Polarized Electromagnet Patents (Class 335/230)
  • Patent number: 7710225
    Abstract: The present invention provides the actuator, which is capable of preventing biased abrasion by lowering a surface pressure at a contact portion of a movable element with a guide surface and increasing a movable range, in which a specified output force can be gained. Magnetic resistance of at least one of the surfaces (Y1, Y2) of first and second yoke parts (5, 6) corresponding to peripheral surfaces (P1, P2) of a plunger (7), on which magnetic flux acting surfaces are formed by energization, is unbalanced in the circumferential direction so as to act a resultant force of magnetic forces acting on the movable element in the radial direction eccentrically to a radial one end (E1) side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Shinano Kenshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Uni
  • Patent number: 7627356
    Abstract: A multifilament high temperature superconductor with thick, striated stabilizer is disclosed, including a substrate, a buffer layer, a multifilament superconductor layer, and at least one thick stabilizer layer. Also disclosed are components incorporating superconducting tapes and methods for manufacturing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: SuperPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Xun Zhang, Venkat Selvamanickam
  • Patent number: 7623012
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator drive (1) for adjusting an actuator drive among at least three positions, comprising a soft magnetic armature (2) which is drive-coupled to the final controlling element and has a plurality of armature faces (5, 6), a plurality of soft magnetic pole elements (7) having a plurality of pole faces (8, 9) on which the armature faces (5, 6) come to rest in two end positions of the armature (2) a restore position (10) which drives the armature (2) by spring force into a horizontal starting position, and a holding device (11) with the help of which the armature (2) can be secured in its end positions by electromagnetic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Baumbach, Frank Beyer, Alfred Elsässer, Eberhard Kallenbach, Rainer Otto, Wolfgang Schilling, Jan Schmidt, Dietmar Türpe
  • Patent number: 7605680
    Abstract: A highly efficient electromagnetic actuator which can reduce leakage of the magnetic flux is provided. The electromagnetic actuator comprises a first coil 31, a movable body 2 adapted to move on the central axis of the first coil 31, a first stator 11 covering the top face, bottom face and outer peripheral face of the first coil 31, and a permanent magnet 15 adapted to firmly latch the movable body 2 at one end point of its movable range. A second stator 12 adapted to control the magnetic flux generated from the permanent magnet 15 is provided in succession with the first stator 11. By providing the second stator 12, when releasing the movable body 2 from its firmly latched state, the permanent magnet 15 is not inversely excited or demagnetized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Nobutaka Kubota, Takeshi Noda, Kazuhiro Matsuo, Kenji Kato, Mitsutaka Homma, Takao Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7518479
    Abstract: An inline electromagnetic tool actuator incorporates an actuator housing, an elongated armature, a tool assembly, spaced-apart return magnets, at least one drive magnet, and at least one magnet wire. The elongated armature is located inside the housing, and is adapted for reciprocating linear movement along a notional assembly axis. The tool assembly is operatively attached to the armature. The return magnets are located inside the housing, and are coaxially aligned with the armature. The return magnets have respective inward facing surfaces defining respective magnetic poles. The drive magnet is affixed to the armature, and is arranged between the return magnets. The drive magnet has opposing outward facing surfaces each of like polarity to adjacent inward facing surfaces of the return magnets. The magnet wire is coiled about the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Mask, Mark Evans
  • Publication number: 20090021334
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprising a fixed magnetic pole (11) applied with an electromagnetic coil (14), and a movable magnetic pole (20) provided in the insertion hole (12) of the fixed magnetic pole movably in the axial direction. The movable magnetic pole is provided with a projecting portion (22) tapered along its moving direction, a recessed taper portion (13) corresponding to the projecting taper portion of the movable magnetic pole is formed at the insertion hole of the fixed magnetic pole, and a tubular auxiliary magnetic pole (40) extending in the axial direction from the opening end of the recessed taper portion is provided continuously to the fixed magnetic pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SHINDENGEN MECHATRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Nobuhide Okada
  • Publication number: 20080204175
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an actuator for control valves and/or shut-off devices with an actuating element acting on a closing or opening element, in which the actuating element comprises a push or pull rod (20, 21), which is in drive connection with the axially movable part of an electromagnetic drive unit designed as a moving coil from a magnet coil (3, 4) and a cylindrical solenoid plunger (1) and is moved into its inoperative position by a resetting spring (15) and is held in that position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt BARABAS-LAMMERT
  • Patent number: 7234482
    Abstract: The servovalve with torque motor consists of a cylindrical case (3) in which an armature (1) is arranged on one end of an arm (16) and a orifice (18) closing a nozzle (19) with working liquid (2) on the other side of the arm (16). The arm (16) is free to rotate round the pivot point of a flexible suspension (15) with a hole (21) of diameter corresponding to the maximum deflection of the arm (16). There are two magnetic pole shoes (5) and two electric pole shoes (4) located around the armature (1), equipped with sealing rings (6), and so the working liquid (2) filling the inside of the case (3) and surrounding the arm (16) and the armature (1) does not leak out of the inside space. Coils (7) are located outside the case (3). The pole shoes (4, 5) are equipped with threaded parts (12), fitting either into the outer ring (10) or the body (3). The magnetic pole shoes (5) are equipped with a non-magnetic protective housing (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Jihostroj a.s.
    Inventors: Vladimír Ryne{hacek over (s)}, Tomá{hacek over (s)} Hrachovský
  • Patent number: 7182051
    Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator for internal combustion engines, equipped with a polarized electromagnet and with a magnetic plate switches between a first position close to the electromagnet and a second position remote from the electromagnet, the switching times between these positions being determined depending on the operating state of the engine. The actuator supplies the electromagnet with a variable attracting current in the course of the approach of the plate to the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Emmanuel Sedda, Christophe Fageon, Stephane Guerin, Jean-Paul Yonnet
  • Patent number: 7121506
    Abstract: A remotely controlled model airplane includes a receiver responsive to signals from a transmitter to control the direction of flight of the model airplane. The receiver, powered by a battery, demodulates the signal transmitted by the transmitter to selectively energize an electrical coil to generate a magnetic field of a first or second polarity. A rudder pivotally attached to the vertical stabilizer includes a magnet responsive to the magnetic fields generated and is urged in one direction or the other resulting in commensurate pivotal movement of the rudder. A hinge interconnecting the rudder and vertical stabilizer urges return to center of the rudder after it has been deflected left or right by the magnet responding to the magnetic field created as a result of a signal transmitted by the transmitter. An electric motor also under control of the transmitter and receiver may be incorporated to rotate a propeller to provide thrust and forward motion of the model airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Andy J. Clancy
  • Patent number: 6414577
    Abstract: A core with coils and permanent magnet, and a movable magnet holder including permanent magnet and contained within a channel defined by a magnet holder housing is provided. By aligning the north and south poles of the two permanent magnets in relation to each other and the poles of the electromagnet formed by the electromagnetic coils and core, motion of the magnet holder both toward and away from the core between a first and second position can be readily induced by applying voltage across the leads of the electromagnetic coils. This motion can be used to move a switching means back and forth between two positions relating to the first and second positions of the magnet holder to perform various failsafe, latching and other useful switching functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Jerzy Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6366189
    Abstract: A solenoid (1) comprising at least two stationary coils (2, 3), which are located axially beside each other and are current supplied at the same time, and at least one magnetically active element (4, 5), such as a permanent magnet or a soft iron part. The solenoid contains one inner and one outer magnetically active element (4, 5), of which at least one is composed of an essentially axially magnetized permanent magnet (4, 5). The coils are located between the elements (4, 5), so that they surround the inner element (4), and are arranged with mutually different current direction, and the coils and the elements (4, 5) are arranged around an essentially mutual axis center line (6), so that a magnetic field is obtained between the elements (4, 5) and this crosses the current supplied coils' (2, 3) wire essentially perpendicularly and gives rise to an axial power action between the coils and the elements, and at least one of the elements is axially movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Bengt-Allan Bergvall, Ulf Petersson
  • Patent number: 6337612
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switch using solenoid comprising a base having a plurality of grooves formed thereon; a plurality of solenoids having an armature respectively, and being disposed on each of the grooves, wherein the armature is moved in upward and downward directions while an electric current flows into the solenoid; a plurality of connectors respectively disposed in the grooves; and a plurality of contact means for electrically connecting the predetermined number of the connectors disposed in each of the grooves, and being movably disposed in each of the grooves to be pressed by the armature moved in downward direction. Therefore, the number of parts and manufacturing cost of the switch in accordance with the present invention are reduced, and total size of the switch may be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: KMW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Duk-Yong Kim, Dong-Hwi Lee
  • Patent number: 6262648
    Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator for moving a contact into a switched-on or switched-off state, comprising a contact-actuating rod which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction between a first position, corresponding to the switched-off state, and a second position, corresponding to the switched-on state. A core which is made of magnetizable material and interacts with a switch-on coil is attached to the contact-actuating rod. Also present is a pole piece which is made of magnetizable material and of which that face which is directed towards the core, in the first position of the contact-actuating rod, is arranged at an air-gap distance from that surface of the core which is directed perpendicular to the direction of displacement, and in the second position bears as closely as possible against the said core surface. The actuator furthermore comprises a yoke made of magnetizable material for closing the magnetic flux circuit of the switch-on coil through the pole piece and the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Holec Holland N.V.
    Inventor: Arend Jan Willem Lammers
  • Patent number: 6130594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch with a magnetic drive having an armature movable linearly between two end positions and connected to at least one switch contact, which is under the influence of magnetically generated forces in the end positions. The armature and a ferromagnetic element or shunt are arranged one behind the other in a space between a first and second stop. The stops are pole faces of magnetic circuits with a permanent magnet which exerts a force retaining the armature, movable toward the first stop by the force of an electromagnet, in the first stable end position when the shunt is in its end position at the second stop. Through the application of the shunt to the armature, the force exerted on the armature by the permanent magnet is reversed and transferred to the shunt, so that the shunt is moved to the second stop and the armature to the second stable end position on the shunt and held there by the force of the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: E.I.B. S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Morant, Marc Bonjean, Denis Wysota
  • Patent number: 6057750
    Abstract: A magnet device with double fixing positions for changing the magnetic circuit is provided, and includes an external housing whose inner edge is fitted with a coil The inside of the external housing includes a space for the axial movement of an iron core. The external housing and a positioning cover at the opening end of the housing are made of metal with excellent magnetic conductivity. The iron core is connected to a permanent magnet which is fixed at the inner side of the positioning cover. A drive circuit is provided whereby a positive impulse voltage will be output and the electrical energy is saved in a capacitor when the power is switched on. A discharge current is created to output a negative impulse voltage after the power is switched off, and the positive and the negative impulse voltages serve to make the coil change the direction of the magnetic force by the excitation process, so that a push force or a pull force on the iron core will be created for movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Chih-Sheng Sheng
  • Patent number: 6040752
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator has two permanent magnets arranged along their polar axes, with the proximal poles having same polarity. An electromagnet surrounds the two permanent magnets and, when energized, overrides the repulsion between the proximal poles and moves one permanent magnet toward the other fixed magnet. Should the electromagnet fail, the actuator reverts to the unactuated position without need of a spring, gravity and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Jack E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6028499
    Abstract: A monophase electromagnetic actuator including at least a ferromagnetic part integral with a member movable along a direction Y, a fixed stator part made of soft magnetic material and including at least on electrical coil, and a thin transversely magnetized permanent magnet. The fixed stator part and the ferromagnetic part define between each other at least two air gaps arranged symmetrically with respect to the medial plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement of the movable member and passing through the middle of the permanent magnet. The length of the ferromagnetic part is approximately equal to the length of the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Moving Magnet Technologies S.A.
    Inventors: Claude Oudet, Pierre Gandel
  • Patent number: 6005462
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator device converts electrical energy to mechanical energy by the interaction of two types of closed magnetic circuits. A first closed magnetic circuit functions to generate high magnetic intensity in a portion of a ferromagnetic core. A second substantially-closed magnetic circuit contains a movable permanent magnet which injects flux into the high-field region of the first magnetic circuit. Interaction of these two fields, in closed magnetic circuits, results in efficient and controllable electromechanical energy conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: John Leonard Myers
  • Patent number: 5959519
    Abstract: A switch device including an inner yoke and an outer yoke are arranged around the winding of an electromagnetic block, and a plate-shaped permanent magnet is inserted between the two yokes. A highly efficient actuation of the switching device is achieved by the assistance of the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Ralph-Ronald Gobel, Norbert Sorgel, Hans Pfab
  • Patent number: 5905423
    Abstract: A permanent magnet armature solenoid has a tip formed of a non-magnetic material operably connected to a ferromagnetic insert which is firmly held to the end of the magnetic armature by the magnetic attraction between the insert and armature. The magnetic field of the armature holds the armature and the insert together as a single unit, even under high acceleration, deceleration and rapid movement of the armature. The insert is relatively small compared to the armature and the addition of the insert to the solenoid does not significantly adversely affect the performance of the solenoid. The insert is preferably formed of a magnetically susceptible metal such as iron, steel or stainless steel. Desirably, the tip is formed of a polymeric material and preferably of an elastomer so that the tip may be molded directly to the insert by conventional molding techniques to facilitate molding the non-magnetic tip onto the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Hoppe
  • Patent number: 5896076
    Abstract: An electromagnetic active vibration actuator configuration combines two modes of operation to obtain the advantages of long stroke and linearity of voice coil type actuators and high efficiency of dual-gap solenoid type actuators. A coaxial stator shell surrounds an axially vibratable armature. Either the stator or the armature can carry one or more coils and/or permanent magnets, however usually the magnets are located on the armature for their contribution to vibrating mass. Alternate coils and alternate magnets are made opposite in polarity, the stator armature pole pieces being held symmetrically staggered relative to the stator pole pieces by end springs or flexures that allow axial vibration when AC is applied to the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Frederik T. van Namen
  • Patent number: 5883557
    Abstract: A magnetically latching solenoid apparatus is characterized by a non-magnetic armature carrying a permanent magnet having poles aligned with the throw axis of the device. The poles of the magnet are substantially aligned with corresponding pole pieces and define respective variable air gaps therebetween. The apparatus assumes one of two bistable magnetically latched states according to the one of the air gaps across which the magnetic attractive force exceeds the magnetic attractive force across the other of the air gaps. Single or dual winding coils temporally excitable unidirectionally or bidirectionally and, in the case of dual winding coils mutually exclusively or contemporaneously, to cause the latch state to change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Andrzej Marian Pawlak, Chi Hung Leung
  • Patent number: 5867081
    Abstract: A polarized bistable electromagnetic relay arrangement comprising at least two monostable instantaneous electromagnetic relay devices with a L-shaped yoke, a permanent magnet disposed between both relay devices so that one magnetic pole be magnetically connected by polar masses to both yokes of the relay devices and polar masses magnetically connect the other pole of the magnet to both blades whereas the magnetic circuits of both relay devices are designed so that the magnetic flux produced by one energized coil passes in series through both blades while superposing themselves to the magnetic flux produced by the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Chauvin Arnoux
    Inventors: Daniel Arnoux, Axel Arnoux, Claude Genter
  • Patent number: 5821841
    Abstract: A microceramic linear actuator includes a unitary ceramic body which has been formed with an internal cavity; a piston mounted for linear movement within the internal cavity and having a micromagnet with first and second poles of opposite polarity, and at least one shaft attached to the micromagnet; a conductive coil embedded in the unitary ceramic body and having a first portion wound in a clockwise direction and disposed in operative relationship to the first pole of the micromagnet, and a second portion wound in a counterclockwise direction and disposed in operative relationship to the second pole of the micromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward P. Furlani, Dilip K. Chatterjee, Syamal K. Ghosh
  • Patent number: 5627504
    Abstract: Electromagnetic actuating device, in particular for a valve, includes a plunger which is axially movable between two extreme positions, an electromagnetic coil surrounding the plunger actuating it, and a permanent magnet holding the plunger in one of its extreme positions, and at least one pole plate located between plunger and permanent magnet. The holding force of the permanent magnet is considerably increased by providing that the permanent magnet, which is configured as a flat disk, be completely covered by the pole plate on the side facing the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: AVL Medical Instruments AG
    Inventor: Erich Kleinhappl
  • Patent number: 5546063
    Abstract: The solenoid includes an electrical coil having a central opening in which is fixedly located a rod formed of a material of the type capable of being magnetized when in a magnetic field. A plunger is supported for movement toward and away from one end of the rod. A permanent magnet is supported by the plunger. In one embodiment the permanent magnet is located such that the plunger and permanent magnet are held next to the coil when the coil is in a deactivated condition. When the coil is activated, the magnetic field produced by the coil repels the permanent magnet and hence the plunger away from the coil. The polarity of the permanent magnet can be reversed in position such that normally the permanent magnet and hence the plunger are normally repelled away from the rod end when the coil is in a deactivated condition. When the coil is activated in a given manner, the magnetic filed of the coil pulls the magnet and hence the plunger next to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: United States Defense Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerzy Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5379032
    Abstract: An impulse transducer that does not use eccentric, motor-driven weights is constructed of a permanent magnet movable armature that oscillates within a housing and impacts resilient bumpers to produce vibrations. The armature is accelerated by a varying magnetic field energized by an alternating current. The dimensions of the enclosed housing and the mass of the movable armature as well as the strength of the magnetic fields can be optimized for the impulse magnitude that is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jewett E. Foster, Theodore Lind, Charles W. Mooney, Irving H. Holden
  • Patent number: 5327112
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator (1) of the type of a relay, having an armature (2) polarized by a permanent magnet (5) and a movable drive element (6) attracted by the armature (2) against a spring means (8), incorporates an electric current sensor consisting of a toroidal transformer (16) penetrated by at least one conductor (17) from an electric power supply line. The actuator (1) of this invention has a major advantage in that it can combine in a single device the functions of sensing differential currents on the line and of tripping off the break mechanism of a protection breaker, within a highly compact volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Bticino S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianpaolo Rossetti
  • Patent number: 5272458
    Abstract: A solenoid actuator having a slider element with a permanent magnet is provided. When the electromagnet is activated, the electromagnet repels the permanent magnet, moving the permanent magnet of the slider toward a second position under the influence of a mass of ferro-magnetic material located adjacent the second position. In a preferred embodiment, the poles of the slider permanent magnet are co-axially aligned with the coil and core of the electromagnet. In an alternative embodiment, the mass of ferromagnetic material may be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: H-U Development Corporation
    Inventors: Jerzy Hoffman, Krzysztof J. Ciezarek
  • Patent number: 5268662
    Abstract: A plunger type electromagnet is provided with an attractive plate connected to the plunger, with an improved configuration of plunger and stationary element, or with a flanged tubular member of magnetic material affixed to the axial end of a coiling bobbin, in order to increase the rate of change in the permeance of the magnetic circuit at the time of attractive operation and to enhance the sensitivity of the electromagnet.Furthermore, the surface area of the abutment faces of the stationary and movable elements is calibrated so as to control the attractive and retaining force thereof.In some embodiments, a permanent magnet is provided which is shaped in the form of an annulus and is magnetized in the direction of thickness of the annulus, so as to facilitate magnetization of the permanent magnet, to reduce the number of component parts, and to provide an electromagnet which is compact in size, light in weight, and suitable for mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Mining & Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tokio Uetsuhara, Yuichi Ando, Kenji Iio, Kenichiro Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 5202658
    Abstract: A solenoid device having an output which is substantially linearly proportional to its electrical input and which includes an axially adjustable polepiece. The polepiece carries a permanent magnet which is annularly disposed about the polepiece and which provides an efficient magnetic circuit in conjunction with the electromagnetic coil of the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: South Bend Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Everett, Kevin C. Heick, Peter G. Hutchings, Matthew E. Leinheiser
  • Patent number: 5200727
    Abstract: A force generating apparatus having spacings through which magnetic fluxes are traveled, a magnetic circuit including two permanent magnets supplying magnetic fluxes to the spacings and a conductor disposed in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic fluxes in the spacings is comprised of two pair of permanent magnets of the same size, and a member for disposing the two pair of permanent magnets such that magnetic axes thereof are opposed in parallel to each other, wherein a total sum of magnetic moments caused by the two pair of permanent magnets is cancelled out. Therefore, the force generating apparatus can be prevented from producing a harmful torque even if an external magnetic field acts thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Tokimec Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Katoh, Shinichi Kawada, Michio Fukano, Takeshi Hojo
  • Patent number: 5170144
    Abstract: An electromagnet defines a gap between a first polepiece in the shape of the butt end of an elongate cylinder and a second polepiece in the shape of a thick annular ring. A permanent magnet having its poles aligned along the axis of the cylinder moves bidirectionally in the gap in response to alternate polarity energization of the electromagnet, serving as a prime mover. When the electromagnet is not energized then the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet shunts an adjacent polepiece, holding the magnet in place. Upon energization of the electromagnet the relatiely strong magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is switched by a relatively weak electromagnetic flux to pass through the electromagnet, exerting an electromotive force on the permanent magnet and causing it to move. This flux switching offers gain: a one-half gram samarium cobalt permanent magnet moves 0.38 mm in response to a 0.015 ampere 1.5 v.d.c. 20 millisecond current pulse (4.5.times.10.sup.-4 joules) and holds at 40.+-.2g's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Solatrol, Inc.
    Inventor: Wyn Y. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5150090
    Abstract: An electromagnetic polar relay comprising a first yoke having a main portion and first and second ends positioned at respective angles to the main portion; a second yoke, positioned to face the first yoke, having a lower end positioned to face the main portion so that magnetic reluctance between the second yoke and the main portion is larger than a magnetic reluctance between the first end of the first yoke and the main portion; an armature having a first portion movably connected to the second end of the first yoke and having a second portion movable between the first yoke and the second yoke; a coil positioned about the armature; and a permanent magnet, positioned over the main portion, having a first pole magnetically connected to the first end of the first yoke and a second pole magnetically connected to the second yoke. The higher reluctance is due to, for example, an air gap provided by a tapered edge of the second yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Miura, Yoshiaki Kamiya
  • Patent number: 5083744
    Abstract: The invention contemplates a rotary valve which uses a brushless DC-motor to directly drive the flow control member of the valve. The motor is of toroidal-torque variety, with a wound stator that is fixed to the valve body, and a rotor which is fixed to the valve member. In a first embodiment, one polarity of transient stator excitation drives the rotor in one direction, from one to the other magnetically latched end of a limited angular excursion, and the opposite polarity of transient stator excitation drives the rotor in the opposite direction, to reverse the magnetically latched condition of the rotor and, therefore, of the valve member. In a second embodiment, a torsion spring is connected to apply torque in opposition to rotor displacement from one of the limits of its angular excursion, and the extent to which the valve member is operated is a function of the instantaneous magnitude of stator excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Morotta Scientific Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin F. Oliver, Robert H. Reinicke
  • Patent number: 5035254
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic servovalve comprising a torque motor which receives an electrical signal and positions a flapper between a pair of opposed nozzles to control a spool valve and a feedback spring connected to the flapper and to the spool of the spool valve. The flapper is connected to an armature of the torque motor. The joint between the armature and the flapper comprises a one part, heat cured thermosetting adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Albert Blatter, Robert E. Davis
  • Patent number: 5024127
    Abstract: A punching mechanism includes a permanent magnet and a pole-piece connected to one pole of the permanent magnet and spaced from the other pole by a gap. A movable coil is disposed at least partially within the gap. A punch actuator is connected to the movable coil, and conductors are provided for conducting an electrical current to the coil. Current is supplied to the coil to effect a punching action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang F. Mueller, George Popp, George B. Vandergheynst
  • Patent number: 5014031
    Abstract: A valve actuator for use in a pressure regulator. It comprises an electromagnetic having a plurality of pole pieces. A valve actuating permanent magnet is moveably secured to one of the pole pieces. The pole pieces are so disposed relative to each other that four distinct magnetic forces combine to urge the permanent magnet in a first or second direction depending on the polarity of current applied to a coil disposed about one of said pole pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Heinz Nusser
  • Patent number: 5012144
    Abstract: Linear direct drive motor includes a pair of axially spaced, relatively fixed stator poles and an armature mounted on a motor shaft for axial movement between the stator poles. The ends of the motor shaft are supported by centering springs which permit axial movement of the shaft and thus the armature relative to the stator poles. Positive stops are located between the stator and stator poles for preventing armature overtravel. Extending between the stator poles is a sleeve member which supports a ring magnet in radially spaced relation from the armature. Adjacent opposite ends of thee ring magnet are a plurality of layers of electrical coils, with the layers adjacent one end of the magnet being paired with different layers at the other end to provide redundant electrical channels and symmetric motion behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Pneumo Abex Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, William H. Eiszner, Jr., Stanley D. Heeres, Robert D. Vanderlaan
  • Patent number: 5008641
    Abstract: A relay having a coil body with two contact spaces extending parallel to the coil body axis is provided with two tongue armatures arranged oppositely in parallel fashion through the contact spaces. The coil body has coil flanges at the opposite ends and the tongue armatures are plugged into the contact space from opposite one of the coil flanges to extend to an air gap between pairs of pole pieces arranged at the other coil flange. The pole pieces are arranged in pairs adjacent the terminal end of the other tongue armature. On each of the pairs of pole pieces is a flat four-pole permanent magnet having two outside poles coupled to a contact end of the appertaining tongue armature via a flux plate. The permanent magnet areas which are allocated individually to each pole piece to enable independent balancing to be performed so that synchronous switching of the tongue armatures is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Schedele
  • Patent number: 4999531
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator has a tubular stator with at least two opposed, external pole pieces carrying energizing windings, and a permanent magnet rotor inside the stator and rotatable about the major axis of the stator, the rotor having at least two oppositely-directed permanent magnets extending axially of the rotor and in closely spaced relation to the stator, said magnet each occupying less than 180.degree. of the circumference of the rotor, the leading and/or trailing edge of each magnet being tapered and/or chamfered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Econocruise Limited
    Inventors: Bhaskar Mavadia, Jeremy A. Scarlett
  • Patent number: 4997002
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic servovalve comprising a torque motor which receives an electrical signal and position a flapper of a spring tube and flapper subassembly between a pair of opposed nozzles to control a spool valve and includes a feedback spring connected to the flapper and to the spool of the spool valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Albert Blatter, Robert E. Davis
  • Patent number: 4994776
    Abstract: A latching solenoid which effects latching through a magnetic flux arrangement rather than a electromechanical latching mechanism. An electro-magnetic arrangement is used to move the solenoid from one latched position to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Babcock, Inc.
    Inventor: Gheorghe C. Juncu
  • Patent number: 4988074
    Abstract: A proportional variable force solenoid control valve with an armature reciprocably movable within the bore hole of a coreless solenoid bobbin in proportion to applied electrical current between positions corresponding to a closed valve position and a fully open position. The positioning of the armature is controlled by balancing the variable force of the magnetic field of the coreless solenoid plus the force of the magnetic field of a permanent ring magnet against the force of a coil spring which biases the valve toward the closed position. The armature is suspended by low spring rate plate springs on opposite ends of the armature. An elastomeric diaphragm seals the solenoid against contaminants. The force of the coil spring is adjusted by a threaded plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Hi-Ram, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid Najmolhoda
  • Patent number: 4988907
    Abstract: A force motor having four magnetic lanes arranged annularly around an axially movable central shaft, where the shaft is connected to an armature which also moves axially with the shaft within a gap located between two coils forming each lane of the motor. The four magnetic lanes are electrically and magnetically independent and provide three levels of safety-redundancy in case of coil failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Lucas Ledex Inc.
    Inventor: James Irwin
  • Patent number: 4940958
    Abstract: The polarized electromagnetic apparatus consists of a stationary core assembly and a movable core assembly. The movable core assembly is made up of a movable core spindle and one movable core plate attached to one end surface thereof. Since the movable core assembly has only one movable core plate as opposed to two movable core plates in the conventional apparatus, the complete movable core assembly can be installed into the electromagnetic coil, facilitating the assembly work. A pole piece is mounted to the inner surface of the stationary cores on the side of the other end surface of the movable core spindle. The second end surface of the movable core spindle is inserted into the pole piece, so that an additional attractive force can be obtained. This construction makes the overall attractive force greater than can be obtained with the conventional apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeharu Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 4922217
    Abstract: A torque motor including a frame of soft magnetic material, such as soft iron, spaced first end portions on the frame, an armature which is a magnet, spaced second end portions on the armature, a mounting member for mounting the armature on the frame for allowing motion of the armature relative to the frame, each of the end portions of the armature including a north pole and a south pole, air gaps between the end portions of the frame and the end portions of the armature, a coil mounted on the frame, and the armature being in the form of a laminate with a central layer being a rare earth magnet between outer layers of magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: HSC Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Buscher
  • Patent number: 4908592
    Abstract: An actuation device having a moving member with a part magnetized perpendicularly to its displacement direction and two magnetic circuits having each, an air gap in which is arranged a portion of the magnetized part. Each magnetic circuit also has at least one electric energization coil coupled with it. The moving member is so arranged as to allow the magnetized part to effect a limited motion in both directions while the magnetic fluxes generated by the magnetized part are closed in the magnetic circuit outside the air gaps. The device provides a constant force on the limited path and has virtually no residual torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Portescap
    Inventor: Claude Oudet
  • Patent number: 4881054
    Abstract: Relay drive for a polarized relay having an armature that can be moved in at least one working air gap provided between two pole faces of a split yoke and at least one permanent magnet, as well as a coil permeated with parts of the yoke, or a core directly connected therewith, wherein at least one pole face cooperating with the armature or located thereon is formed from one pole face of the permanent magnet and another pole face cooperating with the armature or disposed thereon is formed either by a pole face of another permanent magnet or of a soft-iron part, said soft-iron part being interchangeable with a permanent magnet of the same size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Schrack Elektronik-Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Tibor Polgar