MAT HARIAN TUN TUAN HA HA VAN MAAN ATAULU
`
`US009941830B2
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Elenga et al .
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`Apr . 10 , 2018
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 54 ) LINEAR VIBRATION MODULES AND
`LINEAR - RESONANT VIBRATION MODULES
`@ ( 71 ) Applicant : Resonant Systems , Inc . , Seattle , WA
`( US )
`( 72 )
`Inventors : Robin Elenga , Seattle , WA ( US ) ; Brian
`@
`Marc Pepin , Oakland , CA ( US ) ; Glen
`Tompkins , Woodinville , WA ( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : Resonant Systems , Inc . , Seattle , WA
`( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 181 , 249
`( 22 )
`Filed :
`Jun . 13 , 2016
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2016 / 0301346 A1 Oct . 13 , 2016
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 63 ) Continuation of application No . 14 / 469 , 210 , filed on
`Aug . 26 , 2014 , now Pat . No . 9 , 369 , 081 , which is a
`continuation of application No . 13 / 345 , 607 , filed on
`Jan . 6 , 2012 , now Pat . No . 8 , 860 , 337 , which is a
`continuation - in - part of application No . 12 / 782 , 697 ,
`filed on May 18 , 2010 , now Pat . No . 8 , 093 , 767 .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 61 / 179 , 109 , filed on May
`18 , 2009 .
`( 51 ) Int . CI .
`HO2K 33 / 00
`( 2006 . 01 )
`HO2P 25 / 032
`( 2016 . 01 )
`HO2K 33 / 16
`( 2006 . 01 )
`U . S . Ci .
`CPC . . . . . . . . HO2P 25 / 032 ( 2016 . 02 ) ; H02K 33 / 16
`( 2013 . 01 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . . HO2P 25 / 032 ; HO2K 7 / 1876 ; B06B 1 / 166
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1 , 120 , 414 A
`12 / 1914 Schoolfield et al .
`4 / 1973 Tada
`3 , 728 , 654 A
`10 / 1985 Wing
`4 , 549 , 535 A
`4 , 692 , 999 A
`9 / 1987 Frandsen
`5 / 1991 Patt et al .
`5 , 017 , 819 A
`5 , 187 , 398 A
`2 / 1993 Stuart et al .
`7 / 1993 van Namen
`5 , 231 , 336 A
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1 376 833 Al
`1 / 2004
`EP
`Primary Examiner — Karen Masih
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Olympic Patent Works
`PLLC
`
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`The current application is directed to various types of linear
`vibrational modules , including linear - resonant vibration
`modules that can be incorporated in a wide variety of
`appliances , devices , and systems to provide vibrational
`forces . The vibrational forces are produced by linear oscil
`lation of a weight or member , in turn produced by rapidly
`alternating the polarity of one or more driving electromag
`nets . Feedback control is used to maintain the vibrational
`frequency of linear - resonant vibration module at or near the
`resonant frequency for the linear - resonant vibration module .
`Both linear vibration modules and linear - resonant vibration
`modules can be designed to produce vibrational amplitude /
`frequency combinations throughout a large region of ampli
`tude / frequency space .
`
`20 Claims , 20 Drawing Sheets
`
`606
`
`600
`
`614
`
`user controls
`
`608
`
`ITF609
`610
`
`616
`
`CPU
`
`- - - -
`
`memory !
`
`power supply
`
`612 -
`
`618
`
`1x630
`
`L 604
`
`sensor
`
`624
`
`L602
`622
`620
`
`H switch
`
`NOO -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
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`
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`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
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`-
`
`-
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`-
`
`64
`
`626
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`Exhibit 1001 - Page 1 of 31
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`

`

`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5 , 231 , 337 A
`7 / 1993 van Namen
`5 , 424 , 592 A
`6 / 1995 Bluen et al .
`5 , 896 , 076 A
`4 / 1999 van Narnen
`5 , 955 , 799 A
`9 / 1999 Amaya et al .
`5 , 973 , 422 A
`10 / 1999 Clamme
`6 , 323 , 568 B1 11 / 2001 Zabar
`6 , 326 , 706 B1 12 / 2001 Zhang
`7 . 449 . 803 B2 11 / 2008 Sahyoun
`7 , 474 , 018 B2
`1 / 2009 Shimizu et al .
`7 , 768 , 160 B1
`8 / 2010 Sahyoun
`7 , 768 , 168 B2
`8 / 2010 Aschoff et al .
`7 , 771 , 348 B2
`8 / 2010 Madsen et al .
`7 , 859 , 144 B1 12 / 2010 Sahyoun
`2004 / 0055598 A1 3 / 2004 Crowder et al .
`2005 / 0231045 Al 10 / 2005 Oba et al .
`2005 / 0275508 A1 12 / 2005 Orr et al .
`2006 / 0138875 A1
`6 / 2006 Kim et al .
`2006 / 0208600 AL
`9 / 2006 Sahyoun
`2007 / 0261185 A1 * 11 / 2007 Guney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A46B 15 / 0002
`15 / 22 . 1
`2011 / 0144426 A1 *
`6 / 2011 Blenk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A61H 23 / 02
`600 / 38
`2011 / 0248817 Al *
`10 / 2011 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A63F 13 / 06
`340 / 4 . 2
`2012 / 0212895 A1 8 / 2012 Cohen et al .
`* cited by examiner
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 2 of 31
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`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 1 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`11
`
`|
`
`|
`
`11
`11
`
`|
`
`—
`
`106
`
`104
`
`104
`
`FIG . 1B - Prior Art - -
`
`FIG . 1A
`- - Prior Art
`
`r 102
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 3 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 2 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`are
`we
`
`now now
`w
`
`204
`
`206
`
`n o
`
`moments that
`
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`
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`the moment
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`
`212
`
`con on - - -
`
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`
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`
`nom mas com o
`-
`
`222
`
`220
`
`FIG . 2A
`- - Prior Art - -
`
`FT
`
`FIG . 2B
`- - Prior Art
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 4 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 3 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`wwwwwww
`
`-
`
`-
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`-
`
`ir 302
`- www 80 Hz
`frequency
`
`FIG . 3
`- - Prior
`Art
`
`vibrational force
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 5 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 4 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`419
`
`406
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`414 -
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`IO MERIT ELLELE UMO
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`pace 4104 02
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`FIG . 4A
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`FIG . 4B
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`No .
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`nnnnn
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`432
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`FIG . 4C
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`
`FIG . 4D
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 6 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 5 of 20
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`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`www
`
`FOIELILOMETRU
`Ulti
`
`-
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`FIG . 4F
`
`ommitmMETI
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`420
`FIG . 4G
`
`L
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 7 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 6 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`VOD
`
`Da
`
`??
`
`FIG . 5B
`
`DOS
`
`CA
`
`502
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`1
`
`209 +
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`1 / 508
`
`- - 510
`
`514
`
`- 512
`
`FIG . 5A
`
`506 —
`
`509
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 8 of 31
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`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
`
`Sheet 7 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`00
`
`- 614
`
`user controls
`
`608
`
`T609
`610
`
`-
`
`-
`
`- -
`
`L
`memory
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`616 616 7
`
`CPU
`
`612
`
`power supply
`
`-
`
`—
`
`—
`
`—
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`—
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`—
`
`—
`
`—
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`—
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`
`L604
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`
`-
`
`L
`
`602
`622 622
`620
`
`H switch
`
`DOLJ
`
`sensor
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
`-
`
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`
`626
`
`FIG . 6
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 9 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
`
`Sheet 8 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`control program
`
`mode = default
`strength = default
`( vio = default
`1111 - default
`freq = default
`d = default
`inc = true
`
`wait for event
`
`702
`
`704
`
`— 708
`
`d = - d ;
`output d ;
`reset frequency
`timer
`
`frequency timer
`expired
`?
`
`– 706
`
`- 710
`
`monitor
`timer expiration
`
`monitor
`
`714
`
`718
`Y
`
`control input
`
`power down
`
`- 716
`
`control
`
`power down device
`
`return
`
`handle other
`events
`
`— 724
`
`722 -
`
`FIG . 7A
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 10 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`atent
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`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 9 of 20
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`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`monitor
`
`connect sensor input
`to integer and store
`in 1v11
`
`730
`
`732
`
`- 734
`
`mode
`= = default
`
`handle non
`default mode
`
`return
`
`748
`
`|
`
`Y
`
`freq = freq - 1 ;
`reset frequency
`timer
`- 752
`
`freq = freq + 1
`inc = T ;
`reset frequency
`timer
`
`WWW
`
`Y
`
`inc ?
`
`*
`NL 736
`
`fu / 1 > iv10
`?
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`IN
`
`lvl1 < ivo
`
`746
`
`1750
`
`( v / 1 > Vio
`
`lvl1 < IVIO
`?
`
`738
`
`740
`
`freq = freq + 1
`reset frequency
`timer
`
`freq = freq - 1 ;
`inc = f ;
`reset frequency
`timer
`
`742
`
`744
`
`IVO = { V / 1 ;
`reset monitor timer
`
`754
`
`return
`
`FIG . 7B
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 11 of 31
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`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
`
`Sheet 10 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`760
`
`762
`
`764
`
`control
`
`mode -
`currently selected
`mode ;
`strength = currently
`selected strength
`
`compute output p to
`power supply ;
`output p to power
`supply
`
`compute and reset
`monitor timer
`interval
`
`return
`
`FIG . 7C
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 12 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 11 of 20
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`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`802
`
`| 1
`
`- -
`
`- -
`
`* *
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`vibrational force
`
`frequency
`
`FIG . 8
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 13 of 31
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 12 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`904
`
`amplitude
`
`80HZ
`
`frequency
`
`250HZ
`
`350Hz
`
`FIG . 9
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 14 of 31
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`

`

`U . S . Patent
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`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 13 of 20
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`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`mass centering
`element
`
`magnets repel
`
`electromagnet
`
`moving mass
`
`1 < mopatie
`
`magnets repel
`
`E |
`
`10024
`
`1004 EE Hikmetse v
`
`FIG . 10
`
`permanent
`magnets fixed on
`exterior
`
`never
`
`driving magnet
`
`driving coil
`attached to
`moving weight
`
`even
`
`7 - ) pole
`repet
`
`nagna
`magnets
`( - ) pole
`
`magnet
`magne
`
`control unit
`
`( + pole magnets repel
`pole
`
`driving magnet
`
`FIG . 11
`1202
`
`'
`
`:
`
`.
`
`de moveable
`
`weight
`
`i .
`
`. .
`
`.
`
`. i
`
`rotational
`coil
`
`1204
`
`FIG . 12
`
`rotational
`coil
`
`rotational
`centering
`magnet
`
`1206
`
`1102
`
`tube
`
`rotation action
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 15 of 31
`
`

`

`atent
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`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 14 of 20
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`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`coil B
`- - - 1304
`
`S . ME
`
`YE . .
`
`. . . . . .
`
`coil A
`1302
`
`— 1302
`moving
`
`TUT WT - air
`
`FIG . 13
`
`1404
`
`device body
`
`driving magnet
`
`.
`
`14
`
`power supply 4 microcontroller
`
`1306
`1306
`
`plunger
`
`1406
`1412
`
`driving coil
`
`centering magnet
`
`driving coil
`1410
`1414
`
`- 1402
`1420
`
`spring
`
`came
`
`clamo
`
`motion
`
`1408
`1414
`FIG . 14
`- 1510
`1508
`magnet ( s )
`r 1502
`1502
`
`body / handle
`
`E - coil
`electromagnet
`
`control
`unit
`
`L
`
`motion of magnet
`
`exterior of device
`
`1506
`FIG . 15
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 16 of 31
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 15 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`panien
`
`body / handle
`
`E - coil
`electromagnet
`
`control
`unit
`
`magnet
`
`spring
`1602
`clamp / hinge
`
`coil
`
`j
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`. .
`
`vir ALSO
`.
`.
`.
`
`0 .
`
`motion of
`massage arm
`1606
`1 , massage foot
`1604
`
`arm extends
`outside of device
`
`motion of magnet
`exterior of device ?
`
`FIG . 16
`
`. . . .
`
`. . . . . . .
`
`device
`
`1704
`1706
`
`. . .
`
`spring
`moveable spring
`clamp
`spring clamps
`1702
`adjustment
`screw
`
`cbp
`movement
`
`Coil FOK 1702
`a comment
`FIG . 17
`
`vibration
`
`.
`
`. .
`
`1802
`
`1803
`
`tissue
`
`1804
`
`1805
`
`FIG . 18
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 17 of 31
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`

`U . S . Patent
`
`atent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 16 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`- 1906
`
`- 1902
`
`-
`
`- - -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`- - - -
`
`Resonant Frequency
`frequency
`
`1904 -
`
`FIG , 19
`
`amplitude
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 18 of 31
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
`
`Sheet 17 of 20
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`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`- 2010
`
`2012
`
`2006
`
`2008
`
`frequency
`
`FIG . 20
`
`2002
`
`amplitude
`
`2004 -
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 19 of 31
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
`
`Sheet 18 of 20
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`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
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`ZOLZ -
`
`Amplitude
`
`- 2104
`
`Frequency
`
`- - - 2106
`
`Threshold Frequency
`
`FIG . 21
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 20 of 31
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`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
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`Sheet 19 of 20
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`US 9 . 941 , 830 B2
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`224
`
`“ ???
`
`el
`
`
`
`Vibration Amplitude
`
`F . Ins
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`tay ,
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`Vibration Amplitude
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`-
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`+
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`- +
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`+
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`+ -
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`-
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`-
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`-
`
`0
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`/
`190CC
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`0 . 4
`| time { s }
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`FIG , 22A
`
`1 . 0
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`L2202
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`time ( s )
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`FIG . 22B
`
`
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`Vibration Amplitude
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`FIG . 23
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`Exhibit 1001 - Page 21 of 31
`
`

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`atent
`
`Apr . 10 , 2018
`
`Sheet 20 of 20
`
`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
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`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 22 of 31
`
`

`

`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`LINEAR VIBRATION MODULES AND
`LINEAR - RESONANT VIBRATION MODULES
`
`shown in FIG . 2A , and the length of the major axis corre
`sponding to the amplitude of vibration in this direction . In
`many applications , in which a linear oscillation is desired ,
`designers seek to force the major - axis - amplitude / minor
`5 axis - amplitude ratio to be as large as possible , but , because
`the vibration is produced by a rotational force , it is generally
`not possible to achieve linear oscillation . In many cases , the
`This application is a continuation of application Ser . No .
`path traced by the shaft center may be close to circular . The
`14 / 469 , 210 , filed Aug . 26 , 2014 , which is a continuation of
`U . S . Pat . No . 8 , 860 , 337 , issued Oct . 14 , 2014 , which is a
`frequency of vibration of the unbalanced electric motor is
`continuation - in - part of U . S . Pat . No . 8 , 093 , 767 , issued Jan . 10 equa
`equal to the rotational frequency of the electric - motor shaft ,
`10 , 2012 , which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
`and is therefore constrained by the rate at which the motor
`Application No . 61 / 179 , 109 , filed May 18 , 2009 .
`can rotate the shaft . At low rotational speeds , little vibration
`is produced .
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`While effective in producing vibrations , there are many
`problems associated with the unbalanced - electric - motor
`The current application is related to vibration - generating
`vibration - generating units , such as that shown in FIG . 1A ,
`devices and , in particular , to vibration modules that can be
`commonly used in the various devices , systems , and appli
`incorporated into a wide variety of different types of elec
`cations discussed above . First , unbalancing the shaft of an
`tromechanical devices and systems to produce vibrations of
`selected amplitudes and frequencies over a wide range of 20 electric motor not only produces useful vibrations that can
`be harnessed for various applications , but also produces
`amplitude / frequency space .
`destructive , unbalanced forces within the motor that con
`BACKGROUND
`tribute to rapid deterioration of motor parts . Enormous care
`and effort is undertaken to precisely balance rotating parts of
`Vibration - inducing motors and mechanisms have been 25 motors , vehicles , and other types of machinery , and the
`used for many years in a wide variety of different consumer
`consequences of unbalanced rotating parts are well known to
`appliances , toys , and other devices and systems . Examples
`anyone familiar with automobiles , machine tools , and other
`include vibration signals generated by pagers , vibration
`such devices and systems . The useful lifetimes of many
`driven appliances , such as hair - trimming appliances , electric
`devices and appliances , particularly hand - held devices and
`toothbrushes , electric toy football games , and many other 30 appliances , that employ unbalanced electric motors for gen
`appliances , devices , and systems . The most common elec
`erating vibrations may range from a few tens of hours to a
`tromechanical system used for generating vibrations is an
`few thousands of hours of use , after which the vibrational
`amplitude produced by the devices declines precipitously as
`intentionally unbalanced electric motor .
`FIGS . 1A - B illustrate an unbalanced electric motor typi -
`the electric motor and other parts deteriorate .
`cally used for generating vibrations in a wide variety of 35
`A second problem with unbalanced electric motors is that
`different devices . As shown in FIG . 1A , a small , relatively
`they are relatively inefficient at producing vibrational
`low - power electric motor 102 rotates a cylindrical shaft 104
`motion . A far greater amount of power is consumed by an
`onto which a weight 106 is asymmetrically or mounted . FIG .
`unbalanced electrical motor to produce a given vibrational
`1B shows the weight asymmetrically mounted to the shaft ,
`force than the theoretical minimum power required to pro
`looking down at the weight and shaft in the direction of the 40 duce the given vibrational force . As a result , many hand - held
`axis of the shaft . As shown in FIG . 1B , the weight 106 is
`devices that employ unbalanced electric motors for gener
`mounted off - center on the electric - motor shaft 104 . FIGS .
`ating vibrations quickly consume batteries during use .
`2A - B illustrate the vibrational motion produced by the
`third problem with unbalanced electric motors , dis
`unbalanced electric motor shown in FIGS . 1A - B . As shown
`cussed above , is that they generally produce elliptical vibra
`in FIGS . 2A - B , the asymmetrically - mounted weight creates 45 tional modes . Although such modes may be useful in par
`an elliptical oscillation of the end of the shaft , normal to the
`ticular applications , many applications can better use a linear
`shaft axis , when the shaft is rotated at relatively high speed
`oscillation , with greater directional concentration of vibra
`by the electric motor . FIG . 2A shows displacement of the
`tional forces . Linear oscillation cannot generally be pro
`weight and shaft from the stationary shaft axis as the shaft
`duced by unbalanced electric motors .
`is rotated , looking down on the weight and shaft along the 50
`A fourth , and perhaps most fundamental , problem asso
`shaft axis , as in FIG . 1B . In FIG . 2A , a small mark 202 is
`ciated with using unbalanced electric motors to generate
`provided at the periphery of the disk - shaped end the of
`vibrations is that only a very limited portion of the total
`electric - motor shaft to illustrate rotation of the shaft . When
`vibrational - force / frequency space is accessible to unbal
`the shaft rotates at high speed , a point 204 on the edge of the
`anced electric motors . FIG . 3 shows a graph of vibrational
`weight traces an ellipsoid 206 and the center of the shaft 208 55 force with respect to frequency for various types of unbal
`traces a narrower and smaller ellipsoid 210 . Were the shaft
`anced electric motors . The graph is shown as a continuous
`balanced , the center of the shaft would remain at a position
`hypothetical curve , although , of course , actual data would be
`212 in the center of the diagram during rotation , but the
`discrete . As shown in FIG . 3 , for relatively low - power
`presence of the asymmetrically - mounted weight attached to
`electric motors used in hand - held appliances , only a fairly
`the shaft , as well as other geometric and weight - distribution 60 narrow range of frequencies centered about 80 Hz ( 302 in
`characteristics of the electric motor , shaft , and unbalanced
`FIG . 3 ) generate a significant vibrational force . Moreover ,
`weight together create forces that move the end of the shaft
`the vibrational force is relatively modest . The bulk of energy
`along the elliptical path 210 when the shaft is rotated at
`consumed by an unbalanced electric motor is used to spin
`relatively high speed . The movement can be characterized ,
`the shaft and unbalanced weight and to overcome frictional
`as shown in FIG . 2B , by a major axis 220 and minor axis 222 65 and inertial forces within the motor . Only a relatively small
`of vibration , with the direction of the major axis of vibration
`portion of the consumed energy is translated into desired
`equal to the direction of the major axis of the ellipsoids ,
`vibrational forces .
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 23 of 31
`
`

`

`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`Because of the above - discussed disadvantages with the
`commonly employed unbalanced - electric - motor vibration -
`generation units , designers , manufacturers , and , ultimately ,
`users of a wide variety of different vibration - based devices ,
`appliances , and systems continue to seek more efficient and 5
`capable vibration - generating units for incorporation into
`many consumer appliances , devices , and systems .
`
`FIG . 19 illustrates plots of amplitude versus frequency for
`a high - Q and a low - Q vibration device .
`FIG . 20 illustrates portions of amplitude / frequency space
`accessible to various types of vibration modules .
`FIG . 21 illustrates the dependence between frequency and
`amplitude in a low - Q linear vibration module as well as a
`modified dependence that can be obtained by control cir
`cuitry .
`FIGS . 22A - 23 illustrate interesting vibrational modes
`SUMMARY
`10 produced by driving a linear - resonant vibration module
`The current application is directed to various types of
`simultaneously at two different frequencies .
`FIGS . 24A - 25 illustrate incorporation of paramagnetic
`- resonant vibra -
`linear vibrational modules , including linear - resonant vibra -
`FIGS : 24A
`tion modules , that can be incorporated in a wide variety of
`flux paths into a linear vibration module .
`appliances , devices , and systems to provide vibrational
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`forces . The vibrational forces are produced by linear oscil
`lation of a weight or member , in turn produced by rapidly
`The current application is directed to various linear vibra
`alternating the polarity of one or more driving electromag
`tion modules ( “ LRMs ” ) , including various types of linear
`nets . Feedback control is used to maintain the vibrational
`resonant vibration modules ( " LRVMs ” ) , that can be used
`frequency of linear - resonant vibration module at or near the 20 within a wide variety of different types of appliances ,
`devices , and systems , to generate vibrational forces . The
`resonant frequency for the linear - resonant vibration module .
`Both linear vibration modules and linear - resonant vibration
`LVMs and LRVMs that represent embodiments of the cur
`modules can be designed to produce vibrational amplitude
`rent application are linear in the sense that the vibrational
`frequency combinations throughout a large region of ampli -
`forces are produced by a linear oscillation of a weight or
`tude / frequency space .
`25 component within the LVM or LRVM , rather than as a
`by - product of an unbalanced rotation , as in the case of
`currently employed unbalanced electric motors . The linear
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`nature of the LRVM vibration - inducing motion allows the
`problems associated with unbalanced - electric - motor vibra
`FIGS . 1A - B illustrate an unbalanced electric motor typi -
`cally used for generating vibrations in a wide variety of 30 tors , discussed above , to be effectively addressed . An oscil
`lating linear motion does not produce destructive forces that
`different devices .
`FIGS . 2A - B illustrate the vibrational motion produced by
`quickly degrade and wear out an unbalanced electric motor .
`A linearly oscillating mechanism is characterized by param
`the unbalanced electric motor shown in FIGS . 1A - B .
`FIG . 3 shows a graph of vibrational force with respect to
`eters that can be straightforwardly varied in order to produce
`frequency for various types of unbalanced electric motors . 35 vibrations of a desired amplitude and frequency over a very
`FIGS . 4A - G illustrate one particular LRVM , and opera -
`broad region of amplitude / frequency space . In many imple
`tion of the particular LRVM , that represents one implemen -
`mentations of LRVMs and LVMs , the vibration amplitude
`tation of the linear - resonant vibration module to which
`and vibration frequency can be independently controlled by
`a user through user - input features , including buttons , sliders ,
`current application is directed .
`FIGS . 5A - B illustrate an H - bridge switch that can be 40 and other types of user - input features . Combining a linearly
`oscillating vibration - inducing mechanism with feedback
`used , in various embodiments of the current application , to
`change the direction of current applied to the coil that drives
`control , so that the frequency of vibration falls close to the
`linear oscillation within a linear - resonance vibration module
`resonant frequency of the LRVM , results in optimal power
`consumption with respect to the amplitude and frequency of
`( “ LRVM ” ) .
`FIG . 6 provides a block diagram of the LRVM , illustrated 45 vibration produced by the LRVM . Clearly , linear oscillation
`in FIGS . 4A - G , that represents one implementation of the
`within a LRVM translates into highly direction vibrational
`linear - resonant vibration module to which current applica
`forces produced by an appliance or device that incorporates
`tion is directed .
`the LRVM .
`FIGS . 7A - C provide control - flow diagrams that illustrate
`FIGS . 4A - G illustrate one particular LRVM , and opera
`the control program , executed by the CPU , that controls 50 tion of the particular LRVM , that represents one implemen
`operation of an LRVM that represents one implementation
`tation of the linear - resonant vibration module to which
`of the linear - resonant vibration module to which current
`current application is directed . FIGS . 4A - G all use the same
`application is directed .
`illustration conventions , next discussed with reference to
`FIG . 8 represents the range of frequencies and vibrational
`FIG . 4A . The LRVM includes a cylindrical housing 402
`forces that can be achieved by different implementations of 55 within which a solid , cylindrical mass 404 , or weight , can
`LRVM and LRVM control programs that represent embodi -
`move linearly along the inner , hollow , cylindrically shaped
`chamber 406 within the cylindrical housing or tube 402 . The
`ments of the current application .
`FIG . 9 shows a plot of the amplitude / frequency space and
`weight is a magnet , in the described an implementation of
`regions in that space that can be operationally achieved by
`the linear - resonant vibration module to which current appli
`unbalanced electrical motors and by LRVMs that represent 60 cation is directed , with polarity indicated by the “ + ” sign 410
`on the right - hand end and the “ _ ” sign 412 on the left - hand
`embodiments of the current application .
`FIGS . 10 - 17 show a variety of different alternative imple
`end of the weight 404 . The cylindrical chamber 406 is
`mentations of LRVMs that represent different embodiments
`capped by two magnetic disks 414 and 416 with polarities
`of the current application .
`indicated by the “ + ” sign 418 and the “ _ ” sign 419 . The
`FIG . 18 illustrates an enhancement of an implementation 65 disk - like magnets 414 and 418 are magnetically oriented
`of the linear - resonant vibration module to which current
`opposite from the magnetic orientation of the weight 404 , so
`application is directed shown in FIG . 16 .
`that when the weight moves to either the extreme left or
`
`Exhibit 1001 - Page 24 of 31
`
`

`

`US 9 , 941 , 830 B2
`
`FIG . 5B , the direction of the current through the coil is
`extreme right sides of the cylindrical chamber , the weight is
`reversed . The H - bridge switch , shown in FIGS . 5A - B , is but
`repelled by one of the disk - like magnets at the left or right
`one example of various different types of electrical and
`ends of the cylindrical chamber . In other words , the disk - like
`electromechanical switches that can be used to rapidly
`magnets act much like springs , to facilitate deceleration and
`reversal of direction of motion of the weight and to minimize 5 alternate the direction of current within the coil of an LRVM .
`or prevent mechanical - impact forces of the weight and the
`FIG . 6 provides a block diagram of the LRVM , illustrated
`end caps that close off the cylindrical chamber . Finally , a coil
`in FIGS . 4A - G , that represents one implementation of the
`of conductive wire 420 girdles the cylindrical housing , or
`linear - resonant vibration module to which current applica
`tube 402 at approximately the mid - point of the cylindrical
`tion is directed . The LRVM , in addition to the cylindrical
`housing
`10 housing , coil , and internal components shown in FIG . 4A ,
`FIGS . 4B - G illustrate operation of the LRVM shown in
`includes a power supply , a user interface , generally com
`FIG . 4A . When an electric current is applied to the coil 420
`prising electromechanical buttons or switches , the H - bridge
`in a first direction 422 , a corresponding magnetic force 424
`switch , discussed above with reference to FIGS . 5A - B , a
`is generated in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylin -
`central processing unit ( " CPU ” ) , generally a small , low
`drical chamber , which accelerates the weight 404 in the 15 powered microprocessor , and one or more electromechani
`direction of the magnetic force 424 . When the weight
`cal sensors . All of these components are packaged together
`reaches a point at or close to the corresponding disk - like
`as an LRVM within a vibration - based appliance , device , or
`magnet 414 , as shown in FIG . 4C , a magnetic force due to
`system .
`the repulsion of the disk - like magnet 414 and the weight
`As shown in FIG . 6 , the LRVM 600 is controlled by a
`404 , 426 , is generated in the opposite direction , decelerating 20 control program executed by the CPU microprocessor 602 .
`the weight and reversing its direction . As the weight reverses
`The microprocessor may contain
`sufficient on - board
`direction , as shown in FIG . 4D , current is applied in an
`memory to store the control program and other values
`opposite direction 430 to the coil 420 , producing a magnetic
`needed during execution of the control program , or , alter
`force 432 in an opposite direction from the direction of the
`natively , may be coupled to a low - powered memory chip
`magnetic force shown in FIG . 4B , which accelerates the 25 604 or flash memory for storing the control program . The
`weight 404 in a direction opposite to the direction in which
`CPU receives inputs from the user controls 606 that together
`the weight is accelerated in FIG . 4B . As shown in FIG . 4E ,
`comprise a user interface . These controls may include any of
`the weight then moves rightward until , as shown in FIG . 4F ,
`various dials , pushbuttons , switches , or other electrome
`the weight is decelerated , stopped , and then accelerated in
`chanical - control devices . As one example , the user controls
`the opposite direction by repulsion of the disk - like magnet 30 may include a dial to select a strength of vibration , which
`416 . An electrical current is then applied to the coil 420 in
`corresponds to the current applied to the coil , a switch to
`the same direction 434 as in FIG . 4B , again accelerating the
`select one of various different operational modes , and a
`solid cylindrical mass in the same direction as in FIG . 4B .
`power button . The user controls generate signals input to the
`Thus , by a combination of a magnetic field with rapidly
`CPU 608 - 610 . A power supply 612 provides power , as
`reversing polarity , generated by alternating the direction of 35 needed , to user controls 614 , to the CPU 616 and optional ,
`current applied to the coil , and by the repulsive forces
`associated memory , to the H - bridge switch 618 , and , when
`between the weight magnet and the disk - like magnets at
`needed , to one or more sensors 632 . The voltage and current
`each end of the hollow , cylindrical chamber , the weight
`supplied by the power supply t