Abstract: The present invention provides a robot assembly for transferring objects, namely substrates, through a process system. A robot linkage is provided to a multi-plane, multi-arm robot assembly driven by two motors. In one embodiment, a linkage is provided which is driven by two magnetic retaining rings. In another embodiment, a linkage is provided which is driven by three magnetic retaining rings, two of which are coupled to the same motor. Both embodiments enable a substrate shuttle operation to be performed wherein a pair of substrates can be shuttled into and out of a selected chamber without having the robot assembly rotate in the transfer and by actuation of only two motors.

Abstract: A concentric-double-shaft simultaneously rotating apparatus in which a part of the force for driving an inner shaft to rotate is obtained by a device other than a rotation controlled motor to thereby reduce the capacity of the rotation controlled motor to attain reduction in size of the apparatus, increase of stiffness, and so on. The concentric-double-shaft simultaneously rotating apparatus includes at least one permanent magnet which is attached onto an inner circumferential surface of an outer shaft, and a secondary conductor such as a copper pipe, or the like, is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the inner shaft to create an induced current flow.

Abstract: An oscillatory drive incorporating the invention includes a driven rotor that is mounted on a shaft and includes plural driven permanent magnets disposed thereon. A spring arrangement is coupled to the driven rotor and limits both clock-wise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) rotation thereof. A first driving rotor includes first driving magnets, is mounted for rotation on the shaft and is positioned to a first side of the driven rotor. A second driving rotor includes second driving permanent magnets, is mounted for rotation on the shaft and is positioned to a second side of the driven rotor. The drive mechanism imparts a CW rotation to the first driving rotor and a CCW rotation to the second driving rotor. The first driving permanent magnets coupling to the driven permanent magnets causes a CW rotation of the driven rotor until the spring arrangement terminates the CW rotation and causes a reversal of rotation direction in the CCW direction.

Abstract: A magnet coupling system has driving and driven coupling elements, each of which has a magnetic element thereon between which a gap is defined through which a can passes. The magnet coupling system includes a sleeve bearing apparatus comprising a pair of axially spaced sleeve bearings. The sleeve bearing apparatus has a bearing casing enclosing both sleeve bearings and defines a closed fluid flow chamber through which a temperature-control fluid is circulated from an external source. An outer circumference of the bearing casing exchanges heat with an inner circumferential surface of the driven coupling element, and is accommodated substantially-completely within the driven coupling element, to heat or cool the sleeve bearing apparatus and the driven coupling element, and thus the gap between the magnet elements, to a suitable temperature.

Abstract: A magnetic shaft guard for use with a rotating shaft has a permanent magnet to hold the guard in place on the rotating shaft. Sufficient clearance is present between the shaft and an inner diameter of the guard so that the guard will cease rotation freely relative to the shaft should external contact with the guard occur. The magnet is loosely mounted within a cavity near the tip of the shaft guard so that the magnet is able to cant and thereby adhere better to shafts with tips which are not squarely cut. A spiral or other design may be placed on the guard to visually alert persons in the vicinity that the shaft is rotating.

Abstract: Friction clutch, in particular for motor vehicles, consisting of a driving portion as a counterpressure plate, a pressure plate oriented so that it can move axially but not rotationally with respect to the counterpressure plate, a clutch plate with clutch linings which can be fixed between the two and which is located non-rotationally on a drive shaft, whereby the clutch plate is provided if necessary with a load and/or idle damper, whereby there are also pressure elements for the clutch plate and/or the damper. On such a friction clutch, the object of the invention is to realize different, predetermined moments of friction with the identical geometry of the friction device. The invention teaches that this object can be achieved by providing as the pressure element at least one permanent magnet and/or at least one magnet system and/or at least one electrically energized magnetic circuit.

Abstract: A transporter which allows a single motor/magnetic coupler assembly to be coupled to one of a plurality of agitator tanks. The transporter includes an arm which is pivotally connected to a frame. The arm supports a motor and an outer magnetic mixer assembly that can be coupled to an inner magnetic mixer assembly located within the inner cavity of an agitator tank. The arm is adapted so that an operator can move the outer magnetic mixer assembly between a first position and a second position. The outer assembly is coupled to the inner assembly when in the second position and decoupled from the inner assembly when in the first position. The transporter has wheels so that the operator can move the outer assembly and motor from one agitator tank to another agitator tank.

Abstract: A compact assembly of two magnetic couplers for coupling two coaxial angular shaft movements through a vacuum barrier. Each coupler includes two concentric rings of radially oriented magnets, arranged to provide magnetic coupling in a radial direction between corresponding magnets in the rings. A relatively large number of magnets in each ring ensures stiff coupling between rings, but unwanted circumferential coupling between adjacent magnets in each ring is minimized by the presence of a flux ring associated with each ring of magnets. The flux rings provide a return path for radial magnetic flux lines between the rings. Cross-coupling between the couplers is minimized by the presence of a magnetic shield on each ring of magnets. The shields permit the couplers to be located in close proximity on their common axis of rotation. For corrosion resistance, each ring of magnets on the vacuum side of the barrier is housed in a stainless steel enclosure.

Abstract: A magnetic shaft guard for use with a rotating shaft has a permanent magnet to hold the guard in place on the rotating shaft. Sufficient clearance is present between the shaft and an inner diameter of the guard so that the guard will cease rotation freely relative to the shaft should external contact with the guard occur. A spiral or other design may be placed on the guard to visually alert persons in the vicinity that the shaft is rotating.

Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus is provided for use with an oval gear meter. The oval gear meter for receiving material such that the quantity of material is measured by the meter. The meter having the characteristic of alternating acceleration and deceleration for a constant flow of material passing through the meter due to the eccentricity associated with the elliptic shape of the oval gear thereby causing excessive instability or oscillatory conditions with respect to the measured material. The stabilizing apparatus includes a first actuator secured to and synchronized rotationally with an oval gear. The first actuator receives rotational force from the oval gear representative of the quantity of material passing through the meter. A second actuator secured to and synchronized rotationally with a shaft. The second actuator is rotationally driven by force received from the first actuator for transferring rotational force to the shaft.

Abstract: The invention concerns a permanent magnet front or central coupling unit that generally works through a watt to transfer measured values and torque in units that may, for example, be used in the volume gauge technology. In accordance with the task, the permanent magnet coupling shall be designed so that its transferable maximum torque is not present in the starting state and that it thus exhibits vibration-damping properties. In accordance with the invention, this is achieved by the fact that one or several permanent magnets are arranged in a fixed manner and that the poles are located such that they produce repulsive forces in their effective direction, i.e., the respective opposite magnet poles are of equal denomination. In the stationary state, the magnet poles thus occupy the greatest possible distance from each other, resulting in the lowest possible transferable torque. As a function of the required load, the coupling halves begin to rotate and the transferable torque increases to the required value.

Abstract: A reluctance torque coupler includes a first rotor assembly which provides a magnetic field and a second rotor assembly which rotates relative to the first rotor assembly. The second rotor assembly includes a pair of elongated, arcuate flux poles that are attached to a non-magnetic frame. The flux poles extend towards the first rotor such that they are magnetically coupled to the first rotor. Air gaps between ends define a position of minimum reluctance for the first rotor. When the conductors magnetic axis of the first rotor is aligned with the spaces, the leakage of flux across the spaces is at a minimum. If one rotor is rotated, there is a change in energy stored in the magnetic circuit. This change is resisted by a restoring torque toward the aligned position. In this manner, the torque coupler transmits torque from one rotor to another.

Abstract: A magnetic drive device comprising a rotor disposed inside a cylindrical wall so as to be rotatable and axially movable, a fixed magnetic bearing fixedly provided on the cylindrical wall for holding the rotor radially thereof, a magnetic coupling having a drive portion disposed around the cylindrical wall so as to be rotatable and axially movable for transmitting a torque and an axial holding force to the rotor, and a movable magnetic bearing disposed around the cylindrical wall so as to be axially movable with the drive portion of the magnetic coupling for holding the rotor radially thereof.

Abstract: A hysteresis magnet coupling for Roots type pumps comprises a magnet plate holding member connected to either one of a pump shaft or a driving shaft, a hysteresis plate holding member connected to the other of shafts and a diaphragm of a non-magnetic material interposed between a magnetic plate and a hysteresis plate and hermetically sealed at its peripheral portion to a pump housing to prevent heat generated at the hysteresis plate from transferring to the magnet plate to thereby maintain a stabilized operation of the pump.

Abstract: A magnetic drive device comprises a hollow cylindrical outer rotor, an inner rotor inserted in the outer rotor so as to proejct at least at one end thereof beyond an end of the outer rotor and supported rotatably relative to the outer rotor, two magnetic bearings arranged around the outer rotor and spaced apart axially thereof for holding the outer rotor radially thereof, a first magnetic coupling having a drive portion disposed around the outer rotor for transmitting a torque to the outer rotor, and a second magnetic coupling having a drive portion disposed around the inner rotor at a portion thereof projecting beyond the end of the outer rotor for transmitting a torque to the inner rotor.

Abstract: A magnetic drive system in a reactor generates rotational and translational motion of the agitator. The magnetic drive system includes a tubular shaft having one end attached to the agitator, and another end. A magnetic annular weight is fitted to the another end. A guide column has an end supported by the reactor body and a free end, the guide column further having a cylindrical bore in which an intermediate part of the tubular shaft slides in a fluid tight manner. A cylindrical guide cap is fluid tightly mounted to the free end of the guide column, the guide cap covering the magnetic annular weight and incorporating a cylindrical guide shaft integral with a bottom of the cap, the tubular shaft sliding coaxially and fluid tightly on the guide shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for correcting misalignments in a robotic assembling devices has a first shaft (102) having a ferrous material (120) and a second shaft (104) having a magnetic material (122). The first and second shafts (102, 104) are magnetically coupled, and a motion on the first shaft (102) is provided to the second shaft (104) which corrects misalignments between the magnetic coupling (112) of the first and second shafts (102, 104).

Abstract: An electromagnetic powder coupling device which can be used either as a brake or a clutch. In order to remove undesirable heat in the device, one attributable to Joule heat mainly emanated by field member, a rotor and a cylinder, and to other to frictional heat, especially inevitable for this kind of electromagnetic powder coupling device which is emanated by the friction between the rotor, cylinder and the magnetic powder filled in the space between the cylinder and the rotor, the coupling device incorporates a forced air draft cooling system. Two variations of cooling systems are disclosed, both of which have, in common with, at least a blower and a plurality of passages for forced draft air cooling not only to the external part but also to the inner part of the field member and the cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of coupling rotating elements employ a magnetically triggered constricting spiral coil that exerts only radial forces to transmit torque through unrestrained unattached universally movable spheres.

Abstract: Perfusion pump driver apparatus for coupling motive power from a controller console to the rotator of perfusion pump. The coupler has a console adapter to connect the coupler apparatus to the pump control console. A pump receptacle is provided in the coupler to connect the pump to the driver. A power transfer mechanism consisting of a bushing and flexible shaft is provided in the coupler to adapt the control console characteristics to the pump characteristics.

Abstract: A device for positioning objects within a sealed vacuum chamber (112) comprises a stationay housing (114), which is sealingly attached to the vacuum chamber (112). Located within the housing (114) is a tubular body (158) capable of rotating and translating within the stationary housing (114) through the interaction of an outer magnet (116), which slides and rotates on the surface of the stationary housing, and an inner magnet (118), which is attached to the tubular body (158). A shaft (198) is located inside the tubular body, but cannot be shifted axially with respect to this body. The front end of shaft (198) extends into the vacuum chamber (112) and may carry a specimen or any other object to be treated or tested in the vacuum chamber. The shaft (198) is driven from an external drive mechanism (124). Rotation of the shaft can be converted into opening and closing movements of the jaws (218 and 220).

Abstract: An electrophoretic fluid torque transmission apparatus in which cooperable electrodes are connected respectively to drive and driven elements. An electrophoretic fluid capable of separating into particle-rich and particle-deficient phases by electrophoresis operates in surface contact with the electrodes. An electrically non-conductive material having raised surface areas and spaces between the surface areas is associated with one or more of the electrodes. When a voltage is applied between the electrodes in a first direction, the particle-rich phase of the fluid collects on one of the electrodes and also makes contact with the spaces and the raised surface areas of the material associated with the other electrode thereby engaging or locking the electrodes together and transmitting force between the elements.

Abstract: A magnetic-drive device used for rotary machines, having a high torque transmitting efficiency, causing little temperature elevation of treated fluids and exhibiting mechanical strength and thermal shock resistance. The device comprises a chamber formed by combining a front casing with a rear casing to accommodate a rotor supporting a driven magnet. The rear casing consists of a cylindrical partition walled up at its one end with a bottom portion and provided with a flange portion on the other end, which partition having a thickness of 1.5-8 mm and consisting of a ceramic material having a specific resistance of at least 10.sup.7 .OMEGA.-cm. A driving magnet arranged outside the partition is magnetically coupled with the driven magnet through the partition.

Abstract: A sealless pump including a casing carrying an inner rotor that carries magnets mounted on a shaft connected to the pump impeller. A thin can-shaped shell is mounted over the inner rotor and an outer frame is mounted over the shell. The outer frame includes an outer rotor carrying magnets adapted to couple magnetically with the inner rotor to drive the pump through the shell. A pair of guide posts are anchored to the casing and extend through holes in the outer frame for guiding the outer frame into and from an assembled position. Bolts are threaded into the guide posts and have suitable abutments for engaging and moving the outer frame between assembled and disassembled positions.

Abstract: Perfusion pump driver apparatus for coupling motive power from a controller console to the rotator of perfusion pump. The coupler has a console adaptor to connect the coupler apparatus to the pump control console. A pump receptacle is provided in the coupler to connect the pump to the driver. Power transfer mechanisms are provided in the coupler to adapt the control console characteristics to the pump characteristics.

Abstract: In a variable inertial mass flywheel having a main flywheel member coupled to an engine crankshaft and a subflywheel member rotatably arranged relative to the main flywheel member, an electrorheological fluid whose viscosity changes according to intensity of electric field at high response speed is enclosed between electrodes formed on the main flywheel member and the subflywheel member. At engine idling, a higher voltage is applied to the electrodes to increase the viscosity of the fluid, that is, to increase inertial mass of the flywheel so that engine torque ripple can effectively be absorbed. At engine acceleration, a lower (or zero) voltages is applied to the electrodes to decrease the viscosity of the fluid, that is to decrease inertial mass of the flywheel so that high engine torque response characteristics can stably be obtained.

Abstract: A magnetic pump drive comprises a double-walled isolating shell having an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell and the outer shell are in contact at least along a cylindrical section of both shells. In the contact area, a channel system is incorporated between the shells by means of which channels the intactness of both shells may be checked. Channels of the channel system have the shape of a screw-channel. The magnetic pump drive so constructed closely approximates the characteristics of one constructed with a unitary thick-walled isolation shell.

Abstract: A drive shaft connectable to a motor or geared motor and including a coupling arrangement attachable to tool shafts of rotating tools having, for example, heads for milling, polishing or grinding, so that easy handling of the tools is accomplished in processing small pieces of work and in beauty treatment applications while permitting easy connection to and rapid change of the tools with the coupling element. The drive shaft consists of flexible steel wire of circular profile, or of flexible steel wire with several concentric layers of wire wound around a core of flexible steel wire and having a circular profile and which is disposed in a tightly wound coiled tube made of synthetic material or steel wire. A tubular housing is attached to the coiled tube on the side away from the motor and in which a cylindrical coupling element is disposed, so that it can be rotated. A permanent magnet is secured in the coupling element whose rear end is firmly attached centrically to the forward end of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A magnetic pump drive comprises an isolating shell which is structured in the form of a stepped cylinder having at least one step for creating at least two cylindrical sections of different diameters. The efficiency of the power transmission of a driver carrying permanent magnets through the isolating shell onto a rotor also carrying permanent magnets is maintained in comparison with the efficiency of known devices, but the strength and form stability of the isolating shell is drastically improved. The strength against high system pressures is based on the steps which may comprise slipped-over rings or comprise integral reinforcement rings which act like barrel hoops.

Abstract: A torque limited of permanent magnet coupling type is disclosed, in which the value of transmitted torque is varied from a near zero minimum to a maximum. The torque limiter comprises a disk of magnetic material fixed to the output cylinder, and a pair of annular members disposed on both axial sides of the disk with small gaps filled with a powder of magnetic material. The annular members are rotatably supported on the output cylinder. An annular disk-shaped permanent magnet is fixed to one of the annular members at the side surface thereof opposite to the surface facing the disk. Further, an annular disk-shaped plate of magnetic material having an outer diameter greater than that of the permanent magnet is fixed on the outer side surface of the permanent magnet projecting radially from the outer circumferential surface of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A leak indicating device for a magnetic centrifugal pump having a separating pot which seals against the pumped medium and which comprises two separating pots with collars inserted one within another. The device contains a ring which is clamped between the collars of the two separating pots. The ring has a radial bore which connects the space between the separating pots to an indicator.

Abstract: A canned motor pump wherein the can has at least two coaxial tubular walls defining an annular space for the flow of a preferably gaseous fluid which is used to facilitate detection of leaks in the walls of the can. Each tubular wall can individually seal the driving unit from the driven unit of the pump motor. The leak detector can generate visible, audible and/or otherwise detectable signals, and such signals can also serve to stop the motor in the event of leakage.

Abstract: The driving (30) and driven (32) members of a magnetic drive (20) are separated by an enlarged gap (35) to provide clearance for a conduit (23) or other member. Flux pins (40) in the gap (35) maintain the torque transmitting capability of the drive (20). The spacing between two of the flux pins is increased to provide space for the conduit (23).

Abstract: This torque limiting clutch has a motor driven hub carrying two concentric cup-shaped rings with a cylindrical permanent magnet therebetween. Keeper plates are pivotally secured to the hub and overlay coplanar edges of the rings to which the keepers are magnetically attracted. The hub has an extension on which freely rotates a power output disk provided with projecting fingers that engage the keepers when they are in radial positions with respect to the hub. When an overload is applied to the output disk, the fingers turn the keepers until they are disengaged from the disk. The power output disk and hub are thus released to turn freely independently of each other, without generating frictional heat therebetween.

Abstract: A multiple cooling fan installation in which a master fan is driven by a brushless electric drive motor, and at least one slave fan having blades positioned adjacent the blades of the master fan is driven by magnetic coupling between such adjacent blades. Synchronism of rotation between the master and slave fans is ensured by generating a speed command N.sub.cmd for the master fan drive motor in relation to position feedback from the slave fan(s) so that the speed of the master fan is increased in relation to the ability of the slave fan(s) to follow in step with the master fan.

Abstract: A frontal magnetic rotational coupling for transmitting torque from a first enclosure to a second enclosure, said enclosures being hermetically separated from each other by an isolating wall. A plate affixed directly above a magnet attached to a rotatable shaft in one enclosure of the coupling is employed to magnetically provide bearing load relief. Axial force exerted upon the magnet from the other enclosure is compensated for by the magnetic field of the magnet itself, due to the return flux path provided by the plate. A miniaturized form of construction results which is of particular advantage when the frontal magnetic rotational coupling is used, for example, in an implantable medication dispensing device.

Abstract: A magnetic coupler for a magnetic centrifugal pump includes inner and outer rotors having arranged thereon a plurality of permanent magnetics mounted in opposition. A bipartite separating pot that is mounted between the inner and outer rotor and is composed of two electrically non-conductive separating pots nested one in the other, whereby an inner one of the separating pots is of a chemically resistant material and the outer one of the separating pots is of a fiber composite.

Abstract: A gerotor pump construction having a magnetic female gerotor member which is magnetically coupled to a drive source through a non-magnetic cap. The female gerotor element is configured with top and side wall portions which define the pump chamber so that friction is reduced at the top interface with the male gerotor.

Abstract: A deep-borehole drilling device comprising a drive unit such as a downhole motor and a driven unit such as a generator in which a drive transmission coupling is provided in the form of a contact-free magnetic coupling. The magnetic coupling may be a permanent magnet coupling with the magnets arranged coaxially and is preferably a can-tube coupling comprising an outer magnet carrier and a can-tube disposed coaxially within said outer magnet carrier.

Abstract: A wheel set for rails has a divided axle and two wheels rigidly attached to he respective axle section. The axle sections are interconnected in a force transmitting manner by a clutch for adjusting a differential r.p.m. between the two axle sections. However, the clutch components also permit a relative rotation when the clutch is not energized. The clutch has an inner clutch component and an outer clutch component forming a work gap (7.4) between the clutch components. The work gap extends concentrically to the rotational axis of the shaft and is filled with a magnetizable powder for engaging and disengaging the clutch components which are so mounted to the respective axle section that an axial displacement of the clutch components relative to each other is prevented.

Abstract: A screwcapping head for applying prethreaded closures onto prethreaded containers is disclosed having a hysteresis clutch. The screwcapping head includes a housing adapted to be secured to a rotatable drive spindle and a quill mounted in the housing for free rotation thereto. The screwcapping head also includes a hysteresis clutch having a pair of permanent magnetic rings secured to the housing and a disc of hysteresis material secured to the quill and sandwiched between the pair of permanent magnetic rings. The clutch is capable of slipping after the application of a prethreaded closure onto a prethreaded container at a desired torque value while eliminating the torque reversal feature inherent in synchronous clutches.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a homogeneous and highly transparent sheet or film from a mixture of a plurality of components which comprises mixing the combined reaction components and depositing the reaction mixture on a molding substrate where the reaction is carried out in a layer thereon, wherein the combined reaction components are mixed, first, in a static mixer and, immediately thereafter, in a dynamic mixer.The invention can be advantageously applied to the manufacture of polyurethane sheets which can be employed in laminated glass sheets.

Abstract: A drive shaft coupling apparatus which includes a first segment of a drive shaft, a ferromagnetic end piece mounted on one end of the first segment to provide linear play and angular flexibility with respect to the axis of rotation of the first segment, a second segment of said drive shaft, a motor for driving one of the segments of the drive shaft, a second end piece for providing a magnetic field which is mounted on one end of the second segment to provide linear play and angular flexibility with respect to the axis of rotation of the second segment, and insert for frictionally coupling the end pieces, the end pieces and the insert for frictionally coupling being arranged and dimensioned to provide a magnetic force between the end pieces sufficient to attract one end piece to the other end piece to gradually increase the rotational speed of said one end piece until it reaches the same speed as said other end piece, but insufficient to overload the motor and prevent it from turning.

Abstract: An alternator cooling fan drive includes a radial bearing, the outer race of which mounts the fan within the magnetic field produced by the alternator under load. The bearing has pathways with a curvature close enough to the balls that the races will self-center and transmit a minimum torque to the fan when the magnetic field is weak. The pathway and ball configurations are sufficiently divergent that when the magnetic field pulls in on the fan, the races can misalign and wedge the balls more tightly between the races to transmit more torque to the fan. The fan drive is thus more directly responsive to the need for cooling.

Abstract: An optical disc assembly includes an optical disc on which signals are recorded, and from which the signals are optically reproduced; a closed casing rotatably containing the optical disc, and having a transparent portion; and a rotor fixed at the center of the optical disc and magnetically coupleable with an external rotating magnetic field to be rotated therewith. An optical disc assembly includes a rotating magnetic field generating device arranged outside of the closed casing and concentrically with the optical disc to drive the latter without contact.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling assembly for driving a conveyor roll from a power drive while automatically disengaging the conveyor roll from the power drive when an accumulation occurs of the parts being transported by the conveyor. In one embodiment, a drive sprocket and conveyor roll are mounted on a fixed axle between a pair of spaced conveyor side rails. The conveyor roll includes a tube portion having a permanent magnet mounted therein and the drive sprocket includes a sprocket hub having a field face member secured to one of its ends in opposing relationship to the permanent magnet. By varying the air gap between the permanent magnet and field face member, the torque capacity is varied, thereby permitting slippage between the drive sprocket and conveyor roll at different torque levels.