US3642104A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electric couplings with permanent magnet
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-11-06
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Granted: 1972-02-15
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Expires: 1989-11-06
Abstract
Abstract The present invention contemplates apparatus utilizing a drive assembly having at least two stable working positions in combination with one or more pulsed electromagnets for alternatively positioning the drive assembly in said stable positions to control the relative motion between a first and a second power assembly. In general, apparatus embodying this invention comprises oppositely acting electromagnetic means utilized to move a power assembly which includes a permanent magnet, alternately into engagement with a first forcetransmitting assembly, such as a clutch, associated with a power source and a second force-transmitting assembly, such as a braking assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the drive assembly is shaped so as to afford a portion of a closed magnetic path for the permanent magnet when the drive assembly is in abutment with the first force-transmitting assembly and a portion of an alternate closed magnetic path when the drive assembly abuts the second force-transmitting assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Wolfgang Schafer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 13:44
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D67/00; F16D67/02; F16D67/06; F16D55/00; F16D2121/00; F16D2121/18; F16D2121/20; F16D2121/22; F16D2123/00; F16D2129/00; F16D2129/06; F16D2129/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
301 words
A coupling between two relatively moving members comprising: a first assembly adapted for connection to one of said members and including electromagnetic means, at least a portion of said first assembly being formed of ferromagnetic material; a second assembly adapted for connection to the second of said members and including a portion formed of ferromagnetic material; and a drive assembly positioned for translational movement into alternate engagement with said first and second assemblies, said drive assembly including: a permanent magnet; a first rigid portion of ferromagnetic material contacting one pole of said permanent magnet and positioned between said permanent magnet and said electromagnetic means, said first rigid portion of ferromagnetic material being configured for contact with the ferromagnetic material of said first assembly in one of the alternate positions of said drive assembly, and for contact with the ferromagnetic material of said second assembly in the other of the alternate positions of said drive assembly; and a second rigid portion of ferromagnetic material contacting the second pole of said permanent magnet, said second rigid portion of ferromagnetic material being configured for contact with the ferromagnetic material of said first assembly in one of the alternate positions of said drive assembly, and for contact with the ferromagnetic material of said second assembly in the other of the alternate positions of said drive assembly, said first and second rigid portions of ferromAgnetic material having airgaps therebetween at all points except for connection through said permanent magnet, said first and second rigid portions of ferromagnetic material together forming a closed magnetic path with the ferromagnetic material of said first assembly in one of the alternate positions of said drive assembly, and forming a different closed magnetic path with the ferromagnetic material of said second assembly in the other alternate position of said drive assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
301 words
A coupling between two relatively moving members comprising: a first assembly adapted for connection to one of said members and including electromagnetic means, at least a portion of said first assembly being formed of ferromagnetic material; a second assembly adapted for connection to the second of said members and including a portion formed of ferromagnetic material; and a drive assembly positioned for translational movement into alternate engagement with said first and second assemblies, said drive assembly including: a permanent magnet; a first rigid portion of ferromagnetic material contacting one pole of said permanent magnet and positioned between said permanent magnet and said electromagnetic means, said first rigid portion of ferromagnetic material being configured for contact with the ferromagnetic material of said first assembly in one of the alternate positions of said drive assembly, and for contact with the ferromagnetic material of said second assembly in the other of the alternate positions of said drive assembly; and a second rigid portion of ferromagnetic material contacting the second pole of said permanent magnet, said second rigid portion of ferromagnetic material being configured for contact with the ferromagnetic material of said first assembly in one of the alternate positions of said drive assembly, and for contact with the ferromagnetic material of said second assembly in the other of the alternate positions of said drive assembly, said first and second rigid portions of ferromAgnetic material having airgaps therebetween at all points except for connection through said permanent magnet, said first and second rigid portions of ferromagnetic material together forming a closed magnetic path with the ferromagnetic material of said first assembly in one of the alternate positions of said drive assembly, and forming a different closed magnetic path with the ferromagnetic material of said second assembly in the other alternate position of said drive assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
178 words
A coupling as defined in claim 1 wherein said first rigid portion of ferromagnetic material includes: a first part contacting said permanent magnet and positioned for contacting the ferromagnetic material of said first assembly when said drive assembly is in one of said alternate positions; and a second part extending substantially normal to said first part and spaced from said permanent magnet, said second part being positioned for contacting the ferromagnetic material of said second assembly when said drive assembly is in said other alternate position; and wherein said second rigid portion of ferromagnetic material includes: a first part contacting said permanent magnet and positioned for contacting the ferromagnetic material of said second assembly when said drive assembly is in one of said alternate positions; and a second part extending substantially normal to said first part and said second rigid portion and spaced from said permanent magnet, said second part of said second rigid portion being positioned for contacting the ferromagnetic material of said first assembly when said drive assembly is in the second of said alternate positions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A coupling as defined in claim 2 wherein said first parts of said first and second rigid portions are positioned on opposite sides of said permanent magnet in the direction of translational movement of said drive assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A coupling between two relatively moving members as defined in claim 32 wherein said portion of said first assembly formed of ferromagnetic material is annular and of C-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A coupling as defined in claim 1 wherein said portion of said second assembly formed of ferromagnetic material is annular and of C-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A coupling as defined in claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic means includes: a yoke iron including a pair of concentric annular pole surfaces; and a field coil carried by said yoke iron for creating a magnetic field across said pole surfaces.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A coupling as defined in claim 6 wherein said yoke iron carries thereon a pin which slideably projects into an aperture formed in said first rigid portion of ferromagnetic material forming a part of said drive assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
A coupling as defined in claim 1 wherein said second assembly further includes: a fan assembly; a rotary shaft secured to said fan assembly; and a brakeshoe secured to said fan assembly in a position to engage a portion of said drive assembly when said drive assembly is positioned away from said yoke iron.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A coupling as defined in claim 6 wherein said yoke iron carries thereon a brakeshoe for engaging a portion of said drive assembly.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
A coupling as defined in claim 9 and further characterized as including: a rotary shaft; and means for securing said drive assembly on said rotary shaft whereby said drive assembly is free to move parallel to the axis of said shaft and is prevented from rotating thereon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
63 words
A coupling as defined in claim 10 wherein said second assembly is secured to said shaft and includes a drive element for contacting said drive assembly in one of said alternate positions, and forming a portion of said different closed magnetic path with the second rigid portion of ferromagnetic material of said drive assembly in said other alternate position of said drive assembly.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
104 words
A coupling as defined in claim 1 wherein said first assembly constitutes a clutch assembly, said second assembLy constitutes a brake assembly aligned with said clutch assembly, and said coupling is further characterized as including: a shaft passing through said clutch and brake assemblies; and wherein said drive assembly is located between said clutch and brake assemblies for controlling the motion of said shaft, said drive assembly being mounted on said shaft for longitudinal motion with relation thereto; and wherein said electromagnetic means is positioned for moving said drive assembly along the shaft alternately into engagement with the brake assembly and the clutch assembly.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
83 words
A coupling as defined in claim 1 wherein said first assembly comprises a first clutch assembly, and wherein said second assembly comprises a second clutch assembly aligned with said first clutch assembly, said coupling further characterized in including: a shaft passing through said first and second clutch assemblies; and wherein said drive assembly is located between said first and second clutch assemblies for controlling the motion of said shaft, said drive assembly being mounted on said shaft for longitudinal motion with relation thereto.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
The coupling defined in claim 12 wherein said electromagnetic means includes first and second electromagnets for moving the drive assembly in opposite directions and means for directing a pulse of electric energy alternately to the first and second electromagnets.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus defined in claim 14 wherein said brake assembly and said drive assembly are formed to provide a closed path for magnetic force arising from the permanent magnet when the brake assembly is in engagement with the drive assembly.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus defined in claim 15 wherein said clutch assembly and said drive assembly are formed to provide a closed path for magnetic force arising from the permanent magnet when the clutch assembly is in engagement with the drive assembly.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus defined in claim 16 wherein a portion of the brake assembly is positioned adjacent the first of said electromagnets to provide a partial path for the magnetic force therefrom.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus defined in claim 16 wherein a portion of said clutch assembly is located adjacent the second of said electromagnets to provide a partial path for the magnetic force therefrom.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus defined in claim 17 wherein a portion of said clutch assembly is located adjacent the second of said electromagnets to provide a partial path for the magnetic force therefrom.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
53 words
The coupling defined in claim 13 further characterized by a first prime mover secured to said first clutch assembly for rotating the clutch assembly and a second prime mover secured to the second clutch assembly for rotating the second clutch assembly in a manner differing from the rotation of the first clutch assembly.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus defined in claim 20 wherein said electromagnetic means includes first and second electromagnets and means for directing a pulse of electric energy alternately to the first and second electromagnets for moving the drive assembly in opposite directions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus defined in claim 21 wherein said first clutch assembly and said drive assembly are formed to provide a closed path for magnetic force arising from the permanent magnet when the first clutch assembly is in engagement with the drive assembly.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus defined in claim 22 wherein said second clutch assembly and said drive assembly are formed to provide a closed path for magnetic force arising from the permanent magnet when the second clutch assembly is in engagement with the drive assembly.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus defined in claim 23 wherein a portion of the first clutch assembly is positioned adjacent the first of said electromagnets to provide a partial path for the magnetic force therefrom.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus defined in claim 23 wherein a portion of the second clutch assembly is positioned adjacent the second of said electromagnets to provide a partial path for the magnetic force therefroM.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus defined in claim 25 wherein a portion of the first clutch assembly is positioned adjacent the first of said electromagnets to provide a partial path for the magnetic force therefrom.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
295 words
A drive coupling comprising: a first power-transmitting assembly which includes the electromagnetic means hereinafter defined, at least a portion of said first power-transmitting assembly being formed from ferromagnetic material; a second power-transmitting assembly spaced from said first power-transmitting assembly, at least a portion of said second power-transmitting assembly being formed from ferromagnetic material; a drive assembly positioned for movement into alternate engagement with said first and said second power-transmitting assemblies, said drive assembly including: permanent magnet means; carrier means secured to said permanent magnet means, at least a portion of said carrier means being formed from ferromagnetic material and shaped to engage a ferromagnetic portion of said first power-transmitting assembly and form a closed magnetic path therewith when said drive assembly is in a first position, and to engage a ferromagnetic portion of said second power-transmitting assembly and form a closed magnetic path therewith when said drive assembly is in a second position; and electromagnetic means for moving said drive assembly alternately from said first to said second position, said electromagnetic means including: a yoke iron including a pair of concentric annular pole surfaces, and carrying a pin which slideably projects into an aperture formed in said drive assembly; and a field coil carried by said yoke iron for creating a magnetic field across said pole surfaces; and wherein said carrier means is shaped to include a pair of pole surfaces for said permanent magnet means opposite said concentric annular pole surfaces on said first power-transmitting assembly; and wherein said second power-transmitting assembly includes: a fan assembly; a rotary shaft secured to said fan assembly; and a brakeshoe secured to said fan assembly in a position to engage a portion of said drive assembly when said drive assembly is positioned away from the yoke iron.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
295 words
A drive coupling comprising: a first power-transmitting assembly which includes the electromagnetic means hereinafter defined, at least a portion of said first power-transmitting assembly being formed from ferromagnetic material; a second power-transmitting assembly spaced from said first power-transmitting assembly, at least a portion of said second power-transmitting assembly being formed from ferromagnetic material; a drive assembly positioned for movement into alternate engagement with said first and said second power-transmitting assemblies, said drive assembly including: permanent magnet means; carrier means secured to said permanent magnet means, at least a portion of said carrier means being formed from ferromagnetic material and shaped to engage a ferromagnetic portion of said first power-transmitting assembly and form a closed magnetic path therewith when said drive assembly is in a first position, and to engage a ferromagnetic portion of said second power-transmitting assembly and form a closed magnetic path therewith when said drive assembly is in a second position; and electromagnetic means for moving said drive assembly alternately from said first to said second position, said electromagnetic means including: a yoke iron including a pair of concentric annular pole surfaces, and carrying a pin which slideably projects into an aperture formed in said drive assembly; and a field coil carried by said yoke iron for creating a magnetic field across said pole surfaces; and wherein said carrier means is shaped to include a pair of pole surfaces for said permanent magnet means opposite said concentric annular pole surfaces on said first power-transmitting assembly; and wherein said second power-transmitting assembly includes: a fan assembly; a rotary shaft secured to said fan assembly; and a brakeshoe secured to said fan assembly in a position to engage a portion of said drive assembly when said drive assembly is positioned away from the yoke iron.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus defined in claim 27 further characterized by: a force plate secured to the end of said pin opposite said drive assembly; a second field coil carried by said yoke iron in a side thereof opposite the position of said other field coil, said second field coil being adjacent said force plate whereby said force plate is attracted toward the second field coil when such field coil is activated, to move said drive assembly to said second position.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus defined in claim 27 wherein said carrier means comprises a pair of annular members having a substantially ''''L''''-shaped cross-sectional profile, the permanent magnet means being inserted between said annular members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-14 | 1975-08-16 | 1976-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-14 | 1979-08-16 | 1980-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-14 | 1983-08-16 | 1984-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |