Abstract: An energy storage system and method that enables gravity-based energy storage to have a significantly larger capacity in a single shaft for given capital cost and thus an improved cost per unit energy for large scale energy storage as well as enabling continuity of power input and output at an external connection point across the extent of the system's energy capacity comprises a multi-weight storage system having at least two weights, two transporters each with a transporter linkage that can be coupled to and decoupled from the respective weight and for transporting the weight along a pre-defined path defining a vertical displacement and defining a respective path volume, a second linkage path volume defined by the area of the second linkage decoupled from a weight and developed or swept along a respective pre-defined vertically displaced path, wherein the second linkage path volume does not overlap with the first path volume.

Abstract: A discharge pipe is connected to a refrigerant container from outside of a vacuum container, and discharges a vaporized refrigerant. A pair of external leads are electrically connected respectively to opposite ends of a superconducting coil from a position outside of the vacuum container, so as to cause a current to flow through the superconducting coil. A protection circuit is electrically connected to the superconducting coil, and consumes energy stored in the superconducting coil during quenching. The protection circuit is in contact with the discharge pipe outside of the vacuum container.

Abstract: A rapid demagnetization method based on characteristics of magnetic media. In the method, basic information is obtained by a recognition module of magnetic media by means of multi-source sensing collaboration. The magnetic medium is identified by using a data processing technology and a magnetic medium identification algorithm, and then the characteristic information is extracted. Optimized set values of demagnetization parameters are obtained by a demagnetization parameter optimizing and setting module based on a demagnetization optimizing model. Demagnetization parameter set values are tracked by a closed-loop control module of a demagnetization magnetic field in combination with domain expert knowledge by using a closed-loop control mechanism integrated with a magnetic field control algorithm, a charging-discharging device, a magnetic field generating device, a magnetic field sensor and an environmental sensor, completing the rapid demagnetization of the magnetic medium.

Abstract: Today, chemical rockets are the most expensive components of a launch; even reusable boosters require costly fuel, ongoing maintenance, and long durations between launches. As a result, far too many space bound opportunities are prohibitively expensive. However, kinetic launchers offer an economical alternative for projecting payloads into orbit. Harnessing angular velocity, a centrifuge gradually accelerates its payload to hypersonic speeds within a vacuum sealed chamber; upon reaching the desired speed, its airlock opens and the payload is released into the atmosphere. Flux-Pinned Superconductors offer a radical advancement to this technology; wherein, Flux Pinning is used to levitate and stabilize the launch package while reinforcing the entire platform against centrifugal stress. These Flux-Pinned joints require no power, lubricant or physical contact, while providing limitless stiffness that is essentially impervious to mechanical wear.

Abstract: A magnetizing device includes a magnet and a magnetic field concentrator. The magnet has a magnetic field forming a magnetization region in which a magnetizable security element is exposed to a magnetic field strength having a defined magnetic field direction. The magnetic field concentrator is formed of a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic field concentrator is arranged in the magnetic field and amplifies and focuses the magnetic field in the magnetization region.

Abstract: This invention relates to an operational element and a method for manufacturing the operational element that comprises magnetic shape memory alloy. in the method at least a part of the magnetic shape memory alloy is arranged as an active region that is responsive to a magnetic field and at least one other part of the magnetic shape memory alloy is arranged as an inactive region that is unresponsive to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A superconducting magnet system having two-stage quenching. A primary coil assembly includes a coil section configured to be superconducting when conducting current below a first critical current. An EMI shielding coil assembly includes a coil section configured to be superconducting when conducting current below a second critical current, which is electrically coupled to a variable resistor configured to be superconducting when conducting current below a third critical current and to be non-superconducting when conducting current at or above the third critical current that is less than both the first and second critical currents. Generating a magnetic flux within the EMI shielding coil assembly causes the current conducted through the variable resistor to exceed the third critical current, quenching the variable resistor and generating heat. The EMI shielding coil assembly is disposed such that the heat from the variable resistor quenches the primary coil assembly.

Abstract: The electromagnetic relay includes a fixed terminal, a fixed contact connected to the fixed terminal, a movable contact piece moving in an opening direction and a closing direction with respect to the fixed terminal, a movable contact connected to the movable contact piece and being arranged to face the fixed contact, a coil generating an electromagnetic force to move the movable contact piece, and a drive circuit controlling a current to the coil. The drive circuit increases the current at a first increase rate in a first period that includes a period from a start time when the current starts to flow in the coil to before a contact time point at which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact. The drive circuit increases the current at a second increase rate larger than the first increase rate in the second period that includes a period after the contact time point.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a switching device includes at least one stationary contact, a movable contact, an armature, a permanent magnet and a magnetically-operated switch, wherein the movable contact is movable by the armature, wherein the permanent magnet is attached to the armature, and wherein the magnetically-operated switch is a Hall switch.

Abstract: In a step of inserting each of a plurality of disk-shaped windings into a recessed groove portion of a corresponding one of a plurality of ring-shaped fixing portions, each of the plurality of disk-shaped windings is inserted in a state where an outer circumferential surface of each of the plurality of disk-shaped windings is spaced apart from a bottom surface of the recessed groove portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of ring-shaped fixing portions. In a step of bringing the outer circumferential surface of each of the plurality of disk-shaped windings into direct or indirect contact with the bottom surface of the recessed groove portion of the corresponding one of the plurality of ring-shaped fixing portions, each of the plurality of disk-shaped windings and an outer frame portion are cooled and contracted for contact.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a motor comprising: a shaft; a rotor coupled to the shaft; and a stator disposed so as to correspond to the rotor, wherein the stator comprises: a yoke; a tooth protruding from the yoke; and an insulator disposed on the tooth, wherein the insulator comprises: a body having a coil wound therearound; and an inner guide disposed in the body in a radial direction, wherein the tooth comprises: a first surface facing the rotor; a second surface forming a shoe of the tooth; and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the inner guide is disposed so as to not overlap with the third surface in an axial direction.

Abstract: A method for determining a switching point of a solenoid valve. A solenoid coil is energized to raise a solenoid armature to unblock a flow opening. For a signal profile characteristic of a current profile in the solenoid coil, multiple periods each different from one another and each having the same predefined temporal length are determined. Within each period, a minimal and a maximal value of the signal profile and associated points in time are ascertained and a product of a difference between the maximal and minimal value and a difference between the associated points in time are ascertained. On the basis of the points in time of the minimal and maximal value of that period, which corresponds to a maximal value of the product, the switching point is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator arrangement comprising an electromagnetic actuator device (2), in particular a camshaft adjusting device, having a housing (4) and at least one armature unit which can be driven, in response to the energization of a stationary, axially aligned coil unit, in or parallel to the axial direction and which is designed to interact with at least one slide and/or tappet unit (6, 7) extending in the axial direction, in particular a tappet unit (6, 7) effecting a camshaft adjustment of an internal combustion engine, and at least one switching gate (12) which can be arranged on a slide cam (14) and through which a transverse central plane (56) passes, wherein the actuator device (2) comprises a detection device for contactless magnetic and/or electrical interaction with the switching gate (12), which detection device comprises at least one magnetic field and/or electric field detection means which is designed to produce and/or detect a detection field acting directly

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic holding device (10), in particular a clamping device, comprising a holding surface (9) and at least one first permanent magnet (11), characterized in that the holding device (10) comprises at least one second permanent magnet (12) which is rotatably mounted relative to the at least one first permanent magnet (11) about a rotational axis (3), whereby the pole direction (2) of the second permanent magnet (12) is rotatable relative to the pole direction (1) of the first permanent magnet (11).

Abstract: A passive magnetic constant-force apparatus comprises a geometry and arrangement of permanent magnets, ferromagnetic components, and non-magnetic structural components. The apparatus is easily and precisely adjustable, cost-effective, with a high load capacity, and with minimal parasitic forces. The apparatus is suitable for use as a counterbalance for vertical linear motion applications and may be integrated with or attached to a linear motion stage.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a surface of a ferromagnetic object and for holding an item near the surface, including: a base with a frame and grip portion, the grip portion coupled to the frame at the rear side and having an outer surface for gripping the surface; a magnet-retaining portion pivotally connected to an end of the frame; a magnetic device connected to the magnet-retaining portion and having an outer surface displaced frontwardly from the outer surface of the grip portion; a cover pivotally connected to another end of the frame, the cover including a lifter configured to contact an end of the magnet-retaining portion and cause an end of the magnet-retaining portion to pivot about the frame when the cover is lifted and the lifter is rotated, thereby moving the first end of the magnet-retaining portion and the magnetic device in a rear-to-front direction; and an item-holding portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent circuit breaker capable of automatically releasing and tripping in power failure, with an electromagnetic force capable of controllably changing a current direction arranged between a permanent magnetic field force and a mechanical spring force, and three forces are designed on a straight line, the permanent magnet static iron core, the electromagnetic moving iron core and the electromagnetic coil are respectively fixed on the electromagnetic coil framework through a first shaft hole, a second shaft hole and a wire slot, a tripping energy storage spring is sleeved on the tripping transmission rod, a permanent magnet attraction reset shifting fork is arranged in a shifting groove of the tripping transmission rod, and one end of the tripping transmission rod is provided with a tripping connecting rod.

Abstract: A motor for a laundry appliance includes a drive shaft coupled to a drum at a first end. The rotor frame is coupled proximate the second end of the drive shaft, where the rotor frame includes at least one polymeric material. A central hub includes a core and a perimetrical ring that extends circumferentially around the core. A plurality of recesses are defined within a planar surface of the perimetrical ring, wherein a portion of the polymeric material is received within the plurality of recesses to secure the rotor frame to the central hub.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a valve having an actuator configured to translate a mass in a plane and a valve element located out of the first plane and configured to translate along a first linear axis. In an illustrative example, at least one of the mass and the valve element may include a magnetic source providing a persistent magnetic field and the other may include a non-magnetized, magnetically permeable mass. Reluctance-induced forces may, for example, translate the valve element towards the mass along the first linear axis when the mass is brought into register with a second linear axis. The first linear axis and the second linear axis may, for example, be colinear. Various embodiments may advantageously provide a valve requiring low energy input for operation.

Abstract: An on-off switchable magnet assembly is disclosed which has first and second magnets. The poles of the first magnet are aligned to first and second ferrous members. The second magnets move to align its poles to the first and second ferrous members so that flux from the same or different pole flows through the first and second members to switch the assembly on or off as a magnet assembly.