Abstract: A lighting system including modules containing LEDs or other electroluminescent devices and loosely constrained magnetic structures at least partially contained within cavities in the module substrate that are connected to fixtures under magnetic force. The loosely constrained magnetic structures accommodate mechanical variations in the system and provide a method to connect modules mechanically, electrically and thermally to different fixtures or positions in fixtures without tools. The relatively short distance separating magnetic structures provides high connection forces with the use of relatively small magnets. Magnets and electrical contacts are not located directly between the LED subassembly and the fixture, which provides higher thermal conductivity pathways to remove heat from the LEDs. Biasing members may be used to increase thermal contact. Magnetic structures may, but are not required, to conduct electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed are interposer electrical connector embodiments including magnetic components used to facilitate interconnection of peripheral devices to standard input/output, or “I/O”, connectors (such as USB connectors) of devices such as mobile communications products (e.g. smart phones, tablets, and personal computers). The interposer connector embodiments disclosed include those in which a plurality of discrete permanent magnets are arranged with magnetic poles aligned in the same orientation perpendicular to and on one side of the electrical interface. Other embodiments include a plurality of bar permanent magnets located on opposite sides of the interface with all poles of the same type directed at the interface, but each one opposing a ferromagnetic element. These arrangements provide self-aligning capabilities useful for electrical connections that have restrictions on visibility or connection approach geometries.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic interconnect is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a module having a recess therein. A magnetic structure is moveable within the recess and a flexible circuit cooperates with the module to retain the magnetic structure within the recess. Movement of the magnetic structure is caused by magnetic attraction between the magnetic structure and an external magnetic structure. The flexible circuit includes a compliant contact, which changes shape by movement of the magnetic structure.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic interconnect is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a module having a recess therein. A magnetic structure is moveable within the recess and a flexible circuit cooperates with the module to retain the magnetic structure within the recess. Movement of the magnetic structure is caused by magnetic attraction between the magnetic structure and an external magnetic structure. The flexible circuit includes a compliant contact, which changes shape by movement of the magnetic structure.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic interconnect is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a module having a recess therein. A magnetic structure is moveable within the recess and a flexible circuit cooperates with the module to retain the magnetic structure within the recess. Movement of the magnetic structure is caused by magnetic attraction between the magnetic structure and an external magnetic structure. The flexible circuit includes a compliant contact, which changes shape by movement of the magnetic structure.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic interconnect is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a module having a recess therein. A magnetic structure is moveable within the recess and a flexible circuit cooperates with the module to retain the magnetic structure within the recess. Movement of the magnetic structure is caused by magnetic attraction between the magnetic structure and an external magnetic structure. The flexible circuit includes a compliant contact, which changes shape by movement of the magnetic structure.

Abstract: A pivotable and retractable antenna contains mechanical and electrical components for connecting to, and matching the impedance of, radio frequency circuitry within an electronic device, such as a radiotelephone. A dielectric substrate has one end movably mounted to the housing of a radiotelephone and an opposite free end. The end movably mounted to the housing is configured to move into various positions to allow the dielectric substrate to have a first extended position, a second extended position and a retracted position. In a first extended position, the dielectric substrate extends along a longitudinal direction defined by the radiotelephone housing. In a second extended position, the dielectric substrate free end is pivoted away from the radiotelephone in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing.

Abstract: A telephone is provided with a first housing and a second housing slideably secured to the first housing for movement between an open position and a closed position, said second housing projecting out from said first housing in said open position. The telephone also includes an antenna pivotably attached to said second housing. A position control mechanism is provided to pivot said antenna away from said second housing, and a guide is provided to secure said antenna against pivoting when said second housing is in said closed position.

Abstract: A applied diffusor structure for lightguides fabricated out of a flexible transparent film substrate. The substrate having high resolution complex patterns printed on the surface of the substrate using any high resolution printing process. The substrate affixed to the lightguide using a transparent adhesive or alternatively the substrate is molded to the lightguide.

Abstract: A applied diffusor structure for lightguides fabricated out of a flexible transparent film substrate. The substrate having high resolution complex patterns printed on the surface of the substrate using any high resolution printing process. The substrate affixed to the lightguide using a transparent adhesive or alternatively the substrate is molded to the lightguide.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a cellular phone includes a rotatable detent portion attached to the helix of the antenna. A fixed detent member permanently attached to the phone includes a passageway to allow the antenna and rotatable detent to pass therethrough. A biased teeth is mounted between a plurality of guide detents formed on the inner surface within the fixed detent member and the base of the phone. While the teeth ring is allowed to move axially, it is keyed to prevent rotation. Accordingly, the detents formed on the rotatable detent member cause the rotatable detent member to rotate as it passes between the guide detents and as it engages the teeth ring. The forced rotations cause the detents of the rotatable detent portion to become engaged and disengaged with a latching undercut portion formed on a bottom portion of the guide detents.

Abstract: The photolithography tool of the present invention in its simplest embodiment includes an afocal lens system and a three-dimensional master or mask. The three-dimensional mask is located within the object space of the afocal lens system and is imaged onto a three-dimensional circuit carrier or substrate located within the imaging space of the afocal lens system. By using an afocal lens, with which persons skilled in instrumental optics are familiar, a system can be designed for which the object space is identical to the imaging space for unity magnification. As a result, a mask can be used in which the surface contour and pattern to be imaged is identical to the desired substrate surface and pattern, thereby simplifying mask design.

Abstract: A compression spring, enclosed within a portion of a guide member, provides a bias force to automatically extend an antenna in response to release of the antenna from a retracted position. The portion of the guide member enclosing the spring is nonlinearly aligned with another portion of the guide member that is adapted to receive the antenna when retracted. The retractable antenna assembly solves the awkward requirement for the use of two hands to extend an antenna on portable telecommunication instruments, without increasing the size or significantly adding to the weight of such instruments.

Abstract: A spring-driven pinion gear, rotatably mounted in an enclosure supporting an antenna, automatically extends the antenna upon release of a latch. The pinion gear has a plurality of gear teeth that mate with a gear tooth form provided on an external surface of the antenna. The antenna extender system embodying the present invention, provides a compact and economical system for automatically extending an antenna in portable telecommunication instruments.