Magnetic fluid-based positioning apparatus and method

An apparatus, comprising:

• a non-magnetic body having a cavity defined therein in which a magnetic fluid is disposed;
• an armature disposed within the magnetic fluid, adapted to secure an end portion of a fiber optic cable along a longitudinal axis thereof;
• and
• a controllable active magnetic field-generating structure disposed in proximity to the cavity and being capable of generating a variable magnetic field acting on the magnetic fluid that may be controlled so as to enable the armature to be moved to a desired coordinate position and/or orientation angle, comprising:
• a plurality of electromagnet stators radially disposed about the cavity, each stator including a substantially U-shaped core having a center portion and a pair of arms extending therefrom, each arm having an end portion extending inward toward the cavity;
• and
• a pair of coils, disposed about respective arms of the core.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a non-magnetic body having a cavity defined therein in which a magnetic fluid is disposed;
• an armature disposed within the magnetic fluid, adapted to secure an end portion of a fiber optic cable along a longitudinal axis thereof;
• a controllable active magnetic field-generating structure disposed in proximity to the cavity and being capable of generating a variable magnetic field acting on the magnetic fluid that may be controlled so as to enable the armature to be moved to a desired coordinate position and/or orientation angle;
• and
• an integrated position sensor capable of detecting a position of the armature.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a non-magnetic body having a cavity defined therein in which a magnetic fluid is disposed;
• a first armature disposed within a first portion of the magnetic fluid, adapted to secure an end portion of a first fiber optic cable along a longitudinal axis thereof;
• and
• a first controllable active magnetic field-generating structure disposed in proximity to the non-magnetic body and being capable of generating a first variable magnetic field acting on the first portion of the magnetic fluid that may be controlled so as to enable the first armature to be moved to a first desired coordinate position and/or orientation angle;
• and
• a second armature disposed within a second portion of the magnetic fluid, adapted to secure an end portion of a second fiber optic cable along a longitudinal axis thereof;
• and
• a second controllable active magnetic field-generating structure disposed in proximity to the non-magnetic body and being capable of generating a second variable magnetic field acting on the second portion of the magnetic fluid that may be controlled so as to enable the second armature to be moved to a second desired coordinate position and/or orientation angle.

A method for positioning a stylus comprising:

• coupling the stylus to an armature disposed within a magnetic fluid;
• applying a continuous magnetic field to the magnetic fluid to hold the magnetic fluid within an open-ended cavity;
• and
• applying a variable magnetic field to the magnetic fluid to control a displacement and/or angular orientation of the armature, thereby controlling a position and/or angular orientation of the stylus.

A method for positioning an end portion of a fiber optic cable:

• coupling the end portion of the fiber optic cable to an armature disposed within a magnetic fluid;
• applying a variable magnetic field to the magnetic fluid to control a displacement and/or angular orientation of the armature, thereby controlling a position and/or angular orientation of the end portion of the fiber optic cable;
• positioning the armature so that a light beam exiting the end portion of the fiber optic cable is directed at a receiving component
• measuring an energy level received by the receiving component;
• and
• providing a control signal based on the amount of energy measured at the receiving component to cause the variable electromagnetic field to be changed such that the end of the fiber optic cable is positioned to provide a maximal energy level received at the receiving component.

A method for positioning an end portion of a fiber optic cable:

• coupling the end portion of the fiber optic cable to an armature disposed within a magnetic fluid;
• applying a variable magnetic field to the magnetic fluid to control a displacement and/or angular orientation of the armature, thereby controlling a position and/or angular orientation of the end portion of the fiber optic cable;
• positioning the armature so that a light beam is received at the end portion of the fiber optic cable;
• measuring an energy level received at the end portion of the fiber optic cable;
• and
• providing a control signal based on the amount of energy received at the end portion of the fiber optic cable to cause the variable electromagnetic field to be changed such that the end of the fiber optic cable is positioned to provide a maximal energy level received at the end portion of the fiber optic cable.