Magnetostrictive Patents (Class 310/26)
  • Patent number: 7275440
    Abstract: Ultrasound for use in chemical reactions is generated by an electromagnet formed from an ultrasound transducer whose central feature is a loop of magnetostrictive material wound with coils oriented to produce an oscillating magnetostrictive force when an oscillating voltage is applied. The oscillations in the transducer loop are transmitted to an ultrasonic horn that is immersed in a reaction medium where the ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted directly to the reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sulphco, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Charles I. Richman
  • Patent number: 7255290
    Abstract: A very high speed injector permits injecting high pressure diesel oil directly into a diesel engine combustion chamber. The very high speed permits almost arbitrary rate shaping, minimizing formation of diesel particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen pollutants. An electrical waveform is pre-determined for a desired fuel injection rate shape. The electrical waveform is converted into a corresponding magnetic field waveform by a solenoid coil. A giant magnetostrictive material (GMM) transduces the magnetic field waveform into a corresponding mechanical waveform. The mechanical waveform positions a valve element to control flow rate. The very high speed features include a thin solenoid coil of relatively few turns, proportionally supplying up to one hundred amperes at up to one hundred volts in no greater than ten microseconds, the GMM is subject to a bias compressive stress magnitude of no less than fourteen megapascals, and the magnetic flux path is minimized and designed to suppress eddy currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Charles B. Bright, Jon C. Garza
  • Patent number: 7246489
    Abstract: A position control actuator system includes a control element and first and second actuators. The first and second actuators are each comprised of magneto-active twinned material. The first actuator is configured to extend and drive the control element in a first direction when the first actuator is subjected to a magnetic field. The second actuator is configured to extend and drive the control element in a second direction when the second actuator is subjected to a magnetic field. A magnetic field source subsystem is configured to extend the first actuator to drive the control element in the first direction, and extend the second actuator to drive the control element in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mide Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andries J. Du Plessis, Alexander W. Jessiman, Gert J. Muller
  • Patent number: 7218067
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator is provided including a magnetic field-actuated material and a plurality of interconnected electrically conducting coils, each coil including a number of wire turns arranged relative to at least one other coil to produce at the magnetic field-actuated material, by superposition, a magnetic field that is substantially oriented in one of a plurality of selectable discrete directions. An actuator drive circuit is connected to the coils in a circuit configuration that reverses a direction of electrical current flow through at least one of the coils to reorient the magnetic field from a first selected direction to a second selected direction of the plurality of selectable discrete directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Miguel A. Marioni
  • Patent number: 7199495
    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 alternative piezoelectric layer and magnetostrictive composite layer. The magnetostrictive composite layer includes at least one magnetostrictive material dispersed in first concentrated zones within a first polymer matrix, wherein all of said 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: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Siu Wing Or, Helen Lai Wa Chan-Wong
  • Patent number: 7196437
    Abstract: A contraction type actuator 10 is provided which can efficiently and evenly apply a bias magnetic field to a magnetostrictive rod to obtain a large contraction amount, while having a small and simple structure. In the contraction type actuator 10, a giant magnetostrictive rod 12 flexibly expands and contracts by controlling the strength of a magnetic field applied by a magnet coil 14. A bias magnet comprises a first bias magnet 16 and a second bias magnet 18. The fist bias magnet 16 in an approximately cylindrical shape is coaxially disposed around the giant magnetostrictive rod 12. The second bias magnet 18 is disposed in the inner space 16A of the first bias magnet 16, and is polarized in the direction of drawing a part of a magnetic field generated by the first bias magnet 16 into the inner space 16A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Teruo Mori
  • Patent number: 7053529
    Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor/resonator utilizes a torsional wave trapped in an acoustic wave cavity that is formed in a noncylindrical substrate. An acoustic wave transducer is positioned adjacent the acoustic wave cavity off of the centerline of the cavity and in a plane parallel to a planar surface of the acoustic wave cavity to generate the torsional wave. The acoustic wave transducer can be a piezoelectric transducer or an electromagnetic transducer. Further, the torsional wave can be generated by a single transducer or multiple transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: TexZec, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence J. Knowles
  • Patent number: 7002310
    Abstract: The position and speed and, in some embodiments, direction of rotation of a motor for turning the rod of an object such as a window covering is determined by placing a braking magnet next to the motor and a piezoelectric element between the braking magnet and motor. As the motor rotates, the piezoelectric element generates a signal that can be used to determine the speed of rotation and also the position of the motor (and, hence, the position of the object being moved). The magnet brakes the motor from turning under the weight of the object when the motor is deenergized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Somfy Sas
    Inventors: Pierre-Emmanuel Cavarec, Winston Glenn Walker
  • Patent number: 7002283
    Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasonic transducer assembly for a bonding apparatus, comprising a bonding tool mounted to an amplifying horn secured between first and second ultrasonic-generating means. A method of forming a transducer for a bonding apparatus is also provided, comprising the steps of providing an amplifying horn, securing first and second ultrasonic-generating means to the amplifying horn such that the amplifying horn is located between said first and second ultrasonic-generating means and mounting a bonding tool to the amplifying horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Hing Leung Marchy Li, Kin Yik Hung, Ming Wai Kelvin Ng
  • Patent number: 6984902
    Abstract: In a vibrational energy harvester, an external vibration causes relative motion between a permanent magnet and a magnetic field sensing element composed of a magnetostrictive material bonded to an electroactive material. The changing magnetic field causes a rotation of magnetization in the magnetostrictive material and the rotating magnetization generates a stress in the magnetostrictive material. The stress is transmitted to the electroactive material, which responds by generating electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Ferro Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiankang Huang, Robert C. O'Handley, David Bono
  • Patent number: 6982502
    Abstract: A hybrid linear actuator features a central load shaft on which a plurality of solid-state magnetostrictive thrusters are positioned in operative relation to electric motors of a permanent magnet synchronous type to impart linear thrust force to the load shaft through clutch units also positioned thereon and under control of force and stroke amplification of output force from motor shafts projecting from the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Musoke H. Sendaula, Joseph P. Teter, David J. Brady
  • Patent number: 6946776
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a liquid metal switch in a state of readiness for switching. The liquid metal switch has a liquid metal volume contained in a cavity of a switch body. A signal path though the cavity is made or broken by energizing an actuator to move the liquid metal volume within the cavity in response to a switching signal. To maintain readiness, a signal generator supplies a vibratory signal to the actuator. The resulting vibrations in the liquid metal volume allow the liquid metal volume to be subsequently moved with reduced power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Fong, Marvin Glenn Wong
  • Patent number: 6927475
    Abstract: A power generator. The power generator includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a magnetic film, a first metal layer, a second metal layer and an electricity storage device. The second substrate is disposed on the first substrate. A vibration chamber is formed between the first substrate and second substrate. The magnetic film is disposed between the first substrate and second substrate and located in the vibration chamber. The magnetic film has a predetermined magnetic field. The first metal layer is disposed under the first substrate and is aligned with the vibration chamber. The second metal layer is disposed on the second substrate and is aligned with the vibration chamber. The electricity storage device is electrically connected to the first metal layer and second metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nai-Chen Lu
  • Patent number: 6919779
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive system is shown wherein there is included a wave guide but no return wire. The wave guide is folded and acts as the completed wire (whether solid or hollow) for conducting current for the current input pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Raphalovitz, Arnold F. Sprecher, Jr., David S. Nyce
  • Patent number: 6909224
    Abstract: A method of extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes reusing an elastic portion of energy in a transducer by transferring the elastic portion of energy to another transducer. An apparatus for extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes at least two transducers coupled such that an elastic portion of energy in one transducer is transferable to the other transducer. The transducers are coupled by a member defining a waved surface, and each transducer defines a coupler in contact with the waved surface for movement following the waved surface. Couplers of two transducers are positioned such that they move out-of-phase relative to each other. The transducers are bound to a plate positioned between members such that the plate is deformed. The plate and members are configured such that relative rotation therebetween produces a wave that travels along the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Continuum Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamyar Ghandi, Nesbitt W. Hagood, IV, Aaron A. Bent
  • Patent number: 6897628
    Abstract: Ultrasound for use in promoting a chemical reaction is generated by an electromagnet formed from a pair of magnetostrictive prongs wound with coils that are oriented to produce an oscillating magnetostrictive force when an oscillating voltage is applied, in conjunction with a sensing electromagnet of magnetostrictive material that is arranged to receive the vibrations generated by the driving electromagnet and produce internal magnetic field changes due to the reverse magnetostrictive effect. These field changes generate voltages that are representative of the amplitude of the oscillating magnetostrictive force. The generated voltage is compared to a target value in a control circuit that adjusts the applied oscillating voltage accordingly. The oscillations in the prongs of the electromagnet are transmitted to an ultrasonic horn that is immersed in the reaction medium to provide direct contact with the reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: SulphCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Charles I. Richman
  • Patent number: 6894424
    Abstract: An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of moveable switching contacts is positioned between a pair of fixed electrical contact pads. A surface of each contact supports a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. An actuator is energized to move the pair of switching contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contact pads and one of the switching contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact pad and the other switching contact is increased, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit. The actuator is then de-energized and the switching contacts return to their starting positions. The volume of liquid metal is chosen so that liquid metal droplets remain coalesced or separated because of surface tension in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin Glenn Wong, Arthur Fong
  • Patent number: 6891286
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive actuator comprises a rod of giant magnetostrictive material, biasing permanent magnets arranged at each end thereof and coaxially therewith so as to pass a magnetic field through the rod. An energizing electromagnetic coil is connected to an energizer so as to superimpose on the magnetic field passing through the rod an alternating magnetic field to cause variation in the length of the rod in response thereto. The permanent magnets are each in the form of a disc having a cross-sectional area substantially greater than that of the rod and are spaced from the ends of the rods by material of low magnetic permeability. The magnetic field in the rod is thereby substantially linear along the length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: Graham Flanagan, William John Metheringham, David Johnson, Brian Douglas Smith
  • Patent number: 6879088
    Abstract: An electrical relay array using conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. The relay array is amenable to manufacture by micro-machining techniques. Each element of the relay array uses an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, to cause a switch actuator to insert into a cavity in a static switch contact structure. The cavity has sides and a pad on its end that are wettable by the conducting liquid. The cavity is filled with the conducting liquid, which may be liquid metal. Insertion of the switch actuator into the cavity causes the conducting liquid to be displaced outward and come in contact with the contact pad on the switch actuator. The volume of conducting liquid is chosen so that when the actuator returns to its rest position, the electrical contact is maintained by surface tension and by wetting of the contact pads on both the static switch contact structure and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin Glenn Wong, Arthur Fong
  • Patent number: 6876131
    Abstract: An electrical relay using conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. The relay is amenable to manufacture by micro-machining techniques. In the relay, two electrical contacts are held a small distance apart. The facing surfaces of the contacts each support a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. An actuator is energized to reduce the gap between the electrical contacts, causing the two liquid metal droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. The actuator is then de-energized and the electrical contacts return to their starting positions. The liquid metal droplets remain coalesced because of surface tension. The electrical circuit is broken by energizing an actuator to increase the gap between the electrical contacts and break the surface tension bond between the liquid metal droplets. The droplets remain separated when the piezoelectric actuator is de-energized because there is insufficient liquid metal to bridge the gap between the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin Glenn Wong
  • Patent number: 6870295
    Abstract: An oscillating motor is provided which can be reciprocally rotated within a predetermined rotation region without any conversion device for changing to a linear movement, and which can be simply connected to an existing apparatus. The oscillating motor includes a set of teeth formed on the stator which are configured to engage with a corresponding set of teeth formed on the rotor when the motor is in operation. Alternately formed concave and convex regions on the teeth increase a contact area between the rotor and stator, thus increasing torque and operating efficiency of the motor without increasing size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Young Lim, Yun Chul Jung
  • Patent number: 6844657
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system is disclosed that provides amplified movement without requiring the use of a displacement multiplier. Generally, a lever or the like is interconnected with a substrate on which the system is fabricated at a first location, while a free end of the lever is able to move relative to the substrate, typically at least generally about the first location. One or more actuators are movably interconnected with the substrate, and in turn are interconnected with the lever at a location that is somewhere between the free end and the first location. The lever may be configured to move at least generally away from the substrate upon movement of the actuator in one direction, at least generally toward the substrate upon movement of the actuator in another direction, or in any direction and in any manner. The movement of the “free” end of the lever may be used to perform any function, including lifting/pivoting a mirror away from/relative to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: MEMX, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Lee Miller, Stephen Matthew Barnes, Murray Steven Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20040227414
    Abstract: Ultrasound for use in promoting a chemical reaction is generated by an electromagnet formed from a pair of magnetostrictive prongs wound with coils that are oriented to produce an oscillating magnetostrictive force when an oscillating voltage is applied, in conjunction with a sensing electromagnet of magnetostrictive material that is arranged to receive the vibrations generated by the driving electromagnet and produce internal magnetic field changes due to the reverse magnetostrictive effect. These field changes generate voltages that are representative of the amplitude of the oscillating magnetostrictive force. The generated voltage is compared to a target value in a control circuit that adjusts the applied oscillating voltage accordingly. The oscillations in the prongs of the electromagnet are transmitted to an ultrasonic horn that is immersed in the reaction medium to provide direct contact with the reaction mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: SulphCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Charles I. Richman
  • Patent number: 6815866
    Abstract: A cantilever having a step-up structure and a method of manufacturing the same. The cantilever includes a substrate, an anchor formed on the substrate, and a moving plate connected to the anchor while maintaining a predetermined gap from the substrate. The anchor includes a first anchor of a predetermined shape and a second anchor perpendicular to an edge of the first anchor while being formed along a longitudinal axis of the moving plate. Accordingly, a deformation of the cantilever caused by the high temperature and pressure in a manufacturing process thereof is considerably reduced. As a result, the yield rate of the cantilever is improved, and the reliability of a product using the cantilever is also improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-Joong Lee
  • Patent number: 6803846
    Abstract: An actuator comprising a magnetic, resilient, shape memory member formed by a substance having a twin structure, and a magnetic field generator, at least part of the magnetic, resilient, shape memory member being disposed in a gradient magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generator such that the twin structure is reoriented by the magnetic field, whereby the shape memory resilient member is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ohta, Toru Sukigara
  • Patent number: 6803738
    Abstract: Magnetic forces are used as a controlled actuation mechanism to move and position objects of interest. In one embodiment, a first spherical surface has at least one magnetic positioner attached. A second spherical surface is positioned to move relative to the first spherical surface. A plurality of controlled electromagnets are spaced about the second spherical surface. Control logic energizes at least one of the controlled electromagnets to create magnetic interaction with at least one magnetic positioner to move the first spherical surface relative to the second spherical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Clarity, LLC
    Inventor: Gamze Erten
  • Publication number: 20040145249
    Abstract: A limited rotation torque motor is disclosed including a rotor with at least one pair of magnetic poles and a stator with at least one pair of stator coils. Each stator coil includes a plurality of layers of interconnected flexible circuit composites. Each flexible circuit composite includes a dielectric material and a patterned conductive material on one side of said dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: David C. Brown
  • Patent number: 6763726
    Abstract: A mechanical-force sensor includes two piezoelectric vibrators which are arranged such that stresses in mutually opposite directions are applied thereto by a mechanical force such as an acceleration. A current-voltage converter and signal-summing circuit converts current signals that flow through the two piezoelectric vibrators into voltage signals. A voltage-amplifier and amplitude limiter circuit amplifies a sum signal of the two voltage signals, and provides a positive feedback of a voltage signal that is in phase with the current signals, thereby causing an oscillating operation. A phase difference-voltage converter circuit generates a voltage signal that is proportional to the phase difference between the voltage signals yielded by the conversion. An amplifier and filter circuit DC-amplifies the voltage signal and removes unwanted frequency components therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Muneharu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6747377
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for obtaining shape changes, motion and/or force in a material having a twinned structure. According to the method, a sufficiently high external magnetic field applied to the material reorients the twin structure thereby producing motion/force. The operation is possible if the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy is higher than or comparable to the energy of the reorientation of the twin structure to produce a certain strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kari M. Ullakko
  • Patent number: 6720684
    Abstract: A method of controlling the amount of magnetostriction in a magnetostrictive actuator is provided. The method compensates for non-ideal influences, such as imperfections in the magnetostrictive member, prestress, stress or load, quality of the magnetic circuit, and temperature. The method includes selectively energizing the coil to build and maintain a current for generating the magnetizing force; measuring the magnetic flux; and applying the magnetic flux as a feedback variable to control the magnetizing force and thereby control the amount of magnetostriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Perry Robert Czimmek
  • Publication number: 20040020580
    Abstract: A flexible flat cable connecting method includes stripping an insulation coating (5) from a connecting surface of a flexible flat cable (1) to be connected with a busbar (2) to expose a conductive element (4). The method continues by introducing the flexible flat cable (1) and the busbar (2) between a horn (7) and an anvil (6) of an ultrasonic welding machine (3), and then transmitting an ultrasonic vibration to the horn (7). The horn (7) has a plurality of elongated projections (9) of tapered cross-section pressed in contact with the insulation coating (5) of the flexible flat cable (1). Thus, the elongated projections (9) bite into the insulation coating (5) to weld the conductive element (4) ultrasonically to the busbar (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Oishi, Takeshi Kihara
  • Patent number: 6657328
    Abstract: A rotor for an electric motor includes a frame previously formed and fixed to a rotational shaft of the motor so as to be rotated with the rotational shaft, and a magnet molded from a molten magnetic resin so as to be disposed at a stator side of the frame and so as to be integrated with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Shiga, Masami Endou
  • Patent number: 6624539
    Abstract: A high power ultrasonic transducer is provided. In one embodiment, the transducer includes means for providing power in excess of three kilowatts. The transducer further includes an active element made from a magnetostrictive material and means for producing an electromagnetic field which extends through at least a portion of the active element. The active element is changeable between a first shape when in the absence of the electromagnetic field and a second shape when in the presence of the electromagnetic field. The transducer also includes means for providing an electrical signal to the means for producing an electromagnetic field and an acoustic element connected to the transducer for channeling ultrasonic energy to perform work. In one embodiment, an ultra-high power transducer is provided comprising a plurality of sub-motors, each containing an active element made from a smart material, wherein the sub-motors operate simultaneously to produce ultrasonic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Edge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas T. Hansen, Todd Allan Reinders
  • Patent number: 6624553
    Abstract: A microactuator (30) is provided for positioning a read/write head relative to a mounting region of a head suspension assembly of a magnetic disk drive. The microactuator (30) comprises a substantially C-shaped member (32) having a first end (34) and a second end (38) defining an air gap (42) therebetween. In one embodiment the member (32) is a piezoelectric bimorph expander; in another embodiment the member is a ferromagnetic core. Under an applied electric or magnetic field as appropriate, the size of the air gap (42) may be altered and, because the member (32) is resilient, the original air gap may be restored on removing the applied field. The microactuator may be mounted on the load beam of the head suspension assembly, or between the load beam and head slider supporting the read/write head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Data Storage Institute
    Inventors: Kodikkunnathukulangara Sivadasan, Guoxiao Guo
  • Patent number: 6623251
    Abstract: A rod body (30) is formed of magnetostrictive material and includes one end portion (30a) fixed, and a piston (35) is fixed to the other end portion (35b) of the rod body (30). The piston (35) is slidably disposed within a cylinder (36) in which there is formed a pump chamber (37). A suction port (39) for sucking lubricating oil into the pump chamber (37) is formed in the cylinder (36), while a suction valve (40) for preventing the lubricating oil from flowing out from the suction port (39) is disposed in the suction port (39). In the cylinder (36), there is disposed a nozzle (20) which communicates with the pump chamber (37) and has a sectional area smaller than the lubricating oil passage sectional area of the suction valve (40). There is disposed a coil (43) outside the rod body (30) and, to the coil (43), there is connected a control device (6) for controlling the supply of a current to be supplied to the coil (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Taikou Nawamoto, Kenichi Sugiyama, Satoshi Dairokuno, Yukiyoshi Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20030122434
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive vibrator including a core made of a magnetostrictive material and an exciting coil wound on the core is connected to the head of a pile and an electric current is fed into the exciting coil. A strain occurring in the magnetostrictive vibrator is transmitted to produce vibrations in the pile, wherein the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations is controlled by controlling the electric current fed into the exciting coil. The bearing capacity of the pile is estimated by detecting vibrations transmitted to the ground around the pile. A dynamic loading test of the pile is conducted in this fashion with ease and good controllability at low cost without the need for complicated analytical treatment, yet allowing a reliable estimation of the bearing capacity of the pile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Shimada
  • Patent number: 6570474
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for actuating a valve using magnetostrictive transduction is provided. A ferro-magnetic rod having giant magnetostrictive properties is operatively coupled with a hydraulic chamber. Application of a magnetic field to the ferro-magnetic rod generates strain in the rod and corresponding movement in a first piston, causing the fluid in the hydraulic chamber to become pressurized. The pressurized fluid forces a second piston to move, thereby actuating the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Perry Robert Czimmek
  • Patent number: 6544000
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive rod subject to a magnetic field generated by an electrical activating coil within a pocket of a propeller blade is held in abutment with the body of the blade to effect its deflection causing change in shape involving a variation in blade camber in accordance with electrically powered adjustment control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stuart D. Jessup, Joseph P. Teter
  • Publication number: 20030057394
    Abstract: A pressure-reducing valve for a common rail fuel injection system as a variable restrictor has a valve needle, a super magnetostrictive member, which is disposed so that it faces the valve needle, and the like. The super magnetostrictive member extends toward the valve needle against force urged by a spring when a magnetic field is applied by supplying electric current to a coil wound around the super magnetostrictive member. Thus a lifting distance of the valve needle from a valve seat formed on a valve body is adjusted precisely and an opening area of a fuel channel provided by the variable restrictor is determined. Therefore, fuel pressure of the common rail is adjusted suitably at required values by controlling magnitude of the current provided to the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Tadaaki Makino
  • Publication number: 20030042800
    Abstract: The integrated planer motor assembly consists of two parts:
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: James Bryant Money
  • Patent number: 6515382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to actuators, linear motors and rotational motors based on magnetic-field-induced strains taking place in the actuator material. These strains are caused by the reorientation of the twin structure of the actuator materials by the applied magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Kari M Ullakko
  • Patent number: 6489695
    Abstract: The efficiency of converting electrical energy into a mechanical output is maximized by alternatively matching selection of power supply for the drive coil applying a magnetic field to transducer element made of a magnetostrictive material having a near-zero magnetic anisotropy, or matching selection of the magnetostrictive material to the required magnetostriction for a given power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Marilyn Wun-Fogle, James B. Restorff, Arthur E. Clark
  • Patent number: 6483208
    Abstract: In an electric linear motor, the stator coils are arranged in a line, and the field they produce advances along that line driving the translator along with it. None of the known linear motors can provide all of very high speed, low force, long travel, high linearity and very low moving mass; the present invention proposes an answer in the form of a mechanism that applies motive, displacing force not primarily in the direction along with translator movement is desired but instead approximately at right angles to that direction, the translator being “squeezed” out like a cherry pip squeezed between finger and thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: 1 . . . Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Hooley
  • Publication number: 20020117906
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and/or force in a material having a twinned structure. According to the method, a sufficiently high external magnetic field applied to the material reorients a the twin structure thereby producing motion/force. The operation is possible if the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy is higher than or comparable to the energy of the reorientation of the twin structure to produce a certain strain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Kari Ullakko
  • Patent number: 6420813
    Abstract: A high efficiency electric motor has a generally polyhedrally shaped bulk amorphous metal magnetic component in which a plurality of layers of amorphous metal strips are laminated together to form a generally three-dimensional part having the shape of a polyhedron. The bulk amorphous metal magnetic component may include an arcuate surface, and preferably includes two arcuate surfaces that are disposed opposite to each other. The magnetic component is operable at frequencies ranging from between approximately 60 Hz and 20,000 Hz and exhibits (i) a core-loss of less than or approximately equal to 1 watt-per-kilogram of amorphous metal material when operated at a frequency of approximately 60 Hz and at a flux density of approximately 1.4 Tesla (T); (ii) a core-loss of less than or approximately equal to 20 watts-per-kilogram of amorphous metal material when operated at a frequency of approximately 1000 Hz and at a flux density of approximately 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas John DeCristofaro, Peter Joseph Stamatis
  • Patent number: 6411426
    Abstract: Active compensation of aberrations in an optical system involves attaching first and second force bars to a mirror. The first force bar is bifurcated to form an opening near its longitudinal midpoint. This opening defines first and second opposed surfaces. A second force bar is substantially perpendicular to the first force bar and extends through the opening of the first force bar so that a medial portion of the second force bar is disposed in the opening of the first force bar. The second force bar is connected to the first surface by at least one actuator. Longitudinal movement of the actuator causes a displacement of the mirror. A support structure is used to support the weight of the force bars and actuator. The force bars are connected to the support structure by a plurality of flexures. A control module receives information from a sensing module and controls the actuator. Other embodiments use more than two force bars and are capable of more fully compensating for any aberrations in the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: ASML, US, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Meehan, David G. Taub, Jorge S. Ivaldi
  • Patent number: 6410999
    Abstract: Actuator elements of a motor system are cyclically expanded magnetostrictively by energization of excitation coils to impart driving forces directly to a driven load through roller sprag means under preload bias in locking contact with a race formation in the driven load, to impart unidirectional movement to the driven load in one direction selected by generated Lorentz forces through magnetic field controlling means, as well as to provide power-off braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John M. Vranish, Joseph P. Teter
  • Publication number: 20020039060
    Abstract: An actuator includes an electromagnetostrictive element that has one end located on a front side and the other end located on a rear side, an output shaft that penetrates the electromagnetostrictive element and is pressurized toward the rear side of the electromagnetostrictive element, a housing that houses therein the electromagnetostrictive element and the output shaft, bearing portions that respectively support the front side and the rear side of the output shaft, a bias spring provided between the rear side of the output shaft and the housing, and a displacement sensor that detects a position in an axial direction of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: Teruo Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6362543
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, magnetostrictive saw devices are provided with tunable transducer structures for enhanced performance. The transducers are in the form of patterned conductors disposed between magnetic films. The magnetostrictive response is tuned by adjusting the thickness of magnetic film overlying the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Agere Systems Optoelectronics Guardian Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth Alexander Ellis
  • Patent number: RE38347
    Abstract: One end of a shaft is fixed to a first portion of a housing. An eccentric rotor is located in the housing rotatably on the shaft. The other end of the shaft is fitted into a concave portion on a second portion of the housing, so the rotor may be assembled in the housing in a simple manner and radial movement of the shaft can be prevented without enlarging the fixing portion of the shaft. Even if the diameter of the shaft is small, the shaft can withstand an impact resulting from dropping of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Parts Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadao Yamaguchi