Patent ID: 12224114

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1Ashows one embodiment of a magnetic chute system for a projectile magnet. The magnetic chute is formed by the periodic repetition of the basic magnet configuration of magnets1-1and1-2, called a ‘magnet pair;’ these are disc magnets and are positioned so that they are attractive to each other. Magnets with different shapes can also be used to form the magnet pair. The upper non-magnetic slab1-3and the lower magnetic slab1-4have a slab thickness and are rigidly supported and prevent the two magnets from completing their desired attempt to mate to one another. The slabs have finite values for their length and width dimensions. A space exists between the two slabs; this space is called the chute. The surfaces of the upper and lower slabs facing the chute are smooth and parallel to each other. The slab thicknesses of the lower and upper slab can be equal or unequal. The chute has a dimension given by the chute height. For example, the mechanical structure of the magnetic chute system can be manufactured using an injection molding process. The molded material can be designed to form a housing that correctly positions and holds the magnets relative to each other while creating the space corresponding to the chute. The walls of the molded forms can used to form the upper and lower slabs. The non-magnetic slabs that form the structure of the final molded product would be comprised of one or more non-magnetic materials. Examples of non-magnetic materials include, but are not limited to; air, aluminum, gold, copper, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, polycarbonate, and polyethylene, for example. The slabs can also be comprised of non-magnetic adhesives and glues. The projectile magnet has thickness and a diameter, as illustrated. However, the thickness of the projectile magnet is less than that of the chute height to insure that the projectile magnet can pass through the chute.

The basic magnet configuration of magnets1-1and1-2is periodically repeated using the periodic distance as shown between the right edge of magnet1-1and the left edge of magnet1-5. The basis magnet configuration is repeated four times (can be more or less than four) along a line, in this case, a straight line. The magnets on a given slab are separated by a gap as illustrated between the right edge of magnet1-2and the left edge of magnet1-6. Once the projectile is captured by the magnetic field of the magnetic chute system, these magnets form a magnetic chute that can apply forces to the projectile magnet, causing the projectile magnet to accelerate and propel along the chute, once the projectile has been introduced into the chute.

FIG.1Bpresents another embodiment of the magnetic chute system. Instead of associating the slabs of non-magnetic material with the periodic magnetic configuration, the non-magnetic material surrounds the projectile magnet. The magnet alone or the magnet with a non-magnetic material is called magnet projectile (herein after ‘projectile’). The chute is formed between the lower faces of the upper magnets (the upper planar surface) and the upper faces of the lower magnets (the lower planar surface). The distance between the magnet face to opposing magnet face is called the clearance. The chute height equals the clearance, when the chute is at its maximum height. For this injection molded parts, the magnets can be glued to the outside of the molded material, where the mold is designed to form a chute bounded by these magnets. The dimension of the chute height is greater than the projectile thickness of projectile1-7allowing the projectile to move freely in the chute. The non-magnetic material surrounds the upper and lower face of the magnet1-8.

The upper face of the magnet1-8is magnetized ‘north’ and as the projectile1-7enters the chute, since the lower faces of the upper magnets are magnetized ‘south,’ the projectile1-7is forced upwards. However, at the same time, the lower face of the magnet1-8is magnetized ‘south’ and as the projectile1-7enters the chute, since the upper faces of the lower magnets are magnetized ‘north,’ the projectile1-7is forced downwards. There is a point where this upward force on the projectile equals the downward force on the projectile and the gravitation force of the projectile. At this point, the projectile travels along the chute effectively weightlessly balanced. It is experiencing the frictional forces of at least the air if the system is not operating within a vacuum.FIG.1Cillustrates another embodiment where the pairs of magnets are rotated around an axis of symmetry forming a spiral chute to guide a projectile magnet. The projectile magnet turns around an axis of symmetry as the projectile magnet propagates along the axis of symmetry.

In orbit or in outer space, one embodiment of this system can be mounted on the spacecraft and can be used to propel payloads into higher or lower orbits, for example, or targeting the ejected payloads to perform other functions. The magnetic chute system offers a ‘potential energy to kinetic energy transfer’ that is a renewable energy source; the same magnetic chute system can be used over and over again, always offering the use of some maximum ‘potential energy to kinetic energy transfer’ for each new payload launched as described shortly. The final kinetic energy delivered to the projectile can be controlled by adjusting, for instance, the gap, the chute height, the strength of the magnets, or the magnetic strength of the projectile to control the amount of ‘potential energy to kinetic energy transfer’ delivered to each new payload.

FIGS.2A-Cpresents a few examples of how the non-magnetic material may be used within the magnetic chute system to support and form the projectile and the chute.FIG.2Apresents the chute formed between the two non-magnetic supports surrounding and supporting the periodically placed magnets. Note that for a plastic or metal molded part, such parts would also have cavities as represented by the ‘air’ pockets. The non-magnetic supports can include air pockets and non-magnetic glues. The non-magnetic supports can be formed using milling machines, plastic mold injection process, 3D printing, etc. The projectile has the non-magnetic material covering both sides of the magnet's faces.FIG.2B, on the other hand, leaves the lower faces of the upper periodically placed magnets and the upper faces of the lower placed magnets exposed. These periodically placed magnets are held in place via their back face and glued to the structure of the molded part. The overall structure holding the back faces of these magnets is designed to be a rigid structure able to support or withstand the attractive forces between the lower faces of the upper magnets to that of the upper faces of the lower magnets.FIG.2Crepresents the cross sectional view ofFIG.1A. In this case, the magnet alone travels through the chute.

FIG.3Aillustrates Table 1 which provides all possible combinations of using non-magnetic material to form a variety of chute and projectile combinations. For example, the column labelled withFIG.2A, is a ‘1111’. The lower faces of the upper periodic magnets are covered (1) with a non-magnetic material, the top face and side of the projectile is covered (1), the bottom face and side of the projectile is covered (1), and the upper face of the lower magnet is covered (1). Another example is the first column 0000. The lower faces of the upper periodic magnets are not covered (0) with a non-magnetic material, the top face and side of the projectile is not covered (0), the bottom face and side of the projectile is not covered (0), and the upper face of the lower magnet is not covered (0). Further examples; include the case ‘0110’ representingFIGS.1B and2Band the case ‘1001’ representingFIGS.1A and2C.

FIG.3Bprovides Table 2. This table gives the specification of the disc magnet that were used in the design of the three different magnetic chute systems1,2and3. In system1, the configuration was ‘0110’. The lower faces of the upper periodic magnets is not covered (0) with a non-magnetic material, the top face and side of the projectile is covered (1), the bottom face and side of the projectile is covered (1), and the upper face of the lower magnet is not covered (0). The gap or spacing between adjacent magnets is 1.9 mm. The chute height was 6 mm while a slab thickness was not used. The projectile thickness and diameter was 4.5 mm and 32.9 mm, respectively.

FIG.4Apresents an axial (left) and diametrical (right) magnetized disc magnets. The axial disc magnet has the magnetic moment pointing from the south face to the north face and is radially located in the center of the face. The magnetic moment of the diametrical magnetized magnet points across it width from it south half to its north half.

FIG.4Billustrates block, ring and cylinder magnets that are magnetized diametrically (top row) and magnetized axially for the bottom row, including the sphere. All of these shapes and magnetic orientations offers the ability to construct other magnetic systems exploiting the various features of these shapes and magnetic orientations.

FIG.5Apresents the naming convention applied to the magnetic chute system. The projectile has a projectile thickness and a projectile diameter. The projectile shown is surrounded in a non-magnetic material; even if, it was only the magnet itself, it is still considered a projectile. The periodic distance is the distance from a section of the disc (edge) to the identical section in the adjacent disc (edge). A gap is the measurement from the edge of a magnet to the edge of the adjacent magnet. The distance from the bottom face of the upper magnets to that of the upper face of the lower magnets is caked the chute height.

FIG.5Billustrates the top view ofFIG.5A. The center of the magnet disc is in the center of the face (shaded) of the disc. The basic configuration of the magnet structure5-1that are periodically placed is shown by the adjacent diagram (on the far right) showing the magnets rigidly held in place and having the same or parallel oriented magnetic moment.

Each ofFIGS.6-12illustrates a perspective view (top) and a top view (bottom) of a four magnet magnetic chute system.FIG.6illustrates the projectile being physically applied to one end of the system until the projectile is placed within the grabbing distance. Once the system captures and accelerates the projectile into the chute (FIG.7), the potential energy was turned into kinetic energy and the projectile moves at a rapid velocity within the chute. The magnetic lines of force from the next adjacent magnet pulls on the projectile.FIG.8andFIG.9continue showing the projectile moving within the chute. When the projectile arrives at the end of the periodic array of magnets (FIG.10), the projectile decelerates stops and stores all the energy as potential energy. Then, inFIG.11, the projectile reverts course, accelerates, reaches a high velocity and retraces its path though the chute. At some point, energy is lost in the system due to friction and the projectile stops and attaches and rests to either the top or bottom magnets as shown inFIG.13by magnetic attraction as shown in the orthographic view along the chute.

FIG.14presents the projectile comprising of 2 (or more) magnets in a serial configuration. The projectile moves along the single chute.FIG.15illustrates2(or more) magnets in parallel in the projectile. The projectile is acceleration is increased and moves along the two chutes at a higher velocity. Various embodiments to form the serial configurations using both perpendicular and parallel orientations to form larger area plane projectiles.

FIGS.16-21show an embodiment where the path taken by the projectile is curved and moves around a semi-circular path of a given radius; thus, the projectile, besides being propelled along straight paths, the chute that is formed around the curve, helps to guide the projectile as the projectile moves around the curve. A horseshoe curve is illustrated but curves shaped as an ellipse, circle or any other conceivable path of consideration may be used.FIG.16shows the projectile being applied to one end of the periodic confirmation of magnets. The projectile accelerates to a high velocity. All 13 periodic magnets, other embodiments include systems with more and less than this number, are comprised of the two overlapping magnets as shown in the perspective view illustrated in the upper left.FIG.17illustrates the projectile between the 3rdand 4thperiodic magnets moving at a high velocity.FIG.18illustrates the projectile between the 6thand 7thperiodic magnets moving at a high velocity rounding the curve.FIG.19illustrates the projectile between the 8thand 9thperiodic magnets moving at a high velocity finishing the curve. InFIG.20, the magnet is moving along the straight segment of the 11thand 12thperiodic magnets moving at a high velocity and still moving. Finally, inFIG.21, the projectile stops and is attracted to either the last top or bottom magnet of the periodic series. The projectile final stopping point is a function of several factors: frictional contact while travelling within chute, alignment of the magnetic slab, initial placement of projectile at starting point, moment of releasing the projectile, etc.

Experiments were conducted with a real magnetic system that was misaligned as indicated.FIGS.22-23present a misalignment formed between the upper and lower periodic magnets by as much as ½ of the radius of the magnet. Interestingly, the projectile does not completely fail to operate but manages to travel a partial distance along the path.FIG.22shows the upper magnet shifted from the center of the lower magnet in the periodic structure by the relative shift (see insert in mid-left).FIG.23shows the relative shift pointing to 90°. The operation of the curved periodic magnetic structure also operates when the relative shift is at 180° and 270°. The magnetic chute system has a wide operating range of misalignment.

FIG.24Ashows an experiment using manual entry of the projectile into the middle of the path. After several attempts, the projectile was entered into the chute successfully and the projectile moved along the path.

In another embodiment, a mechanical device may be useful to cause the acceptance of the projectile into the chute by being able to repeat the same type of ejection from the device into either one of the ends of the path or introducing the projectile in between the ends as shown inFIG.24B.

FIG.25depicts a simple magnetic chute harmonic oscillator. Can a single magnet within the chute, once given kinetic energy, remain in oscillation? Table 3 lists several losses. Friction with the air molecules causes energy loss. This loss can be eliminated by placing the system in a vacuum. Because the projectile is moving and the magnets are conductive, eddy currents form in the conductors of the magnet and rob the system of energy due to heating. Magnets formed using a superconductive material would be necessary. The magnets can be formed of coils of superconductive wires and operated at cryogenic temperatures. The moving magnet in this case would be a coil that is initially given a current that continuously loops in the closed circuit forming a magnetic field. This coil becomes the projectile. Lastly, the coil must be positioned where the balance between the magnetic forces pulling up balance the magnetic forces and gravity pulling down on the coil. Noise can easily upset this balance. Placing the system at cryogenic temperature can reduce or eliminate noise from the system.

After the projectile had been accelerated at the start of the path and when the projectile reached the end of the path, the projectile stops quickly and reverts directions, as previously described inFIG.10. It is at this transition point that a payload can be launched.FIG.26Apresents such a system to launch payloads. The projectile comprised of the propelled magnet and payload can be entered into the chute either by hand or mechanically. After the projectile and payload are accelerated, the projectile reaches the end of the path; the accelerated payload is ejected out of the machine after the projectile stops.FIG.26Billustrates the payload being in front of the projectile. The payload has only one degree of freedom of movement (along the small cylindrical shaft parallel to the direction of movement) with respect to the projectile; that is the forward direction.FIG.26Cillustrates the one degree of freedom of the payload being attached to the projectile. Once the projectile stops, the payload slides along the thin cylinder (easily detachable interface) and off into space at a high velocity.

FIG.27A-Cillustrates a similar system as inFIG.26with the exception that electronics and magnetic coils can be used to aid the existing magnets during the acceleration process. The electronics includes coils to form magnetic fields strategically placed that would aid in accelerating the payload.

A different type of an embodiment arranging magnets is illustrates inFIG.28. This type of embodiment uses the attractive and repulsive forces of magnets arranged on an annular pattern to make a hand held fidget.FIG.28illustrates magnet discs arranged on a plane in an annular pattern around a central magnet. The magnets along the radial curve are separated by a gap as shown inFIG.28B. The magnets are encased within a non-magnetic material forming a larger disk. One further embodiment is where the thickness surrounding the magnets on one side may be different or similar to that of the other side.

FIG.28Aillustrates a top view of a ‘disk top’ that is comprised of six axial magnets, ‘north’ face up, arranged radially around a central magnet. The side view (to the left) shows the ‘north’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness X, while the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness 2X. In this case, it is a 2 to 1 ratio, but can be of other ratios as well.FIG.28Bpresents a top view of a ‘disk bottom’ that comprises six axial magnets, ‘south’ face up, arranged radially around a central magnet. The two disk's radial positioning of the magnets is identical. The side view shows the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness X, while the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness 2X. This is the same ratio as inFIG.28Abut can be other ratios as well. The diameters of the ‘disk top’ and ‘disk bottom’ are sized similarly.

FIG.29presents 4 different configurations possible when aligning the ‘disk top’ to the ‘disk bottom.’ In the ‘First Orientation’ a distance of 2X separates the ‘north’ face from the ‘south’ face making for a strong attraction between the two disks. In the ‘Second Orientation,’ both disks are flipped, causing a distance of 4X to separate the ‘north’ face from the ‘south’ face making for a weaker attraction between the two disks. In the ‘Third Orientation’ a magnetic repulsive distance separates the ‘south’ face from the ‘south’ face making it difficult to touch the two disks together. In the ‘Fourth Orientation’ a magnetic repulsive distance separates the ‘north’ face from the ‘north’ face making it difficult to touch the two disks together. In both of the latter two cases, the disks can be held in place by the thumb and fingers of both hands of the user balanced against the repelling force, such that the disks are at the optimal placement of a repelling distance and seems to be magically held there in place.

FIG.30shows an embodiment with the disks ofFIG.29in the ‘Second Orientation’ used as a fidget held within the hand. The weaker attraction, due to the thicker layer of non-magnetic material separates the upper magnets from the lower magnets. The weaker force allows the upper disk to be rotated using the thumb to the mid-way point. This is where the disk has a restoring pull back to its initial position versus a forwarding pull to the next position where the magnets align. A slight push past the mid-way point causes the apparatus to snap into the new position shown on the right.

FIG.31shows the disks ofFIG.29in the ‘First Orientation’ used as a fidget held within one or between two hands. The stronger attraction makes rotating the disks a little more difficult. The effects ofFIG.30are amplified due to the increased stronger attraction of magnets. Once the upper disk is rotated to the mid-way point using one or two hands, the restoring pull back to its initial position versus a forwarding pull to the next position where the magnets align is much stronger than the disks being in the ‘Second Orientation.’ A slight push past the mid-way point causes the apparatus to snap very hard into the new position shown on the right.

FIG.32illustrates one of the many variations the disks can be used to experience the magnetic attraction forces. Using the ‘Second Orientation’, as shown in the middle diagram, a slight push to the left snaps the upper disk into the final position shown on the left, while a slight push to the right snaps the upper disk into the final position shown on the right.

The fidget toy can be made into a variety of embodiments. One very versatile and unique example is to create a random pattern for the positioning and magnetic orientation of the magnets. To create a random set of disks, place and attached the magnets in random positions (locations on the disk) and in random magnetic orientations (‘north’, ‘south’) in the ‘disk bottom’. The ‘disk top’ is then placed face-to-face to the ‘disk bottom’ (configuration similar to the ‘First Orientation’ inFIG.29); any magnets added to the top disk automatically align their positions by magnetic attraction to its compliment in the ‘disk bottom.’ Add and attach magnets to the ‘disk top’ until all magnets in the ‘disk bottom’ are matched. These magnets can be adhered to the disk. Due to the randomness, when this random ‘disk top’ is rotated, there will be combinations of attractions and repulsions causing the disks to experience a wavy movement during rotation. Furthermore, the disk can be designed for the user to feel repetitive repulsion and attractive forces while rotating the disk.

FIG.33illustrates a top view of a ‘B-disk top’ that is comprised of five axial magnets, ‘north’ face up, arranged radially around a central magnet. The side view (to the bottom) shows the ‘north’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness, while the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a second thickness. The disk to the right presents a top view of a ‘B-disk bottom’ that comprises five axial magnets, ‘south’ face up, arranged radially around a central magnet. The two disk's radial positioning of the magnets is identical. The side view shows the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness, while the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a second thickness. The diameters of the ‘disk top’ and ‘disk bottom’ are sized similarly. Note that the radial magnets are separated by a gap.

FIG.34Cpresents experimental results of rotating and comparing two different sets of rotational magnetic disks ofFIG.33andFIG.28and feeling if the disks have the ability to snap into place at the mid-way point (seeFIG.30).FIG.34Aillustrates the cross-sectional view of the magnetic flux lines between the top and bottom disks for the system33-1shown inFIG.33and the system28-1shown inFIG.28when the disks are in their rest position (as noted inFIG.30). The gap is the separation of between magnets between the radial magnets.

FIG.34Bpresents a Table 4 providing the type of magnet used is a N42 axial disc magnet. The dimensions of the magnet are given, and for the case33-1the gap is 27.8 mm while in the case28-1, the gap is only 1.9 mm.

FIG.34Cprovides the measured data, performed on one example of the embodiment, in Table 5 when these two sets of disks were rotated from one rest position, through the mid-position point, then snapping into the next rest position. The max. displacement (D) between the upper and lower disk was varied by placing a non-magnetic block with appropriate dimensions between the disks. Note that the system with the larger gap (33-1) shows the islands of flux separated from one another while the system with the smaller gap (28-1) the islands of flux start to intermingle and start to loss their independence.

FIG.34Cpresents the measures results. When the upper and lower disks were separated by 2.4 mm, the snap was very strong for both sets of disks33-1and28-1. Similarly, when the upper and lower disks were separated by 5.5 mm, the snap was strong for both sets of disks33-1and28-1. At a D of 8.6, there was a difference. The system33-1experienced a weak snap but it was not discernable for the case28-1. When D was increased to 11.7 mm, the system33-1experienced a very weak snap while it was not discernable for the case28-1. Finally, at a D of 16 mm, for the case of33-1, it was discernable and not noticed for the case28-1. This occurs because of the magnitude of the gap; the separation of the magnets from one another along the radial path. When the gap is larger, the flux line are more separated (seeFIG.34A). This helps prevent the flux lines from one pair of magnets to interfere with the adjacent pair of magnets.

FIG.35illustrates anther embodiment showing a top view (on the left) of a ‘disk A-top’ that comprises 19 axial magnets, ‘north’ face up, arranged radially around a central magnet. The side view shows the ‘north’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness Y, while the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness 4Y. In this case, it is a 4 to 1 ratio, but can be of other ratios as well. A top view of a ‘disk A-bottom’ that comprises 19 axial magnets, ‘south’ face up, arranged radially around a central magnet. The side view shows the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness Y, while the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness 3Y. This is the same ratio as in ‘disk A-top’ but can be other ratios as well. The diameter of the ‘disk A-top’ and ‘disk A-bottom’ are substantially sized similarly.

FIG.36presents 2 of the 4 different configurations possible when aligning the ‘disk A-top’ to the ‘disk A-bottom.’ In the ‘First Orientation’ a distance of 2Y separates the ‘north’ face from the ‘south’ face making for a strong attraction between the two disks. In the ‘Second Orientation’ a distance of 8Y separates the ‘north’ faces from the ‘south’ faces making for a weaker attraction between the two disks. In the ‘other two orientations, a magnetic repulsive distance separates the ‘north’ face from the ‘north’ face making it difficult to touch the two disks together due to the repulsive force.

FIG.37shows the disks ofFIG.35in the ‘First Orientation’ used as a fidget. The stronger attraction makes rotating the disks a little more difficult. The effects are amplified due to of stronger attraction of the increased number magnets. Once the upper disk is rotated to the mid-way point (as shown) using one or two hands, the restoring pull back to its initial position versus a forwarding pull to the next position where the magnets align is much stronger than the disks being in the ‘Second Orientation.’ A slight push past the mid-way point causes the apparatus to snap very hard into the new position.

The multi-positional magnetic attractions ofFIG.35can be reduced by just placing the magnets radially in line in yet another embodiment as illustrated inFIG.38in disks ‘disk-B-top’ and ‘disk-B-bottom.’ Note that the center disc magnet is reversed in polarity from the rest; this helps keep the rotation of the disks aligned. There are six locking positions when the disk is rotated around 360°.

The side view inFIG.38shows the ‘north’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness Z, while the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness 3Z. In this case, it is a 3 to 1 ratio, but can be of other ratios as well. A top view of a ‘disk B-bottom’ that comprises 19 axial magnets, ‘south’ face up, arranged radially around a central magnet. The side view shows the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness Y, while the ‘south’ face of the magnets is covered with a first thickness 3Y. This is the same ratio as in ‘disk B-top’ but can be other ratios as well. The diameter of the ‘disk B-top’ and ‘disk B-bottom’ are substantially sized similarly.FIG.39illustrates the disks ofFIG.38at their mid-way point.

FIG.40presents an embodiment illustrating a different version of magnet arrangements that is based on the Cartesian coordinate system. The magnets are arranged in a grid pattern and the disks have one side covered with a first thickness of non-magnetic material, while the second side has a second thickness of non-magnetic material (shown below).FIG.41illustrates sliding the upper disk to the right, whileFIG.42illustrates sliding the upper disk being slide upwards. This fidget uses sliding although the disk can also be rotated.

FIG.43Apresents an embodiment showing a top and side view (along dotted line43-1) of a bottom disk comprising 7 axially magnetized disc magnets (other possible shapes can include, square, ring, rectangular) arranged as illustrated within the non-magnetic disk. The disk section were divided in half, each half were manufactured using using a 3-D printer. In addition, the same design was machined using aluminum to form both half's. Note, in this embodiment, (other arrangements are possible) that the center magnet has a polarity (south) opposite to that of its neighbors (north). The non-magnetic material (plastics or non-magnetic metals) enclosing the magnets forms the shape and structure of the non-magnetic disk which houses and holds the magnets in place. The faces of the enclosed magnets are separated from the outer face of the non-magnetic disk by the distances A and B, where A is less than or equal to B.

FIG.43Bpresents a top and side view of a top disk (the top and bottom disks make a pair) comprising 7 equivalently placed axially magnetized disc magnets arranged as illustrated within the non-magnetic disk. Note, in this embodiment, that the center magnet has a polarity (north) opposite to that of its neighbors (south). The non-magnetic material (plastics or non-magnetic metals) enclosing the magnets forms the shape and structure of the non-magnetic disk which houses and holds the magnets in place. The faces of the enclosed magnets are separated from the outer face of the non-magnetic disk by the distances A and B, where A is less than or equal to B. In one configuration, the edges of the magnets are separated from one another by a gap distance.

FIG.44illustrates a first embodiment of a configuration of the side and perspective view of the pair of magnets presented inFIG.43. In addition, the following illustration depicts one of the many possible trajectories of the disk. The upper side of magnet44-1is south and is attracted to the northern polarity of the lower side of magnet44-2. The upper side of magnet44-3is north and is attracted to the southern polarity of the lower side of magnet44-4. The upper side of magnet44-5is south and is repelled from the southern polarity of the lower side of magnet44-6. The upper side of magnet44-7is south and is repelled from the southern polarity of the lower side of magnet44-8. When the top disk is pushed in the direction of a line formed between the centers of magnets44-2and44-4, the top disk experiences a change in the magnetic interactions between the magnets of the pair (top and bottom) of disks causing the top disk to flip as illustrated in the sequence of figures ofFIG.45throughFIG.52. To simplify the diagram, the edges of the non-magnetic disks in the perspective view have not been filleted. Getting the disks to actually flip, as illustrated, is a technique that needs to be learned and developed through practice as to better control the system.

FIG.53illustrates another embodiment of a configuration of the side and perspective view of the pair of magnets presented inFIG.43. The upper side of magnet53-1is south and is attracted to the northern polarity of the lower side of magnet53-2. The upper side of magnet53-3is south and is attracted to the northern polarity of the lower side of magnet53-4. When the top disk is pushed in the direction of a line formed between the centers of magnets53-1and53-5, the top disk experiences a change in the magnetic interactions between the magnets of the pair (top and bottom) of disks causing the top disk to momentarily jump up, displacing the lower face of the top disk from that of the upper face of the lower disk. Once displaced, the lower faces of all of the magnets in the top disk attract the upper faces of all the magnets in the bottom disk causing the pair of disks to rapidly approach one. When the disks make contact, a snapping sound is released from the event. The final position of the pair of disks is illustrated inFIG.52.

FIG.54presents a time sequence of events along the x-axis of a falling cylindrical magnet54-1as the magnet falls through a tube comprising of alternation sections of equal length segments (other embodiments may include unequal or different lengths) of copper tubes and plastic transparent tubes54-2. The inside diameter of the segments are substantially equal. It is well known that a magnet falling within a copper tube (a non-ferrous metal) experiences the effect of Lenz's law. The very action of the falling magnet within the copper tube induces an electrical current in the copper tube that generates a magnetic field which opposes the force of gravity on the falling magnet; thus, the falling magnet slows down its transit through the copper tube. Thus, a magnet falling through a vertical section of said metal tube experiences a decrease in velocity due to the repelling force of Lenz's Law, while when falling through a vertical section of said transparent tube experiences an increase in velocity as the restraining force due to Lenz's Law does occur within the plastic or glass transparent tube. One of the utilities of one embodiment is a comparison of variables, the apparent weight change is sensed, is if the tube is held, of said composite tube when a magnet passes through the tube or another is the transit time through equal lengths of space, can be easily evaluated and compared by watching a magnet fall through equal lengths of said tubes.

At time t1, the magnet54-1just enters the tube54-2after being released by the fingers. The magnet within the copper tube slows down its fall under gravity due to Lenz's law and comes out of the copper tube at t1+tcuas illustrated at t2. Now, the magnet is falling within the plastic transparent tube and experiences the full effect of gravity. In a short time period, ttt, the magnet transits the length of the transparent tube and again enters the second copper tube at t2+ttt. Note that the time period of tcuis greater than ttt. The falling magnet enters the second copper tube segment at t3and slows down again due to Lenz's law exiting the copper segment after a period of tcuas illustrated at t4. Thus, a magnet falling through a vertical section of said metal tube experiences a decreased velocity while said magnet falling through a vertical section of said transparent tube experiences an increased velocity.

FIG.55presents another embodiment of a time sequence of events along the x-axis of a falling cylindrical magnet54-1as the magnet falls through a tube comprising of alternation sections of equal length segments of copper tubes and plastic transparent tubes54-2. The transparent tubes are wrapped with a conducting wire forming a coil55-1surrounding the plastic tube. The coil can be used to either detect a voltage55-4from the wire as the magnet falls through the coil or introduce a current55-3in the wire while the magnet is falling within the plastic tube. The current can be introduced into the coil in either a positive or negative current direction. In one case, the current in the coil creates a magnetic field within the transparent tube that slows down the falling magnet. In a second case, the current in the coil creates a magnetic field within the transparent tube that speeds up the falling magnet. One of the utilities of another embodiments allows a user to change the magnetic environment applied to a falling magnet to gain a better understanding of how magnets falling through a vertical section of said transparent tube are directly affected by the application of a current in a first direction, then, in a second case, to apply an equal but opposite current in said magnetic wire thereby allowing user to better understand the phenomena of Lenz' Law in different situations.

As mentioned earlier, the magnet falling within a copper tube experiences the effect of Lenz's law. The very action of the falling magnet within the copper tube induces an electrical current in the copper tube that generates a magnetic field which opposes the force of gravity on the falling magnet; thus, the falling magnet slows down its transit through the copper tube.

At time t1, the magnet54-1just enters the tube55-2after being released by the fingers. The magnet within the copper tube slows down its fall under gravity due to Lenz's law and comes out of the copper tube at t1+tcuas illustrated at t2. Now, the magnet is falling within the plastic transparent tube wrapped by the coil55-1carrying a current I55-3. The direction of the current flow can either slow down or speed up the fall of the magnet. Assuming the current I slows down the fall of the magnet and after a time period of tcoil, the magnet transits the length of the transparent tube and again enters the second copper tube at t2+tcoil=t3. Note that the time period of tcoilis greater than tttofFIG.54. The falling magnet enters the second copper tube segment at t3and slows down again due to Lenz's law exiting the copper segment after a period of tcuas illustrated at t4. Note the current if it had been reversed in direction during the fall which would speed up the fall of the magnet. Thus, a magnet falling through a vertical section of said transparent tube experiences a decreased velocity when current flows in a first direction within said magnetic wire and an increased velocity when current flows in a direction opposite to said first direction within said magnetic wire

FIG.56depicts an embodiment of the use of magnets having a square or rectangular shape within the pair of disks. The number of magnets, their magnetic orientation (N or S up) on one disk or between the disks, the positioning of the magnets relative to each other, the magnetic strength of the individual magnets, the shape of the disk (circular, square, etc.), the size of the disk are some of the parameters that can be varied to create various embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG.57presents another embodiment of magnetic arrangement and orientation within the pair of discs. The orientation uses magnets of a first orientation along the x and y axes while the other orientation is used in the four corners of the pattern. The faces of the disks are displaced from the face of the magnetic with a distance of either A or A′, where A is less than or equal to A′.

Finally, it is understood that the above description are only illustrative of the principles of the current invention. It is understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not mutually exclusive. In accordance with these principles, those skilled in the art may devise numerous modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Variations can be made toFIG.33, for example, the 2Y side can have a handle, of sorts. Because of the handle there would only be the possibly of just a single orientation, that of the ‘First Orientation,’ but a handle may be very helpful to turn the disk. Although, the system and disk configurations have used the disc magnets to construct these systems, other types of magnets; block, ring, cylindrical, and spherical can be used. The central magnet inFIG.28AandFIG.28Bcan be flipped in magnetic moment to help keep the disk move in an annular fashion. The fidget toy can be made very versatile and unique; for example, in the ‘disk bottom,’ place and attached the magnets in random positions (locations on the disk) and in random magnetic orientations (‘north’, ‘south’). The ‘disk top’ is then placed face-to-face to the ‘disk bottom;’ magnets added to the top disk automatically align their positions by magnetic attraction to its compliment in the ‘disk bottom.’ Add and attach magnets to the ‘disk top’ until all magnets in the ‘disk bottom’ are matched. Due to the randomness, when the ‘disk top’ is rotated, there will be combinations of attractions and repulsions causing the disks to experience a wavy movement during rotation. In one of the experimental embodiments of the magnetic disks, one of the quests is flip the disk several times within a given time. The weight (mass) of the disks can be varied to cause more than one flip of the disk. The weight (mass) of the disk, a strength of its encapsulated magnets, pattern or arrangement of the positions of the magnets, direction of the positions of the magnets, are some of the variables defining the various embodiments described in the present document. Plastics for the non-magnetic material may be comprised of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Nylon, Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), etc. In place of plastic, glass can be used. Some non-magnetic metals include aluminum, brass, copper, gold, silver, platinum, etc. Various embodiments of the magnetic chute and magnetic disks were manufactured using 3-D printing system. In addition, aluminum blanks were machined to form at least one of the embodiments of the magnetic disks.