Abstract:
An apparatus for producing magnetically induced movement of a second member in relation to a first member. The apparatus includes a first member having at least one perimeter magnet disposed thereon. The first member and at least one perimeter magnet are pivotable in relation to an axial member central of the first member. A second magnet is disposed central of the at least one perimeter magnet, with the second magnet disposed on a second member that is reciprocatable in relation to the first member as the second magnet is alternately attracted and repelled by magnetic forces of the at least one first magnet, and is also moved by gravitational force. Additional perimeter magnets and axial magnets are disposed in relation to the at least one perimeter magnet and the second magnet to convert motion of the first member into movement of the second member for recreational and energy conversion applications.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/289,871, filed May 9, 2001. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002] Not Applicable. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0004]    This invention pertains to an apparatus for motion conversion using magnets that convert reciprocating movement into linear or rotational motion. More particularly, this invention pertains to a plurality of magnets disposed proximal to each other for conversion of reciprocating or random movement into useful motion.  
           [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0006]    Prior magnetic drive mechanisms include a combination of a rotor and a stator with the rotor having at least one magnet thereon for rotation about the stator. According to magnetic principles, magnetic fields of rotors and stators interact in symmetrical alignment in radial fashion and concentric relationship with a magnetically driven output shaft. Magnetic or electromagnetic components of prior magnetic drive mechanisms rotate to a top, dead or center position, utilizing skewed magnetic lines as the components seek alignment and de-energizing prior to a top, dead or center position by timing methods to allow the rotor to continue in a rotational path. In prior magnetic drive mechanisms the stator includes a plurality of inwardly oriented poles and the rotor includes a plurality of outwardly oriented poles. In basic electromagnetic motor designs, the speed of the output shaft is a function of the frequency with which the polarities and voltages are alternated in relation to proper timing of the rotation and orientation of the respective magnetic fields generated to influence the rotor and/or the stator. Timing is addressed by coil arrangements, voltage frequency, reversal of current and electronic controls known to those skilled in the art.  
           [0007]    One example of a prior art device is an electromagnetic rotary motor with a rotor means and a stator means. The stator means includes a permanent magnet means having a pair of magnets with pole faces that define a gap between the faces with a generally uniform magnet flux density across the gap. An entrance section, an exit section and a generally curved longitudinal path extend across the gap from the entrance section to the exit section around a transverse axis. The magnetic flux density changes as one moves from the entrance section to the exit section as a function of arc degree position around the transverse axis. The rotor means includes a predetermined number of permanent magnets disposed radially outward from the rotor axis. The rotor magnets are disposed substantially within the gap and the magnetic field of each rotor magnet interacts with the magnetic field of the stator magnets through repulsion or attraction. The rotary motor requires an electronic control means to induce an electromagnetic field that interacts with a magnetic field of the rotor magnet or the stator magnets to selectively enhance or retard the rotational speed of the rotor around a transverse axis. A timing circuitry determines when the electromagnet is energized, which in turn determines how quickly the electromagnet sequentially repels or attracts the rotor permanent magnets. The electromagnetic rotor motor is electrically connected to an external source of electrical energy for inducing an electromagnetic field that is responsive to the relative rotational position of the rotor magnets and the magnetic field of the stator means.  
           [0008]    Another example of a prior art device is a rotating apparatus including a first group of members having magnets thereon and a second group of members having magnets thereon. A reciprocating rectilineal motion is created by the interaction between the first group of members having magnets thereon and the second group of members having magnets thereon, without any mechanical connection or contact between the same two members or groups of members having magnets thereon. The reciprocating rectilineal motion is obtained by connecting one of the two groups of magnets to pistons of a internal combustion engine and connecting the second of the two groups of magnets to a cylinder or magnet rotor of the engine. An outward stroke of a piston due to gas expansion and combustion inside the cylinders is followed by a return stroke of the piston effected by the action of a mechanical-energy-restoring system of the engine and the action of the mutual magnetic attraction between the first and second groups of members having magnets thereon. The reciprocating rectilineal motion of the apparatus moves the first group of members having magnets thereon along a first trajectory and moves the second group of members having magnets thereon along a second trajectory not parallel to the first trajectory during piston movements within an internal combustion engine.  
           [0009]    An additional example of a prior art device is a jewelry mounting mechanism that freely rotates in an oscillating manner about a fixed center point. The mechanism includes a mounting base member having a perpendicular mounting stem attached to rotatably support a pendulum member having at least one pair of oppositely disposed magnets radially mounted to rotate about the stem within the base member. Above the pendulum member and freely rotatable about the mounting stem is a jewelry-setting platform having a pair of magnets thereon which are radially aligned with the magnets of the pendulum member so as to be rotatably activated by the movement of the pendulum. The identical magnetic poles of each pair of magnets are juxtaposed, one above the other on different layers of the mechanism, causing a repulsing rotational action between magnets. A pendulum member serves as the rotatable member, with magnets arranged apart on each layer of the ring, bracelet, or locket so that when the first magnets are positioned proximate the second magnets of the jewelry-setting platform, the respective magnets repel and attract each other upon movement by a wearer of the jewelry mounting mechanism.  
           [0010]    There is a need for a system for motion and force conversion that utilizes a plurality of magnets oriented for converting linear or nonlinear motion from an external energy source such as the movement of a human, into rotational motion for a pair of rotor magnets radially disposed in relation to a central magnetic element that is attracted or repulsed at multiple pivot angles to cause continuous rotary motion upon movement of the rotor magnets.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and a system is disclosed for producing magnetically induced rotary movement and/or random movement. The apparatus includes a first member having a first surface, and a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the first surface and passing through an axial member disposed through the first member. At least one first magnet is disposed on the first surface, preferably proximal to a perimeter of the first member, with the first magnet having a first magnet axis defined by a first magnet north pole and a first magnet south pole. A second magnet is attached to the axial member with the second magnet axis and/or the first magnet axis disposed substantially circumferential to the pivot axis of the axial member. A second member is attached to the second magnet with the second member pivoting about the first member as the second magnet is alternately attracted and repulsed by the magnetic forces of the first magnet and alternately moved away from the first magnet by a gravity force.  
           [0012]    The at least one first magnet further includes a third magnet that is positioned on a perimeter of the first member and is fixed on the first surface with the second magnet disposed between the first magnet and the third magnet, to allow magnetic interaction between the perimeter magnets and the second magnet. Linear rotation or nonlinear, random motion of the first surface is created due to random motion of the first member as induced by a support member to which the first member is attached. Motion of the perimeter magnets about the second magnet axis creates a reciprocating motion of the second magnet and second member. The first member and/or the second member may be configured to support an article of jewelry, a wind chime, and/or an amusement device, with input energy provided by the motion of a person, by wind, and/or by motion of a boat or land vehicle. Alternative embodiments provide a reciprocating motion of the second member causing the perimeter magnets and the first member to rotate. The second member may include a pendulum member, a central ring magnet, and/or a gimbal sleeve having an additional magnet thereon to provide movement of the second magnet in relation to motion of magnets mounted on or under the first member. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating a first magnet and additional magnets oriented on a first member in relation to an axial member;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1 illustrating an axial member having a dangling second member and an axial magnet positioned proximal to a plurality of first magnets;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 a  is a perspective view of the orientation of an axial member having an axial magnet disposed within a plurality of perimeter magnets contained within a cylindrical magnet;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 b  is a top view of FIG. 3 a  illustrating the movement of the axial member and the at least two magnets contained within a ring-shaped magnet;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 a  is a perspective view of the orientation of a gimbal pivoting apparatus having a second magnet disposed within a plurality of first magnets disposed on a cylindrical first member;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 b  is a perspective view of FIG. 4 a  illustrating the orientation of a plurality of perimeter magnet positioned along a ring-shaped first member and at least one second magnet supported on an axial member through the ring-shaped first member;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 a  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating a plurality of first magnets on a first member rotatable in relation to an axial member having a second magnet positioned above the first magnets;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 b  is a perspective view of FIG. 5 a  illustrating the orientation of the pivoting magnet positioned above the plurality of first magnets and having a pendulum member attached below the first magnets;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 5 a  illustrating a swinging magnet dangling above a plurality of perimeter magnets that are rotatable on a first member about an axial member aligned under the swinging magnet;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an axial magnet suspended within a plurality of magnets oriented to rotate relative to the axial magnet;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 a  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 7, illustrating a gimbal orientation of a sleeve bearing positioned between a plurality of upper pairs and lower pairs of magnets;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 b  is a perspective view of FIG. 8 a  illustrating a ring magnet positioned between a plurality of upper pairs and lower pairs of magnets;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating a plurality of perimeter magnets positioned around a magnetic bearing assembly aligned with an axial member having axial magnets thereon;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a plurality of annular magnets disposed to pivot in a plurality of orientations relative to each other;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment having a magnet on an axial member connected to a plurality of magnets on a first member with the magnet on the axial member influenced by wind; and  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 12 is a side view of an alternative embodiment including a pivoting axial magnet supporting a plurality of magnets pivotably suspended above the axial magnet. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]    An apparatus utilizing a plurality of magnets and a magnetically coupled system is disclosed for conversion of linear or nonlinear random movement into rotational motion by the interaction of magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of a plurality of magnets positioned in a spaced apart configuration around a pivot axis  20 . The apparatus  10  includes an axial member  24  (see FIG. 1), also referred to as a pivot member, with the axial member aligned with the pivot axis  20 . The pivot axis  20  serves as a pivot and/or rotational axis about which a first support member  50  is pivoted and/or rotated (see FIG. 1). A second magnet  30  is aligned with the axial member  24  and the pivot axis  20  (see FIG. 2). A first magnet  40  having a first magnet axis defined by a first magnet north pole and a first magnet south pole is disposed to rotate in relation to the second magnet  30 . The second magnet  30  is attached to the pivot axis  20  with the second magnet axis and/or the first magnet axis disposed substantially circumferential to the pivot axis  20  of the axial member  24 . In one embodiment, the second magnet  30  is positioned above the pivot axis  20 , and the second magnet  30  is attached to a second member  26 . The apparatus  10  further includes at least one first magnet  40  disposed in a spaced apart configuration from the second magnet  30 , with the first magnet  40  proximal to a perimeter surface of a first support member  50  (see FIG. 1 and  2 ). The first support member  50  provides a support platform for placement of jewelry and/or for attachment of dangling decorative items such as earrings (see FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b ). The second member  26  is an elongated member extending from the pivot axis  20  and axial member  24  and provides means for attaching of jewelry, amusement items, and/or dangling decorative items (see FIGS. 2, 3 a,    2   b,    4   a  and  4   b ) to at least one axial member  24 .  
         [0031]    In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first support member  50  includes a center hole  52  through which a pivot axis  20  is extended for rotation of the first support member  50 . The first support member  50  includes a plurality of magnets positioned thereon at perimeter surface positions, with the plurality of magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44  and first support member  50  rotatable in relation to the pivot axis  20  in a clockwise  66  direction and in a counter-clockwise  68  direction. A supporting axial member  24  connectable to a second member  26  is attachable to the pivot axis  20 . Rotational movement of the first support member  50  in relation to the pivot axis  20  and axial member  24  is created by an external force such as the random motion of a person&#39;s head or body, providing tilting and/or rotating movement of the first support member  50  and the respective magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44 . Upon movement of the magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44 , the magnetic fields of the first magnet north pole and the south pole of each magnet magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44  influence the movement of the second magnet  30  aligned with and connected to the axial member  24 . Continued reciprocating, rotating, or tilting movement of the first support member  50  moves magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44  in relation to the magnetic force of the first magnet  40 , respectively attracting and repelling the second magnet  30  with inducement of pivoting or rotation of second magnet  30  and second member  26 . An additional force affecting the movement of the magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44  on first support member  50  is the influence of a gravity force that periodically moves the magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44  in relation to the second magnet  30 . Therefore, pivoting or rotational movement of the second magnet  30  is created without physical connections between the magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44  and the second magnet  30  other than first support member  50  being supported at pivot axis  20  (see FIG. 2). Rotational movement of the second magnet  30  and second member  26  is maintained with the pivoting or rotating of the magnets  40 ,  42 ,  44  on first support member  50 . The movement of second member  26  and axial member  24  provide visual entertainment to one observing motion of jewelry and other adornments attached to the second member  26 .  
         [0032]    An alternate embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b,  for use in jewelry such as earrings, provides for conversion of linear or nonlinear motion of a first support member  100  having a plurality of first magnets  94 ,  96 ,  98  thereon, into rotational motion of axial member  84  interconnected with second member  86 , having second magnet  90  disposed above pivot axis  82  and aligned with axial member  84 . The first support member  100  and the plurality of first magnets  94 ,  96 , 98  are encircled by a cylindrical magnet  88  having an interior surface providing a first magnet pole and an exterior surface providing a second magnet pole. A plurality of magnetic fields are created by the north and south magnetic poles of each of the plurality of first magnets  94 ,  96 ,  98  positioned in a spaced apart configuration around the second magnet  90  disposed on a triangular, connector  100 ′ centered around axial member  84 . Each of the first magnets have a first magnet axis defined by a first magnet north pole and a first magnet south pole. The second magnet  90  is attached to the axial member with the second magnet axis and/or the first magnet axis disposed substantially circumferential to the pivot axis of the axial member  84 . The plurality of magnetic fields provide magnetic attracting and repelling forces to influence rotation of second magnet  90 , to provide i sufficient energy to force the axial member  84  and second member  86  (see FIG. 3 a ) to rotate. First support member  100  is moved laterally within a ring-shaped or a cylindrical magnet  88  (see FIG. 3 b ) by the alternating attraction and repelling of the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of each first magnet  94 ,  96 ,  98  and cylindrical magnet  88 , to provide a rotating movement of second member  86  and attached pendulum member  92  (see FIG. 3 a ) in relation to axial member  84  and cylindrical magnet  88 .  
         [0033]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b,  including an amusement device  120  for use in boats or land vehicles. The device  120  includes a central magnet  140  positioned above an axial member  124  serving as a hub for two gimbal pivots  122 ,  122 ′ that are oriented in a direction lateral from the central magnet  140  (see FIG. 4 a ). Each gimbal pivot  122 ,  122 ′ is rotatably connected at an outer end to a first support member such as an inner sleeve perimeter surface  128 . The inner sleeve perimeter surface  128  attached by two outer rotating gimbal pivots  132 ,  132 ′ to an outer sleeve perimeter surface  130  to allow inner sleeve perimeter surface  128  to pivot independently in relation to central magnet  140  and outer sleeve perimeter surface  130 . The inner sleeve perimeter surface  128  may have one or more magnets attached thereon (not shown). Outer sleeve bearing  130  is attached to a second support member  150  that encloses the gimbal pivot device and provides support for attachment of a plurality of magnets  144 ,  146 ,  148 . At a lower portion of second support member  150 , an elongated member  154  is connected that extends to a pendulum member  156 . As illustrated in FIG. 4 b,  the second support member  150  can alternatively be configured as a rectangular or triangular shaped frame having a first side support member  134  and a second side support member  134 ′ that are connected at a lower portion to an elongated member  154  that extends to a pendulum member  156 . The amusement device  120  may be supported by an attaching means such as a hanger  152  having a first end connected to the amusement device  120 , and having a second end releasably attachable to a dash or rear-view mirror of a boat or land vehicle. The random motion of the boat or vehicle provides for movement of the plurality of magnets  144 ,  146 ,  148 , which are reciprocated in relation to axial member  124  by rotation about the two gimbal pivots  122 ,  122 ′ and the two outer rotating gimbal pivots  132 ,  132 ′. The alternating attraction and repelling of the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of each magnet  144 ,  146 ,  148  interacting with the magnetic force of central magnet  140  creates movement of elongated member  154  and pendulum member  156  while the hanger  152  is moved by the movement of the boat or land vehicle.  
         [0034]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b,  including a pendulum system  160  having at least one pendulum magnet  170  suspended as a pendulum above a plurality of perimeter magnets  174 ,  176 ,  178  supported on a rotatable first support member  164 . The rotating movement of the plurality of perimeter magnets  174 ,  176 ,  178  the rotation  166  of first support member  164 , are created by the swinging of pendulum magnet  170  suspended above an axial member  162  serving as a pivot (see FIGS. 5 a ). Alternatively, the pivot may include a pivot wire  162 ′ connected between the lower central portion of pendulum magnet  170 , and the axial member  172  of the counter-weight  172 ′ (see FIG. 5 b ). The swinging pendulum magnet  170  is suspended by an axial member  168  that is supportable within an enclosing frame (not shown). When the enclosing frame is reciprocated, for example during attachment to a moving transport vehicle, the reciprocating motion of the transport vehicle provides for swinging of the axial member  168  and pendulum magnet  170 , with a result of repetitive movement of the magnet  170  proximal to the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of each perimeter magnet  174 ,  176 ,  178 . The perimeter magnets  174 ,  176 ,  178  may each have a magnet north pole oriented toward the pendulum magnet  170 , or may each have a magnet south pole oriented toward the pendulum magnet  170 , or may have a first side and a second side having respective north and south poles oriented perpendicular to the pendulum magnet  170 . An additional embodiment for the perimeter magnets  174 ,  176 ,  178  include an interior north or south pole oriented toward the axial pivot wire  162 ′, with an opposite south or north pole oriented outwards toward the perimeter surface of first support member  164 . For each movement of pendulum magnet  170  through the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of each perimeter magnet  174 ,  176 ,  178 , the first member  164  is rotated in relation to axial member  162  ( see FIG. 5 a ), or rotated in relation to the pivot wire  162 ′, with resulting rotation of the elongated member  172  and counter-weight  172 ′. The rotation of elongated member  172  and counter-weight  172 ′ can be utilized as a power generation system for powering a circuit for generating electric recharging current (not shown).  
         [0035]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7,  8  and  9 . As illustrated in FIG. 6, a chime system  180  includes an axial member  182  below a first support member  184 . Axial member  182  serves as a pivot axis for the first support member  184 , that is rotatable  186  in relation to a base  200 . As the base is vibrated or moved, the first support member  184  is rotated  186 , with rotation of a plurality of perimeter magnets  194 ,  196 ,  198  spaced apart on the first support member  184 . The magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of each perimeter magnet  194 ,  196 ,  198  provide for alternating attraction and repelling of the magnetic field associated with a swinging magnet  190  supported by a swivel connector  192  from an upper bracket  204  connectable to a support bracket extended from a window or door (not shown). The upper bracket  204  may be attached to a device for playing a tune or for issuing a sequence of chimes (not shown) in proportion to the rate of swinging of magnet  190  supported by swivel connector  192  upon movement of a window or door. The base  200  is connected by a perimeter frame  206  to upper bracket  204 , in order to maintain the perimeter magnets  194 ,  196 ,  198  in a position proximal to the swinging magnet  190 . When the door or window is moved, the base  200  is moved, first support member  184  is moved, allowing for rotation of perimeter magnets  194 ,  196 ,  198 , which set swinging magnet  190  into motion for triggering of the broadcast of a tune or a sequence of chimes (not shown), thereby alerting an occupant that a door or window has been opened.  
         [0036]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7, including a swinging fan connector  210  having an upper axial member  212  connected to an upper support bracket  214  that is connectable to a circulating ceiling fan (not shown). An axial magnet  216  may be fixed on the upper axial member  212  proximal to and positioned above a center connector ring  228 . An alternative embodiment provides that axial magnet  216  is slidably attached (not shown) to upper axial member  212 , for movement of the axial magnet  216  toward center connector ring  228 , depending on the magnetic attraction and repelling forces of magnets positioned proximal to connector ring  228 . An upper magnetic assembly includes an substantially cylindrical (not shown) or conical shaped (see FIG. 7) upper support frame  218  providing support for a first upper perimeter magnet  220 , a second upper perimeter magnet  222 , and a third upper perimeter magnet  224 . Below the center connector ring  228  is positioned a lower magnetic assembly that includes a substantially cylindrical lower support member  232  and a conical shaped lower support frame  230  providing support for a first lower perimeter magnet  234 , a second lower perimeter magnet  236 , and a third lower perimeter magnet  238 . A second axial magnet  216 ′ is attached on a lower portion of the axial member  212  proximal to and positioned below the center connector ring  228 . A lower axial member  240  is attached to the lower support member  232 , and extends to a lower counter-weight  242 . The upper axial member  212  is rotatable in unison with the upper support bracket  214  connectable to a reciprocating device such as a circulating ceiling fan. Upper magnets  220 ,  222 ,  224  are rotatable and are swinging  226 ,  226 ′ in relation to the axial magnet  216 , due to the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of upper magnets  220 ,  222 ,  224  and the magnetic fields interaction with the magnetic field created by the north and south magnetic poles of axial magnet  216 . Lower magnets  234 ,  236 ,  238  are rotatable in relation to second axial magnet  216 ′. Lower support member  232 , lower axial member  240  and counter-weight  242  are rotatable  244  in relation to axial member  212  due to the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of upper magnets  220 ,  222 ,  224  and the interaction of magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic poles of lower magnets  234 ,  236 ,  238  and the second axial magnet  216 ′.  
         [0037]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b,  including a oscillating gimbal device  250  having an axial member  252  that reciprocates in reference to a gimbaled sleeve bearing  254  positioned at about a mid-portion of the axial member  252 . The axial member  252  includes an upper axial magnet  256  and a lower axial magnet  258  disposed on the axial member  252  in respective positions above and below the gimbaled sleeve bearing  254 . The upper axial magnet  256  is disposed within a plurality of upper magnets  260 ,  260 ′,  260 ″ supported within an upper frame  262  that is substantially a conical shaped member having one end with a smaller diameter proximal to sleeve bearing  254 . The lower axial magnet  258  is disposed within a plurality of lower magnets  266 ,  266 ′,  266 ″ supported within a lower frame  264  that is substantially a conical shaped member having one end with a smaller diameter proximal to sleeve bearing  254 . As the gimbal device  250  is moved by an external force, the upper axial magnet  256  and lower axial magnet  258  on axial member  252  oscillate to move pendulum weight  268  in a swinging motion  284  due to the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic pole of axial magnets  256 ,  258  and the interaction of magnetic fields of respective upper magnets  260 ,  260 ′,  260 ′ and lower magnets  266 ,  266 ′,  266 ″, to provide an oscillating gimbal device  250  for use as an amusement device.  
         [0038]    An alternative embodiment of the device  250  is illustrated in FIG. 8 b,  including an oscillating and rotating gimbal device  270  having a central ring magnet  276  that reciprocates in reference to an upper bracket  272  and a lower bracket  274 . The upper bracket  272  is connected at a pivot  288  to a side supporting bracket  278 , with the upper bracket  272  supporting a plurality of upper magnets  260 ,  260 ′,  260 ″. The lower bracket  274  is connected at a pivot  288 ′ to the side supporting bracket  278 , with the lower bracket  274  supporting a plurality of lower magnets  266 ,  266 ′,  266 ″. The ring magnet  276  oscillates between upper magnets  260 ,  260 ′,  260 ′ and lower magnets  266 ,  266 ′,  266 ″, to move pendulum weight  268  in a swinging motion  284  due to the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic pole of axial magnets ring magnet  276  and the interaction of magnetic fields of respective upper magnets  260 ,  260 ′,  260 ′ and lower magnets  266 ,  266 ′,  266 ″, to provide an oscillating and rotating gimbal device  270  for amusement. A pendulum weight  282  may be attached by bracket  280  to ring magnet  276 .  
         [0039]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9, including a water buoy cylindrical shaped housing  290  enclosing a central magnet ring  292  having a hole therein to allow the central magnet ring  292  to move up, down, and to rotate about an axial member  294  extended into a mid-portion of the cylindrical shaped housing  290 . The central magnet ring  292  includes a plurality of perimeter magnets  298 ,  298 ′,  298 ″ attached in spaced apart orientation to the perimeter surface of the magnet ring  292 . The central magnet ring  292  and perimeter magnets  298 ,  298 ′,  298 ″ are rotatable about the axial member  294 , and are freely levitated between an upper axial magnet  296  and a lower axial magnet  296 ′. To maintain the cylindrical shaped housing  290  in a substantially upright position when floating in water, a counter-weight  300  is attached to the lower portion of the cylindrical shaped housing  290 . The movement of the central magnet ring  292  and perimeter magnets  298 ,  298 ′,  298 ″are influenced to rotate and levitate within the cylindrical shaped housing  290  due to the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic pole of central ring magnet  292 , upper axial magnet  296 , lower axial magnet  296 ′, and the interaction of magnetic fields of the plurality of perimeter magnets  298 ,  298 ′,  298 ″.  
         [0040]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 10, including a multi-pivoting device  310  for amusement. The device  310  includes a central axial magnet having one end with a north pole  322  and having an opposed end with a south pole  324 . The axial magnet  320  is encircled by a plurality of concentrically positioned rings  328 ,  332 ,  336  composed of magnetic material, with each ring separated by respective pairs of means for pivoting. The axial magnet  320  includes a perimeter ledge  322  disposed at about a mid-portion of the sides, with the perimeter ledge  322  having an outer rim  324  that may be magnetized. The rim  324  includes at least two inner pivot members  326 ,  326 ′ positioned on opposed sides of the rim  324 , with an inner magnet ring  328  supported in a pivoting orientation by the inner pivot members  326 ,  326 ′. A middle magnet ring  332  is supported in a pivoting orientation by inner pivot members  326 ,  326 ′ connected between the inner magnet ring  328  and the middle magnet ring  332 . An outer magnet ring  336  is supported to enclose middle magnet ring  332  in a pivoting orientation by pivot members  334 ,  334 ′. A second member  340  is attached to one end of the axial magnet  320 , with the second member  340  extended to connect with a weight  342  that serves as a pendulum member for axial magnet  320 . The pivoting device  310  is enclosed within a shell housing  344 , with pivot members  338 ,  338 ′ connecting the shell housing  344  to the outer magnet ring  336 . When the shell housing  344  is moved, the plurality of magnetized rings  328 ,  332 ,  336  are each separately pivotable in relation to axial magnet  320  due to the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic pole of axial magnet  320  and the interaction of magnetic fields of each magnetic ring  328 ,  332 ,  336 , to provide a multi-ringed, moving device  310 .  
         [0041]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 11, including a magnetically coupled system  350  for a wind measuring gage and/or wind chime. The system  350  includes central magnet  360  connected to axial member  354  for support of a wind vane  390 . Central magnet  360  is disposed above a rotatable first support member  370  having at least two perimeter magnets  370 ,  372  thereon. The first support member  370  is supported below the pivot axis  352  and central magnet  360  by a rotating connector bracket (not shown) that allows first support member  370  to rotate in relation to the axial member  354 . The axial member  354  is connectable by a swivel connection  386  to a mounting bracket  384  that extends the system  350  apart from a building, tree, or other support member (not shown). The central magnet  360  is positioned proximal to and above, but not attached directly to the first support member  370 , on which the perimeter magnets  370 ,  372  are positioned in a spaced apart configuration along the perimeter surface of first support member  370 . When the wind vane  380  rotates  388  and/or swings  390  due to the wind, the central magnet  360  is rotated, and the perimeter magnets  370 ,  372  are simultaneously attracted and repulsed by magnetic forces from central magnet  360 , with resulting movement in a rotating motion of the first support member  370 . The first support member  370  is enclosed in a transparent cover  382  to shield first support member  370  and central magnet  360  from influence from the wind, and to allow the movement of first support member  370  to be visible to a person nearby, either from inside a building or from an outside position near the mounting bracket  384 .  
         [0042]    An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 12, including a spring loaded pivot system  400  for balancing a plurality magnets that are disposed to pivot and to rotate in relation to a pivot axis  402  of a first support member  404 . The first support member  404  includes a first surface  406  and an underside surface  408  having a plurality of perimeter magnets  410 ,  410 ′,  410 ″ disposed at a perimeter surface of the underside surface  408 . The pivot axis  402  of the first support member  404  is balanced upon an axial magnet  412  suspended above a support surface  422  by a second support member  414  attached in axial alignment with a spring mount  416 . The spring mount  416  allows the second support member  414  and axial magnet  412  to laterally reciprocate  418 . The balancing of first support member  404  at the pivot axis  402  above the axial magnet  412  allows the first support member  404  and perimeter magnets  410 ,  410 ′,  410 ″ to rotate and tilt  420  in relation to the axial magnet  412 . Upon movement of the support surface  422 , the magnetic fields of each perimeter magnet  410 ,  410 ′,  410 ″ influence the lateral reciprocation  418  of the axial magnet  412  due to the magnetic fields created by the north and south magnetic pole of axial magnet  412 , to provide a spring loaded pivot system  400  that is maintain in motion by the interaction of a plurality of magnetic forces from a plurality of magnets disposed in an orientation allowing for tilting and rotating. The spring loaded pivot system  400  may be utilized to support a reciprocating ornamental design or as a base for a reciprocating animation object (not shown).  
         [0043]    The present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details of the apparatus and method of use, and is not limited to the illustrative embodiments shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details of the apparatus and method of use without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general inventive concept.