Abstract: A magnetic device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic body, comprises a housing having a central bore. A plurality of pole sectors arranged within an envelope of the central bore and forming a workpiece contact interface of the magnetic device, each of the plurality of pole sectors comprising a plurality of spaced-apart pole portions arranged at respective distances, wherein a recess of a plurality of recesses separates each pole portion of the plurality of pole portions, wherein a first sector forms a first pole of the magnetic device and a second sector forms a second pole of the magnetic device. A first permanent magnet. A second permanent being moveable relative to the first permanent magnet. And, an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one second permanent magnet to move the at least one second permanent magnet relative to the at least one first permanent magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic holding device (10), in particular a clamping device, comprising a holding surface (9) and at least one first permanent magnet (11), characterized in that the holding device (10) comprises at least one second permanent magnet (12) which is rotatably mounted relative to the at least one first permanent magnet (11) about a rotational axis (3), whereby the pole direction (2) of the second permanent magnet (12) is rotatable relative to the pole direction (1) of the first permanent magnet (11).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a shape-changeable magnetic member comprising a plurality of segments with each segment being able to be magnetized with a desired magnitude and orientation of magnetization, to a method of producing a shape changeable magnetic member composed of a plurality of segments and to a shape changeable magnetic member.

Abstract: A magnetic device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic body, comprises a housing having a central bore. A plurality of pole sectors arranged within an envelope of the central bore and forming a workpiece contact interface of the magnetic device, each of the plurality of pole sectors comprising a plurality of spaced-apart pole portions arranged at respective distances, wherein a recess of a plurality of recesses separates each pole portion of the plurality of pole portions, wherein a first sector forms a first pole of the magnetic device and a second sector forms a second pole of the magnetic device. A first permanent magnet. A second permanent being moveable relative to the first permanent magnet. And, an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one second permanent magnet to move the at least one second permanent magnet relative to the at least one first permanent magnet.

Abstract: A magnetic device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic body, comprises a housing having a central bore. A plurality of pole sectors arranged within an envelope of the central bore and forming a workpiece contact interface of the magnetic device, each of the plurality of pole sectors comprising a plurality of spaced-apart pole portions arranged at respective distances, wherein a recess of a plurality of recesses separates each pole portion of the plurality of pole portions, wherein a first sector forms a first pole of the magnetic device and a second sector forms a second pole of the magnetic device. A first permanent magnet. A second permanent being moveable relative to the first permanent magnet. And, an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one second permanent magnet to move the at least one second permanent magnet relative to the at least one first permanent magnet.

Abstract: An overhead hoist transport system includes a vehicle, a wafer box and a controller. The vehicle includes a combiner. The combiner includes at least one magnetic module. The magnetic module is fixed to a base plate. The magnetic module is downwardly protruded. The wafer box includes a header. The header includes a combining member configured to correspond to the magnetic module. The controller is configured to generate a control signal for controlling attachment and detachment operations between the combiner and the wafer box. The magnetic module includes a frame, a first permanent magnet, a second permanent magnet and a magnetic switch. The frame has an annular cross-sectional shape. The first permanent magnet is fixed to the frame. The second permanent magnet is rotatably arranged in the frame. The magnetic switch is configured to rotate the second magnet in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved interconnections for electronic components using ACAs are provided. The methods involve using magnets specific for each component to be connected and optimized in terms of size and strength and position relative to the substrate and component. Also provided are ovens adapted for use with the methods and systems and kits providing the parts of the system for use with existing ovens.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) untethered mobile actuator having the following parts: (a) a substrate having two or more magnetized panels, and (b) a frame that connects the magnetized panels, the magnetized panels being made of a polymer with embedded permanent magnetic particles, each magnetized panel of the 3D untethered mobile actuator having a magnetic moment in a different direction than a next neighboring panel, and the 3D untethered mobile actuator having a structural configuration that changes between a substantially flat structural configuration in the absence of a magnetic field, and an actuated structural configuration when under influence of a magnetic field. Methods of manufacturing and using the 3D mobile actuator and a system that includes the 3D mobile actuator are provided.

Abstract: A magnetic base for an electric machine tool, in particular for a magnetic core drilling machine, having a body in which is accommodated at least one first permanent magnet, the magnetic force of which combines with the magnetic force of at least one second permanent magnet to form a resultant holding force, wherein the at least one second permanent magnet is supported in the body such that it can rotate about a rotation axis through an angle of rotation between a first position in which the resultant holding force of the magnetic base is maximized and a second position in which the resultant holding force of the magnetic base is minimized, and having a controller for rotating the second permanent magnet between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to an electropermanent magnet core (EPM core) having two permanent magnets (or two permanent magnet portions where each portion can have one or more permanent magnets), including a fixed permanent magnet portion and a switching permanent magnet portion, where a switching magnetic field is used to switch the magnetization of the switching permanent magnet portion, but not switch the magnetization of the fixed permanent magnet portion.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a holder having a flexible sheet with a foldable portion that is foldable along an axis to form an upper portion and a lower portion of the flexible sheet, wherein the upper portion contains at least one magnet embedded therein and the lower portion contains at least one magnet embedded therein. The apparatus further includes at least one rigid container dimensioned to fit within the holder when the holder is folded, where the rigid container includes at least a first magnet with the first magnet located to engage the at least one magnet embedded in the lower portion of the holder and the at least one magnet embedded in the upper portion of the holder.

Abstract: A microrobot assembly system includes a substrate containing conductive traces formed into at least one holding zone and one moving zone, a diamagnetic layer on the substrate, at least two magnetic structures movable across the diamagnetic layer in response to voltages applied to the conductive traces, wherein the holding zone holds one of the magnetic structures and the moving zone allows another of the magnetic structures to attach to the magnetic structure being held. The system may include a plate spaced above the substrate and rails to guide the moving magnetic structures.

Abstract: One or more switchable magnetic systems is located near a battery attachment surface of an electric vehicle, where the battery attachment surface is configured to accept and electronically connect to a battery pack. The electric vehicle also includes a control system that operates the one or more switchable magnetic system switching from a first to a second state. In the first state the magnetic field of the switchable magnetic system secures the battery pack to the battery attachment surface so that the battery pack is electronically coupled to an electric motor of the electric vehicle. When the control system receives a message corresponding to removal of the battery pack, the control system switches the switchable magnetic system to the second state such that the battery pack is removable from the battery attachment surface.

Abstract: A slide rail, includes: a first sliding portion provided with a first magnetic part, the first magnetic part having an N pole and an S pole arranged alternately in a length direction of the slide rail; and a second sliding portion provided with a second magnetic part, the second magnetic part having an N pole and an S pole arranged alternately in the length direction, and the first sliding portion being slidably mounted to the second sliding portion in the length direction. During a relative sliding between the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion, the first magnetic part and the second magnetic part are opposite to each other, and are configured to switch between a state of attracting each other and a state of repelling each other.

Abstract: A receptacle holder (1)—consisting of a U-shaped base part (5) and a holder part (6) that closes the opening of the U-shaped base part, whereby the holder part (6) comprises a magnet, with a receptacle (2) with up to 50 ml fill level, consisting of a vial (3) and a closing part (4), wherein, a ferrous metal is arranged in the closing part (4) and the receptacle (2) is arrangeable on the first side (7) of the holder part (6) that faces towards the U-shaped base part.

Abstract: Techniques for tuning magnetic potential using a variable gap in a parallel dipole line (PDL) trap are provided. In one aspect, a PDL trap is provided. The PDL trap includes: a pair of dipole line magnets separated from one another by a variable gap g; and a diamagnetic object levitating above the dipole line magnets. The dipole line magnets can be separated from one another by at least one spacer, or a variable gap fixture can be used in which the dipole line magnets are affixed to separate mounts for varying the gap g between the dipole line magnets. A bigger trap or track can be built with multiple segments of PDL trap. A method of operating a PDL trap is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for stacking block games, which may include a game board or base including magnetized portions and a hover platform having at least one magnet connected thereto and being suspended above the game board or base and in a floating or hovering arrangement that can be generated by magnetic repulsion between the magnet of the platform and the magnetized portions of the game board or base. Further, a plurality of game pieces may be arranged in a stacked orientation on the platform.

Abstract: Techniques for tuning magnetic potential using a variable gap in a parallel dipole line (PDL) trap are provided. In one aspect, a PDL trap is provided. The PDL trap includes: a pair of dipole line magnets separated from one another by a variable gap g; and a diamagnetic object levitating above the dipole line magnets. The dipole line magnets can be separated from one another by at least one spacer, or a variable gap fixture can be used in which the dipole line magnets are affixed to separate mounts for varying the gap g between the dipole line magnets. A bigger trap or track can be built with multiple segments of PDL trap. A method of operating a PDL trap is also provided.

Abstract: A magnetic holding device includes a receptacle having a chamber formed by an upper fence and a bottom portion, an attracting device supported in the receptacle and spaced from the bottom portion of the receptacle for forming a space between the bottom portion of the receptacle and the attracting device, and a shielding device includes a non-shielding element and a magnetic shielding member, the attracting device is capable of attracting a work piece when the non-shielding element is located below the attracting device, and the attracting device is shielded and prevented from attracting the work piece when the magnetic shielding member is located below the attracting device.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present disclosure has a first magnet coupled to a frame and a position of the first magnet vertically adjustable and a second magnet coupled to the frame and positioned and arranged in vertical alignment with the first magnet along a magnetic axis common to the first and second magnets, such that the first magnet is free to rotate about the magnetic axis. The spinning magnet apparatus demonstrates that the external magnetic field caused by the magnets is not fixed to the material matrix of the magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic base for selectively magnetically latching to a ferromagnetic surface includes a magnet holder, a fixed magnet assembly supported within the magnet holder, a movable magnet assembly supported within the magnet holder, and a transmission. The transmission includes an input, an output coupled to the movable magnet assembly for moving the rotatable movable assembly relative to the fixed magnet assembly through a predetermined range of motion, and a plurality of transmission elements positioned between the output and the input. The transmission elements are configured to provide a variable mechanical advantage between the output and the input during at least a portion of the predetermined range of motion.

Abstract: A magnetic assembly includes a cylindrical magnet 1 having opposing magnetic poles disposed at respective first and second faces 2 and 3. A cup-shaped ferrous metal housing 4 forms a magnetic shield around the magnet 1 enclosing the second face 3, with an end face 7 continuously surrounding the first face 2. A ring magnet 8 surrounds the housing 4 with opposing magnetic poles disposed at respective first and second faces 9 and 10 with the first face 9 surrounding the end face 7 of the housing. The ring magnet 8 is enclosed within a further ferrous metal housing 11 forming a magnetic shield around the ring magnet and enclosing the second face 10. The further housing 11 has an end face 14 which continuously surrounds the first face 9 of the ring magnet. The end faces of the housings 4 and 11 are proximate to the respective first faces of the magnet 1 and the ring magnet 8 such that these faces together form a planar magnetically active surface.

Abstract: A field system includes a first component having at least one first field source having opposite polarities and a second component having at least one second field source having opposite polarities. At least one of the first and second components has a movement relative to the other of the components to produce a field interaction therebetween. The at least one first and the at least one second field sources are oriented relative to each other such that in the field interaction the resulting repelling forces and attractive forces substantially cancel each other out and there is an increase and a decrease in the field strength of at least some of the field sources. Therefore, the field system, which can be a magnetic configuration system, provides a field strength change with a minimum energy input which can increase the efficiency of many machines such as MRI or electricity generators.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed at least partly to reducing an acceleration of a magnet when a magnet is moved toward an attracting object. An apparatus may include a dampening mechanism to dissipate kinetic energy of the magnet as it traverses within a housing from a first position to a second position. The housing may be at least partially coupled to another surface as a result of a magnetic attraction when the magnet is located in the second position. The dampening mechanism may include use of a fluid and/or gas that is displaced by the magnet to slow acceleration of the magnet as the magnet traverses between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the dampening mechanism may be implemented using threads that cause rotation of the magnet or by rollers that slow acceleration of the magnet.

Abstract: The magnetic levitation assembly includes at least one electromagnet that is coupled to a support surface. A top coupler is positionable around a top of a beverage container. The top coupler is attracted to the at least one electromagnet. A bottom coupler is positionable on a bottom of the beverage container. The bottom coupler is repelled to the at least one electromagnet. The beverage container is levitated by magnetism via attraction to an electromagnet positioned above or repelled to an electromagnet positioned below a respective coupler.

Abstract: A cylindrical magnet assembly has at least one coil mounted on a former, assembled to a bore tube by a number of inserts within holes formed in a material of the former. Each insert can bear on a dished radially outer extremity of a radially-outwardly directed protrusion or each insert can bear on a radially outer concave surface of a radially-inwardly directed protrusion.

Abstract: This document describes techniques using, and apparatuses including, switchable magnetic locks. These techniques and apparatuses can enable low or no power consumption and a seamless design for locking and unlocking of devices one to the other, such as computing devices and peripherals.

Abstract: A magnetic spring device includes a permanent magnet, a first yoke and a second yoke, disposed to oppose each other with the permanent magnet interposed therebetween, a movable element, made from a magnetizable body, provided to enable linear movement in an axial direction thereof, in a state wherein a location of an axis is constrained, between the first and second yokes, away from the permanent magnet, where a magnetic path of a magnetic flux that exits from an N-pole of the permanent magnet and returns to a S-pole is formed together with the first and second yokes, and a magnetic flux distribution controlling portion that changes a distribution of an amount of magnetic flux that is provided from the permanent magnet through the first and second yokes to the movable element, and an amount of magnetic flux from the permanent magnet that is not provided to the movable element.

Abstract: A clamp assembly comprises a first clamp including a plurality of magnet devices. Each magnet device includes a permanent magnet and a coil surrounding the permanent magnet. The clamp assembly further comprises a controller for pulsing the coils to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the permanent magnets.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic substance holding device that controls permanent magnet energy with which it is possible to obtain a strong holding force with a simple structure.

Abstract: A magnetic holding device uses an array of switchable magnets. A carrier holds the array of switchable magnets to form a working surface. Each switchable magnet has a coil of wire surrounding a magnetizable core element. The array is arranged in groups of magnets. A circuit is coupled to the coils to selectively magnetize and demagnetize each group of switchable magnets to selectively independently place each group into one of these states: an ON state that configures the selected group to have a first magnetic polarity at the working surface, an ON state that configures the selected group to have an opposite magnetic polarity at the working surface, and an OFF state that configures the magnets in the selected group to have no magnetism at the working surface. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Method and device for self-regulated flux transfer from a source of magnetic energy into one or more ferromagnetic work pieces is provided. A plurality of magnets are disposed in a medium wherein gaps of predetermined distance are maintained between neighboring magnets. And the magnets we arranged such that magnetic flux exchange may take place between the magnets across the gaps and a ferromagnetic body in close vicinity or contact with the magnets.

Abstract: Force control system. The system includes a first pair of permanent magnets for providing a normal force on the wheel of a robot adapted for n-pipe inspections. A second pair of magnets is provided with opposite polarity so that a rotor containing magnets may be rotated with a minimum of torque required and therefore with a minimum of energy expended.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnet assembly that includes surrounding a bonded magnet with a sleeve, heating the magnet, and compressing the magnet in an axial direction such that the magnet and sleeve expand in a radial direction.

Abstract: A shielded magnetic attachment apparatus is provided, having engaged and disengaged configurations, and comprising: at least one magnet; a first casing comprising ferromagnetic material attached to one side of the at least one magnet; a second casing comprising ferromagnetic material operably magnetically attachable to the at least one magnet; and a release mechanism attached to either the first or second casing for transitioning the shielded magnetic attachment apparatus from the engaged to the disengaged configuration; wherein the shielded magnetic attachment apparatus is in the engaged configuration when the at least one magnet provides a magnetic force which acts to keep the shielded magnetic attachment apparatus in the engaged configuration, and the shielded magnetic attachment apparatus is in the disengaged configuration when not in the engaged position.

Abstract: Provided are a superconducting magnet apparatus with a switch that automatically connects or disconnects an external power source to a superconducting coil, and a method of controlling the same. The superconducting magnet apparatus includes a superconducting coil that generates a magnetic field when an electric current from an external power source is applied thereto, and a switch that supplies or shuts off an electric current output from the external power source by connecting or disconnecting the superconducting coil to the external power source.

Abstract: In this method, magnetic studs housed in a plate are connected to magnetic flux measuring circuits, which define measuring zones, and to power circuits that make it possible to magnetise or demagnetise the studs. The method comprises prior steps that consist in determining (100) at least two treatment zones each defined by at least one measuring zone and defining (102) a surface of the clamping plate in contact with the part to be clamped, as well as following steps consisting, for each treatment zone, in identifying (103) one or more magnetic studs included in a surface of the clamping plate in contact with the part to be clamped, measuring (105) the magnetic flux produced by the stud or studs identified previously, calculating (106) an actual magnetic clamping force based on the measurement of the preceding step and on the identification made previously, calculating (108) a theoretical magnetic force thanks to this identification.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods to fabricate actuators that can be remotely controlled in an addressable manner, and methods to provide remote control such micro-actuators. The actuators are composites of two permanent magnet materials, one of which is has high coercivity, and the other of which switches magnetization direction by applied fields. By switching the second material's magnetization direction, the two magnets either work together or cancel each other, resulting in distinct “on” and “off” behavior of the devices. The device can be switched “on” or “off” remotely using a field pulse of short duration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of permanent magnetic lifting device, which has: a housing, at the bottom of which is a clamping surface for clamping objects; fixed magnet(s), set in housing relatively fixed to housing; a turnable magnet, set in housing relatively turnable to fixed magnet. When turnable magnet is in the first position relative to fixed magnet, the magnetic force generated by fixed magnet and turnable magnet to clamping surface is zero magnetic force; when turnable magnet is in the third position relative to fixed magnet, the magnetic force generated by fixed magnet and turnable magnet to clamping surface is the maximum magnetic force. The permanent magnetic lifting device also has a positioning mechanism for second position to position the turnable magnet in the second position relative to fixed magnet, fixed magnet and turnable magnet generate trial clamping magnetic force to clamping surface for clamping objects on trial.

Abstract: An improved system and method for moving an object includes a first correlated magnetic structure associated with a first object and a second correlated magnetic structure associated with a second object. The first and second correlated magnetic structures are complementary coded to achieve a peak attractive tensile force and a peak shear force when their code modulos are aligned thereby enabling magnetic attachment of the two objects whereby movement of one object causes movement of the other object as if the two objects were one object. Applying an amount of torque to one correlated magnetic structures greater than a torque threshold causes misalignment and decorrelation of the code modulos enabling detachment of the two objects. The number, location, and coding of the correlated magnetic structures can be selected to achieve specific torque characteristics, tensile force characteristics, and shear force characteristics.

Abstract: An intelligent magnetic system includes a first piece of ferromagnetic material having magnetically printed field sources having a multi-polarity pattern that extend from a first side to a second side that is magnetically attached to a second piece of ferromagnetic material, where a shunt plate disposed on the first side that routes magnetic flux through the first piece of ferromagnetic material from said first side to said second side. The system also includes at least one simple machine for amplifying an applied force into a detachment force that creates an angled spacing between the first piece of ferromagnetic material and the second piece of ferromagnetic material, at least one sensor for producing sensor data; and a control system for monitoring the sensor data and managing the use of the first piece of ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: An exemplary electromagnetic coupling device includes an electromagnet and a vane member that is selectively magnetically coupled with the electromagnet. A non-magnetic slider layer is supported on one of the electromagnet or the vane member such that the slider layer is between the electromagnet and the vane member. The slider layer maintains a spacing between the electromagnet and the vane member. In a disclosed example, the electromagnetic coupling device is used for coupling an elevator car door to a hoistway door for moving the doors in unison between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A mechanism for fixing together first and second parts and comprising first and second guides provided respectively in or attached to the first and second parts. The mechanism further comprises first and second magnetic components coupled respectively to the first and second guides such that the first magnetic component is rotatable with the first guide and the first part, and the second magnetic component cannot rotate relative to the second guide, the magnetic components being moveable axially and rotationally with respect to each other and having magnetic poles oriented such that rotation of said first magnetic component causes relative axial movement of the magnetic components between a locking position in which one of the magnetic components straddles the two guides and an unlocking position in which it does not straddle the two guides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable pole extension (4) for a magnetic clamping apparatus (1) for holding a ferromagnetic workpiece (P), comprising a fixed pole member (5) extending in a predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) and at least two pole members (6, 7) attached to said fixed pole member (5), said at least two pole members (6, 7) being movable relative to said fixed pole member (5). The movable pole extension is characterized in that it has holder means (8) operably coupled to said fixed pole member (5), wherein said holder means (8) are movable in said predetermined longitudinal direction (X-X) between a first operating position (P1) and a second operating position (P2) and operate on said at least two movable pole members (6, 7) to hold them in coupled contact with said fixed pole member (5).

Abstract: Systems involving magnetic attachment for portable electronic devices and related methods are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes: a magnetic attachment system operative to generate a magnetic field, the magnetic attachment system being operative to vary a strength of the magnetic field based, at least in part, on a control input such that a portable electronic device is magnetically attached to the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetic closure includes a stationary first permanent magnet in a first housing member, a second movable permanent in a second housing member, and a stationary either ferromagnetic material or third permanent magnet in the first housing member. The second magnet is moved by an actuator (e. g. slides in a linear first dimension) to move between a first position in which it is attracted to the ferromagnetic material or third magnet to hold the housing members together, and a second position in which it repels the first magnet to separate the housing members. The housing members may define a cosmetics case.

Abstract: A system for transferring power and/or data through a skin of a vehicle includes a first module for disposition on an external surface of the vehicle, a first magnet arrangement attached to the first module, a second module for disposition on an internal surface of the vehicle, and a second magnet arrangement attached to the second module. The first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement are selected to provide sufficient magnetic attraction therebetween to maintain the first module at a fixed position on the external surface of the vehicle by overcoming an air load force when the vehicle is in motion. When the first module and the second module are in registration with each other though the non-ferrous skin, at least one inductive coupling circuit through the non-ferrous skin is formed to provide one or more bidirectional paths therebetween for transfer of data signals, electrical power or both.

Abstract: A multilevel magnetic system described herein includes first and second magnetic structures that produce a net force that transitions from an attract force to a repel force as a separation distance between the first and second magnetic structures increases. The multi-level magnetic system is configured to maintain a minimum separation distance between a transition distance where the net force is zero and a separation distance at which a peak repel force is produced.

Abstract: A clamp assembly comprises a first clamp including a plurality of magnet devices. Each magnet device includes a permanent magnet and a coil surrounding the permanent magnet. The clamp assembly further comprises a controller for pulsing the coils to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the permanent magnets.

Abstract: Method and device for self-regulated flux transfer from a source of magnetic energy into one or more ferromagnetic work pieces is provided. A plurality of magnets are disposed in a medium wherein gaps of predetermined distance are maintained between neighboring magnets. And the magnets we arranged such that magnetic flux exchange may take place between the magnets across the gaps and a ferromagnetic body in close vicinity or contact with the magnets.