1. A system comprising an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
a shutter state machine which electronically controls the movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position, wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein the shutter state machine initiates a sequence comprising one or more acceleration or deceleration intervals to cause the shutter member to move towards either the light beam blocked position or the light beam passed position.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the shutter state machine initiates a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move towards either the light beam blocked position or the light beam passed position.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the sequence further comprises a hold current interval after the settling interval.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein one or more of the intervals, currents and pulse amplitudes of one or more of the acceleration, deceleration, settling and hold current intervals are tuned to minimize ringing.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sequence comprises a non-active state between adjacent acceleration and deceleration intervals.
6. A system comprising an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
a shutter state machine which electronically controls the movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position, wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein holographic data is recorded in a holographic storage medium when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position.
7. A system comprising an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
a shutter state machine which electronically controls the movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position, wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein holographic data is read from a holographic storage medium when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position.
8. A system comprising an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
a shutter state machine which electronically controls the movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position, wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein the shutter member is vertically movable upwardly towards the light beam blocked position and downwardly towards the light beam passed position.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the shutter member has a generally triangular-shaped upper portion having an upper corner, and wherein the light beam blocking member comprises a generally rectangular-shaped shutter positioned proximate the upper corner.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the electrically conductive means comprise a first pair of vertically spaced apart electrically conductive suspension wires and a second pair of vertically spaced apart electrically conductive suspension wires, the first and second pairs of suspension wires being positioned on opposite sides of the at least one magnet.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the shutter coil comprises a lower section and an upper section, wherein the at least one magnet comprises a pair of magnet stacks positioned on opposite sides of the shutter member, and wherein the magnetic flux generated by the magnet stacks passes through the upper and lower sections of the shutter coil.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein electrical current passes through the shutter coil in one direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move upwardly towards the light beam blocked position, and wherein the electrical current passes through the shutter coil in the opposite direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move downwardly towards the light beam passed position.
13. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising one or more acceleration or deceleration pulses to cause the shutter member to move to block the light beam or pass the light beam.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position.
15. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising one or more acceleration or deceleration pulses to cause the shutter member to move to block the light beam or pass the light beam,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either towards a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position.
16. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising one or more acceleration or deceleration pulses to cause the shutter member to move to block the light beam or pass the light beam,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either towards a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position,
wherein the sequence of step (c) further comprises a holding the current interval after the settling interval.
17. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising one or more acceleration or deceleration pulses to cause the shutter member to move to block the light beam or pass the light beam,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position,
wherein the sequence of step (c) further comprises a non-active state between adjacent acceleration and deceleration intervals.
18. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position, and
d. recording holographic data in a holographic storage medium when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position.
19. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position, and
d. reading holographic data from a holographic storage medium when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position.
20. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by vertically moving the shutter member upwardly towards the light beam blocked position or downwardly towards the light beam passed position.
21. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by vertically moving the shutter member upwardly towards the light beam blocked position or downwardly towards the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by passing electrical current through the shutter coil in one direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move upwardly towards the light beam blocked position, or by passing the electrical current through the shutter coil in the opposite direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move downwardly towards the light beam passed position.
22. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising one or more acceleration or deceleration pulses to cause the shutter member to move to block the light beam or pass the light beam,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either towards a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position,
wherein the sequence of step (c) further comprises a holding the current interval after the settling interval; and
d. tuning of one or more of the intervals, currents, and pulse amplitudes of one or more of the acceleration, deceleration, settling and holding the current intervals to minimize ringing.
23. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising one or more acceleration or deceleration pulses to cause the shutter member to move to block the light beam or pass the light beam,
wherein step (c) is carried out by initiating a sequence comprising, in order, an acceleration interval, a deceleration interval, and settling interval to cause the shutter member to move either a light beam blocked position or a light beam passed position,
wherein the sequence of step (c) further comprises a non-active state between adjacent acceleration and deceleration intervals; and
d. tuning of one or more of the intervals, currents, and pulse amplitudes of one or more of the acceleration, deceleration, settling and holding the current intervals to minimize ringing.
24. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by passing electrical current through the shutter coil in one direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move upwardly towards the light beam blocked position, or by passing the electrical current through the shutter coil in the opposite direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move downwardly towards the light beam passed position; and
d. recording holographic data in a holographic storage medium when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position.
25. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by passing electrical current through the shutter coil in one direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move upwardly towards the light beam blocked position, or by passing the electrical current through the shutter coil in the opposite direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move downwardly towards the light beam passed position; and
d. reading holographic data from a holographic storage medium when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position.
26. A method comprising the following steps:
a. providing a light beam;
b. providing an electromechanical shutter device comprising a base member and a shutter assembly associated with the base member, the shutter assembly comprising:
an electrical current source member associated with the base member;
a shutter member spaced apart from and movable with respect to the electrical current source member between a light beam blocked position and a light beam passed position;
a light beam blocking member associated with the shutter member for blocking a light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam blocked position and for not blocking the light beam when the shutter member is moved to the light beam passed position;
a shutter coil associated with the shutter member which generates an electromagnetic force when energized;
at least one magnet positioned proximate to the shutter coil and which generates a magnetic flux directed towards and intersecting the shutter coil;
electrically conductive means connecting the electrical current source member to the shutter member for passing electrical current from the electrical current source member to the shutter member to energize the shutter coil and to control movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position;
wherein when the shutter coil is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by the shutter coil which interacts with the magnetic flux to thereby cause movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position; and
c. electronically controlling movement of the shutter member between the light beam blocked position and the light beam passed position wherein the light beam blocking member: (1) blocks the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam blocked position; or (2) does not block the light beam when the shutter member is in the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by vertically moving the shutter member upwardly towards the light beam blocked position or downwardly towards the light beam passed position,
wherein step (c) is carried out by passing electrical current through the shutter coil in one direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move upwardly towards the light beam blocked position, or by passing the electrical current through the shutter coil in the opposite direction to energize the shutter coil to thereby cause the shutter member to move downwardly towards the light beam passed position.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A gas sensor assembly comprising a housing containing gas sensing components; a member secured to the housing;
and an annular seal supported by the housing in contact with the member and parts of the housing so as to be restrained against movement in both lateral and both axial directions, characterized in that the annular seal is stressed in at least one of the lateral and axial directions.
2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the annular seal comprises an O-ring.
3. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes an annular, generally U-shaped recess, the annular seal being located in the recess and contacting opposed sides of the recess, the member, and the side of the recess opposite the member so as to seal against the passage of fluid.
4. An assembly according to claim 3, wherein the opposed sides of the recess are substantially parallel and orthogonal to the side opposite the member.
5. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the annular seal is made of a plastics material.
6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein the annular seal is bonded to the housing.
7. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the member is additionally sealed to the housing by a cured potting compound compatible with the fluid to be used, the housing and the member materials.
8. An assembly according co claim 7, wherein the potting compound is thermally or optically, e.g. UV, curable.
9. An assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the potting compound is provided in an outwardly facing opening surrounding the member.
10. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the member is elongate and includes a laterally extending flange, the member extending through a bore in the housing, and an annular seal contacting a surface of the flange and an adjacent elongate portion of the member.
11. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the member comprises an electrically conductive pin.
12. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the member is an electrical connector.
13. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas sensing components define one of an electrochemical, pellistor, infrared or calorimetric gas sensor.
14. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the gas sensing components define an electrochemical gas sensor and include sensing and counter electrodes and an intervening electrolyte located in the housing.
15. An assembly according to claim 14, further comprising means for controlling gas access to the sensing electrode.
16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein the gas access control means comprises a gas phase, Knudsen or solid state diffusion barrier.
17. A method of manufacturing a seal assembly for a gas sensor assembly, the seal assembly comprising a housing to which a member is secured in use; and an annular seal supported by the housing, the method comprising moulding the housing and seal in separate injection moulding shots, such that the seal contacts the member in use so as to seal the bore against the passage of fluid.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the housing is moulded before the seal.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the seal is moulded around the member in a first shot; and the housing is moulded around the seal and member in a second shot.
20. A method of manufacturing a seal assembly for a gas sensor assembly, the seal assembly comprising a housing to which a member is secured in use; and an annular seal supported by the housing, the method comprising injection moulding the housing about the seal.
21. A method according to any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising securing a member to the housing in sealing contact with the seal.
22. A method according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the seal comprises an O-ring.
23. A method according to any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the seal contacts parts of the housing and the member so as to be restrained against movement in both lateral and both axial directions.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the seal is stressed in at least one of the lateral and axial directions.
25. A method according to any of claims 17 to 24, wherein the seal is located in an annular, generally U-shaped is recess opening into the housing and contacts opposed sides of the recess and the side of the recess opposite the member.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the opposed sides of the recess are substantially parallel and orthogonal to the side of the recess opposite the member.
27. A method according to any of claims 17 to 26, wherein the material of the housing is different from the material of the seal.
28. A method according to any of claims 17 to 27, wherein the seal is chemically bonded to the housing.
29. A method according to any of claims 17 co 28, wherein the member is elongate and sealed in a bore of the housing, further comprising moulding an additional seal into the bore in a third shot.
30. A method according to any of claims 17 to 29, wherein the member comprises an electrically conductive pin.
31. A method of manufacturing a gas sensor assembly comprising manufacturing a seal assembly having at least two electrically conductive pins by a method according to claim 30; and providing gas sensor components in the housing in electrical contact with the pins.
32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the components include sensing and counter electrodes, an intervening electrolyte located within the housing, and a gas access control member secured to the housing.