A haptic engine includes a gap-closing actuator having a double-wound driving coil in which the two windings can be activated with two driving sources, respectively. Or, the two windings double-wound driving coil can be activated with a single driving source when the two windings are connected with each other either in series or in parallel. By using the double-wound driving coil in the gap-closing actuator as described, an instant inductance of either of the two windings can be determined without having to measure in real time a resistance of the corresponding winding.

A haptic engine includes a gap-closing actuator having a double-wound driving coil in which the two windings can be activated with two driving sources, respectively. Or, the two windings double-wound driving coil can be activated with a single driving source when the two windings are connected with each other either in series or in parallel. By using the double-wound driving coil in the gap-closing actuator as described, an instant inductance of either of the two windings can be determined without having to measure in real time a resistance of the corresponding winding.

A haptic engine includes a linear resonant actuator having a double-wound driving coil which is used for sensing a back electromotive force (EMF) voltage independently of the coil resistance, thus minimizing the back EMF voltage's sensitivity to temperature.

A haptic engine includes a linear resonant actuator having a double-wound driving coil which is used for sensing a back electromotive force (EMF) voltage independently of the coil resistance, thus minimizing the back EMF voltage's sensitivity to temperature.

A method and apparatus for detecting the displacement amplitude of an armature of a linear motor or alternator that is drivingly coupled to a load or prime mover. The method and apparatus require only three inputs all derived from the input terminals of the linear motor or alternator: (1) the voltage measured across the linear motor terminals; (2) the current consumed by the linear motor; and (3) the phase between the voltage and current. The three inputs are sensed at the terminals of the linear motor or alternator and used to perform mathematical calculations in the microcomputer of a control system or controller. The mathematical calculations are based on equivalent circuits that are modifications of the equivalent circuit for the linear motor or alternator. The detected displacement amplitude can be used by a controller to limit the displacement amplitude of the armature to prevent collisions.

A method and apparatus for detecting the displacement amplitude of an armature of a linear motor or alternator that is drivingly coupled to a load or prime mover. The method and apparatus require only three inputs all derived from the input terminals of the linear motor or alternator: (1) the voltage measured across the linear motor terminals; (2) the current consumed by the linear motor; and (3) the phase between the voltage and current. The three inputs are sensed at the terminals of the linear motor or alternator and used to perform mathematical calculations in the microcomputer of a control system or controller. The mathematical calculations are based on equivalent circuits that are modifications of the equivalent circuit for the linear motor or alternator. The detected displacement amplitude can be used by a controller to limit the displacement amplitude of the armature to prevent collisions.

A method and apparatus for detecting the displacement amplitude of an armature of a linear motor or alternator that is drivingly coupled to a load or prime mover. The method and apparatus require only three inputs all derived from the input terminals of the linear motor or alternator: (1) the voltage measured across the linear motor terminals; (2) the current consumed by the linear motor; and (3) the phase between the voltage and current. The three inputs are sensed at the terminals of the linear motor or alternator and used to perform mathematical calculations in the microcomputer of a control system or controller. The mathematical calculations are based on equivalent circuits that are modifications of the equivalent circuit for the linear motor or alternator. The detected displacement amplitude can be used by a controller to limit the displacement amplitude of the armature to prevent collisions.

A method and apparatus for detecting the displacement amplitude of an armature of a linear motor or alternator that is drivingly coupled to a load or prime mover. The method and apparatus require only three inputs all derived from the input terminals of the linear motor or alternator: (1) the voltage measured across the linear motor terminals; (2) the current consumed by the linear motor; and (3) the phase between the voltage and current. The three inputs are sensed at the terminals of the linear motor or alternator and used to perform mathematical calculations in the microcomputer of a control system or controller. The mathematical calculations are based on equivalent circuits that are modifications of the equivalent circuit for the linear motor or alternator. The detected displacement amplitude can be used by a controller to limit the displacement amplitude of the armature to prevent collisions.

A linear drive mechanism which moves a detector having sensitivity in a first axial direction, relatively to a workpiece in a second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction, the linear drive mechanism includes: a drive shaft extending in the second axial direction; a mover which is supported in a non-contact fashion by the drive shaft and configured to move along the drive shaft integrally with the detector or the workpiece; a guide provided at a position deviated relative to the drive shaft in a third axial direction orthogonal to both the first axial direction and the second axial direction, the guide parallel to the drive shaft; and a resistance force generator which is provided on one of the mover and the guide, and is in contact with the other of the mover and the guide, the resistance force generator generates a resistance force which resists against movement of the mover.

A mechanical brake for arresting movement of the output shaft of a linear electric motor, comprising a pivotally mounted plate having a space for receiving the output shaft of the motor; an electrically operated holding device contacting a free end of the plate and arranged to hold the plate in a condition to permit movement of the output shaft and to permit the plate to pivot to a jamming position; wherein the electrically operated holding device comprises a solenoid to control the movement of the plate.