Toan V Vu

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:

7890262, Feb 15, 2011

Filed:

Mar 31, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/059865

Inventors:

Tom Judd - Carlsbad CA, US
Bruce Graham - West Covina CA, US
Toan Vu - Huntington Beach CA, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

G01C 21/00
G08G 1/123

US Classification:

701220, 701221, 701215, 701213, 34099522

Abstract:

A method of providing position estimation with a navigation device comprises periodically recording magnetic field strength of an area substantially surrounding a navigation device as a user of the navigation device traverses a select pathway. The method combines the recorded magnetic field strength with measurements from at least a dead reckoning portion of the navigation device to provide position estimates along the select pathway. The method further corrects each of the position estimates from a starting position on the select pathway, where each of the corrected position estimates have an error value below one or more previous position estimates and any intervening positions between each of the one or more previous position estimates and the starting position, with the error value corresponding to an error threshold based on the previous position estimates.

US Patent:

8207869, Jun 26, 2012

Filed:

Dec 17, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/971265

Inventors:

Tom Judd - Carlsbad CA, US
Bruce Graham - West Covina CA, US
Toan Vu - Huntington Beach CA, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

G08G 1/123

US Classification:

34099523, 34099528

Abstract:

A method of providing position estimation with a navigation device comprises periodically recording magnetic field strength of an area substantially surrounding a navigation device as a user of the navigation device traverses a select pathway. The method combines the recorded magnetic field strength with measurements from at least a dead reckoning portion of the navigation device to provide position estimates along the select pathway. The method further corrects each of the position estimates from a starting position on the select pathway, where each of the corrected position estimates have an error value below one or more previous position estimates and any intervening positions between each of the one or more previous position estimates and the starting position, with the error value corresponding to an error threshold based on the previous position estimates.

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.

US Patent:

60435739, Mar 28, 2000

Filed:

Nov 12, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/191089

Inventors:

Edward A. Neff - Rancho Santa Fe CA
Toan Vu - San Diego CA
Mathieu Allard - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Systems, Machines, Automation Components, Corporation - Carlsbad CA

International Classification:

H02K 4100

US Classification:

310 13

Abstract:

A method for manufacturing a linear voice coil actuator, capable of continuously generating a one hundred kilogram force with less than two amperes of current, requires using a coil for generating an electrical field and an unsaturated permanent magnet circuit for generating a magnetic field. In the method of manufacture, a flat surface of the electrical coil is positioned parallel to a flat surface of the magnet to establish a gap therebetween. Before operating the actuator, when no current is running through the coil, a distance of approximately 0. 75 mm is established across the gap. Subsequently, during operation of the actuator, when a current of less than approximately two amperes is driven through the coil, the electrical field generated by the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet to generate as much as a 100 kg force on the coil.