Abstract: A vertically stable permanent magnet levitation system for use in transportation comprises a pair of spaced parallel ferromagnetic rail members, a cobalt-rare earth permanent levitation magnet with transverse polarity orientation positioned between the rails with an air gap between both poles and the rails, a cargo-carrying vehicle supported by the magnet, and means for maintaining the levitation magnet in centered position with respect to the rails.

Abstract: A vehicle-suspension type of permanent magnet-levitation transportation system has an elevated track structure defining a bed with a ferromagnetic levitation track on the underside thereof and a spaced parallel control track composed of ceramic magnetic material having transverse polarity orientation also running on the underside of the bed. A vehicle for traveling along the track has a series of spaced cobalt-rare earth levitation magnets positioned under the ferromagnetic track and a series of spaced cobalt-rare earth control magnets positioned under the control track in magnetic repulsion mode with the ceramic magnets. In levitated position the attraction of the levitation magnets for the ferromagnetic track is balanced by the repulsion between the control magnets and the ceramic track. Hydraulic, mechanical and electromagnetic means for positioning the levitation and control magnets in proper vertical relationship to maintain levitation of the vehicle are described.

Abstract: A hinged toilet seat and cover assembly has at least two magnetic latches positioned to control the movement of the seat and cover. A first magnetic latch positioned between the hinge and cover serves to hold the cover in a vertical position once the cover has been raised to such position. A second magnetic latch positioned between the cover and seat at a point spaced from the hinge serves to hold the cover and seat in contact with each other once they are brought into such contact.

Abstract: A fishing line release mechanism has a permanent magnet positioned within a housing with the poles of the magnet arranged to draw a magnetic release plate toward, or into contact with, the magnet. The release plate has a buttonlike configuration with a central aperture which enables the plate to be threaded by a fishline. When a fishline threaded through the magnetic plate aperture is looped several times around the plate and the plate is then positioned in proximity to the permanent magnet, the line cannot unreel until considerable tension is applied to it. The tension limit can be preset. When the preset limit is reached, the buttonlike magnetic plate springs away from the permanent magnet to release the fishline to further control by the reel.

Abstract: An organic binder or lubricant in a pressed or compacted green body formed of cobalt-rare earth intermetallic particles is substantially removed from the green body before the carbon can react with the rare earth during sintering. This is accomplished by exposing the green body to a temperature of about 100.degree. to 300.degree.C in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere. The hydrogen reacts with the organic binder or lubricant which allows the resulting organic molecules to volatilize from the green body. The green body is then sintered after which it is cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: The invention covers the use of reactive hydrogen-containing atmospheres in the sintering and heat-aging of cobalt-rare earth intermetallic products.

Abstract: A transducer device such as a loudspeaker or microphone has a U-shaped core of magnetically permeable material with attached pole pieces defining a gap and a stationary electrical coil around the core. A permanent magnet is positioned for movement through the central portion of the gap as directed by a variable magnetic field within the gap. The permanent magnet has diagonally positioned poles of like magnetic orientation to provide a north-south pole combination facing one of the pole pieces and a complementary south-north pole combination facing the other pole piece.