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:
Nov. 16, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 07, 1995
Benjamin Joffe, Chatsworth, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
Several aspects: (1) a wobble-absorbing magnetic bearing ('WAMB') has driving/driven surfaces, and magnetically clamped between them e. g. balls for free motion in one or more directions. A groove (preferably V-) in at least one surface guides the balls to limit motion as to one degree of freedom so the bearing transmits torque. (2) a WAMB system for a precision drive that transmits torque through a wobble absorber to move an object, guarded from transmitted-torque effects. Motion due to torque is best shunted to a passive surface using a partially floating member moved laterally by the motion, balls between floater and surface, and a magnet to clamp floater against surface, through the balls. (3) a torque-transmitting WAMB has unmagnetized bearing surfaces, with balls between for free motion of the surfaces in one direction; a magnet separate from all the surfaces and balls clamps the balls firmly between the surfaces. (4) a torque-transmitting WAMB with bearing surfaces, and balls between for free motion of the surfaces in one direction. At least one surface or ball is magnetized to clamp balls in place. A separate magnet augments firm clamping. (5) a WAMB without ferrolubricant, but with mutually facing bearing surfaces and between them permanent-magnet balls (best ceramic) for free motion of the surfaces in at least one direction. (6) a WAMB system to transmit force/torque but suppress lateral motion. Permanent-magnet balls, constrained against rolling through more than about 70.degree., between facing bearing surfaces permit smooth motion in at least one direction.