Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for securing microplates and/or microplates comprising tube strips. The devices provided herein may use a magnetic force to secure the microplates and/or the tube strips during heat sealing of wells or tubes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for generating a pulsed magnetic field, the method being implemented using a device (10) comprising an electrical supply (20), a switch (25), a capacitor (15) and a coil (30) having a first extremity (80) connected to an electrical ground and a second extremity (85), the capacitor (15) comprising a first electrode connected to the electrical ground and a second electrode, the switch (25) being able to commute between a first configuration wherein the second electrode and the second extremity (85) are electrically insulated and at least one second configuration wherein the second electrode and the second extremity (85) are electrically connected, the capacitor (15), the switch (25) and the coil (30) forming a series circuit when the switch (25) is in the second configuration, the series circuit being underdamped.

Abstract: A residual load disconnector switch (1) includes a rotary switch body (23), which includes a contact blade (24, 25, 26, 27), that is rotatable about an axis (A) and is arranged between a feed line connection (20) and a discharge line connection (21), and includes end-side contact surfaces (28, 29, 30, 31) protruding in a radial direction. The contact surfaces, in a closed rotary position (S1) of the rotary switch body (23), are in touching contact with the feed line connection (20) and with the discharge line connection (21). In an open rotary position (S2) of the rotary switch body (23), the contact surfaces are each spaced with respect to the feed line connection (20) and with the discharge line connection (21). The residual load disconnector switch (1) is rotationally limited in one rotational direction for performing switching movements and can be actuated unidirectionally and cyclically.

Abstract: An arrangement for accelerating a workpiece including a system inductor configured to be supplied a current, a workpiece positioned magnetically proximate to the system inductor, a workpiece inductor associated with the workpiece and configured to magnetically interact with the system inductor. A method for moving a workpiece in a magnetic pressure arrangement comprising increasing inductance of a workpiece subsystem of the arrangement by disposing a workpiece inductor at the workpiece. A method for moving a workpiece in a magnetic pressure system comprising tuning one or more of a resistor, capacitor or inductor of the system to adjust a phase angle of a magnetic pressure produced in the system.

Abstract: A force feedback gripping device employs a mechanical gripper (23), an electromagnetic actuator (22) and a force feedback controller (21). The mechanical gripper (23) is operable to be actuated to one of a plurality of gripping poses for gripping an object. The electromagnetic actuator (22) includes a magnetorheological elastomer (“MRE”), wherein the MRE is operable to be transitioned between a plurality of shapes dependent upon a variable strength of a magnetic field applied to the MRE, and wherein each shape of the MRE actuates the mechanical gripper (23) to one of the gripping poses. The force feedback controller (21) is operable to control the variable strength of the magnetic field applied to the MRE based on an estimation of a gripping force of the mechanical gripper (23) and on a sensing of a load force of the object responsive to the gripping force of the mechanical gripper (23).

Abstract: A work station for a packaging machine comprises a tool structure and a tool movable relative to the tool structure by means of a drive. The drive comprises at least one countermagnet which is operatively connectable to an electromagnet and movable relative to the electromagnet. The drive further comprises a mechanism by means of which the movement of the tool is unidirectionally coupled to the relative movement of the countermagnet relative to the electromagnet.

Abstract: A shape compliant gripper with which an atypical object having various shapes, sizes and materials can be picked. The shape compliant gripper comprises a body and a shape compliant module disposed on the body and having rigidity capable of being variably controlled. Further, the shape compliant module comprises a magnetorheological elastomer, a magnet part, and a control part for controlling a position of the magnet part with respect to the magnetorheological elastomer.

Abstract: In various embodiments described in the present disclosure, various methods and systems are introduced, that may reduce and/or eliminate the voltage spikes on the power switches by avoiding operation at zero-ripple duty ratios.

Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an electromagnetic actuator includes an actuator having an electrical coil, a magnetic core, and an armature. A controllable drive circuit is responsive to an electric power flow signal for driving current through the electrical coil to actuate the armature. A control module includes an armature motion observer configured to determine an armature motion parameter in the actuator based upon a magnetic flux within the actuator and a predetermined mechanical equation of motion corresponding to the actuator and adapt the electric power flow signal based on the armature motion parameter.

Abstract: A method for parameter estimation in an electromagnetic actuator having a main coil and a search coil includes driving a current through the main coil, determining a main coil voltage, determining a search coil voltage, determining a main coil current, and estimating at least one parameter of the actuator based on the main coil voltage, the search coil voltage and the main coil current.

Abstract: An electric power converting apparatus mainly includes a first power supply circuit, a second power supply circuit, a selection circuit, a control circuit, a bi-directional inverter circuit, and a charge/discharge circuit. The control circuit composed of a microcomputer or a microprocessor such as a DSP controls an operation of the electric power converting apparatus. The first power supply circuit or the second power supply circuit supplies a operation voltage for the control circuit. The first power supply circuit generates the operation voltage for the control circuit based on an AC voltage supplied from the electric power supply system. The second power supply circuit generates the operation voltage for the control circuit based on a DC voltage supplied from a DC power supply in an electric vehicle EV.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a laser ion source. The laser ion source includes a vacuum chamber which is vacuum-exhausted and in which a target is transported and set, a valve which is opened when the target is transported into the vacuum chamber and is closed except for the transportation, a target supply chamber which holds the target to be movable, and a transportation unit which transports to the vacuum chamber the target held on the target supply chamber while opening the valve after the target supply chamber is vacuum-exhausted while closing the valve.

Abstract: In one implementation, the present disclosure provides a method for imparting motion to a magnetically movable object. The method includes disposing the magnetically movable object over a display of an electronic device. The method further includes imparting motion to the magnetically movable object by adjusting a magnetic field that is produced by a magnetic field source, the magnetic field being applied to the magnetically movable object through the display of the electronic device. The adjusting the magnetic field can be based on a location of the magnetically movable object over the display. Furthermore, the display can be a touch sensitive display and the adjusting the magnetic field can be based on touch input of the touch sensitive display. The imparting motion can include moving the magnetically movable object around the display.

Abstract: In one implementation, the present disclosure provides a method for imparting motion to a magnetically movable object. The method includes disposing the magnetically movable object over a display of an electronic device. The method further includes imparting motion to the magnetically movable object by adjusting a magnetic field that is produced by a magnetic field source, the magnetic field being applied to the magnetically movable object through the display of the electronic device. The adjusting the magnetic field can be based on a location of the magnetically movable object over the display. Furthermore, the display can be a touch sensitive display and the adjusting the magnetic field can be based on touch input of the touch sensitive display. The imparting motion can include moving the magnetically movable object around the display.

Abstract: A coil system for the contactless magnetic navigation of a magnetic body in a work space, has a plurality of coils and a current controller for controlling the respective currents in the plurality of coils. In order to navigate the magnetic body to a variably predeterminable position in the work space, the current controller is designed such that the currents in the plurality of coils are such that the magnetic forces generated by the currents and acting upon the magnetic body at multiple positions at the edge of a convex environment around the predetermined position are directed into the environment. The coil system has the advantage that a movement of the magnetic body toward a spatial position is achieved without any mechanical movement of the coil system and without a positioning system for determining the position of the magnetic body. The coil system is utilized particularly in a medical device, wherein a magnetic body in the form of a probe is moved in the body of a patient.

Abstract: A switch structure includes a power element, a keypad, a first magnetic component, and a second magnetic component. The second magnetic component is positioned adjacent to the first magnetic component. When the keypad is deactivated, a magnetic attractive force is generated between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component. When the keypad is activated, the power element controls the first magnetic component to generate a magnetic repulsive force with the second magnetic component.

Abstract: A clamp assembly comprises a first clamp including a plurality of magnet devices. Each magnet device includes a permanent magnet and a coil surrounding the permanent magnet. The clamp assembly further comprises a controller for pulsing the coils to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the permanent magnets.

Abstract: A sensor system for a magnetic bearing, which has two actuator coils, two clocked power output stages, a current sensor for detecting those currents in the actuator coils which are encumbered with a ripple current, and a sensor interface. The clocked power output stages provide a pulse-width-modulated output voltage, the pulse width of which is narrowed or widened by small amounts in a predefined order, and the pulse widths of the clocked power output stages are modulated in a fixed phase relationship with respect to one another. The sensor system specifies a sensor system for a magnetic bearing with a clocked power output stage. A magnetic bearing, a control device for a magnetic bearing and a method for detecting the position in a magnetic bearing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation apparatus includes at least one pair of magnets arranged to create a static magnetic field that generates position-dependent energy dependent on a resultant force of a gravitational force and a magnetic force for a magnetic body to be levitated, a position detecting unit that generates location information indicating a location of the magnetic body in an unstable axis, an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field having a gradient along the unstable axis at an equilibrium position by a supply of electric power, a controller that receives the location information and that controls the supply of electric power to the electromagnet, a support member that has a support surface supporting the magnetic body at any time other than at the time of levitation of the magnetic body, and an equilibrium position moving member that moves the equilibrium position to change a height of the equilibrium position.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing overload protection for an active material actuator and composing assembly, including a magnetically functioning mechanism comprising one or more permanent magnet, electromagnet, and/or magnetorheological fluid reservoir cooperatively configured to produce a tunable holding force.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing overload protection for actuators, such as shape memory alloy wires, including and utilizing a magnetorheological fluid mechanism connected in series with or parallel to the load driven by the actuator, and operable to effect tunable protection.

Abstract: In one implementation, the present disclosure provides a method for imparting motion to a magnetically movable object. The method includes disposing the magnetically movable object over a display of an electronic device. The method further includes imparting motion to the magnetically movable object by adjusting a magnetic field that is produced by a magnetic field source, the magnetic field being applied to the magnetically movable object through the display of the electronic device. The adjusting the magnetic field can be based on a location of the magnetically movable object over the display. Furthermore, the display can be a touch sensitive display and the adjusting the magnetic field can be based on touch input of the touch sensitive display. The imparting motion can include moving the magnetically movable object around the display.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing overload protection for an active material actuator, includes a magnetically functioning mechanism comprising, for example, one or more permanent or electromagnets, and/or magnetorheological fluid, and configured to produce a holding force less than the capacity of the actuator, and more preferably, a modifiable holding force responsive to load influencing conditions.

Abstract: Foldable electronic devices including a first and a second magnet. An example foldable electronic device includes a base, a cover, a hinge pivotally connecting the base and the cover to fold the device into a closed position, a first magnet in the base, and a second magnet in the cover to repel the first magnet to separate the base and the cover when the device is resting in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading a rotor bearing is described. The apparatus includes an electromagnet for levitating the rotor. In one embodiment, a sensor of the magnetic field near the electromagnet is used to control the current to levitate the rotor. In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes rotating the rotor, increasing the current to levitate the rotor and decrease the gap between electromagnet and rotor, and then reducing the current to levitate the rotor with a minimal amount of electric power to the electromagnet.

Abstract: A method for vibration damping and shape control of a suspended metal strip is provided. The method includes the steps of: measuring distance to the metal strip by a plurality of non-contact sensors, providing distance measurements; generating a deflection profile based on the distance measurements; decomposing the deflection profile to a number of base shapes; and controlling the deflection profile by a plurality of non-contact actuators. The step of controlling includes providing for each of the base shapes a corresponding combination of force profiles.

Abstract: A clamp assembly comprises a first clamp including a plurality of magnet devices. Each magnet device includes a permanent magnet and a coil surrounding the permanent magnet. The clamp assembly further comprises a controller for pulsing the coils to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the permanent magnets.

Abstract: A method, device and system for spatially modulating magnetic fields using controllable electromagnets arranged into array configurations. An external controller modulates electromagnets and magnetic arrays by varying strength and polarity of electromagnets. Arrays are non-permanently latched and unlatched by controlling magnetic field patterns, without altering the properties of the magnetic elements, other than by electronic control signals. Arrays may contain combinations of electromagnets and permanent magnets.

Abstract: A method and system for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet wherein known problems associated with DC power circuit interruptions are substantially reduced. The system includes a generator coupled to an electromagnet, the generator being powered by a power supply through a first set of contactors which are configured to open and close a first circuit between the power source and the generator coupled to the magnet to start and stop a lifting sequence, wherein the first circuit includes a first bridge rectifier, a reactance element, and a first resistance element.

Abstract: A method for operating an electric crane, comprises the steps of activating a magnet controller to cause a current to flow through a magnet for creating a magnetic field about the magnet for securing a load to the magnet, receiving a feedback input value at a logic controller from a device associated with the electric crane, in response to the received feedback input value at the logic controller, receiving a command value at the magnet controller from the logic controller, and in response to the received command value at the magnet controller, modifying the current flow from the magnet controller to the magnet to change the magnetic field about the magnet. A system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel inductive overvoltage suppression circuit for power converters is presented. High amplitude voltage spikes are generally occurring in high frequency power converters in presence of small parasitic inductances coupled to the power distribution rails, in correspondence of the switching transitions, particularly when high load currents are required. The presented invention proposes active clamps to limit the amplitude of the overvoltage. Furthermore the excess energy in the parasitic inductances is utilized to provide energy and/or a signal to determine when to turn on the next phase power device with the fastest transition possible without incurring in cross-conduction currents in the power stage of the converter, thus improving its overall performance, and circuit reliability in addition to achieving high conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A current control output (CCO) system for transmission solenoids includes a current determination module, a current compensation module, and a current control module. The current determination module determines a desired current for the solenoids based on a desired pressure. The current compensation module generates a compensated current by adjusting the desired current based on a system pressure and a temperature of oil in the transmission. The current control module performs current-based control of and applies hysteresis to the solenoids based on the compensated current.

Abstract: A method for discharging an industrial lifting magnet quickly without producing a high voltage transient is presented. Most of the stored magnetic energy is dissipated in the magnet itself by connecting a diode across the magnet in the appropriate direction at discharge time using switching devices. One variation, suitable for smaller magnets, discharges the remaining energy using DC capacitors and a diode switching network. Another variation, suitable for magnets of any size, discharges most of the remaining energy in a power resistor of modest size using a system of diodes and switching devices in conjunction with a relatively small AC capacitor across the magnet.

Abstract: A first electronic device includes an electromagnetic component embedded in its connecting port and controlled to be activated during data transmission between the first electronic device and a second electronic device to which the first electronic device is connecting, or during memory accessing of the first electronic device. As the electromagnetic component is activated, an attraction force exists between the two connecting ports of the first and the second electronic devices such that a user of the first electronic device will feel a resistance when he/she tries to disconnect the first electronic device from the second electronic device.

Abstract: A guide apparatus includes a pair of guide rails, magnet units, pedestals, a sensor unit, a magnetic guide control apparatus as a control unit, and projected parts. The magnet unit includes electromagnets and permanent magnets and magnetic poles thereof are opposed to a blade of the guide rail from three directions with a gap. The projected parts are formed with side parts of a tip part of a central magnetic pole opposite to a tip surface of the blade of the guide rail among the magnetic poles of the magnet unit being brought closer to the guide rail than a center section thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-static floating type gyro device comprising: a gyro mechanism having a gyro rotor and plural adjacent pairs of electro static support electrodes for supporting said gyro rotor; a posture control circuit for generating complementary posture control voltages for controlling a posture of the gyro rotor, wherein the complementary posture control voltages applied to the adjacent pairs of electro static support electrodes are alternated in time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to minimize saturation in a ground fault detection device are disclosed. An example method includes connecting a capacitor simulator to a node of the ground fault detector device to prevent saturation, and monitoring power-line conductors for ground fault conditions with the ground fault detector device. An example apparatus to simulate a saturation capacitance in a ground fault device includes a sense coil induced by power-line conductors, and at least one of an amplifier or a current detector including an input connected to the sense coil and an output connected to a ground fault detector. The example apparatus also includes a saturation capacitor simulator connected to a node of at least one of the amplifier or the current detector to prevent saturation.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension device comprises a magnetic base and a suspension body. The suspension body is suspended above the magnetic base. The suspension body is provided with a receiving coil and at least one luminous body. The magnetic base is provided with a transmitting coil. The transmitting coil transmits an AC signal to the receiving coil. The receiving coil converts the AC signal transmitted by the transmitting coil into electric energy and supplies the electric energy to the luminous body for emitting light. In the magnetic suspension device of the present invention, the transmitting coil is arranged at the magnetic base, and the receiving coil is arranged in the suspension body. Wireless power transmission is realized through the transmitting coil and the receiving coil, so, the luminous body arranged on the suspension body can emit light without any cell and external power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for animating a magnetically levitated object. The apparatus includes a display with an overhead housing. A magnetic levitation and oscillation assembly is included with an electromagnet in the overhead housing. A levitated object with a body in which a magnetic element is embedded is positioned proximate to the electromagnet and levitated within the display. The levitation and oscillation assembly includes a levitation actuator driving the electromagnet with a control signal to generate a levitating magnetic field. The assembly includes an oscillating signal generator that oscillates the levitating magnetic field at an oscillating frequency.

Abstract: A stack of ferromagnetic sheets is gripped, lifted, and transported by first engaging with an uppermost sheet of the stack a plurality of magnet assemblies of a magnetic grab, each assembly having at least one electromagnet, then electrically energizing the electromagnets and lifting the stack with the grab while monitoring a magnetic flux of each electromagnet. A controller then compares the fluxes of the electromagnets, and varies the electrical energization of at least one of the electromagnets such that the fluxes of all the electromagnets are generally equal. The system has at least one flux sensor on each of the magnet assemblies and connected to the controller.

Abstract: A solid-state magnet controller powered by an AC generator using separate silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) bridges to drive current through the magnet in opposite directions. The invention eliminates high voltage transients, first by switching flyback diodes across the magnet using solid state devices, then employing secondary discharge methods to dissipate the remaining stored magnetic energy. Isolated DC-to-DC converters are used as a means of providing drive signals to the solid-state elements. A method to prevent inadvertent FET turn-on is included, as well as a method to slowly decrease the magnet current when desired.

Abstract: A magnet controller supplied by a DC generator controls a lifting magnet. Four transistors, forming an H bridge, allow DC current to flow in both directions in the lifting magnet. During “Lift”, full voltage is applied to the lifting magnet. During “Drop”, reverse voltage is applied briefly to demagnetize the lifting magnet. At the end of the “Lift” and the “Drop”, most of the lifting magnet energy is returned to the DC generator. A transient voltage suppressor protects against voltage spike generated when current reverses in the generator.

Abstract: A magnet controller supplied by an AC source controls a lifting magnet. Two bridges allow DC current to flow in both directions in the lifting magnet. During “Lift”, relatively high voltage is applied to the lifting magnet until it reaches its cold current. Then voltage is lowered. After a desired interval, once the magnet has had time to build its electromagnetic field, voltage is further reduced to prevent the magnet from overheating. The magnet lifting forced is maintained due to the magnetic circuit hysteresis. During “Drop”, reverse voltage is applied briefly to demagnetize the lifting magnet. At the end of the “Lift” and the “Drop”, most of the lifting magnet energy is returned to the line source. A logic controller controls current and voltage of the magnet and calculates the magnet's temperature. In one embodiment, a “Sweep” switch is provided to allow reduction of the magnet power to prevent attraction to the bottom or walls of magnetic rail cars or containers.

Abstract: A first electronic device includes an electromagnetic component embedded in its connecting port and controlled to be activated during data transmission between the first electronic device and a second electronic device to which the first electronic device is connecting, or during memory accessing of the first electronic device. As the electromagnetic component is activated, an attraction force exists between the two connecting ports of the first and the second electronic devices such that a user of the first electronic device will feel a resistance when he/she tries to disconnect the first electronic device from the second electronic device.

Abstract: A variable reluctance device includes first and second magnetic members, a coil, a measurement coil, and a control unit. The first and second magnetic members are displaceable relative to each other to provide a magnetic circuit having a variable reluctance. The coil for, in use, receiving a current for generating a magnetic flux through the magnetic circuit. The measurement coil for generating a measurement signal representative of the magnetic flux through the magnetic circuit, whereby the measurement coil is arranged to substantially enclose the magnetic flux through the magnetic circuit. The control unit arranged to receive the flux signal at an input terminal and, in response, provide a control signal based on the measurement signal at an output terminal for controlling an amplitude of the current or a force of a further device. The device can e.g., be applied in a stage apparatus or a lithographic apparatus.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for moving magnetic material includes an electromagnet wherein known problems associated with DC power circuit interruptions are substantially reduced. The system includes a generator coupled to an electromagnet, the generator being powered by a power supply through a first set of contactors which arc configured to open and close a first circuit between the power source and the generator coupled to the magnet to start and stop a lifting sequence, wherein the first circuit includes a first bridge rectifier, a reactance element, and a first resistance element.

Abstract: A magnet controller supplied by a DC generator controls a lifting magnet. Four transistors, forming an H bridge, allow DC current to flow in both directions in the lifting magnet. During “Lift”, full voltage is applied to the lifting magnet. During “Drop”, reverse voltage is applied briefly to demagnetize the lifting magnet. At the end of the “Lift” and the “Drop”, most of the lifting magnet energy is returned to the DC generator. A transient voltage suppressor protects against voltage spike generated when current reverses in the generator.

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.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing device and a method of operation for such a device are provided. The device comprises a group (410) of electromagnetic actuators (411, 412, 413, 414). Each actuator is electrically connected to an amplifier unit (701). The actuators of a first subgroup are connected to a first common node (608), while the actuators of a second subgroup are connected to a second common node (609). The common nodes (608, 609) are connected either directly or through means like an additional actuator. Preferably the common nodes (608, 609) have no additional electrical connection to the amplifier unit. According to a special embodiment of the invention, each subgroup of actuators consists of only one single actuator and the common node has an electrical connection to the amplifier. Thus the device comprises two actuators in a series configuration connected to an H bridge. The common node may be connected to either of two different voltages.