Linear actuator for valve control and operating systems and methods
AssigneeThe Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsChristopher S. Edrington, Hesan Vahedi, David Gonsoulin, Dallas Perkins
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Abstract
Linear actuators are disclosed. The linear actuator comprises a thruster and a stator. The thruster includes a thruster winding, and the stator includes a stator winding. The stator is disposed about the thruster. The linear actuator also includes a sheath disposed about the stator and the thruster. The thruster is configured to translate within the sheath relative to the stator upon application of an electrical current to the stator winding, the thruster winding, or a combination thereof. The stator winding and the thruster winding each comprise a nonpermanent magnet.
Claims30
A linear actuator, comprising:
- a thruster comprising a thruster winding;
- a stator disposed about the thruster, wherein the stator comprises a stator winding, wherein the stator comprises a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other, and wherein the stator winding comprises a first stator winding disposed within the first portion of the stator and a second stator winding disposed within the second portion of the stator;
- and
- a sheath disposed about the stator and the thruster,
- wherein the thruster is configured to translate within the sheath relative to the stator upon application of an electrical current to the stator winding, the thruster winding, or a combination thereof, and
- wherein the stator winding and the thruster winding each comprise a nonpermanent magnet.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
- applying electric current to a first portion and a second portion of a stator winding at various intervals;
- and
- continuously applying electric current to a thruster winding disposed between the first and second portions of the stator winding, wherein the stator winding and the thruster winding each comprise a nonpermanent magnet.
A method for controlling a valve, the method comprising:
- applying electric current to a first portion and a second portion of a stator winding of a first stator portion and a second stator portion at intervals;
- and
- continuously applying electric current to a thruster winding of a thruster disposed between the first and second portions of the stator winding, wherein the stator winding and the thruster winding each comprise a nonpermanent magnet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.