Free Complaint - District Court of Delaware - Delaware

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EXHIBIT A

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US005277 125A

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United States Patent
DiFonso et al.

[19]

[ill [45]

Patent Number: Date of Patent:

5,277,125
Jan. 11, 1994
104/292 104/292

[54] MATERIAL HANDLING CAR AND TRACK ASSEMBLY HAVING OPPOSED MAGNET LINEAR MOTOR DRIVE AND OPPOSED PERMANENT MAGNET BRAKE ASSEMBLY [75] Inventors: Gene DiFonso, Arlington; Joel L. S a h ,DeSoto, both of Tex. tes 1731 Assignee: BAE Automated Systems, Inc., Carrollton, Tex. 1211 Appl. No.: 967,661 [22] Filed: Oct. 28, 1992 [5 11 Int. Cl.5 .............................................. B60L 13/02 [52] U.S. Cl. .................................... 104/292; 104/294; 188/158; 188/267 [58] Field of Search ............... 104/290, 292, 283, 294; 188/267, 158 [561 References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,613,805 4,848,242 4,919,054 5,018,928 5,127,599 9/1986 7/1989 4/1990 5/1991 7/1992

177101 8/1986 Japan 231804 10/1986 Japan

................................... ...................................

Primary Examiner-Robert J. Oberleitner Assistant Examiner-S. Joseph Morano Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lorusso & Loud t571 ABSTRACT. Material handling car and track assembly, the assembly comprising a car having wheels mounted thereon, and a track having two parallel rails, the wheels being adapted to roll on the rails to facilitate movement of the car along the track, a metal slider extending from an underside of the car and lengthwise of the car, and opposed linear motors mounted beween the tracks and spaced from each other to define a gap between the motors, the slider being daapted to pass through the gap, the motors being operative to act on the slider to impart thrust to the car, the motors being oriented such as to substantially eliminate magnetic atraction between the mtors and the car. The invention further contemplates opposied magents mountede beween the tracks and spaced from each other to define a gap between the magnets, the slider being dapted to pass through the gap between the magnets, the magnets being operative to act on the slider to impart braking to the car, whereby to decelerate the car.
3 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets

Matsuo et al. ...................... 318/687 Matsuo ................................104/290 Matsuo ..................................104/94 Hartlepp ............................. 414/339 Veraart ........................... 104/292 X

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
81105 4/1986 Japan

................................... 104/292

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FIG. 2 C

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FIG. 3

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thus provides great opportunity for malfunction. AddiMATERIAL HANDLING CAR AND TRACK tionally, this system discloses the use of linear induction ASSEMBLY HAVING OPPOSED MAGNET motors for propelling a car on a track wherein inducLINEAR MOTOR DRIVE AND OPPOSED tion motors are singly disposed. Accordingly, an attracPERMANENT MAGNET BRAKE ASSEMBLY 5 tive force is exerted on the cars driven by the motor. An additional problem recognized in ;he art is the BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION need to mitigate the effects of motor failure. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,805 to Matsuo, there is disclosed a system 1. Field of the Invention providing for continued operation through the use of an The present fnvention relates to a material handling car and track assembly and is directed more particularly lo auxiliary power source in the event that the main power to acceleration and deceleration means mounted in the source becomes disabled. However, this system does track assembly and adapted to influence speed of the not insure continued operation in the event that a motor car. along the transvort ~ a t should become disabled. h 2. Description of Prior Art SUMMARY O F THE INVENTION The ~ r i o ar has recombed the need for means to 15 r propel car along a tracrk without the installation of a Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to prodriver mechanism or braking mechanism on the car. vide a material handling car and track assembly which Systems have incorporated linear induction motors as reduces wear and tear on cars traveling through the Pn efficient m W S of achieving this. Such systems COmsystem and provides for continued operation in the manly employ single motors along a track whereby a 20 event that a motor, or several motors, in the system car is propelled by a force created by the change in become disabled. This object is accomplished by provimagnetic flux as the car passes by the motors. However, sion of a car having a metal slider on the underside of the car. ~h~ assembly further includes a track having a problem inherent in these systems is that of undue stress on the cars and tracks themselves due to an electwo rails. M~~~~~~~ is imparted to a car traveltromagnetic force created between the car and the mo- 25 ing on the rails by opposed linear motors operatively tor, causing the car to be attracted toward the track. acting on the slider. ne configuration of the motors is This attractive force exerted on the car dissipates after such that it causes the magnetic attraction between the the car passes away from the motor. In systems where ]inear motors and the car to substantially cancel out, there are hundred in use thereby eliminating the attractive force on the car. Thus through which a car passes as it through the 30 the cars, no longer subject to application and release of system, the constant attractive stress and release of such stresses, require less reparative maintenance and enjoy stress, leads to wear and tear on the car. As a result, cars longer operating life. Additionally, through the use of break down and are in need of frequent repair. coupled motors, should one motor become disabled, the such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,054 the to Matsuo. In this system, linear induction motors are 35 remaining is again 'perative. disposed in single file underneath the transport path of the car, causing the motors to exert an attractive force A further the is provide a simple means for decelerating the car without the use of while acting to drive the car. D~~to numerous motors mechanisms on the car. The use of magnets in the system, a car undergoing such repeated applicathe track the car's tion and release of stress becomes structurally weak and 40 speed to be decreased, the magnets operatively acting requires frequent servicing. On the the car. Another problem recognized in the prior art relates With the above and other objects in view* as will to providing a means for controlling the speed of a car herein after appear, a feature of the present invention is through the use ofa decelerating mechanism external of the car. Many systems which have employed inductive 45 the provision of a material handling car and track asmotors to impel a car forward along a track have relied sembly9 the assembly comprising a car having wheels entirely upon the same motors for braking the car. A mounted thereon, and a track having two parallel rails, reverse thrust is applied to the car by passing reverse the wheels being adapted to roll on the rails to facilitate movement of the car along the track, a metal slider phase alternating current through the coils of the motor stators, to slow the car down. However, these systems 50 extending from an underside of the car and lengthwise potentially overwork the motors which often leads to of the car, and opposed linear motors mounted between the tracks, the motors being spaced from each other by motor failure. An example of this type of system is disclosed in U.S. a distance exceeding the thickness of the slider to define a gap between the motors, the slider being adapted to Pat. No. 4,848,242 to Matsuo. As in the Matsuo '054 system, single motors are disposed at predetermined 55 Pass through the gap in travel of the car over the motors, the motors being operative to act on the slider to intervals underneath the transport path and, as in the previous system, an attractive force on the car is exerted impart thrust to the car, the motors being oriented such and released as the car moves in the direction of the as to substantially eliminate magnetic attraction betransport path. The motors impel the car in the forward tween the motors and the car. and reverse directions. Thus, the motors carry out the 60 In accordance with a further feature of the invention, function of starting and stopping the car, depending on there is provided a material handling car and track the direction of current flow. However, this dual funcassembly, the assembly comprising a car having wheels tion leads to increased wear and tear on the motors. mounted thereon, and a track having two parallel rails, In other systems, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. the wheels being adapted to roll on the rails to facilitate 5,018,928 to Hartlepp, a car is decelerated through the 65 movement of the car along the track, a metal slider use of a magnetic piston which moves by compressed extending from an underside of the car and lengthwise air in a tube, such that a car will follow the piston. of the car, and exposed magnets mounted between the However, the use of such a structure is complicated and tracks, the magnets being spaced from each other by a

a

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distance exceeding the thickness of the slider to define a On the underside of the chassis 2, a slider 12 is gap between the magnets, the slider being adapted to mounted which runs lengthwise along the chassis 2. pass through the gap in travel of the car over the magThe slider 12 comprises a fin which is preferably fabrinets, the magnets being operative to act on the slider to cated of an allconductor, such as aluminum or copper. impart braking to the car, whereby the magnets are 5 Other all-conductive materials are within the scope of operative to decelerate the car. the preferable materials, provided that such materials The above and other features of the invention, includare non-magnetic. The use of such materials reduces the ing various novel details of construction and combinaoverall weight of the car so that it is 25% to 30% ] a s tions of parts, will now be more particularly described than existing prior art which do not employ such with reference to the accompanying drawings and 10 materials. The slider 12 is preferably 0.25 inch thick and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the i, one embodiment is 1 inches long. 8 particular devices embodying the invention are shown Also shown in FIG. 1 is a track assembly with linear by way of illustration only and not as limitations of the induction motors 16 dispo& in opposition. Brackets 14 invention. The principles and features of this invention are disposed inwardly of herails 8, md are d a p t d to may be employed in various and numerous embodi- 15 retain the linear induction motors 16 such that the moments without departing from the scope of the inventors 16 form a gap 15 sized t~ be greater than the width tion. of the slider 12. The two brackets 14 each hold a linear induction motor 16 in such an orientation that the moBRIEF DESCRIPTION O F THE DRAWINGS tors extend to form the narrow gap 15 therebetween. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in 20 The linear induction motors 16 each include a stator which are shown illustrative embodiments of the invenassembly 30 (FIG. 3) having slots 32 therein. Within tion, from which its novel features and advantages will each stator assembly 30, there are disposed multiple be apparent. phase windings 34. The windings 34 are disposed in the In the accompanying drawings: slots 32 so as to form a distributed winding pattern. FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one form of material handling car and track assembly illustrative of 25 When excited by a multiple phase alternating current source (not shown), the windings 34 generate a travelan embodiment of the invention, wherein the material ing magnetic wave defined by handling car is shown having a metal slider on an underside portion of the car, and the track assembly is shown with linear induction motors in opposition, forming a gap therebetween to accommodate the passage of the slider; where FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of a decelerating B=peak of magnetic flux density in air gap means featuring decelerating magnets arranged in oppogap sition and forming a gap therebetween adapted to ac- 35 S=lengthwise distance of p=pole pitch of stator commodate the passage of the slider; Inasmuch as the conductive slider 12 consists entirely FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a portion of the of non-magnetic material, no force is produced tending decelerating means of FIG. 2A; to pull the sideways. FIG. 2C is a top view of a portion of the decelerating means of FIG. 2A,+howing the polar arrangement of 4 Because of magnetic induction action between the air gap magnetic flux wave and the slider, there occurs a magnets therein; and eddy currents defined by FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of two opposed linear motors.
q5 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the illustrative assembly includes a car 1 having a chassis 2 on which are mounted travel wheels 4 to facilitate movement along a track assembly 6, which comprises two 50 parallel rails 8. Each of the rails 8 is of a U-shaped configuration and, as shown in FIG. 1, are opposed to each other1 Each of the U-shaped rails includes a substnatially horizontal bottom plae 3, for supporting a vertical travel wheel 5 55 of the car 1, and a substnatially ertical wall 7 for engagin a horizonal tavel wheel 9 of car 1 and a top wall 1 , 1 overlyin the bottom plate 3 and extending iwnardly from eside wall 7. Mounted on the chassis 2 is a tiltable tray 10 which is sized to accommodate a selected cargo, 60 such as, for example, heavy, large or cumbersome baggage. The tray 10 is capable of being positioned in three positions, one in which it is adapted to receive material from a loading station, another in which it permits transport of material around curves in the track without 65 spillage of material, and lastly, a third position in which it facilitates sliding of the material off the tray 10 onto a receiving platform. -

where J=peak value of eddy current flow in the sliderInteraction between the air gap flux wave and resulting eddy currents induced on the slider, produrn thrust in the direction orthogonal to both flux and eddy current waves. The coil polarities are reversed from one stator assembly to the opposing stator assembly across the gap 15. As a result of this configuration, the attractive force created by single non-opposed stators is eliminated. Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen th the motors 16 are on about the same level above the botom plates 3 as are the horizontal travel wheels 9 and portions 13 of the ertical travel wheels 5 above their axes 15, when h car passes over the motors. Thus, as is paparmt from FIG. 1, the driving force imparted to the slider 12 by the motors 16 is on about the same level as the horizontal wheels and the portion of the vertical wheels above the vertical wheel axes. Thus, there is produced subsntially only a forward thrust, without a turning moment imparted to the travel wheels tending to lift the wheels off the track.

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In operation, the motors may be run continuously or supporting a vertical travel wheel of said car, a may be provided with selective turn-off switches, such substantially vertical side all for engaging a horithat one or more groups of motors may be turned off zonal travel wheel of said car, and a top wall overduring periods of inactivity. Alternatively, a "presence lying said bottom plate and extending iwnardly control" may be utilized wherein the approach of a car 5 from said side wall is sensed and the motors turned on and, as the departure h e a r induction motors mounted between said rails in of the car from the scene is sensed, the motors turned an opposed configguration, said motors being on about the same level above said rail bottomplates as off. A second alternative comprises a "speed control" wherein the speed of an approaching car is sensed and said horizontal travel wheel and portions of said vertical tarvel wheels above the axes thereof when the motors are activated or deactivated in accordance 10 said car passes over said motors, said opposed conwith a preset desired speed for the car. figuration defining a gap beween said motors perIn FIG. 2A, there are shown decelerating magnetic members 20. Individual magnets 22 are each bonded to miting passage of a slider portion of said c r therea between, said configuration creating a driving a steel plate 24 for support. The steel plates 24 are each force for irnpellin said car along said rails while attached to a mounting bracket 26. Steel gussets 28 15 causing cancellation of atractive forces exerted by (FIGS. 2A and 2B), each about 0.25 inch thick, are mounted across an inner angle of the mounting brackets seach of said induction motors respectively, such 26, to provide support forth;: brackets 26. b he magnetic that said slider upon passage through said gap is subject only to said driving forcek said driving members 20 are ~ositioned between the rails 8 so as to force being exerted by said motors at said level form a gap 29, h e width of which is greater than the 20 above said rail bottom plates so as to provide said width of the slider 12. FIG. 2B shows the inner face of one of the identical driving force at said level of said horizontal travel wheels and said portions of said vertical travel opposed magnets and the positioning of the individual wheels above said axes thereof, and magnets 22. A selected number of magnets, depending upon the weight and desired velocity of the vehicle, are 25 permanent magnets mounted between said rails at a point removed from said motors, said magnets placed on each of the steel plates 24. FIG. 2C shows the being mounted in an opposed configuration definmagnets 22 and the polar orientation thereof. Thus, ing a gap between said magnets which permits the when the slider 12 passes between the magnetic mempassage of said slider therbetween, said magnets bers 20, as the car 1 travels along the tracks, the magbeing adapted to exercise a braking force on said netic field created by the opposed polar orientation of 30 slider to decrease the speed of said car upon pasindividual magnets 22, serves to decelerate the car 1. On the track assembly, the magnetic members 20 and sage of said slider therebetween. 2. A material handling car and track assembly, said the induction motors 16 are disposed in certain places a~ssembly where it is desirable that the speed of the car be either comprising slowed or maintained. For example, in areas of an in- 35 a car having wheels mounted thereon, and a track having two parallel rails, said wheel being adapted cline where it is likely that car speed will decrease, the to roll1 on said rails to faciliate movement of said induction motors may be disposed to maintain an approcar along said track, a metal fin extending from an priate speed. There are places along the track assembly where it is desirable that the speed of the car be deunderside of said car and lengthwise of said car, said fm exending from said car between said wheels creased, such as in areas of sharp turns. It is in such 40 and areas that the magnetic members may be disposed to opposed linear motors mounted between said tracks, slow the car. Additionally, in areas where baggage is to said motors being spaced from each other by a be loaded onto and off of the tray of the car, magnetic distance exceeding the thickness of said fin to demembers are disposed. Also, in areas where the tray has fine a gap between said motors, said fin being finished loading or unloading of baggage, induction 45 motors may be positioned, so as to move the car along adapted to pass through said gap in travel of said car over said motors said motors being oriented the track system and return the car to travel speed. such as to substanatially eliminate magentic attracThe motors may be reversed by merely reversing the direction of the traveling magnetic wave. This is action between said motors and said car, and said motors bieng disposed between said wheels when complished by changing the phase rotation of the multi- 50 said car passes over said motors, said moors being ple phase power source, to provide a braking force on disposed at a level above bottom plates of said the cars. While it is preferable not to rely wholly on the track rails and genraly equal to the level of portions motors for routine braking, use of the motors for brakof said wheels above said bottom plates and above ing over and beyond that provided by the magnetic the axes of said wheels when said car passes over members 20 is available. 55 said motors, and It should be understood that the invention is not limopposed permanent mgents mounted between said ited to the specific embodiment or construction detracks at a point removed from said motors, said scribed above and that various changes and modificamagnets being spaced from each other by a distions will be obvious to one skilled in the art without tance exceedig the thickness of said fin to define a departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention 60 gap between said magnets, said fin being adapted to as defined in the appended claims. pass through said gap between said magnets in What is claimed is: travel of said car over said magnets, said magnets 1. A track assembly for driving a material handling being disposed on plates mounted between said car, said asembly comprisin: tracks, said magnets being mounted side by side in two parallel rails upon which said car is driven, each 65 a direction of travel of said car, said magnets being of said rails havign a U-shaped configuration, said operative sequentially to act on said fin to impart rails being in opposed position, each of said rails braking to said car, whereby said motors are operahaving a subsntaially horizontal bottom plate for

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tive to accelerate said car and said magnets are operative to decelerate said car. 3. Material handling car and track assembly, said assembly comprising: 5 a car having wheels mounted thereon, and a track having two parallel rails, said wheel being adapted to roll on said rails to facilitate movement of said car along said track, a metal fin extending from an underside of said c r a 10 and lengthwise of said car, and opposed magnet assemblies mounted between said tracks, said opposed assemblies being spaced from

each other by a distance exceeding the thickness of said fin to define a gap between said magnet asemblies, said fin being adapted to pass through said gap in travel of said car over said magnets, each of said assemble is comprising a mounting bracket, a plate attached to said mounting bracket, and a series of magnets bonded to said plate, said magnets on said plate being disposed side by side in a direction of travel of said car on said rails, said magnets being operative sequentially to act on said f to m impart braking to said car.

* * * * *

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UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO. : 5,277,125 DATED January 11, 1994 'NVENToR(S) Gene DiFonso. Joel L Staehs : .

Page 1 of 2

It is certified that error appears in the above-indentified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below: I n t h e Abstract: L i n e 9: "daapted" should r e a d "adapted" L i n e 13: "mtors" should r e a d "motors" L i n e 14 : "opposied" should read "opposed" "aagents" should- read "magnets" "mountede" should read "mounted" Line 16 : "dapted" should r e a d "adapted"
CbLumn 1: l i n e 9; "fnvention" should read "invention" Column 1: l i n e 15; "ar" should read "art"

Column 3 line : line line line
line line line Column 4: l i n e line line line line line line Column 5: l i n e

"1" should read "substnatiallyN should read -substantially"plae" should read -plate"substantially ertical" should read -substantially vertical" l i n e 56 ; "engagin" should read "engaging"
53; 54; 55; 56;
57; 58; 59; 11; 57; " t a v e l " should read " t r a v e l " "overlyin" should read "overlying" "eside" should read "the s i d e " "48" should n o t be i n bold "th" should read " t h a t " "botom" should read "bottom" " e r t i c a l " should read " v e r t i c a l " "h" should read "the" "paperent" shoul'd read "apparent" " s u b s t n t i a l l y " should read " s u b s t a n t i a l l y " "asembly comprisin" should r e a d "assembly comprising" "havign" should read "having" " s u b s t n t a i a l l y " should r e a d " s u b s t a n t i a l l y "

"."

58;
60; 60; 61;

65;
64;

l i n e 66; l i n e 68;

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UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO. : 5,277,125

Page 2 of 2

DATED

: January 11, 1994

INVENTOR(S) : Gene DiFonso, Joel L. Staehs
It is certified that error appears in the above-indentified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6 : line line line line line line line line line line line line line line line line line line Column 7: line Cloumn 8: ling

2; "all" should read "wali" 4; "iwnardly" should read "inwardly" 5 ; after "wall" please insert "," 7 ; "configguarion" should read "configeration" LO; "tarvel" should read "travel" 15; "impellin" should read "impelling" 16; "atractive" should read "attractive" 17; "seach" should read "each" 19; "forcek" should read "force" 29; "therbetween" should read "therebetween"
37; 40; 47; 48; 50; 53; 57; 60; 6; 2;
"rolll" should read "roll" 1I exending" should read "extending" after "said motors" please insert a comma "," "substanatially" should read "substantially" "bieng" should read "being" 11 genraly" should read "generally" 11 mgentsll should read "magnets" "exceedig" should read "exceeding" 'lwheeltl should read "wheels" It asem-" should read "assem-"

Signed and Sealed this
Eleventh Day of April, 1995
Attest:
BRUCE LEHMAN

Attesting Oficer

Commissioner o Parents and Trademarks f

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EXHIBIT B

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(12)

United States Patent
Pribonic

(10) (45)

Patent NO.: US 6,659,237 B1 Date of Patent: Dec. 9,2003

(54) EDDY CURRENT BRAKE (75) Inventor: Edward M. Pribonic, Seal Beach, CA (US) (73) Assignee: Magnetar Technologies, Ltd., Seal Beach, CA (US)

5,195,618 5,277,125 5,465,815 6,062,350 6,227,334 6,293,376 6,361,268 6,412,611

A A A A B1 Bl B1 B1

* * * * * * * *

311993 111994 1111995 512000 512001 912001 312002 712002

Wu ............................ DiFonso et al. ............ Ikegami ...................... Spieldiener et al. ........ Yumura et al. ............. Pribonic ..................... Pelrine et al. .............. Pribonic .....................

1881164 1041292 1881164 1881161 1871359 1871350 1041284 1871375

( * ) Notice:

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 53 days.

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

* cited by examiner
(21) Appl. No.: 09/880,353 (22) Filed: Jun. 13, 2001 Related U.S. Application Data (63)
Continuation-in-partof application No. 091447,206, filed on Nov. 22, 1999.

Primary Examiner-Jack Lavinder Assistant Exarniner43radley King (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Walter (57) ABSTRACT

A. Hackler

(51) Int. CL7 ................................................... B60L 7/28 (52) U.S. C1. ........................................ 188/165; 1081180 (58) Field of Search ................................. 1881159, 161, 1881164, 165, 180, 41, 84; 1041250 (56)
4,301,623 A 5,127,599 A

References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

An eddy current brake includes a diamagnetic member, a first support wall and a second support wall with the first and second linear arrays of permanent magnets disposed on the walls facing one another. Apparatus is provided for moving at least one of the walls in order to control eddy current induced in the member in the passage of the member therepast to adjust the braking force between the magnets and the member. Apparatus is also provided for causing the velocity of the member to change the braking force between the magnets and the member.

* 1111981 Demukai ....................... 16178 * 711992 Veraart ....................... 1041292

10 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets

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U.S. Patent

Dec. 9,2003

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US 6,659,237 BI

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U.S. Patent

Dec. 9,2003

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U.S. Patent

Dec. 9,2003

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U.S. Patent

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US 6,659,237 BI

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US 6,659,237 B1

1
EDDYCURRENTBRAKE
The present application, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 091447,206 filed Nov. 22, 1999. The present invention is generally related to permanent magnet linear brakes and is more particularly directed to an eddy current brake and magnet system for providing adjustable braking for movable cars, for example, rail support cars, go cars, elevator cars, conveyer car, roller coaster cars among other. ere to fore, eddy current braking system for providing deceleration of moving apparatus have utilized physically fixed magnets which provided adjust braking before or during Passage of a diamagnetic member past a linear array of permanent magnets. Accordingly, such prior art systems, when for decelerating a plurality of cars on a track, can not accommodate for variations in car weight and size. The present invention provides for a unique permanent array arrangement and apparatus for adjusting braking force before andlor during passage of a car past a selected point.

2
can be decelerated to a more uniform velocity exiting the brake in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment of the brake, the apparatus for adjusting eddy current includes a linkage mounting at least one of the first and second walls to a fixed foundation for enabling movement of the member therepast to change a distance between at least one of the first and second walls and the member. More particularly, the linkage may provide for changing a spaced apart relationship between the first and second walls.

5

10

h embodiment of the present invention includes linkage for enabling movement of the member to change a transverse relationship between at least one of the first and second walls of the member and another embodiment provides linkage for enabling movement of the member to change a parallel relationship between the first and second walls and the member, Magnetic coupling and inducement of eddy current is effective through a linear array of permanent magnets which 20 . includes a channel and plurality of magnets disposed therein. The magnets may be arranged within the channel in two adjacent rows with each magnet in each row being SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION arranged with a magnetic field at a 90' angle to adjacent An eddy current brake in accordance with the Present magnets in each row along the channel. Each magnet in each invention generally includes a diamagnetic or non-magnetic 25 row is ,is, arranged with a magnetic field at an angle to member, a first support wall and a separate second support another adjacent magnet in the adjacent row. wall disposed in a spaced apart relationship with the first support wall for enabling the member to pass therebetween. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A first linear array of permanent magnets is disposed on 30 The advantages and features of the present invention the first wall on the side facing the second wall and a second be better understood by the following description when linear array of permanent magnets is disposed on the second considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wall on the side facing the first wall, The first and second in which: arrays are parallel with one another and spaced apart from FIG. 1is a perspective view of an eddy current brake in one another for allowing passage of the member therebetween and causing eddy current to be induced in the member 35 accordance with the present invention generally showing first and Vaced and first and which results in the braking force between the magnets and second linear arrays of Permanent magnets along with a the member. No magnetic connection, such as a yoke, is diamagnetic or nonmagnetic member attached to moving required between the walls or the arrays of permanent such as a car, dashed line; magnets. This feature enables adjustability of the distance 40 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first linear array of between the member and the magnet arrays. Permanent magnets disposed upon a first support walk; In accordance with the present invention, apparatus is provided for moving a least one of the first and second walls FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the brake shown in FIG. in order to control eddy current induced in the member 1; during the Passage of the member therepast in order to adjust 45 FIG. 4 shows a selectively actuatable brake system disbraking force between the magnets and the member. In one engaged; embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes FIG, shows a system of FIG, 8 engaged; means for moving at least one of the first and second walls FIG. 6 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiin a direction perpendicular to the member, and in another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes ment with the present further apparatus for moving at least One of the first and second means for moving at least one of the first and second walls walls in order to control the distance between permanent in a direction parallel to the member. magnets and opposing walls for adjusting braking force Thus, it can be seen that the apparatus in accordance with between the magnets and a member; the present: invention provides for changing the spaced apart is plan view of the brake shown in 6; relationship between the first and second walls in order to 55 FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a linear array of Permanent control eddy current induced in the member during passage magnets in accordance with the Present invention generally and adjust a braking force between the magnets and member. Accordingly, the amount of deceleration provided to a a and a plurality magnets therein in a particular arrangement as will be hereinafter given car may be adjusted in accordance with the present invention. In addition, cars of various sizes and weights may 60 described in greater FIGS. 9 and 1 0 show embodiment of the present invention be utilized and the eddy current magnetic brake in actorsimilar to that shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and further including dance with the present invention adjusted to provide the apparatus for adjusting eddy current induced and the proper, or desired, deceleration. In one embodiment to the member, and braking force, is a function of velocity of the present invention, apparatus is provided for adjusting the eddy current induced in the member, and the braking force, 65 member between arrays of magnets; as a function of velocity of the member between the arrays. FIGS. 11-14 are diagrams of alternative embodiments of Thus, cars having various velocities upon passing the brake, the present invention which provide for linkage from at least

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US 6,659,237 B1

3
one of the first and second walls to a fixed foundation for enabling movement of the member past the first and second walls with the first and second magnet arrays thereon to change a perpendicular relationship between the first and s second walls and the member.

4

diamagnetic or non-magnetic member 102, a first support wall 104 and a second support wall 106. Walls 104,106 are separate from one another and disposed in a spaced apart relationship upon a base or foundation 110 via leg portions 112,114 respectively. The spaced apart relationship enables the member 102 to pass between the walls 104, 106 and DETAILED DESCRIPTION because 104, 106 are not fixed with respect to one another, a distance D therebetween can be adjusted as will be For the ensuing description of a braking apparatus 10 for hereinafter discussed in greater detail. an object 12, reference is made particularly to FIGS. 1-3. A first linear array 120 of permanent magnets 122, see The object 12 is shown in generalized form only and is 10 FIG. 8, is disposed on the first on a side 124 facing the contemplated for movement in the direction of the arrow. second wall 106. Aflixed to the object 12 is a member, or fin, 14 which extends outwardly from the object 12 and also moves with Asecond linear array 130 of permanents (not individually the object in the direction of arrow 15. shown) are disposed on the second wall 106 on a side 132 At some point along the path of movement there are 15 facing the first wall 104 with the first and second arrays 120, 130 being parallel with one another as shown in FIG. 10. mounted first and second laterally spaced magnet arrays 16 Apparatus 140, 142 is provided for moving the walls 104, and 18. Each array includes an elongated support wall 20 106 and change the spaced apart relationship between the which may be any cross-section, such as, for example an first and second walls 104,106 in order to control, or adjust, L-shaped cross-section, and on a lateral surface thereof, there are provided a linear series of permanent magnets 22, 20 eddy current induced in the member 102 during passage of of any size, arrangement or configuration. For instance, the the member 102 past and between the walls 104, 106 and magnets 120, 130 thereby adjusting the braking force magnets may alternate in polarity as indicated by the identification letters "S" and " N . Also, the space 26 between the between the magnets arrays 120, 130 and the member 102. arrays is dimensioned and arranged with respect to the The apparatus 140, 142 may include adjusting nuts 144, object path of movement, that the fin 14 will move along the 2s 146 and bolts 148A, 148B, 150A, 150B interconnected space directly opposite the magnets and spacers, but remain between the walls 104, 106 and brackets 152, 154 fixed to out of physical contact with either the magnets or spacers. the base 110. Jam nuts 156, 158 prevent unwanted movement of the When the fin 14 passes through the magnetic field existing adjusting nuts 144,146 and securing bolts 160, 162 extendin the space 26, an electric current (eddy current) is induced in the fin 14 which, in this case, reverses as the fin passes 30 ing through the base 110 and legs 112,114 through slots 166, from a magnet of one polarity to a magnet of opposite 168, fix the walls 104, 106 in a desired spaced apart polarity. These eddy currents produce a force exerted on the relationship after adjustment. The exact size of the walls 104,106, magnet arrays 120,130, member 102 and spacing fin 14 (and object 12) of such direction as to reduce the D will be dependant upon velocity and weight of a car (not velocity of movement of object 12 and fin 14. It is this deceleration that produces the "braking" of the present 3s shown) attached to the member 102 and may be empirically invention. determined. It should be appreciated that the apparatus 140, 142 may Although the above-described first embodiment includes include any number of configurations for adjustment of the movement of the object and fin past fixedly located magnet arrays, the magnet arrays can just as well be moved past a 40 walls 104, 106. Such alternatives including single direction bolts, worm screws, jack screws, short in-line turn buckles, stationary object and fin. All that is needed to achieve the or other electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic system capable of braking effect is relative movement between the magnets providing the adjustment of spacing D, between the walls and fin. Since usually the object is moving, in that case the 104, 106. Such configurations may eliminate a need for the magnet arrays would be carried by the object and the fin fixedly mounted adjacent the path of movement. The choice 4s securing bolts 160 and 162. of which technique to employ depends upon the particular Preferably, each magnet array 120, 130, as illustrated by application. the array 120 in FIG. 12, includes at least 1 row 170, each having individual magnets 180,182,184,186.Asecond row In its more general aspects, the invention can be advan172 may include individual magnets 188, 190, 192, 194 tageously employed for braking a large variety of moving respectively. objects. As an excellent example, eddy current braking for The magnet rows 170,172 may be disposed in a tube, or elevators could be highly advantageous as an emergency channel 200 which may be formed of any suitable material measure where normal operation has somehow been intersuch as aluminum, stainless steel, plastic; any number of fered with or disrupted. Also, many amusement park rides magnets (not all shown) may be used. could benefit by having eddy current braking devices to retard excessive speed as the "ride" vehicle takes a corner or ss The magnets 180,194 are specifically arranged within the drops at a severe angle. channel 200 with a specific magnetic field pattern. While two rows 170,172 are shown, it should be appreciated that FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an object 52 with a brake fin 54 any suitable number of rows (not shown) may be utilized. interconnected therewith, that moves generally along a The channel 200 may be removably attached in any direction indicated by an arrow 56 which normally will pass by a magnet carrier 58 beyond the range of substantial 60 suitable manner to the wall 104. Thus, as hereinabove noted, assembly of the brake 100 is facilitated. Another advantage magnetic interaction (FIG. 4). The object 52 and fin 54 are of the preassembly of magnets 180-186 is the is the fact that provided with means 60 selectively actuatable for moving them toward the magnet carrier so as to effect magnetically alternative magnet configurations may be easily exchanged on the wall 104 in order to tailor magnetic braking characcoupling therewith (FIG. 5) and achieve braking. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown an 6s teristics. More particularly, a magnet 182 in a row 170 is arranged alternate embodiment 100 of the eddy current brake in accordance with the present invention generally including a with a magnetic field (indicated by the arrow 204) which is

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6

at an angle to the magnetic fields 206, 208 of adjacent Thus, the apparatus 250 can be utilized as an automatic magnets 180, 184 in the row 170. A number of angular "trim" brake actuating only when necessary and only with a relationship between the adjacent magnets 180, 182, 184 force necessary to maintain the desired velocity of the such as, for example, 15", 30°, 45" or 90". When the angular member 102 and vehicle attached (not shown). Opposite relationship between adjacent magnet 180, 182,184 is 90°, 5 linkages (not shown) would have the effect of lowering the they may also be arranged with the magnetic field 104 at a wall 102 upon movement of the member 102 therepast, 90" angle to a magnetic field 210 of the magnet 190 in the thereby having the effect of flattening the initial drag peak adjacent row 172. and providing flatter more uniform deceleration. Preferably, the magnets 180-194 are epoxied into the As diagramed in FIGS. 11 and 12, apparatus 280 includchannel 200 and thereafter attached to the wall 104 in any lo ing pivoting links 282, 284, 286, 288 interconnected between a foundation 290 and the walls 104, 106 enable suitable manner. Also, the channel 200 may be open, as shown, or closed, (not shown) and be of any suitable shape movement of the member as indicated by the arrow 302 to for containing the magnets. Because the magnets may be pivot the links 282,284, 286, 288 in direction indicated by assembled in the channel 200 before installation on the wall the arrows 304, 306 in order to, change a distance dl 104, 106, assembly of the brake 100 is facilitated. In between the walls 104, 106. The magnet arrays are not addition, change of magnetic field can be easily performed lS shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 for the sake of clarity in by changing of channels (not shown) having different magdescribing wall 104, 106 movement. Since the walls 104, net configurations therein. 106 carry the magnet arrays 120, 130 the distance between the arrays 120, 130 is also varied. The links 282,284,286, The multi-row Halbach arrangement as shown in FIG. 8, loaded pivots 310, 312, 314, 316 can be built with no backiron. The advantage is that most of 288 the flux is confined to the member of fin 102 area, without 20 respectively in order to bias the walls 104,106 against stops 322 in a rest position. needing backiron as is needed in the standard eddy current As shown in FIG. 12, mOvement of the member between brake (not shown). The flux is concentrated between the magnet array and is small above and below the magnets. the walls 104, 106 decreases the distance dl to d,, thus Significant weight improvements result because no backiron increasing the induced eddy currents and increasing a brak25 ing action. A stop 326 defines the minimum distance d, of is used. lo49 lo6. approach between the Multiple rows 170,172 in proper alignment permit the use Similar linkage apparatus is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 in of the cubic Halbach arrangement in such a way that brakes connection with the walls 104,106 and member 102. In this of increasing power levels can be constmcted while maininstance, links 342,344,346,348 are interconnected so that taining a fixed depth of magnet. me ~ ~ l array ~ ~ h higher braking forces for 30 movement indicated by the arrow 360 of the member 102 b can achieve the equivalent volume of magnetic material of a convencauses a spread or widening as indicated by the arrows 364, 366 of the lo49 lo6. 376 limit the tional ECB. The Halbach array reduces stray magnetic field movement of the walls 104, 106 in a manner similar to that through the inactive side of the array. described in connection with the apparatus 280 shown in With reference to the diagrams shown in FIGS, 13 and 14, 12. apparatus 250 including links 252, 254 interconnecting the 3s Spring loaded pivots keep the walls 104, 106 initially wall 104 with a foundation 258 provides for changing, biased against the 376. This lowers the controlling, or adjusting eddy current induced in the member magnetic due the member lo2 102, and braking force, as a function of member 102 velocity between the walls 104, 106 and arrays 120, 130. Only one between the walls 104, 106 and, as hereinabove noted, has wall 104 is shown in FIGS, 13, 14 for the sake of clarity, 40 the effect of flattening the initial drag peak and provide a flatter more uniform deceleration. It should be appreciated As shown by the directional arrows 260, 262 in FIGS, 13, that other means of 'pening and 'losing arrays and lowering 14 respectively, movement of the member 102 past the wall the lo6 may be which can 104 and array 120 attached thereto provides a reaction force as shown by the arrow 266 which raises the wall 104 from 4s mechanical, ~neumatic, hydraulic or other components (not shown) to provide the same function. stops 270, 272 in order to change a transverse relationship there has been described an eddy between the wall 4 and array 120 and the member 104. This current braking apparatus in accordance with the present transverse movement raises 104 increasing relative penetrainvention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which tion of 102, which increases the induced eddy currents and SO the invention may be used to advantage, it will be apprecibraking action. ated that invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, all Because the drag force is a function of velocity, when the modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements which walls 104 are mounted for pivoting on the links 252, 254, the may occur to those skilled in the art should be considered to wall 104 is raised a specific height based upon the drag force be the of the invention as defined in the generated causing rotation of the links 250, 254. Thus, the penetration of the member 102 into the magnetic flux 5s appended 'laims. What is claimed is: established by the arrays 120, 130 is self regulated. 1. An eddy current brake comprising: When used in one orientation, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, a diamagnetic Or non-magnetic member; the member 102 having a velocity in excess in a predetera first mined value would generate drag forces 266 sufficient to a separate second support wall disposed in a spaced apart rotate, or pivot, the wall 104 to increase member 102 60 relationship with said first support wall for enabling the penetration and subsequently generating higher drag forces member to pass therebetween; to reduce the excess velocity. As the velocity falls below the a first linear array of permanent magnets disposed on the level necessary to generate drag force sufficient to fully first wall on a side of the first wall facing the second rotate the wall 104 and pivot linkages 252,254, the wall 104 wall; rotates back toward the default position. How far back it 6s rotates is a self regulating function of the velocityldrag force a second linear array of permanent magnets disposed on in that instance. the second wall on a side of the second wall facing the
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first wall, the first and second arrays being parallel with control the eddy current induced in the member during passage of the member therepast to adjust braking force one another; and between the magnets and the member. apparatus for adjusting eddy current induced in the 5. The brake according to claim 4 wherein the apparatus member, and braking force, as a function of velocity of 5 i"cludes means for moving at least one of the first and the member between the arrays, said apparatus second walls in a direction perpendicular to the member. ing linkages for enabling movement of the member 6. The brake according to claim 4 wherein the apparatus therepast to change the 'paced apart includes means for moving at least one of the first and between the first and second walls. second walls in a direction parallel to the member. 2. Eddy current braking apparatus comprising: 7. The brake according to claim 3 further comprising a lo a diamagnetic or non-magnetic member; first support wall for supporting the linear array, a second a linear array of permanent magnets including a channel wall, disposed in a spaced apart relationship with said first and a plurality of magnets disposed therein, the magsupport wall, for supporting the second linear array and nets being arranged within said channel in two adjacent apparatus for changing the spaced apart relationship rows, each magnet in each row being arranged with a between the first and second walls in order to adjust eddy magnetic field at a 90' angle to another adjacent current induced in the member, and braking force, as a magnets in each row along the channel, each magnet in function of velocity of the member between the arrays. 8. The brake according to claim 7 wherein the apparatus each row also being arranged with a magnetic field at an angle to another adjacent magnet in the adjacent for adjusting eddy current includes a linkage mounting at row:, and:, - _ least one of the first and second walls to a fixed foundation. LU for enabling nmvement of the member therepast to change means, mounting the linear array with respect to the a distance between at least one of the first and second walls member, for enabling passage past one another at a and the member. distance suficient to cause eddy currents to be induced 9. The brake according to claim 7 wherein the apparatus in the member resulting in a braking force between the 2s for adjusting eddy current includes linkages, mounting the linear array and the member. first and second walls to a fixed foundation, for enabling 3, ~h~ brake according to claim 2 further comprising a ~~~OVementthe member therepast to change the spaced of second linear array of permanent magnets including a secapart relationship between the first and second walls. ond channel and a plurality of magnets disposed therein, the 10. A eddy current brake comprising: " magnets being arranged within said second channel in two a diamagnetic or non-magnetic member; adjacent rows, each magnet in each row being arranged with 30 a magnetic field at a 90' angle to adjacent magnets in each a first linear array of permanent magnets; row along said second channel, each magnet in each row a second linear array of permanent magnets disposed in a also being arranged with a magnetic field at a 90' angle to spaced apart relationship with said first linear array for another adjacent magnet in the adjacent row; and enabling the member to pass therebetween, the first and second arrays being parallel with one another; and means, mounting the second linear array with respect to 3s the member, for enabling passage past one another at a apparatus for adjusting eddy current induced in the member, and braking force, as a function of velocity of distance suficient to cause eddy currents to be induced in the member resulting in a braking force between the the member between the arrays, said apparatus includlinear array and the member. ing linkages for enabling movement of the member 4. The brake according to claim 3 further comprising a 40 therepast to change the spaced apart relationship first support wall for, supporting the linear array, and second between the first and second arrays. wall for supporting the second linear array and apparatus for * * * * * moving at least one of the first and second walls in order to

JS 44 (Rev. 11/04)

Case 1:07-cv-00127-JJF

CIVIL COVER SHEET

Document 1-2

Filed 03/01/2007

Page 1 of 2

The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE REVERSE OF THE FORM.)

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS

DEFENDANTS

SAFETY BRAKING CORPORATION, MAGNETAR TECHNOLOGIES CORP., and G&T CONVEYOR CO.
(b)
County Of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff Orange (EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES)

County, California

SIX FLAGS, INC., SIX FLAGS THEME PARKS INC., SF PARTNERSHIP, TIERCO MARYLAND, INC., BUSCH ENTERTAINMENT CORP., CEDAR FAIR LP, PARAMOUNT PARKS, INC., NBC UNIVERSAL, INC., UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, INC., BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P., THE WALT DISNEY CO., and WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS, LLC,
County Of Residence Of First Listed Defendant: (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY) NOTE:

New York County, New York

IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF THE LAND INVOLVED.

(c)

ATTORNEYS (FIRM NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER)

ATTORNEYS (IF KNOWN)

Francis DiGiovanni (#3189) Geoffrey A. Zelley (#4939) Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP The Nemours Building 1007 North Orange Street P.O. Box 2207 Wilmington, Delaware 19899 Telephone: (302) 658-9141
II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION
1 U.S. Government Plaintiff 2 U.S. Government Defendant (Place an "X" In One Box Only) X 3 Federal Question (U.S. Government Not a Party) 4 Diversity (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) (For Diversity Cases Only) PTF Citizen of This State 1 Citizen of Another State Citizen or Subject of a Foreign Country

III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES
DEF 1

(Place an "X" in One Box for Plaintiff and One Box for Defendant)

Incorporated or Principal Place of Business in This State

PTF DEF 4 4 5 6 5 6

2 3

2 Incorporated and Principal Place of Business in Another State 3 Foreign Nation

IV. NATURE OF SUIT
CONTRACT

(Place an "X" In One Box Only) TORTS PERSONAL INJURY 310 Airplane 315 Airplane Product Liability 320 Assault. Libel & Slander 330 Federal Employers Liability 340 Marine 345 Marine Product Liability 350 Motor Vehicle 355 Motor Vehicle Product Liability 360 Other Personal Injury CIVIL RIGHTS 441 Voting 442 Employment 443 Housing/ Accommodations 444 Welfare 445 Amer. w/Disabilities ­ Employment 446 Amer. w/Disabilities ­ Other 440 Other Civil Rights PERSONAL INJURY 362 Personal Injury Med. Malpractice 365 Personal Injury Product Liability 368 Asbestos Personal Injury Product Liability PERSONAL PROPERTY 370 Other Fraud 371 Truth in Lending 380 Other Personal Property Damage 385 Property Damage Product Liability PRISONER PETITIONS 510 Motions to Vacate Sentence HABEAS CORPUS: 530 General 535 Death Penalty 540 Mandamus & Other 550 Civil Rights 555 Prison Condition FORFEITURE/PENALTY 610 Agriculture 620 Other Food & Drug 625 Drug Related Seizure of Property 21 USC 881 630 Liquor Laws 640 R.R. & Truck 650 Airline Regs. 660 Occupational Safety/Health 690 Other BANKRUPTCY 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 423 Withdrawal 28 USC 157 OTHER STATUTES 400 State Reapportionment 410 Antitrust 430 Banks and Banking 450 Commerce 460 Deportation 470 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations 480 Consumer Credit 490 Cable/Sat TV 810 Selective Service 850 Securities/ Commodities/ Exchange 875 Customer Challenge 12 USC 3410 890 Other Statutory Actions 891 Agricultural Acts 892 Economic Stabilization Act 893 Environmental Matters 894 Energy Allocation Act 895 Freedom of Information Act 900 Appeal of Fee Determination Under Equal Access to Justice 950 Constitutionality of State Statutes

110 Insurance 120 Marine 130 Miller Act 140 Negotiable Instrument 150 Recovery of Overpayment & Enforcement of Judgment 151 Medicare Act 152 Recovery of Defaulted Student Loans (Excl Veterans) 153 Recovery of Overpayment of Veteran's Benefits 160 Stockholders Suits 190 Other Contract 195 Contract Product Liability 196 Franchise REAL PROPERTY

PROPERTY RIGHTS 820 Copyrights X 830 Patent 840 Trademark SOCIAL SECURITY 861 HIA (1395ff) 862 Black Lung (923) 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) 864 SSID Title XVI 865 RSI (405(g)) FEDERAL TAX SUITS 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff or Defendant) 871 IRS - Third Party 26 USC 7609

LABOR 710 Fair Labor Standards Act 720 Labor/Mgmt Relations 730 Labor/Mgmt Reporting & Disclosure Act 740 Railway Labor Act 790 Other Labor Litigation 791 Empl. Ret. Inc. Security Act

210 Land Condemnation 220 Foreclosure 230 Rent Lease & Ejectment 240 Torts to Land 245 Tort Product Liability 290 All Other Real Property

V. ORIGIN
X 1 Original Proceeding

(PLACE AN "X" IN ONE BOX ONLY) Transferred from 2 Removed from 3 Remanded from 4 Reinstated or 5 another district State Court Appellate Court Reopened (specify) Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity): 35 U.S.C. §§ 284 and 285 Brief description of cause: Patent Infringement 6 Multidistrict Litigation

Appeal to District Judge from 7 Magistrate Judgment

VI. CAUSE OF ACTION

VII. REQUESTED IN COMPLAINT: VIII. RELATED CASE(S) IF ANY NONE
DATE

CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION UNDER F.R.C.P. 23 (See instructions):

DEMAND: In excess of $75,000.00 and injunctive relief DOCKET NUMBERS

CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint: JURY DEMAND: X YES NO

March 1, 2007
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY RECEIPT # AMOUNT

JUDGE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD

Francis DiGiovanni (#3189)
JUDGE MAG. JUDGE

APPLYING IFP

JS 44 Reverse (Rev. 11/04)

Case 1:07-cv-00127-JJF

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Page 2 of 2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS COMPLETING CIVIL COVER SHEET FORM JS­44
Authority For Civil Cover Sheet The JS­44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replaces nor supplements the filings and service of pleading or other papers as required by law, except as provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. Consequently, a civil cover sheet is submitted to the Clerk of Court for each civil complaint filed. The attorney filing a case should complete the form as follows: I. (a) Plaintiffs ­ Defendants. Enter names (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff and defendant. If the plaintiff or defendant is a government agency, use only the full name or standard abbreviations. If the plaintiff or defendant is an official within a government agency, identify first the agency and then the official, giving both name and title. (b) County of Residence. For each civil case filed, except U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county where the first listed plaintiff resides at the time of filing. In U.S. plaintiff cases, enter the name of the county in which the first listed defendant resides at the time of filing. (NOTE: In land condemnation cases, the county of residence of the "defendant" is the location of the tract of land involved.) (c) Attorneys. Enter the firm name, address, telephone number, and attorney of record. If there are several attorneys, list them on an attachment, noting in this section "(see attachment)". II. Jurisdiction. The basis of jurisdiction is set forth under Rule 8(a), F.R.C.P., which requires that jurisdictions be shown in pleadings. Place an "X" in one of the boxes. If there is more than one basis of jurisdiction, precedence is given in the order shown below. United States plaintiff. (1) Jurisdiction based on 28 U.S.C. 1345 and 1348. Suits by agencies and officers of the United States are included here. United States defendant. (2) When the plaintiff is suing the United States, its officers or agencies, place an "X" in this box. Federal question. (3) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1331, where jurisdiction arises under the Constitution of the United States, an amendment to the Constitution, an act of Congress or a treaty of the United States. In cases where the U.S. is a party, the U.S. plaintiff or defendant code takes precedence, and box 1 or 2 should be marked. Diversity of citizenship. (4) This refers to suits under 28 U.S.C. 1332, where parties are citizens of different states. When Box 4 is checked, the citizenship of the different parties must be checked. (See Section III below: federal question actions take precedence over diversity cases.) III. Residence (citizenship) of Principal Parties. This section of the JS 44 is to be completed if diversity of citizenship was indicated above. Mark this section for each principal party. IV. Nature of Suit. Place an "X" in the appropriate box. If the nature of suit cannot be determined, be sure the cause of action, in Section VI below, is sufficient to enable the deputy clerk or the statistical clerks in the Administrative Office to determine the nature of suit. If the cause fits more than one nature of suit, select the most definitive. V. Origin. Place an "X" in one of the seven boxes.

Original Proceedings. (1) Cases which originate in the United States district courts. Removed from State Court. (2) Proceedings initiated in state courts may be removed to the district courts under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1441. When the petition for removal is granted, check this box. Remanded from Appellate Court. (3) Check this box for cases remanded to the district court for further action. Use the date of remand as the filing date. Reinstated or Reopened. (4) Check this box for cases reinstated or reopened in the district court. Use the reopening date as the filing date. Transferred from Another District. (5) For cases transferred under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 1404(a). Do not use this for within district transfers or multidistrict litiga