Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to and the benefit of commonly-owned PCT Application No. PCT/IB2010/001959 filed Aug. 5, 2010 titled “Neodymium Energy Generator” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The patent relates generally to an apparatus for converting an initial impulse of mechanical energy using drive magnets into a repetitive energy generation and preservation apparatus using actuator magnets. Existing autogenic machines are energy machines that are theoretically self-sustaining mechanisms, within the restrictions of the limiting principles of thermodynamics, such that the energy needed to operate them is maintained once they are started with an initial energy impulse. 
         [0003]    Prior art systems have attempted to implement such autogenic machines. U.S. Pat. No. 6,731,035, issued May 4, 2004 to Mu, discloses an “Apparatus for Generating Autogenic Energy.” In Mu, a singular magnet attached to a rotating shaft interacts with a second magnet attached to a connection rod to create a force that pushes the connection rod away from the rotating shaft. The kinetic energy imparted to the connection rod is transmitted back to the rotating shaft via a connecting rod and crank. The rotating shaft then acts as a fly wheel as it pulls the magnet on the rotating shaft back into close proximity of the rotating magnet such that the cycle is renewed to start once again. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,811,058, issued May 13, 1974 to Kiniski, can be used to improve Mu&#39;s design. Kiniski&#39;s system contains a plurality of rotating magnets whose magnetic fields are exerted on another plurality of magnets so as to provide a reasonably continuous force on a crank shaft. However, the interaction of magnetic fields is via linear positioning such that the magnets are displaced in close proximity to one another, but not within the operational area of the rotating or spinning magnets. This system results in a relatively weak interoperating magnetic force that declines and decays at a rapid rate as the apparatus is operated. 
         [0005]    Thus the prior art of autogenic machines is lacking in certain aspects. First, none of the prior art discloses multi-component magnets used to specifically condition the magnetic field of an actuator magnet such that the work portion of the autogenic cycle is optimized. Second, none of the prior art discloses the introduction of actuator magnets into the areas of the system in which the drive portion is spinning or rotating. Thus the need exists for such a machine to improve the autogenic characteristics of the same. 
         [0006]    The Neodymium Energy Generator is an energy machine that uses magnets to continually provide rotational mechanical energy. This is accomplished by a mechanical rig that uses the energy of one magnet to place another magnet in a position to do work. The second magnet in turn provides the energy for the next magnet to do work, and so on. One important characteristic of this design is the movement of one magnet into another magnetic field through a path that is relatively perpendicular to the field lines. By moving a magnet into an external magnetic field through a path that is relatively perpendicular to the field lines, potential energy is created while using a relatively small amount of energy in making that movement. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one particularly preferred embodiment, an apparatus for sustaining motion is provided that includes: a plurality of actuators each having an actuator magnet coupled to an actuator arm, at least one of the actuator magnets being comprised of a plurality of magnets, the actuator arm coupled to a rod, the rod coupled to a crank which is coupled to a crank gear, the crank gear meshably engaged with a spacing gear; and a drive gear meshably engaged with each of the spacing gears, the drive gear coupled to a drive shaft disposed in the rotational center of the drive gear, the drive shaft coupled to a plurality of drive arms, each drive arm coupled to a drive magnet, the actuator magnets being alternately attracted and repelled by the drive magnets when the central gear in spinning so as to continuously rotate the spacing gears, the crank gears, and the cranks to push the rods and move the actuator arms and actuator magnets towards and away from the drive shaft. 
         [0008]    In particular refinements to this apparatus, each of the drive magnets are within a first common plane, each of the actuator magnets are in a second common plane and the first and second common planes are also coplanar; or at least one of the drive magnets is comprised of a plurality of magnets; or the plurality of magnets of the actuator includes a first magnet portion disposed towards the actuator arm and a second magnet portion disposed away from the actuator arm; and the first and second magnets portions each have two poles, the first and second magnet portions being coupled such that the poles of the two magnets are disposed opposite one another and the first magnet portion is a rectangular prism and the second magnet portion is a triangular prism containing a pointed tip, the pointed end of the triangular prism being disposed at an end of the actuator such that the pointed end is the part of the actuator magnet that is closest to the drive shaft and the magnetic field created by the second magnet portion cancels a portion of the magnetic field created by the first magnet portion. In other variations, the plurality of drive arms are spaced at alternating angular displacements of 80 degrees and 100 degrees about the drive shaft; or the plurality of magnets of the actuator are one or more electromagnets and the operation of the electromagnet is computer-controlled. 
         [0009]    In another particularly preferred embodiment, An apparatus for sustaining motion is provided including: a plurality of actuators each having an actuator magnet coupled to a actuator arm, the actuator arm coupled to a crank which is coupled to a crank support, the crank support coupled to a central support; the central support coupled to a drive shaft disposed in the rotational center of the central support, the drive shaft coupled to a plurality of drive arms, each drive arm coupled to a drive magnet, the plurality of drive magnets creating a plane or rotation when the drive shaft is rotated, the actuator magnets being alternately attracted to and repelled by the drive magnets so as to continuously rotate the central support, the crank support and the crank to move the actuator arm and actuator magnet towards and away from the drive shaft, the actuator magnets being disposed within the plane of rotation for a portion of a period of central gear rotation. 
         [0010]    In refinements to this embodiment, the plane of rotation is a first common plane, each of the actuator magnets are in a second common plane and the first and second common planes are also coplanar; or each of the actuator magnets includes a first magnet portion disposed towards the actuator arm and a second magnet portion disposed away from the actuator arm, the first and second magnets portions each having two poles, the first and second magnet portions being coupled such that the poles of the two magnets are disposed opposite one another and each of the drive magnets include a first magnet portion disposed towards the drive shaft and a second magnet portion disposed away from the drive shaft, the first and second magnet portions each having two poles, the first and second magnet portions being coupled such that the poles of the two magnets are disposed opposite one another and the first magnet potion of a first drive magnet and the first magnet potion of the actuator magnet are arranged such that the poles are opposite one another when the actuator is entering the plane of rotation and the first magnet portions repel each other, and the first magnet portion of a second drive magnet and the first magnet potion of the actuator magnet are arranged such that the poles are the same as one another when the actuator is exiting the plane of rotation and the first magnet portions attract each other. In other variations, the plurality of magnets of the actuator are one or more electromagnets and the operation of the electromagnet is computer-controlled. 
         [0011]    In a particularly preferred method for sustaining motion within a magnetically operating apparatus the following steps are provided: inserting an actuator arm into a plane of rotation, the actuator arm having an actuator magnet coupled thereto, the plane of rotation created by the rotation of a plurality of drive arms each drive arm coupled to a drive magnet at one end and a drive shaft at the other, the outer edge of the plane of rotation defined by the ends of the plurality of drive magnets; extracting the actuator arm from the plane of rotation; and repeating the steps of inserting and extracting with a plurality of the actuator arms so as to continuously rotate the drive shaft. 
         [0012]    In certain refinements to this method, the plurality of actuator arms are inserted into and extracted from the plane of rotation sequentially, the insertions occurring only during a work period of the drive shaft rotation; or the method further including providing power to an apparatus attached to the drive shaft through the rotation of the drive shaft. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention according to one preferred embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective and top views respectively of one actuator mechanism and coupled drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of a drive shaft and according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A-3H  are a sequential series of top views of the actuator magnets and the drive shaft with attached drive magnets as the shaft rotates through a portion of a rotational period according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  is a magnetic field diagram showing the magnetic flux of the drive magnets according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a magnetic field diagram showing the magnetic flux a single multi-component magnet used in an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a graph of the actuator magnet displacement vs. rotational phase according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B-5C  are graphs of the normalized forces on the actuator magnet due to the first and second rotating drive magnets respectively according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5D  is a graph of the sum of the normalized forces on the actuator magnet due to the first and second rotating drive magnets according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 5E  is a graph of the sum of the work performed by the actuator magnet due to the first and second rotating drive magnets according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    To facilitate a clear understanding of the present invention, illustrative examples are provided herein which describe certain aspects of the invention. However, it is to be appreciated that these illustrations are not meant to limit the scope of the invention, and are provided herein to illustrate certain concepts associated with the invention. Specifically, the construction of the magnets may be varied to optimize the magnetic fields produced by them in order to accomplish the objectives of the invention. Also, the various portions of the apparatus may be constructed using intermeshing gears, belt drives or other suitable mechanical interconnecting elements to achieve the objects of the invention. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  shows an overall system for maintaining rotational transmission of autogenic energy. Drive shaft  21  is disposed at the rotational and axial center of central gear  33 . A plurality of drive arms  23  are coupled to drive shaft  21 . At the other end of the drive arms, distal from the connection to drive shaft  21 , are coupled drive magnets  52 ,  53 ,  54  &amp;  55 . In one embodiment, drive arms and drive magnets are arranged and attached to drive shaft  21  such that the rotation of central gear  33  causes the drive arms  23  and drive magnets  55  to all rotate in a singular first plane of rotation. The outside boundary or perimeter of that plane of rotation  60  is defined by the path traversed by the farthest most tips of the drive magnets as the drive gear  33  rotates through a complete 360° revolution. 
         [0026]    Drive gear  33  is meshably engaged with a plurality of spacing gears  34  such that rotation of drive gear  33  causes each of spacing gears  34  to rotate in unison. Spacing gears  34  are likewise meshably engaged with a plurality of crank gears  35  such that rotation of each spacing gear  33  causes each of crank gears  34  to rotate in unison. Each crank gear  35  is coupled to a crank  26 , which in turn is coupled to rod  27 . Each rod  27  is coupled to actuator arm  28  having an actuator magnet,  57 ,  58 , &amp;  59 , disposed at the end of the actuator arm. Rotation of crank gear  35  causes crank  26  to move in a circle about the central axis of the crank gear  35  such that the oblate rotation of crank  26  causes rod  27  to move the actuator arm linearly and alternatively towards and away from drive shaft  21 . 
         [0027]    The above-described operation of the crank gear  35 , crank  26 , rod  27  and actuator arm  28  (all comprising and actuator subassembly) is performed simultaneously by each of the plurality of actuator subassemblies.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  show the physical relationship of one of the actuator subassembly in relation to the drive elements. The operational characteristics of the actuator magnet  57  vis-à-vis the outside boundary of the plane of rotation of the drive arms and drive magnets is defined by the dimensioning of the gear sizing,  33 ,  34 ,  35 , the lengths of the drive arms and actuator arms,  23  &amp;  28 , the length and positioning of the crank  26  and rod  27  and the initial positioning of the actuator magnet within the entire system. The operational characteristics are also determined by the angle between the drive arms. In  FIGS. 1 and 2  these angles are all a uniform 90°. From a work standpoint, however, other angles may be desirable as described below. Ideally, one rotation of drive gear  33  results in two full rotations or insertions (cycles) of two of the actuator subassembly. Also desirably, the actuator magnets are coordinated in their initial positions such that they are at equally spaced positions within their rotational cycles. I.e. if there are three actuators, they are positioned such that they are spaced 120° out of phase with adjacent actuators, and if there are four actuator arms, they are spaced 90° out of phase with adjacent actuators, etc. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2C  shows the drive subassembly, consisting of the drive gear  33 , the drive shaft  21  and drive magnets  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55 . As shown, four drive magnets are positioned at the ends of the drive arms at the top of the drive shaft. Within a permanent magnet arrangement, the drive magnets are comprised of a plurality of separate magnetic elements including a plurality of magnets. Specifically, drive magnet  54  includes a first magnet portion  170  and second magnet portion  160 . Second magnet portion  160  is shown in  FIG. 2C  as a smaller triangular prism and first magnetic portion  170  is shown as a larger rectangular prism. The reasons for selecting this geometry will be described later. The poles of the first and second magnet portions are shown by the shading on those sections. North poles (+poles, or alternatively north seeking poles) are indicated by the unshaded magnet faces, for example unshaded face  161  of the second magnet of drive magnet  52  and unshaded face  174  of first magnet of drive magnet  52 . South poles (−poles, or alternatively south seeking poles) are indicated by the shaded magnet faces, for example shaded face  162  of second magnetic portion of drive magnet  52  and shaded face  173  of first magnet of drive magnet  52 . 
         [0029]    In constructing each drive magnet, first and second magnets are arranged such that the poles of the first and second magnets portions are opposite one another once assembled as shown in  FIG. 2C . Due to the different geometries of the first and second magnets, the same-side outward facing surfaces are not coplanar. Further and more importantly, the magnetic strength of the two magnets must be different with the first magnet being sufficiently dominant in magnetic strength as compared to the second magnet. It should be appreciated that other geometries and arrangements are feasible and that the key aspect is that the magnet field from the second magnet somewhat cancels that of the first magnet in the region and at the end to which the second magnet is attached. The actuator magnets are of identical construction and the same design considerations that apply to the drive magnets also apply to the actuator magnets. 
         [0030]    Within the drive subassembly, each of the drive magnets and the first and second magnets that comprise them are all arranged such that adjacent magnets and magnet portions have like poles facing each other. This is demonstrated in the top view of  FIG. 2B  where the south poles of first portions of drive magnets  52  and  55  are facing one another, as are the south poles of first portions of drive magnets  53  and  54 . As a consequence of the selection of four drive arm arrangement, the north poles of each of the first magnets of the drive magnets are also facing each other. Further, the same considerations of polar orientation are applied to the second magnet portions of each of the drive magnets. 
         [0031]    The operation of the mechanism of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 3A-3H . In particular, slightly more than a quarter period of rotation of the drive gear  33  is shown in  FIGS. 3A-3H  illustrating the interactions and travel paths of the actuator and drive magnets during that portion of rotation. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the outer perimeter of the circular path of the drive arms and drive magnets is shown at line  60 , while the actual path traveled by the actuator magnets is shown by the irregular oblate shape  10 . During the operation of the mechanism, the paths traveled by the actuator magnets may be broken up into two portions: work periods and rest periods. The work period occurs when an actuator magnet is within the perimeter  60  of the drive magnet travel path and shown by the indented travel path along actuator magnet travel path  10 . The rest period occurs when an actuator magnet is outside perimeter  60  of the drive magnet travel path and shown by the rounded travel path portion along actuator magnet travel path  10 . The following aspects should be appreciated and understood by those of skill in the art and with specific reference to the arrangement provided in  FIGS. 3A-3H : a) there are two work periods and two rest periods executed by each actuator magnet  57 ,  58  &amp;  59  during one complete rotation of the drive shaft  21 ; b) two rotations of the crank gear  35  occur for each rotation of the drive gear  33  such that each actuator executes two work cycles and two rest cycles for each rotation of the drive gear  33 ; c) the placement of the actuator magnet within the travel perimeter of drive magnets  35  (work periods) is a function of the crank  26  operation; d) all three actuator magnets are 120° out-of-phase with one another at any point in time; and as a result e) at any one time two of the actuator magnets are in one state (work or rest) while the third is in the other state. 
         [0032]    The operation of the mechanism will now be described generally and with reference to the relative strengths and directions of the mutual attractions and repulsions for the magnets performing the primary functions of the invention. In general, the magnetic attraction/repulsion forces between any two magnets is provided by Coulomb&#39;s law which states that the magnitude of the force of interaction between two point charges is directly proportional to the scalar multiplication of the magnitudes of charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distances between them. The following equation provides a scalar mathematical representation of the attractive or repulsive for force F according to Coulomb&#39;s law: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
                
               F 
                
             
             = 
             
               
                 k 
                 e 
               
                
               
                 
                    
                   
                     
                       q 
                       1 
                     
                      
                     
                       q 
                       2 
                     
                   
                    
                 
                 
                   r 
                   2 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0033]    Where q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the point charges, r is the distance between the point charges and ke=1/4πε 0 . A detailed explanation as to how an accurate evaluation of the sum of all point charges, say for example on one actuator magnet, is beyond the scope of this application. However, computer models can be used to calculate and provide a sum of the surface integrals for each magnet in the overall system at each point in time to arrive at such a complete mode. Thus, the description below will focus on a high-level evaluation of the overlapping magnetic field lines to describe the operation of the present invention as it pertains to magnetic field interactions. 
         [0034]    As mentioned above, the second magnet portion  160  (the “bucking magnet”) is selected to be of significantly smaller magnetic strength than the first magnet portion which provides the primary magnetic, and therefore motive, force for the invention. An angular displacement scale regarding the position of the actuator magnet  58  is provided in connection with  FIGS. 3A-3H . The discussion below will take place with respect to the one particular actuator magnet  58 , although it should be realized that the other two actuator magnets are involved in the same overall cycles albeit at different phases within in their own cycles as the apparatus is operated. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , actuator magnet  58  is at 0° position in its cycle and is in the middle of a rest period. In this position, actuator magnet  57  and  59  are at 120° and 240 ° respectively in their full set of two cycles and both are in their work periods—actuator magnet  58  at the end and actuator magnet  59  at the beginning. The south pole of the first magnet portion of actuator magnet  57  provides an attractive magnetic force on the north pole of the first magnet portion of drive magnet  54  thereby pulling them together and rotating the drive shafts and coupled drive gear clockwise. Likewise, the north pole of the first magnet portion of actuator magnet  59  provides a repulsive magnetic force on the north pole of the first magnet portion of drive magnet  53  thereby repelling them away from one another and also causing the drive shafts and coupled drive gear to rotate clockwise. Both actuator magnets  57  and  59  are within the perimeter of the drive magnet rotation  60  and are in the work portion of their cycles. Actuator magnet  58  is outside the perimeter of the drive magnet and therefore has relatively smaller magnetic interaction with drive magnets  52  and  55 , and consequently, has little to no effect on the rotation of the overall drive mechanism. In fact at 0°, actuator magnet  57  is in an equilibrium state within its rest period. The combination of the work cycles being executed by actuator magnets  57  and  59  combined with the angular momentum of the spinning drive assembly allows actuator magnet to continue its rotation clockwise direction thereby moving it along its travel path  10  towards drive magnet  55 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 3B  actuator magnets  58 ,  57  and  59  are at 22.5°, 142.5°, and 262.5° respectively within the system&#39;s overall cycle. Actuator magnet  58  is still in a rest period but is coming closer to drive magnet  55  where a repelling force begins to be exerted on the two magnets by virtue of the south pole-south pole repulsive force existing between their first magnet portions. This is somewhat overcome by the bucking magnet portions (second magnet portions) as discussed below, allowing the overall mechanism to minimize any loss of angular momentum as this phase is completed. Actuator magnet  57  has exited the drive magnet rotational perimeter  60  and entered a rest period. Similar to actuator magnet  58 , however, actuator magnet  57  is relatively close to drive magnet  54  where an attractive force begins to be exerted on the two magnets by virtue of the north pole-south pole attraction existing between their first magnet portions. As with actuator magnet  58 , this is somewhat overcome by the bucking magnet portions (second magnet portions) as discussed below, allowing the overall mechanism to minimize any loss of angular momentum as this phase is completed. Actuator magnet  59  is in the middle of its work phase (i.e. half-way completed). In the exact middle of its work phase at 270° actuator magnet  59  is its closest point to drive shaft  21 . Here, actuator magnet experiences the greatest sum of magnetic forces, which occurs twice per actuator arm during each full drive shaft rotational cycle. In other words, the mutually repulsive force of actuator magnet  59  with drive magnet  53  and the mutually attractive force of actuator magnet  59  with drive magnet  52 , all by virtue of the arrangements of their first magnet portions, is near its maximum in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 3C , actuator magnets  58 ,  57  and  59  are at 45°, 165°, and 285° respectively within the system&#39;s overall cycle. Actuator magnet  58  is begins to come out of its rest period and enter a work period as the north pole-north pole repelling force begins to be exerted between first magnet portions of the actuator magnet  58  and drive magnet  55 . Actuator magnet  57  continues to proceed through a rest period. Actuator magnet  59  is beginning the tail end of its work period and coming closer to drive magnet  52 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 3D , actuator magnets  58 ,  57  and  59  are at 67.5°, 187.5°, and 307.5° respectively within the system&#39;s overall cycle. Actuator magnet  58  is begins to enter its work period and acts substantially like actuator magnet  59  of  FIG. 3A . Actuator magnet  57  continues to proceed through a rest period and acts substantially like actuator magnet  58  of  FIG. 3A . Actuator magnet  59  is beginning the tail end of its work period and coming closer to drive magnet  52  and acts substantially like actuator magnet  57  of  FIG. 3A . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 3E  actuator magnets  58 ,  57  and  59  are at 90°, 210°, and 330° respectively within the system&#39;s overall cycle. Actuator magnet  58  is in the very middle of its work phase and is at the closest point to drive shaft  21 . Here, actuator magnet  58  experiences the greatest sum of magnetic forces, which occurs twice per full drive shaft rotational cycle. In other words, the mutually repulsive force of actuator magnet  58  with drive magnet  55  and the mutually attractive force of actuator magnet  58  with drive magnet  54  are at their maximum, all by virtue of the arrangements of their first magnet portions. Actuator magnet  57  is still in a rest period but is coming closer to drive magnet  53  where a repelling force begins to be exerted on the two magnets by virtue of the south pole-south pole repulsive force existing between their first magnet portions. This is somewhat overcome by the bucking magnet portions (second magnet portions) as discussed below, allowing the overall mechanism to minimize any loss of angular momentum as this phase is completed. Actuator magnet  59  has exited the drive magnet rotational perimeter  60  and entered a rest period. Similar to actuator magnet  57 , however, actuator magnet  59  relatively close to drive magnet  52  where an attractive force begins to be exerted on the two magnets by virtue of the north pole-south pole attraction existing between their first magnet portions. As with actuator magnet  57 , this is somewhat overcome by the bucking magnet portions (second magnet portions) as discussed below, allowing the overall mechanism to minimize any loss of angular momentum as this phase is completed. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 3F and 3G  show the tail portion of the work cycle of actuator magnet  58  as it travels to angular positions 112.5° and 135° respectively.  FIG. 3H  shows the entry of the actuator magnet into its next rest period at angular position 157.5°. The actuator magnets in these positions act in a manner similarly as that described with respect to the previous figures in which the actuator magnets occupy similar relative positions within the work and rest periods. In this way, the actuator magnets move into and out of the magnetic fields created by the drive magnets, which in turn moves the actuator arm  28  as it slides upon two guide rails. The actuators arms are connected to rod  27  and crank  26  that are attached to the crank gear  35 . Energy is transferred from the crank gear to spacing gear  34 , which in turn is transferred to drive gear  33  at the bottom of the drive shaft  21 . Thus, the complete apparatus of the present invention is a relatively, self-sustaining machine—discounting all friction—in which, each actuator take turns providing the required forces. In sum, one actuator magnet is put into a work position using the energy provided by another actuator magnet that has just completed a work period. The working actuator magnet applies a torque to the drive magnets, causes the drive shaft to turn, and powers the machine until it comes to the end of its work period. By this time, it has provided the relatively small amount of energy necessary to place the next actuator magnet into the work position. The next actuator magnet in turn provides the relatively small amount of energy to move the previously working actuator magnet into the rest position. The cycle then repeats from the perspective of second actuator in view of the third. This cycle continues repeatedly as each actuator facilitates the work of the next actuator in scheduled to complete a work cycle. 
         [0041]    A few dimensional considerations should be noted. In general, the gearing ratios needed to construct the apparatus of the present invention are variable, and may be selected to fit a particular system conforming to a particular number and size of the intermeshing gears, e.g. the drive gear  33 , spacing gear  34  and actuator gear  35 . The size and gear ratios of the larger drive gear  33  and the actuator gear  35  also depends on the number of drive magnets. The construction of such gearing mechanisms is generally known by those of skill in the art. In the particular proposed model of  FIG. 1  in which four drive magnets,  52 ,  53 ,  54  and  55  are disposed about the drive shaft  21 , where it is shown with approximately ninety degree angles between the drive arms, a rotational ratio of 2:1 between the drive gear  33  and the actuator gear  35  is most desirable such that one rotation of the drive shaft  21  results in two rotational cycles of each actuator gear  35 . Thus, each rotational cycle of an actuator gear, and corresponding extension and retraction of the actuator arm and actuator magnet, consists of one work period in which the actuator magnet is within the perimeter of the drive magnet&#39; rotational space and one rest period in which it is not. Further, all three actuators use the same two quadrants of the drive assembly for the work period and rest period respectively. Thus, the drive assembly has two work quadrants that are 180° out-of-phase with each other and two rest quadrants that are likewise 180° out-of-phase with each other. 
         [0042]    After experimentation, it has been determined that 100 degree and 80 degree spacing angles are more desirable separations between consecutive drive arms. This is shown in  FIG. 3A . This spacing provides for better work cycles in that the travel path is more of a “peanut shape&#39; which permits more work to be accomplished by the actuator arm during each work cycle. The length of oscillation, or how far the actuator magnet extends into the outside boundary or perimeter of that plane of rotation  60  radius, determines the amount of work done by the actuator arm during each work period. Further, this spacing is more conducive to avoiding collisions between the actuator and drive magnets. On one full rotation of the drive magnets and drive shafts results in two actuator work cycles. In fact, at an even separation of ninety degrees between drive shaft arms, the operation of a geometric problem is actually created in that if the equilibrium point of oscillation of the actuator is not outside the radius of the drive head, the actuator magnets would have overlapping paths with the drive magnets and would therefore collide. For these reasons, the angular separation of the drive arms  23  within the two work quadrants are larger than ninety degrees to avoid collisions of the magnets and move the equilibrium of the actuators inward to maximize the work period. The exact measurement of this angle varies as between various embodiments of the overall system and may be empirically determined to achieve the maximum output power. 
         [0043]    Bucking Magnets and Device Fields 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  provides a magnetic field diagram of only the drive magnets  52 ,  53 ,  54  and  55 . One actuator magnet  58  is shown at one of the two maximum work positions along its 360° travel path. Per magnetic field diagram convention, the arrow heads on the magnetic field lines show the direction of the magnetic force created on the north pole of a magnet disposed within the field. Thus, the north point of a compass would point in the direction of the arrows on the field lines when placed within the field. It should also be appreciated that the line density shown on  FIG. 4A  is an indication of field strength and that the field strength decreases inversely with the square of the distance between any to two magnets. The closer the lines are together, the stronger the magnetic field in that location. As can be seen from  FIG. 4 , the magnetic force experienced by the actuator magnet at any give location along the actuator travel path is really the sum of the field effects of each of the four drive magnets within the combined magnetic field created by the four drive magnets. Per Coulombs law discussed above and assuming that that the size and magnetic composition of each of the drive magnets is identical, the relative distance from the drive magnet is the only determinative factor in evaluating the magnetic strength on any one actuator magnet. 
         [0045]    As seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 C and  4 A, both the actuator magnets and the drive magnets have a unique construction in one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. A representative magnet is shown at  FIG. 4B . Each magnet is comprised of two magnet portions, a first magnet portion  170 , disposed at the end of the magnet secured to the drive are or actuator arm, and a second magnet portion  160 . As with all magnets, each of the first and second magnet portions have north poles,  174  &amp;  161  respectively, and south poles,  173  &amp;  162 , and respectively. The field lines of the first magnet portion  112  are shown primarily in  FIG. 4B  radiating outward from the north to the south pole of that magnet portion. However, the addition of the “bucking magnet” (second magnet portion  160 ) at the end of the first magnet portion, changes the overall field characteristics of a simple bipole actuator and drive magnet at the end at which the bucking magnet is attached. In particular, second magnet portion  160  is chosen to be relatively smaller in size than the first magnet portion, and thus exerts a relatively smaller magnetic field. Further, second magnet portion is affixed to the first magnet portion at one end, bridging the two poles of the first magnet portion and having its poles reversed from those of the first portion. Also, the geometry of the second magnet portion is chosen to be a triangular prism in one particularly preferred embodiment. In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 4B , the combination of the smaller second magnet portion, disposed with its poles reversed and end-slanted surfaces creates a unique magnetic field at the tip end of the bucking magnet. Specifically, the magnet field of the bucking magnet significantly cancels the magnetic field of the first magnet portion in the tip end of the bucking magnet. Likewise the field of the bucking magnet itself is cancelled by the first magnet portion resulting in the tips of the actuator and drive magnets having relatively weak, combined magnetic field characteristics. This reduces the energy needed to move actuator magnets from rest positions and into work position and is one of the key aspects to the efficient operation of the present invention. It is because of this field cancellation that the actuator and drive magnets can be so close in proximity during certain portions of the machine cycle, e.g. during the transitions from work periods to resting periods and vise-versa. Since the magnet fields at the tips of the actuator and drive magnets are significantly cancelled, the main magnet motive force is provided by the magnetic interaction of the first magnetic portions of the drive and actuator magnets, and the respective tips of the same can come within a small distance of one another without adversely affecting this primary magnetic interaction. Thus the two other actuator magnets, at least one of which is in a work cycle, have enough work potential (stored energy) to complete the transition of the actuator magnet to a work position. 
         [0046]    With respect to magnet construction, first and second magnet combinations that have pointed tips are desirable so as to allow for the actuator magnet to be smoothly moved inside the perimeter of the drive magnets&#39; rotation and maximize the work period while still avoiding collisions between the actuator and drive magnets. As provided for in the present invention, rectangular magnets that taper at the ends are one desirable embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that the selection of other geometries and magnetic properties of both the first magnet portion and the bucking magnet may result in additionally beneficial field cancellation effects at the tips of the drive and actuator magnets. In particular, a conical, pyramidal or otherwise pointed bucking magnet may be used in place of a triangular prism. With respect to magnet material, Neodymium is one preferred material for the permanent magnets of the present invention given its superior magnetic properties. Other permanent magnetic materials may also be used. Finally, electromagnets may be substituted for the permanent magnets. Such magnetic systems may be computer controlled, dynamically, so as to produce magnetic fields that are optimally efficient for any particular machine operation. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5A  shows a graph  210  of the distance of the actuator magnet from the drive shaft  21 . On exemplary actuator magnet  258  is shown at a phase of 90°—equidistant between the two drive magnets  254  and  255  and at the closest point to the drive shaft. The graph is normalized to the distance of the drive magnet&#39;s rotational perimeter where the unitary value of one indicates the point at which the actuator magnet crosses that perimeter. An understanding of magnetic interactions between the actuator magnets and the drive magnets can be clearly understood from this figure if one envisions the magnetic field pattern shown in  FIG. 4B  superimposed upon the actuator magnet  258  at various points in the travel path  210 . At point  202 , the number of magnetic field lines of the actuator magnet overlapping those of the drive magnet  255  would few and the relative distance between the magnetic lines of each respective magnet is large indicating a weaker magnetic field. As the actuator magnet increases in is phase relationship and physically approaches drive magnet  255 , the number of overlapping field lines between the two magnets increases as does the strength of the magnetic fields of each of the overlapping lines (i.e. the overlapping lines are closer together). This is particularly true of the field lines pertaining to the first magnet portions of the actuator magnet  258  and drive magnet  255 , which would initially indicate a strong repulsive force as the actuator magnet approaches point  203  since the south poles of the first portions of the actuator and drive magnets are facing one another. However, looking at the second magnet portions of the superimposed field diagrams, the bucking magnet portions have caused a cancellation of the magnetic field lines of the first portions of the two magnets in the region of the passing magnet tips. Further, since the field lines that do exist cross each other in a relatively perpendicular direction to one another, the amount of energy required to move the actuator magnet past the drive magnet is minimized. Both of these effects encourage the actuator magnet to move easily past the drive magnet with a minimal expenditure of energy in doing so. 
         [0048]    As the actuator magnet travels past point  203  on its way to point  204 , the primary magnetic force on the drive magnet  255  and actuator magnet  258  is a repulsive one due to the first magnet portions of the two magnets both being north poles. At point  204 , the interaction of the field lines is strong with numerous, very closely spaced lines overlapping and therefore indicating a strong force begin exerted on the two magnets causing them to move away from one another. As the actuator magnet moves to point  205 , the magnetic force between actuator magnet  258  and drive magnet  255  begins to weaken since the interaction of the field lines becomes less numerous and more spaced out. When actuator magnet reaches point  205 , the equidistant point between drive magnets  255  and  254 , the repulsive force between first portions of actuator magnet  258  and drive magnet  255  weakens considerably due to the separation distance increasing and the effects of the inverse square relationship to the magnetic field interaction. However, at point  205  the attractive force of the first portions of the actuator magnet  258  and drive magnet  254  begin to increase due to the interaction of their respective magnetic fields. As the actuator magnet travels to point  206 , this attractive force dominates the magnetic interaction of the magnets, accelerating the actuator magnet to the drive magnet perimeter point in the travel path at  207 . The nature of the magnetic forces between the actuator magnet and drive magnet  255  on the way up from 90° in the phase relationship to a phase of 135° (attraction phase  207 ) are the same in nature as the magnetic forces between the actuator magnet and drive magnet  254  on the way up from 90° in the phase relationship to a phase of 135° (repulsion phase  206 ). It is the sum of the forces in these two phases that provide the motive force within the work period for each intrusion of the actuator magnet into the perimeter of the drive magnet rotation. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5B  shows a graph of the force  302  on the actuator magnet duet to the first drive magnet as a function of the operational phase of the machine. The force is normalized at the point of the intrusion of the actuator magnet into the perimeter of the drive magnet rotation (i.e. starts at value 1 at 45°) and does not include the effects of the bucking magnets. As can be seen from  FIG. 5B , the force on the actuator magnet decays rapidly as the actuator magnet travels to 90° phase at point  205  in  FIG. 5A . From there, its further rapid decay results in the effect of the first drive magnet becoming quite inconsequential beyond 90°, i.e. during the attractive phase  207  of  FIG. 5A . 
         [0050]      FIG. 5C  shows a graph of the force  304  on the actuator magnet due to the second drive magnet as a function of the operational phase of the machine. This is essentially an inverse of the function as provided by the force  302  shown in  FIG. 5B . The force is normalized at the point of the exit of the actuator magnet from the perimeter of the drive magnet rotation (i.e. starts at value 1 at 135°) and does not include the effects of the bucking magnets. As can be seen from  FIG. 5C , the force on the actuator magnet increases rapidly as the actuator magnet travels past the 90° phase at point  205  in  FIG. 5A . From there, the force on the actuator magnet rapidly increases and becomes quite large beyond 90°, i.e. during the attractive phase  207  of  FIG. 5A . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5D  shows a graph of both the repulsion force  302  and attraction force  304  on the actuator magnet duet to the first and second drive magnets as a function of the operational phase of the machine. The sum of these two is provided in graph  306 . As can be seen from  FIG. 5D , a trough-shaped force function on the actuator arm is clearly evident when the combined effects of the two forces are considered and the propagated motion on the drive shaft is realized, which in turn propels the actuator arms. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5E  shows a graph of work performed by the actuator during one work cycle. Since the work is the integral of the force(s) due to the respective magnet interactions, the work performed by the actuator magnet due to the first magnet is shown as  402 , the work performed by the actuator magnet due to the second magnet is shown as  404 , and the sum of the work of these to is shown as  406 . 
         [0053]    In a theoretical, ideal machine assembled according to the present invention, all elements of the apparatus are frictionless and without secondary retarding forces apart from the magnet forces at play. In such an ideal machine, the present invention would operate perpetually. The resulting angular force created by the magnetic interactions of the drive and actuator magnets would be equal to or greater than the amount of force necessary to keep the machine in motion. Any surplus energy could be used to provide power for other appliances. For example, the drive shaft could be connected to an alternator such that the rotational energy would be converted to and stored as electrical energy. 
         [0054]    In a non-ideal, real-world environment, friction and resistive forces should be minimized to improve the efficiency of the machine. Depending on the size of the apparatus, ball bearings may be used for the axles that hold the gears. With respect to the actuator assembly—the crank  26 , connecting rod  27 , and actuator arm  28 —each part should be made of light-weight materials to minimize interfering effects of inertia on the reciprocating motion. The drive gear  33  should be weighted around its circumference to serve as a fly wheel and to smooth out the vibrations caused by inertia of the actuators thereby keeping the machine from stalling. In order to avoid interfering forces created by the magnets, all parts other than the magnets should be constructed of non-magnetic materials such as aluminum or brass. All of these construction criteria reduce the loss of energy and increase efficiency. 
         [0055]    Since the spinning magnets create electromagnetic waves, shielding may also be necessary to keep these waves from radiating out from the machine. The resulting radiation may interfere with external appliances, electronics or may cause health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to enclose the apparatus with shielding provided by a high magnetic permeability metal alloy. 
         [0056]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Technology Category: 5