Abstract: A brushless electric motor is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated. The second group of permanent magnets may also be pushed and pulled with a second group of piezoelectric actuators. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan blade assembly having integrated microphones to measure acoustic energy levels uses speakers controlled by a control unit to output anti-acoustic energy vibrations. Specific embodiments wherein the speakers and microphones are radially displaced around the fan blade assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan blade assembly using air bearing features to reduce frictional losses, reduce physical wear and tear, and allow for faster acceleration of the fan blade within the assembly is disclosed. A fan blade housing incorporates inlets for pressurized air which create a pressurized area between the fan blade and the housing. The pressurized area functions as an air bearing interface and the fan blade is kept at a controlled distance from the fan blade housing as it spins. In an alternate embodiment, the fan blade assembly has pass-through inlets which use air pressure generated by the fan itself as it spins to provide the pressurized air for the pressurized area.

Abstract: A piezoelectric linear motor is disclosed. Piezoelectric actuators, when energized, press stator magnets against opposing rotor magnets which impart a repulsive/attractive force onto a rotor. The rotor is constrained such that it can only move in a linear fashion, and it so moves when the force is imparted to it by the repulsive/attractive force.

Abstract: An electronic fingernail display is disclosed. An LCD or LED display is mounted on a human finger, covering part or all of the nail with a display that can show patterns, images, or other ornamental display items. Electronic controller elements are integrated into the display or a mounting element which provide power, control, and communications capability allowing the display item to be changed without physical removal or modification of the electronic fingernail display.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated. A control unit energizes the piezoelectric actuators to provide a dynamic magnetic bearing. The second group of permanent magnets may also be pushed and pulled with a second group of piezoelectric actuators. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated magnetic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric motor with positional sensing is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated and/or when the load on the motor is moved by an external force. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. The current induced in the piezoelectric actuators is used to detect the position of the motor and/or elements affixed to the motor. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric stepper motor is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated, producing a very precisely controllable stepper motor. The second group of permanent magnets may also be pushed and pulled with a second group of piezoelectric actuators. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brushless electric motor is disclosed. A group of permanent magnets are physically attached to a group of piezoelectric actuators which push them toward or pull them away from a second group of permanent magnets when the piezoelectric actuators are electrically activated. The second group of permanent magnets may also be pushed and pulled with a second group of piezoelectric actuators. Alternate configurations using electromagnets are also disclosed. A novel configuration for the groups of electromagnets which maximizes efficiency in a piezoelectrically actuated motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved roller bearing assembly is disclosed. The improved roller bearing assembly incorporates roller elements having an axially connected cage or spacer connection point which allows the use of a flexible corded or connected spacer assembly. This allows the use of less cage or spacer assembly material than traditional bearing cage designs. It also allows for easier assembly and disassembly of the roller bearing assembly and reduces parasitic drag or friction by reducing the size and cross-section of the cage or spacer assembly. Alternate embodiments incorporating magnets for electromagnetic interaction, vanes for fluid interaction, and offset configuration for the cage elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel configuration for individual pre-packaged portions of fluid foods and a method of preparing them is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of preparing individual pre-packaged portions of fluid foods wherein a portion of a fluid food, optionally including thickening and/or preservative agents, is extruded into a wrapper in a predetermined portion. The wrapper is then sealed to protect the fluid food portion. Multiple methods, resulting in a variety of configurations of the individual pre-packaged portion of fluid food, are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved bearing roller elements are disclosed. Vanes are added to a ring-roller type element which allow fluids to flow through a bearing assembly in a controlled manner. The fluids can then provide convection cooling. The vaned ring-roller elements allow the creation of a pump, either as part of the bearing assembly's cooling system or as a dedicated device. The use of magnetic spokes in ring-roller type elements which can be used with or without the vanes which allows them to be driven by an electromagnetic field is also disclosed, as is the use of such magnetic elements in the bearing roller elements to allow electromagnetic braking and/or regenerative braking. A bearing assembly incorporating the roller elements in a ring configuration and using pre-load to produce additional benefits is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved bearing assembly is disclosed. Ring-shaped rolling elements in an alternating staggered formation, which allows maintenance of the bearing assembly geometry with fewer structural elements than prior bearings. The rolling elements can create a constant elastic tension, or pre-load, which maintains the bearing assembly geometry under various loads and rotational speeds, and reduces wear on the rolling elements and the raceways. The rolling elements can also comprise energy-dampening members and/or instrumentation which can monitor the functioning of the bearing assembly. An alternate embodiment in which the rolling elements are interlocked allows the use of more rolling elements in the same volume. An improved cage assembly, highly suitable for use with the improved bearing assembly, is also disclosed. The improved cage assembly comprises individual cage segments, which each retain one rolling element. The cage assembly can flex at every joint in a way not allowed by prior cage assemblies.

Abstract: Improved bearing roller elements are disclosed. A first disclosed improvement is the addition of vanes to a ring-roller type element which allows fluids (such as liquids or gases) to flow through the bearing assembly. The fluids can then provide convection cooling. With proper configuration, the use of such vaned ring-roller elements can even allow the creation of a pump, either as part of the larger apparatus' cooling system or as a dedicated device. A second disclosed improvement, which can be used in combination with the first or in isolation, is the use of magnetic spokes in ring-roller type elements which allows them to be driven by an electromagnetic field. The use of such magnetic elements in the bearing roller elements also allows electromagnetic braking and/or regenerative braking. A bearing assembly incorporating the roller elements in a ring configuration and using pre-load to produce additional benefits is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved bearing assembly is disclosed. Ring-shaped rolling elements in an alternating staggered formation, which allows maintenance of the bearing assembly geometry with fewer structural elements than prior bearings. The rolling elements can create a constant elastic tension, or pre-load, which maintains the bearing assembly geometry under various loads and rotational speeds, and reduces wear on the rolling elements and the raceways. The rolling elements can also comprise energy-dampening members and/or instrumentation which can monitor the functioning of the bearing assembly. An alternate embodiment in which the rolling elements are interlocked allows the use of more rolling elements in the same volume. An improved cage assembly, highly suitable for use with the improved bearing assembly, is also disclosed. The improved cage assembly comprises individual cage segments, which each retain one rolling element. The cage assembly can flex at every joint in a way not allowed by prior cage assemblies.