Abstract: A ferromagnetic accessory for a handheld device is disclosed. Embodiments include a housing having a first side and a second side, the first side adapted to be coupled to and cover at least a portion of a handheld device, and a ferromagnetic layer coupled to the housing and forming a planar pattern of alternating areas defined by ferromagnetic material and nonferromagnetic material. In at least one embodiment, the ferromagnetic material comprises elongate members and the ferromagnetic layer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart elongate members defining nonferromagnetic material areas therebetween. In other embodiments, the ferromagnetic layer is embedded within the housing. In other embodiments, the ferromagnetic accessory is a contiguous layer, a composite of an elastomer and ferromagnetic material and can be coupled directly to a handheld device or to the outside of a housing.

Abstract: A bistable spring stand and housing for a handheld device which can be reliably mounted in environments where users commonly mount handheld devices is disclosed. Embodiments include a housing and a bistable spring stand coupled to the housing. The bistable spring stand is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the bistable spring stand is substantially flat between its first and second ends and in the second position the bistable spring stand defines a longitudinal curve outward from the housing between its first and second ends. At least one embodiment includes a plurality of raised members forming a perimeter around the bistable spring stand, the raised members defining a planar support surface to provide a stable resting surface for the housing and handheld device when the bistable spring stand is in the first position.

Abstract: A bistable spring stand and housing for a handheld device which can be reliably mounted in environments where users commonly mount handheld devices is disclosed. Embodiments include a housing and a bistable spring stand coupled to the housing. The bistable spring stand is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the bistable spring stand is substantially flat between its first and second ends and in the second position the bistable spring stand defines a longitudinal curve outward from the housing between its first and second ends. At least one embodiment includes a plurality of raised members forming a perimeter around the bistable spring stand, the raised members defining a planar support surface to provide a stable resting surface for the housing and handheld device when the bistable spring stand is in the first position.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic accessory for a handheld device is disclosed. Embodiments include a housing having a first side and a second side, the first side adapted to be coupled to and cover at least a portion of a handheld device, and a ferromagnetic layer coupled to the housing and forming a planar pattern of alternating areas defined by ferromagnetic material and nonferromagnetic material. In at least one embodiment, the ferromagnetic material comprises elongate members and the ferromagnetic layer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart elongate members defining nonferromagnetic material areas therebetween. In other embodiments, the ferromagnetic layer is embedded within the housing. In other embodiments, the ferromagnetic accessory is a contiguous layer, a composite of an elastomer and ferromagnetic material and can be coupled directly to a handheld device or to the outside of a housing.

Abstract: An accessory for supporting a handheld electronic device includes a bistable spring to position and support the handheld device. The accessory includes a housing coupled to the handheld device and a bistable spring moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the bistable spring is substantially flat and in the second position the bistable spring defines a longitudinal curve away from the housing. The curvature of the bistable spring in the second position can support the handheld device on a surface e.g. table and in a slot such as CD player or air vent in a vehicle. The longitudinal curve of the bistable spring easily deflects to a reduced curvature to be received in and retained with a slot and consistently actuates to same radius in the second position providing proper viewing angle of screen for handheld device.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a machine tool assembly has a tool holder, a keyed recess, and a cutting tool. The assembly prevents relative rotation and substantially reduces eccentricity between a cutting tool and a tool holder. The tool holder has a receiving bore axially formed at the tool end of the tool holder. The keyed recess is at the base of the receiving bore. The keyed recess has multiple corners formed around an inner surface of the recess. The cutting tool has a cylindrical shank and multiple edges formed on the machine tool end of the shank. The cylindrical receiving bore has diameter that is less than the diameter of the tool shank so that a thermal transitional fit is provided. Coupling of the cutting tool and holder includes heating the holder until the diameter of the bore expands sufficiently to receive the tool shank. When inserted within the bore of the holder and into the keyed recess, the multiple edges of the cutting tool abut with the multiple corners of the recess.

Abstract: A machine tool assembly has a tool holder, a cutting tool, a collet, and a collet nut. The tool holder defines a keyed recess having multiple corners and/or multiple flats formed around an inner surface of the keyed recess. The keyed recess can be integral with the tool holder or can be a separate positioning chuck rotationally and axially secured within the tool holder. The cutting tool is inserted into the collet and has multiple edges and/or multiple flats formed on a keyed end of shank that are matingly received by the keyed recess to prevent relative rotation between the tool holder and the cutting tool and make the cutting tool rotationally and axial fixed within the tool holder. The keyed recess includes a spacer preventing the keyed end of the cutting tool from contacting a base of the keyed recess, thereby preventing radial misalignment of the cutting with the axis of the tool holder from the axial translation and force applied during tightening of the collet nut and collet.