Abstract: A magnetically actuated pop-up drain assembly includes a tailpiece having an upper end, a lower end and a hollow interior. Axially received within the tailpiece interior is a plug including a dome-shaped cap with an elongated stem depending therefrom. Proximal a lower end of the stem are an upper magnet having a predetermined polarity and a lower spaced magnet having an opposite polarity. Slidably mounted on the outer surface of the tailpiece is an outer magnet having an upper pole identical to a lower pole of the upper magnet, and a lower pole identical to an upper pole of the lower magnet. Accordingly, upward movement of the outer magnet will repel the upper magnet and lift the stem. Conversely, downward movement will repel the lower magnet, which lowers the stem.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus and a method for heating/browning a piece of food by means of microwaves are provided. The microwave heating apparatus comprises a cavity arranged to receive, in a substantially horizontal browning region, a piece of food to be browned. The microwave heating apparatus further comprises a microwave source for generating microwaves and a rotatable antenna arranged at the cavity bottom for supplying the generated microwaves. The antenna is configured to produce at least one radiating lobe pointing towards the browning region such that the intersection between the radiating lobe and the browning region forms a hot spot, thereby forming a ring-shaped heating pattern in the browning region under rotation of the antenna. The present invention is advantageous in that a microwave heating apparatus with an improved crisp function is provided.

Abstract: Test and measurement probes include a body, an adjustable member moveably coupled to the body and having a changeable position relative to the body, and a transducer subsystem structured to measure the position of the adjustable member and configured to output a position signal indicative of the position of the adjustable member. A change in the position of the adjustable member causes a change in an electrical characteristic of the probe. A position-dependent correction factor may be used to correct the change in the electrical characteristic. Methods of compensating for a change in a response of a test and measurement system include monitoring a position sensor output to detect a position change of a first part of a probe relative to a second part, determining that the position sensor output value has crossed a boundary value between a first and second range, and applying a compensation factor corresponding to the second range to modify the response of the system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic multi-axis actuator, which can realize small size, light weight and low power consumption while being capable of performing multi-axis motion by overcoming limitations in a driving range, compared to a typical electrostatic actuation scheme or a typical electric motor actuating scheme. The electromagnetic multi-axis actuator includes an actuating unit (1) capable of being driven in a multi-axis manner, one or more elastic parts (2) connected to the actuating unit and made of a conductive material, and one or more coil substrates (3) disposed either above or below or both above and below the elastic parts and provided with conductive coils formed thereon to form magnetic fields around the elastic parts. The multi-axis actuator having the above construction can realize high response speed while having a driving range of high power caused by low power consumption, a large displacement, and multiple axes.

Abstract: A donut-shaped solenoid surrounds a central plate which spins clockwise or counter-clockwise while holding an object, such as a tube, inside the solenoid coils so that the tube and its contents can be moved through the solenoid's magnetic field. Although the plate interrupts the solenoid coils, the plate is a conductor which can maintain the conductivity of the coils and thus the strength of the magnetic field. The solenoid donut can be of any size, but is especially intended to be at the approximate scale of a microchip, so as to fit inside any kind of hand-held or portable device, such as a cell phone, tablet or a laptop computer. Multiple solenoid donuts can be stacked in series to function within larger-scale devices such as air-conditioners, generators, or automobiles.

Abstract: A valve control device, in particular for control pods or similar equipment used in the mining and/or production of mineral oil/natural gas, comprises a valve housing in which hole or boring sections are arranged, and a valve slide movable relative to the hole sections, with at least a first and a second flow hole for the alternative connection of a feed line from a fluid pressure hose with at least one actuator or of the actuator to return line for leading the fluid away, wherein in each case one of the connections is made and the other is interrupted.

Abstract: A vibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes upper and lower cases combined with each other to form a case, a magnetic force generating unit provided on at least one surface of the upper and lower cases, a vibrating unit including at least one magnet disposed to be opposite to the magnetic force generating unit, and a weight, and at least one elastic unit configured to support the vibrating unit elastically, the elastic unit having a first portion directly contacting the upper case and a second portion contacting the vibrating unit. Further, the first portion is arranged on a first circumference and the second portion is arranged on a second circumference, and wherein a diameter of the first circumference is larger than a diameter of the second circumference.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, magnetization directions of a magnetic free layer and a magnetic pinned layer are parallel to junction planes between the magnetic free layer and a spacer layer and between the magnetic pinned layer and the spacer layer. The magnetic free layer has a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, and generates a magnetization oscillation when a current larger than an oscillation threshold current flows through the magnetic free layer. A magnetic field generator controls a magnitude and a direction of an external magnetic field to cancel a shift amount of an oscillation frequency caused by a diamagnetic field due to the magnetization oscillation and a shift amount of the oscillation frequency caused by a magnetic field due to the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy.

Abstract: An actuating magnet is disclosed comprising an actuating means (2) for exerting a tensile or pressure force on a target element that is to be moved, switched, or latched or unlatched, and comprising a latching means for latching the actuating means (2) in a desired position, the latching means having a locking magnet (11) for locking and unlocking the actuating means (2).

Abstract: An actuator has a resilient shape memory member 1 with superelasticity, a magnetic body 2, and a magnetic field generator 3. At least one of the magnetic body 2 and the magnetic field generator 3 is fixed to the resilient shape memory member 1 such that one of the magnetic body 2 and the magnetic field generator 3 is stationary while the other is movable, whereby the movable member is moved by a magnetic field provided from the magnetic field generator 3.

Abstract: The main body of the actuator structure is generally formed into a “pitchfork”shape. The middle bar of the pitchfork forms a Y-bend at its forward end. The Y-bend is disposed so that each tip of the bend is adjacent to the outer bar on each side of the pitchfork. At least a coil is fixed on each bar of the main body. The forward ends of the Y-bend abut against a movable member. In the structure above, applying a current to a coil generates minute movements in each tip of the Y-bend, thereby moving the movable member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for reducing deterioration of image quality which can get rid of speckle by equalizing a laser from a light source on a screen by vibrating a reflective mirror installed between the light source and the screen at a predetermined amplitude. The device for reducing deterioration of image quality in a display system using a laser as a light source includes: a reflective mirror formed at the path of light positioned between the light source and a screen, for reflecting the laser; and a driving unit connected to the reflective mirror and vibrating the reflective mirror at a predetermined amplitude by using an electromagnetic force.

Abstract: An electromagnet assembly for supplying a region of concentrated electromagnetic flux is provided. The assembly includes a flat strip of an electrically conductive metal. The strip has a first and a second opposite planar surfaces at least one of which is covered by a dielectric material. The strip has first and second end portions. The strip is wound in a coil including at least one first loop and one second loop and disposing the second opposite planar surface in the first loop substantially adjacent the first opposite planar surface in the second loop. The coil is disposed about an axis of symmetry configured to concentrate electromagnetic flux at a midpoint on the axis of symmetry. First and second electrical terminals are connected at the first and second end portions, respectively.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a magnet yoke and a carrier member movable relative to the magnet yoke. The magnet yoke has at least one permanent magnet and the carrier member is positioned in the magnetic field produced by this magnet. The carrier member has an auxiliary magnetic member that produces a relative bias force between the carrier member and the magnet yoke. The bias force will be used to compensate for a weight applied to the device and acts as a bearing with a very large compliance. The carrier member also comprises a coil. Passing current through the coil produces a Lorentz force for further control of the actuator; alternatively, the device provides a velocity transducer by sensing the EMF generated in the coil by relative motion of the carrier member and magnet yoke.

Abstract: The invention aims at suppressing an amount of deformation of a central portion of a movable part in a micro-miniature semiconductor actuator. A boundary portion is provided between a central portion and an edge of a movable part which is axially supported in a rotatable manner by torsion bars of an actuator, the boundary portion suppressing transmission of a warp due to an influence of air resistance at the edge of the movable part or moment of inertia, or heat generated by a driving force generating portion at the edge of the movable part, to a central portion of the movable part, to suppress deformation of the central portion of the movable part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprises: a magnet; a pole piece mounted to the magnet; a yoke facing the pole piece; a coil base having a vibration coil; leaf springs for supporting the coil base and a weight; a case for enclosing them; a cover for covering one side of the case; and a diaphragm having a voice coil, wherein the arms of the coil base are inserted through notches formed in the yoke, and the vibration coil and the voice coil is disposed in a gap in which the pole piece and the yoke face each other. The weight vibrates by the application of a low-frequency current to the vibration coil, and the diaphragm vibrates by the application of a high-frequency current to the voice coil.

Abstract: A switching device includes a movable coil which is reinforced by a stiffener to increase the resistance of the movable coil to bending moments. The stiffener may include a nonmagnetic case which surrounds the movable coil. Alternatively or in addition, it may include a resin or other material encapsulating the movable coil.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A switching assembly includes a switch portion having a fixed electrode and a movable electrode which are separable, a movable portion secured between a movable shaft connected to the movable electrode and a movable coil by a magnetic body, and a fixed portion having a magnetic body disposed radially inside a fixed coil disposed opposite the movable portion, thereby enabling intensification and swift establishment of magnetic fields generated between the coils.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electrical insulation system for the turns of multiturn stator coils, found in the windings of high voltage hydroelectric generators and other dynamoelectric machines, having only one of the outer strands of each turn insulated with mica with the remaining strands insulated with DACRON-glass. This construction, while offering adequate turn to turn dielectric strength in machines where the turn to turn voltages are moderate, allows the coils to be manufactured at a lower cost and permits the use of strands of significantly larger copper cross-section area.

Abstract: A wall surface attraction type moving apparatus travels on a magnetic wall surface of a large iron structure for maintenance, inspection and other purposes. The apparatus includes a moving body movable on the wall surface, front and rear wheels, permanent magnets, drive mechanisms each for moving the respective permanent magnet toward and away from the wall surface, permanent magnet position sensors, permanent magnet attraction force sensors, and obstacle sensors. If one obstacle sensor detects an obstacle appearing in the travelling path of the moving body, the corresponding drive mechanism is controlled to retract the permanent magnet which is likely to bump against the obstacle away from the wall surface while the other drive mechanisms advance the other permanent magnets which are unlikely to bump against the obstacle toward the wall surface so that the attraction force of the advanced permanent magnets are increased to supplement the reduced attraction force of the retracted permanent magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a planar type electromagnetic actuator of two axis construction, having two movable plates (12A, 12B) with pivotal supports at right angles to each other. A pair of static magnetic field generating devices (4, 5) are arranged facing each other on either side of the movable plates (12A, 12B), and aligned with one diagonal direction of the movable plates (12A, 12B) so that a magnetic field acts on the movable plates (12A, 12B). A magnetic force due to the mutual action with a current flowing through drive coils (15A, 15B), acts on the movable plates (12A, 12B), to thus drive the movable plates (12A, 12B). As a result, the number of components for the magnetic field generating devices can be reduced, the construction of the electromagnetic actuator simplified, and construction costs reduced.

Abstract: The solenoid body of an electromagnetic solenoid having a pair of coil terminals to which an exciting coil is connected is movable together with a stopper plate in the direction of the arrow X and in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow X in a casing. Each of a pair of coil springs of electrically conductive material has one end portion which is pressed against the spring supporting portion of the respective coil terminal, and the other end portion which is pressed against the inner surface of a cover, so that the electromagnetic solenoid and the stopper plate are urged towards a lock position. The coil springs includes external connecting portions to which external connecting wires are connected, so that current is supplied to the exciting coil of the electromagnetic solenoid through the coil springs.

Abstract: A moving coil linear actuator including an elongated permanent magnet having a cross-sectional width substantially greater than its edge height and having an elongated length of soft magnetic material disposed along one or both edges of the permanent magnet to enhance the magnetic field strength in the gap through which the moving coil translates.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuator is disclosed having an electromagnet, a core element, the core element having a normally biased initial spaced apart first position distal from the electromagnet when the electromagnet is off and a second stop position proximal from the electromagnet when the electromagnet is on, a first resilient member adapted to bias said core element in the normally biased first position, and a second resilient member adapted to bias the electromagnet away from the core. The first resilient member is more resilient than the second resilient member. Therefore, the core approaches the electromagnet when the electromagnet is on until the core reaches the fixed stop position, and the electromagnet subsequently approaches the core to the fixed stop position. The actuator may further include an adjustment member that engages the electromagnet so as to control the pressure of the electromagnet against the second resilient member, whereby the axial position of the electromagnet is controlled.

Abstract: A motion producing device in the form of a linear actuator, circular pump, or a robotic or prosthetic limb which functions to produce many kinds of work is provided. The device includes a linear series of alternately spaced fixed and polarity reversible magnets. The fixed and polarity reversible magnets may have more than one magnet assembled as a force unit of magnets of fixed polarity or reversible polarity which is surrounded by a rigid electrically insulating material and that carries rigid electrical conductors in the form of tubes. Between each magnetic force unit is an elastic electrically insulating material allowing expanding or shrinking of the distance between the magnetic force units in accordance with the polarity reversal of the reversible magnetic force units. The elastic expansion or contraction material carries flexible elastic tubes that connect with the rigid tubes to hold a current carrying electrolyte to carry electrical current from a D.C.

Abstract: A solenoid comprising a first coil positioned within a frame from which a magnetizable armature, having a coil end and a free end, extends, the coil end of the armature having a section of non-magnetizable material secured to it, and a second coil, which coil is energizable in a manner independent from that of the first coil, the second coil being secured to the other end of the non-magnetizable material so as to move with the armature from a position adjacent the first coil when the armature is in extended position to a position spaced therefrom when the armature is in retracted position, whereby when the first coil is energized to move the armature along its throw into retracted position, the second coil is simultaneously energized so as produce a repulsive magnetic force with respect to that of the first coil.

Abstract: An improved solenoid wherein the end of the armature within the first coils has a predetermined length of rigid non-magnetizable material secured to it, and a second, electrically energizable coil being energizable in a manner opposite to that of the first coil, being secured to the other end of the length of non-magnetizable material so as to move therewith from a position adjacent the first coil when the arm is in extended position to one space therefrom when the arm is in retracted position. This coil provides magnetic repulsion between the two coils to produce good starting power for the armature when the first coil is energized, as a result of repulsive magnetic forces created between the two coils.

Abstract: In a linear actuator provided with a first projection on a movable part which is linearly driven with the electromagnetic force, so as to engage with one end of a compressing coil spring, and/or a second projection on a stationary part as opposed to the movable part, so as to engage with the other end of the coil spring, and a cup-like washer interposed between said at least one of the projections and said coil spring, a washer is so adapted that said at least one of projections is allowed to collide with the inner bottom part thereof. The linear actuator may comprise a resin film of small friction coefficient interposed between the movable part and the stationary part destined to contact with each other, a thermosensitive resistor which has an opposite resistance-temperature coefficient of the coil and is connected in series to the coil, and/or a means for detecting the relative position of the movable part with respect to the stationary part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive actuator including a magnetic circuit comprising at least one yoke having plate-shaped, L-shaped, E-shaped cross section or the like, at least one magnet mounted on the yoke and a magnetic flux extending from the magnet to the yoke, at least one coil arranged so as to cross the magnetic flux and produce a drive force in a direction crossing a plane including the magnetic path of the magnetic circuit when current is applied to the coil, and at least one magnetic shield member provided at the side portion of the coil to thereby prevent a counter drive force from being produced in a direction opposite to a desired direction of a drive force produced by the coil.

Abstract: Apparatus for repositioning garter springs around the pressure tubes of Candu-type nuclear reactors. A primary coil having a high permeability core is inserted into the pressure tube. The coil is energized by an alternating current of a frequency and amplitude sufficient to produce a primary alternating electromagnetic field that penetrates the wall and induces an eddy current in the garter spring. A secondary alternating electromagnetic field is also produced and is reactive with the primary field to produce a travelling electromagnetic field of sufficient intensity and of such direction that the resultant of the electromagnetic forces acting on the garter spring causes the spring to move along the tube.

Abstract: A movable coil driving unit comprises a driven member movably supported by conductive flexible supporting members with respect to a fixed member, a coil fixed to the driven member, and a driving member provided with a power source. One ends of the supporting members are connected to the ends of leads extending from the coil fixed to the driven member, and the other ends of the supporting members are connected to leads extending from the external power source.

Abstract: A linear electromechanical actuator having a variable drive force. The actuator includes a moving coil which moves along a stroke path in response to an input current. A magnetic circuit provides a magnetic flux through which the coil is driven. The flux density along the stroke path is non-uniform, with a higher flux density being present only in that region of the stroke path where a higher actuator drive force is required. Thus, less expensive magnetic material can be used. Since the overall flux density in the magnetic circuit is reduced, the dimensions of the soft iron elements of the magnetic circuit can be reduced without magnetic saturation so as to further reduce construction costs.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic drive unit including;a nearly E-shaped yoke having first and second concentric circular arc shaped side yokes respectively inside and outside an arc-shaped center yoke,a first arc-shaped permanent magnet fixed to said first side yoke so as to form a first magnetic gap inside said center yoke,a second arc-shaped permanent magnet fixed to said second side yoke so as to form a second magnetic gap outside said center yoke, anda movable coil member disposed in said magnetic gaps, said first and second permanent magnets are so provided with anisotropy in directions which are different each other that the magnetic flux density in said first magnetic gap will be nearly equal to that in said second magnetic gap.

Abstract: In the disclosed diaphragm device, an electromagnetic unit is composed of two opposing sets of circularly arranged magnets poled so that opposing surfaces have the same polarity, a rotary member carrying an electromagnetic coil that moves the rotary member in response to current therethrough and the field of the magnets, and diaphragm blades which are positioned between the magnet members and the rotary member and pivoted to close the aperture in response to rotation of the rotary member in one direction. When the rotary member is rotating in the closing direction, stopping means respond to an input signal and stop movement of the diaphragm blades at a particular aperture value.

Abstract: In the disclosed diaphragm device, an electromagnetic unit is composed of two opposing sets of circularly arranged magnets poled so that opposing surfaces have the same polarity, a rotary member carrying an electromagnetic coil that moves the rotary member in response to current therethrough and the field of the magnets, and diaphragm blades which are positioned between the magnet members and the rotary member and pivoted to close the aperture in response to rotation of the rotary member in one direction. When the rotary member is rotating in the closing direction, stopping means respond to an input signal and stop movement of the diaphragm blades at a particular aperture value.

Abstract: A print mechanism for a wire printer has a robust single-turn closed-loop transformer secondary winding as the moving part for driving a print wire into and out of a print position. Each secondary winding threads a transformer core on which is wound a multi-turn primary winding. A stack of such secondary windings, arranged with print wires in a closely spaced print row across the stack is supported in a static magnetic field produced by a magnetic assembly. Energization of a selected primary winding induces a large current flow in its associated secondary winding which reacts with the static magnetic field to drive the associated print wire into the print position. In one embodiment, the stack of secondary windings are all mounted on a single pivot and each secondary winding swings about the pivot as a whole upon energization of its associated primary winding.

Abstract: A solenoid comprises an electric coil having an opening through it and an armature of permeable material having in fixed relative relationship a core passing through the opening of the coil and a sleeve surrounding the coil. The armature is unmagnetized except for magnetization induced by current flow through the coil. The coil and the armature are relatively movable in an axial direction to vary the extent of overlap therebetween. A pole piece of permeable material connects the sleeve to the core at one end. A pole piece of permeable material is fastened to the end of the coil opposite to the first named pole piece. In one embodiment the core is movable relative to the sheath prior to energization of the coil, to permit the coil to be preset to one of two positions in gapless relationship with the sheath.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a transformer having a fixed primary winding on a magnetic core and a pivotally movable coil linked with the magnetic core and forming a secondary winding of the transformer. A permanent magnet generates a static magnetic field in which the coil is disposed. A transducer arm capable of pivotal movement is attached to the coil. When a current pulse is applied to the primary winding, a current is induced in the coil which reacts with the static magnetic field to cause pivotal movement of the coil and attached arm.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device comprises first and second relatively movable support members having surfaces presented to each other, electrical conductors mounted on the surfaces respectively, each of said conductors defining a portion disposed in side by side relationship with the portion defined by the other conductor whereby when electric current is passed through the conductors the magnetic fields generated will cause attraction or repulsion of said portions thereby imparting movement to said members.