Patent ID: 6307345
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: H02P

Abstract:
A stepper motor, comprising:a rotor positioned within a stator for relative motion;a control system associated with the stator and rotor for controlling relative motion, the control system is a resonant circuit which conserves electrical charge and comprises:a first winding positioned between a first electrical charge source and a first capacitor assembly;a first switch positioned between the first electrical charge source and the first winding for controlling the flow of electrical charge between the first electrical charge source and the first capacitor assembly through the first winding by selectively permitting the flow of electrical charge in a first direction in which the electrical charge sequentially flows from the first electrical charge source, through the first switch and the first winding, and into the first capacitor assembly, and preventing the flow of electrical charge in a second direction opposite the first direction;a second switch positioned between a ground and the first winding for controlling the flow of electrical charge from the first capacitor assembly and through the first winding by selectively permitting the flow of electrically charge in the second direction in which the electrical charge sequentially flows from the capacitor assembly, through the first winding and second switch, and into the ground, and preventing the flow of electrical charge in the first direction opposite the second direction;wherein phase one begins with the opening of the first switch causing the flow of electrical charge through the first winding in the first direction and a predetermined relative movement between the stator and rotor, and phase two begins with closing the first switch and opening the second switch to cause the flow of electrical charge in the second direction from the first capacitor assembly and through the first winding thus causing a predetermined relative movement between the stator and rotor.