7450 results about "Magnetic tension force" patented technology

A method for forming an anastomosis between first and second organs in a patient using a hollow receptacle that is inflatable with magnetic material. The method may include forming openings through the first and second organs utilizing a hole-forming instrument inserted into the organs through a natural orifice in the patient. The hollow receptacle may be supported on a catheter assembly that is also inserted through the patient's natural orifice and through the openings in the first and second organs and is positioned within the second organ. The hollow receptacle is then inflated with magnetic material and magnetic force is applied within the force organ to draw the inflated receptacle toward the first organ such that the inflated receptacle retains the second organ in sealing contact with the first organ while maintaining the alignment between the first and second openings to create an anastomosis between the first and second organs.

A generally cylindrical rotor very closely confined between two rigid thrust bearing surfaces is radially suspended by an array of attracting or repelling magnets or by a combination of permanent magnets and ring shaped members composed of ferromagnetic material. The geometry permits very small spacing between magnetic components to achieve high radial stiffness. High magnetic axial forces exerted between the rotor and stationary component on one end of the rotor are counter-balanced by equal and opposite forces at the other end of the rotor. Precise positioning of the rotor in the location where the opposing axial magnetic forces counterballance each other yields a net magnetic axial force on the rotor of near zero, hence the reference to this as the null position. Wear resistant mechanical thrust bearings confine the rotor axially to maintain this position during rotatioin. Precisely balance the magnetic axial forces in the proper geometry with relation to the mechanical thrust bearings. Blood pumps utilizing this type of bearing are disclosed, including both axial flow pump and centrifugal flow pump configurations with high flow washing of the junction of the rotating and stationary parts to prevent thrombus accumulation.

An electronic device drives an oscillatory actuator to cause generation of vibration when it is detected that an operation input to a touch panel or operation key has been received. The electronic device causes, by this vibration, the touch panel and operation key to vibrate in a direction perpendicular to their respective front surfaces. Alternatively, the housing of the electronic device is made to vibrate. Further, the oscillatory actuator has a weight, a support member for supporting the weight to allow it to reciprocate, and connected to the touch panel or housing or other vibratory member of the electronic device, or vibratory member of the base member of the oscillatory actuator in contact with the vibratory member, and a mechanism for imparting a magnetic force or electrostatic force to cause reciprocal movement of the weight.

Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating a body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a form external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the form, wherein the magnetic member generates a magnetic force between the implant and the form to incrementally manipulate the body member. The implant and external magnetic member are preferably rare earth magnets or an array of rare earth magnets, and are configured to generate an attractive or repulsive force between the implant and the platform to reposition, reorient, deform, or lengthen the body member.

Methods, devices and systems for forming magnetic anastomoses between two blood vessels. A first anastomotic component is removably supported by the distal end of a delivery device for attachment to a first vessel. The delivery device also supports a second anastomotic component that has been secured to a second blood vessel. The device is operated to secure the first component to the first vessel, couple the second component to the first component, and then release the components to complete the anastomosis. A robotic anastomosis system includes several robotic instruments that may be positioned through ports in a patient, used to secure an anastomotic component to a vessel, and then used to magnetically couple the components. Delivery devices for deploying magnetic anastomotic components include an actuator that uses magnetic repulsion to move the components into engagement with the inner and outer surfaces of the vessel wall. The anastomotic components are secured to the vessel wall by magnetic force and in addition may be secured by mechanical attachment.

Magnetic levitation methods and apparatus use arrays of vehicle magnets to provide three forces: suspension, guidance and propulsion. The magnets, which can be permanent magnets or superconducting magnets operating in the persistent current mode, have associated control coils that allow the magnets to provide a controllable attractive force to a laminated steel rail. The control coils adjust the gap between the magnets and the rails so as to be in stable equilibrium without requiring significant power dissipation in the control coils. These same magnets and steel rails also provide lateral guidance to keep the vehicle on the track and steer the vehicle on turns. The suspension control coils can provide lateral damping by means of offset magnets in the suspension arrays. Windings in transverse slots in the steel rails are excited with currents that react against the field produced by the vehicle magnets to create vehicle propulsion. The magnet size is adjusted to provide negligible cogging force even when there are as few as three winding slots per wavelength along the rail. Means are used to mitigate end effects so that a multiplicity of magnet pods can be used to support the vehicle.

Magnetic anchoring devices are disclosed herein. Expandable devices that are inserted into the stomach of a patient are attached to its interior wall by magnetically coupling. Such expandable devices, like inflatable balloons, comprise at least one magnetic device, which may be a magnet, a magnetizable material, or a magnetic metal. The magnetic device may be positioned on the external or interior surface of the expandable device or may be integral thereto. The magnetic device is magnetically coupled to a magnetic anchor positioned on a surface of the stomach wall. In this way, the expandable devices are anchored to the stomach walls, preventing migration of the device to other areas of the body where they may become obstructions and pose health risks.

The invention disclosed is a method of levitating one or both ends of an object permanently or temporarily, or altering the distance between two objects or the momentum of an object by manipulating the direction of the magnetic field of a permanent or electromagnet.

A magnetic spinal implant device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes: a first piece configured to be implanted into a patient and coupled to the patient's spine, wherein the first piece includes a recessed portion; a first magnet coupled to the first piece; a second piece configured to be implanted into the patient and juxtaposed with the first piece, wherein the second piece includes a base portion surrounding a raised portion, wherein the raised portion is configured to be at least partially received within the recessed portion of the first piece so as to facilitate alignment of the first and second pieces; and a second magnet coupled to the second piece, wherein the first magnet exerts a desired magnetic force on the second magnet.

A magnetic drive metering pump in which a movable thrust member fixed to a connecting rod is axially movable in a longitudinal axis in a magnet shroud anchored in a pump housing so that the thrust member with the connecting rod, on electrically driving (actuating) the magnetizing coil, is drawn into the magnet shroud against the force of a recuperating spring, reducing an air gap between the thrust member and an inner face of magnetic shroud, into a bore in the magnet shroud and after deactivating the magnet the thrust member is returned to the starting position by the recuperating spring so that the thrust member and an elastic displacement member actuated thereby on carries out an oscillating motion continued activation and deactivation of the magnetizing coil, which diaphragm cooperates alternately with an outlet and an inlet valve to produce a pump stroke (pressure stroke) and a priming stroke in a metering head arranged in the longitudinal axis. In such a magnetic drive metering pump, a reference element is associated with the module constituted by the thrust member and connecting rod, the position of which reference element is detected by a positional sensor, wherein the positional sensor provides an actual signal which is in a fixed relationship to the position of the reference element, and in that the motion of the unit formed by the thrust member and the connecting rod is influenced as regards control accuracy via a control circuit so that it follows a predetermined nominal profile.

A rotary blood pump may include one or more motor stators overlying exterior surfaces of a wall defining a pumping chamber. A rotatable impeller within the pumping chamber may have a hydrodynamic thrust bearing surface adapted to constrain a position of the impeller along an axis of rotation relative to the wall when the impeller is rotating about the axis of rotation. The impeller position may then be constrained without requiring a constant polarity magnetic force to be applied in the axial direction from a fixed position of the housing.

The invention provides a simple method, device and several machines for simultaneously stirring thousands of vessels or wells of microplates in a robust manner and with economy. This method uses the simple principle of magnetic stirrers aligning themselves to a vertical driving magnetic field placed beneath them and moving laterally or by moving the vessels over a stationary magnetic field or by spinning the drive magnets, or by using a modulating / reversing electromagnetic field to produce the moving effect. Each vessel contains a magnetic disc, bar, dowel or other shape (stirrers) which in it's magnetic attraction to the vertical driving magnetic field will cause it to move and align it's magnetic field as the opposite poles of the drive magnet and the stirrer attract each other. The attraction of the stirrers to the vertical driving magnetic field causes the stirrers to stand on end and tumble as the stir devices try to align to the opposite moving magnetic pole. The stirrers tumble because the walls of the vessels or friction with the vessel bottom prevents their lateral movement.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a trocar and a reducer cap that magnetically attaches to the trocar. The trocar and the cap each include a magnetic member, at least one of which is a first magnet, and the other of which is either a second magnet or a non-magnetized magnetically permeable member. Including a magnet of sufficient strength in the trocar and / or the cap will create a magnetic field that automatically holds a surgical instrument having a magnetically permeable member at its tip in axial alignment with the cap or trocar lumen. Introduction of the surgical instrument into the lumen can be further facilitated by providing the trocar or cap lumen with a funnel-shaped opening. A lumen seal can be provided by one or more compliant toroidal seal members that expand radially inwardly when compressed axially by the magnetic attraction between the cap and trocar. The alignment feature is particularly advantageous when incorporated in a mini-trocar having a lumen on the order of 1-3 mm in diameter. In that case, a trocar cap can be a small disc magnetically attracted to the trocar to cover the lumen. Magnetic aligning devices according to the invention can be used internally of a patient or transdermally. Another embodiment of the invention is an ostium plug with a lumen therethrough that can be used in tubal sterilization. The plug is permanently implanted in the patient, but a cap is coupled magnetically to the proximal end of the plug to permit reopening of the lumen when desired.

A haptic feedback system comprises a moveable device with at least three degrees of freedom in an operating space. A display device is operative to present a dynamic virtual environment. A controller is operative to generate display signals to the display device for presentation of a dynamic virtual environment corresponding to the operating space, including an icon corresponding to the position of the moveable device in the virtual environment. An actuator of the haptic feedback system comprises a stator having an array of independently controllable electromagnet coils. By selectively energizing at least a subset of the electromagnetic coils, the stator generates a net magnetic force on the moveable device in the operating space. In certain exemplary embodiments the actuator has a controllably moveable stage positioning the stator in response to movement of the moveable device, resulting in a larger operating area. A detector of the system, optionally multiple sensors of different types, is operative to detect at least the position of the moveable device in the operating space and to generate corresponding detection signals to the controller. The controller receives and processes detection signals from the detection sensor and generates corresponding control signals to the actuator to control the net magnetic force on the moveable device.

An auto-focusing device with voice coil motor for position feedback comprises a lens holder, a sensor holder, a permanent magnet set, a yoke and a base. The lens holder holds a lens barrel and is wound around with at least two coils wound in opposite directions. The sensor holder holds an image sensor. The permanent magnet set includes at least two permanent magnets stacked together with opposing poles to form a multi-pole permanent magnet set. The permanent magnet set is furnished on the periphery of lens holder and corresponds to the two coils on lens holder. The permanent magnet set is disposed on the yoke to form a close-loop magnetism so as to increase the density of magnetic lines and the efficiency of magnetic force, save power consumption, and extend the service life of device.

The magnetic tape has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the coercive force measured in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 167 kA / m, a timing-based servo pattern is present on the magnetic layer, and the edge shape specified by observing the timing-based servo pattern with a magnetic force microscope is a shape in which the difference between the value of the 99.9% cumulative distribution function of the width of misalignment from the ideal shape in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape and the value L0.1 of the 0.1% cumulative distribution function, L99.9-L0.1, is less than or equal to 180 nm.

A lighting system including modules containing LEDs or other electroluminescent devices and loosely constrained magnetic structures at least partially contained within cavities in the module substrate that are connected to fixtures under magnetic force. The loosely constrained magnetic structures accommodate mechanical variations in the system and provide a method to connect modules mechanically, electrically and thermally to different fixtures or positions in fixtures without tools. The relatively short distance separating magnetic structures provides high connection forces with the use of relatively small magnets. Magnets and electrical contacts are not located directly between the LED subassembly and the fixture, which provides higher thermal conductivity pathways to remove heat from the LEDs. Biasing members may be used to increase thermal contact. Magnetic structures may, but are not required, to conduct electricity. Fixtures that attach to modules include rails, sockets, heat sinks and two-dimensional structures with recessed electrodes for improved electrical safety.

A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.

Methods and devices for forming an anastomosis between hollow bodies utilizes magnetic force to couple anastomotic securing components and create a fluid-tight connection between the lumens of the hollow bodies. End-to-side, side-to-side and end-to-end anastomoses can be created without using suture or any other type of mechanical fasteners, although any such attachment means may be used in conjunction with the magnetic attachment. The securing components have magnetic, ferromagnetic or electromagnetic properties and may include one or more materials, for example, magnetic and nonmagnetic materials arranged in a laminated structure. The system of anastomotic securing components may be used in many different applications including the treatment of cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, forming AV shunts for dialysis patients, etc., and may be sized and configured for forming an anastomosis to a specific hollow body, for example, a coronary artery or the aorta.

The magnetic tape includes a magnetic layer having ferromagnetic powder and a binder on a non-magnetic support, in which the magnetic layer includes a timing-based servo pattern, the ferromagnetic powder is ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder having an activation volume equal to or smaller than 1,600 nm3, and an edge shape of the timing-based servo pattern specified by a magnetic force microscope observation is a shape in which a difference (l99.9−l0.1) between a value l99.9 of a cumulative frequency function of 99.9% of a position deviation width from an ideal shape in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape and a value l0.1 of the cumulative frequency function of 0.1% thereof is equal to or smaller than 180 nm.

The magnetic tape has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the coercive force measured in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 167 kA / m, a timing-based servo pattern is present on the magnetic layer, and the edge shape specified by observing the timing-based servo pattern with a magnetic force microscope is a shape in which the difference between the value L99.9 of the 99.9% cumulative distribution function of the width of misalignment from the ideal shape in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape and the value L0.1 of the 0.1% cumulative distribution function, L99.9−L0.1, is less than or equal to 180 nm.

Provided is an electromagnetic tracking system, including at least one electromagnetic field receiver having at least one scalar-magnetometer, at least one electromagnetic field transmitter, and tracker electronics. Also provided is a method for electromagnetic tracking, including generating at least one magnetic field, sensing the at least one magnetic field with at least one scalar-magnetometer, and determining a relative position of the at least one scalar-magnetometer based on the sensed at least one magnetic field.

Aspects of the invention provide a transport system powered by short block Linear Synchronous Motors (LSMs). The use of short blocks allows vehicles to move under precise control even when they are in close proximity to each other. The design allows the vehicles to be propelled and guided while negotiating sharp turns and negotiating merge and diverge switches. A coreless LSM can be used to create propulsive force without attractive force so as to allow a relatively high drag vehicle suspension, such as a vehicle sliding on a smooth surface. Further aspects of the invention provide a switching member that is selectively moveable relative to a guideway in order to change a magnetic force acting on the vehicle transverse to a direction of motion of the vehicle.

Magnetic tags or markers are disclosed, together with a variety of techniques by means of which such tags may be interrogated. In one aspect, the magnetic marker or tag which is characterized by carrying a plurality of discrete magnetically active regions in a linear array. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of interrogating a magnetic tag or marker within a predetermined interrogation zone, the tag comprising a high permeability magnetic material, for example to read data stored magnetically in the tag or to use the response of the tag to detect its presence and / or to determine its position within the interrogation zone, characterized in that the interrogation process includes the step of subjecting the tag sequentially to: (1) a magnetic field sufficient in field strength to saturate the high permeability magnetic material, and (2) a magnetic mill as herein defined. Applications of such techniques are described, inter alia, in relation to (a) identifying articles to which tags are attached; (b) accurate determination of position, as in location of surgical probes, and (c) totalization of purchases, where each item carries a tag coded with data representing its nature and its price.

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. The body and the implantable magnet are positioned such that the body is shifted to one of the first position and the second position as a function of the external magnetic field resulting in a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetically soft body.

An apparatus for controlling a lifting cover open automatically, is applied in an electric product with a lifting cover. The apparatus includes a first magnetic device disposed on the main body of the electric product, a second magnetic device disposed on the lifting cover with respect to the first magnetic device, and a controlling device disposed on the main body for controlling switch on / off between the first magnetic device and power of the electric product. An inducing magnetic field is formed when the first magnetic device is connected to the power of the electric product, and the inducing magnetic field produces a repulsive force to the second magnetic device on the lifting cover so as to have the lifting cover open automatically.