Patent ID: 6040643
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: F03G,H02K,H02N

Abstract:
A linear actuator including:(a) guide structures;(b) an armature slidably mounted on the guide structures;(c) a normally closed electromagnetic clamp assembly operationally positioned with respect to the armature to prevent sliding movement of the armature when closed and allow sliding movement of the armature when open;(d) a normally open electromagnetic clamp assembly operationally positioned with respect to the armature to allow sliding movement of the armature when open and prevent sliding movement of the armature when closed, and spaced apart from the normally closed electromagnetic clamp assembly; and(e) a high resolution translator coupled between the normally closed and the normally open electromagnetic clamp assemblies, for changing the spacing between the normally closed and the normally open electromagnetic clamp assemblies;wherein the armature is selectively extended or retracted with respect to the linear actuator by controlled sequencing of the translator and opening and closing of the normally closed and the normally open electromagnetic clamp assemblies.