Robert A Gronewold

US Patent:

20050184597, Aug 25, 2005

Filed:

Feb 19, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/782710

Inventors:

Robert Schroeder - Machesney Park IL, US
Robert Gronewold - Byron IL, US
Cleve Koehler - Roscoe IL, US
Richard Stevens - Rockford IL, US
Glen Michalske - Stony Brook NY, US

Assignee:

Pacific Bearing Company - Rockford IL

International Classification:

H02K041/00
H02P001/00

US Classification:

310012000, 318135000

Abstract:

A motor is disclosed that uses magnetic propulsion for generating movement along a travel path in which the motor controller is mounted onboard the thrust block, thereby reducing connections the need for a remote motor controller. The motor includes a thrust rod extending along a travel path. The thrust rod includes an array of magnets arranged along the travel path arranged to create magnetic fields spaced along the travel path for generating magnetic propulsion when electrical coils on the thrust block are energized. The thrust block comprising a mounting body, electrical coils, and the onboard motor controller. The block may integrally provide a bearing surface that slides along a rail that may also provide the mounting structure and main support for the motor. A encoder mounted to the thrust block with a scale mounted directly to guide rail is also provided.