Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A linear motor comprising: a movable element, a plurality of electrical coils connected to said movable element and movable therewith, a plurality of longitudinal members each having a plurality of magnetic elements spaced apart along its longitudinal axis, said longitudinal members guiding and supporting the entire weight of said movable element as it moves along said members, said electrical coils and magnetic elements being arranged so that when said electrical coils are energized magnetic interaction between said electrical coils and said magnetic elements causes said movable element to move along said longitudinal members, wherein the longitudinal extent of individual magnetic elements is greater than the longitudinal extent of the electrical coil.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A linear motor comprising: a movable element, a plurality of electrical coils connected to said movable element and movable therewith, a plurality of longitudinal members each having a plurality of magnetic elements spaced apart along its longitudinal axis, said longitudinal members guiding and supporting the entire weight of said movable element as it moves along said members, said electrical coils and magnetic elements being arranged so that when said electrical coils are energized magnetic interaction between said electrical coils and said magnetic elements causes said movable element to move along said longitudinal members, wherein the longitudinal extent of individual magnetic elements is greater than the longitudinal extent of the electrical coil.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for selectively energizing each of said coils individually.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each electrical coil is mounted adjacent a different longitudinal member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for sensing the position of said movable element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said sensing means comprises a timing fence that extends in the same direction as said longitudinal member and means mounted on said movable element for generating electrical signals by illuminating said timing fence, whereby electrical signals are generated as said movable element moves along said timing fence.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said sensing means further comprises means mounted on said movable element for detecting motion of said movable element by the Moire effect.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said magnetic elements are iron slugs.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
147 words
A linear motor comprising: a movable element, a plurality of electrical coils connected to said movable element and movable therewith, a plurality of longitudinal members each having a plurality of magnetic elements spaced apart along its longitudinal axis, said longitudinal members guiding and supporting the entire weight of said movable element as it moves along said members, said electrical coils and magnetic elements being arranged so that when said electrical coils are energized magnetic interaction between said electrical coils and said magnetic elements causes said movable element to move along said longitudinal members, and means for sensing the position of said movable element comprising a timing fence that extends in the same direction as said longitudinal member and means mounted on said movable element for generating electrical signals by illuminating said timing fence, whereby electrical signals are generated as said movable element moves along said timing fence.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
147 words
A linear motor comprising: a movable element, a plurality of electrical coils connected to said movable element and movable therewith, a plurality of longitudinal members each having a plurality of magnetic elements spaced apart along its longitudinal axis, said longitudinal members guiding and supporting the entire weight of said movable element as it moves along said members, said electrical coils and magnetic elements being arranged so that when said electrical coils are energized magnetic interaction between said electrical coils and said magnetic elements causes said movable element to move along said longitudinal members, and means for sensing the position of said movable element comprising a timing fence that extends in the same direction as said longitudinal member and means mounted on said movable element for generating electrical signals by illuminating said timing fence, whereby electrical signals are generated as said movable element moves along said timing fence.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said sensing means further comprises means mounted on said movable element for detecting motion of said movable element by the Moire effect.