    Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas
  • Patent number: 7808159
    Abstract: A power generation device generates power by subjecting a composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material to a magnetic field. The composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material may be incorporated in a battery or other storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Randall L. Tucker, Gary T. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20100244591
    Abstract: Magnetostrictive transducers for monitoring wall thinning in a pipe, and an apparatus and method for monitoring wall thinning in a pipe using magnetostrictive transducers are provided. The magnetostrictive transducers generate broadband multimode shear horizontal (SH) waves, and allow the generated SH waves to travel along the pipe, thus correctly monitoring a status of the wall thinning of the pipe. The apparatus includes a transmitting transducer which is installed outside of a pipe and generates shear horizontal (SH) waves traveling along the pipe, a receiving transducer which is spaced apart from the transmitting transducer and measures the shear horizontal (SH) waves traveling along the pipe, and a controller for monitoring wall thinning of the pipe by exciting and measuring output signals of the transmitting and receiving transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: KOREA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND SCIENCE
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Cho, Hyu Sang Kwon, Bong Young Ahn, Seung Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 7804229
    Abstract: A power generation device generates power by subjecting a composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material to a magnetic field. The composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material may be incorporated in a battery or other storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Randall L. Tucker, Gary T. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7791250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and corresponding method for ultrafast controlling of the magnetization of a magnetic element. A device (100) includes a surface acoustic wave generating means (102), a transport layer (104), which is typically functionally and partially structurally comprised in said SAW generating means (102), and at least one ferromagnetic element (106). A surface acoustic wave is generated and propagates in a transport layer (104) which typically consists of a piezo-electric material. Thus, strain is induced in the transport layer (104) and in the ferromagnetic element (106) in contact with this transport layer (104). Due to magneto elastic coupling this generates an effective magnetic field in the ferromagnetic element (106). If the surface acoustic wave has a frequency substantially close to the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency ?FMR the ferromagnetic element (106) is absorbed well and the magnetization state of the element can be controlled with this FMR frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: IMEC
    Inventors: Wouter Eyckmans, Liesbet Lagae
  • Patent number: 7781939
    Abstract: Thermal expansion matching for an acoustic telemetry system. An acoustic telemetry system includes at least one electromagnetically active element and a biasing device which reduces a compressive force in the element in response to increased temperature. A method of utilizing an acoustic telemetry system in an elevated temperature environment includes the steps of: applying a compressive force to at least one electromagnetically active element of the telemetry system; and reducing the compressive force as the temperature of the environment increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, John P. Rodgers, Adam D. Wright
  • Patent number: 7732994
    Abstract: A non-linear power generator system that may include a flexible beam for receiving a mechanical input, the flexible beam being supported in a bowed configuration; an electrically responsive member supported adjacent one end of the flexible beam so as to be under a compressive force exerted by the flexible beam; and the flexible beam being adapted to move towards a flattened shape from the bowed shape in response to the mechanical input, to transmit the mechanical input to the electrically responsive member, to cause a compression of the electrically responsive member that results in an electrical output signal being generated by the electrically responsive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Dan J. Clingman, Darin J. Arbogast
  • Publication number: 20100133843
    Abstract: A method and device for generating electricity from ocean waves. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and one or more electrically conductive coils or circuits. When the magnetostrictive element is deployed in a body of water, the motion of the body of water, including wave motion, causes changes in the strain of the magnetostrictive element. The electrically conductive coil or circuit is within the vicinity of the magnetostrictive element. A corresponding change in magnetic field around the magnetostrictive element generates an electric voltage and/or electric current in the electrically conductive coil or circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: HIFUNDA, LLC
    Inventor: Balakrishnan Nair
  • Publication number: 20100127582
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: HIFUNDA, LLC
    Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas
  • Publication number: 20100117463
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alain P. Dorel
  • Publication number: 20100101901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a braking device that comprises an electric motor (1) capable of acting with the means (2) for the quick movement of the pads (3) into contact with a disk (4) or a drum, and a magnetostrictive actuator capable of generating a clamping force on the pads and against the disk or the drum. The magnetostrictive actuator comprises at least one winding (5) of a magnetic material on a holder (5a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S
    Inventor: Sebastien Gay
  • Patent number: 7688168
    Abstract: Linear actuators (also known as an inchworm actuator) including a magnetically actuatable shape memory alloy (SMA) are described. The linear actuators include a bar and an actuator assembly, configured to achieve a linear displacement of the actuator assembly relative to the bar. A hybrid magnetic trigger including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet is used to selectively attract the magnetically actuatable SMA toward the magnetic trigger. The motion of the magnetically actuatable SMA can be converted to a linear displacement. The magnetically actuatable SMA can be implemented using a SMA exhibiting both ferromagnetic and SMA properties, or by a ferromagnetic mass coupled with an SMA (i.e., a ferromagnetic SMA composite). Linear actuators including bars incorporating a ratchet mechanism, and featureless bars are described. A hydraulic system incorporating actuators including magnetically actuatable SMA membranes is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Minoru Taya, Victor Cheng, Harry Sugandi, Yuanchang Liang, Hsiuhung Chen, Chi-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 7675253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Alain P. Dorel
  • Patent number: 7664377
    Abstract: A driving apparatus for a DC brushless motor of a ceiling fan is provided. By setting at least one coder and one sensor outside the DC brushless motor, the driving apparatus can sense the position of magnetic poles of the motor for driving the motor. Meanwhile, a controller set with the motor stores the rotation speed of the motor before being turned off by detecting the turn-off time of a turn-on/off signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rhine Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yin Sheng Liao
  • Publication number: 20100016728
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Hans Jaeger
  • Patent number: 7638922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and corresponding method for ultrafast controlling of the magnetization of a magnetic element. A device (100) includes a surface acoustic wave generating means (102), a transport layer (104), which is typically functionally and partially structurally comprised in said SAW generating means (102), and at least one ferromagnetic element (106). A surface acoustic wave is generated and propagates in a transport layer (104) which typically consists of a piezo-electric material. Thus, strain is induced in the transport layer (104) and in the ferromagnetic element (106) in contact with this transport layer (104). Due to magneto elastic coupling this generates an effective magnetic field in the ferromagnetic element (106). If the surface acoustic wave has a frequency substantially close to the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency ?FMR the ferromagnetic element (106) is absorbed well and the magnetization state of the element can be controlled with this FMR frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IM
    Inventors: Wouter Eyckmans, Liesbet Lagae
  • Patent number: 7612473
    Abstract: A driving device has a magnetostrictive actuator that drives a load member based on a driving signal, a sensor that detects an action of the load member, and a compensation unit that performs feedback compensation on the driving signal which the magnetostrictive actuator receives, based on a detection signal that is received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Nobukazu Suzuki, Gen Ichimura, Masaru Uryu, Yoshio Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7605928
    Abstract: The invention relates to accurate positioning devices which make it possible to displace an object within a nanometric range. The device includes a fixed foundation element (FE) provided with fine and crude positioning steps which are arranged thereon in such a way that they are reciprocatingly movable. The crude positioning step is kinematically connected to the FE and to the fine positioning step in such a way that they are synchronously movable with respect to the FE. The kinetic connection of the steps is embodied in such a way that the fine positioning step is autonomously movable with respect to the crude positioning step. Said steps are disposed in such a way that they are autonomously movable with respect to the FE and with respect to each other along two reference axes. The crude positioning step is embodied in a form of a rigid supporting plate, the fine positioning step being embodied in the form of a rectangular frame which is rigidly fixed to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Vadim I. Rakhovsky
  • Publication number: 20090218914
    Abstract: A power generation device generates power by subjecting a composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material to a magnetic field. The composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material may be incorporated in a battery or other storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Randall L. Tucker, Gary T. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7573172
    Abstract: A magnetic drive apparatus, which has a rotor; and a stator having a stator magnetic flux generator, and a stator magnetic guidepath for guiding magnetic flux from the stator magnetic flux generator to the rotor, and which rotationally drives the rotor relative to the stator by controlling the flow of the magnetic flux of the stator magnetic flux generator, the magnetic drive apparatus being constituted such that it further has magnetic flux controlling means, which is respectively stacked onto and bridges the rotor side end tip of the stator magnetic guidepath and a magnetic pole tip which is arranged at a prescribed angular location on the periphery of the rotor with a first gap with this end tip part, and magnetic flux controlling means has a function for magnetically reconnecting to the magnetic pole tip after controlling the flow of magnetic flux, which is blocked by the first gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshinari Maeda
  • Publication number: 20090195222
    Abstract: A resonance frequency vibration power harvester comprises an elongate body, a first vibration energy harvester device and a weight. The elongate body includes a first end, a second end and an interior channel extending through at least a portion of the elongate body between the first end and the second end. The second end of the elongate body is for connecting to a vibration source such that the first end is cantilevered. The first vibration energy harvester device is attached adjacent the first end of the elongate body, and the weight is joined to the interior channel to adjust a resonant frequency of the elongate body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Liang-Ju Lu, Robert Hedtke
  • Patent number: 7564152
    Abstract: An elongate structure having a magnetostrictive material composition is subjected to tensile stress in the longitudinal-axial direction, thereby generally orienting the magnetization of the elongate structure in the longitudinal-axial direction. Electrical current is conducted through the elongate structure and/or through at least one adjacent elongate conductor, thereby generally orienting the magnetization of the elongate structure in the transverse direction, generally in parallel with the transverse direction of the magnetic field concomitant the conduction of current through the elongate structure. The elongate structure magnetostrictively contracts due to the (generally 90°) repositioning of the magnetization of the elongate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Arthur E. Clark, James B. Restorff, Marilyn Wun-Fogle
  • Patent number: 7564175
    Abstract: A tubular spring is provided for preloading a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator for the actuation of fuel injection valves for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines. The tubular spring has at least two assembly engagements for uniform preloading of the tubular spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Stier, Dietmar Schmieder, Rene Deponte
  • Patent number: 7559241
    Abstract: Liquids are treated by ultrasound in a flow-through reaction vessel with an elongate ultrasonic horn mounted to the vessel with one end of the horn extending into the vessel interior. The liquid flow path inside the vessel is such that the entering liquid strikes the end of the horn at a direction normal to the end, then flows across the surface of the end before leaving the vessel. The end surface of the horn is positioned in close proximity to the entry port to provide a relatively high surface-to-volume ratio in the immediate vicinity of the horn end. In a further improvement, the horn is joined to an ultrasonic transducer through a booster block that provides an acoustic gain to the ultrasonic vibrations, and the booster block is plated with a reflective metal to lessen any loss of ultrasonic energy being transmitted to the horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: SulphCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf W. Gunnerman
  • Publication number: 20090167115
    Abstract: A power generation device generates power by subjecting a composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material to a magnetic field. The composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material may be incorporated in a battery or other storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Randall L. Tucker, Gary T. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7548010
    Abstract: An actuator adapted to incrementally translate and/or rotate an object, the actuator comprising a body comprising a first portion, a second portion, and an opening coaxially extending from the first portion and the second portion, wherein the opening is dimensioned to accommodate a diameter or cross section of an object; a first element disposed in the first portion, and a second element disposed in the second portion, wherein the first and second elements are adapted to selectively clamp the object; a spring in operative communication with the first and second portions; and a third element fixedly attached to the first and second portions, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third elements or spring is formed of an active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Gary L. Jones
  • Patent number: 7521842
    Abstract: A power generation device generates power by subjecting a composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material to a magnetic field. The composite of magnetostrictive material and piezo material may be incorporated in a battery or other storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
    Inventors: Randall L. Tucker, Gary T. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7514804
    Abstract: A method of harvesting vibrational energy is provided. This method involves generating a high magnetic flux density field within a current induction conductor such as an induction coil. The high magnetic flux density field is generated between two same pole magnets. The high magnetic flux density field may be displaced relative to the current induction conductor with vibrational energy. These displacements then cause the current induction conductor to be energized. The two same pole magnets are mounted between piezoelectric transducer (PZT) materials. These PZT materials generate an electric potential when the PZT materials are subject to the mechanical stresses of the vibrational energy. The electrical energy translated from the vibrational energy through both the energized current induction conductor and stress PZT materials may then be used to power a power circuitry or be stored for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng T. Wang
  • Publication number: 20090039714
    Abstract: A low-cost, thermomechanical method for manufacturing [001] textured FeGa alloys is described. The method includes hot rolling a FeGa cast ingot to break down the cast structure, a two-stage warm rolling with an intermediate anneal, and then a final texture anneal that resulted in recrystallization and a recrystallization-induced texture. The FeGa ingot contains a grain growth agent that was used to restrain grain growth of the FeGa material in the undesired crystallographic direction. A protective steel sheath can be placed around the FeGa material during processing to avoid direct contact of the FeGa and the rolls during the hot and warm rolling process steps and also avoid oxidation of the alloy ingot. FeGa alloys with a very strong [001] texture and a large magnetostriction along [001] crystallographic direction were obtained using this method. FeGaBe alloys and new methods for making them are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Pinai Mungsantisuk, Sivaraman Guruswanmy, Nakorn Srisukhumbowornchai
  • Patent number: 7488369
    Abstract: A magnetostriction device is made such that an impregnated composition material, such as phenol resin, a resin in which an inorganic material such as silica is dispersed into a phenol resin, an epoxy based resin, or an acrylic resin is impregnated and caked into holes of a magnetostrictive sintered material manufactured by a powder metallurgy method. This magnetostriction device has improved mechanical strength against external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Ohashi, Masaru Uryu
  • Patent number: 7469878
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive valve assembly includes a housing that defines a passage with a seat being formed therein. A magnetically-biased and axially-compressed magnetostrictive assembly slidingly fitted in the passage is configured as a hollow and open-ended conduit adapted to support a flow of a fluid therethrough. Current-carrying coil(s) disposed about the passage in the region of the magnetostrictive assembly generate a magnetic field in the passage when current flows through the coil(s). A hollow valve body with side ports is coupled on one end thereof to an axial end of the magnetostrictive assembly. The other end of the valve body is designed to seal with the seat formed in the housing's passage when brought into contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: James A. Richard
  • Patent number: 7462960
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer driver has a giant magnetostrictive element, a fastener for holding the giant magnetostrictive element under mechanical pressure, a first field generator for providing a magnetic bias field, a second field generator for providing a magnetic drive field and a magnetic circuit for channelling the magnetic fields in the magnetostrictive element. An ultrasonic transducer for a bonding apparatus has a horn having a bonding tool at its smaller end and a mounting barrel adjoined onto it. The driver coupled to the larger end of the horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Siu Wing Or, Chung Sheung Yung, Helen Lai Wa Chan-Wong
  • Patent number: 7456714
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: IGO, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Wayne McCoy, Jason Walter Swanson
  • Patent number: 7456530
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive actuator has magnetostrictive element having a magnetostrictive, a driving rod moving in a displacement direction of the magnetostrictive element, which is connected with the magnetostrictive element and made of a ferromagnet, a solenoid coil applying magnetic field to the magnetostrictive element, which is arranged around the magnetostrictive element, an enclosure enclosing the magnetostrictive element and the solenoid coil. In the enclosure, a permanent magnet for applying static magnetic bias field to the magnetostrictive element and tubular cases including a ferromagnet are arranged around the enclosed magnetostrictive element, and the driving rod is arranged in the enclosure with a space. Magnetic pull-in force caused between the driving rod and the enclosure can apply prestress to the magnetostrictive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshio Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7453173
    Abstract: An electromechanical transformation device has a magnetostrictive actuator and a driving device that drives the magnetostrictive actuator. The driving device drives the magnetostrictive actuator based on any one of the vibration signal and the audio signal or mixed signal of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Nobukazu Suzuki, Gen Ichimura, Masaru Uryu, Yoshio Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7436104
    Abstract: A non-linear, piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical generator especially well adapted for use with a Stirling engine, to thus form an electrical power generation system. In one form the generator includes a flexible beam that is configured in a bowed orientation to exert a compressive stress on a piezoceramic stack. A mechanical, linearly reciprocating member is positioned against the flexible beam at a midpoint of the beam. The mechanical member applies a force to the flexible beam that initially tends to flatten the flexible beam, which increases the compressive stress applied to the piezoceramic stack, thus compressing the stack and causing it to generate an electrical output signal. When the mechanical member removes the force, the flexible beam reverts to its initial, bowed configuration. This allows the piezoceramic stack to decompress, and it generates another electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Dan J. Clingman, Darin J. Arbogast
  • Patent number: 7394183
    Abstract: An apparatus constructed from a combination of a magnetic north orienting lodestone, magnetostrictive ferrogel, and piezoelectric crystals can generate electrical current when exposed to kinetic motion. The apparatus is built in the shape of a geodesic sphere with two sections, an inner sphere with a lodestone in the center surrounded by outward-facing magnets, and an outer sphere with sections of stacked magnetostrictive ferrogel and piezoelectric crystals interspaced with inward-facing magnets. Upon the apparatus being given a kinetic impulse, the inner sphere will orient to magnetic north, which will cause the outward-facing magnets to pass next to stacks of ferrogel/piezoelectric crystals. The ferrogel will react by physically changing in size, imparting an impulse to the piezoelectric crystal, which will in turn release a pulse of electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jon Vincent Ramer
  • Publication number: 20080143195
    Abstract: A magnetomechanical transducer, and apparatus and methods using said magnetomechanical transducer, extract electrical power from any motion, including random motion, cyclic, and vibrational motion. The motion is transferred to linear motion through a mechanical connecting device to the magnetomechanical coupler, which comprises a magnetoplastic and/or magnetoelastic material that transduces the linear motion into a change of magnetic field, via twin boundary deformation. A bias magnetic field assures a net change of magnetization during said deformation. A further transducer, e.g. a coil or a Hall element, couples the magnetic field change to an electrical output. A restoring field or device, for example the bias magnetic field or a device that produces strain in a reverse direction, resets the magnetomechanical transducer to its initial state. The magnetomechanical transducer may be provided in microgenerators that capture kinetic energy and convert it to electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: GREG HAMPIKIAN, PETER MULLNER
  • Publication number: 20080111431
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alain P. Dorel
  • Patent number: 7352112
    Abstract: Hybrid actuator. The actuator includes a piezoelectric actuator spaced apart from a magnetostrictive actuator. A linkage is in contact with the piezoelectric and magnetostrictive actuator, the linkage having an end including microgrooves. A rotatable shaft includes microgrooves mating with the microgrooves in the linkage end. Electronic circuitry is provided to drive the piezoelectric actuator and the magnetostrictive actuator resulting in the piezoelectric and the magnetostrictive actuators moving 180° out of phase thereby moving the linkage to rotate the shaft. It is preferred that the actuators be driven at resonance. In one embodiment, the actuator includes three actuators to provide motion about three axes. In another embodiment the actuator is a linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Energen, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Mavanur, Jordan Cormier
  • Patent number: 7339291
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a giant magnetostrictive rod 12 of a columnar shape which is made of a giant magnetostrictive member, and vibration plates 14 and 16 which are made of plate members having a larger diameter than that of the giant magnetostrictive rod 12 and are adhered and fixed to end surfaces in an axial direction of this giant magnetostrictive rod 12. The ultrasonic transducer can efficiently transmit ultrasonic vibration by expansion and contraction of the magnetostrictive rod in spite of a small and simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Teruo Mori
  • Publication number: 20080036308
    Abstract: A magnetically driven reciprocating power output system including: at least one first electromagnet having a direction of elongation defining an axial direction, having a first end and a second end, and having an elongated opened core extending from the first end to the second end, the core having an axis of symmetry substantially coaxial with the axial direction; a control unit adapted to provide a first power input to the first electromagnet and adapted to cause the electromagnet to have a time-varying first magnetic field with a first polarity directed in substantially the axial direction; at least one stationary body having a second magnetic field with a second polarity directed in substantially the axial direction and configured substantially coaxially with the core region at the first end; at least one reciprocating ferromagnetic body configured substantially coaxially with the core, and not extending completely outside of the core at the second end, adapted to have a second magnetic field in response t
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Schlesinger
  • Patent number: 7321185
    Abstract: Two similarly shaped, such as rectangular, shells are attached to one another such that they form a resulting thin airfoil-like structure. The resulting device has at least two stable equilibrium shapes. The device can be transformed from one shape to another with a snap-through action. One or more actuators can be used to effect the snap-through; i.e., transform the device from one stable shape to another. Power to the actuators is needed only to transform the device from one shape to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Marc R. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7298060
    Abstract: The operational frequency of existing magnetoelectric materials having metallic or ceramic magnetostrictive materials and ceramic piezoelectric materials may be limited to a few kilohertz due to the presence of eddy-current losses in the metallic magnetostrictive phase. Further, these materials may be difficult to machine and fabricate due to their brittleness. Additionally, it may be difficult to tailor and optimize the properties (i.e., magnetoelectric voltage coefficient ?E, etc.) of the devices. This invention provides a magnetoelectric element including at least one set of alternating piezoelectric layers and magnetostrictive composite layers. The magnetostrictive composite layer includes at least one magnetostrictive material dispersed in first concentrated zones within a first polymer matrix, wherein all of the concentrated zones are orientated along a first direction. It is found that the conversion efficiency (i.e., ?E) varies in accordance with applied magnetic control field Hcontrol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Siu Wing Or, Helen Lai Wa Chan-Wong
  • Patent number: 7282822
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for sensing and indicating permanent state deviations via detection of temporary inner material oscillations in real time in parts of importance for hardware design and construction, within existing production equipment, e.g. machinery, and/or monitoring of previously built-up infrastructure. One or more at least approximately 20 ?m thick amorphous or nanocrystalline band elements with high permeability and relatively high magnetostriction are applied to a pertinent part, the band element or elements, respectively, being at least partially surrounded by a multi-turn coil, such atomic movements (oscillations) as occur in any optional such state deviation in the part being transferred to the band element/elements. The deviation either gives rise to a clearly measurable and detectable magnetic flow change (dB/dt) in the coil in proportion to said atomic movements, or to a similarly measurable and detectable inductance change in the coil/coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Covial De vice AB
    Inventor: Tord Cedell
  • Patent number: 7276824
    Abstract: Devices including a magnetostrictive transducer, an oscillating system and a tool for ultrasonic impact treatment of constructions, construction units and components of machines and mechanisms are disclosed. The invention provides high reliability of magnetostrictive transducers, oscillating systems and their components, tools and their parts affected by simultaneous action of static, dynamic and impact load on a work surface, high stability of characteristics and interchangeability thereof under conditions of small-scale, full-scale and mass production. The invention also includes design solutions with the use of new methods of the realization and manufacturing technique of the above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: U.I.T., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Efim S. Statnikov, Oleg V. Korolkov, Voldemar O. Muktepavel, Vladislav Y. Korostel