Edward A Neff

US Patent:

6518682, Feb 11, 2003

Filed:

Dec 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/730377

Inventors:

Randy Weaver - Milford IA
David Huang - Carlsbad CA
Toan Vu - San Diego CA
Michael A. Ferris - Vista CA
Edward A. Neff - Rancho Santa Fe CA

Assignee:

Systems, Machines, Automation Components Corporation - Carlsbad CA

International Classification:

H02K 4100

US Classification:

310 12, 318135, 318696, 318685

Abstract:

A system for programming and controlling the movement of a probe of a voice coil actuator along a path includes a control module that is mounted on a voice coil actuator. Specifically, the control module is connected to a clock and to an encoder to selectively establish a plurality of sequential positions for the probe. Each position in this sequence is defined by a location on the path (translation and rotation), and a time at the location. More specifically, the control module includes a key pad for inputting data to identify each position and also, there is a display for providing a visual presentation of the data. In operation the plurality of sequential positions specify a work cycle for the probe and the voice coil actuator uses the input data to perform a series of work cycles.

US Patent:

20050234565, Oct 20, 2005

Filed:

Apr 1, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/097521

Inventors:

Paul Marks - West Sussex, GB
Michael Ferris - Vista CA, US
Stephen Curtiss - Lowell MI, US
Willie Clark - Fremont CA, US
Steve Haidos - St. Paul MN, US
Edward Neff - Rancho Santa Fe CA, US

Assignee:

Systems, Machines, Automation Components, Corporation - Carlsbad CA

International Classification:

G05B015/00
G05B019/18

US Classification:

700061000, 700083000

Abstract:

A programmable control system and related features and methods are provided for the operation an automated, actuator-based component inspection system. In one implementation, the invention can be characterized as an actuator control system comprising: a controller adapted to be coupled to and control an actuator including a probe moveable by the actuator about an axis in response to control signals from the controller; a user input device coupled to the controller and configured to receive inputs from a user to define an automated sequence of multiple locations of the probe and configured to cause an encoder measurement to be retrieved from the actuator; and the user input device further configured to receive a tolerance value from the user corresponding to the encoder measurement.

US Patent:

20080258654, Oct 23, 2008

Filed:

Jan 25, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/020466

Inventors:

Edward J. NEFF - Del Mar CA, US

International Classification:

B25J 9/10
H02K 41/02

US Classification:

318 1, 310 12, 318135

Abstract:

A linear actuator system can move a probe along a substantially linear path. The linear actuator system can have a housing with a magnet mounted in the housing creating a magnetic field. An electric coil piston can be slidably mounted in the housing. The coil piston can have a coil for carrying a current and can be disposed for translational movement within the magnetic field in response to current flow through the coil. The probe can be attached to the coil for translational movement with the coil. In addition, a pneumatic cylinder can be connected to the piston configured to apply a force to the piston in response to an activation of the pneumatic cylinder. Accordingly, the linear actuator system can combine the beneficial compact force capability of pneumatic cylinders with the programmable control features of linear electric motors, which can result in highly repeatable, high-force linear actuator systems. Such a system can last a long time, have “soft lands” and also work relatively quietly

US Patent:

20090040247, Feb 12, 2009

Filed:

Aug 7, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/188111

Inventors:

Mark Cato - Escondido CA, US
Edward A. Neff - Cardiff By The Sea CA, US
Naoyuki Okada - San Diego CA, US
Tomast Simunovic - Vista CA, US

International Classification:

G01D 15/16
G01D 15/18

US Classification:

3461401, 346139 R

Abstract:

Apparatuses and methods for changing the friction and stiffness characteristics of a linear guide assembly are disclosed. Micro-shims are strategically added between a carriage of the linear guide assembly and a mating component to increase or decrease the clearance between the carriage and a linear rail of the linear guide assembly.

US Patent:

20090058581, Mar 5, 2009

Filed:

Aug 1, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/184918

Inventors:

Edward A. NEFF - Cardiff By The Sea CA, US
Toan Vu - San Diego CA, US
Karl Stocks - Oceanside CA, US
Naoyuki Okada - San Diego CA, US

International Classification:

H01F 7/06
H02K 7/06

US Classification:

335228, 310 20

Abstract:

This invention describes a compact linear moving coil actuator that incorporates a piston bobbin coil assembly that provides a shaft with linear reciprocal movement. Optionally, a rotary motor can be coupled to the shaft to provide rotary reciprocal movement. The piston and bobbin sections of the piston bobbin coil assembly may be integrally formed as a single unitary piece and easily changed in size and/or configuration during manufacture to enable easier and more cost-effective assembly of various actuator sizes and configurations. Additionally, the compact size of the actuator requires less work space and also allows multiple actuators to be positioned next to each for various applications.

US Patent:

20100133924, Jun 3, 2010

Filed:

Nov 19, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/622372

Inventors:

Edward August NEFF - Cardiff CA, US
Toan Minh Vu - San Diego CA, US
Karl Gene Stocks - Oceanside CA, US
David Dehe Huang - Carlsbad CA, US
Naoyuki Okada - San Diego CA, US
Tiep Trung Le - San Diego CA, US
Gary Joseph Ring - Lemon Grove CA, US
Mark Allen Cato - Escondido CA, US
Jaime Sandoval Ruiz - San Marcos CA, US

International Classification:

H02K 41/02
H02K 15/00

US Classification:

310 1202, 29596

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for a guided single-phase or multi-phase linear motor actuator with a snap-together design. Some embodiments include the ability to monitor and/or adjust work being done, yet with a cost that is comparable to that of cams or pneumatic devices. In one embodiment, a coil is attached to a bobbin assembly that is secured behind a piston. To prevent rotation of the piston during operation, a spline bearing may be slidably fitted onto one or more grooves of a spline shaft disposed within the piston assembly. One or more cylindrical magnets surrounding the coil actuate the piston based upon the direction that current is traveling through the coil. Since the electromotive force generated is linear with respect to the spline shaft, unwanted lateral force acting upon the spline shaft can be reduced and/or eliminated.

US Patent:

20120043832, Feb 23, 2012

Filed:

Aug 20, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/860809

Inventors:

Edward A. NEFF - Cardiff By the Sea CA, US
Toan M. Vu - San Diego CA, US

International Classification:

H02K 41/02

US Classification:

310 1214

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for a compact linear actuator having an improved rotary mechanism are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the linear actuator comprises a spline bearing for guiding the shaft of the actuator as it is linearly actuated. A rotor positioned around the spline bearing rotatably engages the spline bearing when magnetically actuated by a surrounding stator. A rotational lock connected to the piston assembly may be used to prevent the piston assembly from rotating during operation. Optionally, a rotary scale may be attached to the spline bearing in order to indicate how far the shaft has rotated. Since the shaft does not bear the mass of the rotary mechanism, linear performance of the actuator is substantially improved.

US Patent:

20120080960, Apr 5, 2012

Filed:

Sep 23, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/244156

Inventors:

Edward A. Neff - Cardiff By The Sea CA, US
David Huang - Carlsbad CA, US
Toan VU - San Diego CA, US

International Classification:

H02K 33/00
H01F 5/00
B23P 15/00

US Classification:

310 27, 296021, 29605

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for low cost linear actuators that can deliver strokes and forces at different values. The embodiments presented herein have parts and components that may be usable for both multi-coil and single-coil actuator designs. According to one embodiment, a magnet housing may removably or permanently coupled to a coil assembly having any number of coils. According to a further embodiment, an actuator housing may be coupled to a magnet housing having any number of magnets or coils.