Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.

Abstract: A magnetic separator with permanent magnets includes a ferromagnetic member (2) for the circuit connection between at least two magnetic poles (3C) made up of ferrite magnets (12) in the bottom portion in contact with said ferromagnetic member (2) for the circuit connection, and of rare earth magnets (13) in the top portion that represents the entrance/exit surface (14) of the magnetic flux lines (15, 16). The ratio between the effective magnetic length of the ferrite magnets (12) and of the rare earth magnets (13) is preferably 2:1, and the preferred materials are strontium ferrite for the former and iron-boron-neodymium for the latter. In this way it is possible to combine the magnetic characteristics of the two types of permanent magnets so as to make them complementary and thus enhance the attractive effectiveness of the separator both for ferromagnetic materials with high or low shape factor, and for materials with high or low and sometimes very low permeability.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for varying field strength in a magnetic resonance system while keeping a relatively uniform magnetic field distribution. In an embodiment, a two-pole, generally u-shaped magnet assembly generates a static and uniform magnetic field. The magnet assembly includes two facing magnet poles separated by an air gap. Holes may be formed with the magnet poles. The field control rods may be placed at a pre-determined distance into these holes and symmetrically or asymmetrically moved across each magnet poles in a controlled manner to change the magnetic field strength while keeping the uniform magnetic field distribution. Maximum magnetic field strength may occur when the rods are removed. Minimum magnetic field strength may occur when the rods are fully inserted.

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: A device for the treatment of biomass, including: a biomass cavity; a first magnet arrangement having at least one first permanent magnet; and a second magnet arrangement having at least one second permanent magnet; all first permanent magnets of the first magnet arrangement being situated on the outer periphery of the cavity, with their north poles oriented toward the cavity and their south poles oriented away from the cavity; and all second permanent magnets of the second magnet arrangement being situated on the outer periphery of the cavity with their south poles oriented toward the cavity and their north poles oriented away from the cavity; so that the flux lines from a north pole of a first permanent magnet to a south pole of at least one second permanent magnet run in the cavity, the first and second magnet arrangement each comprise a plurality of first or, second permanent magnets.

Abstract: A magnet array for use with NMR signal acquisition apparatus uses rod-shaped magnets located at the corners of a square. The square lies in the (x-y) plane of a three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system and the long axes of the magnets extend generally along the z-direction such that the polarisation vectors of the magnets lie substantially in the x-y plane. The magnets are arranged to create a substantially uniform magnetic field B0 in a sample volume at the centre of the polygon. The widths of the magnets are less than the length of the sides of the square so that there is a gap between magnets allowing lateral access in the x-y plane to the sample volume. Each magnet may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis to change one and/or both the B0 field direction and magnitude in the sample volume. At least one magnet may be displaceable in a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal axis to change one and/or both the B0 field direction and magnitude in the sample volume.

Abstract: A magnet structure or instrument for spectroscopy including a plurality of magnetic flux sources disposed along a common axis. The plurality of permanent magnetic flux sources include a first magnet flux source having a first through-hole body, and include second and third magnet flux sources located respectively on opposite sides of the first magnet flux source, with at least one of the second and third magnet flux sources having a side through-hole body. Magnetic flux within the first magnet flux source is oriented to generate a first magnetic field directed along the common axis. Respective magnetic fluxes within the second and third magnet flux sources are oriented to generate second and third magnetic fields directed along the common axis, with at least one field component of either the second or third magnetic fields along the common axis inside the respective second or third magnet flux sources opposed to a direction of the first magnetic field on said common axis inside the first magnet flux source.

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 magnet arrangement for creating a magnetic field. The magnet arrangement includes a first magnet having a first surface defining a first pole and a second surface defining a second pole opposite the first pole, and a second magnet having a third surface defining a third pole and a fourth surface defining a fourth pole opposite the third pole. The second surface has a higher magnetic flux density than the first surface. The third surface has a higher magnetic flux density than the fourth surface. The second magnet is spaced from the first magnet to define a first gap between the second surface and the third surface. Magnetic field lines of the magnetic field run from the first surface to the second surface, from the second surface to the third surface through the first gap, and from the third surface to the fourth surface.

Abstract: The magnet assembly includes one rotatable dipole magnet subassembly, which is formed from a permanent magnet and a magnetically permeable convex end portion coupled to each of both ends of the permanent magnet, and at least two magnetically permeable flux guide subassemblies, which are configured so as to be magnetically coupled to the dipole magnet subassembly. The flux guide subassembly has a concave end portion that fits into the convex end portion. The flux guide assemblies guide a flux from the dipole magnet subassembly and generate a flux outside. The condition of fitting into the flux guide subassemblies is reversed by rotating the dipole magnet subassembly, whereby it is possible to easily reverse the direction of a magnetic field generated outside.

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 magnet system having a pair of parallel plate-like permanent magnets in which magnetic poles of reversed polarities are opposed to each other with a space therebetween. The pair of permanent magnets includes main portions magnetized in the same direction as their thickness direction, and peripheral portions magnetized in a direction different from their thickness direction.

Abstract: An actuator for moving a load has a frame forming a race between two surfaces thereof, at least two elements joined together by at least one flexible member, the elements and the at least one flexible member being disposed between the two surfaces of the frame that forms a race, one of the elements further joined to the load by a portion of the at least one flexible member, wherein when an element comes into contact with a surface of the frame it will stick thereto absent a repelling force, and moving means disposed to selectively attract or repel a corresponding element towards or away from one or the other of the two surfaces of the frame that forms the race. The actuator effects movement of the load in a direction towards or away from the elements, by changing a position of at least one of the elements on a surface of the frame that forms the race.

Abstract: A proportional directional control valve having a linearly movable valve element, a magnetic assembly operatively connected to the valve element where the magnetic assembly provides a magnetic field responsive to the linear motion of the valve element, a linear Hall-effect sensor assembly configured to generate an electrical signal responsive to a change in the magnetic field, and a control system that controls the linear movement of the valve element in response to a comparison of the electrical signal and a command electrical input signal. The magnetic assembly includes a non-magnetic housing defining an axial passageway, first and second magnets disposed in the passageway, first and second magnetic pole pieces disposed be in the passageway between the first and second magnets, and a non-magnetic spacer disposed in the passageway between the first and second magnets and between the first and second magnetic pole pieces.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation cushion has multiple magnetic levitation devices, at least one assembling device and at least one supporting pad. The assembling device holds all the magnetic levitation devices as a group. Each magnetic levitation device has a housing, a fixed magnet assembly mounted securely in the housing, a movable magnet assembly being mounted slidably in the housing, movable relative to the fixed magnet assembly and a shaft with a bottom end connected to movable magnet. The supporting pad is mounted on a top end of each shaft. The magnetic levitation cushion is used as a cushion for upholstered furniture such as chairs, beds and sofas.

Abstract: A magnetic roller may comprise a magnetized outer surface and an internal chamber. A temperature control system may be in communication with the internal chamber, and a fluid capable of heat transfer may circulate within the internal chamber and the temperature control system. The magnetic roller may be used to produce magnetic sheets having magnetizable particles that are aligned according the a magnetic field generated by the magnetic roller. The magnetic sheet may be provided in a pliable form wherein magnetizable particles may shift orientation when exposed to the magnetic field. Heat may be transferred between the sheet and the magnetic roller to cause solidification of the magnetic material and prevent dealignment of the magnetic particles.

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: This invention relates generally to magnets, and more specifically, to improved systems and methods for extracting net-positive work from magnetic forces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic magnetic field control using multiple magnets. Control methods and system means are described that allow dynamically changing the magnetic field generated at a point in space by a multiplicity of magnets.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high performance hybrid magnetic structure made from a combination of permanent magnets and ferromagnetic pole materials which are assembled in a predetermined array. The hybrid magnetic structure provides means for separation and other biotechnology applications involving holding, manipulation, or separation of magnetic or magnetizable molecular structures and targets. Also disclosed are further improvements to aspects of the hybrid magnetic structure, including additional elements and for adapting the use of the hybrid magnetic structure for use in biotechnology and high throughput processes.

Abstract: The present invention aims to alleviate a power loss possibly occurring when a power is transmitted from a driving side to a driven side using attraction/repulsion of magnets and to amplify (improve a joggle mechanism effect) an output. A pair of inner magnets coupled to a driven side is located between a pair of outer magnets coupled to a driving side so as to face the pair of outer magnets 1 in non-contact relationship with the outer magnets 1. Rotation of the outer magnets 1 coupled to the driving side causes the inner magnet 2 coupled to the driven side to reciprocate. Each of the magnets 1 and 2 has a rod-like shape and the magnets 1 coupled to the driving side are respectively rotated around longitudinal centers of the respective rode shaped magnets 1.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel system and method of damping rolling, pitching, or yawing motions, or longitudinal oscillations superposed on their normal forward or backward velocity of a moving levitated system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which three or more permanent or electromagnets are mounted in a support structure on rotatable axes in spaced relationship to each other such that the magnetic lines of force of the same magnetic polarity continuously repel each other to generate a field in “opolarity.” The magnets are focused to a generally central spherical shell-like space and upon continuous synchronous rotation generate a magnetic vortex. Magnetic materials or materials that can be made susceptible to the effects of a magnetic field are placed in a material processing portion of a material containment vessel that is positioned in the magnetic vortex where upon continuous synchronous rotation of the magnets, the material is subjected to the quantum and wave mechanical effects of the magnetic vortex so as to be compacted, aggregated, separated, reaggregated, manipulated, tumbled, and levitated and in the process the physical, chemical, and magnetic properties and chemical composition of the material is changed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high performance hybrid magnetic structure made from a combination of permanent magnets and ferromagnetic pole materials which are assembled in a predetermined array. The hybrid magnetic structure provides means for separation and other biotechnology applications involving holding, manipulation, or separation of magnetizable molecular structures and targets. Also disclosed are hybrid magnetic tweezers able to exert approximately 1 nN of force to 4.5 ?m magnetic bead. The maximum force was experimentally measured to be ˜900 pN which is in good agreement with theoretical estimations and other measurements. In addition, a new analysis scheme that permits fast real-time position measurement in typical geometry of magnetic tweezers has been developed and described in detail.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for controlling magnetization reversal in a controlled ferromagnetic system such as a magnetic memory element, without using an external magnetic field, wherein it comprises between two flat electrodes a magnetic control part comprising, starting from the first electrode, a first ferromagnetic layer, a non-magnetic layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer, and the second of said two flat electrodes, the thickness of said second ferromagnetic layer being less than that of said first layer, and the thickness of said second electrode being sufficiently small to enable magnetic coupling between said second ferromagnetic layer and the system controlled by the control device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a magnetic detacher with open access are described. In one embodiment, the magnetic detacher may include magnet assembly to provide open access to a hard tag and a magnetic field sufficient to disengage a clamping mechanism of the hard tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A magnet apparatus comprising a plurality of geometrically shaped nested magnetic elements each being of a different size relative to each other and each having a first side with a first magnetic pole orientation and a second side with a second magnetic pole orientation that is opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation, capable of being assembled concentrically to form a single planar magnet array having a treatment surface and an opposing backer surface, the treatment surface having either an all like magnetic pole orientation or a mixed magnetic pole orientation; and a backer plate having a first side and a second side constructed of ferromagnetic material such that when the plurality of geometrically shaped nested magnetic elements is assembled concentrically on the first side of the backer plate each of the geometrically shaped nested magnetic elements that comprise the single planar magnet array is secured to the first side of the backer plate by magnetic attraction whereby the treatment surface of

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: A magnetically directed, self-assembled structure has a first body. The first body includes a single magnet or plurality of magnets disposed thereon to form a spatially variable magnetic field in a first predetermined pattern. A second body has a single magnet or plurality of magnets disposed thereon to form a spatially variable magnetic field in a second predetermined pattern. The second predetermined pattern is complementary to the first pattern. The first body is attracted to the second body with an attractive force greater than a mixture force such that the first body and second body are fully aligned to each other and bonded together.

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 linear actuator includes a cylindrical inner yoke made of a magnetic material, a first cylindrical inner permanent magnet joined to the inner yoke, a second cylindrical inner permanent magnet joined to the inner yoke, an outer yoke made of a magnetic material, an interconnecting member interconnecting the outer and inner yokes, a first outer permanent magnet joined to the inner peripheral surface of the outer yoke, a second outer permanent magnet joined to the inner peripheral surface of the outer yoke, a first armature coil made by winding a magnet wire into a cylindrical shape and inserted into the second gap between the first inner and outer permanent magnets so as to be axially movable, and a second armature coil made by winding a magnet wire into a cylindrical shape and inserted into the third gap so as to be axially movable.

Abstract: A method for driving a magnetic element is provided. The method includes steps of: a) providing a first magnetic field, b) providing a second magnetic field interacting with the first magnetic field to generate a magnetostatic field, c) putting the magnetic element into the magnetostatic field, and d) generating a magnetic torque by modulating the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field so as to drive the magnetic element.

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: This invention relates to magnetic assemblies and, in particular, to assemblies which are useful for inducing magnetic fields within vacuum chambers. Thus a magnetic assembly, generally indicated at 10, includes the rectangular magnetically soft core 11 carrying windings 12, which together form the main planar electromagnet, generally indicated at 13, and immediately adjacent the edges of the magnet 13 are placed auxiliary coils 14. Coils 14 are each formed from windings 15 wound around oblate cores 16 and it would be noted that they project upwardly above the upper surface of the planar magnet 13. Pole pieces 17 are attached to the ends of the planar magnet 13 and these two project above the upper surface of the planar magnet 13. The assembly is completed by mounting brackets 18.

Abstract: Magnetic field structures composed of nested cylindrical magnetic laminae that are magnetically oriented perpendicular to their planes and configured to cause a volume charge density and cancel the field effects of unwanted surface negative charges are provided by arranging nested thin magnetic laminae into various configurations. This arrangement causes a uniform volume magnetic charge density, which results in a magnetic field normal to the laminae. The invention's nested cylindrical magnetic laminae magnetic field structures and methods cancel the field effects of the deleterious unwanted surface charges because these surface charges are so situated that their contributions to the internal magnetic field mutually cancel each other, and thus they are no longer detrimental to the magnetic field created by the volume charge density. One embodiment provides a cylindrical magnetic field gradient source structure.

Abstract: A ring magnet assembly has a generally cylindrical magnet body defining an air gap having an upper end and a lower end. Upper and lower face plates dispose respectively at an upper portion of the ring magnet and lower portion of the ring magnet. The face plates preferably have a high magnetic permeability. A mass analyzer may be disposed within the air gap. An ion generator may be disposed within an air gap of a ring magnetic assembly of the present invention. A pair of vertically-stacked magnetic ring assemblies may be provided. In that embodiment, a mass analyzer may be disposed within one air gap and an ion generator within another.

Abstract: A voltage-isolating passageway for providing high voltage isolation between a component maintained at high DC voltage and a component maintained at a substantially lower voltage is described. The voltage-isolating passageway incorporates a transverse magnetic field across its passageway, which reduces the potential energy of charged particles (e.g., electrons) passing through the passageway. The voltage-isolating passageway includes a passageway and at least two magnets. The passageway has two openings and the two magnets are positioned along opposite and exterior surfaces of the passageway wherein the first and second magnets impose a magnetic field in a transverse direction with respect to a lengthwise axis of the passageway. In one embodiment, each of the passageways have small diameters and transfer gases at small flow rates.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a magnetic detacher with open access are described. In one embodiment, the magnetic detacher may include magnet assembly to provide open access to a hard tag and a magnetic field sufficient to disengage a clamping mechanism of the hard tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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.

Abstract: A fabrication process produces markers for a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system. The marker includes a magnetomechanical element comprising one or more resonator strips of magnetostrictive amorphous metal alloy; a housing having a cavity sized and shaped to accommodate the resonator strips for free mechanical vibration therewithin; and a non-deactivatable bias magnet adapted to magnetically bias the magnetomechanical element. The process employs adaptive control of the cut length of the resonator strips, correction of the length being based on deviation of the actual marker resonant frequency from a preselected, target marker frequency. Use of adaptive, feedback control advantageously results in a much tighter distribution of actual resonant frequencies. Also provided is a web-fed press for continuously producing such markers with adaptive control of the resonator strip length.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation sliding structure is provided for a portable electronic device. The sliding structure includes a first slider member with a guide portion, a second slider member with a receiving portion that mates with the guide portion, a first magnet coupled with the guide portion and having magnetic poles arranged in a direction perpendicular to a sliding direction, and a spaced-apart pair of second magnets coupled with the receiving portion. The first magnet is configured in a central portion of the guide portion and is disposed between the spaced-apart pair of second magnets for facilitating relative sliding movement of the first and second slider members. A portable electronic device including the magnetic levitation sliding structure is also provided.

Abstract: Magnetic field structures composed of stacked magnetic laminae that are magnetically oriented perpendicular to their planes and configured to cause a volume charge density and cancel the field effects of unwanted surface negative charges are provided. This arrangement causes a uniform volume magnetic charge density, which results in a magnetic field normal to the laminae. The stacked magnetic laminae magnetic field structure cancel the field effects of the deleterious unwanted surface charges because these surface charges are so situated that their contributions to the internal magnetic field mutually cancel each other, and thus they are no longer detrimental to the magnetic field created by the volume charge density. One embodiment provides a planar magnetic field gradient source structure.

Abstract: A set of magnets, e.g., electromagnets, are used to produce an in-plane magnetic field with respect to an article under test or manufacture. The set of electromagnets includes electromagnets that are positioned above and below the plane of symmetry respectively. The bottom electromagnets may be positioned below the surface of the chuck for example. The plane of the article and/or set of electromagnets are positioned so that the plane of symmetry approximately coincides with the article. The set of electromagnets may include individual electromagnets or C-core electromagnets, which may produce magnetic fields with complementary polarities near the field of symmetry both above and below the field of symmetry. Magnetic fields with the same polarity are positioned near each other on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry to produce the in-plane magnetic field. A second set of electromagnets may be used to provide field rotation if desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a magnetic flux to a fluid flowing through a conduit is described. The apparatus comprises a flux driver plate having a plate base and sides extending upwardly from the plate base at angles greater than ninety degrees. A plurality of permanent magnets is affixed longitudinally along the plate base between the driver plate sides to generate the magnetic flux to treat the fluid. The magnetic flux can be enhanced by the addition of a flux recircuiting receiver plate over the magnets and the flux driver plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a permanent magnet, comprising a cylinder formed with a permanent magnetic material. The cylinder comprises along a radial direction, a magnetic core and a magnetic sheath that are coaxial. The magnetic core is assembled in the magnetic sheath. The magnetization direction of the magnetic core is axial direction, and the magnetization direction of the magnetic sheath changes step by step from a direction which is parallel to the magnetization direction of the magnetic core in one end to a direction which is orthogonal to the magnetization direction of the magnetic core in the other end, along the axial direction of the cylinder. Moreover, a magnetic device for use in MRI using the magnet and manufacturing methods for the permanent magnet and the magnetic device are also provided in the present invention. With the permanent magnet, magnetization strength in the working area generated by the magnetic device for use in MRI can amount to more than 0.5-0.6 T.

Abstract: A toroidally shaped magnetic device with distortion-free exit and access ports provides toroidal magnetic ionic drive systems for vehicles that achieve a more operationally efficient, uniform and stronger radial magnetic field. This is accomplished by magnetizing a group of magic cylinder sections in a cylindrical direction and affixing them to a uniformly magnetized cylindrical shell with no magnetic field in its central cavity to produce composite cylindrical magnetic segments magnetized in a cylindrical direction with a central cavity and a uniform interior magnetic field. The composite segments are then bent into a toroidal tube and configured in such a way that longitudinal slots can be removed from the outer surface for exit and access ports. Other embodiments include a magnetic propulsion system for space vehicles and methods for magnetizing the toroidal ionic drive structure for a vehicle.

Abstract: At least one set of two magnets is provided, at least one of the magnets having an outer magnet portion, a middle magnet portion, and an inner magnet portion. The outer magnet portion has a magnetization pointing in an at least partially axial direction. The middle magnet portion has a magnetization substantially perpendicular to the magnetization of the outer magnet portion. The inner magnet portion has a magnetization directed substantially anti-parallel to the magnetization of the outer magnet portion. The apparatus also includes at least one electrically conductive coil positioned at least partially between the set of two magnets. At least one substantially magnetically permeable object is positioned at least partially between the set of two magnets. A rod is integral with the substantially magnetically permeable object.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive Wheatstone-bridge structure includes a magnetoresistive ring structure. The magnetoresistive ring structure includes a first magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic material. A second magnetic layer also includes a ferromagnetic material. A non-magnetic spacer is positioned between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. A vacant open region is positioned in the center region of the magnetoresistive ring structure. A plurality of magnetic states can exist in either the first magnetic layer or second magnetic layer. Furthermore, the magnetoresistive Wheatstone-bridge structure includes a plurality of voltage and current contacts arranged symmetrically upon the magnetoresistive ring structure. The magnetic state of the ring is detected by measuring its resistance.

Abstract: A reinforced permanent magnet array includes a plurality of permanent magnets with each magnet being unnaturally aligned with an adjacent magnet and at least one member at least partially embedded in the magnets for resisting a natural tendency of individual magnets to repulse, twist, and separate from one another.

Abstract: An operating device for an electric hob has an operating element for performing operating functions, which is rotatable and rests in a removable manner on a support. The operating element is configured to be shape-variable, such as being compressible, such that it can be pressed onto the support. Upon approaching the support, a control indication is detected for initiating a further operating function of the electric hob as a consequence of the detection of said approach. In one embodiment, the underside of the operating element is made from elastic foam material.