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: 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.

Abstract: A personal function pad includes a surface that receives and supports a wireless terminal without making a direct electrical contact with the wireless terminal, and a near field communications (NFC) module that receives a first NFC signal from the wireless terminal and responsively transmits a second NFC signal to the wireless terminal. The second NFC signal modifies a setting and/or initiates a function of the wireless terminal. A wireless terminal according to some embodiments includes a controller and an NFC communications module. The NFC module transmits a first NFC signal and receives a second NFC signal in response to the first NFC signal. The controller modifies a device setting and/or to initiates a device function of the wireless terminal in response to the second NFC signal.

Abstract: A joint protector of a sheet-shaped flexible material, including an essentially tubular body, which is provided with a curved configuration for adaptation to a joint, and which is sewn together with at least one seam, between a first edge of a first material portion and a second edge of a second material portion, is distinguished in that the seam between said edges extends along a curve, which defines a recessed area of material of the first material portion at an essentially central portion of the first edge, and which defines an enlarged area of material of the second material portion at an essentially central portion of the second edge, that the first material portion is provided with a contracting action to the recessed area of material through the seam for achieving a curved configuration of the tubular body. The invention also concerns a blank and a method.

Abstract: A combined cable connector and cable untangler is disclosed. The combined cable connector and untangler comprises a single elongated body with at least one through hole extending along the whole body length. The cable connector is adapted to be used with a portable electronic device. The cable connector enables the cable to be adapted in length and prevents it from being entangled.

Abstract: A combined cable connector and cable untangler is disclosed. The combined cable connector and untangler comprises a single elongated body with at least one through hole extending along the whole body length. The cable connector is adapted to be used with a portable electronic device. The cable connector enables the cable to be adapted in length and prevents it from being entangled.

Abstract: A personal function pad includes a surface that receives and supports a wireless terminal without making a direct electrical contact with the wireless terminal, and a near field communications (NFC) module that receives a first NFC signal from the wireless terminal and responsively transmits a second NFC signal to the wireless terminal. The second NFC signal modifies a setting and/or initiates a function of the wireless terminal. A wireless terminal according to some embodiments includes a controller and an NFC communications module. The NFC module transmits a first NFC signal and receives a second NFC signal in response to the first NFC signal. The controller modifies a device setting and/or to initiates a device function of the wireless terminal in response to the second NFC signal.

Abstract: A mobile voucher apparatus for administrating mobile vouchers redeemable at a Point-of Sale, the mobile voucher apparatus comprising: a module for acquiring a plurality of prepaid card accounts, unallocated to cardholders; a processor for associating a card account with a mobile device number; a transceiver for sending a mobile voucher message to the mobile device number associated with said account; wherein said mobile voucher message comprises at least transaction particulars acceptable as consideration for purchase at a Point-of-Sale.