← Back to Patent Explorer
US4359677A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Linear indexer

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-03-02
•
Granted: 1982-11-16
•
Expires: 2001-03-02
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract Mechanically programmable hydraulic linear positioner providing a primemover with the ability to assume and maintain accurately any of an arbitrary number of preselected programmed positions, and to quickly reposition the load from one such preselected detent position to another detent position upon command. A Hall effect magnetic field sensor detects load position and generates command signals directly controlling a proportional hydraulic valve. Rotary and manual positioning applications are described.

Inventors

  • 👤 Jack D. Dennon

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-25 21:52
CPC Classifications
B; B27; B27B; B27B5/00; B27B5/29; B27B5/30; B27B5/34; B23; B23Q; B23Q15/00; B23Q15/20; B23Q15/22

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim 153 words
A linear positioner comprising: a. a plurality of magnets arranged to create a magnetic field exhibiting one or more discrete regions of direction reversal along the path of b. a Hall effect magnetic field sensor, c. means for amplification of the original sensor electrical voltage signals, d. means for differential combination of said original voltage signals to yield a bipolar current signal exhibiting a null whenever said original voltage signals are of equal sense and magnitude, e. means for imparting motion upon said sensor relative to said magnets at a rate proportional to said current, so that said sensor seeks a position where the absolute value of said current is zero; thereby establishing a plurality of discrete preferred positions maintainable under disturbance without external assistance, but including f. means for temporarily overriding said current so as to relocate the position of said sensor from one said preferred position to another said preferred position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 153 words
A linear positioner comprising: a. a plurality of magnets arranged to create a magnetic field exhibiting one or more discrete regions of direction reversal along the path of b. a Hall effect magnetic field sensor, c. means for amplification of the original sensor electrical voltage signals, d. means for differential combination of said original voltage signals to yield a bipolar current signal exhibiting a null whenever said original voltage signals are of equal sense and magnitude, e. means for imparting motion upon said sensor relative to said magnets at a rate proportional to said current, so that said sensor seeks a position where the absolute value of said current is zero; thereby establishing a plurality of discrete preferred positions maintainable under disturbance without external assistance, but including f. means for temporarily overriding said current so as to relocate the position of said sensor from one said preferred position to another said preferred position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 155 words
A linear positioner comprising: a. a plurality of electromagnets arranged to create a magnetic field exhibiting a selectable discrete region of direction reversal along the path of b. a Hall effect magnetic sensor, c. means for amplification of the original sensor electrical voltage signals, d. means for differential combination of said original voltage signals to yield a bipolar current signal exhibiting a null whenever said original voltage signals are of equal sense and magnitude, e. means for imparting motion upon said sensor relative to said electromagnets at a rate proportional to said current, so that said sensor seeks a position where the absolute value of said current is zero; thereby establishing a plurality of selectable discrete preferred positions maintainable under disturbance without external assistance, but including f. means for selectively reversing the polarity of said electromagnets so as to relocate the position of said sensor from one said preferred position to another said preferred position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 155 words
A linear positioner comprising: a. a plurality of electromagnets arranged to create a magnetic field exhibiting a selectable discrete region of direction reversal along the path of b. a Hall effect magnetic sensor, c. means for amplification of the original sensor electrical voltage signals, d. means for differential combination of said original voltage signals to yield a bipolar current signal exhibiting a null whenever said original voltage signals are of equal sense and magnitude, e. means for imparting motion upon said sensor relative to said electromagnets at a rate proportional to said current, so that said sensor seeks a position where the absolute value of said current is zero; thereby establishing a plurality of selectable discrete preferred positions maintainable under disturbance without external assistance, but including f. means for selectively reversing the polarity of said electromagnets so as to relocate the position of said sensor from one said preferred position to another said preferred position.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3546549A Cited
US3681669A Cited
US3885165A Cited
US4242608A Cited
US4272710A Cited
US4296365A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1985-11-15 1986-05-17 1986-11-16 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1989-11-15 1990-05-17 1990-11-16 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1993-11-15 1994-05-17 1994-11-16 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag