Importance

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Abstract

A rotary torque-to-axial force energy conversion apparatus employs a rotatable member, a translatable member, and a magnetic coupling therebetween. The magnetic coupling converts a rotary torque on the rotatable member to an axial force on the translatable member, and includes a first permanent magnet comprising part of the rotatable member and a second permanent magnet comprising part of the translatable member. By way of example, the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet may each comprise interleaved, helical magnet sections of alternating polarities. A significant application of the energy conversion apparatus comprises an actuator apparatus for a ventricle assist device (VAD) or a total artificial heart (TAH). By oscillating the drive motor energizing the rotatable member, an oscillating rotary torque is achieved that is converted by the magnetic coupling to a reciprocating axial motion on the translatable member. The reciprocating axial motion is employed within a Cleveland Clinic--type TAH to alternately actuate a first diaphragm coupled to a first ventricle and a second diaphragm coupled to a second ventricle for alternately pumping blood from the ventricles. An axial force-to-rotary torque energy conversion apparatus is also described.

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First Claim