Oscillating Patents (Class 310/36)
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Patent number: 6617724Abstract: A non-circular flat motor in which terminal portions are installed at dead spaces and a manufacturing method. The motor can be easily held by a transferring apparatus and automatically mounted. The feeder terminal is easily reflow soldered. A rotor and a housing supporting the rotor are non-circular when in a plane perpendicular to the rotor axis. Feeder terminals or installation terminals are arranged at corners of surfaces of the housing. At least one feeder terminal is insulated from other portions of the housing. The corners may be concave so that each of the terminals does not protrude beyond the housing. Each of the terminals is easily reflow-soldered and exposed at the side of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Tokyo Parts Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadao Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20030164648Abstract: A four pole torque motor including a rotor assembly having a magnetic device, a motor core and a motor shaft, a stator having four stator members, wherein the stator is disposed so as to be surroundingly associated with the rotor assembly, a single motor coil, wherein the motor coil is disposed so as to be surroundingly associated with the stator and a motor housing having a housing body, wherein the housing body defines a housing cavity for containing the rotor assembly, the stator and the motor coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventor: Robert J. Byram
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Publication number: 20030160522Abstract: An elastic wave generator comprising an excitation coil (36), a magnetostriction oscillator (34) around which the excitation coil is wound and an oscillator support (22). The excitation coil is wound around the oscillator (34) which is made of a lamination of magnetostriction sheets having a metallic crystalline structure which exhibits positive strain characteristics in which its length varies directionally upon magnetic excitation. The oscillator support (22) has a first support surface (1A) shrink-fit against a first end surface (34A) of the magnetostriction oscillator (34) intersecting the direction along which the length of the magnetostriction oscillator (34) changes and a second support surface (1B) shrink-fit against a second end surface (34B) of the magnetostriction oscillator (34) intersecting the direction along which the length of the magnetostriction oscillator (34) changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryosuke Taniguchi, Shinichi Hattori, Takahiro Sakamoto, Takashi Shimada, Kanji Matsuhashi
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Publication number: 20030127918Abstract: A low cost, highly reliable linear oscillatory actuator comprising a yoke formed of magnetic material; an excitation coil wound on the yoke; and two permanent ring magnets arranged around the yoke and integrably set face-to-face on a common magnetic pole along the axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Kazuyoshi Fukunaga, Yasuhiro Fukui
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Publication number: 20030094861Abstract: An improved linear oscillating actuator is capable of minimizing the undesired vibrations while moving first and second oscillators in parallel paths. The first and second oscillators carry first and second drive elements respectively for driving connection to individual reciprocating loads. The first and second drive elements project upwardly respectively from the first and second oscillators such that the first drive element is disposed immediately upwardly of the second oscillator and the second drive elements is disposed immediately upwardly of the first oscillator. With this reverse arrangement of the first and second drive elements relative to the first and second oscillators, the individual oscillating systems each including the oscillator, the drive element and the corresponding reciprocating load can have its mass center disposed in close proximity to a mass center of the actuator, thereby enabling to reduce undesired vibrations which would otherwise occur around the mass center of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Shimizu, Ryo Motohashi, Hidekazu Yabuuchi, Takahiro Nishinaka, Noboru Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6560002Abstract: An optical switch that any vibration or oscillation transmitted to the optical switch from the outside is substantially prevented from being transmitted to a movable electrode is provided. In an optical switch comprising: a stationary electrode; a movable electrode opposed to the stationary electrode with a predetermined space therebetween; and a mirror mounted to the movable electrode, wherein the movable electrode and the mirror are moved together by applying a voltage between the stationary electrode and the movable electrode thereby to switch the path of an incident optical signal to the optical switch, a buffer member provided with a diaphragm is attached to the bottom of the stationary electrode, and a vibration or oscillation is substantially prevented from being transmitted to the movable electrode by the damping effects of the diaphragm and the space area formed above the diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, LimitedInventor: Keiichi Mori
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Patent number: 6548926Abstract: The subject of the invention is a linear displacement actuator which includes a male part and a female part. One part includes a screw thread and the other part includes at least one peripheral rib which collaborates with the screw thread. The inside diameter of the female part, increased by the depth of the screw thread, is greater than the outside diameter of the male part. The female part bears linear actuators arranged at right angles in a support and is free to be displaced axially with respect to the male part. The linear actuators place the female part in sinusoidal vibration in two perpendicular directions with an appropriate phase shift between the vibrations, and displaces, rotation-wise, the line of contact between the screw thread and the at least one peripheral rib. The screw thread and the peripheral rib remain motionless in terms of rotation and therefore bring about relative linear displacement of the female part and of the male part.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems-FranceInventor: Simon Blair Dobson
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Patent number: 6541882Abstract: Inner notches (225A, 226A) for adjusting the cogging torque of a rotor (21) are formed on a stator (22) in a small-size power generator (20). Since the inner notches (225A, 226A) are formed on an inner periphery of a rotor accommodation hole (230) within an angular range of ±45° around a magnetic flux direction of a first magnetic circuit (100) having a smaller magnetic reluctance at a rotation center of the rotor (21), the cogging torque can be effectively reduced. Accordingly, even when the size of components such as an oscillating weight and a power spring is reduced for making a thin timepiece, rotation startability of the rotor can be improved, thus improving power generation efficiency of the small-size power generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Kinya Matsuzawa
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Patent number: 6541881Abstract: A throttle valve assembly having a direct current torque motor assembled and calibrated as a subassembly or unit and installed on the throttle body and the throttle plate subsequently installed. The rotor is a disc defining magnetic poles and an axial air gap with the stators which are assembled in a cup-shaped housing. The housing and stators are assembled over the rotor shaft and rotor and attached to a cover plate to form a motor subassembly. The shaft of the motor subassembly is inserted in bearings in the throttle body and the subassembly secured to the throttle body by fasteners through the cover plate. The throttle plate is then installed in a slot in the motor shaft through the air passage in the throttle body.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: David Turner
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Patent number: 6538799Abstract: A torsional micro-mechanical mirror system includes a mirror assembly rotatably supported by a torsional mirror support assembly for rotational movement over and within a cavity in a base. The cavity is sized sufficiently to allow unimpeded rotation of the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a support structure for supporting a reflective layer. The support structure is coplanar with and formed from the same wafer as the base. The torsional mirror support assembly includes at least one torsion spring formed of an electroplated metal. An actuator assembly is operative to apply a driving force to torsionally drive the torsional mirror support assembly, whereby torsional motion of the torsional mirror support assembly causes rotational motion of the mirror assembly. In another embodiment, a magnetic actuator assembly is provided to drive the mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignees: The Microoptical Corporation, Northeastern UniversityInventors: Robert William McClelland, Noa More Rensing, Mark Bradley Spitzer, Paul Daniel Aquilino, Paul Martin Zavracky
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Publication number: 20030042801Abstract: A drive apparatus for an electromagnetic drive type actuator, which includes a movable element, a fixed element, a connection element, a magnetic field generation element, and a drive coil, such that the movable element is caused to oscillate by an interaction between a current flowing through the drive coil and a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation element, comprises a drive signal supply element, which supplies to the drive coil a current signal with a periodic waveform that has a frequency substantially equal to a resonance frequency of the movable element and whose current value is zero in a fixed period in one cycle, and an oscillation detection element, which detects an oscillation state based on a timing of a zero-cross point of a voltage waveform between both ends of the drive coil in a period corresponding to the period in which the current value is zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Miyajima, Masahiro Nishio
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Publication number: 20030042802Abstract: The invention concerns a safety locking device intended to equip electromechanical equipment provided with a rotating shaft, the device comprising a first friction element connected rotationally to the said shaft, and a second friction element immobile rotationally and extending opposite the first friction element, one of the two friction elements being able to move in translation, under the action of controllable actuation means, between a locking position and a release position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: MESSIER-BUGATTIInventors: Girod Pierre, Chico Philippe
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Publication number: 20030025405Abstract: A flat type vibration motor provides a weight on a round shaped upper substrate and a portion corresponding to a winding coil arranged at one side of the upper substrate to prevent the eccentric amount from being reduced due to a slim thickness of a rotor, thereby facilitating a slim size of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Gil An, Sung Tai Jung, Ta Kyoung Lee
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Publication number: 20030011252Abstract: A roto-oscillator and a velocity-sensing driver producing vibrotactile skin stimulation are disclosed. Driver current flowing through a coil produces a magnetic field that interacts with a roto-oscillating permanent magnet. Shaft supported and shaft-less embodiments are disclosed. Spring linkages are used to constrain the unenergized angular position of the roto-oscillating permanent magnet with respect to the coil current-induced magnetic field, such as to substantially optimize a vibratory torque generation. Spring linkages further serve to store the kinetic energy of roto-oscillation and to determine the optimum frequency of oscillation and the direction of vibrotactile stimulus. A velocity sensing circuit is used to provide a feedback signal for the roto-oscillator driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventor: Edwin Langberg
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Patent number: 6507257Abstract: A bi-directional latching actuator is comprised of an output shaft with one or more rotors fixedly mounted thereon. The shaft and rotor are mounted for rotation in a magnetically conductive housing having a cylindrical coil mounted therein and is closed by conductive end caps. The end caps have stator pole pieces mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the rotor has at least two oppositely magnetized permanent magnets which are asymmetrically mounted, i.e., they are adjacent at one side and separated by a non-magnetic void on the other side. The stator pole piece has asymmetric flux conductivity and in one embodiment is axially thicker than the remaining portion of the pole piece. An abutment prevents the rotor from swinging to the neutral position (where the rotor magnets are axially aligned with the higher conductivity portion of the pole piece). Thus, the rotor is magnetically latched in one of two positions being drawn towards the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: SAIA-Burgess Inc.Inventor: David B. Mohler
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Patent number: 6504258Abstract: A downhole power generator produces electrical power for use by downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a downhole power generator includes a member that is vibrated in response to fluid flow through a housing. Vibration of the member causes a power generating assembly to generate electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger Lynn Schultz, Paul David Ringgenberg, Clark Edward Robison, Robert Ken Michael, Russell Irving Bayh, III
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Publication number: 20020195884Abstract: A linear oscillator includes a reciprocating moving part, a case to contain the moving part, and an amplitude control spindle moveably supported in the case. The moving part and the amplitude control spindle reciprocate at a frequency approximately equal to the resonance frequency of the linear oscillator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitaka Ichii, Katsuhiro Hirata, Yasushi Arikawa, Tomio Yamada, Hidekazu Yabuuchi, Hiroki Inoue
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Patent number: 6498407Abstract: A low speed moving magnet motor (1) has a moving magnet (10) and a stationary coil (20) for carrying an electric current and disposed in relation to the moving magnet (10) such that a magnetic field generated when a current flows through the coil (20) causes the moving magnet (10) to move relative to the coil. A magnetic return path member (15) is fixed in relation to the coil (20) to provide a return path for a magnetic field generated by the coil (20) and the moving magnet (10). In an example, the magnetic return path member (15) is free of insulating laminations. The moving magnet (10) is mounted on a rotor (6) of the motor (1) which has a high inertia.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Xyratex Technology LimitedInventor: Anthony R. Hearn
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Patent number: 6479964Abstract: A portable self-contained power pack is described including a miniature internal combustion motor/alternator combination with an attached fuel supply. The electrical output from the motor/alternator is rectified and controlled to provide a DC output. The DC output is used to charge batteries and/or capacitors. The power pack is designed to be of a weight and size so that it may be carried while in use on the person of the user. The DC output and the batteries and/or capacitors are connected and power personal items. These personal items include, but are not limited to, cell phones, portable radios, laptops, stand alone computers, music and video players and recorders, personal electronic organizers, games and cordless power tools.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Aerodyne Research, Inc.Inventors: Jaime Woodroffe, David B. Stickler
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Patent number: 6441516Abstract: The device includes a barrel (2) inserted in the kinematic chain between the rotor (11) of the generator (1) and the oscillating weight (3). The barrel includes a spiral coiled spring (4) and a sliding strip (6), wound in the same direction as the spiral coiled spring over the length of a turn, without any mechanical connection with the spring, but forming a protective envelope in the open position in case of shock. The shockproof device can be applied to the generator of a wristwatch.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Eta Sa Fabriques D'ebauchesInventors: Laurent Kaelin, Jean-Philippe Rebeaud
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Patent number: 6441517Abstract: The invention is directed to a drive mechanism for driving a working unit, movable in a rotary oscillating manner, of domestic appliances, particularly dry shavers.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Thomas Brum, Alexander Klös, Holger Port, Werner Port, Uwe Schaaf
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Patent number: 6433449Abstract: A galvanometer unit includes a limited-rotation motor with a load element such as a mirror attached to a shaft extending from the motor. In a servo loop that controls the angular position of the mirror, a position-sensor attached to the shaft provides position feedback information. The sensor includes a rotor which is positioned at the null point of the fundamental torsional resonance mode of the rotating system, thereby essentially eliminating feedback components resulting from the resonance.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: GSI Lumonics, CorporationInventors: David C. Brown, Felix Stukalin
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Patent number: 6429551Abstract: Known oscillating motors have inter alia starting difficulties resulting from the fact that the sliding seal ring is subject to pressures applied within said ring, even at a standstill. According to the invention, an oscillating motor is provided, comprising a sliding seal ring capable of axially sliding on a journal (8) of the output shaft (7) and which rests on an internal surface of the cover (4) with a sliding and sealing surface. Annular rings which are located on the cover side of the sliding seal ring (23) are connected through pressure compensation bores (34) and pressure compensation channels (38) to the side of the sliding seal ring (23) oriented towards the pressure chamber (13) or the discharge chamber (14). Static pressure in the housing (27) of the diagonal seal ring (28) and dynamic pressure in the pressure chambers (13) can thus be compensated.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: PNP Luftfedersysteme GmbHInventors: Stefan Beetz, Klaus Reichel
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Patent number: 6424070Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved limited torque motor (15). In the preferred embodiment, the motor comprises a magnetized rotor (16) mounted for rotational movement relative to a stator (18), the rotor and stator being elongated about an axis x-x, and the stator having coils (19) adapted to be selectively energized by a current to exert a torque on the rotor, and the stator having a centering magnetic configuration (20) at a first axial location (21) and arranged to produce a torque on the rotor as a function of rotor angular displacement (A), and the stator having a driving magnetic configuration (23) at a second axial location (24) and arranged to produce a torque on the rotor as a function of the current. The stator may comprise multiple radial pole pieces (35) and the coil may be wrapped around each of the pole pieces. The centering magnetic configuration may have less pole-pieces than the driving magnetic configuration. The rotor may have a constant magnetic configuration along its axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Moog Inc.Inventor: Dominic Spano
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Patent number: 6404313Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes an external movable plate formed integrally with a semiconductor substrate. A first torsion bar movably supports the movable plate with respect to the semiconductor substrate. An internal movable plate is disposed inside the external movable plate. A second torsion bar rotatably supports the internal movable plate relative to the external movable plate, and is positioned at a right angle relative to the first torsion bar; and further includes a single turn first driving coil extending around the external movable plate; a single turn second driving coil extending around the internal movable plate, and which is connected in series with the first driving coil; magnetic field generating means for applying a magnetic field to the first and second driving coils; and an optical element having an optical axis and located on the internal movable plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Nihon Shingo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Norihiro Asada
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Patent number: 6380649Abstract: A galvanometer unit comprises a limited-rotation motor with a load element such as a mirror attached to a shaft extending from the motor. In a servo loop that controls the angular position of the mirror, a position-sensor attached to the shaft provides position feedback information. The sensor includes a rotor which is positioned at the null point of the fundamental torsional resonance mode of the rotating system, thereby essentially eliminating feedback components resulting from the resonance.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: GSI Lumoniss CorporationInventors: David C. Brown, Felix Stukalin
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Publication number: 20020047325Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical apparatus having an actuator including at least two permanent magnets (1, 1a) and at least one electrical coil (2) which is movably supported by means of a swing arm (3), which coil is arranged to be traversed by magnetic fields of the permanent magnets (1, 1a), the actuator having a cage (4), which encloses the coil (2) and the permanent magnets (1, 1a), as a closed magnetic return path.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventor: Dirk Hente
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Patent number: 6377380Abstract: A device for providing angular displacement of an axis in a direction selected from the X or Y direction or rotational movement about the Z direction with respect to the axis. The device comprises a magnetic core element which produces a magnetic field and defines a Z axis. The core element is capable of displacement in the X and Y directions respectively, and also rotational movement about the Z axis. A coil device proximate the core element introduces a distortion force in the core element in at least one of the X and Y directions or about the Z axis as desired a mounting device suspends the core element with respect to the coil means to permit relative movement therebetween in response to the distortion force.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: George A. Plesko
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Patent number: 6377145Abstract: A vibration actuator includes an electromechanical transducer having a magnetic circuit (1-4) and a driving coil (5), a support frame (9), and a damper (270) elastically supporting the magnetic circuit onto the support frame to flexibly damp the vibration of the magnetic circuit when a driving AC current is supplied to the coil (5). The damper (270) comprises inner and outer ring portions (271, 272) and a plurality of spiral spring portions (273) determined by a plurality of spiral slits (274, 275) formed in the damper. In order to reduce the spiral spring portion determined by the adjacent two spiral slits in its compliance, each of the spiral spring portions has an effective spring length determined by an effective angle (&thgr;) which is determined as an angle (by angular degree) from an inner end of the inner spiral slit to an outer end of the outer spiral slit defining each respective spiral spring portion around a center of the damper. The effective angle is 55 angular degree or more.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Tokin CorporationInventor: Toru Kumagai
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Patent number: 6376941Abstract: A linear-force motor contains no moving parts and is powered by a high frequency generator. It is silent and vibration-free. It has no emissions except force and heat. It is not restricted to operating on a fixed track. No mechanical maintenance or lubrication is required. It can be completely sealed and therefore operate in extreme environments without degradation. A variation of this design can produce rotary motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Julian R. Kalmar
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Patent number: 6336373Abstract: A drivig rotary shaft and a follower rotary shaft are rotatably carried in a housing of a rotary solenoid. Operating members fixed to the rotary shafts by clips are operatively connected to each other by gears, and a locked member is locked non-movably by locking surfaces formed at tip ends of the operating members. This makes it unnecessary to provide a device for converting a rectilinear motion to a rotational motion such as a pin and an elongated bore in a path of transmission of a driving force from the rotary solenoid to the operating members. Therefore, not only the number of parts and the number of assembling steps are reduced, but also the number of slide areas, where a friction resistance and looseness are liable to be produced, is reduced, thereby enabling a noiseless smooth operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Keihin CorporationInventors: Masakazu Murai, Shigeto Ryuen
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Patent number: 6320285Abstract: A throttle valve control apparatus includes a throttle valve, a DC torque motor for driving the throttle valve, the DC torque motor including a stator with coil wound therearound, and a needle including permanent magnets, the needle being rocked within a predetermined working angle range, wherein a magnetic path is formed within the stator, and a magnetic flux quantity is generated within the stator when current flows in the permanent magnets and the coil, wherein a magnetic flux is not saturated while the working angle of the needle is in a repulsion region where the needle repulses the stator and the magnetic flux is saturated while the working angle of the needle is in an attraction region where the needle is attracted to the stator, a throttle opening sensor for outputting information regarding an opening of the throttle valve, and a controller which controls the dc torque motor when receiving signals from the throttle opening sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiki Ito, Katsuhiro Asami
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Patent number: 6313553Abstract: A a rotating electromagnetic actuator with limited stroke, including at least 2N poles on the stator, N being a whole number, energized by at least one energizer coil and N magnetized parts on the rotor arranged in an air gap of thickness E wherein each magnetized part is juxtaposed with at least one ferromagnetic part with a thickness e between 0 and E, defining one or two air gaps with a total length of E-e.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Moving Magnet Technologies S.A.Inventors: Pierre Gandel, Christophe Besson
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Patent number: 6304359Abstract: An optical scanning device for raster scanning applications based on galvanometric scanner technology incorporates a nonlinear biasing element, such as a nonlinear magnetic or mechanical spring to assist in the acceleration and deceleration of the motor shaft at the turn around points of the sawtooth motion. The galvanometric scanning device includes a moving magnet motor using more than four poles, e.g., eight poles. The moving magnet motor has a plurality of laminations each having a number of teeth, e.g., eight, extending inward toward the rotor and having coils mounted thereon. In one embodiment, coils are mounted on every other tooth. The motor is driven with a fourth order polynomial sawtooth command signal to reduce resonances caused by high acceleration and deceleration. In addition, the motor may be driven by pulse width modulation to reduce power dissipation.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Lasesys CorporationInventor: Jagmohan S. Gadhok
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Patent number: 6285485Abstract: A micro-electromechanical scanner is disclosed for the efficient, controlled deflection of light beams. The device comprises a moving rotor, a suspension system, and a stator. The rotor comprises a closed-circuit coil and a mirror. The suspension system may be, for example, a set of torsion bars on which the rotor is mounted. The stator may be, for example, a rectangular frame holding the suspension system. When placed in a constant magnetic field and excited by an alternating magnet field, the rotor oscillates at the frequency of the alternating magnetic field, All else being equal, the highest deflection angles occur at the natural mechanical resonance frequency of the rotor-suspension combination. Compared to conventional devices, the novel device can be smaller, can be less expensive, can consume less power, and may exhibit higher deflection angles over a given time scale than other micromechanical devices operating on different actuation principles.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeInventor: Luiz Otavio S. Ferreira
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Publication number: 20010017491Abstract: In an apparatus (1) having an electroacoustic transducer (12) which includes a magnet system (13) which is used to realize vibration generating means (35) the vibration generating means (35) include, in addition to the magnet system (13), at least one movably mounted vibration generating coil (36, 37) arranged in the stray field area of the magnet system (13), the vibration generating coil (36, 37) being preferably also connected to a metal part (38) which consists of a soft-magnetic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventors: Ernst Ruberl, Heinz Renner, Juha Reinhold Backman
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Patent number: 6265794Abstract: A stator is adjustably attached to the frame of a crossed-flexure pivot galvanometer. The stator acts on a permanent-magnetic rotor, having radially facing poles, causing the rotor to torsionally oscillate, which causes the rotor to be displaced from an axis of rotation along a line of displacement. The resonant frequency of the galvanometer is controlled by adjusting the centering of the stator along a line between the radially facing poles of the permanent-magnetic rotor. With this adjustment, as the stator is brought closer to the magnet along the line between the radially facing poles, the frequency-lowering effect is maximized. As the stator is move away from the magnet along the line of displacement, the frequency-lowering effect is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: GSI Lumenics, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. DeBoalt
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Patent number: 6251658Abstract: An inertial impact drill for diverse applications in cytology such as in-vitro fertilization, genetic research, pharmaceutical research, cloning, etc., is designed to operate in conjunction with micropipettes, microelectrodes, and micromanipulators. The drill includes two opposing actuators, one version of which is comprised a plurality of individual piezoelectric elements, the other version is comprised of a plurality of electrostrictive elements. The actuators drive a small inertial mass to produce sharp short reciprocal movements of this mass. The movements of the inertial mass result in repetitive impacts that are transferred to the micropipette or a microelectrode, which is mechanically coupled to the body of the inertial impact drill. In addition, the impacts cause mechanical oscillation of the tip of a micropipette or a microelectrode at its resonant frequency that is higher than the repetition rate of the impacts.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Burleigh Instruments, INCInventors: David A. Henderson, John C. Fasick, III, Robert L. Culhane, Edward H. Friedrich
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Patent number: 6249198Abstract: A magnetic actuator for reciprocating motion of a compressor diaphragm, piston or the like. The actuator comprises a stator with stator poles, excitation windings, and a backing plate. Non-magnetic support arms carry arced magnet poles and actuate a pair of compressed diaphragms. With the introduction of coil current, magnet poles are attracted to the central stator poles and repulsed by outer poles. A torque about pivot results and hence movement of arms with consequential actuation of the diaphragms. Performance is improved by increasing the flux produced by the electromagnet, thereby reducing flux leakage and fringing.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Huntleigh Technology PLCInventors: Richard Edward Clark, Stephen John Cook
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Patent number: 6249064Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing microactuator positional control in a disc drive having a rotatable disc on which a plurality of tracks are defined and an actuator assembly which supports a head adjacent the tracks. An actuator motor is used to provide primary positioning of the head through the controlled application of current to a coil of the actuator motor. A microactuator, opposite the actuator motor coil, has a pair of microactuator coils wound about respective magneto-striction beams so that, in response to drive currents passed through the microactuator coils, a selected one of the magneto-striction beams increases in length and the remaining magneto-striction beam decreases in length. The magneto-striction beams act upon a pivot assembly coupled to the head to displace the head to a final desired position adjacent the disc.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventor: Robert T. Bradbury
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Patent number: 6232861Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for driving a movable plate equipped with an optical element such as a mirror on the basis of the operation principle of a galvanometer. The structure of the movable plate is simplified, and a driving coil and a wiring are formed by aluminium vapor deposition to improve durability. When an impact brings the movable plate outside the allowable rocking range of the movable plate, a stopper prevents excessive displacement of the movable plate to thereby prevent destruction of a torsion bar that supports the movable plate. Moreover, electrical connection in the torsion bar is eliminated to prolong the service life, and a production process is simplified to reduce a production cost.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1997Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Nihon Shingo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Norihiro Asada
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Patent number: 6229231Abstract: To provide a reciprocation motor capable to detect rotation angle of rotor accurately. Rotor 1 is a magnet having two poles to radial direction and comprises half-cylindrical magnets. Driving coils 5a and 5b are bound equally at coil board 3. Magnetic sensor 7 is fixed at outside and under side of driving coil 5b on coil board 3. Such a construction makes magnetic sensor hard to be influenced by flux generating caused by current flowing through driving coil 5b. Therefore, it is possible to improve position detecting accuracy of rotor 1.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1997Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Seiko Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Ishida, Shigeru Ooki
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Patent number: 6215207Abstract: A torque motor comprises a rotor having a pair of permanent magnet groups, and a pair of stator cores. Each magnet group includes a plurality of plate or rod-shaped permanent magnets arranged in a circumferential direction. The magnet groups are arranged asymmetrically with respect to a rotary axis of the rotor. That is, one magnet group is displaced one-half angle of the pitch angle of each permanent magnet from the symmetric position of the other magnet group with respect to the rotary axis of the rotor. Alternatively, the stator cores are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the rotary axis of the rotor so that a front end of one stator core is displaced from the symmetric position of a front end of the other stator core in the circumferential direction. A cylindrical magnetic cover is fitted on the rotor to cover the permanent magnets circumferentially.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Jiro Kondo, Tomokazu Kondo, Yuichiro Miura, Hideki Kawamura
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Patent number: 6201330Abstract: A spring coefficient adjustment system for a vibratory drive for use in driving a vibratory delivery apparatus. The drive includes an electromagnet and an associated armature spaced apart by a gap. In the drive, a plate is movable with respect to a frame. One of the electromagnet and the armature is connected to the frame and the respective other is connected to the spring plate. A primary spring is connected between the frame and the spring plate. A plurality of auxiliary elastomer shear springs are selectively engageable between the frame and the plate to change the total spring coefficient between the frame and the plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: FMC CorporationInventor: Harold E. Patterson
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Patent number: 6198180Abstract: A new class of tilting micromechanical mechanisms have been developed. These new mechanisms use floating pivot structures to relieve some of the problems encountered in the use of solid flexible pivots.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: Ernest J. Garcia
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Patent number: 6188149Abstract: A linear motor for controlling motions of thread being woven on a weaving machine is disclosed. The linear motor contains a stator (1) which produces a magnetic field, an armature (2) which is arranged in the magnetic field, and two flexible mounting parts (3) which are arranged parallel to one another in such a manner that the armature which is connected to the mounting parts is movable relative to the stator. The linear motor drives a member that can contact the thread and thereby influence its motion.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Sulzer Rueti AGInventors: Godert De Jager, Dietmar Markward
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Patent number: 6184598Abstract: Known oscillating motors tend to present scaling problems; in particular they are often inadequately sealed in relation to the outside. The scaling elements also have a short service life as a result of the considerable strains to which they are subjected. The invention therefore provides an oscillating motor whose annular sealing ring consists of a sliding sealing ring (23) and a soft sealing ring, said rings being positioned next to each other on a common axis. The soft sealing ring is configured as a diagonal sealing ring (28) and is located on the sides of the pressure or discharge chambers (13, 14). The sliding sealing ring (23) is configured so that it is torsionally rigid in relation to the rotor (2). For this purpose, it preferably has two axial grooves (32), said grooves being arranged so that they are parallel and in pairs. The grooves (32) correspond to driver elements (31) located on the rotor wings (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: PNP Luftfedersysteme GmbHInventors: Klaus Reichel, Stefan Beetz
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Patent number: 6181034Abstract: Radial oscillating motors are generally fitted with an outer overflow oil line in order to protect sealing elements. This requires an over large amount of devices and system expenditure. Large amounts of installation space are also required for oscillating motors of this kind. The invention provides a radial oscillating motor wherein each bearing (29) is hydraulically connected to a discharge chamber (14) via a main duct (30) in addition to radial ducts (31, 15, 16, 35, 37, 38) and axial ducts (32, 36) in a driven shaft (7). A non-return valve opening out in the direction of the discharge chamber (14) is inserted into the ducts (31, 32, 37, 38).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: PNP Luftfedersysteme GmbHInventors: Klaus Reichel, Stefan Beetz
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Patent number: 6153952Abstract: A small-sized, light-weight DC torque motor with good response characteristics. The motor is a moving magnet type DC torque motor rockable in a rocking angle of 0=45 to 135 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiki Ito, Katsuhiro Asami
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Patent number: 6147427Abstract: An electromotive actuating device having a movable member and a stationary member is disclosed. The device includes a first excitation part adapted to generate a constant magnetic flux and a second excitation part adapted to generate a magnetic flux of variable amplitude, a first and a second magnetic circuit is provided for guiding the magnetic flux generated by the first excitation part. The reluctance of the first and of the second magnetic circuit is controlled by means of the position of the movable member, and the second excitation part being included in the second magnetic circuit. An actuating device of this type has a rotary actuator having a range of more than 90.degree.. This is achieved in that the stationary member includes at least a first pole shoe, a second pole shoe and a third pole shoe. The first pole shoe and the third pole shoe form flux guiding elements of the first magnetic circuit. The second pole shoe and the third pole shoe form flux guiding elements of the second magnetic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventors: Bernd Ackermann, Martin Houkes