Abstract: A magnetically levitated transport device provides levitation and propulsion of a vacuum carriage. An air carriage is moved by conventional means through both linear and angular displacements. Non-magnetic coils mounted on the air carriage interact with permanent magnets mounted on the vacuum carriage to magnetically link the carriages together using Lorentz forces. The non-magnetic coils, which are exposed to the fields generated by the permanent magnets, produce the Lorentz forces when driven by drive currents in response to inputs received from position sensors. In one embodiment, power requirements are reduced by adding permanent magnets to the air carriage that interact with some of the permanent magnets on the vacuum carriage to provide forces that substantially levitate all of the static load.

Abstract: A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within a rotating solid rotor having teeth cut from a flat disk. The total reluctance of the magnetic circuit and total flux remain substantially constant as the rotor rotates. The flux may travel radially outward and exit the flat disk through the teeth passing across an armature air gap. Airgap armature coils are preferably utilized in which the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the coils.

Abstract: An active magnetic bearing utilizing a brushless generator which provides electrical energy to the bearing is disclosed. The use of a brushless generator reduces the size, volume, complexity and cost requirements of the total magnetic bearing system. In the preferred embodiments, the brushless generator provides increased output by utilizing air-core coils in place of ferrous coils in regions of the generator which operate at high frequencies. The air-core coils enable the generator to rotate at speeds in excess of 24,000 rpm while continuing to operate efficiently because core losses, due to the use of traditional iron cores (e.g., hysteresis and eddy-currents), are virtually eliminated. Both radial and axial bearings are provided, as well as a method for maintaining magnetic levitation of a rotating member.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing system has a magnetic bearing and an electric generator for activating the magnetic bearing. The various components of the system are mounted respectively on a rotor and a stator. The magnetic bearing is of the magnetic attraction type or of the Lorentz force type. It has first and second subassemblies, one of which is on the rotor and the other of which is on the stator. The generator has at least one magnet subassembly and at least one loop subassembly, one of which is on the rotor and the other of which is on the stator. The magnet subassembly has field magnets for creating magnetic fields. The loop subassembly has loops which travel through the magnetic fields.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing system has magnets for producing magnetic fields, and a member which carries loop portions of electrically conductive material. The member and magnets are relatively rotatable about an axis of rotation so that the loop portions travel along a prescribed circular path relative to and through the magnetic fields. The magnetic fields subject the loop portions to magnetic flux to produce electromotive forces in the loop portions when the loop portions deviate from the prescribed circular path. This induces an electrical current in the loop portions. The direction of this electrical current is such that, in the presence of the magnetic fields, Lorentz forces are exerted on the loop portions and the loop-carrying member in directions which are lateral with respect to the circular path. To avoid undesired current flow when the member is rotating on its prescribed axis, at least the first and second loop portions are electrically interconnected to form a closed loop.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing has electromagnets which are actively controlled to maintain a rotor at a prescribed position relative to a stator. Radial and axial bearings are disclosed. In each, conductive loops travel relatively through field zones which are associated with the electromagnets. Sensors provide signals indicative of deviations of the loops from their prescribed circular path, and these signals control the electromagnets selectively to change the magnetic field strengths. A loop current will be induced by the movement of a loop through a magnetic field. This current, in the presence of the magnetic field or fields will exert Lorentz forces on the loop in a radial and/or axial direction. These forces return the rotor to its prescribed position.

Abstract: A pulsed power linear actuator provides increased stroke force by converting rotational kinetic energy into linear kinetic energy through the use of electrical energy. The kinetic energy may be established by placing a tube having endless conductive loops therein between an armature and stator. Rotation of the tube by a motor generates rotational kinetic energy which is converted to linear kinetic energy and transferred to the stroke arm when current is applied to the armature to generate electromagnet fields. The armature may be implemented with permanent magnets which generate time invariant magnetic fields, or it may be implemented as a multi-segmented armature where each segment is essentially an individual armature. The relative motion of the armature and tube exposes the loops to the electromagnet fields and produces an electromotive force which induces current in the rotating endless loops.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing system uses conductive loops which interact with magnets to levitate a rotor and to center it on a rotational axis. The rotor is provided with a plurality of closed loops of electrically conductive material with a finite inductance. Rotation causes the loops to travel along a prescribed circular path which carries them through a series of magnetic fields. In preferred embodiments, each loop is subjected to two magnetic fields simultaneously, and the magnets are positioned where a loop moving on its prescribed path will be equally subjected to the fields of the magnets. This produces equal and opposite electromotive forces in the loop so that no current will flow. However, when a loop deviates laterally from its prescribed path, the interior of the loop will be unequally subjected to the magnetic fields.