The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 31, 2020
Filed:
Sep. 28, 2017
Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc., Mayfield Heights, OH (US);
John Floresta, Commack, NY (US);
Peter Bruder, Smithtown, NY (US);
Xikai Sun, Shanghai, CN;
Peter M. Smit, Mount Sinai, NY (US);
Oliver C. Haya, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Mark R. Cooper, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Nanwei Yao, Edina, MN (US);
Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc., Mayfield Heights, OH (US);
Abstract
A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.