US3649857A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mechanical energy storage and release device
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1970-07-30
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Granted: 1972-03-14
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Expires: 1990-07-30
Abstract
Abstract A device for high-speed mechanical actuation wherein a mechanical energy storage element is excited at a frequency near a resonant point while being subjected to a set of motion constraints. Mechanical energy is stored in the constrained vibration mode and released to do mechanical work by varying the motion constraints in the proper phase and duration.
Inventors
- 👤 La Verne F Knappe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 23:41
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/22; B41J2/23; B41J2/27; B41J2/295; B41J9/00; B41J9/26; H; H02; H02N; H02N2/00; H02N2/02; H02N2/04; H02N2/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A high-speed mechanical actuating device comprising; a mechanical energy storage element; excitation means operatively connected to said energy storage element for imparting mechanical energy as an oscillatory mechanical motion thereto; constraint means connected to said energy storage element for selectively inducing a first condition of motion constraint and a second condition of altered constraint; and control means for selectively varying said constraint means between said first and second conditioNs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
A high-speed mechanical actuating device comprising; a mechanical energy storage element; excitation means operatively connected to said energy storage element for imparting mechanical energy as an oscillatory mechanical motion thereto; constraint means connected to said energy storage element for selectively inducing a first condition of motion constraint and a second condition of altered constraint; and control means for selectively varying said constraint means between said first and second conditioNs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mechanical actuating device of claim 1 wherein said excitation means comprises a transducer connected with said energy storage element to impart motion thereto at a frequency near a resonant frequency of said storage element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The mechanical actuating device of claim 2 wherein said constraint means applies a displacement to said energy storage element causing said energy storage element in said first condition to travel through a first limited excursion and is selectively altered to establish said second condition of constraint permitting said energy storage element to progress through a second extended excursion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mechanical actuating device of claim 3 wherein said storage element is a beam member and said constraint means eccentrically axially applies a load to said beam to establish said first condition of constrained motion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
A high-speed mechanical actuating device comprising; a mechanical energy storage element; transducer means for imparting mechanical energy as an oscillatory mechanical motion to said energy storage element and for applying motion constraint to said energy storage element to induce a first condition of constrained motion; and control means operable to selectively alter the constraint imposed by said transducer means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
A high-speed mechanical actuating device comprising; a mechanical energy storage element; transducer means for imparting mechanical energy as an oscillatory mechanical motion to said energy storage element and for applying motion constraint to said energy storage element to induce a first condition of constrained motion; and control means operable to selectively alter the constraint imposed by said transducer means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The mechanical actuating device of claim 5; wherein said transducer means comprises piezoelectric transducer means supplied with a first voltage to impart mechanical energy to said energy storage element at a frequency near a resonant frequency of said energy storage element; and said control means comprises a second voltage selectively applied to said piezoelectric transducer means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
The mechanical actuating device of claim 6 wherein said energy storage element includes a working element moving in unison therewith which excursions a first distance when said energy storage element is subject to said first condition of constrained motion and a second distance when said control means is selectively operated to vary said constraint.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
57 words
The mechanical actuating device of claim 6; wherein said energy storage element is an elongated beam; said motion constraint means comprises a first piezoelectric transducer which applies a generally axial compressive force at one axial end of said beam to effect a predetermined axial displacement thereof; and said control means is effective to vary said axial displacement.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The mechanical actuating device of claim 8; further comprising a lever and a second piezoelectric transducer; wherein said lever compressively engages said beam and said first and second piezoelectric transducers.
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) | 1975-03-14 | 1975-09-13 | 1976-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-14 | 1979-09-13 | 1980-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-14 | 1983-09-13 | 1984-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |