Abstract: The present invention comprises two control lines parallel to a rail for guiding self-propelling moving bodies. These lines are divided into sections in staggered relationship between which portions of conductor are placed. Sliding contacts, connected to the moving body, travel over the control lines to detect the state of voltage of one and to short circuit the other. A relay reverses the detection and the short circuit on passage of the sliding contacts on each of the portions of conductor. The invention is applicable to the field of handling.

Abstract: A feeding system for a linear motor transportation system in which a number of discrete drive coil units or linear motor units are arranged along a track to generate a moving magnetic field for driving trains is disclosed. In the present feeding system, a number of feeding sections extend contiguously along the track and each of the feeding sections includes at least one power supply station. Each feeding section is divided into at least two linear motor blocks each having a feeder block. The linear motor units in each of the linear motor blocks are connected through associated ones of a first group of switches to the associated feeder means which are connected to the power converter of the associated feeding section through associated ones of a second group of switches. Preferably, those adjacent two feeder blocks which belong to adjacent different feeding sections respectively are coupled together through an associated one of a third group of switches.

Abstract: A linear motor unit includes a stator having on outer flux-carrying structure and an inner flux-carrying structure, and an armature arranged for travel along the length of the inner flux-carrying structure. The inner flux-carrying structure comprises an elongated rod. The armature slidably positioned along these rods carries a number of coils spaced one from another in the direction of elongation of the rod and surrounding the rod. A plurality of sets of permanent magnets are concentrically positioned within the outer flux-carrying structure which is arranged in a form of two tubular elongated members. The permanent magnets in each set are radially positioned with respect to the rods and located one opposite to another. Preferably successive ones of the sets of magnets have an alternate polarity. The coils are energized periodically and in a cyclical sequence to provide a motive force for the movement of armature along the parallel rods.

Abstract: A powered linear actuator is provided primarily for releasing stores from aircraft, having dual closed loop servo motor systems driving a screw jack. The dual motors, which have samarium cobalt permanent magnets, drive the screw jack through differential gearing and each has an armature lock which functions automatically if a motor circuit fails thereby enabling the other motor to continue driving the actuator alone. Potentiometer feedback is applied to dual error amplifiers or polarized relays that compare the feedback position signal with the input command signal and drive separate motor energization channels. A replaceable plug-in resistor is provided in series with the potentiometer track so that the actuator stroke can readily be changed by changing one value plug-in resistor for another.

Abstract: A positioning device with two coordinates, for the moving of two components relative to each other. The positioning device with two coordinates serves for the exact positioning of a tool or workpiece, preferably of semi-conductor discs, for the purpose of checking or fabricating in the course of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A sheet printing station is arranged between a sheet pick-up station and a sheet discharge station. A plurality of linear motors is provided, including electrically conductive rails which constitute the stators of the motors and are mounted at opposite lateral sides of the stations. Each of the rails form an endless loop which connects all of the stations. One or more carriages are mounted on the rails for travel along the same and constitute the armature of the respective motors. Sheet grippers are arranged on the carriage or carriages, and a control arrangement controls the travel of the carriage or carriages along the rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for use with a trackbound propulsion vehicle. The circuit arrangement includes a traveling-field winding which is installed alongside the vehicle roadbed and forms the stator of a linear synchronous motor whose exciter is disposed as a co-movable translator on the vehicle itself. More particularly, in order to be able to accelerate the propulsion vehicle with constant driving power, in accord with the invention, the traveling-field winding is designed such that the number of conductors per pole and phase thereof are inversely proportional to a pre-determined vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a platen and a head independently movable relative to the platen. First and second coils having a particular phase relationship are disposed relative to each other on the head are independently energized to produce first and second electromagnetic forces. These electromagnetic forces have varying characteristics for moving the head relative to the platen and constant characteristics for maintaining the head in a substantially fixed relationship to the platen. Abrupt changes from the variable to the constant characteristics of the applied electromotive forces allow inertial forces to impart a decaying oscillation of the head about the positional origin determined by the constant characteristics of the applied electromotive force.Oscillation of the head relative to the platen produces first and second back-electromotive force sinusoids in the first and second coils, respectively.

Abstract: A finely adjustable table assembly is particularly useful, for example, as a light-exposing device for printing IC (integrated-circuits) patterns and comprises a base plate, a movable table, a plurality of curved plate springs for connecting the movable plate to the base plate, and a non-contact means for driving the movable table. The curved plate springs are arranged perpendicularly to their widths between the movable table and the base plate and, as a sesult, the mass of the movable table is supported by the curved plate springs. As the table driving means, use is made of a non-contact type drive such as an electromagnetic device. The table is capable of being displaced in any direction in a horizontal plane. This displacement can be effected in a highly precise manner because of the absence of mechanical sliding members.