Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The stator vane assembly includes an inner carrier including a metallic material and an outer carrier including a metallic material. The stator vane assembly further includes a ceramic-containing airfoil that extends from the inner carrier to the outer carrier and is at least partially received by the inner carrier and the outer carrier. The stator vane assembly further includes a load transfer device disposed between the airfoil and at least one of the inner carrier and the outer carrier. The load transfer device includes a support member fixedly attached to the at least one of the inner carrier and the outer carrier, and a plurality of micropillars coupled to the support member and extending towards the airfoil. Each micropillar is deformable and engages the airfoil.

Abstract: Embodiments of electrode systems having non-uniform spacing between electrodes along the axial direction for track lighting and other linear systems are disclosed. These systems may be used to provide directional flexibility for removable lighting fixtures with an asymmetric light distribution by providing a range of module position and angular mounting options. Some embodiments include electrodes which overlap continuously or at a series of discrete crossover overlap nodes to provide lateral support without external spacers. Electrode segments may be electrically and mechanically attached at overlap nodes to create extended two- and three-dimensional structures with localized planar areas. Embodiments with preferential bending regions provide additional directional capability.

Abstract: Embodiments of electrode systems having non-uniform spacing between electrodes along the axial direction for track lighting and other linear systems are disclosed. These systems may be used to provide directional flexibility for removable lighting fixtures with an asymmetric light distribution by providing a range of module position and angular mounting options. Some embodiments include electrodes which overlap continuously or at a series of discrete crossover overlap nodes to provide lateral support without external spacers. Electrode segments may be electrically and mechanically attached at overlap nodes to create extended two- and three-dimensional structures with localized planar areas. Embodiments with preferential bending regions provide additional directional capability.

Abstract: Suspended and planar electrode systems and methods are disclosed for applications such as lighting. Some embodiments incorporate removable twist-on elements providing uniform spacing between cable rod or strip electrodes extending through space. Multiple electrodes may be attached simultaneously. Twist-on elements may contain light emitting elements electrically attached to parallel electrodes. Embodiments may include mounting features for fixing electrodes above a mounting surface. Some embodiments include electrically insulated electrodes and modules with insulation displacement contact elements and environmental sealing. Some embodiments include polymeric insulation on both the module and electrodes providing environmental sealing when modules are disconnected from electrodes. Electrodes in sealed systems may be suspended with spacers or built into planar arrays in walls, ceiling or furniture.

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: A magnetic tile construction set is disclosed that may be used to construct extended 3-dimensional structures. In one embodiment, plastic magnets are attached to multiple edges of a lightweight core. The magnets have a width and length comparable to the thickness of the core and a length that is an order of magnitude longer than the thickness of the core. Tiles may be attached to one another at the tile edges through magnetic forces that do not vary by more than a factor of two over the range of angles from 45 degrees to 180 degrees.

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: Suspended and planar electrode systems and methods are disclosed for applications such as lighting. Some embodiments incorporate removable twist-on elements providing uniform spacing between cable rod or strip electrodes extending through space. Multiple electrodes may be attached simultaneously. Twist-on elements may contain light emitting elements electrically attached to parallel electrodes. Embodiments may include mounting features for fixing electrodes above a mounting surface. Some embodiments include electrically insulated electrodes and modules with insulation displacement contact elements and environmental sealing. Some embodiments include polymeric insulation on both the module and electrodes providing environmental sealing when modules are disconnected from electrodes. Electrodes in sealed systems may be suspended with spacers or built into planar arrays in walls, ceiling or furniture.

Abstract: An improved electrical rail system for removable and repositionable lighting or other electrical fixtures is disclosed in which electrical interface contacts are interleaved along the rail axis to provide a wide range of fixture pivoting angles around the axis and linear translation along the axis of the rail assembly. Track systems disclosed include linear electrode rails with substantially circumferential contacts configured to provide pivoting of luminaires around the rail in excess of 180 degrees to provide lighting fixture directional flexibility. Helical rail systems are also disclosed with a plurality of interleaved electrical contacts on the surface that coil around the axis of the rail providing continuous pivoting of fixtures. Embodiments include rails with axial symmetry that may be bent in directions perpendicular to the rail axis. Embodiments provide fixture functional switching through movement in a first direction followed by further movement of the fixture without functional switching.

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: An improved electrical rail system for removable and repositionable lighting or other electrical fixtures is disclosed in which electrical interface contacts are interleaved along the rail axis to provide a wide range of fixture pivoting angles around the axis and linear translation along the axis of the rail assembly. Track systems disclosed include linear electrode rails with substantially circumferential contacts configured to provide pivoting of luminaires around the rail in excess of 180 degrees to provide lighting fixture directional flexibility. Helical rail systems are also disclosed with a plurality of interleaved electrical contacts on the surface that coil around the axis of the rail providing continuous pivoting of fixtures. Embodiments include rails with axial symmetry that may be bent in directions perpendicular to the rail axis. Embodiments provide fixture functional switching through movement in a first direction followed by further movement of the fixture without functional switching.

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: 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: A product display system for disposable absorbent article containers is provided. The product display system includes a first stacked product array including a first set of individual disposable absorbent article containers and a second stacked product array including a second set of individual disposable absorbent article containers. Each individual disposable absorbent article container contains a first and second visible graphic such that when the individual containers are stacked appropriately the combination of visible graphics forms a continuous larger visible graphic. The set of stacked product arrays maintains the continuous larger visible graphic, even when some individual containers from the product display are removed or missing. A method for enhancing the visibility and recognition of a product display system is also provided.

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.