Abstract: A motion retarding system includes a linear array of permanent magnets for providing a magnetic flux along with a diamagnetic member for engaging the magnetic flux and producing eddy currents in the diamagnetic member which results in the braking force between the linear array of permanent magnets and the diamagnetic member. A mechanism is provided for causing reciprocating movement of the diamagnetic member within the magnetic flux and coupling apparatus disposed in an operative relationship with the mechanism is provided for engaging a vehicle moving with respect to the mechanism, in order to reciprocate the diamagnetic member within the magnetic field and retard the motion of the vehicle past the mechanism.

Abstract: A passenger restraint system includes a seatbelt buckle mechanism which includes a tongue having an aperture for receiving the belt and a pair of opposing recesses formed in an opposite edge of the tongue. A housing is provided for receiving a tongue and a latch is pivotably attached to the housing for locking the tongue to the housing. A retainer is provided for releasably locking the housing and latch and a solenoid is disposed in an operative relationship with the retainer for moving the retainer out of engagement with the latch in a remote manner. Apertures in the housing and latch enable mechanical access to the retainer for moving the retainer out of engagement with the latch independent of this solenoid if desired or necessary.

Abstract: An axial rotary eddy current brake with self adjustable braking force includes two spaced apart support structures defining a gap therebetween, at least two permanent magnets opposingly disposed in said gap and supported by the support structure in a spaced apart relationship and a diamagnetic disk disposed for rotation between the magnets, rotation of the disk causing an eddy current braking force between the magnets and the disk. Biasing apparatus is provided for moving at least one of the magnets as a function of disk rotational speed in order to control the braking force.

Abstract: A motion retarding system includes a linear array of permanent magnets for providing a magnetic flux along with a diamagnetic member for engaging the magnetic flux and producing eddy currents in the diamagnetic member which results in the braking force between the linear array of permanent magnets and the diamagnetic member. A mechanism is provided for causing reciprocating movement of the diamagnetic member within the magnetic flux and coupling apparatus disposed in an operative relationship with the mechanism is provided for engaging a vehicle moving with respect to the mechanism, in order to reciprocate the diamagnetic member within the magnetic field and retard the motion of the vehicle past the mechanism.

Abstract: A reinforced permanent magnet array includes a plurality of permanent magnets with each magnet being unnaturally aligned with an adjacent magnet and at least one member at least partially embedded in the magnets for resisting a natural tendency of individual magnets to repulse, twist, and separate from one another.

Abstract: Eddy current braking apparatus includes an array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a plurality of flux steering magnets may be disposed in gaps between the spaced apart permanent magnets. The flux steering magnets are orientated in a manner to provide a steering flux polarity that is rotated about 90 with respect to a polarity magnet flux of the spaced apart permanent magnets in order to increase the flux density in the air gap which results in better performance of the brake. Alternatively, cubic magnets may be used with each magnet being arranged to provide a change in flux polarity between adjoining magnets. An electrically conductive member is provided for engaging the magnetic flux provided by the array of permanent magnets and the magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet and the conductive member to produce eddy currents in the conductive member and resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the conductive member.

Abstract: An eddy current brake includes a diamagnetic member, a first support wall and a second support wall with the first and second linear arrays of permanent magnets disposed on the walls facing one another. Apparatus is provided for moving at least one of the walls in order to control eddy current induced in the member in the passage of the member therepast to adjust the braking force between the magnets and the member. Apparatus is also provided for causing the velocity of the member to change the braking force between the magnets and the member.

Abstract: An eddy current brake includes a diamagnetic member, a first support wall and a second support wall with the first and second linear arrays of permanent magnets disposed on the walls facing one another. Apparatus is provided for moving at least one of the walls in order to control eddy current induced in the member in the passage of the member therepast to adjust the braking force between the magnets and the member. Apparatus is also provided for causing the velocity of the member to change the braking force between the magnets and the member.

Abstract: Eddy current braking Apparatus is provided which includes a single array of permanent magnet for providing a magnet flux. A electrically conducted member for exclusively engaging the magnetic flux provided by the single array of permanent magnet. The magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet array and the conductive member to produce any currents in the conductive member resulting in the braking force between magnets and the conductive member. The configuration of the magnets and the conductive member enable the braking system to be installed over curvilinear paths.

Abstract: Eddy current braking apparatus includes an array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a plurality of flux steering magnets may be disposed in gaps between the spaced apart permanent magnets. The flux steering magnets are orientated in a manner to provide a steering flux polarity that is rotated about 90 with respect to a polarity magnet flux of the spaced apart permanent magnets in order to increase the flux density in the air gap which results in better performance of the brake. Alternatively, cubic magnets may be used with each magnet being arranged to provide a change in flux polarity between adjoining magnets. An electrically conductive member is provided for engaging the magnetic flux provided by the array of permanent magnets and the magnets and conductive member are mounted for enabling relative motion between the magnet and the conductive member to produce eddy currents in the conductive member and resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the conductive member.

Abstract: An eddy current brake system with dual use conductive fin includes a linear array of spaced apart permanent magnets and a non-magnetic electrically conductive fin. The magnets are mounted with respect to the fin for enabling passage past one another at a distance sufficient to cause eddy currents to be induced resulting in a braking force between the magnets and the fin. A mechanical brake is provided for frictionally engaging the fin and a surface treatment of the fin and enables the fin to sustain mechanical abuse of friction without effecting a change in the eddy current braking.

Abstract: Eddy current braking apparatus includes a linear array of spaced apart permanent magnets arranged for defining a slot therebetween. A diamagnetic or non-magnetic fin is disposed and sized for movement through the slot. A pivotal linkage enables the magnets to move with respect to the fin from a spaced apart first position to a second position in which the fin passes through the slot. A control mechanism selectively moves the magnets between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a device in response to the presence of a human body part includes a theremin for detecting the presence of a human body part in an area and producing a first output signal in response to the detection. A second sensor separately detects the presence of a human body part in the area and produces a second output signal in response to the separate detection. A processor determines the presence of both the first and second output signals and in response thereto provides a control signal to the device.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a disposable reservoir for containing a fluid and a tube depending therefrom for dispensing measured quantities of fluid. The tube includes a fluid dispensing orifice and a plunger for forcing measured quantities of fluid through the orifice. A solenoid disposed adjacent tube magnetically engages and moves the plunger in order to cause the plunger to force the measured quantities of fluid through the orifice. A control system is provided which includes a Theremin antenna for sensing the presence of a user's hand beneath the orifice and providing electrical current to the solenoid to enable the solenoid to magnetically engage and move the plunger.