Abstract: A magnetic linear motor is movable over a planar surface defined by laminations of alternately magnetic and nonmagnetic materials in the direction of movement of a head disposed thereover. The head includes four pluralities of laminations paired by a winding extending therethrough with laminations of each pair aligned transversely and the two pairs of laminations being offset whereby when one pair of laminations is aligned with the laminations in the reactive platen surface, the other pair of laminations overlap magnetic and nonmagnetic laminations. The laminations extend perpendicularly to the direction of travel and each have two legs, one shorter than the other, so that magnetic coupling occurs between each pair of grouped laminations transversely along the magnetic laminations in the platen with the energization of the winding associated therewith determining the direction of movement.