Plural Magnets Patents (Class 335/306)
  • Publication number: 20080061914
    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 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-soon Kim, Hyun-jun Cho, Young-han Chin
  • Patent number: 7339449
    Abstract: A woven magnetic is disclosed. The woven magnetic device comprises a first member comprising a magnetic material and having a body with a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion and the bottom portion has at least two fingers. The woven magnetic device also comprises a second member comprising a magnetic material and having a body with a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion. The bottom portion has at least two fingers interwoven with the at least two fingers of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jack Henrik Hansen
  • Patent number: 7335392
    Abstract: The objectives of the present invention are to provide a stable and simple method for producing a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet having on the surface thereof a corrosion-resistant film containing fine zinc particles dispersed therein, a corrosion-resistant rare earth metal-based permanent magnet produced by the method, a dip spin coating method being suitable for forming a coating film on thin type work pieces having various shapes, and a method for forming a coating film on a work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Neomax Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohshi Yoshimura, Tomoiku Otani
  • Patent number: 7330094
    Abstract: An energy producing apparatus utilizing magnetic pistons is provided. Permanent magnets of like polarity are employed within a cylinder of each piston and upon a top portion of said piston. The like polarity pistons have a natural desire to repel one another. A ferromagnetic slipper unit is inserted into a gap in said cylinder between the permanent magnets of like polarity to interfere with said magnetic repulsive field and to cause a magnetic attractive field. Each piston is attached to a push rod which in turn is attached to shaft and flywheel system. The change in magnetic fields from repulsion to attraction cases the piston to push up and down and turn the shaft and flywheel system. Two pistons in coincidence can be used so that while one piston is repelling, the other is attracting causing an increase in motive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Patrick McCarthy
  • Patent number: 7326350
    Abstract: A system for the separation of magnetically attractable microparticles which are suspended in a liquid, which includes a magnet arrangement having at least two magnets in ring form, the magnet axis of which is oriented perpendicular to the ring plane, and the magnets are arranged above one another in the same direction or in opposite directions, and the ring inner spaces form a space for receiving a vessel. The invention also relates to methods for the separation of microparticles and to a system for the separation and suspension of microparticles in vessels including a magnet arrangement as described above and a vessel holder and a movement device for moving a vessel in the vessel holder in order to obtain a suspension of separated microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Mueller, Andreas Holzer
  • Patent number: 7310035
    Abstract: A magnetic apparatus, which can be engaged to various preselected objects, is used for holding various articles which are attracted to a magnet. The magnetic apparatus comprises a platform member having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size. At least one magnet is secured to the platform member for holding such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Bret Wooten
  • Patent number: 7307501
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a package for permanent magnets in which the amount of magnetic field that leaks externally is reduced, and that is stable. There is provided a permanent magnet package 1 comprising: a plurality of magnet rows, wherein each of the magnet rows comprises a plurality of permanent magnets 2, wherein the magnetization direction of all the permanent magnets in a single magnet row is the same, and is parallel to the magnet row, and wherein the plurality of the magnet rows are arranged such that the magnetization direction of adjacent rows is opposite; and the method for manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuhito Doi
  • Patent number: 7289011
    Abstract: An improved animal pill or cow magnet that is inserted into the stomach of a bovine animal to attract and hold tramp metal ingested by the animal so as to prevent the adverse condition commonly referred to as “hardware disease.” The disclosed device has at least a pair of NdFeB magnets separated by a carbon steel section within the stainless steel outer casing. The resulting magnetic field for the overall animal pill magnet has a single polarity, which by design can be either N or S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Animal Supplies International, Inc.
    Inventor: Li Ming Tan
  • Publication number: 20070205854
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventor: Sanza T. Kazadi
  • Patent number: 7262678
    Abstract: With a view to providing a magnet apparatus which can form a medium magnetic field with use of permanent magnets, the magnet apparatus having a pair of parallel disc-like permanent magnets with magnetic poles of mutually opposite polarities opposed to each other through a spacing, further comprises: two pairs of rings constituted by permanent magnets and provided respectively on pole faces of the pair of permanent magnets coaxially and doubly, the two pairs of rings each having a magnetizing direction inclined relative to a magnetizing direction of the pair of permanent magnets and having magnetic poles of mutually opposite polarities opposed to each other through a spacing; and two pairs of cylinders formed by a ferromagnetic material and partitioning the interiors of the pair of permanent magnets respectively coaxially and doubly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Fengshun Tan
  • Patent number: 7256672
    Abstract: A magnetic field generating device is disclosed having an arrangement of permanent magnets, each permanent magnet (PM) having a north end and a south end, and each aligned in the same north-south orientation. The PM arrangement is configured to have a surface at the north polarity end, a surface at the south polarity end, or a surface at both ends. A layer of ferromagnetic material is securely disposed at one of the surfaces of the PM arrangement, the layer having a thickness equal to or less than about 15 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jinhua Huang, Hongliang Lu
  • Patent number: 7250840
    Abstract: A layered product prepared by applying a surface treatment to an adherend having a surface with a low binding property with an anaerobic adhesive, which does not require a complex work, primer application, effected by accelerating an adhesive curing rate, and does not change surface conditions of the adherend. The layered product comprises an adherend, an uneven deposition comprising Cu, V, a Cu alloy or a V alloy and having a height of 500 nm or less on the surface of the adherend, and an adhesive layer formed at least on the uneven deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryo Osugi
  • Patent number: 7224252
    Abstract: A magnetic levitation system, includes a base module having a plurality of coils spaced in a matrix configuration. The system also includes a platform module having a plurality of focusing magnets and a plurality of lifting magnets. Activation of the plurality of coils by way of an electric current supplied to the plurality of coils creates a magnetic field strength which provides a force that levitates the platform module over the base module. The system also includes a position and orientation sensing and feedback system provided on the platform module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Magno Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Meadow, Jr., William D. Meadow, Peter J. Berkelman
  • Patent number: 7199689
    Abstract: A magnetic structure enclosing a prismatic cavity of regular polygonal cross-section is presented. The structure contains the field within the volume of the magnet without the need of an external ferromagnetic yoke, which makes it suitable for generating fields of several Tesla. The structures presented are designed to generate uniform fields for NMR studies, especially high intensity fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: BRK Wireless Company, Inc
    Inventor: Manlio Abele
  • Patent number: 7196601
    Abstract: An undulator includes a periodic arrangement of magnets to produce a periodic spatial magnetic field distribution in a magnetic gap defined by the magnets. The undulator further includes a temperature-compensating material selectively arranged to compensate for a temperature-dependent change in the magnetic field of the undulator. The change may be in the strength of the magnetic field, or in the position of the magnetic field centerline. According to one aspect of the invention, the temperature-compensating material is movably arranged, so as to fine tune its compensation effect after it is initially arranged. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of temperature-compensating material may be adjusted to fine tune its compensation effect after it is initially arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: STI Optronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 7196604
    Abstract: There is described a position sensor comprising at least one planar substrate having formed thereon a magnetic field generator which comprises conductive tracks formed on at least two planes defined by the at least one planar substrate. An intermediate coupling element is operable to move relative to the at least one planar substrate along a measurement direction transverse to the planar substrate, the detector detects the position of the intermediate coupling element in a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator. The position sensor has particular application in man-machine interfaces such as push buttons and rotary switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: TT Electronics Technology Limited
    Inventors: Colin S. Sills, David A. James
  • Patent number: 7193415
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic lens in the presence of a DC magnetic field and a smaller AC magnetic field creates a localized minimum of the magnitude of the magnetic field vector of the combined magnetic field in a volume defined in free space away from the lens referred to as the focus volume. The localized minimum can be nonzero, and can create conditions for spin resonance in the focus volume. The focus volume defined in free space away from the lens can be very small, providing excellent resolution for magnetic resonance imaging, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mladen Barbic, Axel Sherer
  • Patent number: 7187261
    Abstract: A magnetic strip that comprises a series of magnets, a flexible material strip locating and at least in part enclosing each surface of each magnet to define a longitudinal flexible arrangement capable of coupling to itself, a magnetisable material or to another magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Victor E. Cassar
  • Patent number: 7182205
    Abstract: A device for attracting metal particles which comprises a longitudinal member having a first and second end and a first magnet connected to the first end. The first magnet has a surface. The device further includes a housing connected to the second end which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal member. The housing has a second magnet disposed therein. A plate having a surface area is secured to the housing and is positioned within a proximity to the second magnet such that the plate is capable of attracting metal pieces thereto. The surface area of the plate has a substantially larger square area than the surface of the first magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Lehigh Consumer Products Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Pestone
  • Patent number: 7182843
    Abstract: The magnet arrangement and resulting rotating sputtering magnetron design of an embodiment provides magnetic flux density and distribution to penetrate thick production ferrous targets. Further, the magnetic field shape improves target life by more uniformly removing target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dexter Magnetic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Stelter, Aron Welk, Christopher Padua, Chun Li
  • Patent number: 7167067
    Abstract: To reduce the skew angle components in a dipole ring magnetic field generating device, a magnetic field generating device 1 is provided in which comprises: a plurality of magnet elements 101 to 124 arranged in a ring shape such that a magnetization direction of the magnet elements undergoes one rotation over half a circumference of the ring, wherein the magnet elements generate a substantially unidirectional magnetic field in a space within the ring; and corrective magnets 201 to 204 arranged on an outer edge portion forming an aperture in a Z-axis direction of the magnetic field generating device, wherein the Z-axis is defined as a central axis of the magnetic field generating device, the Y-axis is defined as a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and parallel to the unidirectional magnetic field, and the X axis is defined as a direction perpendicular to the Z axis and the Y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dai Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7161453
    Abstract: A magnet assembly comprising a magnet mounted for pivoting about a first axis spaced from the magnet, and rotating about a second axis that is perpendicular to and intersects with the first axis. The magnet comprising a plurality of segments each with a magnetization direction such that through a combination of pivoting and rotating the magnet projects a magnetic field in any direction at an operating point spaced from the front of the assembly. The segmented construction with segments of different magnetization directions allows small changes in the orientation of the magnet to substantially change the magnet field direction at a system operating point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Stereotaxis, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis M. Creighton, IV
  • Patent number: 7161452
    Abstract: Augmented magic sphere rotator permanent magnetic structures are provided by augmenting a magic sphere augmented with an interior magnet that attains significant decreases in mass, bulk and length of the optically active element. Also provided is a multiple augmented magic sphere rotator permanent magnetic structure with two augmented magic spheres positioned in tandem that provides an advantageously significant reduction in mass. The augmented magic sphere rotator permanent magnetic structures of the present invention provide the desirable advantages of specifically decreased mass and bulk of the structure and decreased total length of the optically active elements. The augmented magic sphere rotator permanent magnetic structure and multiple augmented magic sphere rotator permanent magnetic structure can be used as Faraday rotator structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Herbert A. Leupold
  • Patent number: 7154363
    Abstract: A magnetic connector apparatus provides a plurality of magnetic connector bodies in various different forms for magnetic connection of two or more bodies together along mutually-confronting, longitudinally-elongated, linear peripheral border edges, each linear peripheral border edge having at least one particularly-configured longitudinally elongated, cylindrical magnet supported adjacent thereto for rotation of the magnet adjacent said peripheral edge of each connector body for orientation of the magnetic polarity of magnets of confronting connector bodies for mutual magnetic attraction along, mutually confronting, linear peripheral border edges of magnetic connector bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Larry Dean Hunts
  • Patent number: 7148778
    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 for separation and other biotechnology applications involving holding, manipulation, or separation of magnetic or magnetizable molecular structures and targets. Also disclosed are: a method of assembling the hybrid magnetic plates, a high throughput protocol featuring the hybrid magnetic structure, and other embodiments of the ferromagnetic pole shape, attachment and adapter interfaces for adapting the use of the hybrid magnetic structure for use with liquid handling and other robots for use in high throughput processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: David E. Humphries, Martin J. Pollard, Christopher J. Elkin
  • Patent number: 7148777
    Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly is disclosed that is adapted to provide a magnetic field across an arc-shaped gap. Such a permanent magnet assembly can be used, for example, to provide a time-varying magnetic field to an annular region for use in a magnetic refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Astronautics Corporation of America
    Inventors: Jeremy Chell, Carl B. Zimm
  • Patent number: 7106159
    Abstract: This magnetic actuator comprises a fixed magnetic part (3) cooperating magnetically with a mobile magnetic part (1) and means (4) for initiating movement of the mobile magnetic part (1). The mobile magnetic part (1) comprises at least one magnet (1-1) and the fixed magnetic part (3) has at least two attraction zones (3-2) onto which the mobile magnetic part is able to come to attach itself. The mobile magnetic part (1) levitates when it is not attached to one of attraction zones (3-2), its movement being magnetically guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National Polytechnique De Grenoble
    Inventors: Jérôme Delamare, Christel Locatelli, Orphée Cugat
  • Patent number: 7096794
    Abstract: A simple permanent-magnet-excited maglev geometry provides levitation forces and is stable against vertical displacements from equilibrium but is unstable against horizontal displacements. An Inductrack system is then used in conjunction with this system to effect stabilization against horizontal displacements and to provide centering forces to overcome centrifugal forces when the vehicle is traversing curved sections of a track or when any other transient horizontal force is present. In some proposed embodiments, the Inductrack track elements are also employed as the stator of a linear induction-motor drive and braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Richard Freeman Post
  • Patent number: 7071802
    Abstract: An improved magnetic device is provided for adhering to an outer magnetic or magnetizable surface in a secure, reliable manner, by ensuring proper orientation of a magnet contained therein at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Hiromori Corporation
    Inventor: Junji Hiromori
  • Patent number: 7071801
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyhedron magnet device for attaching to magnetically attractive surfaces and holding items. The device includes a plurality of sidewalls extending in a longitudinal direction along the surface of the device, partitions, and end walls, which are placed perpendicularly to sidewalls to form one or more magnet holding chambers and separation chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Design Factory Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Yamazaki, Hisae Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7061354
    Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly, for engaging a generally planar surface of a ferromagnetic object to affix items of interest thereto, includes a shell of a magnetic material. The shell has a portion of either a magic sphere or a magic cylinder and a cavity and the shell terminates in a surface that is generally planar for engaging a ferromagnetic object. The permanent magnet assembly also has an insert located in the cavity. A method of fabricating the permanent magnet assembly is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Herbert A. Leupold
  • Patent number: 7053743
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus, such as an MRI system, contains at least one layer of soft magnetic material between the yoke and each permanent magnet. This imaging apparatus may be operated without pole pieces due to the presence of the soft magnetic material. The permanent magnets may be fabricated by magnetizing unmagnetized alloy bodies after the unmagnetized alloy bodies have been attached to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, Michael Anthony Palmo, Kathleen Melanie Amm, Paul Shadforth Thompson
  • Patent number: 7053745
    Abstract: A rare earth metal-based permanent magnet has a film layer formed substantially of only a fine metal powder on a metal forming the surface of the magnet. The rare earth metal-based permanent magnet having the film layer on its surface is produced in the following manner: A rare earth metal-based permanent magnet and a fine metal powder forming material are placed into a treating vessel, where both of them are vibrated and/or agitated, whereby a film layer made of a fine metal powder produced from the fine metal powder producing material is formed on a metal forming the surface of the magnet. Thus, the formation of a corrosion-resistant film such as plated film can be achieved at a high thickness accuracy by forming an electrically conductive layer uniformly and firmly on the entire surface of the magnet without use of a third component such as a resin and a coupling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Neomax Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohshi Yoshimura, Takeshi Nishiuchi, Fumiaki Kikui
  • Patent number: 7042322
    Abstract: A high-performance liquid magnetizer including a powerful magnet and a fluid sink. A spiral fluid guide being disposed in the fluid sink. A first opening disposed at the center of the sink and a second opening on one side of the fluid guide. The liquid flowing through the first opening into the fluid guide towards the second opening. The spiral sink extending the magnetization time for the fluid while the revolving direction of the liquid help improve the magnetism field effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Chien-Hsing Li
  • Patent number: 7038567
    Abstract: A module (1, 16, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54, 100) for the creation of assemblies comprising at least one active magnetic element of attraction (2, 3, 17, 20, 33, 34, 42, 47, 48) and at 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 which 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: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Claudio Vicentelli
  • Patent number: 7038565
    Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly is disclosed that utilizes at least two rotating magnet subassemblies, and first and second stationary magnet subassemblies arranged so that their magnetic vectors oppose each other. At a first rotational position of the rotating magnet subassemblies, the magnetic vectors of the rotating magnet subassemblies align with the magnetic vector of the first stationary magnet subassembly and oppose the magnetic vector of the second stationary magnet subassembly. At a second rotational position, the magnetic vectors of the rotating magnet subassemblies are reversed, thereby aligning with the magnetic vector of the second stationary magnet subassembly and opposing the magnetic vector of the first stationary magnet subassembly. By locating air gap portions where the magnetic vectors of the rotating magnetic subassemblies meet the magnetic vectors of the stationary magnetic subassemblies, the air gap portions are subjected to a time-varying magnetic flux density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Astronautics Corporation of America
    Inventor: Jeremy Chell
  • Patent number: 7023309
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus, such as an MRI system, contains at least one layer of soft magnetic material between the yoke and each permanent magnet. This imaging apparatus may be operated without pole pieces due to the presence of the soft magnetic material. The permanent magnets may be fabricated by magnetizing unmagnetized alloy bodies after the unmagnetized alloy bodies have been attached to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, Michael Anthony Palmo, Kathleen Melanie Amm, Paul Shadforth Thompson
  • Patent number: 7023310
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes eight SAF-type GMR elements. Four of the GMR elements detect a magnetic field in the direction of the X-axis and are bridge-connected to thereby constitute an X-axis magnetic sensor. The other four GMR elements detect a magnetic field in the direction of the Y-axis and are bridge-connected to thereby constitute a Y-axis magnetic sensor. The magnetization of a pinned layer of each of the GMR elements is pinned in a fixed direction by means of a magnetic field that a permanent bar magnet inserted into a square portion of a yoke of a magnet array generates in the vicinity of a rectangular portion of the yoke. A magnetic field generated in the vicinity of a certain rectangular portion of the yoke differs in direction by 90 degrees from a magnetic field generated in the vicinity of a rectangular portion adjacent to the former rectangular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Oohashi, Kokichi Aiso
  • Patent number: 7019610
    Abstract: A system for magnetically navigating a medical device in an operating region within the body of a patient. The system includes a magnet having a front field projecting from the front of the magnet sufficient to project a magnetic field into the operating region in the patient. The magnet is mounted for movement between a navigation position in which the magnet is located adjacent to the patient with the front of the magnetic generally facing the operating region, and an imaging position in which the magnet is spaced from the patient and the front generally faces away from the operating region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Stereotaxis, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis M. Creighton, IV, Seth Burgett
  • Patent number: 7015780
    Abstract: A monolithic or dual monolithic magnetic device or apparatus having an array of formations such as protruding or raised nubs wherein adjacent nubs have the same or opposite polarity to produce a high magnetic field gradient in the vicinity of the nubs is described. In lieu of nubs, the use of a magnetic device with thru-holes, blind holes, filled holes, or iron flux concentrators is also detailed, wherein all embodiments result in regions of high magnetic field gradient. Apparatus and methods for spot-poling a magnet array are also illustrated. An application of an array of MEMS actuators using the magnets of the present invention to produce high field gradient at precise locations is described. A further application of a biochemical separation unit containing a magnetic array and micro-fluidic channels for separating out magnetic particles tagged with bio-specific molecules for sensing the presence of a disease or specified chemicals is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan Jay Bernstein, William Patrick Taylor, John David Brazzle, Christopher John Corcoran, James Kelly Lee
  • Patent number: 7015782
    Abstract: A magnetic field based mechanical apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is based on coupled attracting or opposing magnets in conjunction with the insertion or removal of a magnetic field modifier. In the preferred embodiment, two repelling magnets are drawn together with the insertion of a magnetic field modifier. The field modifier may be another magnet having an opposing pole. Removal of the field modifier returns the forces to their original states. This oscillating motion may be driven with a low energy and/or small power supply. The resulting motion of the opposing magnets can drive mechanical system such as a linear, gear, ratchet, or reciprocating drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sensys Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Kincaid, George M. Acosta, Roxanne Abul-Haj, Kevin H. Hazen
  • Patent number: 7015781
    Abstract: A magnetic circuit member contains spherical and/or caterpillar-shaped graphite dispersed in a ferritic iron matrix including silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akikazu Matsumoto, Wataru Yagi
  • Patent number: 6995642
    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 structures 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-spherical magnetic field gradient source structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Herbert A. Leupold
  • Patent number: 6989730
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a permanent magnet, includes a body that has a body axis and that, in turn, has a plurality of discreet components. Each of the components may be radially spaced from the body axis approximately an equal distance and each component may be circumferentially spaced an approximately equal distance apart. Also, each of the components may include a cavity and a component axis and wherein each of the components may have an inner body, that, in turn, has a magnetic substance and that is rotatable about the component axis and a plurality of inner segments each having an inner segment magnetic field. The components may also include an outer body that, in turn, includes a magnetic substance and that is rotatable about the component axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Herbert A. Leupold
  • Patent number: 6975197
    Abstract: A magnet assembly comprising a magnet mounted for pivoting about a first axis spaced from the magnet, and rotating about a second axis that is perpendicular to and intersects with the first axis. The magnet comprising a plurality of segments each with a magnetization direction such that through a combination of pivoting and rotating the magnet projects a magnetic field in any direction at an operating point spaced from the front of the assembly. The segmented construction with segments of different magnetization directions allows small changes in the orientation of the magnet to substantially change the magnet field direction at a system operating point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Stereotaxis, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis M. Creighton, IV
  • Patent number: 6969559
    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. This arrangement causes a uniform volume magnetic charge density, which results in a magnetic field normal to the laminae of the magnitude. The stacked magnetic laminae magnetic field structures 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Herbert A. Leupold
  • Patent number: 6967551
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetic field analysis, contributing to not only determining whether or not demagnetization would occur in a permanent magnet but also calculating its magnetic flux density distribution after the demagnetization, is provided. In a magnetic field analysis method according to the present invention, first, permeance coefficients at multiple sites in a permanent magnet and/or numerical values that are dependent on the permeance coefficients are calculated based on B-H curve data of the permanent magnet at a first temperature T1. Next, modified B-H curve data of the permanent magnet, which has been operated at a second temperature T2 that is different from the first temperature T1, are derived for the respective sites based on B-H curve data of the permanent magnet at the second temperature T2 and the permeance coefficients or the numerical values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Neomax Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Natsumeda, Hirofumi Takabayashi
  • Patent number: 6954128
    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: a method of assembling the hybrid magnetic plates, a high throughput protocol featuring the hybrid magnetic structure, and other embodiments of the ferromagnetic pole shape, attachment and adapter interfaces for adapting the use of the hybrid magnetic structure for use with liquid handling and other robots for use in high throughput processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: David E Humphries, Martin J Pollard, Christopher J Elkin
  • Patent number: 6946940
    Abstract: A general method for the design of structures composed of permanent magnetic material for producing and modifying magnetic fields. The method employs a finite set of permissible spatial harmonic modes upon a surface. In particular, it has applications where the structures are finite and open, for which an exact solution is not possible. The method determines an optimum distribution based upon a least squares minimization of the difference between the achievable and desired field within a Region Of Interest (ROI). The method also has application in passively improving the homogeneity of existing magnetic fields (shimming) by distributing magnetic materials in the vicinity of the ROI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: BTG International Limited
    Inventor: Barry Leonard Walter Chapman
  • Patent number: 6946941
    Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly is disclosed that is adapted to provide a magnetic field across an arc-shaped gap. Such a permanent magnet assembly can be used, for example, to provide a time-varying magnetic field to an annular region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Astronautics Corporation of America
    Inventor: Jeremy Chell