| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| 7336007 |
System and method to control a rotary-linear actuator |
February 26, 2008 |
| A system and method are disclosed for controlling an integrated rotary-linear actuator system that may be coupled to a network via a network interface. The integrated rotary-linear actuator system includes a control system and a rotary-linear actuator having a moveable plunger and as |
| 7291953 |
High performance motor and magnet assembly therefor |
November 6, 2007 |
| A magnet assembly includes a back iron and an array of magnets. The back iron is in the form of a plate having opposed surfaces. The magnets are arranged along one of the surfaces, with the other surface being dimensioned and configured according to the magnetic field distribution as |
| 7288872 |
Damping and stabilization for linear motor stage |
October 30, 2007 |
| A system that facilitates damping of mechanical vibration associated with machinery that is subject to such mechanical vibration. The system comprises machinery with at least one moveable part and a piezoelectric actuator that is selectively applied to the machinery. The piezoelectric |
| 7287638 |
Apparatus, method of manufacturing and method of using a linear actuator |
October 30, 2007 |
| A linear actuator, method manufacturing and method of using the linear actuator are provided. The invention includes a linear actuator having a plurality of annular magnets surrounded by a bobbin assembly having a coil system. The plurality of annular magnets can be arranged with alt |
| 7262523 |
Wireless encoder |
August 28, 2007 |
| A wireless encoder system facilitates operation and control of a motor, such as linear motor. The system includes an encoder sensor moveable with a first part of the motor. The encoder sensor is operative to sense movement of the first part relative the second part and provide an enc |
| 7242126 |
Encapsulated armature assembly and method of encapsulating an armature assembly |
July 10, 2007 |
| An armature assembly that may be encapsulated and a corresponding method to encapsulate a motor assembly are disclosed. The armature assembly includes a core having slots in which one or more windings are disposed. An outer covering, such as a thermally conductive thermoplastic material, |
| 7218017 |
System and method to control a rotary-linear actuator |
May 15, 2007 |
| A system and method are disclosed for controlling an integrated rotary-linear actuator system that may be coupled to a network via a network interface. The integrated rotary-linear actuator system includes a control system and a rotary-linear actuator having a moveable plunger and as |
| 7170241 |
Path module for a linear motor, modular linear motor system and method to control same |
January 30, 2007 |
| A path module for a linear motor system includes a controller coupled to one or more amplifiers that are operative to control associated windings in the module. The controller receives control information via a communications link. The controller controls the amplifier based on the r |
| 7145271 |
High performance linear motor and magnet assembly therefor |
December 5, 2006 |
| A magnet assembly includes a back iron and an array of magnets. The back iron is in the form of a plate having opposed surfaces. The magnets are arranged along one of the surfaces, with the other surface being dimensioned and configured according to the magnetic field distribution as |
| 7138747 |
Damping and stabilization for linear motor stage |
November 21, 2006 |
| A system that facilitates damping of mechanical vibration associated with machinery that is subject to such mechanical vibration. The system comprises machinery with at least one moveable part and a piezoelectric actuator that is selectively applied to the machinery. The piezoelectric |
| 7040481 |
Apparatus, method of manufacturing and method of using a linear actuator |
May 9, 2006 |
| A linear actuator, method of manufacturing and method of using the linear actuator are provided. The invention includes a linear actuator having a plurality of annular magnets surrounded by a bobbin assembly having a coil system. The plurality of annular magnets can be arranged with |
| 7026732 |
Path arrangement for a multi-track linear motor system and method to control same |
April 11, 2006 |
| A path for a linear motor system includes routing system between a trunk of the path and two or more branches. The routing system is operative to couple the trunk with a selected branch to enable a stage to travel between the trunk and the selected branch. The routing system includes |
| 6975081 |
Path module for a linear motor, modular linear motor system and method to control same |
December 13, 2005 |
| A path module for a linear motor system includes a controller coupled to one or more amplifiers that are operative to control associated windings in the module. The controller receives control information via a communications link. The controller controls the amplifier based on the r |
| 6963148 |
Wireless encoder |
November 8, 2005 |
| A wireless encoder system facilitates operation and control of a motor, such as linear motor. The system includes an encoder sensor moveable with a first part of the motor. The encoder sensor is operative to sense movement of the first part relative the second part and provide an encoder |
| 6922025 |
Zero ripple linear motor system |
July 26, 2005 |
| The present invention relates systems and methods for compensating for errors associated with a linear motion system. The systems and methods determines one or more errors associated with the linear motion system and adjusts or corrects an input drive signal associated with the linear |
| 6919653 |
High performance linear motor and magnet assembly therefor |
July 19, 2005 |
| A magnet assembly includes a back iron and an array of magnets. The back iron is in the form of a plate having opposed surfaces. The magnets are arranged along one of the surfaces, with the other surface being dimensioned and configured according to the magnetic field distribution as |
| 6876105 |
Wireless encoder |
April 5, 2005 |
| A wireless encoder system facilitates operation and control of a motor, such as linear motor. The system includes an encoder sensor moveable with a first part of the motor. The encoder sensor is operative to sense movement of the first part relative the second part and provide an encoder |
| 6844651 |
Encapsulated armature assembly and method of encapsulating an armature assembly |
January 18, 2005 |
| An armature assembly that may be encapsulated and a corresponding method to encapsulate a motor assembly are disclosed. The armature assembly includes a core having slots in which one or more windings are disposed. An outer covering, such as a thermally conductive thermoplastic material, |
| 6803682 |
High performance linear motor and magnet assembly therefor |
October 12, 2004 |
| A magnet assembly includes a back iron and an array of magnets. The back iron is in the form of a plate having opposed surfaces. The magnets are arranged along one of the surfaces, with the other surface being dimensioned and configured according to the magnetic field distribution as |
| 6803681 |
Path module for a linear motor, modular linear motor system and method to control same |
October 12, 2004 |
| A path module for a linear motor system includes a controller coupled to one or more amplifiers that are operative to control associated windings in the module. The controller receives control information via a communications link. The controller controls the amplifier based on the r |
| 6798089 |
Forcer and associated three phase linear motor system |
September 28, 2004 |
| A three phase linear motor system includes a forcer having three pole pairs, which are moveable relative to a platen. The pole pairs are arranged to oppose associated teeth of the platen. The platen teeth are spaced apart from each other in a travel direction according to a predefine |
| 6798087 |
Rotary-linear actuator system, method of manufacturing and method of using a rotary-linear actua |
September 28, 2004 |
| A rotary-linear actuator system, method of manufacturing and method of using a linear actuator are provided. An aspect of the invention includes a rotary-linear actuator having a spindle assembly and a housing assembly. The spindle assembly includes a plurality of annular magnets and a |
| 6784572 |
Path arrangement for a multi-track linear motor system and method to control same |
August 31, 2004 |
| A path for a linear motor system includes routing system between a trunk of the path and two or more branches. The routing system is operative to couple the trunk with a selected branch to enable a stage to travel between the trunk and the selected branch. The routing system includes |
| 6719174 |
Rotary and/or linear actuator system for controlling operation of an associated tool |
April 13, 2004 |
| A rotary-linear system is configured to operate an associated tool. The system includes a rotary-linear actuator having first and second portions that can move linearly and/or rotationally relative to each other, such as about a central axis extending through the actuator. An elongated d |
| 6715426 |
Motor driven high stability brake linear motion systems |
April 6, 2004 |
| The present invention relates to a stability brake for absorbing parasitic vibrations of a stage moved to a working position in a motion system. The stability brake includes a motor coupled to a flexure plate through a translation system. The translation system translates horizontal moti |
| 6713902 |
Closed-path linear motor |
March 30, 2004 |
| A system and method for a linear motor for driving a plurality of stages along a path are provided. The linear motor system includes a plurality of armature windings arranged to form a path, such as may be straight, curved, opened or closed. The stages include motor magnets that provide |
| 6591757 |
Motor driven high stability brake for linear motion systems |
July 15, 2003 |
| The present invention relates to a stability brake for absorbing parasitic vibrations of a stage moved to a working position in a motion system. The stability brake includes a motor coupled to a flexure plate through a translation system. The translation system translates horizontal moti |
| 6556153 |
System and method for improving encoder resolution |
April 29, 2003 |
| A system and method are disclosed for improving resolution of an encoder or other position sensing device that provides one or more signals indicative of relative movement between two bodies. The signals are employed to determine an operating mode, which varies as a function of relative |
| 6522035 |
Forcer and associated three phase linear motor system |
February 18, 2003 |
| A three phase linear motor system includes a forcer having three pole pairs, which are moveable relative to a platen. The pole pairs are arranged to oppose associated teeth of the platen. The platen teeth are spaced apart from each other in a travel direction according to a predefine |
| 6455957 |
Encoder |
September 24, 2002 |
| An encoder includes a plurality of magnetic zones of alternating polarity. At the opposed ends of the encoder magnet are magnetic end zones that provide substantially symmetric magnetic fields. The encoder sensors include first and second sensors that are spaced apart from each other a |
| 6417584 |
Magnet configuration for a linear motor |
July 9, 2002 |
| A magnet configuration for a linear motor includes an array of a plurality of magnets having alternating polarity aligned to define a span. Additional magnets are positioned outside of the span near opposed ends of the span. Each of the additional magnets has a magnetic polarity opposite |
| 6412350 |
Force sensing system with magnetic preloading |
July 2, 2002 |
| A force sensing system includes a pair of spaced apart magnets arranged to repel each other. A force sensor is operatively associated with one magnet of the pair of magnets and spaced apart from the other of the magnets. The one magnet preloads the force sensor based on interactions betw |
| 6274952 |
Closed-path linear motor |
August 14, 2001 |
| A linear motor path forms a closed figure. Contactless power control and position feedback permit a linear motor stage to traverse the closed figure without interference from trailing wires. One embodiment of the closed figure includes a racetrack pattern with straight runs joined by |
| 6215206 |
Rotary-linear actuator |
April 10, 2001 |
| An actuator, with two independent degrees of freedom, rotates a stage about an axis and moves the stage along the axis, the range of motion defining a cylinder or cylindrical section. The stage is mounted on a hollow cylindrical plunger fitting in an annular well. A bearing allows the |
| 6137195 |
Rotary-linear actuator |
October 24, 2000 |
| An actuator, with two independent degrees of freedom, rotates a stage about an axis and moves the stage along the axis, the range of motion defining a cylinder or cylindrical section. The stage is mounted on a hollow cylindrical plunger fitting in an annular well. A bearing allows the |
| 6104269 |
Method for manufacturing a two axis motor with high density magnetic platen |
August 15, 2000 |
| An X-Y positioning machine has a forcer, with armature coils, that moves around on a platen, supported by an air bearing. Magnets embedded in the motor platen generate a fixed magnetic field with which the armature coils interact. Perpendicular elongated coils interact with the fields of |
| 6069416 |
Two-axis motor platen and method for making |
May 30, 2000 |
| An X-Y traversing machine employs optical pickups on a stage that moves around a base on an air bearing. A pattern of dots on the surface of the base forms a scale. Respective X- and Y-direction optical pickups are used to detect incremental movement in X- and Y-directions independently. |
| 6005309 |
Two-axis motor with high density magnetic platen |
December 21, 1999 |
| An X-Y positioning machine has a forcer, with armature coils, that moves around on a platen, supported by an air bearing. Magnets embedded in the motor platen generate a fixed magnetic field with which the armature coils interact. Perpendicular elongated coils interact with the fields of |
| 5994798 |
Closed-path linear motor |
November 30, 1999 |
| A linear motor path forms a closed figure. Contactless power control and position feedback permit a linear motor stage to traverse the closed figure without interference from trailing wires. One embodiment of the closed figure includes a racetrack pattern with straight runs joined by |
| 5982053 |
Rotary-linear actuator |
November 9, 1999 |
| An actuator, with two independent degrees of freedom, rotates a stage about an axis and moves the stage along the axis, the range of motion defining a cylinder or cylindrical section. The stage is mounted on a hollow cylindrical plunger fitting in an annular well. A bearing allows the |
| 5977664 |
Linear motor having automatic armature windings switching at minimum current points |
November 2, 1999 |
| A linear motor having motor magnets on a movable stage, also includes non-interleaved armature windings on a path. The magnets are arranged m along the span A of the movable stage. The armature windings are arranged with n windings occupying a distance equal to the span S. A switching |
| 5965963 |
Linear motor with a plurality of stages independently movable on the same path |
October 12, 1999 |
| A motor controller produces independent first and second drive power signals for independent application to first and second linear motor stages movable on the same path. Each armature winding in the path is connected to a first switch receiving the first drive power and to a second |
| 5942817 |
Linear motor having automatic armature windings switching at minimum current points |
August 24, 1999 |
| A linear motor having motor magnets on a movable stage, also includes non-interleaved armature windings on a path. The magnets are arranged m along the span A of the movable stage. The armature windings are arranged with n windings occupying a distance equal to the span S. A switching |
| 5936319 |
Wireless permanent magnet linear motor with magnetically controlled armature switching and magne |
August 10, 1999 |
| A linear motor employs motor permanent magnets in a movable stage interacting with armature windings in a path of the movable stage. Drive power to each individual armature winding is through a magnetically controlled switch. A switching magnet affixed to and moving with the stage ac |
| 5925943 |
Modular wireless linear motor |
July 20, 1999 |
| A path module for a linear motor, for use with a linear motor stage, includes switching sensors and encoder sensors. The switching sensors energize only those armature windings that are within the magnetic influence of the linear motor stage. The stage carries an encoder magnet havin |
| 5907200 |
Linear encoder |
May 25, 1999 |
| A linear encoder system includes an encoder magnet having alternating magnetic zones. The end ones of the magnetic zones are tapered. A distance between the centers of the tapered magnetic zones defines a span. First and second encoder sensors, sensitive to the alternating magnetic zones |
| 5783877 |
Linear motor with improved cooling |
July 21, 1998 |
| A linear motor has an epoxy core armature with dual cold plates attached to a top and a bottom of the epoxy core armature to effect cooling of the epoxy core armature. The use of dual cold plates with circulating cooling fluid reduces heat build up by providing paths of high thermal |
| 5777402 |
Two-axis motor with high density magnetic platen |
July 7, 1998 |
| An X-Y positioning machine has a forcer, with armature coils, that moves around on a platen, supported by an air bearing. Magnets embedded in the motor platen generate a fixed magnetic field with which the armature coils interact. Perpendicular elongated coils interact with the fields of |
| 5723917 |
Flat linear motor |
March 3, 1998 |
| A flat linear motor has a single row of permanent magnets mounted upon backplate and an armature having non-overlapping flat coils encapsulated in a block of epoxy resin mounted upon an armature backplate comprised of a magnetic material and having anchoring recesses or protrusions. The |
| 5519266 |
High efficiency linear motor |
May 21, 1996 |
| A linear motor has coil assemblies driven by multiple phases mounted side by side on a base plate such that they do not overlap. The coil assemblies include conductors wound upon teeth such that voids in the coil assemblies are minimized along with path lengths and thermal resistances be |
