Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cameras using ball bearings to guide the movements of movable parts as e.g. a lens barrel wherein the repulsive force of magnets is used to hold the ball bearings together an hence the movable parts in place in case of a mechanical shock. In a first embodiment of the invention the magnets and the ball bearings are on a same side of the lens barrel. In a second embodiment of the invention the magnets and the ball bearings are on an opposite side of the lens barrel. Furthermore a camera has been disclosed wherein the shutter is moved by a linear motor and an integrated circuit controls the motor moving the shutter and the actuators moving the lens barrel.

Abstract: An electro permanent magnetic apparatus with monolithic working face for holding workpieces magnetically or mechanically comprises a base plate and a ferrous monolithic working face. The base plate has a pocket or recess which houses reversible magnets and electrical windings; the working face has magnetic poles which are demarked by slots. On the opposite side of the working face recesses are provided beneath the slots for housing non-reversible permanent magnets.

Abstract: A pickup device includes a holding tube (21), a mounting sleeve (25) mounted on the holding tube, a magnetically attractive unit (27) mounted in the mounting sleeve, a clamping unit (26) mounted in the mounting sleeve and abutting the magnetically attractive unit, and a connecting rod (22) movably mounted in the holding tube and connected with the clamping unit to drive the clamping unit. Thus, the magnetically attractive unit is fully hidden in and will not protrude outwardly from the mounting sleeve at a normal state so that the magnetically attractive unit will not be attached to any metallic body and can reach the predetermined position or place easily and quickly to magnetically attract or clamp the desired parts or tools exactly and conveniently, thereby facilitating the operator picking up the desired parts or tools.

Abstract: A multilevel correlated magnetic system and method for using the same are described herein. A wide-range of devices including a momentary snap switch, a cushioning device, and an exploding toy are also described herein that may incorporate one or more of the multilevel correlated magnetic systems.

Abstract: A toy is described herein that is made from correlated magnetic toy parts (e.g., toy building blocks) which have an ingenious coupling means that enable the correlated magnetic toy parts to be attached to or released from one another. The correlated magnetic toy parts could have many different shapes and can be attached to one another to form an abstract shaped toy or a predetermined shaped toy.

Abstract: A levitating mount apparatus is provided which utilizes a permanent magnetic male and female levitation support as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,501,922. The mount has two general forms. In one general class, the mount is attached to an axle aligned with the axis of symmetry of the female part of the permanent magnetic male and female levitation support. In the second class, the female part of the permanent magnetic male and female levitations support is attached to the bottom of the mount, and no axle is utilized. The mount is stabilized using a stationary support structure which has limited contact with the levitating portion of the apparatus at the top of the mount.

Abstract: A breakaway device for locking connected objects in relation to one another comprises a first magnetic field structure attached to a first object and a second magnetic field structure attached to a second object. The first magnetic field structure becoming attached to the second magnetic field structure when substantially aligned. The first structure and the second structure becoming detached when subjected to a force that overcomes a spatial force between the first magnetic field structure and the second magnetic field structure. The first magnetic field structure and the second magnetic field structure having magnetic field sources with polarities and positions in accordance with a code corresponding to a desired spatial force function.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a correlated magnet toilet seat cover lock which may include a first correlated magnetic field structure securely attachable to a toilet bowl, a second correlated magnetic field structure that is complementary to the first correlated magnetic field structure and securely attachable to a toilet seat cover, and wherein the first correlated magnetic field structure associated with the toilet bowl is capable of being aligned with the second correlated magnetic field structure attachable to the toilet seat cover such that the toilet bowl and the toilet seat cover produce an attractive force that secures the toilet seat cover to the toilet seat bowl.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object. The first and second objects are attached by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In one embodiment, the code has certain autocorrelation properties. In further embodiments the specific type of code is specified. In a further embodiment, an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures.

Abstract: A correlated magnetic assembly for securing objects in a vehicle includes an object that incorporates a first field emission structure and a surface within the vehicle that incorporates a second field emission structure. The first and second field emission structures each include an array of field emission sources each having positions and polarities relating to a desired spatial force function that corresponds to a complementary alignment of the first and second field emission structures within a field domain. The object is attached to the surface of the vehicle when the first and second field emission structures are located next to one another and have a complementary alignment with respect to one another.

Abstract: Tool attachments and extensions handles may be removably connected to each other. In an example embodiment, a tool attachment is capable of being connected to an extension handle having an extension handle connector, which includes a first field emission structure. The tool attachment has a tool implement and a tool attachment connector, which includes a second field emission structure. The tool attachment connector is adapted to be mated to the extension handle connector with the second field emission structure in proximity to the first field emission structure such that the first and second field emission structures have a predetermined alignment with respect to one another. Each of the first and second field emission structures include multiple Field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to the predetermined alignment of the first and second field emission structures within a field domain.

Abstract: A magnetic device having a housing with a front wall. A first magnet assembly includes a north and south pole and a second magnet assembly also includes a north and south pole. The magnet assemblies are pivotally mounted in the housing and pivotal between a first position in which the north pole of the first magnet assembly and the south pole of the second magnet assembly face each other and are positioned adjacent the front wall of the housing, and a second position in which the north pole of the first magnet assembly and the south pole of the second magnet assembly face each other and are retracted from the front wall. An actuator pivots the magnet assemblies between their first and second positions while a spring urges the magnet assemblies toward the second position.

Abstract: Magnetic attachment for a multisided buttable module.

Abstract: Various embodiments for magnetic detent assemblies provide for detent devices with improved performance and manufacturability. In one embodiment, magnetic detent assemblies provide for custom detent positions and custom force profiles by including a pair of unitary magnetic components each having a special geometry. In an embodiment, the changing area of overlap (and hence magnetic flux) between the magnetic components can give rise to the custom detent positions and custom force profiles. In a specific embodiment, the magnetic components can comprise an N-point star shaped geometry, where the number and distribution of the start wings can be varied to define customized detent positions and the contour of the star wings can be varied to create customized force profiles. In other embodiments, devices such as laptop computers and docking stations for handheld electronic devices can implement multi-position detent hinges with the magnetic detent assemblies.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (20) including a first magnetic member (21) and a second magnetic member (22) is described. The polarities of opposing end surfaces of the first magnetic member and the second member are different. The second magnetic member is configured for rotating relative to the first magnetic member to generate a magnetic moment. In addition, an exemplary portable electronic device (100) equipped with the hinge assembly is also described.

Abstract: A compressed gas system component coupling device and method are described herein that use correlated magnets to enable a first component to be secured and removed from the second component. Some examples of components of the compressed gas system include a first stage regulator, a second stage regulator, an air pressure gauge, a dive computer, an air hose, a tank valve and a buoyancy control device. Furthermore the compression force created by the correlated magnets mounted on the first and second components create a hermetic seal therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a magnetic apparatus (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F) for magnetic clamping of ferrous elements (P1), comprising a support structure (11, 11A) with a plurality of pole pieces (30A) held within its thickness (S), first and second sides (12, 13) being formed in said support structure (11, 11A) at the opposed larger surfaces, the pole piece of said plurality of pole pieces (30A) comprising at least one first pole piece collector (50), a lateral portion (50A) of each first pole piece collector (50) forming a portion of said first side (12), said pole pieces (30A) generating a least one first magnetic flux (F1) on said first side (12), for magnetically clamping first ferrous elements (P1).

Abstract: A low friction and stable sliding structure for an electronic device is provided. The sliding structure includes a first sliding member comprising at least one guide portion, a second sliding member including a receiving portion receiving the guide portion so as to slide along the first sliding member, a first magnet portion disposed in the guide portion, such that magnetic poles of the first magnet portion are arranged across a sliding direction, and a second magnet portion disposed in the receiving portion so that a repulsive force can act between the first magnet portion and the second magnet portion.

Abstract: An elasticity module suitable to be used as a spring of a slide opening/closing apparatus of mobile devices such as wireless phone, PDA, PMP, portable game machine, electronic scheduler is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for biasing a shaft toward, and releasably securing it in, a predetermined position. The apparatus comprises a magnetic assembly coupled to the shaft for releasably securing the shaft in a predetermined position, a first member coupled to and extending from the shaft for rotating the shaft from the predetermined position, and a spring assembly coupled to the shaft for securing the shaft in the predetermined position.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage exerts a mechanical force on a permanent magnet to substantially counterbalance the magnetic force attracting the permanent magnet to a ferrous target surface.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: A magnetic clamp (10) for use in clamping metal formwork in precast concrete manufacture includes a housing (12). A magnet (14) is displaceably arranged within the housing (12). A displacement mechanism (18) is displaceably arranged on the housing (12) to displace the magnet (14) relative to the housing (12). A force amplification mechanism (24) is connected to the magnet (14) and at least a portion of the force amplification mechanism (24) is interposed between the displacement mechanism (18) and the magnet (14).

Abstract: A panel system for a panel or sets of panels having a magnetic mounting that utilizes a plurality of magnets in a magnet structure that provides a magnetic attachment alignment configuration and a release configuration. In one embodiment, magnet structures are configured so that a panel will mount correctly favoring a given support structure and will not achieve attachment strength and may even reject other support structures of similar dimensions. The magnet structures may be based on sets of codes having low cross correlation or the same code positioned to avoid attachment magnetic attraction. Alternatively, sets of magnet structures of reversed polarity may be placed in accordance with a set of codes having a low cross correlation. The magnet structures may be used to favor selective placement of a panel in one of several possible mounting locations or in one of several possible mounting orientations.

Abstract: A method for a panel having a magnetic mounting that utilizes a plurality of magnets in a magnet structure that allows high magnetic force when the panel is installed and the magnet structure is aligned while permitting removal using relatively light force applied to misalign the magnet structure to allow removal. In one embodiment, the magnet structure can provide precision positioning of the panel to a position on the order of the width of a single component magnet of the magnet structure. In another embodiment, the magnet structure may be misaligned for removal by a rotation of the magnet structure. In a further embodiment, the misalignment may be achieved by a lateral shift of the magnet structure. The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of panels including but not limited to doors, window coverings, storm coverings, seasonal covering panels, baby gates, white boards, and green house panels.

Abstract: A panel having a magnetic mounting that utilizes a plurality of magnets in a magnet structure that allows high magnetic force when the panel is installed and the magnet structure is aligned while permitting removal using relatively light force applied to misalign the magnet structure to allow removal. In one embodiment, the magnet structure can provide precision positioning of the panel to a position on the order of the width of a single component magnet of the magnet structure. In another embodiment, the magnet structure may be misaligned for removal by a rotation of the magnet structure. In a further embodiment, the misalignment may be achieved by a lateral shift of the magnet structure. The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of panels including but not limited to doors, window coverings, storm coverings, seasonal covering panels, baby gates, white boards, and green house panels.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method. The invention pertains to field emission structures comprising electric or magnetic field sources having magnitudes, polarities, and positions corresponding to a desired spatial force function where a spatial force is created based upon the relative alignment of the field emission structures and the spatial force function. The invention herein is sometimes referred to as correlated magnetism, correlated field emissions, correlated magnets, coded magnetism, or coded field emissions. The magnetic field sources may be arranged according to a code having a desired autocorrelation function. In particular, a high peak to sidelobe autocorrelation performance may be found desirable. Specific exemplary embodiments are described with magnetic field sources arranged in a ring structure. Exemplary codes are described and applied to magnetic field source arrangements. Specific codes found by the inventors are described.

Abstract: A connector (e.g., electrical connector, fluid connector, gas connector) is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable a first part to be securely attached to and removed from a second part. In addition, a method is described herein for using the connector to attach and remove the first part to and from the second part.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a magnetic clamping system for attaching removable stabilizing fins or similar devices to any type of watercraft such as surfboards, wind-surfer craft, rowing sculls, water skis, sailboards and the like.

Abstract: A mask is described herein that uses correlated magnets which enable a person to easily secure and remove the mask to and from their head. Some examples of such a mask include a scuba mask, a welding mask, a fencing mask, a goalie mask, a paint mask, a paintball mask, a catcher's mask, a ski mask, a goalie mask, an oxygen mask, a surgical mask, a face shield, a filter mask, a theatrical mask, a costume mask, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask.

Abstract: A harness is described herein that uses correlated magnets to enable objects to be secured thereto and removed therefrom. Some examples of such a harness include a construction work harness, a soldier harness, an astronaut harness, and a scuba harness (e.g., buoyancy compensator). For instance, the scuba harness can have different types of objects secured thereto and removed therefrom such as a weight pouch, a utility pocket, a dive light (flash light), a camera, a scuba lanyard, a navigation board, a depth gauge, a spear gun, or any type of military equipment.

Abstract: A device is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable a cover to be easily and effectively attached to and removed from a compartment. Some examples of such a device include a remote control unit, a calculator, a clock-radio, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a camera, a television, a portable media player, and a handheld electronic game unit.

Abstract: A correlated magnetic container and method are described herein that use correlated magnets to enable a container having at least two sections to be assembled, disassembled or releasably secured to an external object. Some examples of the two sections of the container that can be assembled and disassembled utilizing the correlated magnets include a wall panel, top panel, side panel, bottom panel, door panel, a handle, a tool, a belt, a frame member or locking member.

Abstract: A belt is described herein that uses correlated magnets to enable objects to be secured thereto and removed therefrom. Some examples of such a belt include a construction work belt, a soldier belt, an astronaut belt a home handyman belt, a plumber's belt, an electrician's belt, a telephone repairman's belt, a lineman's belt, a fisherman's belt, a hunter's belt, a sports belt, and a scuba weight belt. For instance, the scuba weigh belt can have different types of objects secured thereto and removed therefrom such as a weight pouch, a utility pocket, a dive light (flash light), a camera, a scuba lanyard, a navigation board, a depth gauge, a spear gun, or any type of military equipment.

Abstract: First and second components may be precisely attached to form an apparatus. In an example embodiment, a first component includes a first field emission structure, and a second component includes a second field emission structure. The first and second components are adapted to be attached to each other with the first field emission structure in proximity to the second field emission structure such that the first and second field emission structures have a predetermined alignment with respect to each other. Each of the first and second field emission structures include multiple field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to the predetermined alignment of the first and second field emission structures within a field domain. The first and second field emission structures are configured responsive to at least one precision criterion to enable a precision attachment.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable an artificial prosthesis (e.g., artificial limb) to be easily and effectively attached to and removed from an interface that is secured to a residual limb on a person. In addition, a method is described herein for enabling a person to attach and remove an artificial prosthesis to and from an interface that is secured to a residual limb on the person.

Abstract: A suit is described herein which incorporates correlated magnets that enable an object (e.g., tool, equipment bag, hood, glove, boot, flipper) to be secured thereto and removed therefrom. Some examples of such a suit include a scuba suit, a construction suit, a bio-hazard suit, a medical suit, a fire fighter suit, and an astronaut suit.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: A magnetic holding system for a vehicle cabin includes a non-ferrous panel having a front side exposed to the vehicle cabin and a rear side. A magnet is located on the rear side of the non-ferrous panel. The thickness panel, in the region where the magnet is located, and the strength of the magnet are selected to grip a ferrous element when it is placed on the front side of the panel in the region where the magnet is located. The ferrous element may be an object to be held on the non-ferrous surface or it may be attachable to the underside of an object that is to be held.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: A structure that allows a collector pin or button to connect to a metal surface without damaging the sharp point or shaft of the collector pin or button. The structure includes a soft component that receives the point and shaft portion of the collector pin or button and a magnet that allows the combination of the structure and the collector item to attach to a metal surface. The soft component is large enough to receive the point and shaft of the collector item without the point or shaft touching, pressing against, or interfering with the magnet.

Abstract: A magnetic clamping device includes a clamping support and at least two magnetic pads housed in the support, each pad having a magnet that can be switched between an activated state and a deactivated state. Each pad has at least one solenoid coil each end of which is connected to a terminal with the terminals of at least two pads being connected to each other by removable connectors.