Materials that exhibit magneto-dielectric effects with high local order in the form of distinct basic units with a defined geometry that provides orientation and spacing that prevents contact between conductive components of a basic unit are disclosed. Use of multiple basic units arranged, for example by embedment, in essentially random orientation relative to one another provides a composite material with magneto-dielectric effects that isotropic and homogeneous. Such basic units are readily manufacturable using conventional techniques.

In order to minimize the sliding friction between the locking parts, that is, between the pawl and the rotary latch of a motor vehicle door lock, it is advantageous if, during the production process, the different latch surfaces of both locking parts are provided with a stamped contour have straight grooves and also with a stamped contour, characterized in that the provided grooves are oblique. The grooves which are oblique to the latch surface on the pawl can be produced such that the entire pawl or also the rotary latch are connected in an oblique manner to the base of the lock case housing which can be produced in several ways. Between the straight grooves and the oblique grooves, at least two coverings are provided which ensure that both locking parts are in mutual contact reducing the friction.

A camera configured for a predetermined environment can be made low profile in the following manner. The camera includes an image sensor that has a light sensitive portion that can sense light from the predetermined environment. A substantially opaque mask is disposed above the light sensitive portion of the image sensor and has at least one opening through which the image sensor senses light. The low profile structure of the camera can be realized with substantially transparent material disposed between the substantially opaque mask and the image sensor that has index of refraction that is greater than an index of refraction of the predetermined environment. Accordingly, light through the opening refracts as it passes through the substantially transparent material to the image sensor.

Methods of forming polarized panes for variable transmission windows are disclosed. The polarized panes are formed from transparent substrates that are brushed with a brushing pattern that varies continuously in a select direction over each of one or more periods. A layer of polarizable material such as POLARCOAT material can be deposited on and responds to the brushed surface by forming a polarization pattern that substantially matches the brushing pattern and thus also includes one or more periods.

Ion exchange membranes may include a polymeric microporous substrate, a cross-linked ion transferring polymeric layer on the substrate, and a hydrophobic coating on the cross-linked ion transferring polymer. The hydrophobic coating may comprise at least one of a weak base copolymer and an organosilicate compound.

A method for roughening an inner surface (8) of a cylindrical bore (9), in particular a running surface in a cylindrical bore or cylinder liner of an internal combustion engine. A rotating tool (1) is moved in a translatory manner in the axial direction of the cylindrical bore (9) and has a radial cutting head (7). A chip (12) is lifted off by at least one cutting edge of the radial cutting head (7) and is broken away via a further edge or face of the radial cutting head (7), in order to produce the roughened surface. The tool (1) is introduced into the cylindrical bore (9) or is passed through it, after which a positioning of the tool (1) in the radial direction takes place, and after which the removal of the material takes place via the rotating tool (1) when the tool is moved in its advancing direction (V) out of the cylindrical bore. A tool (1) is also claimed.

Holding apparatus (100) for electrostatically holding component (1), (e.g., a silicon wafer), includes base body (10) composed of first and second plates (11A,12), the first plate being arranged on upper side (10A) of base body (10) and second plate (12) carrying first plate (11A), and second plate (12) being an electrically insulating material, a plurality of projecting, upper burls (13A) arranged on upper side (10A) and forming a support surface for component (1), and first electrode device (20A) having first electrodes (21A) arranged on upper side (10A) for receiving a clamping voltage, wherein first plate (11A) is produced from electrically conductive, Si-based ceramic and carries upper plate insulating layer (14A) which covers upper side (10A), having upper burls (13A), and the first electrodes (21A) include electrode layers arranged on upper burls (13A) and each carry upper electrode insulating layer (15A). A method for producing the holding apparatus is also described.