US4037122A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Linear actuator
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1976-06-01
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Granted: 1977-07-19
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Expires: 1996-06-01
Abstract
Abstract A linear actuator comprises a toothed magnetic motor bar and a motor element having a pair of E-cores on opposite sides of the motor bar. Rollers attached directly to the E-cores ride on the motor bar to maintain a fixed air gap between the motor bar and the pole faces of the E-cores. The E-cores are connected by I-shaped connector plates to hold the tooth relationship between E-cores. The connector plates also are flexible to compensate for variations in thickness of the motor bar.
Inventors
- 👤 Gilbert Belmont Bonner
- 👤 Joseph Leo Dessel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:22
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02K; H02K41/00; H02K41/02; H02K41/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
215 words
A linear actuator comprising in combination an elongate magnetic motor bar having parallel guide surfaces, a motor element inductively co-operable with said motor bar to produce relative motion therebetween in the direction of the longitudinal axis of said motor bar, said motor element comprising a first magnetic structure inductively co-operable with said motor bar to cause said relative motion, first roller means attached to said first magnetic structure, said first roller means engaging a first of said guide surfaces during said relative motion and maintaining a fixed air gap between said first magnetic structure and said guide surface, a second magnetic structure inductively co-operable with said motor bar to cause said relative motion jointly with said first magnetic structure, second roller means attached to said second magnetic structure, said second roller means engaging a second of said guide surfaces during said relative motion and maintaining a fixed air gap between said second magnetic structure and said second guide surface, and a support structure connecting said first magnetic structure to said second magnetic structure so as to maintain said first and second roller means in continuous contact with said guide surfaces, said support structure being expandable in the direction perpendicular to said direction of motion to compensate for variations in the thickness of said motor bar.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
215 words
A linear actuator comprising in combination an elongate magnetic motor bar having parallel guide surfaces, a motor element inductively co-operable with said motor bar to produce relative motion therebetween in the direction of the longitudinal axis of said motor bar, said motor element comprising a first magnetic structure inductively co-operable with said motor bar to cause said relative motion, first roller means attached to said first magnetic structure, said first roller means engaging a first of said guide surfaces during said relative motion and maintaining a fixed air gap between said first magnetic structure and said guide surface, a second magnetic structure inductively co-operable with said motor bar to cause said relative motion jointly with said first magnetic structure, second roller means attached to said second magnetic structure, said second roller means engaging a second of said guide surfaces during said relative motion and maintaining a fixed air gap between said second magnetic structure and said second guide surface, and a support structure connecting said first magnetic structure to said second magnetic structure so as to maintain said first and second roller means in continuous contact with said guide surfaces, said support structure being expandable in the direction perpendicular to said direction of motion to compensate for variations in the thickness of said motor bar.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A linear actuator in accordance with claim 1 in which said support structure comprises a flat connector plate means having support arms attached to said first and second magnetic structures, said support arms being flexible in said direction perpendicular to said direction of motion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A linear actuator in accordance with claim 2 in which said first and second magnetic structures are magnetic E-cores having plural magnetic poles spaced in the direction of motion, said E-cores having rigid extensions on either side of said poles, and said first and second roller means are supported by said extensions of said E-cores.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A linear actuator in accordance with claim 2 in which said connector plates are made of spring steel or the like.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A linear actuator in accordance with claim 2 in which said support arms have a spacing less than the thickness of said motor whereby a biasing torque is applied to maintain said first and second roller means in constant engagement with said guide surfaces.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A linear actuator in accordance with claim 2 in which said first and second rollers and said support arms of said connector plates are connected to common axes.
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) | 1980-07-18 | 1981-01-17 | 1981-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-18 | 1985-01-17 | 1985-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-18 | 1989-01-17 | 1989-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |