Linear electric motor

Abstract

A linear electric motor includes a stator having a plurality of stacked stator segments, where at least one stacked stator segment of the plurality of stacked stator segments includes: a stator portion; a first stator back portion adjacent to the stator portion on a first face of the stator portion; and a conductor. The armature is configured to travel linearly through the stator during operation. The conductor substantially surrounds the armature portion.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 520,534, filed on August 24, 2023, and entitled “LINEAR ELECTRIC MOTOR,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] The following description is provided for general background information only and is not intended as a guide to the scope of the present subject matter.

[0004] Some aspects disclosed herein relate to actuators, and more particularly to the construction of electromagnetic actuators that apply linear forces. A particularly advantageous application of such actuators is in a testing machine or apparatus for testing parameters and / or performance of materials, components, consumer products, and medical and other devices (i.e., test specimens). Typically, a testing machine includes one or more actuators for applying input loads and displacements. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a linear electric motor includes a stator having a plurality of stacked stator segments, wherein at least one of the plurality of stacked stator segments includes: a stator portion; a first stator backing portion adjacent to the stator portion on a first face of the stator portion; and a conductor. The armature is configured to travel linearly through the stator during operation. The conductor substantially surrounds the armature.

[0006] In one embodiment, the linear electric motor further comprises at least one stator portion, the at least one stator portion comprising a plurality of laminations. In an embodiment, at least one stator backing portion comprises a plurality of laminations. In an embodiment, the linear electric motor further comprises a plurality of stator teeth. The stator portion comprises a plurality of stator tooth slots extending radially from a central opening of the stator portion toward an outer circumference of the stator portion. Each stator tooth is configured to be embedded in a corresponding stator tooth slot of the plurality of stator tooth slots. In an embodiment, at least one stator tooth of the plurality of stator teeth comprises a plurality of laminations. In an embodiment, the housing encloses the stator and the armature.

[0007] In an embodiment, each stator tooth may include a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its corresponding stator tooth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extension being longer than the second extension. Each stator tooth is orientable in one of two positions in its corresponding stator tooth slot, the first position wherein the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion, and the second position wherein the first extension extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion, the second face being opposite and parallel to the first face. In an embodiment, the stator teeth are arranged in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first position and in the second position.

[0008] In an embodiment, each stacked stator segment further comprises a second backing portion adjacent to the stator portion on a second face of the stator portion opposite the first face. Each stator tooth may comprise a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its respective stator tooth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extension being longer than the second extension. In an embodiment, at least one stator portion comprises a plurality of laminations, wherein at least one backing portion comprises a plurality of laminations, and wherein at least one stator tooth of the plurality of stator teeth comprises a plurality of laminations, the direction of the laminations of each stator tooth being perpendicular to the direction of the laminations of the stator portion and the backing portion.

[0009] Typically, a stator for a linear electric motor includes a plurality of stacked stator segments. Each stator segment includes: a stator portion; a backing portion adjacent to a first face of the stator portion; and a conductor adjacent to the backing portion.

[0010] In an embodiment, at least one stator portion comprises a plurality of laminations. In an embodiment, at least one stator backing portion comprises a plurality of laminations. In an embodiment, at least one stator segment further comprises a plurality of stator teeth. At least one stator portion may comprise a plurality of stator slots extending radially from a central opening of the stator portion toward an outer circumference of the stator portion, and wherein each stator tooth is configured to be embedded in a corresponding stator slot of the plurality of stator slots. At least one stator tooth of the plurality of stator teeth may comprise a plurality of laminations. Each stator tooth may comprise a first end and a second end, the first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its corresponding stator slot, the second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extension being longer than the second extension. Each stator tooth is orientable in one of two positions in its corresponding stator tooth slot, the two positions being a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion, the second face being opposite and parallel to the first face. In an embodiment, the stator portion comprises at least two slots, and the stator teeth are arranged in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first position and the second position.

[0011] In an embodiment, at least one of the stacked stator segments further comprises a second backing portion adjacent to the second face of the stator portion. The stator may further comprise a plurality of stator teeth engaged in radial slots of the stator portion, wherein each stator tooth comprises a first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its respective stator tooth slot, and a second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extension being longer than the second extension. At least one stator portion may comprise a plurality of laminations, wherein at least one backing portion comprises a plurality of laminations, and wherein at least one stator tooth of the plurality of stator teeth comprises a plurality of laminations, the direction of the laminations of each laminated stator tooth being perpendicular to the direction of the laminations of the laminated stator portion and the laminated backing portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the backing portion comprises an aperture sized to receive the armature. In an embodiment, the conductor substantially surrounds the aperture.

[0013] Generally, a method of assembling a stator for a linear electric motor includes assembling a plurality of stator segments, each stator segment including a stator portion, a backing portion adjacent a first face of the stator portion, and a conductor; and stacking the plurality of stator segments to form a stator.

[0014] In one embodiment, assembling further comprises inserting a plurality of stator teeth into a plurality of stator slots in at least one stator portion, the stator slots extending radially from a central opening of the stator portion toward an outer circumference of the stator portion. Each stator tooth is configured to be inserted into a corresponding stator slot of the plurality of stator slots, and wherein each stator tooth may include a first end portion having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its corresponding stator slot, and a second end portion having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extension being longer than the second extension. In one embodiment, the method comprises: orienting each stator tooth in its corresponding stator slot in one of two positions, the first position and the second position, in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion, and in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion, the second face being opposite and parallel to the first face. In an embodiment, inserting the stator teeth comprises arranging the inserted stator teeth in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first position and in the second position.

[0015] In an embodiment, the method further comprises having each stacked stator segment further comprise a second backing portion adjacent to the second face of the stator segment.

[0016] A method of assembling a linear electric motor includes: stacking a plurality of stator segments together to form a stator; and stacking a plurality of armature segments together to form an armature. Each stator segment includes a stator portion, a backing portion adjacent to the stator portion, and a conductor, wherein the conductor substantially surrounds the armature. The windings of the conductor of each of the plurality of stator segments are connected.

[0017] In one embodiment, stacking the plurality of stator segments together further comprises stacking laminated stator sections together. In an embodiment, the method further comprises mounting the stator and the armature in a housing.

[0018] This summary is not intended to describe every disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the linear electric motor as described herein. Numerous other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as the description unfolds. The following drawings and description more particularly illustrate illustrative embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a linear electric motor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stator segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of a stator segment;

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a stator portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a stator backing portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a stator tooth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a representative housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a stacked stator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a stator portion and stator teeth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.10 is a side view of a lamination of a stator portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.11 is a side view of a lamination of a stator backing portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig.12 is a side view of a lamination of a stator tooth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG13 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig.14 is a flow chart of a method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig.15 is a more detailed view of an armature according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig.16 is a perspective view of the magnet in a first position; and

[0035] Fig.17 is a perspective view of the magnet in the second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It should be noted that in different figures, the same or similar elements use the same reference numerals.It should also be understood that the terms used herein are used to describe the purpose of the embodiment, and the term is not intended to be restrictive.Unless otherwise indicated, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps in a group of elements or steps, and do not provide order or numerical restrictions for the elements or steps of its embodiments.For example, "first", "second" and "third" elements or steps do not necessarily appear in this order, and its embodiments are not necessarily limited to three elements or steps.It should also be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, any label (such as "left", "right", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "forward", "reverse", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "up", "down") or other similar terms (such as "upper", "lower", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", "near side", "distal side", "middle", etc.) are used for convenience, and are not intended to, for example, imply any specific fixed position, orientation or direction.On the contrary, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation or direction. It is also to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, the linear electric motor 100 includes: a stator 110, which includes a plurality of stacked stator segments 120; an armature 140; and a housing 150, which encloses the stator 110 and the armature 140. In one embodiment, the armature 140 is configured to travel linearly through the stator 110 during operation. In one embodiment, the stator and armature are cylindrical, but it should be understood that other shapes of stators and armatures can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The housing 150 is shown as having heat dissipating fins, but it should be understood that other types of housings or no housing at all can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, liquid or air cooled housings can be used in different embodiments.

[0038] In one embodiment, each stacked stator segment 120 (in Figure 2 is shown in assembled form, Figure 3 The linear electric motor 100 (shown in exploded view) includes a stator portion 122, a stator backing portion 124 adjacent to a face of the stator portion 122, and a conductor 126. In one embodiment, the conductor 126 substantially surrounds the armature 140 of the linear electric motor 100. Figure 8 1 shows a stator 110 formed of a plurality of stacked stator segments 120 in an assembled form. In one embodiment, the stator portion 122 is a solid plate with a central opening. Figures 2 to 4In another embodiment shown, stator portion 122 includes a plurality of stator slots, as described below. It should be understood that conductor 126 need not completely surround armature 140, but can surround a portion of the structure, preferably substantially the entire circumference, but need not completely surround armature 140.

[0039] In one embodiment, the linear electric motor 100 further includes a plurality of stator teeth 160 (hereinafter referred to as stator teeth 160). Figure 6 In one embodiment, each stator portion 122 includes a plurality of stator slots 128 extending radially outward from a central opening 130 of the stator portion 122 toward an outer circumference 132 of the stator portion. Each stator tooth 160 is configured to be embedded in a corresponding stator slot of the plurality of stator slots 128.

[0040] Figure 4 1 is a perspective view of the stator portion 122 shown in greater detail. In one embodiment, the stator portion 122 has a generally circular shape and includes an inner opening 130 and an outer circumference 132. A plurality of radial slots 128 extend from the inner opening 130 toward the outer circumference 132 and are configured to receive the stator teeth 160 described above. The stator teeth 160 can be inserted in one of two different orientations, as will be discussed further below. In one embodiment, the alignment and epoxy channel notches 123 serve as part of a channel when assembling the segmented stator. The channel allows for the introduction of potting material for sealing the stator / motor.

[0041] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the stator backing portion 124 shown in more detail. In one embodiment, the stator backing portion 124 has a generally circular shape and has a smaller circumference than the stator portion 122. In one embodiment, the alignment and epoxy channel notches 127 are used as part of the channel when the segmented stator is assembled. The notches 127 of the backing portion 124 align with the notches 123 of the stator portion 122 to form a channel when the stator segments are assembled. The channel allows for the introduction of potting material for sealing the stator / motor.

[0042] Once the stator tooth 160 is inserted into the stator slot 128, the backing portion 124 is brought adjacent and into registration with its stator portion 122 by engaging the end 162 of the stator tooth 160 with the end 144 of its corresponding stator slot 128. Figure 2As shown, two backing portions 124 are used for one stator segment 120, with the backing portions 124 adjacent opposite sides of the stator portion 122. In this configuration, the backing portions 124 sandwich the stator portion 122 and the stator teeth 160 therebetween. In one embodiment, the conductor 126 is sized to fit with the central opening 146 of the backing portion 124, and the assembly of the stator portion 122, the stator teeth 160, the two backing portions 124, and the coil 126 forms the stator segment 120. In one embodiment, the stator backing portion 124 includes a plurality of stator tooth registration slots 148 that are sized and configured to receive extensions 164 of the stator teeth 160, as described in further detail below. In one embodiment, the extensions 164 extend beyond the thickness of the stator portion 122, thereby allowing the stator backing portion 124 to fit in registration with the stator portion 122 and the stator teeth 160. A plurality of stator segments 120 are stacked to form the stator 110, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0043] Figure 6 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stator tooth 160. In one embodiment, each stator tooth 160 includes a first end 162 having a pair of symmetrical extensions 164 extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 166 of the stator tooth 160. In one embodiment, the longitudinal axis corresponds to a radial direction of the slot 128 in which it is located. A second end 168 of the stator tooth 160 has a pair of asymmetrical extensions 170 and 172, each of which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 166 in opposite directions from each other. In one embodiment, the first extension 170 is longer than the second extension 172. The end 162 is inserted into the stator slot and extended toward the outer circumference 132 until the end 162 is seated at the end 144 of its corresponding stator slot 128.

[0044] Each stator tooth 160 may be oriented in its corresponding stator slot 128 in one of two positions, which are illustrated as a first position 174 and a second position 178. Fig. 9 In a first position 174, the first extension 170 extends in a first direction 176 that is substantially perpendicular to the first face 134 of the stator portion 122, and the second extension 172 extends in a second direction 180 that is substantially perpendicular to the second face 136 of the stator portion 122, the second face 136 being opposite and parallel to the first face 134. In a second position 178, the second extension 172 extends in the first direction 176, and the first extension 170 extends in the second direction 180.

[0045] In one embodiment, the stator teeth 160 are arranged in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth 160 in the first position 174 and the second position 178. Arranging the stator teeth 160 in this pattern is used to reduce tooth cogging in the linear electric motor 100. The pattern can be an arrangement pattern including any number of stator tooth positions arranged alternately, as long as the number of stator teeth 160 in each of the first position 174 and the second position 178 is equal. For example, in the case of Fig. 9 In the illustrated stator portion 122, there are 16 stator slots 128. In one embodiment, four stator teeth 160 are arranged in a consecutive slot 128 at a first position 174, and four additional stator teeth 160 are arranged in the next four consecutive stator slots 128 at a second position 178. A third group of four stator teeth 160 are located in the next four consecutive stator slots 128 at the first position 174, and the last four stator slots 128 have stator teeth 160 at the second position 178. Other arrangement patterns may be used, such as alternating every two stator slots, every eight stator slots, etc., as long as the number of stator teeth 160 in the first position 174 is the same as the number of stator teeth 160 in the second position 178. The symmetrical arrangement of the stator teeth 160 in the slots 128 provides for better reduction of tooth sticking.

[0046] Figure 7 1 is a perspective view of a representative housing 150 in which the stator 110 and the armature 140 may be mounted. The housing 150 is shown as a representative housing only, and it should be understood that different housings may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such other housings include, by way of example and not limitation, housings with heat sink fins, liquid or air cooled housings, and the like.

[0047] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, each stacked stator segment 120 includes: a stator portion 122; two backing portions 124, the backing portions 124 are located on both sides of the stator portion 122; and a plurality of stator teeth 160, which are engaged in radial slots 128 of the stator portion 122. The conductor 126 is arranged in the opening 136 of one of the backing portions 124. The conductor 126 can be a wound coil or the like. In one embodiment, the conductor 126 substantially surrounds the armature 140 of the linear electric motor 100. Each stator segment 120 can be assembled together with other stacked stator segments 120 to form a stacked stator 110, such as Figure 8 Although shown with a backing portion 124 on each side of a respective stator portion 122, it should be understood that a single backing portion 124 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] In one embodiment, at least one of the stator portion 122, the backing portion 124, and the stator teeth 160 includes a plurality of laminations. Fig.10 1 shows the laminations 129 of the stator portion 122 in a side elevation view of the stator portion 122. Fig.11 The backrest portion 124 is shown in a side elevation view of the backrest portion 124. Fig.12 1 and 2. The laminations 161 of the stator tooth 160 are shown in FIG. In one embodiment, the laminations 129 of the stator portion 122 and the laminations 125 of the backing portion 124 are assembled in the same direction. Further, in another embodiment, the laminations 161 of the stator tooth 160 are in a direction substantially perpendicular to the laminations 123 of the stator portion 122 and the laminations 125 of the backing portion 124. In one embodiment, the laminations are used to better control eddy currents as is known in the art.

[0049] Using laminations for one or more of the stator portion 122, backing portion 124, stator teeth 160, and armature components reduces assembly costs compared to machining from, for example, ingot steel.

[0050] Therefore, if Fig. 9 As shown, the stator 110 for the linear electric motor 100 includes a plurality of stacked stator segments 120, each stator segment 120 including a stator portion 122, a backing portion 124 adjacent to a face of the stator portion 122, and a conductor 126 abutting against the backing portion 124. A second backing portion 124 may be positioned adjacent to an opposite face of the stator portion 122 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, at least one stator portion 122 includes a plurality of laminations 129, such as Fig.10 In one embodiment, at least one stator backing portion 124 includes a plurality of laminations 125, such as Fig.11 In one embodiment, a plurality of stator teeth 160 are inserted into a plurality of stator slots 128 to reduce tooth sticking when the armature 140 moves as described above. At least one stator tooth 160 may include a plurality of laminations 161, such as Fig.12 In one embodiment, laminations 161 of stator teeth 160 are substantially perpendicular to laminations 129 of stator portion 122 and laminations 125 of stator backing portion 124, respectively.

[0051] Fig.13A is a flow chart of a method 200 of assembling a stator for a linear electric motor. In one embodiment, the method 200 includes: assembling a plurality of stator segments in frame 202; and stacking the plurality of stator segments to form a stator in frame 204. Fig. 13BThe assembly of the stator segments in block 202 is further shown in FIG. 1 , and the assembly of the stator segments may further include assembling a stator portion having a plurality of stator slots as described above and a plurality of stator teeth in block 206, each stator tooth being inserted into a corresponding stator slot in the plurality of stator slots in each stator portion, and assembling one or more backing portions adjacent to the stator portion and the stator teeth. In one embodiment, method block 202 may further include orienting each stator tooth in its corresponding stator slot in one of two positions, as shown in block 208. The first position and the second position are further described above.

[0052] exist Fig.14 A method 300 of assembling a linear electric motor is shown in block diagram form in FIG. In one embodiment, the method 300 includes: stacking a plurality of stator segments together to form a stator in frame 302; and installing an armature in frame 304. In one embodiment, the armature may include a plurality of armature segments stacked together to form the armature. The method 300 further includes: connecting a conductor of each of the plurality of stator segments in frame 306, the conductor substantially surrounding the armature; and installing the stator and the armature in a housing in frame 308. Stacking a plurality of stator segments together may further include stacking together solid and / or laminated stator portions, solid and / or laminated stator backing portions, solid and / or laminated stator teeth, solid and / or laminated armature segments, or a combination of all or some of the above. Assembly of the linear electric motor may further include known methods including connecting the conductors together, vacuum pressure impregnating the assembly to bond the components in place and provide thermal connection for the conductors, inserting the stator and armature into the housing, attaching end caps, and inserting or threading the linear electric motor into a load frame or other device.

[0053] Fig.15 The armature 140 is illustrated in more detail. In one embodiment, the armature 140 includes a plurality of solid and / or laminated armature segments 604 that are alternately stacked with magnets 606, wherein the magnets 606 are aligned in one of two positions 608 and 610, which indicate different orientations of their poles relative to the laminations, as described below, and the armature 140 has end caps 602 at both ends. In one embodiment, the magnet 606 identified at position 608 is oriented with its south pole on the right and its north pole on the left. Similarly, the magnet 606 identified at position 610 is oriented with its south pole on the left and its north pole on the right. The resulting magnetic field of each segment 604 of the stack is associated with a south pole on one side and a north pole on the other side. In other words, both sides (left or right) of each segment 604 are subjected to magnets 606 of the same polarity. Fig.16 and 17Magnet positions 608 and 610 are shown separately, but it is understood that as long as the magnets have alternating polarity orientations, this will be within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the armature 140 is shown as being cylindrical, it is understood that the armature shape may be different without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a linear electric motor having stacked stator segments, and provide solid and / or laminated parts. This configuration reduces parts and assembly costs, and can be easily expanded by changing the size of the armature segments and stator segments. Such stacked segments allow the assembled components to be fitted into existing frames.

[0055] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents and shall not be restricted or limited to the above detailed description.

Claims

1. A linear electric motor, comprising: A stator comprising a plurality of stacked stator segments, wherein at least one stacked stator segment of the plurality of stacked stator segments comprises: Stator part; a stator backing portion adjacent to the stator portion on a first face of the stator portion; and Conductors; and An armature is configured to travel linearly through the stator during operation, wherein the conductor substantially surrounds the armature.

2. The linear electric motor according to claim 1, wherein: At least one stator section or at least one stator backing section comprises a plurality of laminations.

3. The linear electric motor of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stator teeth, wherein: The stator portion includes a plurality of stator slots extending radially from a central opening of the stator portion toward an outer circumference of the stator portion, and wherein each stator tooth is configured to be inserted into a corresponding stator slot of the plurality of stator slots.

4. The linear electric motor according to claim 3, wherein: At least one stator tooth of the plurality of stator teeth includes a plurality of laminations.

5. The linear electric motor according to claim 4, wherein: Each stator tooth includes a first end portion having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its corresponding stator tooth slot and a second end portion having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extension being longer than the second extension.

6. The linear electric motor according to claim 5, wherein: Each stator tooth is capable of being oriented in its corresponding stator tooth slot in one of two positions, the two positions being a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion, the second face being opposite and parallel to the first face.

7. The linear electric motor according to claim 6, wherein: The stator teeth are arranged in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first position and the second position.

8. A stator for a linear electric motor, the stator comprising: A plurality of stacked stator segments, each stator segment comprising: Stator part; a backing portion adjacent to the first side of the stator portion; and A conductor is adjacent to the backing portion.

9. The stator according to claim 8, wherein: At least one stator section or at least one stator backing section comprises a plurality of laminations.

10. The stator according to claim 9, wherein: At least one stator segment further includes a plurality of stator teeth.

11. The stator according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one stator portion includes a plurality of stator slots extending radially from a central opening of the stator portion toward an outer circumference of the stator portion, and wherein each stator tooth is configured to be inserted into a corresponding stator slot of the plurality of stator slots.

12. The stator according to claim 11, wherein: At least one stator tooth of the plurality of stator teeth includes a plurality of laminations.

13. The stator according to claim 11, wherein: Each stator tooth includes a first end portion having a pair of symmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its corresponding stator tooth slot and a second end portion having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extension being longer than the second extension.

14. The stator according to claim 13, wherein: Each stator tooth is capable of being oriented in its corresponding stator tooth slot in one of two positions, the two positions being a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion, the second face being opposite and parallel to the first face.

15. The stator according to claim 14, wherein: The stator portion includes at least two slots, and the stator teeth are arranged in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first position and the second position.

16. The stator according to claim 8, wherein: At least one of the stacked stator segments further includes a second backing portion adjacent to the second face of the stator segment.

17. The stator according to claim 8, wherein: The back portion includes an aperture sized to receive an armature.

18. A method of assembling a stator for a linear electric motor, the method comprising: assembling a plurality of stator segments, each stator segment comprising a stator portion, a backing portion adjacent to a first face of the stator portion, and a conductor; as well as The plurality of stator segments are stacked to form the stator.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: The assembly further includes inserting a plurality of stator teeth into a plurality of stator slots in at least one stator portion, the stator slots extending radially from a central opening of the stator portion toward an outer circumference of the stator portion, wherein each stator tooth is configured to be embedded in a corresponding stator slot of the plurality of stator slots, and wherein each stator tooth includes a first end and a second end, the first end having a pair of symmetrical extensions, the pair of symmetrical extensions being substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator tooth along its corresponding stator slot, and the second end having a pair of asymmetrical extensions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first extension being longer than the second extension.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising orienting each stator tooth in its corresponding stator tooth slot in one of two positions, the two positions being a first position in which the first extension extends in a first direction perpendicular to a first face of the stator portion and a second position in which the first extension extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and perpendicular to a second face of the stator portion, the second face being opposite and parallel to the first face.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: Inserting the stator teeth includes arranging the inserted stator teeth in a pattern having an equal number of stator teeth in the first position and the second position.

22. A method of assembling a linear electric motor, the method comprising: stacking together a plurality of stator segments to form a stator, each stator segment comprising a stator portion, a backing portion adjacent to a first face of the stator portion, and a conductor; stacking a plurality of armature segments together to form an armature, wherein the conductor substantially surrounds the armature; as well as A winding of a conductor is connected to each of the plurality of stator segments.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: Stacking the plurality of stator segments together further includes stacking laminated stator sections.

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