Motion Conversion Patents (Class 310/80)
  • Patent number: 4767958
    Abstract: A stepping motor suitable as a drive source for driving a head carriage in a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus for use in an electronic still camera or the like. In the stepping motor, a magnet rotor is formed in the outer circumferential surface with alternately arranged north and south poles, while two excitation coils, which serve as the stator part of the stepping motor, are located such that they embrace the magnet rotor from both axial ends thereof. The two excitation coils are embraced by two yokes, respectively. Each of the yokes is provided with pole teeth, formed so as to cover the circumference of the magnet rotor. A slidable screw parallel to the shaft serves as a linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidemi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 4767955
    Abstract: A motor includes a pair of linear actuators having a rack connected to their actuation elements. The linear actuators are powered in a manner which causes them to oscillate. A pair of sector gears which mesh with the rack are rotatably mounted on individual shafts to rotate clockwise when the rack moves in one direction and counterclockwise when the rack moves in the opposite direction. One of the sector gears is coupled to its associated shaft through a counterclockwise one-way clutch and the other sector gear is coupled to its shaft through a clockwise one-way clutch. The shafts have intermeshing drive gears mounted on them and thereby rotate counter to one another. An output gear can be coupled to either drive gear through an idler gear which is engaged with the appropriate drive gear by a solenoid-operated carriage. When the rack is moving in a first direction one of the sector gears is coupled to its shaft through its one-way clutch to rotate the drive gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Precise Flight, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 4764696
    Abstract: A step motor of the linear type has a shaft threadedly engaged with an inner hole of a rotor and is slidably supported for axial movement by a front bearing and a rear bearing. A stopper pin that abuts on a stationary portion at the rear end of travel projects from an outer circumferential portion of the shaft. The shaft is moved in the axial direction by the rotation of the rotor and the front shaft bearing is provided with a slot allowing the stopper pin to pass through. Consequently, when the shaft is advanced, the stopper pin for stopping the rear end of travel does not abut on the front bearing, and the advance of the shaft is not limited. The slot, therefore, allows the stroke of the shaft to be lengthened without lengthening the front portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Fukaya, Katsumi Mineyama
  • Patent number: 4764695
    Abstract: A vibrator for providing revolving vibration to a body to be vibrated such as a dispersion table of a vibration feeder or a sieve stack of a screening machine. In this vibrator, it is possible not only to control the amplitude of vibration but also to obtain a uniform vibration amplitude everywhere in the vibrating body inclusive of its center. A unique feature of this vibrator involves a plurality of armatures fixed to and around a vibrating member and actuated by associated electromagnets energized with multiphase a.c. power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Yamato Scale Company, Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Inoue, Yasushi Oshima
  • Patent number: 4763358
    Abstract: At least one rotary vane in a tube is driven by a motor in response to an audio signal, causing production of sound through at least one opening in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Intersonics Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas J. Danley
  • Patent number: 4757223
    Abstract: A linear actuator constructed so as to convert deformation movements of a plurality of electrostrictive elements to a reciprocating movement of an output shaft thereof. The linear actuator comprises a planetary driving unit adapted to be driven by a plurality of electrostrictive elements in a casing body thereof, a precessional driving unit adapted to be driven by a plurality of electrostrictive elements therein a contact ring connected interlockingly to both the planetary driving unit and the precessional driving unit therein and the output shaft engaged loosely to the interior surface of the contact ring and supported reciprocatively by the casing body. The voltages applied to the electrostrictive elements are controlled so as for the contact ring to be driven to perform a planetary movement with being pressed onto the output shaft and to be driven to perform a precessional movement by the precessional driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Ueyama
  • Patent number: 4752706
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention the magnetic friction force is overcome by a rolling motion whereby there is physical contact between the field magnets and the core. As experiments show, reversal of magnetic flux polarity on and in a ferromagnetic object was 14 times less difficult to realize by such rolling motion. Because full contact is realized between field magnets and winding cores, a greater flux density is produced by the magnetic circuit. The above concept introduces a whole new breed of distinctly different rolling motion electricity generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Inventor: Leslie G. Meszaros
  • Patent number: 4751411
    Abstract: A step motor of the linear type is composed of a shaft threadedly engaged with an inner hole provided in a rotor and is driven in the axial direction by rotation of the rotor. A bearing for slidably supporting the shaft for axial movement is installed in a rear cover for covering the rear end of the shaft and an enclosing member for the rear end of the shaft is formed in the rear cover. A spring shoe and a coil spring are fitted to the rear end of the shaft enclosed in the enclosing member. Consequently, the assembly of the coil spring and the spring shoe becomes simple, and the coil spring is not exposed. The form of the front portion of the step motor is made more compact in comparison to that of the prior art where the coil spring is externally installed to the front end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Fukaya, Takashi Kubota
  • Patent number: 4749898
    Abstract: A superprecision positioning device includes an output shaft rotor, a plurality of eccentric shaft rotors including an inner eccentric shaft rotor and an outer eccentric shaft rotor, and a bearing base cylinder, electrically rotating and driving mechanism portions being provided between the eccentric shaft rotor and the output shaft rotor, and between the outer eccentric shaft rotor and the bearing base cylinder, respectively, whereby the eccentric shaft rotors and the output shaft rotor may be independently rotated and controlled. With this arrangement, movement in three degrees of freedom may be achieved by translational movement and rotation of the output shaft in a two-dimensional surface, and if an axially movable support shaft is inserted in the output shaft, an article being positioned may be moved with four degrees of freedom in total, providing superprecision positioning in units of 1/10 micron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: National Aerospace Laboratory of Science & Technology Agency
    Inventors: Seizo Suzuki, Teruomi Nakaya, Yoshio Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4748357
    Abstract: An electromechanical apparatus for producing an axial force for the actuation of a clamping device, such as a chuck that rotates with the arbor of a machining tool. The apparatus includes an electric motor that has a stator and a rotor, with the relative movement between the rotor and stator being transferable, via a gear system and a shaft drive as an axial movement, to a tie rod which is preferably hollow. In order to have a small overall size, and to reduce the frictional forces that occur during actuation, the rotor is connected with a gear wheel in which meshes at least one pinion that is secured to a shaft that is mounted in a housing in such a way that it cannot shift axially. Disposed on the shaft is a nut that in turn is connected to the tie rod, which is axially movably mounted in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Paul Forkardt GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Kempken
  • Patent number: 4734605
    Abstract: A linear driving mechanism of the present invention is disclosed in which a guide member is mounted to a frame, a guide axis is fixedly mounted to said frame and has a threaded portion thereon a rotor movably mounted to said guide axis along said threaded portion, a stator mounted to the outside of said rotor through a bearing means, a movable table which mounted to said stator and mounted to reciprocate along said guide member. According to the present invention, said movable table is linearly reciprocated along said guide member by rotating said rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Tamagawa Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sokichi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4728837
    Abstract: A vibration generator (50) is disclosed for generating vibration energy. A magnetically attractable mass (98) is loosely disposed within a substantially cylindrical cavity of a housing (54). An array of electromagnets (60-90) are circumferentially spaced around the housing cavity. The electromagnets (60-90) are sequentially energized in a predetermined sequence to magnetically attract the loosely disposed mass (98) toward an energized electromagnet thereby causing the magnetically attractable mass (98) to orbit around the array of electromagnets imparting centrifugal force to housing (54) which in turn generates vibration energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Krishna Bhadra
  • Patent number: 4712027
    Abstract: Using a smooth laminated armature assembly, with a ferromagnetic double-helix stator shaft, provides an economical radial pole linear reluctance motor requiring no external armature bearings. The stator shaft has a double-helical screw tooth pattern cut into its surface. Spaces between screw threads are preferably filled with low permeability material. The armature assembly has radial pole laminar plates, separated by identically configured laminar spacers, separated by an insulating layer, which provides eddy current isolation, physical stability and original adjustment of laminations for overall accuracy to linear positioning, despite tolerances in the individual laminar plates. Each laminar plate has a number of inwardly projecting teeth centered about the internal channel. These internal teeth and the double helix screw teeth on the stator shaft provide flux paths through the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Karidis
  • Patent number: 4709178
    Abstract: A motorized drive attachment for rotating a rotatable control shaft in a telescope. The attachment includes a motor within a housing, and a coupler on the output shaft of the motor interiorly lined with an O-ring. A snap-on bracket, secured to the housing detachably clamps onto a frame portion of the telescope, and in this position holds the attachment in place with the coupler providing a direct drive to the control shaft. The O-ring acts as a slip clutch when the control shaft is operated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: James D. Burr
  • Patent number: 4671745
    Abstract: A magnetically-actuated, motorized pump includes a plurality of cylinders extending at radially-spaced intervals between first and second heads. Each cylinder reciprocably receives a piston assembly including a pair of permanent magnets with outwardly-extending poles. Inlet and outlet valves are each provided at opposite ends of the cylinders. First and second rotors are each rotatably mounted at a respective end of the pump outside of a respective head. Each rotor includes a concentric ring comprising alternating permanent magnets and electromagnets for reciprocating the piston assemblies. Perimeter magnets are provided on the first rotor and the first head for interacting whereby rotary motion is imparted to the rotors. The electromagnets are actuated by an electrical distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: Raymond H. Smith
  • Patent number: 4670679
    Abstract: An adjusting device with an overload slip system and a slip-independent position indicator includes a driving system and an adjusting member movable by the driving system between two end stops. The driving system includes an electric motor housed in a housing and a planetary transmission connected to the motor shaft, the power output shaft of the transmission being in engagement with the adjusting member. A stationary, internally toothed ring of the planetary transmission is confined between facing peripheral edges of the divided housing and is capable of slipping relatively to the edges of the housing under overload conditions. A support plate with a circular electrical resistor is fixedly connected to the housing on the side of the power output shaft. A runner contact connected to the power output shaft is movable over the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: IKU Holding Montfoort B.V.
    Inventors: Hermanus M. I. Koot, Aane A. Oskam
  • Patent number: 4658163
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for translating the bidirectional, incremental rotation of a disk drive motor of the electric stepping type into the reciprocating, stepwise displacement of a magnetic transducer head in a radial direction of a disklike record medium in a data transfer apparatus employing such record medium. The device includes a lead screw driven by the drive motor and extending parallel to the path of the transducer head. Slidably engaged in the helical groove in the lead screw is an engagement member, such as a ball or pin, which is supported on the head carriage of the data transfer apparatus for causing the linear travel of the transducer head in response to the rotation of the lead screw. The engagement member is affixed to a first cantilever spring on the head carriage, thereby to be biased into working engagement with the lead screw. A second cantilever spring on the head carriage acts on the first cantilever spring and coacts therewith to urge the engagement member against the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Teac Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 4652781
    Abstract: A drive unit for adjusting window panes, sunroofs, and seats in a vehicle has a reversible electric motor behind which is inserted a worm gear with a worm shaft. To prevent an undesired or unauthorized adjustment of a motor vehicle part, a brake device is provided. The brake device has a mechanical, one-way brake element with which the worm shaft may be coupled by an axial displacement. In order to reduce the effect of the brake device on the worm shaft when the window pane is adjusted by the electric motor, the brake element is the rotatable part of a rotation limiting device and, in the axial direction, it is supported on a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: SWF Auto-Electric GmbH
    Inventors: Marcel Andrei-Alexandru, Wolfgang Kofink, Hans Prohaska
  • Patent number: 4633111
    Abstract: The actuator of rapid linear variable motion comprises: a linear member--fixed or sliding--having a concave cylindrical surface with generatrices parallel to the direction of motion of said member, on which variable-pitch helix-like and shaped channels are formed; and a rotating member with its axis parallel to the linear member and provided with pegs angularly distributed and capable of coming in contact, one after the other, with limited contemporaneousness, with the channels of the linear member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Mario Gonzi
  • Patent number: 4607180
    Abstract: A self contained failure tolerant linear drive mechanism that is especially adapted for celestial space applications. First and second motors are concentrically connected to a shaft for axial movement through rotation of either or both of the motors. A locking mechanism having failure tolerant releasing means cooperates with each motor to provide for selective actuation of either motor and predetermined axial movement of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation/Convair Div.
    Inventor: William R. Stoody
  • Patent number: 4604539
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive mechanism which comprises a single-phase synchronous motor (5) for converting the rotation of the motor shaft (3) into a pulsating axial movement by means of an eccentric cam (25). The motor shaft (3) carries a coaxial cylindrical body (13) whose eccentric cam (25) co-operates with a piston rod. The drive-shaft system comprising the motor shaft and body is supported in a multiple bearing comprising a broad-area bearing (23) for the circumferential surface (21) of the cylindrical body (13) and a shaft bearing (19) for the shaft end (15) which projects from the body (13) at the end which is remote from the motor (5). The end portion (29) of the piston rod is guided so as to be axially slidable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Leo Bertram, Romuald L. Bukoschek
  • Patent number: 4588913
    Abstract: A linear actuator having a rotor sleeve coupled through a thread to an output spindle, and a rotor-magnet sleeve surrounding the rotor sleeve for driving it. The rotor is maintained in step with the driving circuit even though the output spindle may have struck a stop, by providing a slip clutch between the rotor-magnet sleeve and the rotor sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Hans J. Adami
  • Patent number: 4560894
    Abstract: An electric linear drive comprises a housing in which an external rotor electric motor is mounted. The motor has its stator fixedly mounted on said housing while on the other hand the rotor of the motor has a male screw thread thereon on which a bush is screwed. The bush is joined to a thrust rod and there are means for guiding the bush axially in the housing so that it may be moved into and out of the housing with a telescoping effect. This guiding means is furthermore designed for limiting the axial stroke of the thrust rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: Kurt Stoll
  • Patent number: 4557153
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved "harmonic screw" type actuator wherein rotary motion of the power input component is converted into linear motion of the output component by means of a strain wave imposed upon a flexible sleeve member of the assembly, which is flexed into intermittent screw engagement by a member which is motor-driven to rotate relative to the periphery of the flexible sleeve; thereby causing progressively advancing/retreating inter-engagements of thread-like surfaces formed on the axially stationary and axially movable components of the system. A variety of automatic "fail-safe" provisions are included as well as means for manual operation in power loss situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Air Monitor Corporation
    Inventor: Otmar M. Ulbing
  • Patent number: 4553056
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, and effective linear actuator design comprises a motor adjacent to a speed-reducer, with the driven stem of the speed-reducer passing through the rotor of the motor. The stem has one bearing at one end of the reducer and its second bearing at the end of the motor, in a bearing part likewise serving as a bearing for the rotor. The distance between the two bearings is increased, and the second bearing includes a socket which has a radial elasticity owing to the fact that it is monolithically joined to the fixed bearing part via a thin portion. This second bearing part is advantageously of synthetic material. The rotation of the stem actuates a driven linear-motion part, which is prevented from rotating and which executes a translatory movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle de Sonceboz S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Pfister
  • Patent number: 4546298
    Abstract: An electric actuator having an electric motor operable to determine the output force generated on an output member by a spring system, and an adjustable stop by which can be limited the maximum value of the output force, the position of the adjustable stop being variable in accordance with variation of the required maximum value of the output force to be exerted by the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Brake & Signal Co.
    Inventors: David J. Wickham, Jack Washbourn, Howard F. Cogan
  • Patent number: 4546296
    Abstract: An electric actuator which comprises an electric motor operable to a varying degree correspondingly to cause a spring to generate on an output member an output force which varies in accordance with the varying degree of operation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Brake & Signal
    Inventors: Jack Washbourn, Howard F. Cogan
  • Patent number: 4546297
    Abstract: An electric actuator having an output member movable into and out of a force-exerting position, electric motor means operable both to move the output member to and from its force-exerting position and, when the output member is in that position, to control a spring system to generate a required output force on the output member, and means for withholding the spring system from generating a force on the output member until the output member is determined as being in its force-exerting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Brake & Signal
    Inventors: Jack Washbourn, Howard F. Cogan
  • Patent number: 4546295
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric actuator having an output member movable from a first variable position to a second variable position; an electric motor operable to control a spring system to exert an output force on the output member when in its second position; a device for generating an electrical signal when the output member is about to leave the second position as it returns to the first position; and a motor-control electrical circuit which recognizes the generation of the electrical signal and thereafter operates the electric motor to a pre-determined degree to move the output member a corresponding pre-determined distance back to the first position so that there is preserved a substantially constant distance between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Brake & Signal
    Inventors: David J. Wickham, Jack Washbourn, Howard F. Cogan
  • Patent number: 4533891
    Abstract: A two pole stationary coil rotary magnet motor which provides for increased work and reduced rotary inertia. The motor consists of two main assemblies, a rotor assembly contained within a rotor casing and a stator and housing assembly surrounding the rotor casing. One end of the casing is closed, whereas the other end is open to eliminate the need for a dynamic shaft seal. Fluid enters the casing at the open end thereof to provide a lubricating fluid for the rotor bearings and a heat conductive path. The rotor casing isolates the critical movement of the rotor from the contaminated atmosphere of the stator environment and allows replacement of the stator assembly without disturbing the rotor assembly. A permanent magnet rotor may be formed using one or more rare earth magnets which may be suitably bonded to the rotor shaft. A protective cover surrounds the rotor magnets to eliminate potential rotor magnet breakage contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Pneumo Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Vanderlaan, John W. Meulendyk
  • Patent number: 4528468
    Abstract: A digital linear actuator capable of converting pulsed electrical current into positive and precise increments of linear motion. The actuator includes a threaded shaft which is prevented from rotating, a cylindrical rotor threaded on the shaft, and drive means spaced from the rotor and operative in response to a pulse of electric current to engage the rotor and turn the rotor through a predetermined arc, thereby causing linear motion by either the rotor or the shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Preferably the rotor circumference is toothed, and the drive means include an electromagnet which, when energized by a pulse of current, causes movement of a pivoted finger; when the finger moves, a flexible reed attached at one end thereof engages one of the rotor teeth and causes rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Inventor: Charles W. Leubecker
  • Patent number: 4521707
    Abstract: Three motors (9, 13, 17) are operated independently to extend telescopically first, second, and third coaxial stages (30, 38, 52). Each motor (9, 13, 17) has an axial extension (28, 36, 48) on its rotor (12, 16, 20) that threadedly engages the respective stage (30, 38, 52). Extension (28) is fixed to rotor (12). Extensions (36, 48) are spline connected to rotors (16, 20). First stage (30) is attached to extension (36) by a bearing (62). Second stage (38) is attached to extension (48) by a bearing (64). When first stage (30) extends or retracts, it carries with it second and third stages (38, 52) and extensions (36, 48). When second stage (38) extends or retracts, it carries with it third stage (52) and extension (48). Stages (30, 38, 52) are fixed against rotation relative to a housing (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Irwin G. Baker
  • Patent number: 4504753
    Abstract: Electrical compact drive, including first and second independently drivable drive shafts, the second drive shaft being in the form of a hollow shaft and the first drive shaft being disposed within the second drive shaft, a first drive motor driving the first drive shaft and having a stator and a rotor, a second drive motor driving the second drive shaft and having a stator and a rotor, and a transmission being connected between the second drive motor and the second drive shaft and having an outer output element and an inner drive element being coupled with the rotor of the second drive motor and being coaxial with the outer output element, the stators of the first and second drive motors, the outer output element of the transmission and the second drive shaft being rigidly coupled together for obtaining synchronism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Kraftwerk Union Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dietmar Koch
  • Patent number: 4501981
    Abstract: A linear stepper motor is provided with a feature to cause it to return to a zero position when current is cut off. The motor is formed of a stator armature assembly and a permanent magnet rotor assembly with poles thereof facing poles of the stator armature. The rotor assembly includes a rotor core formed as a nut with an axial threaded aperture extending therethrough. A shaft assembly includes a shaft screw mating with the rotor core nut, a front shaft affixed thereto, and a fixed sleeve overfitting the front shaft to permit axial motion thereof. A ball-and-groove arrangement in the front shaft and the sleeve prevents rotation of the shaft without impairing axial movement thereof. A spring causes return of the shaft to zero when there is no current applied to the stator armature. The spring can, for example, be a coil compression spring overfitting a portion of the shaft or a spiral torsion spring extending between the rotor and the stator armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: Haydon Switch & Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4500805
    Abstract: An electromechanical linear actuator comprises an electric motor driving a cog belt and pulley device in turn rotating a lead screw of the ball type. The lead screw is restrained axially and rotates a drive nut which moves axially along the screw in one and an opposite direction. The drive nut in turn moves an actuator assembly comprising a drive ring, four (4) circumaxially spaced rods, and an actuating head connected at a remote end of the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Esco Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4496865
    Abstract: Methods of operating, and apparatus including, a rotary electric motor to translate rotation of the motor into linear travel with the aid of a linearly traveling device. This linearly traveling device is restrained against rotation at points peripherally distributed relative to the device. In particular, there is a pair of interfitting parts including a linear keyplate and keyway at each of the peripherally distributed points. One of these interfitting parts is connected to the linearly traveling device and the other of these parts is maintained stationary relative to that one interfitting part. One of the linear keyplates may be provided with a first scale indicating the linear travel in a first system of measurement, such as the metric system, and another linear keyplate may be provided with a second scale indicating the linear travel in a second system of measurement, different from the first or metric system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Allen, James T. Thomasson
  • Patent number: 4494025
    Abstract: The linear feed device is suitable for extremely slow feed rates or extremely small feed steps. It works with two motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2) which drive a nut (16) and a screw spindle (2) via an intermediate drive (12-15; 22-25). The intermediate drives have slightly different transmission ratios, e.g., 1:0.340909 and 1:0.3414634.With a thread pitch of 2 mm of the spindle, this results, with the same direction of rotation of the motors, in about 0.0013 mm advance per revolution of the motor shafts. With the help of step motors, therefore, extremely small advance steps can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventor: Hans Fickler
  • Patent number: 4489248
    Abstract: A linear actuator is disclosed which includes a frame, a first lead screw mounted to the frame and adapted for rotation, and a second lead screw mounted to the frame parallel to the first lead screw and adapted for rotation. An actuator block is movably secured to the first and second lead screws and includes an actuator assembly for selectively engaging the first lead screw to move the block in the first direction and an actuator assembly for selectively engaging the second lead screw to move the block in an opposing second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Victory Enterprises Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Petersen
  • Patent number: 4482828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disconnectable electromagnetic eccentric actuator for controlling a mobile member for automatically adjusting a machine. The eccentric actuator comprises a ferromagnetic drive force transmitting screw and nut (of larger diameter than the screw) to convert into axial movement the cycloidal rolling movement of the screw relatively to the wall of the fixed nut, the latter itself forming an integral part of means for converting an electromotive force into a displaceable magnetomotive force whose resultant generated flux causes mutual adhesion, as well as said cycloidal relative movement of the screw and the nut. The screw disconnects when supply current is cut off. The invention is applicable to the automatic control of a flap for regulating the temperature of the intake air in heat engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: CROUZET
    Inventors: Jacques Vergues, Roland Rubet
  • Patent number: 4465162
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for elevators and the like utilizes a traction-type speed change gear to transmit power with little noise and vibrations from an electric drive motor to the drive sheave of an elevator. An abnormality detection device is provided to detect when slippage occurs in the speed change gear, and a control device activated by the abnormality detection device is provided to bring the elevator to a safe emergency stop when such slippage occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Yokota
  • Patent number: 4439702
    Abstract: An electric motor comprises a stator provided with a helical magnetic core within whose grooves is laid an armature winding, and a rotor disposed within a stator boring. The rotor is provided with salients for forming a main magnetic field, disposed therearound along a helical line, the length of the salients being equal to .alpha..delta..tau., and the distance therebetween being (2-.alpha..delta.).tau., where .alpha..delta. is a coefficient of a rated pole arc, and .tau. is a pole pitch of the motor. According to the invention, in the magnetic core is provided an additional groove wherein is laid an excitation winding, the portions of each turn of the magnetic core whereon the armature winding and the excitation winding are disposed have such a length which ensures axial alignment of the grooves for placing the armature winding within all the turns of the magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Odessky Politekhnichesky Institut
    Inventors: Viktor T. Belikov, Anatoly D. Ivlev, Viktor G. Chelak
  • Patent number: 4438662
    Abstract: Control system which may be manually operable without disengaging, automatically or otherwise, the automatic features of the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventors: Eric K. Walton, Gary W. Harris
  • Patent number: 4398109
    Abstract: An improved electric motor having an output shaft which moves in a reciprocating rectilinear motion and in which face contact between confronting axially transverse contact surfaces of stops on the output shaft and a driving member is prevented so as to eliminate the undesirable bite or cutting-in at limits of forward and backward movements of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tomohisa Kuwako, Tosio Tanase
  • Patent number: 4397055
    Abstract: The apparatus is a rotary shaft mechanism having selective axial oscillation and reversable rotary motion, preferably in a battery powered toothbrush. Within such a toothbrush, the user of same can easily select either a clockwise or counter clockwise rotation of the toothbrush and if desired, an axial oscillation for either rotation. The selective combinations permit the toothbrush to effectively move food particles away from the gum line independent of it's location on the teeth and to polish the teeth with its oscillation motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Inventor: Samuel M. Cuchiara
  • Patent number: 4393319
    Abstract: An electric motor powered actuator in which a shaft has a threaded connection with the rotor of an electric motor whereby rotation of the rotor causes axial translation of the shaft. The shaft is urged in one direction by a compression spring and the compression spring is interposed between the shaft and a spacer ring that engages one of the thrust bearings for the motor rotor. The compression spring has nonrotatable connections with the shaft and motor housing such that the torsional force of the spring prevents rotation of the shaft relative to the motor housing when the motor rotor is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gustavus P. Bock
  • Patent number: 4381747
    Abstract: An idling speed control device of an internal combustion engine having a bypass passage which interconnects the intake passage located upstream of the throttle valve to the intake passage located downstream of the throttle valve has a flow control valve device arranged in the bypass passage and actuated by a stepper motor for controlling the amount of air flowing within the bypass passage to maintain the idling speed of the engine at a predetermined speed. The flow control valve device comprises a valve chamber having an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening which is connected to the intake passage located downstream of the throttle valve. The air inlet opening is formed on the inner bottom wall of the valve chamber and connected via the bypass passage to the intake passage located upstream of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kobayashi, Hiroshi Itoh, Hiromi Otsuki
  • Patent number: 4371798
    Abstract: A magnetic cylinder has at least one magnet unit on the movable side and at least one magnet unit on the stationary side. Each unit on any such side consists of a plurality of magnets as are set to result in the positive and negative magnetic poles to alternate equiangularly in the peripheral direction of the cylinder. A piston rod and a maneuvering mechanism are operatively connected to the at least one magnet unit on the movable side in such a manner that the at least one magnet unit on the movable side may be rotationally rocked by means of the maneuvering mechanism so that by the thusly shifted attracting or repelling action between both the said magnet units the piston rod is caused to reciprocatingly move to and for in the axial direction of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Inventor: Takeshi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 4360752
    Abstract: A rotor for a nutating motor has an annular cavity formed in one face thereof, which cavity receives a helically wound ring of magnetically permeable material.A gate valve operator assembly couples the hollow output shaft of a nutating motor to a valve stem, which axially moves within the hollow output shaft. An internally threaded spindle, or stem nut, is rotatably mounted to engage the externally threaded valve stem. The spindle and the hollow motor shaft are coupled together by means of a tab engaging a correspondingly formed notch. Axial movement of the spindle is prevented by means of a flanged radially extending circumferential rim formed as part of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Morgan Actuators, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 4352035
    Abstract: An electric motor operated adjusting drive has a housing with an opening, a threaded rotary spindle arranged in the housing and having an axis, an adjusting nut arranged on the spindle axially displaceable and non-rotatable, and an adjusting member arranged in the housing and sealed relative to the latter. The adjustment member is actuated by the adjusting nut so as to displace linearly outwardly of the housing through the opening. The adjustment member is formed by a hollow body which is thin-walled and surrounds the threaded spindle. The adjustment member is sealed inwardly relative to the threaded spindle and outwardly relative to the opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Zirps
  • Patent number: RE32610
    Abstract: An electric actuator which comprises an electric motor operable to a varying degree correspondingly to cause a spring to generate on an output member an output force which varies in accordance with the varying degree of operation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jack Washbourn, Howard F. Cogan