Electromagnet Type (e.g., Electromagnetic Chuck) Patents (Class 335/289)
  • Patent number: 8106735
    Abstract: An electromagnetic attachment apparatus includes a power supply, an electromagnet module, and a rotatable module. The electromagnet module includes a coil and a core positioned in the coil. A mounting panel is attached to the core. A pair of electrically conductive blocks is attached to the mounting panel, and connected to the coil. The rotatable module is rotatably attached to the mounting panel, and includes a pair of electrically conductive pins connected to positive and negative electrodes of the power supply respectively. The rotatable module is rotatable to a first position in which the electrically conductive pins thereof contact the electrically conductive blocks for attaching a metal object, or a second position in which the electrically conductive pins thereof disengage from the electrically conductive blocks for releasing the metal object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhan-Yang Li
  • Publication number: 20110304418
    Abstract: A magnetic holding device is adapted for holding a mask during processing of a substrate. The magnetic holding device includes a substrate carrier which is adapted for receiving the substrate to be processed. The substrate carrier includes a permanent magnet adapted for generating a first magnetic field for holding the mask. Furthermore, the substrate carrier includes a solenoid which is adapted for generating a second magnetic field adapted for at least partially compensating the first magnetic field. In case the first magnetic field is compensated, at least partially, by means of the second magnetic field, the mask is released from the substrate carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Uwe SCHUESSLER, Stefan BANGERT, Heike LANDGRAF
  • Patent number: 8068325
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet for lifting the magnetic material where upon its release, the residual magnetic flux of the lifted magnetic material is reduced. The apparatus includes a generator coupled to the electromagnet. The generator includes a control input and an armature having a voltage output. A controller has an output coupled to the generator's control input and armature voltage output, whereupon receiving a release material signal from an operator interface panel to release the magnetic material from the electromagnet, the controller transmits a plurality of control signals, one of which is at least partially dependent upon the duration of a previously transmitted control signal, to effectively alternate the polarity and reduce the magnitude of the magnetizing force of the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ephaugh, Inc.
    Inventor: John Samila
  • Patent number: 8031038
    Abstract: The magnetic fixing device comprises a clamping plate having a fixing surface to which a clamping object is fixed and plural magnetic force generation mechanisms. The magnetic force generation mechanisms each comprise a magnetic material member facing the fixing surface, plural permanent magnets arranged around the outer periphery of the magnetic material member, a first Alnico magnet placed on the back of the magnetic material member, and a first coil for switching the polarity of the first Alnico magnet, and can be switched between the absorption state in which the clamping object is adsorbed and the non-absorption state in which the clamping object is not adsorbed. An operation state indication mechanism capable of presenting an indicator indicating that the plural magnetic force generation mechanisms are in the absorption state or in the non-absorption state is provided on the fixing surface or outer periphery of the clamping plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Pascal Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Seiji Kimura
  • Patent number: 7999645
    Abstract: An electro permanent magnetic apparatus with monolithic working face for holding workpieces magnetically or mechanically comprises a base plate and a ferrous monolithic working face. The base plate has a pocket or recess which houses reversible magnets and electrical windings; the working face has magnetic poles which are demarked by slots. On the opposite side of the working face recesses are provided beneath the slots for housing non-reversible permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: East Coast Enterpriser Ltd
    Inventor: Uttam Sarda
  • Patent number: 7999919
    Abstract: Disclosed is technology for holding a substrate and, specifically, an object holding apparatus including a chuck for holding an object, a holding unit for holding the chuck, a generating unit provided in the holding unit, for generating a field related to an attraction force, a member provided in the chuck and attracted by the generating unit in accordance with the field, and a supporting unit for supporting one of the generating unit and the member, for movement at least in a direction nearing the other and in a direction away from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Miyajima, Hideo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7940149
    Abstract: The present invention is a magnetic chuck that is chiefly used for machining tools. The magnetic chuck has a structure in which an accommodation hole (110a) is formed to pass through a chuck main body (110), a first magnetic element (141) is exposed in the direction of the top surface of the chuck main body (110), and an AlNiCo magnet (120) is exposed in the direction of the bottom surface of the chuck main body (110), so that respective objects (200 and 300) to be attached can be attached to two opposite surfaces of the magnetic chuck (100), with the result that the magnetic chuck (100) can be used in various ways. Furthermore, the lateral part (112) of the chuck main body (110) is not unnecessary, so that the weight of the magnetic chuck (100) itself is greatly reduced and thus the product cost is reduced, the thickness of the magnetic chuck (100) is reduced, and convenience of use can be greatly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Yong Goo Lee
  • Publication number: 20110057755
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator has a static part and a dynamic part concentrically arranged therein. The static part comprises two permanent magnets and the dynamic part comprises two further permanent magnets. The magnet is oppositely oriented to the further magnets. The magnets are tuned to each other in such a way that the gravity on the dynamic part is compensated by the magnetic force on the dynamic part. The static part further includes a coil with which an additional magnetic field can be generated by which the actuation force can be adapted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Johannes Adrianus Antonius Theodorus Dams
  • Publication number: 20110043310
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a magnetic apparatus for magnetic clamping of ferrous elements (P1), comprising a support structure (11) with at least one pole piece (30A) held within its thickness (S), first and second sides (12, 13) being formed in said support structure (11, 11A) at the opposed larger surfaces, said pole piece (30A) comprising at least one first pole piece collector (50), said first pole piece collector (50) being adapted to convey at least one first magnetic flux (F1) generated by said magnetic apparatus to said first side (12, 13). The invention is characterized in that said at least one first pole piece collector (50) is held within the thickness (S) of said support structure (11) and is formed of one piece with said support structure (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Michele Cardone, Giovanni Cosmai, Roberto Faranda, Antonino Giglio
  • Publication number: 20110037547
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a magnetic apparatus (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F) for magnetic clamping of ferrous elements (P1), comprising a support structure (11, 11A) with a plurality of pole pieces (30A) held within its thickness (S), first and second sides (12, 13) being formed in said support structure (11, 11A) at the opposed larger surfaces, the pole piece of said plurality of pole pieces (30A) comprising at least one first pole piece collector (50), a lateral portion (50A) of each first pole piece collector (50) forming a portion of said first side (12), said pole pieces (30A) generating a least one first magnetic flux (F1) on said first side (12), for magnetically clamping first ferrous elements (P1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Michele Cardone, Cosmai Giovanni, Roberto Faranda, Antonino Giglio
  • Publication number: 20100231337
    Abstract: An electronic device having two cases and a display module disposed therebetween is disclosed. Magnets are disposed at the two cases and the display module. When an acceleration sensed by a sensing unit of the electronic device is larger than a threshold value. The display module may be suspended via the magnetic repellent between the magnets disposed at the display module and the magnets disposed at two cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Yuan-Te Chang, Chia-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 7793900
    Abstract: An exemplary magnetic clamp holder used for a mechanical arm, includes a housing (21), a magnetic structure (22), and two positioning pins (25). The housing includes an attaching portion (211), and a joining portion (213) fixed to the attaching portion, the attaching portion and the joining portion cooperatively defining a receiving cavity (218). The positioning pins are disposed on the attaching portion of the housing. The magnetic structure is received in the receiving cavity. The magnetic structure includes a permanent magnetic module (223), an electro-magnetic module (225), and a magnetic shield plate (227) disposed between the permanent magnetic module and the electro-magnetic module. The electro-magnetic module is able to create a magnetic field for neutralizing a magnetic field created by the permanent magnetic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han Feng, Chun Li, Xiao-Yu Ma
  • Patent number: 7791856
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet for lifting the magnetic material where upon its release, the residual magnetic flux of the lifted magnetic material is reduced. The apparatus includes a generator coupled to the electromagnet. The generator includes a control input and an armature having a voltage output. A controller has an output coupled to the generator's control input and armature voltage output, whereupon receiving a release material signal from an operator interface panel to release the magnetic material from the electromagnet, the controller transmits a plurality of control signals, one of which is at least partially dependent upon the duration of a previously transmitted control signal, to effectively alternate the polarity and reduce the magnitude of the magnetizing force of the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ephaugh, Inc.
    Inventor: John Samila
  • Patent number: 7782164
    Abstract: A magnetic clamping device includes a clamping support and at least two magnetic pads housed in the support, each pad having a magnet that can be switched between an activated state and a deactivated state. Each pad has at least one solenoid coil each end of which is connected to a terminal with the terminals of at least two pads being connected to each other by removable connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Eric Brun
  • Publication number: 20090184789
    Abstract: The present invention is a magnetic chuck that is chiefly used for machining tools. The magnetic chuck has a structure in which an accommodation hole (110a) is formed to pass through a chuck main body (110), a first magnetic element (141) is exposed in the direction of the top surface of the chuck main body (110), and an AlNiCo magnet (120) is exposed in the direction of the bottom surface of the chuck main body (110), so that respective objects (200 and 300) to be attached can be attached to two opposite surfaces of the magnetic chuck (100), with the result that the magnetic chuck (100) can be used in various ways. Furthermore, the lateral part (112) of the chuck main body (110) is not unnecessary, so that the weight of the magnetic chuck (100) itself is greatly reduced and thus the product cost is reduced, the thickness of the magnetic chuck (100) is reduced, and convenience of use can be greatly improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Yong Goo Lee
  • Patent number: 7548147
    Abstract: A switch type ON/OFF structure for hoisting magnetic disks has a handle turnable towards one side to demagnetize and towards another side to generate a magnetic force to attract and move a work piece. The handle is hinged on one end surface of a hoisting magnetic disk which also has a first detent member and a second detent member. The first and second detent members can stop the turning of the handle. The handle further has an extensible latch member at one side spaced from the handle at a selected interval. The latch member has a distal end slidable over the second detent member and extendable downwards to allow the second detent member to be wedged in the interval and anchored. Thereby the hoisting magnetic disk can provide the magnetic attracting force and hoist and move the work piece safer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Guang Dar Magnet Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hsuan Chiang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7401483
    Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, Gregory J. Organek, Michael G. Feucht
  • Publication number: 20080134486
    Abstract: An exchanging device is for exchangeably holding a sensor, probe element or tool on a machine or on a machine part or a rotation-pivot unit on a machine or a machine part, preferably, a coordinate measuring apparatus. The exchanging device includes a take-up holder having a first bearing part and a counter piece (22) having a second bearing part corresponding to the first bearing part. A releasable clamping unit (42), for example, a magnetic clamping unit, is provided with which a clamping force is generated between the first and second bearing parts when the counter piece is accommodated on the take-up holder. A locking device having a first locking element (29) is provided on the take-up holder and a counter piece corresponding to the locking element (29) of the take-up holder is provided on the counter piece (22), for example, in the form of a slider (30). With the locking device, the counter piece can be mechanically coupled to the take-up holder in the state when it is taken up by the take-up holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Eckhard Enderle, Stefan Andre Binder
  • Patent number: 7258195
    Abstract: An electromagnetic holding brake comprising a switchable electromagnet (4) for holding a movable sheet (6) in a predetermined position, wherein said brake further comprises a second fixated sheet (5) which is arranged substantially parallel to the movable sheet (6), such that said movable sheet (6) is clamped between the electromagnet (4) and the second sheet (5) when the current is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Conny Johansson, Bruno Slettenmark
  • Patent number: 7212277
    Abstract: An object holding apparatus including a chuck for holding an object, a holder configured to hold the chuck, a generator provided in the holder and configured to generate a field related to an attraction force, a member provided in the chuck and configured to be attracted by the generator in accordance with the field, and a support configured to support one of the generator and the member. The support is configured to allow the one to move toward the other and away from the other, and the support includes a leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Miyajima, Hideo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7161451
    Abstract: A permanent magnet chuck for holding or lifting workpieces is formed of two overlying/underlying flat surfaced chuck layers having a common center of rotation. In each chuck layer an even number of permanent magnet plates radiate from the center of rotation at equal angles with blocks of magnetically soft material between them. The permanent magnet plates are magnetized so that the interposed soft magnet blocks exhibit alternating N-S magnetic polarities. The organization of the permanent magnet plates and soft magnet bodies is matching and complementary so that relative rotation of the chuck layers magnetically activates or de-activates the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-Hung Shen
  • Patent number: 7148776
    Abstract: The electromagnetic clamp and method includes an electromagnet and a clamping piece located on opposite sides of a structure to clamp the structure. The electromagnet attracts the clamping piece through the structure when the electromagnet is energized, such that the electromagnet and clamping piece exert force on the structure, and an operation, such as drilling and/or fastener installation, may be performed on the structure. The configuration of the electromagnet creates the force necessary to securely clamp the structure. The electromagnet includes a coil and a core, and the core of the electromagnet is located within a longitudinal aperture that extends through the coil. The smallest lateral dimension of the core is chosen to maximize the flux density between the core and the clamping piece. As such, the smallest lateral dimension of the electromagnet may be greater than the distance between the clamping piece and the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Arthur C. Day, Bruce David Stanley
  • Patent number: 7095305
    Abstract: A retractable magnetic sweeper includes a shell member, a retractable tubular member, a moving member, a connecting bar member, and a magnetic member. The shell member defines a receiving space. The retractable tubular member includes a lower tubular section connected to the shell member, and an upper tubular section mounted slidably on the lower tubular section. The moving member is mounted on the upper tubular section. The connecting bar member is mounted axially within the retractable tubular member, and includes an operating end portion extending into the upper tubular section and connected to the moving member, and a connecting end portion extending into the lower tubular section. The magnetic member is mounted in the receiving space, and is connected to the connecting end portion. The moving member is operable to move the magnetic member downward to an operative state, and upward to a non-operative state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Hsuan-Sen Shiao
  • Patent number: 7066612
    Abstract: A magnetic boot module is described. The magnetic boot module has a pair of magnetic boots, a pair of moving devices, and a magnetic inductive path. Each of the moving devices couples to one of the magnetic boots to transversely push the magnetic boots moving on the magnetic inductive path step by step. The magnetic inductive path is formed on a magnetic inductive plate or a magnetic inductive rail. The magnetic boot module further utilizes a position detecting device to sense a current position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Fu-Jeng Chen
  • Patent number: 7038566
    Abstract: A magnetic pallet (1) for anchorage of a ferromagnetic part to be taken for machining to a machine tool with horizontal tool axis, the magnetic pallet (1) including a base plate (3), a vertical parallelepiped shoulder (5) extending from the base plate (3), a first plurality of magnetic conductors (15) arranged in a matrix and which can be polarised magnetically so as to define a first surface for vertical magnetic anchorage of ferrous parts at a first lateral face (4) of the shoulder (5). The base plate (3) and the shoulder (5) are formed from a single ferromagnetic monolithic block, and in that from the ferromagnetic monolithic block, at the first lateral face (4) of the shoulder (5), a first recess (7) is formed for housing the first plurality of magnetic conductors (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Tecnomagnete S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Cardone
  • Patent number: 6879231
    Abstract: A magnetic chuck (10) for temporarily holding an LCD imager (14) to a convergence device (12) during an alignment or convergence operation. A substrate (16) of the imager (14) is made of a magnetically permeable material. A knob (38) turns an armature assembly (22) such that in an on position 10b a second magnetic flux path (46b) is allowed to permeate the substrate 16 thereby holding the imager (14) to a grip face 18 of the magnetic chuck (10). When the knob (28) is rotated to shunt flux through a first magnetic flux path (49a) through a pair of steel grip shoes (20), then the imager (14) is released form the grip face (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Aurora Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Menard
  • Patent number: 6842102
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coil assembly for an electromagnetic apparatus has a bobbin, a coil formed of an electrical wire wound a spool of the bobbin, a thermal protection device including a pair of lead wires, a first and a second lead wires, extending from thereof. The first lead wire is connected to one end of the electrical wire through a first connecting member. The second lead wire is connected to one end of a lead wire of an electric circuit through a second connecting member. At least one securing member having a groove-shaped cross-section is secured, e.g., welded securely or fittied pressedly, on a first end surface of the bobbin. The thermal protection device, the first connecting member, and the second connecting member are disposed on the first end surface of the bobbin and are covered by the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6765465
    Abstract: A magnetic clamping arrangement (10) for holding the arrangement, and in particular a body (5), operably clamped with respect to a ferromagnetic surface (6) by way of a body datum face (8), comprises housing (12) mounted on the body, and electromagnet (16) carried by the housing. The electromagnet comprises a core (18), having three limbs 20.1, 20.2 and 20.3, each terminating in a pole face 22.1, 22.2 and 22.3, being formed by a plurality of ferromagnetic transformer laminations (26). stacked together and slideable with respect to each other in a direction to and from the pole faces. Lamination bias (36), in the form of masses 38, 40.1 and 40.2 of resilient compressible material, defined quiescent pole faces from which individual laminations may depart by sliding when forced against a surface having ridges and/or grooves extending in the lamination planes, but exerts a restoring force on such laminations so displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Friction Prouducts Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth Dunning, Ronald Ian Cotterill, David Michael Lomas
  • Patent number: 6587024
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coil assembly for an electromagnetic apparatus has a bobbin, a coil formed of an electrical wire wound a spool of the bobbin, a thermal protection device including a pair of lead wires, a first and a second lead wires, extending from thereof. The first lead wire is connected to one end of the electrical wire through a first connecting member. The second lead wire is connected to one end of a lead wire of an electric circuit through a second connecting member. At least one securing member having a groove-shaped cross-section is secured, e.g., welded securely or fittied pressedly, on a first end surface of the bobbin. The thermal protection device, the first connecting member, and the second connecting member are disposed on the first end surface of the bobbin and are covered by the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20030112105
    Abstract: A magnet configuration comprising a pair of Halbach arrays magnetically and structurally connected together are positioned with respect to each other so that a first component of their fields substantially cancels at a first plane between them, and a second component of their fields substantially adds at this first plane. A track is located between the pair of Halbach arrays and a propulsion mechanism is provided for moving the pair of Halbach arrays along the track. When the pair of Halbach arrays move along the track and the track is not located at the first plane, a current is induced in the windings and a restoring force is exerted on the pair of Halbach arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Richard F. Post
  • Patent number: 6557429
    Abstract: A method of testing whether a magnetic lifting device may safely lift a particular load where the magnetic lifting device is placed adjacent to the load, some or all of the magnetic elements of the magnetic lifting device are spaced such that the lifting ability of the magnetic lifting device is reduced by a predetermined amount. An attempt is then made to lift the load by a small safe distance. If this attempt is successful, the user can be sure use of the magnetic lifting device, when the lifting ability is restored, is safe. Conveniently, the spacing is achieved by the introduction of a substantially planar member between the magnetic lifting device and the load. The planar member has a similar footprint to that of the magnetic lifting device. The planar member may be made of stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Eclipse Magnetics Limited
    Inventor: Ian Asquith
  • Patent number: 6489871
    Abstract: A magnetic device includes a cylindrical outer pole having a central axis and formed of a ferromagnetic material including a circular base and a cylindrical sleeve defining an outwardly opening cylindrical cavity. A reversible magnetic unit located in said cavity includes a cylindrical core having a magnetic axis aligned with the central axis and a normal magnetic polarity in an inactive state. A cylindrical inner pole formed of a ferromagnetic material is operatively coupled to the core and inwardly radially spaced from said sleeve. An annular band between said sleeve and said inner pole formed of a permanent magnetic material has a magnetic polarity transverse to said central axis and magnetically aligned with said normal magnetic polarity of the core whereby an internal magnetic circuit is established in the inactive state through the poles, the core and the permanent magnet to the exclusion of said workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Simon C. Barton
  • Publication number: 20020135449
    Abstract: A magnetic chuck (10) for temporarily holding an LCD imager (14) to a convergence device (12) during an alignment or convergence operation. A substrate (16) of the imager (14) is made of a magnetically permeable material. A knob (38) turns an armature assembly (22) such that in an on position 10b a second magnetic flux path (46b) is allowed to permeate the substrate 16 thereby holding the imager (14) to a grip face 18 of the magnetic chuck (10). When the knob (28) is rotated to shunt flux through a first magnetic flux path (49a) through a pair of steel grip shoes (20), then the imager (14) is released form the grip face (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Menard
  • Patent number: 6288623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding apparatus for the transport of conveyed items, in particular the lifting, transporting, imbricating and stacking of ferromagnetic conveyed parts having at least two permanent magnets for generating a permanent magnetic field, at least two electrical magnet coils for generating a temporary magnetic field and compensation of the permanent magnetic field and a magnetically conductive housing. The permanent magnet is magnetized in the direction of its smallest dimension (l3) and is arranged in the direction of magnetization (M) at the rear with one pole (N, S) against the housing, forming a magnetic yoke, and at the front with the other pole (S, N) in the direction of a working clearance opposite the conveyed parts. The housing in cross section has three or more webs rising up from a baseplate and permanent magnets in each case fastened at the top in the region of the working clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Neuhauser, GmbH Co.
    Inventor: Klaus Janzen
  • Patent number: 6278350
    Abstract: A holder device for workpieces in the form of even or flat metal sheets of a magnetically attractable material, which are to be welded together along a connecting path at edges thereof. The holder device forms a support face for the sheets to rest on. The support face is divided up into a plurality of face parts, which are respectively formed by a separate pole plate of magnetizable material. Each pole plate is provided with an independently magnetically activatable and de-activatable magnet apparatus, which is located underneath the respective pole plate on a support plate arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Schuler Automation GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Reiner Dörner
  • Patent number: 6229422
    Abstract: In the switchable magnet system disclosed herein, a central pole piece is backed by at least two permanent magnets having substantially different energies (Hc) so that one of the magnets is relatively switchable or reversible and the other is not. A magnetically permeable frame provides a peripheral pole face at least on either side of the central pole face and a backing plate bridging the central pole piece over the permanent magnets. A coil surrounds the first and second permanent magnets insde of the peripheral pole face. According, energization of the coil in one direction can reverse the polarization of the first magnet, thereby effectively short circuiting flux produced by the second magnet and terminating holding, while energization of the coil in the opposite direction can polarize the first magnet in parallel with the second magnet, thereby to effect holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Walker Magnetics Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic F. Pignataro
  • Patent number: 6104270
    Abstract: A lifter comprising at least a reversible magnet (5, 5') arranged with its polarities oriented along a vertical axis above at least a magnet (6, 6') provided with at least a pair of permanent magnets (6a, 6a') arranged with the polarities oriented along an horizontal axis on the sides of at least a ferromagnetic core (6b, 6b') suitable to contact the load (18) to be lifted, at least a magnetic sensor (11) arranged close to the base (6c, 6c') of said ferromagnetic core, and a further magnetic sensor (12) arranged over said permanent magnets (6a, 6a') so as to measure substantially only the magnetic flux passing through the reversible magnet (5, 5'), as well as a safety device (13) for processing the signals transmitted by said magnetic sensors (11, 12) and obtaining the working point of the lifter on the magnetization curve (14) of the reversible magnet (5, 5').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Railfix N.V.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Elias
  • Patent number: 6069547
    Abstract: A bobbin of an electromagnet of an electromagnetic clutch used for a refrigerant compressor for an automotive air conditioning system includes a cylinder and two flanges, each extending radially outward from the an end of the cylinder. The two flanges have several deep excisions at about locations at which weldlines would otherwise occur during the injection molding process for forming the bobbin. The excisions extend from outer fringes of the flanges inward direction almost reaching to the outer edge of the cylinder. By providing such deep excisions at the locations where the weldlines would otherwise occur, the occurrence of such weldlines is prevented, and the distortion stress, that tends to concentrate at such weldlines, may be reduced or eliminated. Accordingly, the warping of the flanges that tended to occur after the injection molding of the bobbin also may be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Yuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6002317
    Abstract: In the switchable magnet system disclosed herein, a central pole piece is backed by at least two permanent magnets having substantially different energies (H.sub.c) so that one of the magnets is relatively switchable or reversible and the other is not. A magnetically permeable frame provides a peripheral pole face at least on either side of the central pole face and a backing plate bridging the central pole piece over the permanent magnets. A coil surrounds the first and second permanent magnets inside of the peripheral pole face. According, energization of the coil in one direction can reverse the polarization of the first magnet, thereby effectively short circuiting flux produced by the second magnet and terminating holding, while energization of the coil in the opposite direction can polarize the first magnet in parallel with the second magnet, thereby to effect holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Walker Magnetics Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic F. Pignataro
  • Patent number: 5986530
    Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing a solenoid. The method includes the step of providing a single piece ferromagnetic housing. The method also includes the step of forming a groove around the perimeter of the housing. The method further includes the step of filling the groove with a non-ferromagnetic material such that the non-ferromagnetic material forms an annular ferromagnetic piece that spans the entire groove in the housing. Finally, the method includes the step of removing an inside portion of the housing such that two separate ferromagnetic pieces are formed joined by the non-ferromagnetic piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew H. Nippert, Paul D. Moser, Michael J. Orr, Brett A. Jones, Gregory J. Kimberley
  • Patent number: 5966062
    Abstract: An improved magnetopermanent plate, constituted by a metallic body with high magnetic permeability, in the active plane of which there are provided hollow seats for accommodating corresponding coils composed of turns of electrically conducting wire covered with a sheath made of a material based on fluorocarbon resins; the turns are further mutually bound by means of a vitreous medium and are enclosed in a likewise vitreous protective element; the coils can be accommodated in the hollow seats, between which magnetopermanent means with a low polarization temperature coefficient are accommodated; means are provided for retaining the coils in the corresponding hollow seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Rivi Giovanni & C.S.N.C
    Inventors: Giovanni Rivi, Davide Rivi, Roberta Rivi
  • Patent number: 5936501
    Abstract: An accommodation section 22 is disposed integrally with a coil bobbin 20. A winding start portion 4a and a winding end portion 4b of an excitation coil 4 are forced into the accommodation section 22, a diode 24 is accommodated, and they are electrically connected through two terminals 27A and 27B. Coil engagement grooves 30a and 30b into which the winding start portion 4a and the winding end portion 4b are fitted, lead engagement grooves 31a and 31b and terminal engagement grooves 32a and 32b into which the terminals 27A and 27B are fitted are made in the inner bottom surface of the accommodation section 22. The terminals 27A and 27B have grooves into which the winding start portion 4a, the winding end portion 4b and the leads 24a and 24b are fitted, respectively, and lead wires 26 on the power source side are connected, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Ogura Clutch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiteru Seino
  • Patent number: 5889455
    Abstract: In an electromagnet (1) in which a lead wire (21a) is extracted through a through hole (33) from an annular coil member (2) placed in an annular groove (32) of an annular core (3), a spacer (5) is provided to make the annular coil member have a first portion spaced from the through hole in an axial direction of the annular core. The through hole is formed to a closed bottom surface of the annular groove. A thermal fuse (4) is located at a second portion of the annular coil member on a surface facing opposite to the closed bottom surface of the annular groove. The electromagnet is for use in an electromagnetic clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Yuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5865588
    Abstract: At least one chamber is provided for transport of workpieces such as storage disks, at least at times, into the vacuum atmosphere, during their manufacturing and comprises at least two exterior openings for the guiding-though of a workpiece. It further comprises a majority of workpiece receiving devices which can be rotated jointly about an axis in an assignment to the openings. At least one transport element is provided and is aligned with an opening. The transport element is disposed in the chamber independently of the rotatable workpiece receiving devices and can be moved out and back in a radially controlled manner in at least one component, and engages on a workpiece in the opening area. A transport method for workpieces in an evacuatable chamber provides that at least two workpieces are rotated about a center in a plane of rotation and are displaced individually in a radial manner with respect to the center of rotation at least in one movement component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Balzers Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Roman Schertler
  • Patent number: 5812044
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic clutch including a U-shaped annular magnetic housing and a coil disposed within the annular magnetic housing. A connector connects a pair of end portions of the coil to a pair of covered lead wired connected to an external electric circuit having an electric power source. A pair of channel-shaped terminals are provided at one end of the pair of the covered lead wires, respectively. The connector includes a box member comprising a first groove, a second groove, a pair of third grooves, and a pair of fourth grooves formed at an inner bottom surface thereof The first and second grooves are arranged to intersect with the third and fourth grooves in right angles. A pair of end portions of the coil are stably laid on an inner bottom surface of the first groove and a pair of lead wires oppositely extending from a diode are stably laid on an inner bottom surface of the second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Yuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5731705
    Abstract: An electromagnetic pick-up device for use with a forklift or other vehicle having a power lifting mechanism thereon, wherein the device is adapted to be easily picked up by the lifting mechanism and is completely self-contained and electrically powered such that it can be transported and manipulated by the vehicle into tight areas, wherein electromagnets are pivotally, swingably mounted on the forward end of the device and are substantially positioned beyond the forward end, whereby the device is particularly suited for picking up difficult-to-handle metal pieces which normally present handling dangers, and which is adapted to be easily released from the vehicle without any need for disconnecting any electrical, hydraulic, or the like power transmitting equipment from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Burl H. Guinn
  • Patent number: 5428331
    Abstract: This invention is for holding components made of a ferromagnetic material parallel to a component axis for electroplating the component. The component substrate according to the invention has at least two magnet poles, oriented toward the components and having opposite polarity. The magnet field lines extend from one magnet pole to the other magnet pole through the components only in the vicinity of a contact faces of the components oriented toward the magnet poles. This prevents ferromagnetic particles from depositing on the ends of the components remote from the contact faces. The apparatus according to the invention is especially suitable for holding a plurality of components during electrolytic surface coating of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Graner, Norbert Keim, Martin Maier, Manfred Nitsch, Josef Weber
  • Patent number: 5410289
    Abstract: An electromagnet is provided having a housing and a coil disposed therein. The coil comprises three strips of material placed adjacent one another in an interleaved fashion. The coil comprises a strip of insulation, a magnetic strip, and an electrical conductor strip. The magnetic strip extends radially for only a portion of the coil. The electrical conductor strip comprises two separate materials. In one embodiment, the electrical conductor strip comprises a segment of bare copper, and a segment of bare aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Delta Star Electric, Inc.
    Inventor: David Futa
  • Patent number: 5320206
    Abstract: The electromagnetic clutch (10) includes a rotor assembly (12), an armature assembly (14) and a field assembly (16). The field assembly (16) includes a ring and flange assembly (86). A terminal passage (104) is provided through the base portion (100) of the circular ring 96 with a U-shaped cross-section that form as a toroidal chamber (98). An electromagnetic coil (90) is encased in a bobbin (88) and a cap (92) and inserted into the toroidal chamber with a bobbin terminal post (110) extending into the terminal passage (104). A terminal housing (120) with a terminal sleeve (142) telescopically receives the bobbin terminal post (110) and the terminal sleeve (142) extends into the terminal passage (104). Leads (112 and 114) from the electromagnetic coil (90) extend into the terminal housing (120). Terminals (122) are housed in terminal apertures (136 and 138) in the terminal housing ( 120) and are in contact with the leads (112 and 114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Ogura Corporation
    Inventor: Enjiro Maejima