Patent ID: 7564153
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: H02K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for producing mechanical work comprising: a plurality of first magnets having a north pole and a south pole; a plurality of second magnets having a north pole and a south pole, wherein each of the plurality of first magnets is associated with at least one of the plurality of second magnets such that a pole of each of the plurality of first magnets can be positioned proximate a similar pole of the associated second magnet; a plurality of ferromagnetic elements that can be selectively and periodically interposed equidistantly between the plurality of first magnets and the plurality of second magnets; a mechanical element coupled to at least a portion of the plurality of first magnets by one or more magnet supports such that movement of at least a portion of the plurality of first magnets actuates the mechanical element; a plurality of externally powered actuation devices connected to the plurality of ferromagnetic elements by cables to selectively interpose the plurality of ferromagnetic elements between the associated first and second magnets; and wherein the movement of the mechanical element is used to generate electrical energy, said energy then being used to drive the externally powered actuation devices.