Abstract: A deformable inductive device includes an elastomer material having at least one deformable electrode and a liquid magnetic core formed in the elastomer material and containing a magnetic liquid. Depending on the device's configuration, the deformable element may be embedded in, attached to, or in close proximity with the liquid magnetic core. In some embodiments, the deformable inductive device may be configured as an inductor, solenoid, or transformer and the deformable electrode is at least partially embedded in the liquid magnetic core, for instance. In another embodiment, the deformable inductive device may be configured as part of a wireless power transfer system which includes a coil and a magnetic backplane having the liquid magnetic core with the coil being attached to or in close proximity to the magnetic backplane.

Abstract: A deformable inductive device includes a magnetic core formed of an elastomer material having magnetic particles dispersed in it and at least one deformable electrode. Depending on the device's configuration, the deformable element may be embedded in, attached to, or in close proximity with the magnetic core. In some embodiments, the deformable inductive device may be configured as an inductor, solenoid, or transformer and the deformable electrode is at least partially embedded in the magnetic core, for instance. In another embodiment, the deformable inductive device may be configured as part of a wireless power transfer system which includes a coil and a magnetic backplane having the magnetic core with the coil being attached to or in close proximity to the magnetic backplane.

Abstract: A deformable inductive device includes an elastomer material having at least one deformable electrode and a liquid magnetic core formed in the elastomer material and containing a magnetic liquid. Depending on the device's configuration, the deformable element may be embedded in, attached to, or in close proximity with the liquid magnetic core. In some embodiments, the deformable inductive device may be configured as an inductor, solenoid, or transformer and the deformable electrode is at least partially embedded in the liquid magnetic core, for instance. In another embodiment, the deformable inductive device may be configured as part of a wireless power transfer system which includes a coil and a magnetic backplane having the liquid magnetic core with the coil being attached to or in close proximity to the magnetic backplane.

Abstract: A deformable inductive device includes a magnetic core formed of an elastomer material having magnetic particles dispersed in it and at least one deformable electrode. Depending on the device's configuration, the deformable element may be embedded in, attached to, or in close proximity with the magnetic core. In some embodiments, the deformable inductive device may be configured as an inductor, solenoid, or transformer and the deformable electrode is at least partially embedded in the magnetic core, for instance. In another embodiment, the deformable inductive device may be configured as part of a wireless power transfer system which includes a coil and a magnetic backplane having the magnetic core with the coil being attached to or in close proximity to the magnetic backplane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a tunable inductor having a magnetic core which has an air gap. In order to vary the inductance of the inductor, the inductor includes a tuner that is moveable relative to the magnetic core in the vicinity of the air gap. An actuator is attached to the tuner which, upon actuation, moves the tuner relative to the magnetic core to thereby vary the spacing between the tuner and the core in the vicinity of the air gap. The variation of the spacing between the tuner and the magnetic core varies the effective air gap of the overall inductor in the desired fashion.

Abstract: A system for transferring electrical power, data or both, by way of magnetic induction between a first article and a second article. A first electrically conductive coil is integrated in the first article and a second electrically conductive coil is integrated to a second article. A fastener comprising ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material is configured to be positioned through the first coil and the second coil to provide an efficient magnetic conductance path between the first coil and the second coil and to removably secure the first article and the second article together. A control circuit selectively energizes the first coil or second coil with alternating current to transfer electrical energy to the other of said first and second coil.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to electrical devices and methods for fabricating electrical devices using an oxidation process. According to one embodiment, a method of forming an electrical device using an oxidation process includes forming a metallic element which is to become an electrically insulating or resistive element in an electrical device; forming an electrically conductive element connected to the metallic element, wherein the metallic element and the electrically conductive element have different oxidation behavior when subjected to the oxidation process; and subjecting the elements forming the electrically insulating or resistive element and the electrically conductive element to the oxidation process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a tunable inductor having a magnetic core which has an air gap. In order to vary the inductance of the inductor, the inductor includes a tuner that is moveable relative to the magnetic core in the vicinity of the air gap. An actuator is attached to the tuner which, upon actuation, moves the tuner relative to the magnetic core to thereby vary the spacing between the tuner and the core in the vicinity of the air gap. The variation of the spacing between the tuner and the magnetic core varies the effective air gap of the overall inductor in the desired fashion.

Abstract: A system for transferring electrical power, data or both, by way of magnetic induction between a first article and a second article. A first electrically conductive coil is integrated in the first article and a second electrically conductive coil is integrated to a second article. A fastener comprising ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material is configured to be positioned through the first coil and the second coil to provide an efficient magnetic conductance path between the first coil and the second coil and to removably secure the first article and the second article together. A control circuit selectively energizes the first coil or second coil with alternating current to transfer electrical energy to the other of said first and second coil.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to electrical devices and methods for fabricating electrical devices using an oxidation process. According to one embodiment, a method of forming an electrical device using an oxidation process includes forming a metallic element which is to become an electrically insulating or resistive element in an electrical device; forming an electrically conductive element connected to the metallic element, wherein the metallic element and the electrically conductive element have different oxidation behavior when subjected to the oxidation process; and subjecting the elements forming the electrically insulating or resistive element and the electrically conductive element to the oxidation process.

Abstract: A method of forming at least one electronic device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and an attached capillary; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter for deposit into the depository; the liquid flowing into the at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; whereby the agglomerate is used to form a part of the at least one electronic device. An microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate formed by at least one wall, a capillary channel coupled to said depository adapted to be filled with liquid comprising nanoparticles by capillary action, whereby as the liquid evaporates, an agglomerate forms in the capillary channel having a substantially uniform distribution of the particles.

Abstract: A method of forming at least one electronic device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and an attached capillary; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter for deposit into the depository; the liquid flowing into the at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; whereby the agglomerate is used to form a part of the at least one electronic device. An microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate formed by at least one wall, a capillary channel coupled to said depository adapted to be filled with liquid comprising nanoparticles by capillary action, whereby as the liquid evaporates, an agglomerate forms in the capillary channel having a substantially uniform distribution of the particles.

Abstract: A dual tension safety belt retracting device comprising: a frame (10), a spool (70b) rotatably mounted on the frame, for storing safety belt webbing (84). The device including first and second ratchet wheels (74b, 76b) and an outer tube (112), extending into and connecting the first and second ratchet wheels. An inner shaft (130) extends through and is rotatably disposed in the outer tube (112); a main, high torque (140) rewind spring is provided to apply a rewind bias to the inner shaft (130). A low torque, rewind spring (158) connects the outer tube (112) to a control ratchet wheel (154); a cap (170 interconnects the control ratchet wheel (154) to the inner shaft (130).

Abstract: An interlock mechanism for a three-point safety restraint system comprising a tongue plate having a pair of intersecting openings of dissimilar diameters, the point of intersection defining a narrow passage, a connector plate assembly adapted to be connected to the tongue plate having a two tier shoulder rivet including an enlarged head portion having a diameter smaller than the larger opening and larger than the smaller opening. The rivet further including a circular boss formed on the underside of the head portion having a diameter slightly smaller than the smaller opening and larger than the diameter of the passage. A spring having one end in engagement with the connector plate and having its other end in engagement with a flat faced spring retainer, the spring and spring retainer urging the tongue plate and connector plate in compressive engagement when such plates are in a locked position with the rivet centered about the smaller of the two openings.

Abstract: A quick disconnect three point safety restraint system for use in motor vehicles having a retractor means 18 forming one point of the safety restraint system, a receptacle 14 forming the second point and a quick disconnect 34 slideably mounted on the webbing 20 is operable to secured to an anchor 22 mounted to the frame 42 of the vehicle for forming the third point of the safety restraint system. The quick disconnect 34 is a tongue 38 integrally connected to a webbing guide 40 and receivably connected to a receptacle 36 mounted on the anchor 30. When the seats 10 of the vehicle are to be removed, the quick disconnect 34 removes the webbing 20 from the vehicle and a seat back bracket 28 retains the webbing 22 to the seat 10. The receptacle 14 and the retractor 18 are securely mounted on the frame 12 of the seat 10.