Electrical Or Magnetic Coupling Patents (Class 464/29)
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Publication number: 20070296295Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to a centrifugal magnetic clutch device. The device comprising an input shaft and, a plurality of input magnets that are rotatable about an axis of the input shaft, and are radially movable relative to the input shaft axis, and are rotationally fixed to the input shaft. The device further comprising, a plurality of output magnets rotatable about the input shaft axis and in axial alignment with the plurality of input magnets, and an output shaft rotationally fixed to the plurality of output magnets. The device further comprising, a housing for fluidically sealing the plurality of output magnets and the output shaft relative to the plurality of input magnets and the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ethan E. Cruz, Timothy M. Trifilo
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Patent number: 7143730Abstract: A valve timing system for an internal combustion engine includes a phase alteration mechanism interposed between a driving rotator and a driven rotator and having a direction turning point at which the phase alteration direction is reversed when a movable portion of the mechanism travels from a beginning to a termination, and an operation control device for displacing the movable portion when undergoing an energization control, the movable portion being displaced toward the beginning when the energization control fails to be carried out. The rotation phase is set at a middle position between a maximum retard position and a maximum advance position when the movable portion is located at the beginning.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Hitachi Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Yamanaka
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Patent number: 7090178Abstract: A rotatable payload support turret for operation in a potentially hazardous environment includes a fixed element attached to a vehicle or fixed structure and a rotatable element, supported for rotation with respect to the fixed element. The turret includes a camera payload having a pointing direction configured to be upwardly pointing. An annular clearance gap formed between the fixed element and the rotatable element is sealed by a conventional gas tight magnetic fluid seal element. A wiper seal is also provided in the clearance gap between the location of the magnetic fluid and the external environment to prevent breakdown of the magnetic fluid by elements of the potentially hazardous environment. The clearance gap may also form a labyrinth seal having up to three legs that are oriented to oppose a gravitational force direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Flir Systems Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Hughes, Thomas M. Sommer, Ronald J. Rosi
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Patent number: 7057320Abstract: A mechanical drive system operating by magnetic force, to be fitted on a pump, comprises a basic structure on which a drive shaft, which extends along a longitudinal axis, is supported rotatably. A driving element operatively connected to the drive shaft is provided with driving magnets arranged in a ring. A driven element provided with driven magnets arranged in a ring is also mounted on the basic structure. A bell is inserted between the driving element and the driven element and isolates the environment containing the driven element. The driving element and the driven element comprise respective cages each having seats for housing the respective driving magnets or driven magnets.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: C.D.R. Pompe S.p.A.Inventors: Maurizio Abordi, Alberto Cerizza
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Patent number: 6949854Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is described. The CVT comprises permanent magnets to couple power, a coefficient of coupling controlled by an electronic servo control loop. Wherein torque multiplication is achieved by “duty-cycle” modulation of the magnetic coupling “pulses”, between the input shaft and output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Michael Schlicht
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Publication number: 20040251757Abstract: A torque converter includes a primary flywheel, a secondary flywheel, and a magnetic drive assembly magnetically and mechanically coupling the primary flywheel and the secondary flywheel. The magnetic drive assembly includes a fixed magnet and a rotatable magnet. The magnets are magnetically aligned and balanced through opposite magnetic poles. Rotation of the rotatable magnet creates a magnetic imbalance between the fixed magnet and the rotatable magnetic causing the secondary flywheel to be driven. The fixed magnet and the rotatable magnet can be Neodymium magnets.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventor: James M. Porter
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Patent number: 6817949Abstract: A torque limiter of the present invention includes: a first rotor and a second rotor; a magnet which is provided so as to be in contact with the first rotor; and a hysteresis board provided so as to be opposed to the magnet with a space therebetween, wherein the hysteresis board is integrally formed with the second rotor, and first and second washers are provided between the first and second rotors so as to be in contact with one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichiro Hirabayashi, Kazuo Shibukawa, Akio Konishi
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Patent number: 6805081Abstract: A valve timing control device for an internal combustion engine, comprises a drive rotary member rotated by a crankshaft of the engine, a driven rotary member to rotate a camshaft of the engine upon rotation of the drive rotary member; a rotational phase control mechanism having an intermediate rotary member rotated relative to the drive and driven rotary members to cause relative rotation between the drive and driven rotary members and an braking mechanism having a hysteresis brake that generates a braking force to cause the intermediate rotary member to rotate relative to the drive and driven rotary members.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Hitachi Unisia Automotive, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiko Watanabe, Tamotsu Todo, Kazuhiko Takayanagi
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Patent number: 6773352Abstract: Bearing for damping or decoupling vibrations between adjacent components. The bearing includes a spring body having face ends, a connection part coupled to at least one of the face ends, and a frictional damper coupled in a parallel manner with the spring body. The frictional damper is at least one of electrically and electronically regulatable.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Continental AktiengesellschaftInventors: Volker Härtel, Jürgen Tschimmel
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Patent number: 6722992Abstract: A torque limiter of the present invention includes: a first rotor and a second rotor, the first and second rotors rotatable about a single center of rotation; a yoke board integrally formed with the first rotor; a magnet which is provided so as to be in contact with the yoke board; and a hysteresis board provided so as to be opposed to the magnet with a space therebetween, the hysteresis board is integrally formed with the second rotor and a washer having depression portions, protrusion portions, holes, or a combination thereof is provided between the first and second rotors.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichiro Hirabayashi, Akio Konishi, Kazuo Shibukawa
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Patent number: 6702678Abstract: A mechanical ball coupling or clutch comprises a plurality of magnetizable balls located between inner and outer concentric caged needle rollers without raceways. The caged needle rollers are concentric with the axis of a hollow non-magnetic rotatable shaft which carries therewithin an actuateable electromagnet. Substantially surrounding the caged needle rollers and balls to form chambers therefor is a rotatable concentric shell of a non-magnetic material. Upon actuation of the electromagnet, the balls and needle rollers magnetically nest together to form a torque transmitting condition between the hollow shaft and the shell. A third set of needle rollers mounted in the wall of the hollow shaft allow the electromagnet to float in a non-rotating condition within the rotating hollow shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: James A. Mason
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Patent number: 6682430Abstract: An adjustable coupler has a group of magnet rotors with permanent magnets separated by air gaps from non-ferrous conductor rotors presented by a group of conductor rotors. One of the rotors is mounted to its shaft via a slidable hub. The hub and the rotor attached thereto rotate with the shaft, but are movable lengthwise along the shaft. The air gaps are adjusted by axial movement of the hub and one of the groups relative to the other to vary the slip of the coupler and control the load speed under varying load conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: MagnaDrive CorporationInventor: Richard Killen
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Patent number: 6607370Abstract: A magnetic pump having an internal magnet that is caused to rotate from outside its housing in order to cause rotation of the impeller. In a magnetic coupling structure in which an inner magnet disposed on an impeller is accommodated in a cylindrical accommodating portion of the housing, the outer circumferential surface of this accommodating portion is loosely inserted into the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical outer magnet which is supported on its outer circumferential surface by a magnet cup body, and which rotates together with this magnet cup body, and the impeller rotates in accordance with the rotation of the outer magnet, and a cylindrical covering member which covers the inner circumferential surface of the abovementioned outer magnet is mounted on the outer magnet.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Yamada SeisakushoInventors: Masatoshi Fukamachi, Osamu Sato
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Patent number: 6561149Abstract: A rotary phase controller includes: a permanent magnet block, a yoke block, and an electromagnetic coil block. The permanent magnet block has a constitution where different magnetic pole surfaces are alternately arranged. The yoke block includes yokes. The yoke includes: a first pole tooth ring formed with first pole teeth opposing the magnetic pole surfaces, and a second pole tooth ring formed with second pole teeth opposing the magnetic pole surfaces. The first pole teeth and the second pole teeth are alternately disposed. The first pole teeth of the first yoke are shifted by a predetermined pitch circumferentially from the second pole teeth of the second yoke. The electromagnetic coil block includes electromagnetic coils. A first electromagnetic coil and a second electromagnetic coil have a magnetic input-output end opposing, via air gap, the first pole tooth ring and the second pole tooth ring of the first yoke and second yoke.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Kobayashi, Shigeaki Yamamuro
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Publication number: 20030087703Abstract: A coupling assembly for agricultural implements has a friction coupling (1), an electromagnet (6) and control mechanism (7). The friction coupling (1) includes a friction assembly (4) which is loaded by a pressure plate (14). The pressure plate (14) is loaded by pressure springs (15, 16). The pressure plate (14) is adjustable by an actuating device (5) which includes an electromagnet (6) and an anchor plate (19). The control mechanism (7) includes a control member (27) which, by changing the electric current, regulates the pressure force of the pressure plate (14) during the coupling and/or uncoupling operation. The housing (2) and the hub (3) are associated with speed sensors (25, 26) which transmit a signal to the control mechanism (7) to relieve the load on the friction assembly. Thus, this prevents the friction coupling (1) from overheating.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Andreas Lohmuller, Andreas Sarfert, Reinhold Walter, Eberhard Wilks
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Publication number: 20030052557Abstract: The present invention provides a rotor coupling having insulated structure which can assuredly prevent galvanic corrosion of beating members, rotors and the like which is caused by shaft voltage, in a shaft system that requires insulation in which a generator is disposed in between a steam turbine and a gas turbine or a rotating machinery such as another steam turbine. The rotor coupling having insulated structure of the present invention is employed in power generating equipment in which a generator is disposed in between a steam turbine and a gas turbine or a rotating machinery such as another steam turbine, a generator rotor and a rotating machinery rotor are connected, a first grounding electrode is provided to the steam turbine rotor, and a second grounding electrode is provided to the generator rotor, wherein both the rotors between the generator and the steam turbine are connected in an electrically insulated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hideyuki Toda, Haruo Ishisaka, Yoshiyuki Morii
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Publication number: 20030036432Abstract: The damper assembly, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, can be tuned to different frequency to dampen the vibrations of the driveline assembly. The damper assembly comprises an outer housing, an inner housing and a recess defined between the inner housing and the outer housing. A magetorheological elastomer is housed in the recess. In order to change the modulus of the magetorheological elastomer at least one magnetic means is provided in the contact with the inner housing. The magnetic means are capable of being rotated either towards the inner house or away from the inner house such that the modulus of the magetorheological elastomer is either increased or decreased.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventors: Anthony Russell Badolato, Roger Paul Pawlowski
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Patent number: 6517560Abstract: Hand-held surgical instruments include magnetic couplings which impart simultaneous reciprocal rotary and longitudinal motions or oscillations to a distally located workpiece. In preferred embodiments, the magnetic couplings include a drive shaft, an output shaft coaxially aligned with the drive shaft relative to a central axis, and drive and driven magnet assemblies connected operatively to the drive and output shafts, respectively. The drive and driven magnet assemblies include permanent magnets arranged to translate continuous rotation of the drive shaft into simultaneous rotary and longitudinal movements of the driven magnet assembly relative to the drive axis. A resilient support member exhibiting torsional and longitudinal resiliency (e.g., an annular elastomeric disc) is most preferably operatively connected to the output shaft to allow for such simultaneous rotary and longitudinal movements thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Duke UniversityInventors: Cynthia A. Toth, Ronald F. Overaker, Brian C. Dodge, Robert Machemer
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Patent number: 6497620Abstract: A coupling assembly for agricultural implements has a friction coupling (1), an electromagnet (6) and control mechanism (7). The friction coupling (1) includes a friction assembly (4) which is loaded by a pressure plate (14). The pressure plate (14) is loaded by pressure springs (15, 16). The pressure plate (14) is adjustable by an actuating device (5) which includes an electromagnet (6) and an anchor plate (19). The control mechanism (7) includes a control member (27) which, by changing the electric current, regulates the pressure force of the pressure plate (14) during the coupling and/or uncoupling operation. The housing (2) and the hub (3) are associated with speed sensors (25, 26) which transmit a signal to the control mechanism (7) to relieve the load on the friction assembly. Thus, this prevents the friction coupling (1) from overheating.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbHInventors: Andreas Lohmüller, Andreas Sarfert, Reinhold Walter, Eberhard Wilks
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Publication number: 20020179393Abstract: A torque limiter of the present invention includes: a first rotor and a second rotor, the first and second rotors rotatable about a single center of rotation; a yoke board integrally formed with the first rotor; a magnet which is provided so as to be in contact with the yoke board; and a hysteresis board provided so as to be opposed to the magnet with a space therebetween, the hysteresis board is integrally formed with the second rotor and a washer having depression portions, protrusion portions, holes, or a combination thereof is provided between the first and second rotors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Koichiro Hirabayashi, Akio Konishi, Kazuo Shibukawa
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Publication number: 20020183120Abstract: A torque limiter of the present invention includes: a first rotor and a second rotor; a magnet which is provided so as to be in contact with the first rotor; and a hysteresis board provided so as to be opposed to the magnet with a space therebetween, wherein the hysteresis board is integrally formed with the second rotor, and first and second washers are provided between the first and second rotors so as to be in contact with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Koichiro Hirabayashi, Kazuo Shibukawa, Akio Konishi
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Patent number: 6478555Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a noise and a vibration of a drain pump, including: a rotor rotated by a mutual interaction with a stator; a rotational shaft rotated by being directly combined to the rotor; a coupling cylinder combined to an end portion of the rotational shaft; a coupling tap protrusively formed on an outer circumferential portion of the coupling cylinder; an impeller including a receiving portion in which the coupling cylinder is received and being rotated by receiving a rotation force from the rotational shaft; an impeller tap protrusively formed on an inner circumferential portion of the receiving portion in the impeller and positioned at a predetermined part of a rotation trajectory of the coupling tap so as to contact with the coupling tap; and a buffer member of a ring shape with a gap therein located on a rotational path of the coupling tap to move along with the coupling tap in order to buffer between the coupling tap and the impeller tap when the two taps contact to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Jong Ho Kim, Ki Chul Cho, Soung Bong Choi
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Patent number: 6478681Abstract: Magnetic couplings impart simultaneous reciprocal rotary and longitudinal motions or oscillations to a work element. In preferred embodiments, the magnetic couplings include a drive shaft, an output shaft coaxially aligned with the drive shaft relative to a central axis, and drive and driven magnet assemblies connected operatively to the drive and output shafts, respectively. The drive and driven magnet assemblies include permanent magnets arranged to translate continuous rotation of the drive shaft into simultaneous rotary and longitudinal movements of the driven magnet assembly relative to the drive axis. A resilient support member exhibiting torsional and longitudinal resiliency (e.g., an annular elastomeric disc) is most preferably operatively connected to the output shaft to allow for such simultaneous rotary and longitudinal movements thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Duke UniversityInventors: Ronald F. Overaker, Brian C. Dodge, Robert Machemer, Cynthia A. Toth
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Patent number: 6468163Abstract: A device for transmitting the movement to a fan (1) cooling the cooling liquid of a motor vehicle, comprising movement generating means (2;2a,2b) on which the fan (1) is mounted by means of an idle support (1a) , characterized in that it comprises an induction coupling (10) with a front-linkage electromagnetic operating system (11a,11b) having a conducting element (15;115) integral with said fan (1,1a).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Baruffaldi S.p.A.Inventors: Piercarlo Boffelli, Fabio Natale, Erminio Depoli, Claudio Bellotti
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Publication number: 20020132671Abstract: An adjustable coupler has a group of magnet rotors with permanent magnets on a first shaft separated by air gaps from non-ferrous conductor rotors on a second shaft presented by a group of conductor rotors. The first and second shafts are coupled together at a spherical bearing that permits relative rotation between the shafts, but that limits relative lateral movement between the shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventor: Richard Killen
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Publication number: 20020132670Abstract: An adjustable coupler has a group of magnet rotors with permanent magnets separated by air gaps from non-ferrous conductor rotors presented by a group of conductor rotors. One of the rotors is mounted to its shaft via a slidable hub. The hub and the rotor attached thereto rotate with the shaft, but are movable lengthwise along the shaft. The air gaps are adjusted by axial movement of the hub and one of the groups relative to the other to vary the slip of the coupler and control the load speed under varying load conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventor: Richard Killen
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Patent number: 6435971Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus for supplying a steering assist torque from an electric motor to a steering mechanism including a torque limiter which comprises a case made of a magnetic material and secured to an output shaft of the electric motor, a boss made of a magnetic material concentrically rotatably arranged relative to the case and connected to a driven shaft, and a permanent magnet member disposed between the case and the boss for magnetically connecting therebetween. The permanent magnet member is annular and has an axially anisotropic magnetization of a negative temperature coefficient of residual magnetic flux density. The apparatus comprises a layer of an abrasion-resistant material provided between the permanent magnet member and at least one of the case and the boss and a cover for covering the outside of the case and the boss.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshinori Tanaka
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Patent number: 6427308Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a rotating shaft relative to a structure in which a first magnetized member is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, a support member is connected to the structure and at least one damper member connects the support member to a second magnetized member for supporting the second magnetized member in a portion relative to the first magnetized member. The respective magnetic fields of the first and second magnetized members are such that radial deflective movement of the shaft, and therefore the first magnetic member, causes corresponding radial movement of the second magnetized member which is dampened by the damping member.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.Inventor: John Elton Brunken, Jr.
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Patent number: 6417591Abstract: A magnetic coupling mechanism which can transmit rotational force of a motor with high efficiency and is simple in mechanism and unlikely to damage bearings, etc. and also unlikely to contaminate a laser gas, and in which flakes from plating or the like will not cause an operational abnormality. The magnetic coupling mechanism transmits rotational force from a motor shaft outside a laser chamber filled with a laser gas to a shaft of a gas-circulating fan in the laser chamber to rotate the fan. A first magnet group is provided on an inner peripheral surface at one end of the motor shaft. A second magnet group is radially coupled to the first magnet group through a ceramic partition constituting a part of the wall of a container of the laser chamber. The second magnet group is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the fan shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisya Ushiosougougizyutsukenkyusoyo, Ushio Denki Kabushiki KaisyaInventors: Takashi Saito, Motohiro Arai
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Patent number: 6364774Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for power-transmittably coupling a rotating unit of a compressor (11) composed of a drive shaft (17), a rotating support (23) and a swash plate (27) with an engine (62), comprising a pulley (56) and an armature (58), both of which constitute a first rotating body provided on a side of the engine, a hub (57), which serves as a second rotating body coupled to the drive shaft of the compressor, and a helical spring (64), couples the first and second rotating bodies. The use of the helical spring can easily set a resonant frequency of a power transmission system outside a frequency band for troque variation produced on a side of the compressor or the engine. As a result, it becomes possible to suppress resonance of the power transmission system to prevent generation of noises and damage to the internal mechanism of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuya Kimura, Masahiko Okada, Akifumi Uryu, Hirohiko Tanaka
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Publication number: 20020022526Abstract: Motion imparting means, comprising first and second assemblies, to effect angular movement of a gate (10) mounted for pivoting motion about an upstanding axis (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventor: Joseph Peter William Baker
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Publication number: 20020022525Abstract: Bearing for damping or decoupling vibrations between adjacent components. The bearing includes a spring body having face ends, a connection part coupled to at least one of the face ends, and a frictional damper coupled in a parallel manner with the spring body. The frictional damper is at least one of electrically and electronically regulatable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: CONTINENTAL AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Volker Hartel, Jurgen Tschimmel
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Publication number: 20020006830Abstract: An open-end spinning rotor (3) is supported by its rotor shaft (4) in a spinning-rotor bearing (5) with the rotor shaft (4) detachably connected via a coupling device (29) to a rotor cup (26) such that the rotor shaft (4) remains supported in the spinning-rotor bearing (5) when the rotor cup (26) is removed. The coupling device (29) comprises a magnetic device (30) for fixing rotor shaft (4) and rotor cup (26) axially relative to one another and a mechanical rotational safety mechanism (31) for fixing rotor shaft (4) and rotor cup (26) radially relative to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventor: Stephan Buhren
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Patent number: 6338681Abstract: A magnetic transmission structure for a laser level includes a driving member provided with two opposite first chambers in each of which is fitted a magnet, a driven member provided with two opposite second chambers arranged in alignment with the first opposite chambers, each of the second chamber being provided with a magnet, and a motor having an output axle drivingly connected with an intermediate portion of the driving member, whereby the driven member will be rotated with the driving member without direct interconnecting members when the motor is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Aurise Inc.Inventor: Yu Tse Lin
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Publication number: 20010049306Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus for supplying a steering assist torque from an electric motor to a steering mechanism including a torque limiter which comprises a case made of a magnetic material and secured to an output shaft of the electric motor, a boss made of a magnetic material concentrically rotatably arranged relative to the case and connected to a driven shaft, and a permanent magnet member disposed between the case and the boss for magnetically connecting therebetween. The permanent magnet member is annular and has an axially anisotropic magnetization of a negative temperature coefficient of residual magnetic flux density. The apparatus comprises a layer of an abrasion-resistant material provided between the permanent magnet member and at least one of the case and the boss and a cover for covering the outside of the case and the boss.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventor: Toshinori Tanaka
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Patent number: 6296572Abstract: A power transmission mechanism for power-transmittably coupling a rotating unit of a compressor (11) composed of a drive shaft (17), a rotating support (23) and a swash plate (27) with an engine (62), comprising a pulley (56) and an armature (58), both of which constitute a first rotating body provided on a side of the engine, a hub (57), which serve as a second rotating body coupled to the drive shaft of the compressor, and a spring (64), which serves as an elastic means for coupling the first and second rotating bodies. A spring constant of the spring (64) is set such that a resonant frequency (fR) determined by the spring constant and a sum of a moment of inertia of the rotating unit of the compressor and a moment of inertia of the second rotating body as dominant factors is made smaller than a minimum frequency (f1) of torque variation produced on the compressor and more preferably smaller than a minimum frequency (f2) of torque variation produced on the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuya Kimura, Akifumi Uryu, Masahiko Okada, Tomonari Kato
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Patent number: 6287204Abstract: A torque limiter is formed of a shaft, a cylindrical magnet attached to an outer periphery of the shaft, and a housing for rotationally supporting the axial ends of the shaft and formed of first and second housing portions. A magnetizable member in a cylindrical shape is attached to inner peripheries of the first and second housing portions to thereby form a space between cylindrical portions of the first and second housing portions. The magnetizable member faces an outer periphery of the magnet with a predetermined gap therebetween when the magnet is inserted into the magnetizable member. A ring containing magnetizable materials therein is attached to the space on an outer periphery of the magnetizable member. The ring changes an apparent volume of the magnetizable member, so that torque of the torque limiter is adjusted by selecting a proper ring.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Yuji Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6268676Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a rotating shaft relative to a structure in which a first magnetized member is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, a support member is connected to the structure and at least one damper member connects the support member to a second magnetized member for supporting the second magnetized member in a portion relative to the first magnetized member. The respective magnetic fields of the first and second magnetized members are such that radial deflective movement of the shaft, and therefore the first magnetic member, causes corresponding radial movement of the second magnetized member which is dampened by the damping member.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventor: John Elton Brunken, Jr.
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Patent number: 6084326Abstract: A ball screw of an actuator is inserted through a displacement member. Driving-side axial magnetic patterns and driving-side circumferential magnetic patterns are formed on an outer circumference of the displacement member. The ball screw and the displacement member are surrounded by a tube. A slider is provided at the outside of the tube. Driven-side axial magnetic patterns opposing to the driving-side axial magnetic patterns and driven-side circumferential magnetic patterns opposing to the driving-side circumferential magnetic patterns are formed on the slider. Mutual magnetic attraction between the driving-side patterns and the driven-side patterns prevents the displacement member from rotation, and it causes the slider to make displacement in the axial direction together with the displacement member. Since the ball screw of the actuator is surrounded by the tube, the actuator can be prevented from scattering of lubricating oil, dust or the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: SMC Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Hiroyuki Shiomi
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Patent number: 6057618Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a rotating shaft relative to a structure in which a first magnetized member is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, a support member is connected to the structure and at least one damper member connects the support member to a second magnetized member for supporting the second magnetized member in a portion relative to the first magnetized member. The respective magnetic fields of the first and second magnetized members are such that radial deflective movement of the shaft, and therefore the first magnetic member, causes corresponding radial movement of the second magnetized member which is dampened by the damping member.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.Inventor: John Elton Brunken, Jr.
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Patent number: 6041571Abstract: A capping apparatus and a magnetic coupling assembly therefor comprises a capping head for applying a cap, a drive mechanism for driving the capping head, and a separable magnetic coupling for selectively coupling the capping head to the drive mechanism. The separable coupling is operable to selectively drive the capping head at an initial rotational speed and for selectively de-coupling the capping head from the drive mechanism while the capping head is rotating. This allows the capping head to be moved toward a container to place the cap on the container while preventing the drive mechanism from continuing to drive the capping head as the cap is placed on the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Fowler Products CompanyInventors: Acie R. Fields, Stanley J. Puskarz
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Patent number: 6025664Abstract: A vehicle braking system including a brake drum connected to a rotational shaft; an annular member formed of a ferromagnetic material; a guide frame for supporting the annular member in a position within said spaced from an inner surface of the brake drum; and a cylindrical body defining an uninterrupted wall between the inner surface of the brake drum and the annular member; at least portions of the cylindrical body disposed directly between the inner surface of the brake drum and outer surfaces of the permanent magnets being formed from a magnetically permeable material.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Tohru Kuwahara
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Patent number: 6003193Abstract: A multi-function apparatus for controlling various functions of a liftgate of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an elastomeric member which is operably disposed in connection with a gear which imparts a driving force to a drive shaft of a window wiper member. The elastomeric member, in one embodiment, is a coiled spring which allows movement between the drive shaft and the gear driving the drive shaft in the event the wiper becomes frozen to the window of the vehicle or otherwise immovable. In this manner various other functions can be carried out by the apparatus regardless if the wiper becomes temporarily immobilized.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.Inventors: Evgeny I. Rivin, Victor R. Fey
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Patent number: 5915931Abstract: A pump (10) includes a housing (16) having an inlet port (42) and an outlet port (43). An impeller (15) is received within the housing (16) and carries a magnet (34). A motor (11) rotates a shaft (17) having a threaded end (52). A plastic driver magnetic unit (12) is formed of a magnetized material and includes a base (47) and a generally cylindrical sidewall (48). At least a portion of the sidewall (48) is magnetized. A threaded insert (49) is positioned in the base (47) of the driver unit (12) and is threaded onto the shaft (17) of the motor (11) until a stop shoulder (53) formed on the shaft (17) is engaged by the insert (49). Such aligns the magnetized portion of the sidewall (48) of the driver unit (12) with the magnet (34) of the impeller (18) such that upon rotation of the motor shaft (17), the driver unit (12) rotates the impeller (15) and fluid is drawn into the housing (16) through the inlet port (42) and transferred out of the housing (16) through the outlet port (43).Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: The Gorman-Rupp CompanyInventors: Darrell M. Lindner, James R. Flory, Cecil Flynn
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Patent number: 5917774Abstract: A magnetic coupling for substantially synchronously transferring linear motion through a non magnetic barrier from a first movable element to a second movable element. The coupling comprises magnets disposed at spaced apart locations along the first element. The magnets each have a magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of motion of the first element along the non magnetic barrier. The coupling includes magnets disposed at spaced apart locations along the second element at locations corresponding to locations of the magnets op the first element. Each of the magnets on the second element has a magnetization direction inclined at an oblique angle with respect to the magnetization direction of the corresponding magnet so as to capture magnetic flux from the magnets on the first element when either of the elements is moved along the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.Inventors: Arnold M. Walkow, Randy Gold, Albert A. Alexy, Jr., Wade D. Dupree, Saeed Rafie
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Patent number: 5902185Abstract: A magnetic transmission coupling includes an inner torque tube (62) carrying one or more stacks of annularly disposed spaced magnets (70), located within a sealing membrane element (38), and an outer, eccentric drive rotor (74) with a matching one or more stacks of annularly disposed spaced magnets (70). Rotary drive is transmitted across the membrane by rotating the drive rotor which causes the inner torque tube (62) to be driven. The torque tube (62) has an unusually large bore diameter through which an elongate stiff tube (52) may pass.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Inventors: Richard Andrej Kubiak, Paul Richard Stonestreet
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Patent number: 5898249Abstract: A variable speed eddy current drive has a driven member and an output member. The driven member is structured and arranged to be coupled to a motor shaft. The output member is structured and arranged to be coupled to a load. The drive also has an armature and an electromagnet. The armature is coupled to either the driven member or the output member, while the electromagnet is coupled to the other of the driven member or the output member. The drive is provided with a coupler that is in addition to the armature and the electromagnet. The coupler is selectively operable between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. Actuating the coupler to the coupled position causes the output member to rotate at the same speed as the driven member, with no slip between the two members. The coupler can be actuated between the coupled and uncoupled positions while the drive is rotating. The coupler can be actuated to move either axially or radially.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventor: Paul D. Boggs, III
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Patent number: 5838121Abstract: A multi-blade wafer handling device is provided to concurrently move two or more wafers through a vacuum processing system. The wafer handling device includes two motors magnetically coupled into a transfer chamber to move an arm assembly connected to a dual blade assembly. The preferred wafer handling device includes a first rotating member operated by the first motor, a second rotating member operated by the second motor, a blade assembly having at least first and second wafer blades wherein the wafer blades are co-planar, and an arm assembly connecting the first and second rotating members to the blade assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Fairbairn, Christopher Lane, Kelly Colborne, Satish Sundar
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Patent number: 5833542Abstract: A transmission joint sealing boot comprising a flexible diaphragm member having a passageway extending therethrough, a first end defining an opening, an annular second end disposed opposite the first end, a flexible arcuate section connecting the first end and the annular second end of the flexible diaphragm member, the first end further including an inner surface and an outer surface, a bellows member having a passageway extending therethrough, the bellows member including a first end defining an opening, a second end disposed opposite the first end, and an intermediate bellows segment having a convoluted section disposed between the first end and the second end and connecting the first end and the second of the bellows member, wherein the second end defines an opening for receiving the first end of the flexible diaphragm member and the second end further including an inner surface and an outer surface, a magnetically active weld sleeve having an inner surface correspondingly shaped to mate with the outer suType: GrantFiled: February 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Richard Harrold, Paresh Patel, Gary D. Grabaum
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Patent number: 5804897Abstract: Projecting into a brake drum is an annular guide frame defining an annular inner chamber of rectangular shape in section, having an outer wall portion formed by a thin cylindrical body of nonmagnetic material, and an inner annular wall of ferromagnetic material. An annular magnet support member is axially movable within the inner chamber of the guide frame, and supports a plurality of permanent magnets disposed closely adjacent to the cylindrical body and in circumferentially spaced apart positions of uniform pitch, the polarities of the permanent magnets alternating circumferentially.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Isuzu Motors Ltd.Inventor: Tohru Kuwahara