Abstract:
A clean engine for transportation, generators, and other applications. It comprises a series of alternating support wheel assemblies and magnet wheel assemblies that are propelled in a consistent pattern by battery powered electromagnets. The engine comprises at least one support wheel assembly and at least one magnet wheel assembly. The support wheel assemblies and magnet wheel assemblies are aligned in a specific pattern along a main shaft that is supported on each end by sealed bearings mounted in a nonmagnetic housing.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to engines, more specifically, it relates to a clean engine capable of producing high levels of torque. Clean engine is defined to mean an engine that produces substantially no carbon emissions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many kinds of engines exist that can be used to produce work. Internal combustion engines are relatively small and lightweight for the amount of power they can produce and are commonly used in applications where weight and space are limited, such as in an automobile. External heat engines are capable of achieving a higher level of efficiency than internal combustion engines, however external heat engines are large and heavy. Electric engines are often used in situations where pollution and engine noise are of concern. 
     Several problems exist with electric engines. One problem is that is that the power to weight ratio of electrochemical batteries is not as high as petroleum based fuels. Therefore, electric engines used in automobiles must be more efficient than internal combustion engines to compensate for the lower power density of the fuel. Thus it is desirable to have a highly efficient electric engine. 
     Another problem is that engines are often complex machines. Building and repairing complex machines requires more training and time than for simple machines. Thus it is desirable to have a clean engine that is simple in design. 
     Another problem is that engines wear out with time and need regular internal servicing. Therefore, it is desirable to have a clean engine that includes components that are easily repaired and replaced. 
     Another problem with rotary engines is that turbulent airflow can occur within the engine. Turbulent airflow can create drag within the engine and reduce the total efficiency of the engine. Thus, it is desirable to have an engine that contains features designed to reduce turbulent airflow. 
     Another problem with engines is that the timing of the application of force to drive the engine can be complex. This increased complexity may increase the likelihood of mechanical failure. Thus, it is desirable to have a simple mechanism for timing the application of force to the engine. 
     There have been many attempts to solve some of these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 788,291 titled “Dynamo or Motor” issued to Titzel discloses a “dynamo or motor, comprising a revolvable cylindrical armature provided with magnets and with sector-shaped contacts, each contact being connected with a magnet, consecutive contacts being connected with magnets not consecutive but arranged in a definite order, normally stationary field magnets disposed radially from said armature and spaced apart, brushes for supplying the currents to said sector shaped contacts, and a means controllable at will for shifting the position of said armature-magnets, for the purpose of reversing the direction of rotation of the armature.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,807 titled “Electromagnetic Motor” issued to Clover discloses “an electromagnetic motor including a rotor having a plurality of permanent magnets on its periphery and a stator closely encompassing the rotor and having a plurality of intervening permanent magnets and electromagnets positioned for interaction with the rotor magnets, the electromagnets being cyclically energized to exert forces on the rotor to effect advance thereof in a predetermined direction.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,282 titled “Release-type permanent magnet motor” issued to Johnson discloses “an electric motor that includes a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator with electromagnets, of the ‘release’ type wherein current to a ‘last’ electromagnet that a permanent magnet is moving away from, receives only enough current to ‘release’ the permanent magnet from the electromagnet core, with the permanent magnet attracted to the core of the ‘next’ electromagnet whose coil does not carry current. The amount of current to the ‘last’ electromagnet varies with the angular distance of the permanent magnet moving away from the ‘last’ electromagnet. The electromagnets and permanent magnets can be in a ratio of 3 to 2. The percent of total electromagnets which are energized during each complete rotation of the rotor can be reduced to save electricity when only a small output torque is required.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,392,370 titled “Device and method of a back EMF permanent electromagnetic motor generator” issued to Bedini discloses “a back EMF [Electromagnetic Force] permanent electromagnetic motor generator and method using a regauging process for capturing available electromagnetic energy in the system. The device is comprised of a rotor with magnets of the same polarity; a timing wheel in apposition to a magnetic Hall Effect pickup switch semiconductor; and a stator comprised of two bars connected by a permanent magnet with magnetized pole pieces at one end of each bar. There are input and output coils created by wrapping each bar with a conducting material such as copper wire. Energy from the output coils is transferred to a recovery rectifier or diode. The magnets of the rotor, which is located on a shaft along with the timing wheel, are in apposition to the magnetized pole pieces of the two bars. The invention works through a process of regauging, that is, the flux fields created by the coils is collapsed because of a reversal of the magnetic field in the magnetized pole pieces thus allowing the capture of available back EMP [Electromagnetic Pulse] energy. Additional available energy may be captured and used to re-energize the battery, and/or sent in another direction to be used as work. As an alternative, the available back EMF energy may be dissipated into the system.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,399,575 titled “Electromagnetic Switch” issued to Schliecher discloses an “electromagnet structure . . . [with] quickly detachable electromagnet parts; for slidably mounting the electromagnet field piece [, and] for slotting the armature track to facilitate assembly of the electromagnet.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,251 titled an “electric motor with non-radial magnetic drive system” issued to Nehmer discloses “a D.C. motor [that] includes a rotor and a stator with chordally oriented electromagnetic units, with windings pulse energized to establish a rotary force on the rotor as a result of the non-radial orientation of the driving forces. Each electromagnetic unit including a pole is extended along a substantially chordal line of the motor. All rotor poles are connected to a shaft by a radial crank arm and may be integrally or separately formed. A sensor detects pole alignment to then pulse the windings, and generate opposing magnetic forces to rotate the rotor. The winding establish opposite polarity at the adjacent pole ends of aligned poles to drive the rotor. A D.C. motor connected to the rotor, or special internal poles may be provided to align the poles for starting the motor. A plurality of the motors mounted to a common shaft with the electromagnetic units in the adjacent motors offset from each other and sequentially pulsed to establish continuous rotation. A multiple section motor assembly provides a stepping motor with small individual steps. Various rotor and stator constructions with crank-like rotor pole units are disclosed.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,460 titled “Brushless electromechanical machine” issued to Bales discloses “an electromotive machine having a stator element and a rotor element, the stator element including at least one set of four toroidally shaped electromagnetic members, the electromagnetic members arranged along an arc a predetermined distance apart defining a stator arc length. Each of the members has a slot, and the rotor element includes a disc adapted to pass through the slots. The disc contains a plurality of permanent magnet members spaced side by side about a periphery thereof and arranged so as to have alternating north-south polarities. These permanent magnet members are sized and spaced such that within the stator arc length the ratio of stator members to permanent magnet members is about four to six. The electromagnetic members are energized in a four phase push-pull fashion to create high torque and smooth operation.” 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,930,433 titled “Brushless electro-mechanical machine” issued to Bales discloses “an electromotive machine having a stator element and a rotor element, the stator element including at least one set of N preferably toroidally shaped electromagnetic members, the electromagnetic members arranged along an arc a predetermined distance apart defining a stator arc length. Each of the members has a slot, and the rotor element includes a disc adapted to pass through the slots. The disc contains a plurality of permanent magnet members spaced side by side about a periphery thereof and arranged so as to have alternating north-south polarities. These permanent magnet members are sized and spaced such that within the stator arc length the ratio of stator members to permanent magnet members is N to N+1, where N is the number of electrical excitation phases applied to the electromagnets. The electromagnetic members are energized to create high torque and smooth operation.” 
     However, none of these solutions solve all of the problems associated with electric engines. Thus, it is desirable to provide an easily maintainable efficient electric engine capable of generating high levels of torque. It is also desirable to have removable electromagnets on the electric engine so that the engine can easily be repaired. It is also desirable to have components in the engine that reduce turbulent airflow within the engine. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, some of the problems associated with electric engines are overcome. A clean engine is presented. 
     Disclosed is an invention for a clean engine for transportation, generators, and other applications. It comprises a series of alternating support wheel assemblies and magnet wheel assemblies that are propelled in a consistent pattern by battery powered electromagnets. The engine comprises at least one support wheel assembly and at least one magnet wheel assembly. The support wheel assemblies and magnet wheel assemblies are aligned in a specific pattern along a main shaft that is supported on each end by sealed bearings mounted in a nonmagnetic housing. 
     Each magnet wheel comprises a plurality of permanent magnets spaced evenly around the circumference of the wheel. At one position in the rotation of the wheels, the axis of the permanent and electromagnets are aligned such that the north poles oppose each other. When the electromagnet is then energized, an opposing force is created that turns the magnet wheel. If more than one magnet wheel is utilized, each successive wheel is rotated 20 degrees relative to the adjacent ones such that only one electromagnet fires at any given moment in time. This spacing is also critical for electromagnet assembly. 
     The electromagnet uses the field of the passing permanent magnet as a trigger for firing its own field. It utilizes a positive-negative-positive (pnp) and/or a negative-positive -negative (npn) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) as part of an electrical circuit to deliver energy to its magnetic wire coil. 
     The foregoing and other features and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description. The detailed description proceeds with references to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a front view of a clean electromagnetic engine; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a sectional view along A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a longitudinal top view of a clean electromagnetic engine; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a sectional view through B-B of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an isometric view of a clean engine showing a cutaway in order to see internal features of the engine; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a sectional view along C-C of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a sectional view along D-D of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a sectional view along E-E of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating an isometric view of a clean engine including a power source and a control box; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustrating one possible circuit for powering an electromagnet assembly; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustrating another possible circuit for powering an electromagnet assembly; 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating an exploded view of an electromagnet assembly; 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating a sectional view of the engine at a non-magnet wheel assembly; 
         FIGS. 14  A, B, and C are block diagrams illustrating a 6-electromagnet engine design; 
         FIGS. 15  A,  15  B,  16 A, and  16 B are block diagrams illustrating a clean electromagnetic engine in a vehicle; 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram of a clean engine that includes an access panel; 
         FIG. 18A  is a block diagram of a clean engine that includes a cylinder section with mounting track and an electromagnet with complimentary features; 
         FIG. 18B  is a block diagram of a clean engine that includes an electromagnet with screw-threading, and a cylinder section with complimentary threading; 
         FIG. 19A  is a block diagram of a support wheel with a plurality of grooves; 
         FIG. 19B  is a block diagram of a support wheel with a plurality of angled blades; 
         FIG. 19C  is a block diagram of a support wheel with a plurality of curved blades; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed is a clean engine comprising an electromagnet, a support wheel, and magnet wheel. Permanent magnets are disposed about the circumference of the magnet wheel. The support wheel provides structural support to the magnet wheel. When an electromagnet in close proximity to the magnet wheel is energized, a magnetic force exerts a force on a permanent magnet causing a rotation of the support and magnet wheels. The clean engine may include features for easily replacing the electromagnet, controlling airflow within the engine, and a device for timing the energization of the electromagnet. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the clean engine has an electromagnet assembly  22  connected to a main housing  14 . The clean engine also has a vent  25  located in the main housing  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the engine comprises a non-rotating stator section, and a rotating element within the main housing  14 . The main housing includes a cylinder section  101  and two end units ( 102  and  103 ). 
     The rotating element  104  of the engine comprises locking wheels  1  and  13  that control the rotational position of the shaft during assembly. Nonmagnetic wheel assemblies  2  and  3  support the first magnet wheel assembly  4 . Nonmagnetic wheel assemblies  5  and  6  support the second magnet wheel assembly  7 . Nonmagnetic wheel assemblies  8  and  9  support the third magnet wheel assembly  10 . Additional nonmagnetic wheel assemblies  11  and  12  are connected to a main shaft  16  that rotates about an axis of rotation. All the wheels are connected to, and aligned along the main shaft  16 . 
     Each magnet wheel assembly  4 ,  7 ,  10  comprises a first set plurality of permanent magnets spaced evenly around the circumference of the wheel assembly. The magnetic poles of the magnets in the first set of magnets are aligned so that the same pole is attached to the outer circumference of the wheel assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the permanent magnets are made of Neodymium, Alnico, or other rare earth metals. Alnico is an acronym for alloys which are composed primarily of aluminum, nickel and cobalt, with the possible addition of iron, copper, titanium, and other materials. 
     At one position in the rotation of the wheels assemblies, the axis of the permanent and electromagnets are aligned such that the north poles oppose each other and when the electromagnet is energized, this creates an opposing force that turns the magnet wheel. If more than one magnet wheel is utilized, each successive wheel is rotated relative to the adjacent ones such that only one electromagnet fires at any given moment in time. When the axis of the permanent magnet and electromagnet are aligned, a small substantially constant gap of less than 5 cm and more preferably less than 1 mm will exist between the permanent and electromagnet. 
     The main shaft  16  is supported at each end by a sealed bearing  17 . The sealed bearings  17  are located in a machined pocket in the end plates  15 . End plates  15  support the main shaft  16  concentrically relative to a main housing  14 . The main housing  14  is made from nonmagnetic materials. A degree wheel  18  indicates the rotational position of the main shaft  16 , rotational position of the magnet wheel assemblies  4 ,  7 ,  10 , and the nonmagnetic wheel assemblies  2 ,  3 ,  5 ,  6 ,  8 ,  9 ,  11 , and  12 . The degree wheel  18  may also be used to serve a balancing and vibration dampening functions for the clean engine. The degree wheel may have a plurality of marks on it indicate the rotational position of rotor assembly. Hubs  19  may be used to attach flywheels, transmissions or other equipment (not shown) that require torque and power. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the support wheel assemblies comprise nonmagnetic parts made from cast, machined, and/or molded components that are mated together with high strength aerospace grade epoxy. The magnet wheels also comprise a cast, machined, and/or molded base along with a series of 6 permanent magnets attached with high strength aerospace grade epoxy. As wheels are assembled along the main shaft, they are attached to one another with high strength epoxy. The wheels are also attached to the main shaft with high strength epoxy. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, all metallic materials will be protected with corrosion resistant coating, plating, painting, or anodizing. The clean engine will require no oil or water cooling system. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a top view of a clean engine is shown. The spacing of three electromagnet assemblies  22  is shown. The invention is not limited to three electromagnet assemblies  22 . It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to utilize more or fewer electromagnet assemblies  22 , and wheel assemblies  1 - 13  based on the desired characteristics of the clean engine. 
     One exemplary embodiment of the invention that is self starting under no load and has smooth power flow will comprise three or more electromagnets. In another embodiment of the invention, banks of electromagnet assemblies are located at certain intervals around the outside of the main housing. Theoretically, the number of electromagnets is only limited by the number of permanent magnets used on the magnet wheel assemblies. 
     The clean engine of  FIG. 3  also shows the location of a plug  24  that allows access to a hole in the housing when removed. The hole will be used to align the notches  26  (see  FIG. 6 ) in the locking wheel  1  and the support wheel assembly  2  at a certain angle on the degree wheel  18 . A locking pin can be inserted in this hole so that electromagnets can easily be installed or removed from the clean engine. Another feature that facilitates the repair of the clean engine is a means for facilitating the removal of the electromagnet assemblies  22 . Means for facilitating removing electromagnet assemblies include: thumb screws used to connect the electromagnet to the cylindrical part of engine compartment, cylindrical portions of engine compartment and electromagnet connected by complementary screw-threading, an engine compartment that has a mounting track that can include such features as a mounting rail and mounting apertures, an electromagnet with complimentary features to facilitate mounting the electromagnet on engine compartment, and an electromagnet or engine compartment that has hinges and latches for securing the electromagnet to the engine compartment. Other means for facilitating the removal of electromagnets from the clean engine will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a sectional view through B-B of  FIG. 3  is shown. The electromagnet assembly  22  is charged by batteries. As shown, the north pole of electromagnet assembly  22  opposes the north poles of permanent magnets  21 . In another embodiment of the invention, the south pole of the electromagnet assembly opposes the south poles of the permanent magnets. 
     An electrical circuit trigger device senses the passing of the permanent magnet  21  relative to electromagnet assembly  22  such that the electromagnet fires at the optimal moment to deliver the maximum opposing force. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, each magnet wheel has 6 permanent magnets arranged in a 6×60 degree circular pattern. A set screw  23  can be used to lock the electromagnet assembly  22  into a locked position in housing  14 . A vent or check valve  25  allows release of any potential build up of pressure inside the clean engine. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical trigger device circuit designed to detect the passing of the permanent magnets contains a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). 
     In another embodiment of the invention, there is a second set of electrical trigger device circuits for each electromagnet that is designed to fire in a bipolar manner. In such an embodiment of the invention, the bipolar second electrical circuit selectively acts to slow or brake the rotation of the wheel assemblies. Such an invention could also include a switch to disengage the first electrical circuit while engaging the second electrical circuit. 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a clean engine showing internal features. 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view along C-C of  FIG. 2  showing wheels  2 - 4 .  FIG. 7  is a sectional view along D-D of  FIG. 2  showing wheel  5 - 7 .  FIG. 8  is a sectional view along E-E of  FIG. 2  showing wheels  9 - 10 . 
       FIGS. 6-8  all show a different section of a clean engine with various rotor element rotations. Magnet wheel assembly  4  is shown with one of its permanent magnets in line with the axis of the electromagnet assembly  22  per  FIG. 6 . At this same point in time, the magnets of magnet wheel assembly  7  are 20 degrees out of phase with those in magnet wheel assembly  4  per  FIG. 7 . Also, at this same point in time, the magnets of magnet wheel assembly  10  are 40 degrees out of phase with those in magnet wheel assembly  4  per  FIG. 8 . Thus only one of the three electromagnet assemblies  22  in the row shown will be firing at any given moment in time. This arrangement also aids in assembly as the locking wheels  1  and/or  13  can be used to control the rotational position of the rotor element of a clean engine such that the electromagnet assemblies  22  can be installed or removed with relatively little force. 
     In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the electromagnet assemblies include a component for opening up the casing and removing the electromagnet. Such a component could include a latch and hinge on the electromagnet casing. The electromagnet casing could have screw threading so that an electromagnet casing top with complimentary threading can be screwed onto the electromagnet casing. The casing of the electromagnet can also be removable from the main housing of a clean engine. Other ways of designing the electromagnet and housing will be readily apparent to those of reasonable skill in the art. 
     In another embodiment, the main housing of a clean engine, a handle and/or a plurality of latches devices which allows for accessing the wheel assemblies without disassembling the main housing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a layout of a clean engine is shown that includes a power supply  30 , power cables  70 , and a control and electronics enclosure  26 . Some of the features that facilitate removal of the electromagnet are also illustrated. The entire electromagnet assembly  22  can be released from the engine housing by removal of a single set screw  23  and uncoupling of a wire harness  63 . The electromagnet assembly can further be separated into two halves, top  27 , and bottom  28  by removal of two machine screws  47 . 
       FIG. 10  shows one potential circuit schematic for powering the electromagnet. Power is supplied by a power supply  30 . The actual number of batteries will vary depending on total power required. Batteries may be hooked together in series to increase system voltage, and/or parallel to increase total amp-hours available to the clean engine. SWITCH 1   31  is a switch that regulates the flow of electricity from the battery, turns the clean engine on or off and would be similar to turning the ignition on in an automobile. Types of switches that can be utilized in the clean engine include wafer switches, DIP switches, surface mount switches, reed switches, miniature toggle switches, in-line switches, push-button switches, rocker switches, and microswitches. 
     RVAR  32  is a potentiometer that would supply variable voltage to the clean engine and would function similarly to a gas peddle on an automobile. R 1   43  and R 2   34 , are resistors that provide a fractional voltage to the gate of MOSFETA  35  when SWITCHA  36  is closed. MOSFETA  35  is a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor. MOSFETA  35  may be a negative-positive-negative, positive-negative-positive, and/or bipolar metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor. Other means for adjusting variably adjusting electrical current flow rate include utilizing resistors, potentiometers, capacitors, rectifiers, transformers, and electrical condensers. Other means for variably adjusting electrical current flow rate will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     When the proper gate voltage is applied, the voltage at the MOSFET source drives current through EMAGA  33  which is one of three electromagnets shown in this particular circuit. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an EMAGA  33  is an electromagnetic has a holding force of 44 pounds and a duty rating of 5 watts, such as the EM137 from A.W.P. Co., Inc. 
     SWITCHA  36  is a switch trigger device which can be controlled by another electronic circuit that would contain a device to sense the position of the permanent magnets aligned with EMAGA  33 . The position would be read by a microprocessor that would close SWITCHA  36  at the right moment to fire EMAGA  33  such that it pushes on the permanent magnet creating torque. This leg of the circuit gets repeated for each electromagnet used in the clean engine (3 in this example). 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a circuit schematic for powering an electromagnet. In this diagram, the gate voltage is supplied to an electromagnet EMAGA 2   44 . The voltage is generated in EMAGA 2   44  by the passing of the permanent magnet. In one embodiment of the invention, EMAGA 2   44  is a secondary winding in electromagnet assembly  22 , while in another embodiment of the invention EMAGA 2   44  is a separate electromagnet mounted in the control box  26 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the electromagnet assembly  22  includes an electrical circuit that includes a variable resistor in parallel with the electromagnet windings and another resistor in series with the windings of the electromagnet. By changing the resistances of the circuits, the electrical current flowing through the electromagnet, as well as the strength of the electromagnet, can be selectively varied. The maximum force of the electromagnet is given to be: 
     
       
         
           
             F 
             = 
             
               
                 μ 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   N 
                   2 
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   I 
                   2 
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 A 
               
               
                 2 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   L 
                   2 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Where N is the number of turns of wire around the electromagnet, I is the current in amperes, L is the length of the magnetic circuit A is the area of the pole faces in square meters, and μ is the permeability of the electromagnet. Thus, by varying the resistance of the electrical circuit, the strength of the electromagnet, and hence the engine torque can be modified. 
       FIG. 12  shows an exploded view of an electromagnet assembly  22 , which comprises a top subassembly  27  and a bottom subassembly  28 , held together by machine screws  47 . The top subassembly  27  comprises a top cap  48  and a top wire base  49 . The top wire base would include at least two top wires  51  and four top connectors  50 . One of the top wires  51  would be connected to the drain wire of a MOSFET, while the other is connected to electrical ground. The top wire base  49  also includes a connection means to a wire harness  63 . The bottom subassembly  28  comprises a main electromagnet core  62  and electromagnetic winding  59 . The bottom subassembly  28  further comprises a bottom washer  61  below the electromagnetic winding  59 , and a top washer  57  above the electromagnetic winding  59 . The top washer  62  includes holes for locating the two electromagnet leads  58  for electromagnet winding  59 . A lead washer  56  provides an opening for the electromagnet leads  58  to connect to the bottom subassembly connectors  55  in assembly connector washer  54 . The bottom subassembly connectors  55  in the assembly connector washer  54  mate with two of the top connectors  50  in the top wire base  49 . The assembly connector washer  54 , lead washer  56 , top washer  57 , electromagnet winding  59 , and bottom washer can be enclosed by a sleeve  60 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a section of a clean engine at nonmagnetic wheel assembly  9  and support vanes  64 . The support vanes create a space between nonmagnetic wheels and may be similar in shape to the permanent magnets, though they are rotated at a 90 degree angle to their adjacent magnets. The 90 degree angle supports the magnet-wheels in the areas of highest mechanical stress. In another embodiment of the invention, the nonmagnetic support wheels include a means for regulating airflow within the engine compartment. Examples of means for regulating airflow include: angled fan blades on the nonmagnetic wheel assembly, curved fan blades on the nonmagnetic wheel assembly, and grooves on the nonmagnetic wheel assembly. Other means for regulating airflow will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIGS. 14A , B, and C show a front, side, and top view, respectively of a clean engine layout  65  that includes 6 electromagnet assemblies instead of 3. In one embodiment of the invention, there are equal numbers of permanent magnets and electromagnets. 
       FIGS. 15  A and B show the side and top view of a clean engine used in an automobile. The clean engine is mounted in line with the drive shaft in the front half  65  of the vehicle. The clean engine is not limited to automobiles, and other embodiments of the invention may be used in airplanes, ships, trucks, trains, or other vehicles. 
       FIGS. 16  A and B show the side and top view of another embodiment of a clean engine in an automobile. The clean engine is mounted transaxially in the front half of the vehicle, near the rear of the vehicle, or transaxially in the rear half of the vehicle. The clean engine can be mounted in any typical location a standard engine could be mounted. 
       FIG. 17  shows a version of a clean engine with an access panel  68  connected to the clean engine by a plurality of connection means  69 . The access panel can be utilized for inspection and/or maintenance of internal components of the clean engine. 
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  illustrate two embodiments of the invention where the electromagnet and main housing of the engine have complimentary features for facilitating replacement of the electromagnet.  FIG. 18A  shows an electromagnet with attachment features  81  that are complimentary with a mounting track  82  on the main engine housing.  FIG. 18B  shows an electromagnet with screw-threading  83 , and a main engine housing with complimentary threading  84 . 
       FIGS. 19A ,  19 B, and  19 C illustrate three embodiments of the invention the support wheels of the rotor element include features for controlling air flow within the engine compartment.  FIG. 19A  illustrates a support wheel with a plurality of grooves  90 .  FIG. 19B  illustrates a support wheel with a plurality of angled blades  91 , and  FIG. 19C  illustrates a support wheel with a plurality of curved blades  92 . 
     It should be understood that the materials and components described herein are not related or limited to any particular type materials and components unless indicated otherwise. Various other types of materials and components may be used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings described herein. 
     In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles of the present invention can be applied, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. For example, more or fewer elements may be used in the block diagrams. 
     The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. In addition, use of the term “means” in any claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, and any claim without the word “means” is not so intended. 
     Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.