Three-dimensional motion using single-pathway based actuators
First Claim
1. A system for conveyance comprisingA. a guideway comprising a linear synchronous motor (LSM) primary,B. two or more actuators disposed on the guideway, each actuator comprising a linear synchronous motor secondary that is propelled along the guideway by the linear synchronous motor primary,C. a vehicle coupled to the two or more actuators,D. the guideway guides the vehicle around a turn without propelling a said actuator while that actuator is on said turn.
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Abstract
The invention provides novel mechanisms and methods for effecting rotational and translational motion in three dimensions of objects carried by, or coupled to, actuators that move along a pathway. Vehicles or other conveyances (collectively, “vehicles”) that utilize mechanisms and methods can increase the performance of and decrease the cost of transportation, shipping, manufacturing, materials handling and other systems. In one aspect, the illustrated embodiment provides such a vehicle or other conveyance having two (or more) actuators adapted for movement along a pathway. The actuators are propelled or otherwise capable of motion, relative to each other so that the distance between can be increased or decreased. When desired, that distance can also be maintained the same, e.g., regardless of whether the actuators are moving. A pallet, carriage or other moveable part (collectively, pallet) is moveably coupled to the actuators so that at least selected motions by the actuators relative to one another on the pathway effect rotational and/or translational motion of the pallet in three dimensions relative to the pathway, including, for example, movement transverse to the pathway and out of a plane of the pathway.
195 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A system for conveyance comprising
A. a guideway comprising a linear synchronous motor (LSM) primary, B. two or more actuators disposed on the guideway, each actuator comprising a linear synchronous motor secondary that is propelled along the guideway by the linear synchronous motor primary, C. a vehicle coupled to the two or more actuators, D. the guideway guides the vehicle around a turn without propelling a said actuator while that actuator is on said turn.
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10. A system for conveyance comprising
A. a curved guideway comprising a linear synchronous motor (LSM) primary, B. two or more actuators disposed on the guideway, each actuator comprising a linear synchronous motor secondary that is propelled along the guideway by the linear synchronous motor primary. C. a vehicle coupled to the two or more actuators, D. the guideway guides the vehicle around a turn without propelling a said actuator while that actuator is turning.
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12. A method of conveyance, comprising
providing a guideway comprising a linear synchronous motor (LSM) primary; -
providing two or more actuators adapted for movement relative to each other on the guideway and a vehicle coupled to the two or more actuators; and guiding the vehicle around a turn without propelling a said actuator while that actuator is turning. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification