Work Or Object Holding Type Patents (Class 335/285)
  • Publication number: 20040094443
    Abstract: A combination container and applicator where the container has an outside surface and an interior and an extension tube which is magnetically attracted to the container outside surface such that when placed on the container the extension tube becomes releasably magnetically affixed to the outside surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Alex MacMurdo
  • Patent number: 6707360
    Abstract: A switchable magnetic device includes a first magnet (10) and a second magnet (11), both of which are essentially cylindrical. Magnets (10,11) are housed in a housing made from pole pieces (12,13). Pole pieces (12, 13) are ferromagnetic. Lower magnet (10) is fixedly mounted in the housing whilst upper magnet (11) can rotate within the housing. Upper magnet (11) is formed with notches or grooves (14, 15) along its vertical side walls. These notches or grooves (14, 15) receive downwardly depending arms (16, 17) of bar (18). Bar (18) is received inside a groove (19) formed on boss (20). Boss (20) is connected to a short bar (21) that, in turn, is fixedly connected to a handle or lever (22). By this means, rotation of handle or lever (22) causes rotation of second magnet (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Aussie Kids Toy Company Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Perry J Underwood, Franz Kocijan
  • Patent number: 6683520
    Abstract: A magnetically attachable sealed pressed flower in which a sheet 3 having a pressed dry flower 2 is sealed and fixed by melting and fixing therein is disposed integrally on one surface of a sheet-shaped magnet substrate 1, which can improve the degree of freedom for the selection and alteration of the position or replacement of the kinds of pressed flowers and also enables re-utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Doppel Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Mieko Sakai
  • Patent number: 6677845
    Abstract: A magnetic pick-up tool, which preferably features a magnet retained on its non-exposed sides within a ferrous-containing carrier. The ferrous-containing carrier redirects the magnetic forces issuing from the magnet toward the exposed surface area, significantly increasing a magnet's strength without the need for increasing magnet size. In one embodiment, the pick-up tool features a threaded carrier, mated to a sleeve member in a manner allowing the sleeve member to be adjustably positioned relative to the magnet and carrier by rotation of the sleeve member in the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Summit Tool Company
    Inventors: Aaron E. Fader, Mark Franklin Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6669024
    Abstract: A sweeper magnet for attracting magnetic debris from a pick-up surface includes a base assembly and a magnet having a first surface supported by the base assembly and a second surface. A cover extends over the magnet second surface and includes a projection having a projection height extending away from the magnet. The projection automatically creates a space distance of at least the projection height between the pick-up surface and at least a portion of the cover to provide clearance for attracting the magnetic debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: National Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Corey J. Ottens
  • Patent number: 6667679
    Abstract: A temporary joint that includes a first discrete member having a first edge and a first movable coupling means; and a second discrete member having a second edge and a second movable coupling means. When it is necessary to form a joint between the first and second discrete members, the first and second edges are moved into abutment to define a binding edge. Then, the first and second movable coupling means are moved toward the binding edge; and the temporary joint is formed when the first and second movable coupling means are proximate the binding edge. The joint is broken by moving the first and second coupling means away from the binding edge. The first coupling means is comprised of a volume of a field responsive material and the second coupling means is a field producing means such as a magnet. A rigid joint is produced when the field producing supplies a field across the field responsive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: J. David Carlson, Lynn C. Yanyo
  • Publication number: 20030222741
    Abstract: A support surface that utilizes repulsive forces of opposing magnetic fields is described. In preferred embodiments, the support apparatus includes first and second frame members having first and second pluralities of magnets disposed thereon. The pluralities of magnets are oriented such that the first plurality of magnets produces a magnetic field having an orientation that opposes the magnetic fields of the magnets of the second plurality. The first and second frame members interact such that they maintain a substantially static lateral position relative to each other despite the repulsive forces of the opposing magnetic fields. A support member, such as a cushion member, is disposed adjacent one of the frame members, and can be connected thereto. A covering can surround the entire assembly. In particularly preferred embodiments, the frame members have dimensions similar to those of conventional mattresses, and the cover confers the appearance of a conventional mattress onto the support apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Martin
  • Patent number: 6650212
    Abstract: An electromagnetic latching assembly is disclosed that provides a mechanically advantageous holding force for securing two objects relative to one another. Generally, the assembly contains at least one and preferably two levers that are mounted to a frame so that they may pivot between open and closed positions. The frame is mounted to a first object and the lever(s) applies a holding force to a second object when the lever(s) is in the closed position. A permanent magnet is used to apply a magnetic restraining force to maintain the lever(s) in the closed position. The magnetic restraining force utilizes the leverage of the lever(s) to effectively apply an amplified holding force to the second object when the assembly is in the closed position. An electromagnet, which may be remotely actuated, is utilized selectively counteract the magnetic restraining force and allow the latch assembly to open and release the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Weyman Weems
  • Patent number: 6636153
    Abstract: A sensor system for determining acceptable magnetization between a magnetic clamp and a mold patent for a quick mold change system on an injection molding machine includes secondary sensing coils magnetically coupled with a switchable magnet in the clamp effecting a voltage output in accordance with magnetic flux conditions between the magnets and the mold and providing a control signal based on changes in said flux condition for controlling activity of said workpiece in accordance therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Simon C. Barton, Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 6630878
    Abstract: A magnetic rotating apparatus is used for connecting a body portion and a rotating portion of a foldable product. The body portion has an assembling portion while the rotating portion has a pivot portion. The rotating portion is secured to the body portion by engaging the pivot portion with the assembling portion, so that the rotating portion is allowed to pivot on the body portion and be positioned at the first stable equilibrium or the second stable equilibrium. The magnetic rotating apparatus comprises a magnetic body component situated in the assembling portion and a magnetic pivot component situated in the pivot portion. The magnetic body component and the magnetic pivot component are disposed as mates. Also, the opposite surfaces of the magnetic pivot component and the magnetic body component have the same polarity. When the rotating portion and the body portion are maintained at the first stable equilibrium, the magnetic pivot component is positioned at one side adjacent to the magnetic body component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Long-Jyh Pan, Yung-Tsun Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20030178901
    Abstract: A positioner has a first surface with a plurality of controlled electromagnets and a second surface having a circular cross-section movably positioned relative to the first surface. A plurality of magnetic positioners are disposed around the second surface. Control logic energizes a sequence of the controlled electromagnets to create magnetic interaction with the plurality of magnetic positioner and thereby move the second surface relative to the first surface. A rotor may be positioned to rotate relative to the second surface. Electromagnetic pickups in proximity with the rotor receive a time-varying electromagnetic field from rotor magnets as the rotor rotates, thereby generating electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Clarity, LLC
    Inventors: Gamze Erten, Mark D. Chuey
  • Patent number: 6614337
    Abstract: A magnetic holding device for storing and organizing tools that are intrinsically or have been made magnetically conductive is disclosed that includes a first plate having a width, a thickness and at least one opening and a magnet having a first and a second magnetic region attached to the first plate, wherein the magnetic regions of the magnet are located on opposite sides of the at least one opening in the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley D. Winnard
  • Patent number: 6611185
    Abstract: A joint member for selectively joining first and second members, said joint member comprising a first coupling member comprising a volume of field responsive material and a second coupling member comprising a field generating member for selectively applying a field across the field responsive material, the joint member also comprising means for selectively moving the field responsive material toward and away from the field generating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: J. David Carlson, Mitzi R. Vernon, Lynn C. Yanyo
  • Patent number: 6587022
    Abstract: A foldable, portable, magnetic tool mat. The tool mat includes generally rectangular obverse and reverse panels each formed of flexible material and connected together along substantially common side and end margins and along evenly spaced apart seam lines extending between said side margins defining elongated magnet bar holding portions. An elongated permanent magnet bar is held within each holding portion each without substantially inhibiting selective tool mat folding for fit and storage. The reverse panel is substantially thicker than the obverse panel for better wear characteristics and maximal magnetic attractive forces for tool and hardware retention. An attaching strap holds the tool mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Rita M. Devine
  • Publication number: 20030112105
    Abstract: A magnet configuration comprising a pair of Halbach arrays magnetically and structurally connected together are positioned with respect to each other so that a first component of their fields substantially cancels at a first plane between them, and a second component of their fields substantially adds at this first plane. A track is located between the pair of Halbach arrays and a propulsion mechanism is provided for moving the pair of Halbach arrays along the track. When the pair of Halbach arrays move along the track and the track is not located at the first plane, a current is induced in the windings and a restoring force is exerted on the pair of Halbach arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Richard F. Post
  • Patent number: 6566992
    Abstract: A module (1, 16, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54, 100) for the creation of assemblies comprising at one active magnetic element of attraction (2, 3, 17, 23, 33, 34, 42, 47, 48) and a least one ferromagnetic element (6, 21, 22, 30, 40, 44) suitable for defining areas (13, 14, 35, 36, 88, 90, 80, 82, 110, 10, 250, 260, 92, 94) for connection to other modules, with it is possible to create an assembly of modules (1, 16, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54, 100, 37, 15) which provides a magnetic circuit which closes totally or at least partially via the ferromagnetic elements present (6, 21 22, 30, 40, 44, 55, 104, 37, 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Claudio Vicentelli
  • Patent number: 6562249
    Abstract: In an improved method of etching apertures in a thin metal sheet to form a shadow mask for a color picture tube, the metal sheet has a first acid-resistant stencil on one major surface thereof and a second acid-resistant stencil on the other major surface thereof. At least one of the stencils has openings therein at locations of intended apertures. The improvement comprises the steps of magnetically holding the metal sheet with a flat magnetic assembly, and moving the magnetic assembly magnetically holding the metal sheet thereon through an etching chamber. The magnetic assembly includes a magnetic layer that is supported on an acid-resistant board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignees: BMC Industries, Inc., Thomson Consumer Electronics
    Inventors: Craig Clay Eshleman, Charles Michael Wetzel, Randall Eugene McCoy, Leo B. Kriksunov, Lance Benjamin, Derek Harris, Thomas R. Sage
  • Patent number: 6557429
    Abstract: A method of testing whether a magnetic lifting device may safely lift a particular load where the magnetic lifting device is placed adjacent to the load, some or all of the magnetic elements of the magnetic lifting device are spaced such that the lifting ability of the magnetic lifting device is reduced by a predetermined amount. An attempt is then made to lift the load by a small safe distance. If this attempt is successful, the user can be sure use of the magnetic lifting device, when the lifting ability is restored, is safe. Conveniently, the spacing is achieved by the introduction of a substantially planar member between the magnetic lifting device and the load. The planar member has a similar footprint to that of the magnetic lifting device. The planar member may be made of stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Eclipse Magnetics Limited
    Inventor: Ian Asquith
  • Patent number: 6545579
    Abstract: A device for holding components made of a ferromagnetic material that are arranged consecutively in a row and are held in place with one contact surface resting against at least two adjacent magnetic poles of opposite polarity, with the magnetic lines of force between the magnetic poles being concentrated in a region close to the contact surface of the components without magnetically influencing the working surfaces opposite the contact surfaces, in which the component holding capacity of the device is considerably increased, without impairing the residual magnetic field in the edge areas, by arranging multiple rows of the components parallel to each other and assigning to the outer rows of the components additional magnetic circuits that divert or compensate for the residual magnetic field of the working surfaces of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Dimke, Josef Weber, Juergen Hackenberg
  • Patent number: 6538544
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated magnetic workpiece holder comprising a housing having a contact surface for contacting a workpiece to be held, and a magnet assembly translationally disposed in the housing, the magnet assembly comprising a plurality of permanent magnets arranged so that adjacent magnets are of opposite polarities. The housing is adapted for fluid communication with a pneumatic supply. The magnet assembly is biased towards an operative position, according to which the magnet assembly is sufficiently near the contact surface to exert on a workpiece an attractive force sufficient for holding the workpiece in contact with the workpiece holder, and is translationally positionable by pneumatic pressure towards an inoperative position, according to which the magnet assembly is sufficiently distant from the contact surface so as to be unable to exert on the workpiece an attractive force sufficient for holding the workpiece in contact with the workpiece holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Magnetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hardy
  • Patent number: 6501203
    Abstract: A vibration control apparatus designed specifically for use on space vehicles includes a stator for mounting in the vehicle, a lower flotor, magnetically levitated on the stator, an upper flotor nested in and magnetically levitated on the lower flotor, and position, orientation and motion sensors carried by the stator and flotors. When any changes in position, orientation or movement, i.e. vibration of apparatus is detected, magnetic force actuators are energized to compensate for such changes to keep a work platform on the upper flotor virtually vibration-free. Moreover, controlled and induced vibration of the work platform and an experiment carried thereby can be effected using the lower flotor as a reaction mass, i.e. without feedback to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Canadian Space Agency
    Inventor: Bjarni V. Tryggvason
  • Patent number: 6496094
    Abstract: A magnet clamp for use with a hand tool is disclosed. The present invention provides a magnet that can be reversibly attached to an existing commercially-available hand-held tool without modification of the tool, thereby providing a way to securely hold various small metal items associated with said hand tool, while making said items readily available for use. Drill bits, saw blades, nails, screws, bolts, tacks, chuck keys, or any small objects made of or alloyed with a ferromagnetic substance such as iron or steel may be securely held by the present invention. The present invention also provides a simple and inexpensive process of manufacturing such a device from common items, including an automotive hose clamp, and from common operations, such as soldering and gluing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Otho D May, III
  • Patent number: 6489871
    Abstract: A magnetic device includes a cylindrical outer pole having a central axis and formed of a ferromagnetic material including a circular base and a cylindrical sleeve defining an outwardly opening cylindrical cavity. A reversible magnetic unit located in said cavity includes a cylindrical core having a magnetic axis aligned with the central axis and a normal magnetic polarity in an inactive state. A cylindrical inner pole formed of a ferromagnetic material is operatively coupled to the core and inwardly radially spaced from said sleeve. An annular band between said sleeve and said inner pole formed of a permanent magnetic material has a magnetic polarity transverse to said central axis and magnetically aligned with said normal magnetic polarity of the core whereby an internal magnetic circuit is established in the inactive state through the poles, the core and the permanent magnet to the exclusion of said workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Simon C. Barton
  • Patent number: 6471273
    Abstract: The invention is a magnetic lifting device having a lever-operated cam and roller combination, which facilitates removal of the magnetic lifting device from a workpiece, wherein the cam-mounted roller is free to rotate, eliminating the potential for marring the service of the workpiece when the cam is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Industrial Magnetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Friedrich, Bud Shear
  • Publication number: 20020097121
    Abstract: A permanent magnet radial magnetizer is provided for use in radially magnetizing a workpiece ring. This magnetizer includes a lower magic hemisphere and an upper magic hemisphere which have respective equatorial surfaces in oppositely facing relationship to form a gap that receives a workpiece ring to be radially magnetized, and which have respective permanent magnet toroidal flux-line pathways, and which enclose a spherical cavity containing an iron filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Herbert A. Leupold
  • Patent number: 6403038
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic pin (8, 22) for concentrating particles, containing (a) a grip adapter (2, 14), (b) a connecting pin (4, 16) with dents (3, 15), (c) at least one magnet (7, 20) and (d) a sheath (5, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Klaus-Hinrich Heermann
  • Patent number: 6400247
    Abstract: A container for a magnet, in the form of a box, has an outer clear plastic shell and an inner box preferably of opaque molded material, sized to fit closely within the clear outer shell. A magnet fits closely within the inner box. Between the outer and inner boxes, at an outer face of the composite container, a sheet of decorative or graphic material can be retained, sandwiched between walls of the outer and inner boxes. The inner and outer box elements preferably are retained together by snap-in structure, which in one preferred embodiment comprises nipples molded on the inside surface of side walls of the outer box, to be engaged in dimples or recesses at corresponding positions on the outer surface of the inner box's side walls. Both the inner and outer box elements are open at one side, and the magnet can be retained in the inner box by adhesives, fasteners or other appropriate connection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Feather King
  • Patent number: 6394677
    Abstract: A pen having a pen cap, and a penholder. The pen cap has a blocking cover with a loop cord for carrying and an opening at the other end. The penholder provides a center stick therein with a writing head of the center stick extending outwardly from a conical part at an end of the penholder. A magnetic ring is fixed in the pen cap. The conical part is made of magnet inducing material. The pen cap engages the penholder by way of the magnetic ring attracting the conical part when the conical part is inserted into the pen cap from the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Excel Rite Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Wang
  • Patent number: 6396375
    Abstract: A driving mechanism is located below a transparent hollow casing of a liquid-containing ornament and includes a coupling member that engages with and rotates along with a rotary shaft of a movement of a music box located below the mechanism, stationary magnets that have a fixed polarity and are fixedly mounted at two ends of the coupling member, and rotary magnets that are rotatably mounted on the coupling member in the vicinity of the stationary magnets to freely change their polarities while rotating. The stationary and the rotary magnets alternately magnetically attract and repulse a plurality of magnet-attached floating ornamental items in the casing, causing the ornamental items to move just like something real.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent K. Lee
  • Patent number: 6392517
    Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool, includes a magnet holder having a cylindrical wall having a rear portion and a front portion, the wall defining a space for holding a magnet, the wall decreasing in thickness from the rear portion toward the front portion, and a magnet disposed in the space, wherein the magnet holder concentrates flux from the magnet at the front portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ullman Devices
    Inventors: Edward S. Coleman, Jr., Stanley Stromski
  • Publication number: 20020043205
    Abstract: Apparatus (20) comprising magnetic means in the form of a magnet (22) which is spaced in use from the surface of an object such as a roof R of an emergency Vehicle for example a police car or the like by resilient spacer means in the form of an “O” ring sealing member (24). The magnet (22) is connected to an article such as a light or siren (28) used by emergency services such that the light or siren (28) can be mounted on a vehicle V as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Martin Frost
  • Patent number: 6366190
    Abstract: A magneto-spring structure includes a lower frame and an upper frame vertically movably mounted on the lower frame via a link mechanism. The upper and lower frames have respective permanent magnets secured thereto, with like magnetic pole opposed to each other. The link mechanism includes a plurality of links and a connecting member for rotatably connecting them via a bearing. The links are made of non-magnetic material, while the bearing is made of ferromagnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yoshimi Enoki, Hiroshi Nakahira, Eiji Sugimoto, Shigeki Wagata, Hideyuki Yamane, Shigeyuki Kojima, Kazuyoshi Chizuka
  • Patent number: 6340302
    Abstract: An electrical connector configured to nonrigidly apply force to a semiconductor substrate in directions substantially normal to a plane of the semiconductor substrate. The electrical connector includes a first member with an electrically conductive element and a first attractive element and a second member that includes a support element and a second attractive element. Attractive forces, such as magnetic attraction, between the first and second attractive elements secure the first and second members of the electrical connector to the semiconductor substrate in a manner that facilitates communication between the electrically conductive element of the first member and one or more semiconductor devices carried upon the semiconductor substrate. The electrical connector may be used in stress testing of semiconductor devices or to otherwise establish an electrical connection between one or more semiconductor devices, a ground, and a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Ladd
  • Patent number: 6333848
    Abstract: The storage device reduces vibration accompanied by high-speed rotation of a storage media, and raises reliability as well. In a stationary position of amass object, each magnetic pole of the movable portion magnet is disposed so that their position is provided in opposite relation to each magnetic pole of a fixed portion magnet, and each magnetic pole of a movable portion magnet and the fixed portion magnet is opposite a different magnetic pole with respect to each other. An attraction force:F1 and a repulsion force:F2 between facing (or confronting) magnetic pole can be used efficiently, and a large vibration energy or inertia force can be obtained by a small-sized magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Aida, Yuuji Maeda, Hiroshi Niwa, Akimitsu Omori
  • Patent number: 6329895
    Abstract: A releasing magnet for anti-theft devices for sales goods with a permanent magnet and a housing having a disc-shaped collar and a fastener for securing the housing to a table. The housing is made of plastic and at least almost surrounds the permanent magnet which prevents corrosion and allows the releasing magnet to be washed so that its use is hygienic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Albert Maurer, Heinz Hofstetter
  • Patent number: 6275127
    Abstract: An intriguing and educational display structure (2) includes a translucent earth globe body (3) suspended by energy derived from solar cells (14) integral to the globe. The globe is suspended by magnetic forces between magnets within the support assembly (10) which is controlled by a servo system substantially integral to the globe and powered by the solar cells (14). The servo mechanism can be made to launch and land the suspended globe in response to changing levels of illumination. Energy can be stored within the globe to power occasional periods of suspension, even in very low light levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: William Wallace French
  • Patent number: 6229422
    Abstract: In the switchable magnet system disclosed herein, a central pole piece is backed by at least two permanent magnets having substantially different energies (Hc) so that one of the magnets is relatively switchable or reversible and the other is not. A magnetically permeable frame provides a peripheral pole face at least on either side of the central pole face and a backing plate bridging the central pole piece over the permanent magnets. A coil surrounds the first and second permanent magnets insde of the peripheral pole face. According, energization of the coil in one direction can reverse the polarization of the first magnet, thereby effectively short circuiting flux produced by the second magnet and terminating holding, while energization of the coil in the opposite direction can polarize the first magnet in parallel with the second magnet, thereby to effect holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Walker Magnetics Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic F. Pignataro
  • Patent number: 6158157
    Abstract: A promotional article for use in establishments such as bars or restaurants has the shape of a suspended enlarged replica of a beer bottle cap. The replica houses a magnet which enables discarded beer bottle caps to be attached underneath the promotional article. Eventually a cluster of beer bottle caps is created which further enhances the appeal of the promotional article. Two embodiments of the article are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: 1011632 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: William Steven Hiscock, Anthony Gregg Davis
  • Patent number: 6152035
    Abstract: A magnetic support plate for cladded steel and steel-backed polymer stamping/blocking and embossing graphic arts dies is provided in which a non-ferrous, rectangular support member (14, 114, 214) made up of a plate (26, 126, 226) has a die mounting surface (24) for complementally receiving the graphic arts die assembly (12). The plate (26, 126, 226) has a series of elongated recesses or cavities (28, 128, 228) in one face thereof, with each of the cavities being provided with two rectangular magnets that are located in spaced relationship one from another. The two magnets within each cavity are disposed in positions with the magnetic north and south poles thereof opposite one another. A ferro-magnetic component (36) in the form of a steel plate or strip is provided within each cavity in bridging, contacting relationship to both of the magnets within each cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Universal Engraving, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Scholtz, Fred F. Duarte, Dennis F. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 6124777
    Abstract: A magnet tool and method of assembly, utilizes an alignment insert in a central opening of the magnet to coaxially align fastener guide holes through polar plates or protective covers on opposing planar sides of the magnet and a fastener guide hole in the insert, whereby insertion of the fastener through the guide holes laterally aligns the components of the assembly without the use of adhesive. A method of assembly of the tool without the use of adhesive is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Sulo Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg S. Snider
  • Patent number: 6111491
    Abstract: A magnetic screw having a screw shaft of magnetic material having thread crests formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a magnetic nut fitted on the outer periphery of the screw shaft. The magnetic nut includes annular permanent magnets magnetized with magnetic poles of opposite polarities on opposed sides, and annular yokes disposed such that the annular yokes are magnetically coupled with the magnetic poles of the magnets. The inner peripheral surfaces of the yokes are provided with thread crests corresponding with the thread crests of the screw shaft with a minute gap G defined therebetween such that magnetic circuits are formed between the screw shaft and the magnets through the thread crests of the screw shaft. The magnets are magnetized on their inner and outer radial surfaces with magnetic poles of opposite polarities, and the yokes are fitted in the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignees: Koyo Machinery Industries Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Special Metals Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Furuse, deceased, Kazuto Kunihiro, Nobuyuki Kitai, Junichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6104268
    Abstract: A magnetism-sensitive lifter rotatable intermittently and dividing angles by a computer includes many permanent magnets and many induction silicon steel magnets to attract and repel one another, possible to rotate intermittently, divide angles equal and unequal and move up and down vertically by control of a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignees: Chieh-Hsueh Hsu, Yi-Chien Lee
    Inventor: Chieh-Hsueh Hsu
  • Patent number: 6094120
    Abstract: A magnetizing apparatus mounted around periphery of a conduit for exerting magnetic fields to fluids such as water flowing through the conduit. The apparatus comprises a pair of cases being freely opened on one side; a pair of grooves formed inside the cases respectively, and a pairs of holders installed in the grooves for holding a plurality of permanent magnets with the magnets being aligned along the length of the grooves. On the cases being faced, the grooves are opposed to each other to form a hole for introducing the conduit, and the paired holders are opposed to each other, with the rows of the magnets being opposed to each other. Furthermore, one or both of the opposing holders are supported by elastic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: B. C. O. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shozo Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6060970
    Abstract: The invention is a fixture assembly for magnetizing a permanent magnet hollow cylindrical member to produce a high axial magnetic field in the cylindrical member's axial bore. The fixture assembly has at least one high permeability soft magnetic component positioned along the cylindrical member's longitudinal axis. A means for maintaining the high permeability soft magnetic component positioned along the cylindrical member's longitudinal axis is present. A means for directing a high magnetic field through the high permeability soft magnetic component and hollow cylindrical member provides magnetization of the cylindrical member.Also disclosed is a method of magnetizing a hollow cylindrical member to produce a high axial magnetic field in the cylindrical member's axial bore using the fixture assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: James F. Bell
  • Patent number: 6007716
    Abstract: A magnet holder accessory for releasable solely magnetic mounting to a metal oil filter cartridge has a magnet housing wherein the magnet housing consists essentially of an upper surface member an opposite lower surface member and side surface members extending around so as to enclose a magnet retaining cavity within the magnet housing, the side surface members contiguous to the perimeter of the lower surface member and the upper surface member, the magnet retaining cavity sized to snugly retain a magnet within the cavity a first distance from a lower surface of the lower surface member and a second distance from an upper surface of the upper surface member, wherein the first distance is a relatively small distance for minimizing attenuation of magnetic force of a magnet within the magnet retaining cavity, and the second distance is a distance significantly larger than the first distance so as to attenuate the magnetic force from the magnet retained within the magnet retaining cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: White Lightning Preventative Maintenance Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Calvert
  • Patent number: 6005460
    Abstract: Magnetic flux trapping clamps are provided that trap or pin the magnetic flux of ring shaped superconductive magnets in a high permeability metallic core located in the bore of the ring. Preferably, the superconductive magnets comprise a single crystal cut into a ring shape. Multiples of the flux-pinned magnets, having high magnetic strength, can be arranged in a variety of arrays for a range of applications. The devices offer several advantages over permanent or electromagnets. The devices easily activated by charging with a cryogenic fluid, to induce the superconductive effect, and deactivated by draining the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Darryl F. Garrigus, Michael Strasik, Karl A. Hansen, deceased, by John J. DeJong, executor
  • Patent number: 6002317
    Abstract: In the switchable magnet system disclosed herein, a central pole piece is backed by at least two permanent magnets having substantially different energies (H.sub.c) so that one of the magnets is relatively switchable or reversible and the other is not. A magnetically permeable frame provides a peripheral pole face at least on either side of the central pole face and a backing plate bridging the central pole piece over the permanent magnets. A coil surrounds the first and second permanent magnets inside of the peripheral pole face. According, energization of the coil in one direction can reverse the polarization of the first magnet, thereby effectively short circuiting flux produced by the second magnet and terminating holding, while energization of the coil in the opposite direction can polarize the first magnet in parallel with the second magnet, thereby to effect holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Walker Magnetics Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic F. Pignataro
  • Patent number: 5999074
    Abstract: A magnetic head for a magnetic pick-up tool includes a magnet having a pick-up surface and a sleeve member having an open end and being slidably positioned over the magnet, the sleeve member being made of a material acted upon by the magnet such that the magnet exerts a force upon the sleeve for maintaining the sleeve in a rest position wherein the open end extends beyond the pick-up surface, wherein the sleeve is slidable in a direction away from the pick-up surface and against the force to a withdrawn with respect to the magnet. A magnetic pick-up tool including a magnet head is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ullman Devices Corporation
    Inventors: Edward S. Coleman, Jr., Stanley Stromski
  • Patent number: 5994990
    Abstract: A magnet sheet 3 with a thickness of 0.05 to 0.15 mm is formed by molding a material obtained by adding magnetic particles to a synthetic resin material into a sheet and multiple pole magnetizing one surface of the sheet to form alternate N and S poles on that surface. A printing sheet 2 with a thickness of 0.05 to 0.15 mm, constituted by a paper sheet such as a high quality paper sheet or a coated paper sheet or a synthetic paper sheet or a synthetic resin film, is bonded to the non-magnetized surface of the magnet sheet 3. A magnet display sheet 1 , which has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, is thus obtained, and it is capable of being printing on with a usual home or office copier or printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: MagX Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Konomu Ogikubo
  • Patent number: 5992005
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a magnetic device and a manufacturing tool employing the methods. One of the methods includes the steps of: (1) applying an adhesive between opposing end faces of first and second core-portions of a magnetic core of the magnetic device, (2) placing the first and second core-portions proximate a permanent magnet during a cure-time of the adhesive, the permanent magnet causing the first and second core-portions to be magnetically attracted to one another to fix the first core-portion relative to the second core-portion and (3) separating the permanent magnet from the first and second core-portions following expiration of the cure-time, the adhesive thereafter fixing the first core-portion relative to the second core-portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Roessler, William Lonzo Woods