Abstract: A self-service retail item checkout station comprises a peripheral device for interacting with a customer while the customer is conducting a self-service retail item checkout transaction at the station. The self-service retail item checkout station further comprises a non-swiveling mounting mechanism including (i) a slidable mounting portion on which the peripheral device is mounted, and (ii) a fixed mounting portion on which the slidable mounting portion is supported for sliding movement between a retracted position in which a customer in a standing position at the station can more easily interact with the peripheral device an extended position in which a customer in a seated position at the station can more easily interact with the peripheral device.

Abstract: A magnetic bottle mounting system, comprising: a bottle; a magnetically active ring; an at least partially open-faced mount for receipt of the bottle therein; and, at least one magnetically active body provided to the mount opposite the ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative light hanging system for presenting a lighted outline of a building structure, and includes a decorative lighting strand, a plurality of releasable magnetic alignment holder pairs each pair comprising oppositely charged magnetic disks including a first disk attached to the building structure and a second disk with a conduit mount attached thereon for receiving the decorative lighting strand therein, and a hanger for positioning and aligning the second disks upon the corresponding first disks.

Abstract: A temporary magnetic affixing device (100) is provided. The temporary affixing device (100) includes a base portion (102) having a first surface (114) and a second surface (112). The first surface (114) of the base portion (102) includes a magnetic device (124) attached thereto. A holding handle (138) is rotatably disposed on the base portion (102).

Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and a boss attached to the base. The boss has two or more ratchets. According to one embodiment, one end of the boss is attached to the base and the other end has the two or more ratchets. Alternatively, either or both ends may have the two or more ratchets. A magnetic fastener has a hole with suitable shape and diameter to adjustably fasten with at least one of the ratchets and adjustably fasten the magnetic fastener. An umbrella is positioned between the base and the magnetic fastener. The umbrella is operative to flex or compress appropriately to permit the magnetic fastener to engage at least one of the two or more ratchets. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. door frame, chassis or roof. The boss may optionally be welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for holding systems, devices, apparatuses, or portions thereof in a retracted, extended, or intermediate configuration. In particular, the invention provides permanent magnets and/or magnetizable materials configured to hold systems, devices, apparatuses, or portions thereof in retracted, extended, and/or intermediate configurations.

Abstract: A thermal insulated holder for a beverage can or bottle has a metal body accommodating a cylindrical core. A base having magnetic properties has a permanent ring magnet attached to a cup-shaped ferrous metal member.

Abstract: A mounting clip for attaching objects, such as flashlights to an article, includes a clipping portion dimensioned for attaching the clip to the article and an object mounting portion formed with the clipping portion. Objects of different widths are removably yet snugly grasped within the object mounting portion. The clipping portion includes upper and lower members defining a slot for receiving the article through a lip of the slot and frictionally securing the clip to the article.

Abstract: Described herein generally are flexible securing devices. The devices are extremely easy to use to the point that adults of all ages can use the devices, even the most elderly who would otherwise be incapable. The devices comprise a body which is at least partially bendable or flexible. The body's core generally comprises a metal alloy and in the body's bendable or flexible sections a bendable or flexible metal alloy is used. The body is coated with a least one polymeric coating to protect items, objects or persons interacting with the securing devices from getting damaged or injured from the devices themselves.

Abstract: A breakaway-protective limit switch cover is provided that includes a main plate, a pair of support arms attached to the main plate, and a magnet attached to each support arm. The breakaway-protective-limit switch cover attaches, via the magnets, to a conveyor track of a power conveyor system and becomes dislodged upon impact from an external force strong enough to overcome the magnetic force of the magnets.

Abstract: A hanging display device for decoratively displaying an item comprising an elongated cable constructed from a material comprising a metal surrounded by a plastic coating; a plurality of first half magnets disposed along the cable, the first half magnets can each engage a second half magnet disposed on the item; a loop disposed on the first end of the cable for allowing the cable to be mounted on an object; and a weighted component disposed on the second end of the cable for helping to keep the cable elongated.

Abstract: A holding device for a shower device has a holder for the shower device that may be attached to and displaced along a hollow rod, the holder surrounding the rod in a collar-like manner. A displaceable carriage having a certain frictional effect and comprising two magnets is disposed in the rod. The holder has two magnets for attachment on the rod such that, in the holding position, the magnets of the carriage interact with the magnets of the holder under a magnetic attractive force so as to prevent the holder from sliding downward because a clamping or frictional effect results from the attractive force of the magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic support (10) for aquariums includes a first and a second support element (20a, 20b), each of them having a magnet (26a, 26b) so that by coupling the first and second support elements (20a, 20b) by interposing an aquarium wall (50) between them, the attracting magnetic force operating between the two magnets (26a, 26b) locks the two support elements (20a, 20b). Each support element (20a, 20b) comprises a flat element (40a, 40b) made up of flexible material having a peripheral projecting lip (46a, 46b), so that when the two support elements (20a, 20b) are coupled together by interposing the wall (50), the peripheral projecting lips (46a, 46b) are flattened against the wall (50), thus creating a suction effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hanging textiles such as quilts having a rod pocket attached to the back surface thereof are described. In one embodiment, the hanger includes a center tube, two rods which adjustably fit into the center tube, a permanent magnet disposed inside the center tube at its center, and a bracket effective for mounting on a wall or other surface fabricated from magnetic material, for magnetically holding the center tube. In this embodiment of the invention, the hanging apparatus is hidden from view, is self leveling and requires only one mounting location.

Abstract: A detachable magnetic docking system for a handheld device comprises a docking plate having a major surface and a shell for the handheld device having a reverse surface. The major surface and the reverse surface are contoured to mate when adjacent one another to align the shell over the docking plate. Cooperative magnetic elements are located in the docking plate and in the shell to retain the handheld device on the docking plate. The contour of the major surface includes a recessed area. The handheld device having internal battery compartments located adjacent non-recessed areas of the major surface.

Abstract: A combinational transverse strut for a two-in-one arc-shaped or linear advertisement display frame, comprising a base body and a bendable overlay plate. Support members are provided at both ends of base body and overlay plate, respectively, each comprising a support seat, a support cap, a crankpin, and a magnetic steel. The crankpin is operatively connected between, and the magnetic steel is fixed between, the support seat and the support cap. The support member is connected to the base body by a straight pin shaft, and connected to the overlay plate by the crankpin. The two ends of the overlay plate are set up via support members to form an arc shape, so as to achieve applications as a linear member and as an arc-shaped member. The combinational transverse struts are attracted to each other by the magnetism of the support members.

Abstract: Mounting systems can releasably secure display devices to preexisting surfaces for convenient installation and removal without external tools. A mounting system can comprise lower magnetic assemblies, upper magnetic assemblies, and a mounting sheet. The lower magnetic assemblies can be secured to a rear surface of a display device, for releasably attaching the display device to a preexisting surface. A bottom portion of the mounting sheet can be secured to the rear surface of the display device, while a top portion of the mounting sheet can remain loose from the rear surface. The upper magnetic assemblies can be provided along the loose top portion of the mounting sheet, for releasably attaching the display device to the preexisting surface. The upper magnetic assemblies can retain their connection to the preexisting surface as the display device is pulled away from the preexisting surface, until a threshold condition is met.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining brace (7), comprising a clamp (2) for grasping bottle necks (4a), in particular of PET bottles, in bottling plants, wherein in particular the application range should be expanded in that the retaining brace should be suitable not only for empty containers but also for filled bottles or other receiving containers having a corresponding neck shape so that said clamps can also be used in fillers and transfer stars between fillers and cappers. Said aim is achieved in that on the star or the like, a second pin (5) parallel to the pivot pin having a permanent magnet (Z1) that exerts an attractive force or a magnetizably influenced area on the free end thereof is provided to center and restore the clamp, wherein said pin (5) is surrounded by a pivotable sleeve (6), which is provided with a brace-like projection (7, 7a) that reaches under the clamp in the usage position.

Abstract: An antenna mounting system comprises a base, a mast extending from the base having a first bore formed through the body of the mast; and a antenna mounting assembly secured to the base having a second bore formed through the body of the antenna mounting assembly. The first and second bored are aligned such that the base and the mast are positionally secured via a pin.

Abstract: Retention of position and clamping of components is ideally performed with an engagement arrangement which is reconfigurable. Magnetorheological (MR) fluids have been utilised for reconfigurable engagement arrangements but typically require powerful electromagnets to activate the MR fluid. By providing enclosed chambers with a constriction in the form of a passage between a reservoir portion of the chamber and an engagement portion of the chamber it is possible to utilise smaller permanent magnets acting upon a smaller volume of MR fluid in the passage. In such circumstances initial positioning of engagement elements is provided through forced displacement in the form of a plunger or pin and then retention of the engagement element position achieved through positioning a magnetic field across and about a passage to create an effective block retaining MR fluid volume and therefore presentation of the engagement element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a storage panel guiding device, which is configured to dampen movement of a storage panel movement using magnetic attractive force to thereby reduce damper friction. The storage panel guiding device of the present invention comprises the following: a magnetic damper including a first magnetic body, a second magnetic body and a thin plate interposed therebetween; a storage panel to which the first magnetic body is attached; a guide panel to which the second magnetic body is attached; a slide rail having a slot in which the guide panel can move; and a storage case accommodating the magnetic damper, the storage panel and the guide panel.

Abstract: A method for using an insulated holder is provided. The holder includes first and second polarized magnetic materials positioned at the sleeve portion. The first and second polarized magnetic materials each have first and second poles, the first pole of the first polarized magnetic material being positioned opposite and adjacent to the second pole of the second magnetic material and the second pole of the first polarized magnetic material being positioned opposite and adjacent to the first pole of the second magnetic material. The holder is placed adjacent to and in contact with said mounting surface.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus using magnetism enables to fasten an object with a magnetic material to a target surface. The apparatus has a substrate which is flexible and provided at its reverse side with a sticking coat for removably attaching to the target surface, and a magnet receiving hole surrounded by the sticking coat penetrating through the substrate; a flat magnet housed into the magnet receiving hole; an outer film which is fixed on the substrate for separating the flat magnet and the object. The flat magnet is able to be removed out from the magnet receiving hole.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for supporting workpieces thereon includes a seat (10), a holding board (20), and a magnetic module connecting the seat to the holding board. The magnetic module (70) includes a first member (40) secured in the seat and a second member (50) secured in the holding board. The first member and the second member cooperate to provide a magnetic force thereby detachably fixing the holding board to the seat.

Abstract: The invention, a guitar holding/mounting device, was created as an application to hold, mount or display guitars in a retail, home or recording studio environments as an improvement over current products and or methods in which guitars are hung by the neck and head stock by a “U” shaped holder, which has shown a propensity to detune, damage guitar finishes and place undue stress on the instrument over all, causing depreciation in value and additional maintenance. The guitar holding/mounting device is designed to solve current shortcomings of existing products by holding and securing the instrument in place by means of “nesting” the body onto the mount through use of a high strength Neodymium magnet located at the top of the invention positioned behind the guitar body as opposed to hanging guitar by the neck and or head stock to hang or mount the guitar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hanging textiles such as quilts having a rod pocket attached to the back surface thereof are described. In one embodiment, the hanger includes a center tube, two rods which adjustably fit into the center tube, a permanent magnet disposed inside the center tube at its center, and a bracket effective for mounting on a wall or other surface fabricated from magnetic material, for magnetically holding the center tube. In this embodiment of the invention, the hanging apparatus is hidden from view, is self leveling and requires only one mounting location.

Abstract: A fastener assembly securely fastens a decorative panel in spaced relation to a support backing. The fastener assembly includes a base member adapted to be operatively mounted to the decorative panel, a carrier member, and a fastening medium supported by the carrier member and adapted to operatively interconnect the carrier member to the support backing. At least one biasing member is adapted to operatively support the carrier member and provide swiveling articulation of the carrier member relative to the base member. At least one leg extends from the base member and is adapted to operatively engage the carrier member so as to attach the carrier member to the base member in articulating fashion.

Abstract: A flexible attachment means for use with a searchlight or other device is disclosed. The flexible attachment means allows a user to attach a housing to an uneven metallic surface, such as a car hood, boat prow or other locations. The flexible attachment means has an attachment base fixed to the bottom of a housing for the searchlight. The attachment base has attachment locations that flexibly attach to a flexible base gasket having a plurality of magnets to hold the flexible attachment means to a metallic surface.

Abstract: A hair accessory organizer for holding many different types of hair accessories. The hair accessory organizer is magnetized to hold hair accessories either wholly or partially made of metal. In addition, the hair accessory organizer holds non-metal hair bands and hair accessories. The hair accessory organizer is capable of resting on a countertop, in a drawer or hung on a wall or door. The hair accessory organizer has a curved top member that holds substantially “U” shaped hair bands both on its top surface, and on its bottom surface. Two rings allow for attachment sites of hair clips and hooks. The hooks provide attachment sites for elastic hair bands and the like.

Abstract: An exemplary magnetic clamp holder used for a mechanical arm, includes a housing (21), a magnetic structure (22), and two positioning pins (25). The housing includes an attaching portion (211), and a joining portion (213) fixed to the attaching portion, the attaching portion and the joining portion cooperatively defining a receiving cavity (218). The positioning pins are disposed on the attaching portion of the housing. The magnetic structure is received in the receiving cavity. The magnetic structure includes a permanent magnetic module (223), an electro-magnetic module (225), and a magnetic shield plate (227) disposed between the permanent magnetic module and the electro-magnetic module. The electro-magnetic module is able to create a magnetic field for neutralizing a magnetic field created by the permanent magnetic module.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus for retaining a liquid-absorptive sheet includes a lower layer and an upper layer having substantially the same dimensions as the lower layer. Sandwiched between the two layers are first plurality of magnetic members arranged along the perimeter of the lower layer and a second plurality of magnetic members, opposite in polarity to said first plurality of magnetic members, arranged adjacent to the first plurality of magnetic members.

Abstract: A system and method of releasably mounting a device, usually to a ceiling, is disclosed. The system has a ceiling mounted unit (200) and a device mounted unit (250), releasably joined preferably by an magnetic coupling (202) which engages a floating plate (252) allowing for positive coupling even if the units are misaligned. A safety latch (256) with a locking/latching claw (260) and ejection/disengagement prong (266) provide positive locking and a method of separating the units despite strong adhesion forces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide fastening devices adapted to couple to rigid members and which may further include attachment features for coupling items to the rigid member.

Abstract: Provided is, among other things, an attachment apparatus that includes an attachment base, a magnet attached to a first side of the attachment base and a clip structure extending from a second side of the attachment base, the second side being opposite the first side. The clip structure, in turn, includes first and second arms which can be resiliently spread apart in order to receive an item and then released in order to close around the item.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting assembly includes a plate carried within the housing. The plate has a central opening and multiple apertures offset from the central opening with a permanent magnet carried within each of the apertures. A cover is compression fit with the housing for securing each magnet between inside surfaces of the cover and the housing, and within the aperture. A central opening is formed with the housing, the cover, and the plate for receiving a fastener when fastening the assembly to an object.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for magnetically restraining a tool that includes a base with one or more first recesses and one or more first magnetic ball bearings disposed within the one or more first recesses to magnetically restrain one or more tools.

Abstract: Flexible mounting devices for navigational/entertainment displays, especially for in-vehicle use, are described herein. In an embodiment, the flexible mounting device comprises a flexible gooseneck, a magnetic base magnetically attached to a front end of the gooseneck for holding a display, and a windshield suction attached to a back end of the gooseneck for providing windshield support from the rear by suctioning to the windshield of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the flexible mounting device comprises a flexible neck, which may be firmly attached to the dashboard of a vehicle with a sticky gel pad. The mounting device also comprises a counter weight attached to a back end of the flexible neck. The display is fixed to a front end of the flexible neck such that the display protrudes beyond the dashboard. The counter weight at the back end of the flexible neck counter balances the weight of the display at the front end, and thereby helps to provide a stable support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a levitation type supporting unit interposed between an object to be supported and an installing surface so as to support the object respective to the installing surface.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for secure placement on a substantially flat surface. The apparatus includes a case; at least one support piece located on the substantially flat surface for placement of the case, the support piece including at least one piece of a first material; and at least one piece of a second material located within the case. The case rotates about an axis when a facing/bearing of the apparatus is changed. The axis may be either horizontal or vertical. Preferably, at least one of the first material and the second material is a magnet for magnetic attraction between the at least one piece of the first material and the at least one piece of the second material. The apparatus may be a web camera, a set of speakers, a microphone, a light source, or any combination of the aforementioned. It is advantageous for stability that the at least one piece of a second material is located at a fixed position relative to an inner surface of the case whatever the facing/bearing of the apparatus.

Abstract: A monolithic suction cup mounting platform formed of a substantially rigid plate having first and second opposing faces; a suction cup mounting surface formed on the first face of the plate; at least one flexible leg coupled to the second face of the plate and having a bonding surface facing away from the plate; and a bonding agent adhered to the bonding surface of the flexible leg.

Abstract: A beverage container holder is disclosed which includes a magnet within the sleeve of a beverage container holder. The beverage container holder, along with any beverage container placed in the beverage container holder, may be mounted on any mounting surface having an associated ferrous material. The beverage container holder is held in place due to the force of the magnetic interaction between the magnet and the mounting surface.

Abstract: A connector provided for coupling a computer peripheral device with a RJ11 or RJ45 data communication socket of a computer. The connector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a shape mating with said data communication socket. The second connecting part includes a magnetic element such that the connector is attachable onto said computer peripheral device. The peripheral may be a mouse provided with a magnetic plate to cooperate with the whereby the mouse, when not in use, may be removably retained to the computer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a magnetic eyeglasses holder that includes a support and a magnet. The support includes an upright member and a base. The magnet allows for attractive magnetic communication with at least one temple bar of an eyeglasses such that when folded the eyeglasses are held in place on the holder. The magnet can be positioned at least partially within at least one recess in the upright member or on the surface of the upright member. The magnet can be fixed or removably positioned in at least one recess and/or the surface of the upright member.

Abstract: A two-piece magnetic holder for holding a non-magnetic sheet onto a magnetically attractive surface includes an upper half and a lower half joined at a releasable hinge. The lower half is adapted for magnetic retention onto a magnetically attractive surface while the upper half selectively pivots relative to the lower half to allow gripping and releasing of an object from between portions of the upper and lower halves. A first magnet member is disposed in the lower half of the holder for magnetically coupling the two-piece holder to the magnetically attractive surface while a second magnet member is disposed in the upper half of the holder for magnetically coupling the first end of the upper half to the lower half. The upper half has a curvilinear body that defines a first end and a second end.

Abstract: An exemplary magnetic clamp holder used for a mechanical arm, includes a housing (21), a magnetic structure (22), and two positioning pins (25). The housing includes an attaching portion (211), and a joining portion (213) fixed to the attaching portion, the attaching portion and the joining portion cooperatively defining a receiving cavity (218). The positioning pins are disposed on the attaching portion of the housing. The magnetic structure is received in the receiving cavity. The magnetic structure includes a permanent magnetic module (223), an electro-magnetic module (225), and a magnetic shield plate (227) disposed between the permanent magnetic module and the electro-magnetic module. The electro-magnetic module is able to create a magnetic field for neutralizing a magnetic field created by the permanent magnetic module.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting platform assembly for removably retaining handheld devices using magnetic attraction. The magnetic mounting platform assembly provides a substantially flat support surface backed by an interface structure that secures the magnetic mounting platform assembly to an external mounting surface. A permanent magnet is disposed within a cavity that positions magnet in close proximity to the flat support surface. According to one embodiment of the invention, the interface structure also captures and secures the magnet between the pad and the mounting surface.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a magnetic plate having a surface adapted to retain one or more surgical instruments. The magnetic plate is mounted for movable between various positions by a support arm such that the retained instruments are readily available for use as needed. A sterile cover is removably attached to the magnetic plate. The plate cover includes a sterile sheet. The sheet is situated proximate the surface of the magnetic plate. A handle is provided to manipulate the magnetic plate. A sterile cover is detachably mounted over the handle. The support arm includes a telescoping member and rotatable joints.

Abstract: An extendable rod has a head that captures a partition curtain and holds the curtain near a surface such as a ceiling or wall. The head has an outer surface (e.g., an upper surface when the head is abutting a ceiling) that has a deformable gripping surface. The lower surface of the head is metallic and relies upon magnetic force to capture the curtain in place on the head. In a first embodiment the lower surface has downwardly depending flanges on opposite ends. The curtain is draped over the upper surface of the head and is wrapped over the lower surface. A magnet or magnets are placed onto the lower surface, inward of the flange, capturing the curtain and holding it in place on the head. The rod is then extended so that the upper surface of the head bears against the ceiling or other surface. The magnets hold the curtain securely in place, which allows for simple installation.

Abstract: A tool and part holding tray includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The panel has a generally rectangular shape such that the peripheral edge includes a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A peripheral wall is attached to the peripheral edge and extends upwardly away therefrom. A plurality of magnets is attached to the bottom side of the panel. Each of a pair of brackets is attached to the panel. The brackets are spaced from each other. Each of a pair of couplers is removably attached to one of the brackets and each is adapted for selectively coupling the brackets to a support beam.

Abstract: A magnetic holder for holding a non-magnetic sheet against a magnetically attractive surface contains a body having a first end and a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The body is formed from a first material having a first co-efficient of friction. The lower surface has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is joined to the second portion at a fulcrum line that defines an obtuse angle between the first portion and the second portion for preventing the first and second portions from engaging the magnetically attractive surface simultaneously. A magnet member is disposed on the second portion for magnetically coupling the holder to the magnetically attractive surface. A first gripping member is disposed on the second portion for frictionally gripping the non-magnetic sheet.