Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to an adjustment indicator mechanism for a door closer including a tubular portion and an adjustment screw mounted to the tubular portion. A housing is configured for mounting to the door closer, and includes a channel and indicia adjacent the channel, each of the indicia corresponding to a respective size of the door closer. An adjustment transmission includes a first component configured for coupling with the adjustment screw. An indicator transmission is engaged with the adjustment transmission and mounted in the housing. An indicator is movably mounted to the housing such that a portion of the indicator is visible via the channel. The indicator is engaged with the indicator transmission such that movement of the indicator transmission causes the indicator to selectively align with the indicia to thereby indicate the current size of the door closer.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the gauge wheel arm, a position sensor assembly having a position sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the gauge wheel arm, and a controller coupled to the position sensor. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the position sensor and to provide an alert based on the signal.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a first gauge wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a first gauge wheel coupled to the first gauge wheel arm, a second gauge wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a second gauge wheel coupled to the second gauge wheel arm, and a position sensor assembly having a position sensor at least partially disposed between the first gauge wheel arm and the second gauge wheel arm such that the position sensor is at least partially concealed from view between the first and second gauge wheels when viewing the row unit along an axis of rotation of the first gauge wheel.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a frame, a gauge wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the gauge wheel arm, and a position sensor assembly configured to detect a gap corresponding to a rotational position of the gauge wheel arm. The position sensor assembly includes a sensing target surface. The sensing target surface is at least one of an eccentric surface or a cam surface.

Abstract: Flow sensors are provided that can provide both leak detection and flow monitoring. The flow monitoring enables a determination whether there are blockages or leaks in a fluid system during normal operation of the system. The leak detection enables detection of leaks when the system is shut off. The flow sensors can use a frusto-conical flow guide to provide a more compact flow sensor.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure feature a sensing device comprising a magnetic bias layer, a resonator, a spacer, and a housing. The spacer includes an environmental change receptor. The thickness of the environmental change receptor rapidly increases in response to a change to an environment variable.

Abstract: An electronic water meter capable of implementing precision metering. The electronic water meter comprises a machine frame, multiple counter units, and multiple shielding plates. The counter units comprise numerical character wheels, magnets, magnetic angular displacement sensors, and digital circuits. The magnetic angular displacement sensors are electrically connected to the digital circuits, sense components of magnetic fields at respective positions thereof on the basis of angular position changes of magnetic field vectors of the counter units, and transmit a corresponding electric signal to the digital circuits. The digital circuits perform a calculation processing on the basis of the electrical signal outputted by the magnetic angular displacement sensors and output a digital signal corresponding to the angular positions of the numerical character wheels.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided that allow a physician to consistently and reliably locate an implantable, magnetically settable valve (valve) and to determine and/or change (adjust) a setting of the valve from a current setting to a target setting without interference from the valve and/or patient's skin. In particular, various locator tools are provided that include a housing having a deck extending thereacross that is formed at least in part of a material which is moveable to accommodate a protrusion of a hydrocephalus valve beneath skin.

Abstract: A system for generating a non-visual notification of a machine condition includes a machine condition sensor configured to sense a machine condition. A notification generation controller is in communication with the machine condition sensor. The notification generation controller generates a notification according to the sensed machine condition. In a feedback configuration the notification generation controller compares an integral of a rate of change of the sensed machine condition with a threshold to trigger the generation of a notification. In a guidance configuration the notification generation controller uses the deviation of the machine condition from a guidance direction determined with a steering algorithm to control the generation of a notification. A non-visual notification generator is in communication with the notification generation controller and generates a non-visual notification based on the notification.

Abstract: A linear water meter system may include a metering system, a ball valve, a power generation system, a wireless communication system, or a combination thereof. The linear water meter system may provide a linear pathway through the meter that minimizes pressure loss in the system. Two pathways may be provided through the power generation system. One pathway may be utilized to generate power, and the other pathway may provide a bypass that can be utilized to maintain a desired water pressure level in the system.

Abstract: A pipeline pig signal includes sealing means located within a lower end of the trigger cavity of the signal which prevents pipeline debris from entering the trigger cavity. The sealing means moves between a first sealing position and a second sealing position in response to the trigger moving between a non-triggered and triggered position. The sealing means may be a polymer boot, a filter arrangement, a sliding piston arrangement, or a sliding shelf arrangement.

Abstract: An electro permanent magnetic system (10) for anchoring ferromagnetic material, with magnetic state indicator (14), comprising: an electro permanent magnetic module (12), a control unit (11) for said electro permanent magnetic module (12), an electrical connection system (13) between said control unit (11) and said electro permanent magnetic module (12); a magnetization indicator (14) for said electro permanent magnetic module (12) associated with the electro permanent magnetic module (12); characterised in that said magnetization indicator (14) is a bistable indicator having two stable states; said magnetization indicator (14) not requiring electrical power to remain in one of said stable states; said magnetization indicator (14) being electrically fed only in association with the magnetization or demagnetization of said electro permanent magnetic module (12), to pass from one stable state to the other of said two stable states.

Abstract: A system and related methods for locating an electrical box through a covering material. The system utilizes a magnetized seeker disk in combination with a magnetized mounting disk that is mounted within an opening on an electrical box. The mounting disk attaches to the electrical box by being wedged into and displacing/deflect a perimeter wall of the electrical box. The electrical box is then covered by sheetrock or any other wall or ceiling covering. The seeker disk is placed on top of the covering near where the electrical box is thought to be located. By operation of the embedded magnets, the seeker disk signals the precise location of the electrical box by interacting with the previously mounted insert disk.

Abstract: A wire level gauge for indicating the level of wire in a wire storage container and a method for determining the level of wire in a wire storage container using the wire level gauge. The wire level gauge has a level indicator with a magnet which is slidably movable on a measuring bar. The level indicator moves on the measuring bar and follows a leading edge of the wire in the wire storage container as the wire is dispensed from the wire storage container.

Abstract: A valve unit capable of being implanted in a patient and having adjustable performance settings, such as pressure settings and/or flow control, to regulate passage of a bodily fluid. A casing defines a port for the bodily fluid, and a valve mechanism positioned at the port includes a movable valve member. The valve unit further includes a rotor disposed at a first location in the casing and having an axle which turns about an axis of rotation. The rotor defines a plurality of arcuate, radially flat cam surfaces. Each cam surface occupies an arc about the axis of rotation. A spring arm unit is disposed at a second location in the casing having a cam follower arm in slidable contact with the cam surfaces of the rotor and having a resilient spring element applying a closing effect with the movable valve member to establish a performance setting for the valve unit.

Abstract: An air freshening device is provided for detecting water leaks and protecting surfaces from water damage due to leaks. The device includes: a tray, configured for being placed upon a surface located under a water pipe; a removable and replaceable liner placed upon the tray, the liner comprising a material configured for releasing an air freshening substance into air, and for increasing the release rate of the substance upon contact with water. The increase of the release rate of the substance leads to an intensifying of the scent of the substance in air, and indicates the presence of a leak from the water pipe. The tray prevents water leaking from the water pipe from touching the surface.

Abstract: An indicating instrument is provided in which a pointer is secured to pointer drive means by attraction force of magnets and the magnetic influence of the magnets can be reduced to improve the indication accuracy of the pointer. The indicating instrument has a display plate 21, a pointer 22 provided on the front-face side of the display plate 21, and pointer drive means provided on the back-face side of the display plate 21 for rotating the pointer 22.

Abstract: To provide an indicator apparatus in which a pointer is secured to a pointer drive means by attraction force of magnets and the pointer can be secured more tightly to prevent an overshoot and pulsation of the pointer. The indicator apparatus has a display plate 21, a pointer 22 provided on a front-face side of the display plate 21, a pointer drive means provided on a back-face side of the display plate 21 for rotating the pointer 22, a first magnet 22c in a ring shape provided for the pointer 22, and a second magnet 25a provided for the pointer drive means to be opposite to the first magnet 22c, in which the pointer 22 is rotated in association with rotation drive of the pointer drive means by attraction force of the first and second magnets 22c, 25a. A shaft portion 23 rotatably supporting the pointer 22 is located in the display plate 21.

Abstract: To provide an indicator apparatus in which a pointer is secured to a pointer drive means by attraction force of magnets and it is possible to prevent an overshoot and pulsation of the pointer with sufficient attraction force. The indicator apparatus has a display plate 21, a pointer 22 provided on a front-face side of the display plate 21, and a pointer drive means provided on a back-face side of the display plate 21 for rotating the pointer 22. The indicator apparatus includes first magnet 22c in a ring shape provided for the pointer 22 and a second magnet 23a provided for the pointer drive means to be opposite to the first magnet 22c, and the pointer 22 is rotated in association with rotation drive of the pointer drive means by attraction force of the first and second magnets 22c, 23a. A yoke 22d in a ring shape is located closer to a surface of the first magnet 22c that is not opposite to the second magnet 23a.

Abstract: An air freshening device is provided for detecting water leaks and protecting surfaces from water damage due to leaks. The device includes: a tray, configured for being placed upon a surface located under a water pipe; a removable and replaceable liner placed upon the tray, the liner comprising a material configured for releasing an air freshening substance into air, and for increasing the release rate of the substance upon contact with water. The increase of the release rate of the substance leads to an intensifying of the scent of the substance in air, and indicates the presence of a leak from the water pipe. The tray prevents water leaking from the water pipe from touching the surface.

Abstract: A magnetic excavation marker is described below that includes a magnet and a stiff, resilient and brightly colored visual indicator. The marker is used by placing the marker onto an object to be protected, such as a manhole cover or valve. The magnet attaches the marker to the protected object with magnetic force. The marker will then protect the object by providing a highly visible indication of the presence of the object, even if the object is buried. The stiff and resilient qualities of the visual indicator ensure that it will remain upright and visible, even after it has been stepped on or run over. A handle is attached to the magnet or to a housing holding the magnet. The handle gives a user added leverage to aid in overcoming the force of the magnet when the user desires to remove the maker from the protected object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a drop indicator having a magnet installed therein. The drop indicator according to the invention is used to determine whether a product has ever been dropped or impacted, either in delivery or in use, by inspecting changes in the original condition of the magnet caused by the interaction between the magnetic force and the acceleration of gravity, inertia force, and colliding force, etc. generated upon collision. Take a cell phone or a PDA, for example, changes in the indicative material of the drop indicator will help decide whether the faulty product has ever been dropped or impacted in delivery or in use, so that liability can be determined.

Abstract: The invention provides for a system and method for locating concealed locations such as wiring, plumbing, or void locations with respect to a covering material like a wall. The system comprises a position indicating portion that is concealed on one side of a covering material and a position locating portion positioned on the opposite side and adjacent to the covering material. The position indicating portion is coupled to any structural member using a mounting mechanism, thereby establishing the location of a site by creating a magnetic field extending through said covering material at that location. The position locating portion comprises a position locating magnet while the position indicating portion comprises a position indicating magnet. The position locating magnet cooperates repulsively and attractively through the covering material with a position indicating magnet in order to locate the concealed site by substantially aligning the position indicating portion and the position locating portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety label (11) which allows an external force acting on the safety label (11) to be visualised and which has at least one support layer (14), wherein the support layer (14) receives a function layer (18), an indicator medium (32) is provided between the function layer (18) and the support layer (14), the function layer (18) is covered by a protective layer (22) which is transparent at least in specific zones, and the function layer (18) has at least one indicator zone (24) which comprises at least one predetermined breaking point (29) that opens when said external force is exerted, such that the indicator medium (32) may pass over to an opposite side of the function layer (18) and be visible through the protective layer (22) which is transparent at least in specific zones.

Abstract: A gauge head assembly for use with a magnetically actuated dial includes a cylindrical body formed from a magnetic material having a cylindrical sidewall with an threaded outer surface, wherein the sidewall defines an axially extending passage for receiving a tubular insert formed from a substantially non-magnetic material, the insert having a closed first end and a second open end with a collar extending radially outward at the second open end and wherein the insert is secured in the passage with the closed first end adjacent the first end of the body.

Abstract: An indicator has a permanent magnet and a coil rotatably supported on the permanent magnet and wound so as to form a surface that is parallel to and disposed at a preselected distance from a bottom surface of the permanent magnet. The coil generates a torque by interaction with a magnetic field of the permanent magnet upon supply of a current to the coil. An indicator needle is mounted to undergo rotation with the coil through a range of angles corresponding to indicator angles of the indicator needle. A pair of spiral springs urge the indicator needle in a direction opposite to a direction of the torque to undergo rotation through the range of indicator angles. The pair of spiral springs comprise a first spiral spring connected at one end thereof to one end of the coil and a second spiral spring connected at one end thereof to another end of the coil.

Abstract: An occupancy indicator for a door, and a method of use, one embodiment comprising a magnet a switching apparatus activatable by a person, a signaling device adapted to indicate one of at least two states, and a biasing mechanism. One embodiment may not be comprised of a magnet but may be comprised of a bolt assembly having a plurality of biasing mechanisms. The magnet or bolt assembly, switching apparatus, signaling device, and biasing mechanism are operatively coupled to automatically provide a signaling device state upon the door opening.

Abstract: The wear indicator (10) is for a workpiece portion of a personal care appliance such as a power toothbrush (IS). The wear indicator includes a member of water-soluble material which has magnetic particles positioned therein. Upon repeated contacts with water, which correlates with use of the device, the member dissolves or swells, depending on the material selected. A magnet positioned adjacent the member influences the position of the magnetic particles in the member, aligning them into a three-dimensional image which is recognizable by the user, wherein the appearance of the image correlates with sufficient wear on the workpiece that it should be replaced.

Abstract: Method using raw signal from magneto-resistive sensor through the use of recent variance (RV) of raw signal (RS) for first-capture of first time RV crosses variance detect, second-capture start enable for first time when RS crosses above raw detect and RV above variance detect, third-capture ending time when RS crosses below raw undetect and RV below variance undetect. Starting and ending times are products of the process, often used for traffic flow counts. Apparatus supporting this method as a processor and/or a vehicular sensor node.

Abstract: An oil-immersed circuit breaker is provided having a mechanical/magnetic trip indicator. In a preferred embodiment, the trip indicator comprises a mechanical drive train (coupled to a conventional trip-sensing mechanism), a push piece, and an indicator piece. The drive train and the push piece are located inside the enclosure immersed in oil. The indicator piece is located outside the enclosure. The push piece is magnetically coupled to the indicator piece. Magnetic coupling eliminates problems encountered with prior art trip indicators associated with oil-seal leakage, electrical component failure, and power source failure.

Abstract: A gauge for indicating a measured variable such as pressure. The gauge includes a motion detection device including a drive magnet that is adapted to be moveable in response to changes in the variable. The pointer rotation device includes a pivot member, a power magnet coupled to the pivot member, and one or more director members located adjacent the power magnet. Each director member includes a generally helical flange. A pointer is coupled to the pointer rotation device. The director members and the power magnet form a magnetic field adapted to magnetically couple the pointer rotation device to the drive magnet. The pointer rotation device is adapted to rotate about a rotational axis. Movement of the drive magnet in response to changes in the variable rotates the pointer rotation device and the pointer about the rotational axis such that the pointer indicates the measured variable.

Abstract: A rugged, miniature, waterproof and lightweight magnetic latching indicator with an auxiliary switch. The indicator includes a solenoid, an elongated plunger mounted in the solenoid, the plunger supporting a first permanent magnet with the magnet being surrounded by specially dimensioned non-magnetic spacers. The plunger and solenoid are packaged in a non-magnetic housing with a solenoid locator, a top cap and a bottom cap maintaining the indicator in a compact waterproof package. An indicator button is mounted to the plunger and a reed switch biasing spring and second permanent magnet are located between the bottom cap and the solenoid. The plunger moves from a retracted latching position to an extended position. In the retracted position, the indicator button is retracted and not readily visible and the second permanent magnet maintains the reed switch in a closed position.

Abstract: A magnet seat for engagement with a magnet in a warning system includes a base and a column extending upward from a side face of the base for extending through the magnet and having a stop formed on a free end of the bar for permanently fixing the position of the magnet on top of the base. Multiple slits are defined in the side face of the base for receiving therein glue. Supporting bars are concentrically located on the side face of the base for surrounding and supporting the magnet.

Abstract: Flatware and tableware having signaling means for aiding a visually impaired user in locating and retrieving food from the tableware using the flatware. A signaling means assembly is housed within the flatware handle, the assembly having a magnet and a spring. The tableware has a central food-receiving surface and a metal upper rim. Upon bringing the signaling means assembly of the flatware into close proximity with the tableware metal rim, a magnetic force is exchanged that pulls the magnet towards the tableware, compresses the spring, and serves as a guide to the user. After the flatware moves past the rim, the magnet oscillates upon the spring and causes the flatware to vibrate. The vibrations generates a humming sound that signals to the user that contact has been established.

Abstract: A semi-hard magnetic alloy for activation strips in magnetic anti-theft security systems is disclosed that contains 8 to 25 weight % Ni, 1.0 to 4.5 weight % Al, 0.5 to 3 weight % Ti and the balance iron.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system, and method for detecting and measuring the bi-directional flow of a fluid through a fluid meter, such as a household or business water meter. In one device embodiment the invention comprises a logical switch collar (12) disposed over an analog fluid meter (14) having a sweep-hand (18) with a magnet (16) coupled thereto. In operation, the logical switch collar (12) consists of at least two magnetic switches that are triggered to open or close in response to the rotational movement of the sweep-hand (18) as fluid flows through a fluid meter (14) in both the forward and reverse directions. These switching events are detected and recording by an electronic module (19). Advantageously, the present invention accurately monitors and records fluid consumption at predetermined intervals when the fluid flows through the meter in either direction (14).

Abstract: Display Element for Employment in a Magnetic Anti-theft Security System A semi-hard magnetic alloy for activation strips in magnetic anti-theft security systems is disclosed that contains 8 to 25 weight % Ni, 1.5 to 4.5 weight % Al, 0.5 to 3 weight % Ti and balance iron. The alloy is distinguished over known, employed alloys by excellent magnetic properties and a high resistance to corrosion. Further, the inventive alloy can be excellently cold-worked before the annealing.

Abstract: A marker for use in a magnetic anti-theft security system has an amorphous ferromagnetic alloy alarm strip and at least one activation strip. The semi-hard magnetic alloy for the activation strip contains 8 to 25 weight % Ni, 1.5 to 4.5 weight % Al, 0.5 to 3 weight % Ti and balance of iron. The alloy is distinguished over known, employed alloys by excellent magnetic properties and a high resistance to corrosion. Further, the alloy can be excellently cold-worked before the annealing.

Abstract: A redundant level measuring system comprises a chamber for fluidic coupling to a process vessel whereby material level in the vessel equalizes with material level in the chamber. A float including a magnet in the chamber rises and falls with material level in the chamber. A magnet actuated visual indicator is mounted to the chamber for indicating level of the magnet in the chamber. A measurement instrument includes a probe and a measurement circuit. The instrument is mounted atop the chamber with the probe extending downwardly into the chamber. The measurement circuit measures a characteristic of the probe representing level of the material in the chamber. A shield in the chamber isolate the float from the probe.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a centrifuge housing and a rotor. The housing defines an inner chamber, and the rotor is provided in the chamber. An indicator is provided on the housing. The indicator is constructed and arranged to indicate rotor movement. A rotor sensor is operatively coupled to the indicator, and the rotor sensor is constructed and arranged to sense rotor movement.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a cleaning device having a base portion 14 with a peel and stick adhesive 20 underside and a clear permeable topside 22 having a color reactive substance 24 contained therein wherein the base portion 14 further includes a malleable flap 12 disposed thereon. The present invention is to be placed in areas to be cleaned such as floors, walls, counters and the like for the purpose of monitoring the efficiency of the people that will be doing the cleaning. The peel and stick adhesive base 20 will maintain the cleaning detector 10 in place and the user will put the malleable flap 12 into a substantially perpendicular position relative to the base portion 14. The malleable flap 12 will be deformed away from the substantially perpendicular position if the area proximal to the present invention 10 has been properly swept, mopped, dusted, etc.

Abstract: A flow indicating device including a tube, a turbine wheel, and a cylinder is described. The tube defines a flow path. The turbine wheel is mounted in the tube for rotation alongside an inside wall of the tube. The turbine wheel has a plurality of turbine blades. The cylinder is mounted outside the tube for rotation alongside an outside wall of the tube. The cylinder is magnetically coupled to the turbine wheel through the sidewall of the tube so that rotation of the turbine wheel causes rotation of the cylinder. A visually observable pattern is provided on an outside surface of the cylinder so that rotation of the cylinder can be visually ascertained. The device is easy to install and provides an indication of flow within the pipe which is highly visible, easy to read, and viewable from any location around the pipe.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting water leaks is disclosed. The method and device comprise an odorant in a water soluble barrier. The odorant and water soluble barrier can be contained in a housing and placed in a location where water leakage can occur. In the method and device described herein, leaking water dissolves the barrier and releases the odorant into the atmosphere thereby alerting persons to the presence of water as a result of a leak.

Abstract: A propane level monitor assembly for determining the level of propane in a storage tank. The propane level monitor assembly includes a gauge monitor assembly including a housing being adapted to be removably mounted upon a propane tank gauge, and also including a transmitter being disposed in the housing; and further includes a receiver unit including a housing member and also a receiver member being disposed in the housing member for receiving waves transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for a self orienting floating apparatus which utilizes an external magnetic field to maintain a constant orientation, and specifically relates to a plain form hydrometer, a floating thermometer, and a thermohydrometer that continuously display a graduated scale in an operator pre-determined direction.

Abstract: A device for indicating the passage of a pig beyond a predetermined location in a pipeline comprising a pig detector connected to a pipeline and communicating with the interior of the pipeline through an opening at the location, a trigger slidably mounted in the pig detector and adapted to project downwardly into the interior of the pipeline through the opening, an indicator housing associated with the pig detector, a cylindrical indicator being vertically slidably mounted within the indicator housing, a plurality of catch fingers pivotally mounted in the housing for pivotal movement toward and away from the central axis of the housing, a catch spring for urging the fingers pivotally towards the central axis, an indicator spring mounted within the housing for resiliently urging the indicator upwardly beyond the indicator housing so as to be visible and to provide an indication that a pig has passed by, a lock pin attached to the lower surface of the indicator, an actuator connected to the trigger and having a

Abstract: A magnetic field indicator mounts to an MRI system to indicate the presence of the polarizing magnetic field. An indicator wheel is mounted to a frame and is rotatable between an energized orientation in which a red colored region is seen through a window and a de-energized orientation in which a green region is aligned with the window. A weight biases the indicator wheel in the de-energized orientation and a ferrous rod rotates the wheel to its energized orientation when the polarizing field is present.

Abstract: A nail locating device includes a seat, a coupling member and an indicating rod. The seat is adapted to be moved on a surface of a board into which a nail has been driven, and has an open upper end portion and an open lower end portion. The seat further has an intermediate portion between the upper and lower end portions and is formed with a ball socket therein. The coupling member has a ball portion hinged to the seat in the ball socket. The indicating rod is received in the seat and extends from the upper end portion, through the ball portion of the coupling member, and into the lower end portion of the seat. The indicating rod has a bottom end provided with a magnet that is adapted to be attracted to the nail such that the indicating rod pivots in the seat due to attraction of the magnet to the nail in order to indicate the location of the nail in the board.

Abstract: An apparatus for irreversibly indicating that the permissible temperature of stored products has been temporarily exceeded is described, in which a container has a heat-conducting connection to the product to be monitored and contains, in its interior, a medium having a melting point which is just above the permissible storage temperature, magnetizable particles being suspended in the medium. Moreover, solid magnetizable bodies are uniformly distributed in the container. After the deep-freezing process is complete, the magnetizable particles and the solid bodies are magnetized. If the permissible storage temperature is exceeded, the suspension becomes liquid and the pigments accumulate on the solid bodies, an optical indicator present on a wall of the container and visible from the outside detecting that the permissible temperature has been exceeded.

Abstract: A taut armature reciprocating impulse transducer (100) includes an electromagnetic driver (24, 26) which effects an alternating electromagnetic field in response to an input signal. An armature (12) includes an upper planar suspension member (14) formed by a first pair of non-linear spring members arranged along a first radial axis (50), and a lower planar suspension member (16) formed by a second pair of non-linear spring members arranged along a second radial axis (52) which is substantially perpendicular to the first radial axis (50). The upper and lower planar suspensions members are coupled to the electromagnetic driver (24, 26) and suspend a magnetic motional mass (18) therebetween. The alternating electromagnetic field alternately moves the magnetic motional mass (18), the movement being transformed through the upper and lower planar suspension members (14, 16) and the electromagnetic driver (24, 26) into motional energy.