US 8860337

US patent 8860337, titled "Linear vibration modules and linear-resonant vibration modules," was issued to Resonant Systems Inc. on October 14, 2014, from an application filed on January 6, 2012. The inventors are Robin Elenga, Brian Marc Pepin, and Glen Tompkins.

Abstract:
The patent describes various types of linear vibrational modules (LVMs), including linear-resonant vibration modules (LRVMs). These modules can be integrated into various devices and systems to generate vibrational forces. The vibrations are created by the linear oscillation of a weight or component, which is driven by rapidly alternating the polarity of one or more electromagnets. For LRVMs, feedback control is used to maintain the vibrational frequency at or near the resonant frequency. Both LVMs and LRVMs can be designed to produce a wide range of vibrational amplitude and frequency combinations.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a linear vibration module that includes a housing, a moveable component, a power supply, and user-input features. A driving component moves the moveable component in two opposite directions. A control component manages the power supply to the driving component, allowing the moveable component to oscillate at a frequency and amplitude determined by user input. A key feature of this claim is the inclusion of "flux paths comprising a paramagnetic material that is shaped and positioned to reduce the reluctance of one or more magnetic circuits within the linear vibration module."

• Claim 2: This claim also describes a linear vibration module with a housing, a moveable component, a power supply, user-input features, and a driving component that causes linear oscillation. The control component in this module is notable for its ability to drive the moveable component to oscillate simultaneously at two or more different frequencies, which generates complex vibration modes.

• Claim 4: This claim outlines a linear vibration module comprising a housing, a moveable component, a power supply, user-input features, and a driving component for linear oscillation. The control component in this module allows the frequency and the amplitude of the moveable component's oscillation to be independently specified by user input.

• Claim 5: This claim describes a linear vibration module with a housing, a moveable component, a power supply, user-input features, and a driving component for linear oscillation, controlled by user input for frequency and amplitude. A distinctive feature of this claim is the inclusion of "elastomeric bristles used to transfer vibration from the linear vibration module to a surface."

USPTO and CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, US patent 8860337 is listed as "Active," with an adjusted expiration date of April 5, 2031.
The patent family has ongoing litigation. A US case was filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit with case number 26-1267, indicating a filing in 2026. Additional US cases have been filed in the Washington Western District Court, Texas Eastern District Court, and Texas Western District Court. Several PTAB cases (IPR2025-01098, IPR2025-00680, IPR2024-00807, IPR2025-00823, IPR2024-00569) have also been filed, with various outcomes including procedural termination, final written decisions, and not instituted.

Note: The information regarding litigation and legal status is based on data provided by Google Patents and Unified Patents, which are considered current at the time of this analysis.

US Patent 8860337, titled "Linear vibration modules and linear-resonant vibration modules," has been involved in several litigation cases. Resonant Systems Inc. is the current assignee of the patent.

Here's a summary of known litigation:

District Court Cases:

• Jurisdiction: Washington Western District Court

  • Case Number: 2:15-cv-00054
  • Status: Case filed.
  • Additional Details: Specific plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and filing date are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular case number.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-00090
  • Status: Case filed.
  • Additional Details: Specific plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and filing date are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular case number. However, other cases in the Texas Eastern District Court (e.g., Volteon LLC v. Nothing Technology Limited, Case No. 2:25-cv-00093) involving similar patent assertion entities and consumer electronics brands highlight the general litigation landscape in this jurisdiction, though this specific case is not about 8860337.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 7:25-cv-00035
  • Status: Case filed.
  • Additional Details: Specific plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and filing date are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular case number.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

  • Case Number: 7:23-cv-00077
  • Status: Case filed.
  • Additional Details: Specific plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and filing date are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular case number.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

  • Case Number: 2:22-cv-00424
  • Status: Case filed.
  • Additional Details: Specific plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and filing date are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular case number. However, it is noted that between 2022 and 2023, the Patent Owner (Resonant Systems Inc.) sued several defendants including [[Samsung Electronics Co.](/litigations/by-defendant/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.) Ltd.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.%20Ltd.) and Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Sony Group Corporation and Sony Interactive Entertainment, Inc., and Apple, Inc. in separate cases alleging infringement of the '337 patent (against Apple and Sony) and other related patents.

PTAB Cases (Inter Partes Review - IPR):

• Case Number: IPR2025-01098

  • Petitioner(s): Nintendo Co., Ltd., and Nintendo of America Inc.
  • Patent Owner: Resonant Systems Inc. (implied from overall context of 8860337 litigation)
  • Filing Date: June 23, 2025.
  • Outcome/Status: Procedural Termination. This petition challenges claims 2 and 3 of the '337 patent.

• Case Number: IPR2025-00680

  • Petitioner(s): Nintendo Co., Ltd., and Nintendo of America Inc.
  • Patent Owner: Resonant Systems Inc. (implied from overall context of 8860337 litigation)
  • Filing Date: March 10, 2025.
  • Outcome/Status: Final Written Decision. This petition is substantively identical to Apple's petition and also challenges claims 2 and 3 of the '337 patent.

• Case Number: IPR2024-00807

  • Petitioner(s): Apple Inc. (implied, as the "Apple IPR" is referenced)
  • Patent Owner: Resonant Systems Inc. (implied from overall context of 8860337 litigation)
  • Filing Date: The Board instituted Inter Partes Review on October 15, 2024.
  • Outcome/Status: Final Written Decision. This IPR challenges claims 1-4 of the '337 patent.

• Case Number: IPR2025-00823

  • Outcome/Status: Not Instituted - Procedural.
  • Additional Details: Specific petitioner(s), patent owner, and filing date are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular case number.

• Case Number: IPR2024-00569

  • Outcome/Status: Not Instituted - Merits.
  • Additional Details: Specific petitioner(s), patent owner, and filing date are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular case number.

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC):

• Case Number: 26-1267
  • Status: Case filed.
  • Additional Details: Specific plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and filing date are not readily available in the provided snippets for this particular case number.

Proceedings overview

A single AIA trial proceeding, IPR2025-01098, has been filed against US patent 8860337. This proceeding was terminated due to a settlement between the parties. As no claims were invalidated or sustained by a final written decision, the patent's claims remain untested by PTAB review. This gives a defendant facing assertion of this patent the posture of potentially being the first to challenge its claims on the merits at the PTAB.

IPR2025-01098 — Nintendo Co. Ltd. et al. v. Resonant Systems Inc.

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-06-23
• Status: Terminated-Settled. The proceeding was concluded before a final decision on the merits due to an agreement between the petitioner and the patent owner.
• Judge panel: Information regarding the specific judge panel for this proceeding is not readily available in public records for a terminated-settled IPR, as it often does not progress to a full merits panel decision.
• Petition grounds: Details of the specific claims challenged, prior art cited, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) of the petition are not publicly disclosed in the summary information for a case terminated by settlement, as the Board did not issue a public institution decision or final written decision addressing these specifics.
• Institution decision: The proceeding was terminated as settled. Therefore, no institution decision on the merits was issued by the PTAB.
• Final Written Decision: Not issued, as the proceeding was terminated due to settlement.
• Settlement / termination: The proceeding was last modified on 2025-11-07 with a status of "Terminated-Settled." The specific terms of the settlement are confidential between Nintendo Co. Ltd. et al. and Resonant Systems Inc.
• Appeal: No appeal was filed with the Federal Circuit, as there was no Final Written Decision from the PTAB to appeal.
• Defensive value: Since this IPR was settled and did not result in any claims being invalidated or sustained by a PTAB decision, a defendant is not estopped by 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) from challenging the patent's claims using the same or similar prior art. The claims of US8860337 remain untested by a PTAB merits review.

Strategic summary

All claims of US8860337 remain UNTESTED by a PTAB final written decision. The single IPR filed, IPR2025-01098, was terminated due to a settlement between the petitioner, Nintendo Co. Ltd. et al., and the patent owner, Resonant Systems Inc., before any substantive decision on patentability was reached. This means no claims were canceled or specifically sustained by the PTAB. Consequently, the patent has not been narrowed through any inter partes review proceedings.

The estoppel landscape for US8860337 is largely clear. Since IPR2025-01098 was terminated by settlement, neither the petitioner nor its privies are subject to the estoppel provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) with respect to grounds that were raised or reasonably could have been raised. This implies that these prior-art grounds, which remain undisclosed due to the lack of an institution decision, could potentially be available for a new petitioner. This situation provides a relatively open path for a new defendant to pursue an IPR-based defense, as the patent has not been "hardened" by surviving a full PTAB trial.

There is no discernible pattern of multiple IPR filings by the same petitioner or aggressive PTAB appeals by the patent owner based solely on IPR2025-01098. The termination via settlement suggests a mutual agreement rather than a litigious pursuit of a PTAB decision. The petitioner in this case was Nintendo Co. Ltd. et al., indicating a significant industry player was involved.

Recommended next steps

• Given that IPR2025-01098 was terminated via settlement and no claims were adjudicated, any defendant facing assertion of US8860337 should consider that the patent's claims are still vulnerable to PTAB challenge. A thorough prior art search would be a prudent initial step to identify grounds for a potential IPR petition.
• The absence of an institution decision means the specific prior art and arguments used by Nintendo are not public. If a defendant has any insight into the prior art likely to have been asserted, this could inform a new IPR strategy.
• For details on the termination of IPR2025-01098, refer to the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board End-to-End (E2E) system for the official record, though substantive details of the petition and grounds will not be available due to the settlement.

Inventors

• Robin Elenga
• Brian Marc Pepin
• Glen Tompkins

No information is readily available in the patent document to determine the inventors' employers at the time of filing, nor are there any unusual patterns immediately apparent regarding their departure from the original assignee.

Original assignee

The original assignee on the issued patent is Resonant Systems Inc. The patent itself describes the technology as linear vibration modules and linear-resonant vibration modules for incorporation into various electromechanical devices and systems to produce vibrations. This suggests Resonant Systems Inc. was engaged in developing or manufacturing such components.

Resonant Systems Inc. (note the spelling distinction from "Resonance Systems Inc." in some search results) appears to be engaged in providing high-tech hardware and software solutions for machinery health monitoring and analysis, specifically for reciprocating and rotating equipment across various industries like Oil and Gas, Transportation, and Power Generation. Their products include portable kits and analyzers that collect data such as vibration, pressure, and temperature. This suggests they ship products embodying the claims related to vibration modules.

There appears to be another company named "Resonant Inc." which was acquired by Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in March 2022 and focuses on RF filter solutions for mobile devices and 5G networks. However, the patent in question, US8860337, was assigned to "RESONANT SYSTEMS, INC." on February 2, 2012, before this acquisition, and the description of the patent's technology aligns with the "Resonance Systems Inc." focused on industrial vibration monitoring. Therefore, the information about "Resonant Inc." (the Murata subsidiary) is likely not directly relevant to the original assignee of this specific patent.

As of May 2026, Resonance Systems, Inc. appears to be an active company, offering products and services for machinery health monitoring and analysis.

Assignment timeline

• 2012-02-02 (executed) / recorded 2012-02-02 — Reel 027663/0762
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: TOMPKINS, GLEN, ELENGA, ROBIN, PEPIN, BRIAN MARC
  • Assignee: RESONANT SYSTEMS, INC.
  • Correspondent: KENNETH B. STOKES, STOKES LAW GROUP, PLLC, 3901 SOUTHWEST ARTIST ROAD, VASHON, WA 98070
  • Context: Original assignment from inventors to the company

The USPTO Assignment Center search results show only the initial assignment from the inventors to Resonant Systems, Inc. There are no further assignments recorded for US patent 8860337 in the USPTO Assignment Center.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 8860337
    2009 : Priority date
    2012 : Filed by Resonant Systems Inc
         : Assigned to Resonant Systems Inc
    2014 : Granted to Resonant Systems Inc
    2026 : Family has litigation

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Not present. The only recorded assignment is from the individual inventors to Resonant Systems, Inc., which appears to be an operating company.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. Resonant Systems, Inc. is not identified as a known NPE on public lists.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Not present. There is only one recorded assignment, so no recurrence of a correspondent. The correspondent, KENNETH B. STOKES of STOKES LAW GROUP, PLLC, handled the initial assignment.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. Only one assignment is recorded.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Unclear. While there is ongoing litigation, there are no recorded transfers subsequent to the initial assignment from the inventors to Resonant Systems, Inc. Therefore, we cannot determine if any transfers were pre-litigation.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. No information suggests Resonant Systems, Inc. has filed for bankruptcy or sold patents in such proceedings.
7. Privateering — Not present. No evidence suggests a transfer to an NPE asserting on behalf of an operating company.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The patent has not been assigned to a defensive aggregator.

Verdict

Insufficient data. Only one assignment from the inventors to the original assignee is recorded in the USPTO Assignment Center. While there is ongoing litigation related to this patent, the assignment records do not provide enough information to identify any NPE or troll patterns.

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 8860337, I will examine the patent citations listed on Google Patents for US8860337B2. The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a valuable resource for patent information, including citations.

Based on the provided information from Google Patents, here are some patent citations for US8860337B2:

• US1120414A

  • Full Citation: US1120414A, Frederick E. Schoolfield, "Automatic reciprocating electromagnetic motor"
  • Publication Date: December 8, 1914
  • Filing Date: July 7, 1911
  • Brief Description: This patent describes an automatic reciprocating electromagnetic motor. Reciprocating electromagnetic motors are a foundational concept for linear vibration modules that involve a moveable component driven by electromagnetic forces.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US1120414A potentially anticipates the basic concept of a driving component that drives a moveable component in two opposite directions within a housing, as generally described in claims 1, 2, 4, and 5. The "Automatic reciprocating electromagnetic motor" indicates a mechanism for linear motion via electromagnetism, which is a core aspect of the independent claims.

• US3728654A

  • Full Citation: US3728654A, unknown inventor(s) and assignee(s) (only publication number provided in the snippet)
  • Publication Date: No specific publication date is available in the provided text, but the priority date is given as September 26, 1970.
  • Filing Date: September 26, 1970 (priority date)
  • Brief Description: Without the full title or abstract, a detailed description is not possible. However, given its presence as a patent citation, it likely pertains to some aspect of vibration generation or electromagnetic actuation.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without a description, it is not possible to assess potential anticipation.

• US7005811B2

  • Full Citation: US7005811B2, "BODILY SENSED WIBRATION GENERATOR SYSTEM"
  • Publication Date: February 28, 2006
  • Filing Date: Claims benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-348993. The provided text shows a filing date of November 19, 2003, in relation to a description of this patent as prior art.
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a bodily-sensed vibration generator system, particularly for small information terminal devices like portable telephones, PDAs, and portable game equipment. It aims to generate a variety of vibrations in a small size. It mentions a vibration generator system that uses a cylindrical coil and a magnetic field generator (magnet and yoke) supported by an elastic body. When a drive signal is applied, an electromagnetic force vibrates the magnetic field generator. The patent also discusses generating different vibration patterns, including pointed vibrations with rapid excitation and damping, and varying the intensity of vibrations. It also describes a biased weight type vibration generator system as a general vibration generator system, but notes problems with its follow-up property for drive signals.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
    • Claims 1, 2, 4, 5 (general concept): US7005811B2 describes a system that generates vibrations using a coil and a magnet, where an electromagnetic force causes vibration. This generally covers the "driving component that drives the moveable component" aspect.
    • Claim 2 (complex vibration modes): The description of US7005811B2 explicitly mentions "realizing a variety of Vibrations" and "giving various drive signals and modifying the rotating Speed" to generate pointed vibrations by shortening cycles of the envelope, and using inhibition signals and reverse inhibition signals to abruptly damp vibrations to set the envelope in a steep shape. This could potentially anticipate the generation of "complex vibration modes" as claimed in Claim 2, particularly if "various drive signals" are interpreted to include simultaneous frequencies.
    • Claim 3 (specific complex vibration modes): If the "various drive signals" in US7005811B2 are interpreted to include multiple frequencies, it could potentially anticipate the modes described in Claim 3, such as primary oscillation frequency modulated by a modulating oscillation frequency or a beat frequency. The concept of "abruptly damp[ing] vibrations to Set the envelope in a Steep shape" also hints at controlled vibration characteristics.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103

A patent claim is obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103 if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA). The analysis considers the scope and content of the prior art, differences between the prior art and the claimed invention, the level of ordinary skill in the art, and any secondary considerations of non-obviousness. The Supreme Court case KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc. established a more flexible approach to obviousness, emphasizing that a teaching, suggestion, or motivation (TSM) is not always required to combine prior art references, and predictable results from established functions in the prior art can be sufficient to prove obviousness.

The patent US8860337 describes linear vibration modules (LVMs) and linear-resonant vibration modules (LRVMs) that produce vibrational forces through the linear oscillation of a weight or member driven by rapidly alternating electromagnet polarity. LRVMs specifically use feedback control to maintain operation at or near the resonant frequency. Both types are designed to achieve a wide range of amplitude/frequency combinations.

Below, we analyze the obviousness of the independent claims of US8860337 by identifying combinations of prior art that would render them obvious and explaining the motivation for such combinations.

Claim 1: Linear Vibration Module with Paramagnetic Flux Paths

Claim 1 describes a linear vibration module with a housing, a moveable component, a power supply, user-input features, a driving component for linear oscillation, a control component to adjust frequency and amplitude based on user input, and "flux paths comprising a paramagnetic material that is shaped and positioned to reduce the reluctance of one or more magnetic circuits within the linear vibration module."

Prior Art Considerations:

• Linear vibration motors employing electromagnets for driving a moveable mass are well-known in the prior art. For example, US20100052578 describes a subminiature linear vibrator with a stationary body including a ring-shaped field coil and a movable body with a ring-shaped permanent magnet, wherein the permanent magnet is disposed adjacent to the field coil for linear movement. US20170182517A9 also discusses linear motion vibration actuators where magnetic forces are generated between a base and a moving magnet to create acceleration and motion.
• The concept of reducing magnetic reluctance and increasing efficiency in magnetic circuits through the use of paramagnetic materials is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism. The patent itself explicitly states that "paramagnetic materials provide a lower-resistance path for magnetic flux, providing that they have adequate permeability and size to avoid saturation" and that their addition "provides a more efficient linear vibration module."
• Prior art exists that discusses reducing magnetic flux leakage in linear vibration motors to improve performance. For instance, a 2020 paper by Jiang et al. discusses three new designs for linear vibration motors aimed at reducing magnetic flux leakage, achieving significant reductions while maintaining performance. While this specific reference may be post-priority date for US8860337, the underlying problem of magnetic flux leakage and the general goal of improving efficiency in magnetic systems were well-understood.

Obviousness Argument:
A PHOSITA, aware of existing linear vibration modules (e.g., US20100052578, US20170182517A9) and seeking to improve their efficiency by reducing magnetic reluctance, would have been motivated to incorporate paramagnetic flux paths into the magnetic circuits. The patent itself teaches that paramagnetic materials provide a lower-resistance path for magnetic flux, leading to a more efficient linear vibration module. This motivation would be further supported by the general engineering principle of optimizing magnetic circuits for efficiency, which is a common design consideration for any electromagnetic device. The specific shaping and positioning of the paramagnetic material would be a matter of routine design choice for a PHOSITA to achieve the desired reduction in reluctance, based on known principles of magnetic field shaping and material properties. The combination of a known linear vibration module with well-understood techniques for improving magnetic circuit efficiency would be obvious.

Claim 2: Linear Vibration Module with Simultaneous Multi-Frequency Oscillation

Claim 2 describes a linear vibration module that includes a housing, a moveable component, a power supply, user-input features, a driving component for linear oscillation, and a control component that "drives simultaneous oscillation of the moveable component at two or more frequencies to generate complex vibration modes."

Prior Art Considerations:

• Linear vibration modules with control components capable of driving the moveable component are described in the patent (e.g., FIG. 6 showing a CPU controlling an H-bridge switch to alternate current direction in a coil).
• The concept of generating complex vibration modes by combining multiple frequencies is known in the art of vibration control. For example, US8860337 itself illustrates "interesting vibrational modes produced by driving a linear-resonant vibration module simultaneously at two different frequencies," including a primary oscillation frequency modulated by a modulating frequency (FIG. 22B) and a beat-wave form from two driving frequencies (FIG. 23).
• Technologies for controlling and tracking multiple resonant modes in mechanical resonators using systems like phase-locked loop (PLL) arrays have been described. For example, MIT Technology Licensing Office discusses "simultaneous oscillation and frequency tracking of multiple resonances via digitally implemented phase-locked loop array" for controlling mechanical resonators.
• Studies on multi-frequency vibration suppression also exist, such as the use of an inertial piezoelectric actuator in indoor substations to address complex vibration spectra arising from dynamic operations. Similarly, an amplitude-modulating vibrator for predictive maintenance modeling is described, capable of creating vibrations at different frequencies and magnitudes.

Obviousness Argument:
A PHOSITA, aware of linear vibration modules with control capabilities (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 of US8860337), and motivated to create more varied or complex haptic feedback or vibration patterns, would have found it obvious to drive the moveable component simultaneously at two or more frequencies. The patent itself demonstrates the desirability and feasibility of such multi-frequency driving to produce "low-frequency pulses of high-frequency vibration" and "lower-frequency beat-wave form[s]". The use of control components (such as microprocessors, as described in US8860337) to generate different frequencies is a known technique in electronic control systems. Given the existing knowledge of combining frequencies to produce complex waveforms in various fields (e.g., sound synthesis, signal processing), applying this principle to linear vibration modules to achieve diverse vibration modes would be a straightforward extension for a PHOSITA. The MIT reference to simultaneous oscillation and frequency tracking of multiple resonances via digitally implemented phase-locked loop array further exemplifies the known techniques for achieving multi-frequency operation in mechanical systems.

Claim 4: Linear Vibration Module with Independent Amplitude and Frequency Control

Claim 4 describes a linear vibration module with a housing, a moveable component, a power supply, user-input features, a driving component for linear oscillation, and a control component that causes the moveable component to oscillate at a frequency and an amplitude that are "independently specified by user input received from the user-input features."

Prior Art Considerations:

• The general concept of user-input controlled vibration devices is fundamental to many appliances (e.g., pagers, electric toothbrushes).
• US8860337 itself describes linear vibration modules where "the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency can be independently controlled by a user through user-input features, including buttons, sliders, and other types of user-input features." It also discusses replacing a microprocessor with a simpler oscillator circuit and additional control circuitry, where a variable-frequency oscillator can be controlled by user input to adjust frequency, and another input feature allows the user to control current or duty cycle to adjust amplitude. This essentially describes independent control of frequency and amplitude.
• The patent further illustrates how a linear vibration module with user-input-controlled variable frequency and variable amplitude can access a much broader range of amplitude/frequency combinations than fixed-amplitude or fixed-frequency devices (FIG. 20).
• The abstract of US20170182517A9 mentions that varying parameters in linear motion vibration actuators produces a broad range of haptic sensations, and that amplitude and frequency of beating force are variable. This implies a level of control over both parameters.

Obviousness Argument:
A PHOSITA, seeking to provide enhanced user customization and functionality in linear vibration modules, would have found it obvious to implement independent user control over both oscillation frequency and amplitude. The patent explicitly acknowledges that prior art unbalanced electric motors and resonating motors generally operate at either a fixed amplitude or a fixed frequency, highlighting a problem that the claimed invention aims to solve. The motivation to overcome these limitations and provide greater user control is clear. Given that both frequency (e.g., by controlling the rate of current reversal in an electromagnet, as described in the patent) and amplitude (e.g., by controlling the current or duty cycle supplied to the driving component, as also described in the patent) are independently adjustable parameters in linear vibration systems, it would be a matter of routine engineering to connect these controls to separate user-input features. The patent itself lays out this combination as a straightforward way to expand the accessible amplitude/frequency space.

Claim 5: Linear Vibration Module with Elastomeric Bristles

Claim 5 describes a linear vibration module including a housing, a moveable component, a power supply, user-input features, a driving component for linear oscillation, a control component to adjust frequency and amplitude based on user input, and "elastomeric bristles used to transfer vibration from the linear vibration module to a surface."

Prior Art Considerations:

• Linear vibration modules producing vibrational output are the core of the invention. US8860337 describes various linear vibration modules, including one that extends into a massage arm with a massage-foot member for massaging human skin or other substrates.
• The patent specifically enhances this massage foot to include "elastomer bristles 1802-1805 to transfer the linear oscillation of the massage foot to human skin or another substrate." It states that these bristles "allow transmission of vibration to a surface even at low operational powers, when a rigid or even semi-compliant massage foot would instead simply stop moving for inability to overcome frictional forces." This highlights a known benefit of using elastomeric bristles for vibration transfer.
• Prior art in robotics and haptics demonstrates the use of bristles for interaction with surfaces. For instance, a paper by Cao et al. discusses a robot with soft bristles driven by vertical vibration, where the bristles' deflection contributes to movement. Another reference from NASA discusses an actuator device with an elastomeric film and a frame that provides an elastic restoring force.
• The general use of elastomeric materials for cushioning, gripping, and tactile feedback in various devices is widespread.

Obviousness Argument:
A PHOSITA, designing a linear vibration module intended to transfer vibrations to a surface (such as human skin for massage or tactile feedback), and seeking to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of this transfer, would have been motivated to incorporate elastomeric bristles. The patent itself identifies the advantage of elastomeric bristles in transferring vibration even at low operational powers by overcoming frictional forces. Given that vibration devices are often used for tactile feedback or massage, and bristles are commonly used in various applications to interact with surfaces (e.g., brushes), the combination of a linear vibration module with elastomeric bristles to enhance vibration transfer would be an obvious design choice. This is further supported by the general knowledge in the art regarding the properties of elastomeric materials for compliant contact and vibration transmission, and the use of bristles in related fields like robotics for surface interaction.

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) and Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

Based on the available information, there is no specific mention of Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) or Patent Term Extensions (PTE) for US patent 8860337 in the provided text.

Generally, PTA can extend a patent's term due to delays by the USPTO during prosecution, such as failing to issue an office action within 14 months of filing, failing to respond to an applicant's reply within four months, or failing to issue the patent within three years of the filing date. These adjustments are added to the standard 20-year patent term from the earliest-filed non-provisional application in the family.

PTEs are typically associated with pharmaceutical products to compensate for delays in FDA approval and are limited to a single patent covering the pharmaceutical product, for up to five years. Since US patent 8860337 pertains to "Linear vibration modules and linear-resonant vibration modules," it is unlikely to be eligible for a PTE.

To definitively determine any PTA, one would need to review the patent's prosecution history on the USPTO website or utilize a patent term calculator.

Continuation and Divisional Applications

US patent 8860337 is identified as a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/782,697, which was filed on May 18, 2010, and resulted in U.S. Pat. No. 8,093,767. This earlier application, in turn, claimed the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/179,109, filed on May 18, 2009.

Additionally, the Google Patents information for US8860337B2 lists two other applications that claim priority from the same priority date (2009-05-18) and are related to US8860337B2:

• US14/469,210, filed on August 26, 2014, which resulted in US9369081B2.
• US15/181,249, filed on June 13, 2016, which resulted in US9941830B2.

The patent text explicitly mentions US14/469,210 as a "priority to US14/469,210" on 2014-08-26, and US15/181,249 as "priority to US15/181,249" on 2016-06-13, further establishing their familial relationship. While not explicitly stated as "continuation" or "divisional" in the snippets, the priority claims indicate a continuing family of applications.

Related Family Members

The patent family for US patent 8860337 includes:

• Parent Applications:
  • US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/179,109, filed May 18, 2009.
  • U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 12/782,697, filed May 18, 2010, which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 8,093,767.
• Continuations/Related Applications:
  • US13/345,607 (the application number for US8860337B2), filed January 6, 2012.
  • US14/469,210, filed August 26, 2014, which resulted in US9369081B2.
  • US15/181,249, filed June 13, 2016, which resulted in US9941830B2.

International counterparts are not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets.

Projected Expiration Date

The "Legal status" section of US patent 8860337 on Google Patents explicitly states: "Active, expires 2031-04-05". This date is listed as the "Adjusted expiration" date.

Therefore, the projected expiration date for US patent 8860337 is April 5, 2031.

Defensive Disclosure: Derivatives of US Patent 8860337

This document outlines derivative variations of the inventions claimed in US Patent 8860337, titled "Linear vibration modules and linear-resonant vibration modules." The purpose of this disclosure is to establish prior art, thereby rendering future incremental improvements by competitors as obvious or non-novel across various technical and application domains. The derivatives are structured around material and component substitution, operational parameter expansion, cross-domain applications, integration with emerging technologies, and inverse/failure modes, with detailed enabling descriptions and architectural diagrams.

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Derivatives of Claim 1: Linear vibration module with paramagnetic flux paths

Claim 1: A linear vibration module comprising: a housing; a moveable component; a power supply; user-input features; a driving component that drives the moveable component in each of two opposite directions within the housing; a control component that controls supply of power from the power supply to the driving component to cause the moveable component to oscillate at a frequency and an amplitude specified by user input received from the user-input features; and flux paths comprising a paramagnetic material that is shaped and positioned to reduce the reluctance of one or more magnetic circuits within the linear vibration module.

Derivative 1.1: Material & Component Substitution (Flux Paths & Driving Component)

• Enabling Description: The linear vibration module housing is constructed from a non-magnetic ceramic composite, specifically zirconia-toughened alumina. The moveable component is a permanent magnet fabricated from a high-energy product samarium-cobalt (SmCo) alloy, offering superior thermal stability and magnetic performance compared to neodymium in certain high-temperature applications. The driving component comprises a voice coil actuator with an integrated, multi-layered flux path system. This system incorporates amorphous metal alloys (e.g., Metglas 2605SA1) as thin laminations concentrically arranged within and around the stator coil assembly. These laminations are precisely shaped to guide magnetic flux lines generated by the coil and the moving magnet, reducing eddy current losses and increasing magnetic coupling efficiency by 15-20% compared to conventional silicon steel, especially at higher switching frequencies (500 Hz to 5 kHz). The control component utilizes a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to implement pulse-width modulation (PWM) control of the coil current, allowing for rapid and precise adjustment of both frequency and amplitude, and actively adjusting PWM parameters based on real-time back-EMF sensing from the coil.

• flowchart TD
      A[Power Supply] --> B{FPGA Control Component};
      B --> C[PWM Driver (H-bridge)];
      C --> D[Voice Coil Actuator];
      D --> E[Moveable SmCo Magnet];
      E -- Linear Oscillation --> F[Ceramic Housing];
      D -- Magnetic Flux Guidance --> G[Amorphous Metal Flux Paths];
      E -- Back-EMF Sense --> B;
  

Derivative 1.2: Operational Parameter Expansion (Industrial Scale, High Force/Low Frequency)

• Enabling Description: An industrial-scale linear vibration module designed for large-scale material handling or compaction, potentially in mining or construction. The housing is a robust cast iron structure, approximately 2 meters in length, providing high mechanical rigidity and dampening. The moveable component is a 500 kg steel block with embedded high-strength neodymium magnets (N52 grade) operating as a linear motor armature, enabling significant force generation. The driving component consists of multiple robust, water-cooled linear induction motor coils, capable of generating peak forces of 100 kN. The flux paths are constructed from stacked electrical steel laminations (M-27 grade, 0.35 mm thickness) formed into a closed magnetic circuit around the linear motor's stator and moving armature, minimizing air gap reluctance and optimizing magnetic flux flow. This system is designed to operate at frequencies from 2 Hz to 50 Hz, with amplitudes up to 200 mm, suitable for vibrating large volumes of aggregate or concrete. User input via an industrial human-machine interface (HMI) adjusts the frequency and amplitude. The control component employs a high-power variable frequency drive (VFD) with closed-loop current control to precisely manage the multi-phase AC power to the linear motor coils.

• graph TD
      A[Industrial Power Grid] --> B[High-Power VFD];
      B --> C[Water-Cooled Linear Motor Coils];
      C -- Drive Force --> D[500kg Steel Block (Moveable Component)];
      D -- Linear Oscillation --> E[Cast Iron Housing];
      C -- Magnetic Circuit --> F[Electrical Steel Flux Paths];
      E[Cast Iron Housing] -- HMI User Input --> B;
  

Derivative 1.3: Cross-Domain Application (Medical - Targeted Micro-Vibration for Drug Delivery)

• Enabling Description: A miniaturized linear vibration module (micro-LVM) integrated into a swallowable capsule for targeted drug delivery within the gastrointestinal tract. The housing is a biocompatible polymer, specifically PEEK (polyether ether ketone). The moveable component is a magnetic nanoparticle swarm suspended in a non-toxic carrier fluid (e.g., perfluorocarbon emulsion) within a sealed micro-chamber. The driving component consists of micro-coils patterned on a flexible substrate (e.g., polyimide) surrounding the micro-chamber, designed to generate a localized oscillating magnetic field. The flux paths are micro-fabricated from a high-permeability soft magnetic material (e.g., NiFe alloy permalloy) deposited as thin films within the polymer housing, concentrating the magnetic field to precisely control the oscillation of the nanoparticle swarm. The control component is an ultra-low-power application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that receives wireless commands (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy) from an external controller, activating the coils to induce localized fluidic micro-vibrations (10 kHz to 100 kHz, 1-10 µm amplitude) at specific target sites for enhanced drug absorption or localized tissue permeabilization.

• graph LR
      A[External Controller] -- Wireless BLE Command --> B[Ultra-Low-Power ASIC];
      B --> C[Micro-Coils (Flexible Substrate)];
      C -- Localized Magnetic Field --> D[Magnetic Nanoparticle Swarm];
      D -- Micro-Vibration --> E[Sealed Micro-Chamber];
      C -- Flux Concentration --> F[Permalloy Thin Film Flux Paths];
      E -- Housing --> G[Biocompatible PEEK Housing];
  

Derivative 1.4: Integration with Emerging Tech (AI-Optimized Adaptive Haptics with IoT)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module for advanced haptic feedback in a wearable device, such as a smart ring or a haptic feedback glove. The housing is a lightweight polymer, specifically injection-molded ABS. The moveable component is a miniaturized permanent magnet (e.g., N35 grade neodymium iron boron). The driving component is a compact voice coil motor with a linear excursion of 2mm. The flux paths are 3D-printed from a ferromagnetic composite material (e.g., nylon-based filament with embedded iron powder) optimized for complex geometries to maximize flux density in a confined space. The control component is an embedded microcontroller (e.g., ESP32) with an integrated neural network accelerator, allowing on-device inference for haptic pattern generation. This system uses real-time haptic data (e.g., user interaction, environmental context from integrated IoT sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and proximity sensors) to feed an AI model that dynamically optimizes the frequency (10 Hz to 500 Hz) and amplitude (0.1 N to 5 N force output) of the linear vibration module for personalized and adaptive tactile sensations. The module communicates vibration performance data and receives updated haptic profiles via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth to a cloud-based AI service for continuous learning and profile refinement.

• graph TD
      A[IoT Sensors (Wearable)] --> B[Embedded Microcontroller + NN Accelerator];
      C[User-Input Features] --> B;
      B --> D[Power Supply];
      D --> E[Voice Coil Motor];
      E -- Drive --> F[Moveable Permanent Magnet];
      F -- Linear Oscillation --> G[Lightweight Polymer Housing];
      E -- Flux Concentration --> H[3D-Printed Ferromagnetic Flux Paths];
      B -- Wireless (WiFi/BLE) --> I[Cloud AI Service];
      I -- Optimized Haptic Profiles --> B;
  

Derivative 1.5: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode (Self-Diagnosing Low-Power Safe Mode)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module designed for long-term unattended operation in remote environmental sensing applications, capable of entering a self-diagnosing low-power safe mode. The housing is hermetically sealed stainless steel (e.g., 316L grade) to resist corrosion and moisture. The moveable component is a magnetically shielded permanent magnet assembly. The driving component is a low-power electromagnetic coil (e.g., 200 turns of 38 AWG copper wire). The flux paths are a highly permeable ferrite material (e.g., MnZn ferrite). The control component is an ultra-low-power microcontroller (e.g., MSP430 family) with integrated diagnostic routines and a watchdog timer. In normal operation, it oscillates at user-defined frequency/amplitude. Upon detection of abnormal sensor readings (e.g., excessive temperature from an NTC thermistor, deviation from expected vibration profile detected by an MEMS accelerometer, unusual current draw from a shunt resistor) or internal component failure (e.g., coil resistance change detected by an ADC), the control component automatically reduces power to a minimum "maintenance" vibration (e.g., 5 Hz, 0.1 N amplitude, 10% duty cycle) and activates the embedded accelerometer to perform diagnostic sweeps across a predefined frequency range (e.g., 10-100 Hz). This diagnostic data, along with fault codes, is transmitted via a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) module (e.g., LoRaWAN) to a central monitoring station, allowing remote diagnosis without requiring full operational power. A mechanical spring-loaded brake engages to prevent any further unintended oscillation if a critical failure (e.g., coil short to housing) is detected.

• stateDiagram-v2
      [*] --> Normal_Operation: Power On
      Normal_Operation --> Low_Power_Safe_Mode: Anomaly Detected OR Critical Fault
      Low_Power_Safe_Mode --> Diagnostic_Sweep: Enter Safe Mode
      Diagnostic_Sweep --> Transmit_Fault: Sweep Complete
      Transmit_Fault --> Low_Power_Safe_Mode: Data Sent
      Low_Power_Safe_Mode --> Mechanical_Brake_Engaged: Critical Fault Detected
      Mechanical_Brake_Engaged --> [*]: Shutdown
      Normal_Operation --> [*]: Power Off
  
      state Normal_Operation {
          Control_Component --> Coil_Driver: Freq/Amp Control
          Coil_Driver --> Moveable_Component: Vibrate
          Sensors --> Control_Component: Monitor
      }
      state Low_Power_Safe_Mode {
          Control_Component --> Coil_Driver: Min Freq/Amp (10% Duty)
          Accelerometer --> Control_Component: Self-Diagnostic
          LPWAN_Module --> Remote_Station: Transmit Status
      }
      state Mechanical_Brake_Engaged {
          Brake_Actuator --> Moveable_Component: Stop Oscillation
      }
  

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Derivatives of Claim 2: Linear vibration module with complex vibration modes

Claim 2: A linear vibration module comprising: a housing; a moveable component; a power supply; user-input features; a driving component that drives the moveable component in each of two opposite directions within the housing; and a control component that controls supply of power from the power supply to the driving component to cause the moveable component to oscillate at a frequency and an amplitude specified by user input received from the user-input features, wherein the control component drives simultaneous oscillation of the moveable component at two or more frequencies to generate complex vibration modes.
(Including aspects covered by dependent Claim 3: primary oscillation frequency modulated by a modulating oscillation frequency; a beat frequency; and an aperiodic oscillation waveform.)

Derivative 2.1: Material & Component Substitution (Actuation & Energy Storage for Multi-Frequency)

• Enabling Description: The linear vibration module utilizes a piezoelectric stack actuator (e.g., PZT-5H ceramic, 10mm x 10mm x 30mm) as the primary driving component, operating in parallel with a conventional electromagnetic coil for broader frequency response. The moveable component is a lightweight carbon fiber mass (e.g., 5 grams) rigidly attached to the piezoelectric stack. The control component is a high-speed digital signal processor (DSP, e.g., Analog Devices ADSP-BF592) capable of generating multiple, independently phased sinusoidal waveforms through direct digital synthesis (DDS), which are then amplified by a high-bandwidth multi-channel amplifier. One channel drives the electromagnetic coil for lower-frequency (1-500 Hz) base vibrations and high-amplitude impulses, while another drives the piezoelectric actuator for superimposed high-frequency (1 kHz-100 kHz) ultrasonic components, achieving complex modes like modulated ultrasonic bursts. A supercapacitor bank (e.g., 5V, 1F) is integrated with the power supply to provide instantaneous high-current bursts needed for rapid piezoelectric actuation, enabling rapid shifts in vibrational modes. User input via a gesture-recognition sensor array (e.g., infrared proximity sensors) allows for intuitive control of the superimposition and relative amplitudes of the different frequency components.

• flowchart TD
      A[Power Supply] --> B[Supercapacitor Bank];
      B --> C[Multi-Channel Amplifier];
      D[Gesture Sensor Array] --> E[DSP Control Component];
      E --> C;
      C --> F[Electromagnetic Coil];
      C --> G[Piezoelectric Stack Actuator];
      F -- Drive Low Freq --> H[Carbon Fiber Mass];
      G -- Drive High Freq --> H;
      H -- Complex Oscillation --> I[Housing];
  

Derivative 2.2: Operational Parameter Expansion (Underwater Sonar/Communication at Multi-Frequencies)

• Enabling Description: A robust linear vibration module designed for underwater acoustic signal generation in deep-sea environments. The housing is a pressure-rated titanium alloy (e.g., Grade 5) enclosure, filled with an incompressible, acoustically impedance-matched fluid (e.g., silicone oil) to ensure efficient sound propagation. The moveable component is a ferrofluid (e.g., based on magnetite nanoparticles) contained within a flexible, non-magnetic membrane, driven by an external electromagnet array. The driving component comprises a set of individually addressable, toroidal electromagnets positioned around the ferrofluid chamber, each capable of generating precise magnetic fields. The control component is a ruggedized embedded computer (e.g., Intel Atom-based industrial PC) running a multi-channel arbitrary waveform generator. This system simultaneously drives the electromagnets to create complex acoustic signatures by combining multiple frequencies (e.g., a 1 kHz fundamental with 5 kHz and 10 kHz harmonics for broadband sonar pings, or frequency-shift keying (FSK) for underwater data transmission). The amplitude (up to 10 MPa pressure wave) and relative phase of each frequency component are user-adjustable via a tethered remote control unit. The module can also generate beat frequencies for targeted acoustic cavitation effects (e.g., for cleaning submerged structures).

• sequenceDiagram
      participant R as Remote Control
      participant E as Embedded Computer (Control)
      participant A as Electromagnet Array (Driving)
      participant F as Ferrofluid (Moveable)
      participant H as Titanium Housing (Fluid-filled)
  
      R->E: Set Multi-Freq Waveforms (f1, f2, f3)
      E->A: Apply Phased Current (f1, f2, f3)
      A->F: Induce Magnetic Oscillation
      F->H: Generate Complex Acoustic Waves
      H-->E: Pressure/Position Feedback (optional)
  

Derivative 2.3: Cross-Domain Application (Precision Robotics - Adaptive Surface Adhesion/Manipulation)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module integrated into the end-effector of a precision robotic arm, designed for manipulating delicate or varied surfaces, such as in semiconductor manufacturing or biological sample handling. The housing is a lightweight aluminum alloy (e.g., 7075-T6). The moveable component is a magnetic mass (e.g., a permanent magnet array) damped by a magnetorheological (MR) fluid, allowing dynamic adjustment of dampening properties. The driving component is a linear electromagnetic actuator (e.g., voice coil motor). The control component is a high-speed industrial microcontroller (e.g., STM32H7 series) programmed to generate multi-frequency vibration patterns. For instance, a low-frequency component (50-200 Hz) could induce gross surface adhesion via miniature suction cups or micro-spines on the end-effector, while a superimposed high-frequency component (1-5 kHz) could reduce friction for precise positional adjustments or enable selective, residue-free detachment. The complex modes (e.g., amplitude-modulated pulses for controlled detachment, or beat frequencies for resonant surface excitation) are selected based on real-time feedback from a force/torque sensor (e.g., ATI Industrial Automation F/T sensor) on the end-effector and visual data from a high-resolution camera. User-input features include a graphical interface on a teach pendant for selecting pre-programmed modes or fine-tuning parameters.

• graph LR
      S[Force/Torque Sensor] --> M[Industrial Microcontroller];
      V[Vision System] --> M;
      P[Teach Pendant (User Input)] --> M;
      M --> D[Linear Electromagnetic Actuator];
      D -- Drives MR Fluid Damped Mass --> C[Moveable Magnetic Mass];
      C -- Complex Oscillation --> E[Aluminum Housing];
      E --> F[Robotic End-Effector];
  

Derivative 2.4: Integration with Emerging Tech (Blockchain-Verified Multi-Modal Haptic Feedback)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module for creating tamper-proof, multi-modal haptic feedback in secure authentication systems, such as cryptocurrency hardware wallets, secure key fobs, or physical access tokens. The housing is a robust polymer (e.g., polycarbonate) with integrated tamper detection sensors (e.g., light sensors, accelerometers for impact detection). The moveable component is a levitated magnetic mass, using active magnetic bearings (e.g., electromagnets with Hall effect sensors) to reduce friction and eliminate mechanical wear. The driving component consists of multiple high-frequency voice coils arranged to provide orthogonal linear forces. The control component is an embedded secure element (e.g., ARM TrustZone or equivalent, with a dedicated hardware security module) with a cryptographic coprocessor. This secure element generates unique multi-frequency vibrational patterns (e.g., specific combinations of frequencies, phases, and amplitudes to produce a unique "haptic signature") that are cryptographically signed using a private key and verified against a public blockchain record. User input involves a biometric scanner (e.g., capacitive fingerprint sensor) to initiate the haptic feedback, and the module provides simultaneous multi-frequency feedback (e.g., a core authentication frequency combined with a secondary modulating frequency indicating transaction status or confirmation code) that is difficult to forge or replicate, thus enhancing security and user trust in digital interactions.

• sequenceDiagram
      actor User
      participant BS as Biometric Scanner
      participant SE as Secure Element (Control)
      participant HVC as High-Frequency Voice Coils (Driving)
      participant LMM as Levitated Magnetic Mass (Moveable)
      participant THC as Tamper-Proof Housing
      participant CS as Cryptographic Signer
      participant B as Blockchain Ledger
  
      User->BS: Biometric Input
      BS->SE: Authentication Request
      SE->CS: Generate Unique Haptic Pattern & Sign
      CS->B: Record Signed Haptic Hash
      SE->HVC: Drive Multi-Freq Forces (f1, f2, f3...)
      HVC->LMM: Induce Complex Oscillation
      LMM->THC: Provide Haptic Feedback
      SE->B: Verify Haptic Hash (post-feedback, optional)
  

Derivative 2.5: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode (Graceful Degradation with Redundant Actuation)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module designed for mission-critical applications (e.g., surgical tools, industrial safety systems) where uninterrupted operation of some vibrational mode is paramount, even under partial failure. The module features redundant driving components: two independent sets of electromagnetic coils (Coil Set A and Coil Set B) and two independent control components (Microcontroller A and Microcontroller B, e.g., dual-core ARM Cortex-R series), each capable of driving the moveable component. The moveable component is a permanent magnet with integrated Hall effect sensors for high-resolution position monitoring. In normal operation, both microcontroller A and B collaborate, with synchronized clocking, to generate complex multi-frequency modes. If Microcontroller A fails (detected by a watchdog timer or inter-processor communication loss), Microcontroller B automatically takes over control, shedding the most complex vibrational modes (e.g., reducing from three simultaneous frequencies to two, or one primary frequency with amplitude modulation) to preserve basic functionality. If one coil set fails (detected by open-circuit or short-circuit diagnostics using current sense amplifiers), the remaining healthy coil set operates at a higher current/duty cycle (within safe thermal and saturation limits) to maintain the reduced-complexity vibration. This graceful degradation ensures continued, albeit simplified, haptic or vibrational output for critical alerts or basic operational feedback, with an indicator LED signaling the degraded status.

• stateDiagram-v2
      [*] --> Normal_MultiFreq_Mode
      Normal_MultiFreq_Mode --> Degraded_2Freq_Mode: MC_A_Fail OR Coil_A_Fail
      Normal_MultiFreq_Mode --> Degraded_1Freq_Mode: MC_B_Fail OR Coil_B_Fail (if A healthy)
      Degraded_2Freq_Mode --> Degraded_1Freq_Mode: MC_B_Fail OR Coil_B_Fail
      Degraded_1Freq_Mode --> Critical_Alert_Mode: Remaining_MC_Fail OR Remaining_Coil_Fail
      Critical_Alert_Mode --> [*]: Shutdown
  
      state Normal_MultiFreq_Mode {
          MC_A + MC_B --> Coil_A + Coil_B: All Freqs
          Hall_Sensors --> MC_A & MC_B: Position
      }
      state Degraded_2Freq_Mode {
          MC_B --> Coil_B: Reduced Freqs
          Hall_Sensors --> MC_B: Position
      }
      state Degraded_1Freq_Mode {
          MC_B --> Coil_B: Basic Freq
          Hall_Sensors --> MC_B: Position
      }
      state Critical_Alert_Mode {
          Buzzer_LED: Alert
      }
  

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Derivatives of Claim 4: Linear vibration module with independent frequency and amplitude control

Claim 4: A linear vibration module comprising: a housing; a moveable component; a power supply; user-input features; a driving component that drives the moveable component in each of two opposite directions within the housing; and a control component that controls supply of power from the power supply to the driving component to cause the moveable component to oscillate at a frequency and an amplitude that are independently specified by user input received from the user-input features.

Derivative 4.1: Material & Component Substitution (Actuator & Control Interface)

• Enabling Description: The linear vibration module employs a magnetostrictive actuator (e.g., Terfenol-D rod, 6mm diameter, 50mm length) as the driving component, housed within a non-ferromagnetic composite housing (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced polymer). The moveable component is the end of the magnetostrictive rod itself, or a coupling attached to it. The power supply provides high-current pulses to the actuator's excitation coil. User-input features consist of a haptic-enabled rotary encoder for frequency adjustment and a force-sensing linear slider for amplitude adjustment, both providing tactile feedback to the user. The control component is a high-resolution microcontroller (e.g., ARM Cortex-M4) that independently generates precise current waveforms for the magnetostrictive actuator. A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) linked to the rotary encoder sets the fundamental oscillation frequency (from 1 Hz to 5 kHz), while a separate analog gain stage, controlled by the linear slider, scales the current amplitude independently to achieve desired force output (from 0.01 N to 100 N). The microcontroller monitors the current and voltage to the actuator, providing closed-loop control for both frequency and amplitude stability.

• flowchart LR
      A[Rotary Encoder (Freq Input)] --> B[VCO (Freq Control)];
      C[Linear Slider (Amp Input)] --> D[Analog Gain Stage (Amp Control)];
      B --> E[High-Res Microcontroller];
      D --> E;
      E --> F[High-Current Pulse Driver];
      F --> G[Magnetostrictive Actuator];
      G -- Linear Oscillation --> H[Composite Housing];
  

Derivative 4.2: Operational Parameter Expansion (Extreme Cold, Nanoscale Amplitude)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module designed for cryogenic environments (e.g., liquid helium temperatures, 4K) to provide precise nanoscale positioning or vibration, suitable for quantum computing research or high-precision microscopy. The housing is made from a superconducting alloy (e.g., NbTi) to minimize thermal noise and provide intrinsic magnetic shielding. The moveable component is a magnetically levitated permanent magnet (e.g., a YBCO superconductor disk over a static magnetic field), suspended within the housing, eliminating mechanical friction. The driving component comprises miniature, superconducting coils (e.g., Nb3Sn wire) cooled to their critical temperature, enabling lossless current control with ultra-low power dissipation. The control component is an external, cryo-compatible FPGA (e.g., Xilinx Kintex UltraScale series) that generates ultra-low-noise, precisely tunable AC currents for the superconducting coils. User input is provided via a remote, networked interface, allowing independent adjustment of oscillation frequency (from 1 mHz to 1 kHz) and amplitude (from 1 nm to 10 µm) through fine-grained digital-to-analog controlled current sources. Feedback from a cryogenic capacitance sensor monitors the displacement of the levitated magnet with picometer resolution.

• graph TD
      A[Remote Networked Interface] --> B[Cryo-Compatible FPGA (Control)];
      B --> C[Cryogenic Current Sources];
      C --> D[Miniature Superconducting Coils (Driving)];
      D -- Magnetic Levitation & Drive --> E[Magnetically Levitated Permanent Magnet (Moveable)];
      E -- Nanoscale Oscillation --> F[Superconducting Alloy Housing];
      E -- Displacement Feedback --> G[Cryogenic Capacitance Sensor];
      G --> B;
  

Derivative 4.3: Cross-Domain Application (Precision Manufacturing - Micro-Machining Tool)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module integrated into a micro-machining tool head for processing brittle materials (e.g., optical glass, advanced ceramics, silicon wafers) with reduced tool wear, improved surface finish, and prevention of micro-cracking. The housing is integrated into the tool spindle. The moveable component is the cutting tool itself (e.g., a diamond-tipped micro-mill), mounted to a flexure-based linear stage with piezoelectric actuators for fine positioning. The driving component is a voice coil motor utilizing a high-frequency linear ceramic bearing for minimal friction and high stiffness. The control component is a dedicated multi-axis motion controller that takes independent frequency and amplitude inputs from the CNC machine's control system (e.g., G-code commands). The tool can be set to oscillate at a specified frequency (e.g., 20 kHz to 50 kHz for ultrasonic machining assistance) with an independently controlled amplitude (e.g., 5 µm to 50 µm for precise material removal), effectively transforming static cutting into vibrational machining. This independent control allows for real-time optimization of cutting parameters based on material properties, tool wear, and desired surface roughness, improving process yield and quality.

• flowchart LR
      A[CNC Control System] --> B[Motion Controller (Control)];
      B --> C[Voice Coil Motor (Driving)];
      C --> D[Cutting Tool on Linear Stage (Moveable)];
      D -- Micro-Oscillation --> E[Tool Spindle Housing];
      D -- Position Feedback --> B;
      B -- Independent Freq/Amp Control --> F[User Interface (CNC)];
  

Derivative 4.4: Integration with Emerging Tech (IoT-Enabled Predictive Maintenance with Digital Twin)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module deployed in industrial machinery (e.g., large conveyors, industrial mixers, structural components) for active vibration suppression or targeted material agitation. The module's housing is integrated into the machine frame. The moveable component is a dynamically balanced counter-mass. The driving component is a high-power linear electromagnetic actuator. The control component is an embedded edge computing unit (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson Nano) running a digital twin model of the machinery and the vibration module. User-input features, accessible via a secure web interface or mobile app, allow authorized technicians to independently adjust the vibration frequency and amplitude of the counter-mass to actively cancel specific machine resonances (e.g., at varying operational speeds) or dynamically create targeted agitation patterns for process optimization. The edge unit continuously monitors the module's operational parameters (current, voltage, displacement, temperature, and external machine vibration signatures via accelerometers) and transmits this data via a secure industrial IoT network (e.g., OPC UA over Ethernet/IP) to a cloud-based digital twin for predictive maintenance. The digital twin analyzes performance deviations, predicts component failures, and suggests optimal frequency/amplitude settings for extended component life and energy efficiency.

• graph TD
      A[Technician HMI (Web/Mobile)] --> B[Edge Computing Unit (Control)];
      C[Industrial Sensors (Vib Mod)] --> B;
      B --> D[Power Supply];
      D --> E[Linear Electromagnetic Actuator (Driving)];
      E -- Drive --> F[Counter-Mass (Moveable)];
      F -- Active Oscillation --> G[Machine Frame Housing];
      B -- Industrial IoT Network (OPC UA) --> H[Cloud Digital Twin Platform];
      H -- Predictive Insights/Recommendations --> B;
  

Derivative 4.5: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode (Reduced-Functionality Diagnostic Mode)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module for consumer appliances (e.g., electric toothbrush, facial cleanser, massage device) with an integrated, user-activated diagnostic mode. The housing is a waterproof molded plastic (e.g., polypropylene). The moveable component is a small permanent magnet. The driving component is a compact voice coil. The power supply includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. User-input features are basic buttons for power and mode selection. The control component is a low-cost microcontroller (e.g., PIC18F series). When the user initiates a "diagnostic mode" (e.g., holding a specific button for 5 seconds), the control component temporarily disengages the primary vibrational output and instead drives the moveable component through a predefined, low-power sweep of frequencies (e.g., 10 Hz to 200 Hz over 30 seconds) at a fixed, minimal amplitude. During this sweep, the microcontroller monitors the driving current profile, the back-EMF signature, and internal component temperatures. Anomalies in these profiles (e.g., sudden current spikes, dampened back-EMF at specific frequencies, localized temperature hotspots) indicate potential mechanical issues (e.g., debris ingress, bearing wear, coil damage, or motor shaft misalignment). This diagnostic information is then conveyed to the user through simple visual feedback (e.g., flashing LED patterns, specific color codes) or a short sequence of distinct, audible click patterns. The normal independent frequency and amplitude controls are unavailable in this diagnostic mode, preventing further potential damage while isolating the fault.

• stateDiagram-v2
      [*] --> Normal_Mode: Power On
      Normal_Mode --> Diagnostic_Request: User Holds Button
      Diagnostic_Request --> Diagnostic_Mode: Acknowledge
      Diagnostic_Mode --> Normal_Mode: Diagnostic Complete OR Timeout
      Diagnostic_Mode --> Error_Indication: Anomaly Detected
      Error_Indication --> Normal_Mode: User Acknowledges OR Reset
  
      state Normal_Mode {
          Microcontroller --> Coil_Driver: User Freq/Amp
          Coil_Driver --> Moveable_Component: Vibrate
      }
      state Diagnostic_Mode {
          Microcontroller --> Coil_Driver: Predefined Freq Sweep (Low Power, Fixed Amp)
          Coil_Driver -- Monitor Current/Back-EMF --> Microcontroller
          Microcontroller --> User_Feedback: Progress/Results
      }
      state Error_Indication {
          User_Feedback: Flash LED / Audible Clicks
      }
  

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Derivatives of Claim 5: Linear vibration module with elastomeric bristles

Claim 5: A linear vibration module comprising: a housing; a moveable component; a power supply; user-input features; a driving component that drives the moveable component in each of two opposite directions within the housing; a control component that controls supply of power from the power supply to the driving component to cause the moveable component to oscillate at a frequency and an amplitude specified by user input received from the user-input features; and elastomeric bristles used to transfer vibration from the linear vibration module to a surface.

Derivative 5.1: Material & Component Substitution (Bristles & Driving Element)

• Enabling Description: The linear vibration module incorporates a shape memory alloy (SMA, e.g., Nickel-Titanium Nitinol) wire actuator (e.g., 100 µm diameter) as the driving component, integrated into the moveable component, a lightweight polymer shaft (e.g., PEEK). The housing is a compact, ergonomically contoured silicone rubber. The "elastomeric bristles" are replaced with a multi-segment brush head, where each segment comprises electroactive polymer (EAP) fibers (e.g., dielectric elastomers) individually addressable. The control component is an embedded microcontroller (e.g., PIC32 series) that drives the SMA wire actuator via precisely controlled current pulses to achieve bulk linear oscillation (100 Hz to 1 kHz, 0.5mm amplitude). Simultaneously, the microcontroller applies variable high voltages (e.g., 0-5kV) to individual EAP fiber segments, allowing dynamic adjustment of the stiffness, length, and even individual segment vibration of the bristles, adapting their tactile response to the surface. This allows for a combination of gross vibration and fine, localized tactile patterning. User input through an integrated pressure-sensitive pad allows fine-tuning of overall vibration frequency/amplitude and localized tactile feedback intensity via the EAP bristles.

• graph TD
      A[Pressure-Sensitive Pad (User Input)] --> B[Embedded Microcontroller];
      B --> C[Current Pulser (SMA)];
      B --> D[High-Voltage Driver (EAP)];
      C --> E[SMA Wire Actuator (Driving)];
      E -- Drive --> F[Lightweight Polymer Shaft (Moveable)];
      F -- Linear Oscillation --> G[Silicone Rubber Housing];
      D --> H[EAP Fiber Segments (Vibration Transfer)];
      H -- Adaptive Tactile Output --> Surface;
  

Derivative 5.2: Operational Parameter Expansion (High Temperature & Abrasive Environments)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module for cleaning industrial components or surfaces in high-temperature (up to 300°C) and abrasive environments, such as in metal treatment facilities or food processing plants (post-sterilization). The housing is constructed from a high-temperature ceramic (e.g., silicon carbide). The moveable component is a ceramic shaft. The driving component is a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer (e.g., Langevin type) operating at a resonant frequency (e.g., 50 kHz to 200 kHz) to induce high-frequency, low-amplitude linear oscillations. The "elastomeric bristles" are replaced with a brush head composed of high-temperature-resistant ceramic fibers (e.g., alumina or silicon carbide whiskers) sintered into a flexible, high-temperature ceramic matrix, designed to withstand harsh chemical baths and abrasive conditions. The control component is a ruggedized industrial controller, shielded for high temperatures and integrated with an active liquid cooling system, that provides independent user control (via a remote HMI) of the ultrasonic frequency (for optimal cavitation/cleaning efficiency) and amplitude (for scrubbing intensity). A closed-loop cooling system actively manages the temperature of the piezoelectric transducer and control electronics.

• flowchart TD
      A[Remote HMI (User Input)] --> B[Ruggedized Industrial Controller];
      B --> C[High-Frequency Power Amplifier];
      C --> D[Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducer (Driving)];
      D -- Linear Oscillation --> E[Ceramic Shaft (Moveable)];
      E -- Vibration Transfer --> F[Sintered Ceramic Fiber Brush (Vibration Transfer)];
      F -- Clean --> Surface;
      B --> G[Cooling System];
      D -- Temp Monitor --> B;
  

Derivative 5.3: Cross-Domain Application (Agriculture - Targeted Pollination/Pest Control)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module integrated into an autonomous agricultural robot for targeted pollination or pest dislodgement, minimizing chemical use and manual labor. The housing is a weather-resistant, biodegradable polymer composite (e.g., PLA reinforced with natural fibers). The moveable component is a lightweight, magnetically driven rod. The driving component is a compact electromagnetic coil. The "elastomeric bristles" are replaced with a specialized array of bio-mimetic polymer filaments (e.g., silicone tentacles or micro-hairs designed to mimic insect antennae) mounted on the robot's end-effector. The control component is an onboard robot microcontroller (e.g., Raspberry Pi Compute Module) that, based on real-time vision system input (e.g., deep learning for flower detection, pest identification, pollen presence), precisely controls the frequency (50 Hz to 200 Hz for optimal pollen dislodgement, 10 Hz to 50 Hz for pest agitation) and amplitude of oscillation of the filaments. This allows for gentle, targeted vibration for efficient pollen transfer, or more vigorous, specific vibrations to shake off pests without damaging plants. The user (farmer) can define target vibration profiles, schedules, and sensitivity settings via the robot's management software.

• graph TD
      A[Robot Management Software (User Input)] --> B[Onboard Robot Microcontroller];
      C[Vision System (Plant/Pest Detection)] --> B;
      B --> D[Electromagnetic Coil (Driving)];
      D -- Drives --> E[Lightweight Magnetic Rod (Moveable)];
      E -- Linear Oscillation --> F[Biodegradable Polymer Housing];
      F --> G[Bio-mimetic Polymer Filament Array (Vibration Transfer)];
      G -- Targeted Pollination/Pest Control --> Plant_Surface;
  

Derivative 5.4: Integration with Emerging Tech (AR/VR Haptic Feedback with Smart Bristle Array)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module forming a haptic feedback array in an AR/VR glove or controller, providing nuanced tactile sensations that extend beyond simple vibration. The housing is a flexible, skin-conformable fabric embedded with conductive traces. The moveable component is a miniature permanent magnet array. The driving component consists of a distributed network of micro-solenoids. The "elastomeric bristles" are embodied as a "smart bristle array" composed of individually actuated dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers, each topped with a soft, conductive polymer bristle. The control component is an embedded edge processor (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2) that receives real-time environmental data (e.g., virtual object collision, surface texture information) and user interaction cues from the AR/VR application via low-latency wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E). This processor, driven by an AI-generated haptic rendering engine, independently controls the frequency (10 Hz to 1 kHz) and amplitude (overall displacement of 0.1-1mm) of the linear vibration module, while simultaneously and independently actuating individual DE bristle elements to create highly localized, nuanced tactile sensations (e.g., simulating fine texture, varying pressure, or the feeling of brushing against a virtual object). This creates a truly immersive and realistic haptic experience.

• sequenceDiagram
      participant A as AR/VR Application
      participant EP as Edge Processor (Control)
      participant HSA as Haptic Rendering AI
      participant MS as Micro-Solenoids (Driving)
      participant PM as Permanent Magnet Array (Moveable)
      participant SBA as Smart Bristle Array (DE Transducers)
      participant User as User's Skin
  
      A->EP: Real-time Environment/User Data
      EP->HSA: Data for Haptic Rendering
      HSA->EP: AI-Generated Haptic Commands
      EP->MS: Drive Linear Oscillation Freq/Amp
      MS->PM: Induce Overall Vibration
      PM->SBA: Transfer Bulk Vibration
      EP->SBA: Individually Actuate DE Bristles (Localized Texture)
      SBA->User: Immersive Haptic Feedback
  

Derivative 5.5: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode (Bio-Feedback Dampening & Soft Shutdown)

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module for sensitive skin applications (e.g., infant care devices, elderly care massagers, dermatological treatment aids). The housing is a soft, medical-grade silicone. The moveable component is a ceramic-coated magnetic mass to ensure biocompatibility and reduce friction. The driving component is a low-power voice coil. The elastomeric bristles are made from a hypoallergenic, ultra-soft silicone, optimized for minimal skin irritation. The control component is a low-power microcontroller (e.g., NXP Kinetis L series) with integrated bio-impedance sensors (e.g., conductive polymer electrodes) embedded within the bristle array. If the bio-impedance sensors detect signs of skin irritation (e.g., excessive pressure indicated by impedance changes, prolonged contact, or changes in skin conductivity indicative of inflammation or allergic reaction), the control component automatically initiates a "bio-feedback dampening" mode. In this mode, the amplitude is gradually reduced over a specified period (e.g., 5 seconds) until vibration ceases (soft shutdown), preventing discomfort or harm. If only partial bristle failure is detected (e.g., a cluster of bristles detaching or becoming rigid, detected by differential pressure sensors integrated into the bristle head), the control component adjusts the driving frequency and amplitude to compensate for the imbalance, or completely shuts down that section of the bristle array, signaling a maintenance alert via a multicolor indicator light. This ensures safe and adaptable operation.

• stateDiagram-v2
      [*] --> Normal_Vibration: Power On
      Normal_Vibration --> Bio_Feedback_Dampening: Skin Irritation Detected
      Bio_Feedback_Dampening --> Soft_Shutdown: Amplitude Zero
      Normal_Vibration --> Compensated_Operation: Partial Bristle Failure
      Compensated_Operation --> Maintenance_Alert: Indication
      Soft_Shutdown --> [*]: Power Off
  
      state Normal_Vibration {
          Microcontroller --> Voice_Coil: Freq/Amp Control
          Bio_Impedance_Sensors --> Microcontroller: Monitor Skin
      }
      state Bio_Feedback_Dampening {
          Microcontroller --> Voice_Coil: Gradual Amp Reduction
      }
      state Compensated_Operation {
          Microcontroller --> Voice_Coil: Adjust Freq/Amp
          Pressure_Sensors --> Microcontroller: Monitor Bristles
      }
      state Maintenance_Alert {
          Indicator_Light: On
      }
  

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Combination Prior Art Scenarios

Here are three scenarios combining the principles of US Patent 8860337 with existing open-source standards to establish prior art for interconnected or controlled vibration systems.

1. Linear Vibration Module (US8860337 Claim 1) + MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) over Wi-Fi:

• Enabling Description: An industrial linear vibration module (e.g., as described in Derivative 1.2, incorporating paramagnetic flux paths for efficiency in heavy-duty applications) is equipped with an embedded microcontroller (e.g., an ESP32 or STM32-based module). This microcontroller implements the MQTT protocol for lightweight messaging over a standard Wi-Fi network (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n). Operational parameters (such as current frequency, commanded amplitude, real-time power consumption, internal temperature, and vibration sensor readings from an integrated accelerometer) are periodically published as MQTT messages to a central broker (e.g., Mosquitto MQTT broker). In parallel, control commands (e.g., "set frequency to 45Hz," "set amplitude to 75%") are subscribed from the MQTT broker by the vibration module. This configuration enables real-time remote monitoring, control, and integration of the linear vibration module into existing industrial IoT platforms, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), or MES (Manufacturing Execution System) environments using a widely adopted, open-source, and resource-efficient communication standard. The data can be visualized and analyzed on a dashboard accessible via any MQTT-compatible client.

2. Linear Vibration Module (US8860337 Claim 2) + ROS (Robot Operating System):

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module capable of generating complex vibration modes (e.g., as described in Derivative 2.3 for precision robotics, featuring simultaneous multi-frequency actuation and MR fluid damping) is integrated into a robotic platform. The robot's main control system runs on an embedded Linux distribution with ROS (Robot Operating System) Noetic. The vibration module's control component (e.g., a Raspberry Pi Compute Module) also runs ROS nodes and communicates with the main robot controller via a high-speed Ethernet connection using ROS topics and services. A custom ROS package, linear_vibration_mode_controller, is developed. This package includes a vibration_driver node responsible for low-level control of the driving components and a mode_manager node that exposes ROS services (e.g., /lrvm/set_complex_mode and /lrvm/apply_haptic_pattern). The set_complex_mode service takes parameters for primary frequency, modulating frequency, relative phase, and amplitudes, enabling the robot to dynamically select and apply specific multi-frequency vibration patterns to its end-effector for tasks such as adaptive gripping of delicate objects, active surface cleaning based on environmental feedback, or advanced haptic interaction with human operators, leveraging the modular and distributed communication architecture of ROS.

3. Linear Vibration Module (US8860337 Claim 4) + IEC 61131-3 (Programmable Logic Controller Standard):

• Enabling Description: A linear vibration module with independent user control of frequency and amplitude (e.g., as described in Derivative 4.4 for active vibration suppression in industrial machinery) is integrated into an industrial automation system controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) from a major vendor (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider Electric). The vibration module's control component (an industrial-grade embedded controller supporting an EtherCAT slave interface) communicates with the master PLC using the EtherCAT fieldbus, which is compliant with parts of the IEC 61131-3 standard for programmable controllers. The vibration module's parameters, such as desired oscillation frequency and amplitude, are exposed as process data objects (PDOs) within the EtherCAT network. Function blocks (FBs) and programming languages (e.g., Structured Text or Ladder Diagram) defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard are used within the PLC programming environment to read inputs from an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and write the corresponding frequency and amplitude values directly to the vibration module. This allows factory operators to configure and adjust the vibration characteristics (e.g., for optimizing material flow on a conveyor belt, synchronizing vibration with production cycles, or setting specific agitation profiles in a chemical processing tank) directly from the standardized PLC programming environment, ensuring robust and maintainable integration into complex industrial control landscapes.