Abstract: A system is provided for positioning an article. In this regard, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be broadly summarized as follows. The system contains a frame and a series of actuators connected to the frame, where the series of actuators contains at least one armature therein. The at least one armature is connected to an article and the series of actuators provides a force on the at least one armature to actuate movement of the at least one armature, thereby causing movement of the article. Each actuator further contains at least one winding set capable of providing a coil flux, at least one permanent magnet capable of providing a permanent magnet flux, and a magnetically conductive core having the permanent magnet therein and at least a portion of the at least one winding set therein. The series of actuators provides the at least one armature and the article with more than one degree of freedom.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a self-clinching magnet (SCM) may be used to mount a magnet in a panel or for use in alignment. The SCM may include an outer shell with a clinching portion and an inner magnetic core. The clinching portion may hold the SCM in a hole in a panel by engaging sidewalls in the hole. The clinching portion may be positioned on the outer shell of the SCM so the SCM is flush with a side of the panel when the SCM is inserted into the panel. The SCM may be mounted in a door and a switch may be mounted to detect when the door is open or closed (by detecting the presence of the magnet). The SCM may also be used to align a tape magazine in a receiver.

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: Magnetic clips for use with a substrate holder for holding a substrate in a processing chamber of a plasma treatment system. The clip includes first and second body members each having a clamping surface and a magnet. The first body member is configured to be mechanically connected with the substrate holder. The second body member is pivotally connected by a hinge with the first body member for movement relative to the first body member between closed and opened positions. In the closed position, an edge region of the substrate is positioned between the clamping surfaces. In the opened position, the edge region is released. The magnet on the second body member magnetically attracts the magnet on the first body member, when the second body member is in the closed position, to apply a force that restrains movement of the edge region of the substrate relative to the clamping surfaces.

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: Field emission structures comprising a plurality of 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 a field emission structure and a complementary field emission structure. The magnetic field sources may be arranged according to a code having a desired autocorrelation function. Specific exemplary embodiments are described with magnetic field sources arranged in a ring structure. The ring structure may include one or more concentric rings of component magnets. Additional magnets may be included. Magnet polarities and/or spacings may be defined by the code Mechanical constraints may be employed to limit lateral motion. Exemplary codes are described and applied to magnetic field source arrangements. Specific codes found by the inventors are described.

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: 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 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 having non-parallel linear substructures. The non-parallel linear substructures may use the same or different codes and may have none, one, or more magnets in common. Other embodiments include substructures spaced according to a spacing code. Exemplary spacing codes include, but are not limited to Golomb ruler or Costas array. A polarity code may be applied across the substructures.

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 mounting system for wet environments suitable for use with magnetically attracted and non-magnetically attracted vertical surfaces, having a nonporous sealed compartment with a container support and a surface-contacting face, and enclosing a magnetically attracted material. The magnetically attracted material can be a ferrous metal plate used in combination with a hidden permanent magnet attached to the opposite side of a non-magnetically attracted vertical surface by a repositionable mounting means. The magnetically attracted material can also be a permanent magnet used with a magnetically attracted surface, or a permanent magnet used in combination with a repositionably mounted hidden ferrous metal plate or hidden permanent magnet depending upon the thickness of a non-magnetically attracted surface. The surface-contacting face may have vertical channels for draining away moisture, and the container support may be formed to be unitary with a container, or include a container attachment means.

Abstract: A magnetic tool organizing system including a base substrate having an inner base substrate area, a base substrate front surface and a base substrate rear surface; at least one magnetic element positioned at least partially within the inner base substrate area. In one embodiment, a cover element, including a rim portion, is positioned adjacent the at least one magnetic element, and the rim portion of the cover element is at least partially embedded within an area of the base substrate In another embodiment, the magnetic element is embedded in the inner base substrate area. Methods of manufacturing a magnetic tool organizing system are also disclosed.

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 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 stack of magnetized casing tubulars includes a plurality of magnetized wellbore tubulars each of which includes a plurality of north and south magnetic poles imparted to a corresponding plurality of longitudinal positions along the tubulars. The plurality of wellbore tubulars are arranged into a stack having at least two rows and at least two columns, the wellbore tubulars are stacked side by side and atop one another such that the magnetic poles on one tubular are radially aligned with magnetic poles of an opposite polarity on adjacent tubulars. Such a configuration advantageously substantially eliminates weakening of the imparted magnetic field due to interaction of the magnetic poles on adjacent tubulars.

Abstract: A magnetic latch for a gate has first and second units for mounting on a gate and a gate post respectively. The first unit has a displaceable latch element displaceably mounted in a support in a housing and biased to a retracted position, and a second unit with a complementary engagement structure with which a latching portion of the latch element is adapted to engage when the magnetic latch is in a latching position and the latch element is displaced to a projecting position. A magnetic attracting arrangement is provided to cause the latch element to move to the projecting position and engage in the engagement structure when the magnetic latch is in the latching position, and then the engagement structure prevents movement of the door or gate away from the closed position.

Abstract: A passive nanomagnet alignment method is described to self-align a membrane to another surface. The membrane and the surface each have a plurality of nanomagnets patterned on it, wherein the nanomagnets are magnetized based on an applied external magnetic field. The membrane is brought into close proximity and coarse alignment to the surface by a positioning mechanism (e.g., an actuation force), such that the nanomagnets on the membrane attract to and self-align with the nanomagnets on said surface based on the nanomagnet magnetizations.

Abstract: A switch unit having a combined switch function and locking function for controlling industrial tools, both the locking function and the switch function being achieved magnetically.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to high bandwidth positioning systems such as fast tool servos (FTS). The applications of this invention include, for example, diamond turning of mold with structured surface for mass production of films for brightness enhancement and controlled reflectivity, diamond turning of molds for contact lens and micro-optical positioning devices. Preferred embodiments of the fast tool servo can have a closed-loop bandwidth of approximately 20±5 kHz, with acceleration of up to approximately 1000 G or more. The resolution or position error is approximately 1 nm root mean square (RMS). In a preferred embodiment, the full stroke of 50 ?m can be achieved up to 1 kHz operation.

Abstract: A magnetic mat for holding surgical instruments. The mat includes a plurality of magnet holders configured to removably receive magnets therein. The magnet holders are connected together using a plurality of links so as to form a two dimensional mat adjustable in size. As a result, the effective magnetic surface area of the mat may be extended to provide adequate coverage for larger patients and thereby prevent instruments from falling off the patients' surface. In embodiments, the magnet holders may be opened such that different magnets may be inserted, removed, replaced and/or exchanged. Additionally, the magnet holders, links, and/or magnets may be independently sterilized, and/or replaced. In embodiments, the magnet holders include an open cage structure to hold a magnet with minimal obstruction of its magnetic field.

Abstract: A method of coupling the upper and lower section of a humidifier container used to humidify oxygen gas, using magnetic coupling means. A series of corresponding magnets around the container, located externally to the device or internally, secure the lower part or vessel to the upper part or cap. Using magnets opposing an attracted metal may he used in lieu of corresponding magnet to magnet attraction which requires the poles of the magnets be oriented with their poles to attract each other.

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 coupling member, method, and system including a housing and a first arrangement of a plurality of magnets housed within the housing is disclosed. The first arrangement of magnets is selectively arranged and disposed to provide alignment and detachable engagement with a second arrangement of a plurality of magnets.

Abstract: A tool for the removal of magnetic debris from worksites. The tool comprises means for the collection and self-removal of magnetic debris from the tool. A magnetic portion resides within a non-magnetic portion and magnetic debris is collected on the exterior of the non-magnetic portion. Removal of the magnetic portion allows collected debris to be removed from the tool. One embodiment of the invention is a rake.

Abstract: A magnetic fastening system for connecting a first member against a second member. The system includes a first flexible magnet longitudinally associated with at least a portion of an edge of the first member and a second flexible magnet longitudinally associated with at least a portion of an edge of the second member. The first and second flexible magnets are aligned to attract one another as the first and second members are moved into their connected position to then pull the first and second members into connecting contact.

Abstract: A magnet encapsulated within a canister formed from two cans into a laminated structure particularly useful in plasma processing reactors. Each can includes an end wall and a cylindrical sidewall. One can additionally includes an annular lip that slidably fits outside the sidewall of the other can with a small gap therebetween. The magnet is inserted into the two cans together with a flowable and curable adhesive such as epoxy. The cans are slid together and compressed to cause the adhesive to flow between the magnet and the two cans and between the lip of one can and the sidewall of the other. The adhesive is cured to bond the magnet to the cans and to bond the cans together and to also hermetically seal the structure. The cans may be deep drawn from non-magnetic stainless steel with wall thicknesses of less than 0.064 mm.

Abstract: A method of of fabricating an electromagnet is provided in which a core having a flux return backplate on one end and a cover plate on the other end of the core is provided. For example, the flux return backplate may be fixed to one end of the core and the cover plate may be fixed to the other end of the core. A plurality of layers of wire may then be wound about the core between the flux return backplate and the cover plate, prior to fixing a flux return ring to the cover plate to at least partially enclose the wire.

Abstract: A switch type ON/OFF structure for hoisting magnetic disks has a handle turnable towards one side to demagnetize and towards another side to generate a magnetic force to attract and move a work piece. The handle is hinged on one end surface of a hoisting magnetic disk which also has a first detent member and a second detent member. The first and second detent members can stop the turning of the handle. The handle further has an extensible latch member at one side spaced from the handle at a selected interval. The latch member has a distal end slidable over the second detent member and extendable downwards to allow the second detent member to be wedged in the interval and anchored. Thereby the hoisting magnetic disk can provide the magnetic attracting force and hoist and move the work piece safer.

Abstract: An anchoring magnet for anchoring onto a magnetic or magnetizable substrate has a plurality of panel-shaped magnet elements extending in parallel fashion and panel-shaped pole elements extending parallel thereto. The magnet and pole elements are clamped alternatingly into an assemblage. The magnet elements have nonmagnetic protective layers. The protective layers are joined exclusively to the magnet elements.

Abstract: An auto-aligning and connecting structure used to connect and align an electronic device and an accessory, wherein a plurality of first magnetic bodies are disposed on a first surface of the electrical device and a plurality of second magnetic bodies are disposed on a second surface of the accessory. The magnetic pole of the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies are appropriately arranged so the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies can attract each other when the first surface and the second surface approach each other. Then, the electronic device and the accessories are connected to each other when the first surface and the second surface connect.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetizing a wellbore tubular includes a plurality of co-axial magnetizing coils deployed on a frame. The coils are typically deployed about a track on which the tubular may be traversed. Exemplary embodiments may further include a magnetic field sensor disposed to measure the imparted magnetic field along the length of the tubular as it is removed from the track after magnetization. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide for semi-automated control of tubular magnetization and thereby enable a repeatable magnetic pattern to be imparted to each of a large number of wellbore tubulars.

Abstract: A magnetic floating paper towel holder consists of a magnetic stand that has magnetic blocks installed at four corners and four sides and a magnetic paper towel holder which has two magnetic wheels and one magnetic connecting tube. The magnetic polarity of the stand magnetic blocks, the magnetic wheels and the magnetic connecting tube is properly arranged to create a repelling force against each other between the stand magnetic blocks and the magnetic paper towel holder. Therefore, the magnetic paper towel holder floats in air when it is placed on top and in the middle of the magnetic stand.

Abstract: A set of magnetic blocks by which connection is made between blocks through a force attracting multiple ferrous protrusions on one face to multiple recessed magnets on another face. The multiple points of magnetic connection provide alignment and rigidity to the assembled structure.

Abstract: A permanent magnetic male and female levitation support has a first part with a cavity and a plurality of retainment mechanisms incorporated therein, and a plurality of first permanent magnets evenly distributed around the perimeter of the cavity and held in place by the retainment mechanisms, wherein the first permanent magnets produce a first rotationally invariant magnetic field around a first axis. A second part is rigidly connected to a base and produces a second rotationally invariant magnetic field around a second axis. When the first axis is aligned with the second axis, the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field simultaneously produce a repulsive force and a restorative force to levitate the first part relative to the second part.

Abstract: A lightweight and durable magnetic accessory system strengthened and secured by high-powered magnets to secure various accessories to magnetic surfaces. This invention is easily detachable and does not mar surfaces while maintaining its ability to securely fasten to anything that has magnetic qualities. The accessory is easy to clean and is versatile when used in a plurality of environments. The small size of the high-powered magnets allows the system to maintain a secure grip on magnetic surfaces as well as aiding in its highly aesthetic value. The simple connecting mechanism of the magnetic accessory system eases the burden of tedious construction and the need for a precise assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universally-applicable, detachable magnetic catch, suitable, for example, for the closing and opening of containers of for fixing or releasing an object, whereby each magnet (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 16, 19, 21) is held with a positive fit in the recess (15, 18, 21) of a holder (11, 12, 14, 17, 20). One of said holders may be displaced by means of an operating device (5, 13) such that the magnetic poles of the magnets oppose each other to be either attracting or repelling. Each magnet has an upper side, an underside, parallel to the above and a circumferential surface at an angle of 90 DEG to the upper and underside. The upperside and the underside of the magnet are a non-symmetrical planar surface and the recess of the holder has a horizontal cross-sectional surface, identical to the non-symmetrical form of the upperside and the underside such that the magnet may only be introduced into the corresponding recess with the poles in a functional alignment.

Abstract: Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly of at least two panels that have at least two magnet holders located around the perimeter of the panel for embedding and positioning magnets therein. Magnets are disposed in each of the magnet holders such that all of the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. When attaching two adjacent panels, at least two ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear. In this manner, several panels configured in this way may be nested together to form great varieties of constructions.

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 lock mechanism for a stage apparatus, includes a stationary support board; a movable stage; a leaf spring supported by the stationary support board; a press portion and a pressed portion provided on the leaf spring and the movable stage, respectively, a frictional contacting member being fixed to at least one of opposed surfaces of the press portion and the pressed portion; an electromagnet for resiliently deforming the leaf spring in a lock releasing direction to disengage the frictional contacting member from the one of opposed surfaces of the press portion and the pressed portion; and a permanent magnet, fixed to the stationary support board, which magnetically attracts the leaf spring to hold the frictional contacting member and the one of opposed surfaces of the press portion and the pressed portion in a disengaged state when the leaf spring is resiliently deformed by the electromagnet.

Abstract: A housing apparatus includes housing units in which a plurality of permanent magnets are housed, respectively; binding units which are arranged in the housing units, respectively, and bind the permanent magnets in the housing units, respectively; permanent magnet detectors which are arranged in the housing units, respectively, and detect whether the permanent magnets are housed in the housing units, respectively; and a control unit which controls the binding units to selectively keep the permanent magnets in a binding state or a nonbinding state on the basis of detection results of the permanent magnet detectors.

Abstract: A method of coupling the upper and lower section of a humidifier container used to humidify oxygen gas, using magnetic coupling means. A series of corresponding magnets around the container, located externally to the device or internally, secure the lower part or vessel to the upper part or cap. Using magnets opposing an attracted metal may he used in lieu of corresponding magnet to magnet attraction which requires the poles of the magnets be oriented with their poles to attract each other.

Abstract: A magnetic latch assembly includes a first body, a second body, and a magnetic block and a magnetic latch. The magnetic block is movably disposed on the first body; therefore, it can be selectively moved close to or far away a first opening of the first body. The magnetic latch is disposed on the second body corresponding to a second opening of the second body. In addition, two ends of the magnetic latch form a hook portion and a tip portion, respectively. When the first body is close up against the second body and the magnetic block is moved close to the first opening, the magnetic block and the tip portion repel each other due to magnetic force so as to drive the magnetic latch rotating, so that the hook portion is moved and passing through the second opening and the first opening and hooked against the first body.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation apparatus supports a magnetic element in a magnetic field. A control system controls a variable magnetic field to maintain the magnetic element at an equilibrium location relative to an unstable axis. In some embodiments the variable magnetic field has a gradient in the direction of the unstable axis but no field component. In some embodiments the magnetic field is provided by an array of four discrete magnets. In some embodiments additional magnets provide increased field intensity at the equilibrium location this increases stability of the levitated magnetic element against overturning. Light and electrical power may be supplied to the levitating magnetic element.

Abstract: An annular magnet is formed by coupling a plurality of arc-shaped divided magnets with each other in an annular shape as well as such being magnetized with N and S magnetic poles on the end surfaces thereof in an axial direction, wherein the annular magnet is formed such that each of the divided magnets has joint portions at both ends thereof so that the divided magnets are joined to each other. Each of the joint portions also has a joint surface to overlap the joint portions of adjacent divided magnets in the axial direction. The joint surface is magnetized to a magnetic pole different from that of a joint surface to which such is joined, and the divided magnets are coupled with each other by the magnetic attraction force of different magnet poles.

Abstract: A low friction and stable sliding structure for an electronic device. 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: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: This invention is about a magnetic restraining system. Keeping non electronics or electronics devices such as keyboards and mice stabilized on moving or non moving carts can be very difficult. This invention solves this problem by using a magnet that can be embedded inside the device or glued at the bottom of the device to prevent the device from sliding or falling from any metallic surface that can be attracted by a magnet. The metallic surface can be with or with out coating or covering.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for powering and/or controlling electrically powered devices. A power supply system is operable to provide a voltage across at the active and the counter electrode assemblies of a transdermal delivery device. The system includes a power source and a magnetic coupling element.

Abstract: An instrument caddy and protection device is disclosed having a retentive pocket configured to closely adapted to, retain against displacement and protect an electronic instrument therein such as, for example, a multi-meter. The instrument caddy includes at least one magnet that enables the caddy to hold an instrument against a metallic surface during use while simultaneously protecting the instrument against breakage. Alternate embodiments of the caddy are disclosed wherein the retentive pocket is initially filled with sectioned and removable foam insert material enabling custom sizing of the retentive pocket so as to adapt to an instrument having given dimensions. In addition, preferred embodiments of the caddy provide for passageways for test cables and/or instrument straps to be attached to the instrument while it is held with the retentive pocket.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation sliding structure is provided. The sliding structure includes a first slider member including a guide portion with a first magnet, a second slider member including a receiving portion with a channel-shaped second magnet, the receiving portion being configured to receive the guide portion so as to slide on the first slider member. The first and second magnets are configured so that a repelling force can act there between for facilitating the sliding operation. In some embodiments the sliding structure includes at least one attraction member configured at an initial and/or final position of one of the first and second slider members. A portable electronic device including the magnetic levitation sliding structure is also provided.