ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 17 -- United States Patent no. 12,316,187, issued on May 27, was assigned to PHYSIK INSTRUMENTE (PI) SE & Co. KG (Germany).
"Electromagnetic actuator" was invented by Christian Rudolf (Karlsbad, Germany) and Bradley Engel (Plymouth, Mass.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "An electromagnetic actuator comprises two units, which, upon electromagnetic interaction, are configured to cause a guided movement relative to each other in translational and rotational directions with a bearing gap in between. The electromagnetic actuator is configured to supply compressed gas to the bearing gap to create a film of gas between the units constituting a frictionless floating bearing."
The...