WO2010090886A2

WO2010090886A2 - Magnetic structure

Info

Publication number: WO2010090886A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/021884
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric J. Yarger; Jim Gutierrez
Original assignee: Yarger Eric J; Jim Gutierrez
Priority date: 2009-01-23
Filing date: 2010-01-22
Publication date: 2010-08-12
Also published as: WO2010090886A3

Abstract

A magnetic structure comprises a plurality of magnetic elements configured to generate high-gradient magnetic field regions. Magnetic conductive material may be placed on or around the elements of the magnetic structure to shape and focus the high-gradient magnetic field regions. A magnetic element may be configured so as to project a magnetic field region generated by the magnetic structure. The generation and projection may be controlled. For example, one or more of the magnetic elements may be an electromagnet, or mechanical systems may be used to position the magnetic elements with respect to one another.

Description

MAGNETIC STRUCTURE

STATEMENT REGARDING GOVERNMENT INTEREST

This invention was made with United States Government support under Contract No. DE-AC07-05-1 D14517 awarded by the United States Department of Energy. The United States Government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This disclosure generally relates to magnetic structures and more particularly to magnetic structures suitable for use in electro-magnetic and electro-mechanical devices and applications.

Description of the Related Art

Electro-magnetic and electro-mechanical devices and applications, such as, for example, motors, generators and alternators, typically employ magnets and/or magnetic structures, as well as coil structures.

Conventional magnetic structures employ a single magnet to generate a magnetic field, or a plurality of magnets arranged to generate a magnetic field.

The magnets are typically permanent magnets or electromagnets.

When an increase in output or performance was desired, conventionally the size or number of coils was increased or the size or strength of the magnets would be increased. These approaches introduce weight, cost, size and durability issues. These approaches also are not practical for many applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY In an embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises: a first magnet having a first pole and a second pole; a second magnet having a first pole and a second pole; and a third magnet having a first pole and a second pole, wherein the first, second and third magnets are held in position with respect to each other with like poles facing together. In an embodiment, the magnetic structure further comprises a fourth magnet having a first pole and a second pole, wherein the first, second, third and fourth magnets are held in position with respect to each other with like poles facing together.

In an embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises three or more magnets held spaced apart with like poles facing together.

In an embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises: first means for generating a magnetic field; second means for generating a magnetic field; third means for generating a magnetic field; and means for generating a compressed magnetic field from the first, second and third means for generating magnetic fields. In an embodiment, the means for generating a compressed magnetic field comprises a housing configured to hold the first, second and third means for generating magnetic fields in position with like poles facing together. In an embodiment, a magnetic conductive material covers a portion of a surface of at least one of the magnets of the magnetic structure.

In an embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises: a first magnet having a first pole and a second pole and a layer of magnetic conductive material covering a portion of a surface of the first magnet; a second magnet having a first pole and a second pole and a layer of magnetic conductive material covering a portion of a surface of the second magnet, wherein the first and second magnets are held in position with respect to each other with like poles facing together. In an embodiment the magnetic structure further comprises a third magnet having a first pole and a second pole. In an embodiment, the layer of magnetic conductive material covering the portion of the surface of the first magnet covers a portion of the first pole of the first magnet. In an embodiment, the layer of magnetic conductive material covering the portion of the surface of the second magnet covers a portion of the first pole of the second magnet. In an embodiment, the layer of magnetic conductive material covering the portion of the surface of the first magnet covers a portion of a side of the first magnet adjacent to the first pole of the first magnet.

In an embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises: first means for generating a magnetic field; first means for conducting magnetic fields coupled to the first means for generating a magnetic field; second means for generating a magnetic field; second means for conducting magnetic fields coupled to the second for generating a magnetic field; and means for generating a compressed magnetic field from the first and second means for generating magnetic fields. In an embodiment, the means for generating a compressed magnetic field comprises a housing configured to hold the first and second means for generating magnetic fields in position with like poles facing together.

In an embodiment, the magnetic structure has a spherical shape. In an embodiment, the magnetic structure has a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the magnetic structure has a rectilinear shape.

In an embodiment, the magnetic structure is configured to generate a compressed magnetic field.

In an embodiment, at least one of the magnets is unbalanced with respect to at least one other magnet in the magnetic structure. In an embodiment, the magnetic structure is configured to generate a magnetic field comprising high gradient field regions. In an embodiment, at least one high gradient field region is parallel and adjacent to a plane passing between two magnets of the magnetic structure.

In an embodment, the magnetic structure comprises a magnetic element configured to project a magnetic field region generated by the magnetic structure. In an embodiment, the magnetic element configured to project the magnetic field region comprises an electromagnet. In an embodiment, the magnetic element configured to project the magnetic field region comprises a multiple-magnet magnetic structure. In an embodiment, the magnetic element configured to project the magnetic field region is configured to selectively project the magnetic field region. In an embodiment, the projected magnetic field region is a high-gradient magnetic field region.

In an embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises: a first magnetic element having a first pole and a second pole; a second magnetic element having a first pole and a second pole, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are held in position with respect to each other with like poles facing together; and a third magnetic element configured to project a magnetic field region generated by the first and second magnetic elements.

In an embodiment, at least one magnetic element of a magnetic structure comprises an electromagnet. In an embodiment, at least one magnetic element of a magnetic structure comprises a permanent magnet. In an embodiment, at least one magnetic element of a magnetic structure comprises a cylindrical magnet.

In an embodiment, a magnetic structure is configured to generate a pulsating magnetic field region. In an embodiment, a magnetic structure is configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field region.

In an embodiment at least one of magnetic element is unbalanced with respect to at least one other magnetic element in a magnetic structure.

In an embodiment, a magnetic structure comprises: first means for generating a magnetic field; second means for generating a magnetic field; and means for projecting a magnetic field generated by the first and second means for generating a magnetic field.

In an embodiment, a system comprising an embodiment of a magnetic structure described herein. In an embodiment, the system comprises means for generating electrical energy. In an embodiment, the means for generating electrical energy is configured to generate electrical energy in response to a projected magnetic field region. In an embodiment, the system comprises means for detecting a projected magnetic field. In an embodiment, the system comprises means for controlling operation of the system based on a projected magnetic field. In an embodiment, the system comprises means for controlling projection of a magnetic field region. In an embodiment, a method comprises: generating a compressed magnetic field using an embodiment of a magnetic structures described herein; and projecting the compressed magnetic field. In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling the generation of the compressed magnetic field. In an embodiment, the method comprises controlling the projection of the compressed magnetic field. In an embodiment, a controller is configured to control the projection of the compressed magnetic field. In an embodiment, the method further comprises detecting the projected compressed magnetic field. In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling a system based on the detection of the projected compressed magnetic field. In an embodiment, a computer-readable memory medium's contents cause a controller to at least partially control the method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of an electromechanical system that may employ one or more electromechanical structures. Figures 2 through 6 illustrate an embodiment of a magnetic structure.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure. Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a magnet suitable for use in an embodiment of the magnetic structure shown in Figure 7. Figures 9a to 9c illustrate another embodiment of a magnetic structure.

Figure 10 illustrates example high gradient field regions that may be generated by an embodiment of the magnet structure shown in Figures 9a to 9c. Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure. Figures 12a and 12b illustrate another embodiment of a magnetic structure.

Figures 13a to 13c illustrate another embodiment of a magnetic structure. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate example high gradient field regions that may be generated by an embodiment of the magnetic structure shown in Figures 13a to 13c.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate another embodiment of a magnetic structure. Figurei 8 is a graphical illustration of magnetic flux generated by a conventional magnetic structure.

Figure 19-27 illustrate embodiments of magnetic structures.

Figures 28 and 29 illustrate embodiments of electromechanical systems. Figures 30-33 illustrates embodiments of magnetic structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of devices, methods and articles. However, one of skill in the art will understand that other embodiments may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well- known structures and methods associated with magnetic structures, coils, batteries, linear generators, and control systems have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprising," and "comprises," are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited to."

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phases "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, or to all embodiments. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments to obtain further embodiments.

The headings are provided for convenience only, and do not interpret the scope or meaning of this disclosure or the claimed invention. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of particular elements, and have been selected solely for ease of recognition in the drawings. The use of similar reference numbers in the various figures does not necessary indicate similar element or functions.

In this description, high-gradient magnetic field regions may be described and illustrated. The regions R are intended to illustrate examples of the general location of the high gradient regions, and are not necessarily intended to indicate the precise shape, flux density or number of the high gradient regions generated by a particular magnetic structure configuration. The number and characteristics of high-gradient field regions may vary based, for example, on the size, shape, spacing and orientation of magnetic elements used in an embodiment of a magnetic structure. Similarly, the null zones in the magnetic fields illustrated are examples of the general location of null zones. The number and characteristics of null zones may vary based, for example, on the size, shape, spacing and orientation of magnetic elements used in an embodiment of a magnetic structure. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of an electromechanical system 100 that may employ one or more of the magnetic structures discussed herein. The system 100 comprises one or more coils 102, a magnetic structure 104 and one or more repelling magnets 106. The coils may include bi-metal coils and may be balanced or unbalanced with respect to each other. Other examples of electromechanical systems that may incorporate one or more of the magnetic structures discussed herein are set forth in copending U.S. Patent Application No. U.S. Application No. 11/475,389, filed on June 26, 2006 and entitled BI-METAL COIL, and copending U.S. Patent Application No. 11/762,005 filed on June 12, 2007, and entitled MAGNETIC STRUCTURE, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Figures 2 through 6 illustrate an embodiment of a magnetic structure 200. Figure 2 is a front side view of the magnetic structure 200. Figure 3 is a top view of the magnetic structure 200 and Figure 4 is a bottom view of the magnetic structure 200. The magnetic structure 200 comprises a plurality of magnets 202, 204, 206, 208, aligned with like first poles of the magnets 202, 206 and 204, 208 facing an X or first axis 210 passing between the magnets 202, 206 and 204, 208 of the magnetic structure 200. The magnets 202, 204, 206, 208 may be held in position with, for example, a glue or a housing or a combination thereof (see housing 852 in Figure 23 of the appendix). A Y or second axis 212 runs between the magnets 202, 204 and the magnets 206, 208. A Z or third axis 214 is perpendicular to the first axis 210 and the second axis 212. The magnets 202, 204, 206, 208 may be balanced or unbalanced with respect to each other and may be held in position spaced apart so as to generate a compressed magnetic field, such as a compressed magnetic field generating one or more high-gradient regions. A compressed magnetic field is an altered magnetic field in a high-gradient orientation. Magnets may be unbalance with respect to each other, for example, by having different sizes, shapes, strengths, or various combinations of different characteristics. Figure 5 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating example high-gradient field regions R1 generated by an embodiment in planes parallel to a plane formed by the axes 210, 214, as well as example high gradient regions R2 generated in planes parallel to a plane formed by the axes 212, 214. For ease of illustration, flux lines are not shown. The regions R1 may be generally disked shaped and the regions R2 may be generally tube or sausage shaped. Figure 6 is a top cross sectional view illustrating example high gradient field regions R2 generated by the embodiment of Figure 2 along its top edge. As illustrated, the magnets 202, 204, 206, 208 are cubes and the axes formed by the magnetic structure are orthogonal with respect to each other, but other magnet shapes may be employed and the axes around which high gradient regions are generated thereby need not be orthogonal. The magnetic structure 200 may, for example, be advantageously employed in an embodiment of a system employing magnetic bearings and/or coils on all sides of the magnetic structure. In the embodiment as illustrated with magnets 202, 204, 206, 208 being essentially similar (for example, having the same physical properties and characteristics such as strength, size and shape), the high gradient magnetic field regions in planes parallel to a plane of the X and Z axes would be expected to be the highest gradient regions generated by the magnetic structure. One or more null zones 220 may exist. For example, a null zone 220 may exist in a center region between the magnets 202, 204, 206, 208, and null zones 220 may exist along side of the magnets 202, 204, 206, 208.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure 700. The magnetic structure 700 comprises magnets 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716 that together form a sphere 718. As illustrated, eight magnets of the same shape are used, but other configurations of multiple magnets, with the same or different shapes, may be employed to generate magnetic structures with spherical shapes. Other shapes may be formed such as ellipsoids and toroidal-shaped magnetic structures. The magnets are aligned so that like poles face the center of the sphere. The illustrated alignment of the poles is intended as an example. Other alignments, including alignments were some, but not all, of the poles facing the center are of the same polarity. In the illustrated embodiment, two disk shaped high gradient regions may be formed in planes parallel to a plane formed between the two halves of the sphere, the first half of the sphere comprising magnets 702, 704, 706, 708 and the second half of the sphere comprising magnets 710, 712, 714, 716. The regions may merge near the edges of the sphere and as they extend outward from the sphere. Other high gradient regions might exist in the areas around the edges of the magnets forming the sphere. A null zone might exist in the center of the sphere, and null zones might exist around the edges of the magnets of the sphere, for example where the polarity of the magnets changes. Figure 8 illustrates a single magnet of the plurality of magnets forming the sphere 700. Although the boundary between the poles of a magnet is illustrated as a line in Figures 7 and 8, the boundary may be curved.

Figures 9a to 9c illustrate another embodiment of a magnetic structure 900. Figure 9a is a top-view, Figure 9b is a bottom view and Figure 9c is a perspective view of the magnetic structure 900. The magnetic structure 900 comprises magnets 902, 904, 906 that together form a cylinder 908. As illustrated, three magnets of the same shape are used, but other configurations of multiple magnets may be employed to generate magnetic structures with cylindrical shapes. The three magnets are aligned so that like poles are together. The magnets 902, 904, 906 as illustrated have curvilinear faces, but may have other faces. For example, instead of forming a cylinder, the magnets may form a three-sided rod-shaped structure in some embodiments. Figure 10 illustrates example high gradient field regions that may be generated by embodiments of the magnetic structure 900. Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure

1100 together with an example magnetic field generated by the magnetic structure 1100. Figures 12a and 12b illustrate another embodiment of a magnetic structure 1200 together with an example magnetic field generated by the magnetic structure 1200. Figure 12a is described in more detail below. Figures 13a to 13c illustrate another embodiment of a magnetic structure 1300. Figure 13a is a top view of the magnetic structure 1300, Figure 13b is a bottom view of the magnetic structure 1300 and Figure 13c is a side view of the magnetic structure 1300. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate example high gradient field regions generated by the embodiment of Figures 13a-13c.

Figure 16 and 17 illustrate another embodiment of a magnetic structure 1400. Figure 16 is a top cross-sectional view and Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the magnetic structure 1400. The magnetic structure comprises magnets 1402, 1404 and 1406. In an embodiment, two magnetic structures like the magnetic structure 1400 could be held together spaced apart to form another magnetic structure in a configuration similar to the magnetic structure illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 18 is a graphic illustration of the magnetic flux generated by a conventional magnetic structure 1500. The magnetic structure comprises a magnet 1500 having a north pole N and a south pole S. Figure 15 shows representative magnetic flux equipotential lines 1504 to illustrate the magnetic field that is generated by the permanent magnet 1502 of the magnetic structure 1500. The closer the equipotential lines in a region, the greater the magnetic flux density in the region. As illustrated, there is a higher magnetic flux density in the regions 1506, 1508 adjacent to the poles as shown by the closer magnetic flux lines in those regions as compared, for example, to regions adjacent to the sides 1510 of the magnetic structure 1500. The higher gradient region is generally of a uniform magnetic flux density along the sides of the poles.

A magnetic structure configured to generate a compressed magnetic field alters the normal magnetic flux from that generated by a conventional magnetic structure comprised of a single magnet to form a magnetic field with a high gradient orientation. As compared to a magnetic field generated by a conventional magnetic structure, a compressed magnetic field has a higher flux density in its higher gradient regions and the locations and numbers of the high gradient regions may be changed. For example, Figure 12a illustrates a magnetic structure 1200 comprising a first magnet 1202 and a second magnet 1204 configured to generate a compressed magnetic field. The North poles of the magnets 1202, 1204 are held spaced apart and facing together. The magnetic field has two regions 1206, 1208 adjacent to the space between the magnets 1202, 1204 that have relatively very high magnetic flux gradients. The regions adjacent to the sides of the magnets 1210, 1212, 1214, 1216 (both inside and outside the magnets), have relatively high magnetic field gradients, and the magnetic field density is not generally of a uniform level alongside the poles. Thus, as compared to a conventional magnet, the highest density of magnetic flux has been substantially increased and the location of the high-density regions has shifted. Figure 19 illustrates another embodiment of a multiple magnet magnetic structure 1600 configured to generate a compressed magnetic field, together with example high gradient magnetic field regions R generated by an embodiment of the magnetic structure 1600. For ease of illustration, magnetic flux lines are not shown in Figure 19. The magnetic structure comprises a first magnet 1602, a second magnet 1604 and a third magnet 1606. The first magnet 1602 and the second magnet 1604 are unbalanced with respect to each other. As illustrated, for example, the first magnet 1602 has a shorter length than the second magnet 1604. The first magnet 1602 and the second magnet 1604 are held spaced apart with like poles facing each other along an axis X. As illustrated, the North poles are facing each other. The third magnet 1606 is held spaced apart from a space between the first and second magnets 1602, 1604 with the North pole facing the space between the first and second magnets 1602, 1604. The properties of the magnets 1602, 1604, 1606 (such as the strength, size and shape of the magnets) may be selected so as to create one or more high gradient regions of desired sizes, shapes and strengths. Electromagnets or combinations of permanent and electromagnets may be used in some embodiments. For example, the magnet 1606 may be an electromagnet.

Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment of a magnetic structure 200. The magnet structure 200 comprises a first magnet 202 having a layer of a magnetic conductive material 204 covering a portion of the first magnet 202, and a second magnet 206 having a layer of a magnetic conductive material 208 covering a portion of the second magnet 206. The first and second magnets 202, 206 are held spaced apart with like poles facing each other. The magnets 202, 206 may be held in position with, for example, a glue or a housing or a combination thereof (not shown). The magnets 202, 206 may be, for example, rectilinear, cylindrical or disk-shaped. Other shapes may be employed. The magnets 202, 206 may be balanced or unbalanced with respect to each other and may be held in position spaced apart so as to generate a compressed magnetic field, such as a compressed magnetic field generating one or more high-gradient regions. The layers of magnetic conductive material 204, 208 may comprise any suitable magnetic conductive material, for example, a magnetic shielding material, such as, for example, nickel, nickel/iron alloys, nickel/tin alloys, nickel/silver alloys, plastic magnetic shielding, and/or nickel/iron/copper/molybdenum alloys or various combinations thereof. Magnetic shielding materials are commercially available under several trademarks, including MuMetal®, Hipernom®, Conetics® ,HyMu 80®, and Permalloy®. As illustrated, the layers of magnetic conductive material 204, 208 have a shape approximating a shape of the adjacent poles of the respective magnets 202, 206, and are on the adjacent faces of the respective magnets 202, 206. Other shapes may be employed and the layers of magnetic conductive material may be positioned on other faces of the magnets. As illustrated, the magnets 202, 206 are balanced with respect to each other, but unbalanced magnetic structures may be employed in some embodiments. Example regions with high-gradient magnetic fields are illustrated by the regions R1 , R2 in Figure 20. A null point 220 exists in the magnetic field. The layers of magnetic conductive material guide the magnetic flux of the magnetic structure. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 20, the magnetic conductive layer guides the magnetic flux such that a high gradient region extends from the magnetic conductive layer in a direction perpendicular to an axis Y of the magnetic structure. Figure 21 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure 300. The magnet structure 300 comprises a first magnet 302 having a layer of a magnetic conductive material 304 covering a portion of the first magnet 302, and a second magnet 306 having a layer of a magnetic conductive material 308 covering a portion of the second magnet 306. The layers of magnetic conductive material 304, 308, may have the same or different thicknesses. The first and second magnets 302, 306 are held spaced apart with like poles facing each other. The magnets 302, 306 may be balanced or unbalanced with respect to each other and may be held in position spaced apart so as to generate a compressed magnetic field, such as a compressed magnetic field generating one or more high-gradient regions. The magnets 302, 306 may be, for example, rectilinear, cylindrical or disk-shaped. Other shapes may be employed. The layers of magnetic conductive material 304, 308 may comprise any suitable magnetic conductive material, for example, the magnetic conductive materials discussed above with respect to Figure 20. As illustrated, the layers of magnetic conductive material 304, 308 cover adjacent poles of the respective magnets 302, 306, and extend along a portion of the sides of the respective magnets 302, 306. In addition, as illustrated the layers of magnetic conductive material 304, 308 are of different thicknesses. As illustrated, the magnets 302, 306 are unbalanced with respect to each other, but balanced magnetic structures may be employed. Example regions with high-gradient magnetic fields are illustrated by the regions R1 , R2 in Figure 21. An example null point 320 in the magnetic field is illustrated.

Figure 22 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a magnetic structure 400. The magnet structure 400 comprises a first magnet 402 having a layer of a magnetic conductive material 404 covering a portion of the first magnet 402, a second magnet 406 having a first layer of a magnetic conductive material 408 covering a first portion of the second magnet 406 and a second layer of magnetic conductive material 410 covering a second portion of the second magnet 406, and a third magnet 412 having a layer of magnetic conductive material 414 covering a portion of the third magnet 412. The layers of magnetic conductive material 404, 408, 410, 414, may have the same or different thicknesses. The first, second and third magnets 402, 406, 412 are held spaced apart with like poles facing each other. The magnets 402, 406, 412 may be balanced or unbalanced with respect to each other and may be held in position spaced apart so as to generate a compressed magnetic field, such as a compressed magnetic field generating one or more high-gradient regions. The magnets 402, 406, 412 may be, for example, rectilinear, cylindrical or disk-shaped. Other shapes may be employed. The layers of magnetic conductive material 404, 408, 410, 414 may comprise any suitable magnetic conductive material, for example, the magnetic conductive materials discussed above with respect to Figure 20. As illustrated, the layers of magnetic conductive material 404, 408, 410, 414 partially cover adjacent poles of the respective magnets 402, 406, 412. Example regions with high-gradient magnetic fields are illustrated by the regions R in Figure 22. Example null points 420, 430 are illustrated in the magnetic field.

Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a magnetic structure 500. The magnet structure 500 comprises a first magnet 502 having a layer of a magnetic conductive material 504 covering a portion of the first magnet 502, and a second magnet 506 having a layer of a magnetic conductive material 508 covering a portion of the second magnet 506. The first and second magnets 502, 506 are held spaced apart with like poles facing each other. The magnets 502, 506 may be balanced or unbalanced with respect to each other and may be held in position spaced apart so as to generate a compressed magnetic field, such as a compressed magnetic field generating one or more high-gradient regions. The layers of magnetic conductive material 504, 508 may comprise any suitable magnetic conductive material, for example, a magnetic shielding material, such as, for example, nickel, nickel/iron alloys, nickel/tin alloys, nickel/silver alloys, plastic magnetic shielding, and/or nickel/iron/copper/molybdenum alloys or various combinations thereof. The magnets 502, 506 may be, for example, generally rectilinear, cylindrical or disk- shaped. Other shapes may be employed. As illustrated, the north poles of the magnets have a semi-toroidal shape and the magnetic conductive layers 504, 508 have a semi-toroidal shape and are position on the poles of the respective magnets. Magnetic shielding materials are commercially available under several trademarks, including MuMetal®, Hipernom®, HyMu 80®, and Permalloy®. As illustrated, the layers of magnetic conductive material 504, 508 have a shape approximating a shape of the adjacent poles of the respective magnets 502, 506, and are on the adjacent faces of the respective magnets 502, 506. Other shapes may be employed and the layers of magnetic conductive material may be positioned on other faces of the magnets. As illustrated, the magnets 502, 506 are unbalanced with respect to each other, but balanced magnetic structures may be employed in some embodiments. Example regions with high-gradient magnetic fields are illustrated by the regions R1 , R2 and R3 in Figure 23. R1 and R2 have a shape resembling a portion of a cone. R3 has a shape similar to a disk in a plane perpendicular to the illustrated cross section Changing the shape of the magnetic conductive layer alters the magnetic field. A null point 530 is illustrated in the magnetic field.

Figure 24 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure 600. The magnet structure 600 comprises a first magnet 602 having a layer of a magnetic conductive material 604 covering a portion of the first magnet 602, a second magnet 606 having a first layer of a magnetic conductive material 608 covering a first portion of the second magnet 606. The first and second magnets 602, 606 are held spaced apart with like poles facing each other. The magnets 602, 606 may be balanced or unbalanced with respect to each other and may be held in position spaced apart so as to generate a compressed magnetic field, such as a compressed magnetic field generating one or more high-gradient regions. The magnets 602, 606 may be, for example, generally rectilinear, cylindrical or disk-shaped. Other shapes may be employed. The layers of magnetic conductive material 604, 608 may comprise any suitable magnetic conductive material, for example, the magnetic conductive materials discussed above with respect to Figure 20. As illustrated, the layers of magnetic conductive material 604, 608 cover portions of adjacent poles of the respective magnets 602, 606 and have triangular-shaped portions along the edges of the magnets. Other shapes may be employed. Example regions with high-gradient magnetic fields are illustrated by the regions R1 , R2 in Figure 24. For cylindrical magnets, the regions R1 , R2 would be disk-shaped. Example null points 630 in the magnetic field are illustrated.

Figure 25 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a magnetic structure 700 comprising four magnets 702, 704, 706, 708, held together spaced apart with like poles facing each other. The four magnets have respective magnetic conductive layers 710, 712, 714, 716. As illustrated, the magnetic conductive layers 710, 712, 714, 716 cover two sides of the respective magnet. In other embodiments, one side or more sides of the magnets may be covered by magnetic conductive layers. Other embodiments of magnetic structures may have fewer or more magnetic elements held together spaced apart with like poles facing each other.

Figure 26 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a magnetic structure 200. The magnetic structure 200 comprises a first magnetic element 202, a second magnetic element 204 and a third magnetic element 206. The magnets 202, 204, 206 may be, for example, generally spherical, rectilinear, cylindrical or disk-shaped. Other shapes may be employed. The first magnetic element 202 and the second magnetic element 204 are unbalanced with respect to each other. As illustrated, the first magnetic element 202 has a greater length than the second magnetic element 204. Other means of unbalancing the magnetic elements 202, 204 may be employed, such as varying the strength of the magnetic elements. In some embodiments, the first magnetic element 202 and the second magnetic element 204 may be balanced with respect to each other. Electromagnets may be employed. The first magnetic element 202 and the second magnetic element 204 are held together spaced apart with like poles facing each other to create a high gradient, compressed magnetic field. R1 illustrates example high gradient magnetic field regions that might be generated by first magnetic element 202 and the second magnetic element 204, ignoring the impact of the third magnetic element 206. R2 illustrates example high gradient field regions that might be generated by the magnetic structure 200 taking into account the impact of the magnetic element 206. As illustrated, the high gradient regions R2 are shifted away from, or projected, from the magnetic structure 200. By varying various physical properties of the magnetic structure 200, such as the size, shape, strength of the magnetic elements and the distances between and orientations of the magnetic elements, the position and strength of the high gradient regions generated by the magnetic structure may be changed. For example, the magnetic element 206 may be an electromagnet. When the electromagnet 206 is activated, the high gradient magnetic field regions are projected away from the magnetic structure 200 to, for example, the regions R2. Alternatively, activation of the electromagnet 206 may pull the high gradient magnetic field regions toward the electromagnet 206. A pulsating projected magnetic field may be generated, for example, if electromagnet 206 is driven by a pulsating signal. Similarly, control over or steering of the projection of high gradient magnetic field regions could be obtained by using an electromagnet for one of the other magnetic elements 202, 204 in the magnetic structure 200. Mechanical means of controlling the projection of or steering high gradient magnetic field regions may be employed, such as mechanically altering the position of one or more of the magnetic elements with respect to the other magnetic elements. Shielding may be employed to control the projection or steering of high gradient magnetic field regions. For example, magnetically conductive shielding layers (such as Mu- Metal®) may be inserted around the magnetic structure or one or more of the magnetic elements to guide or steer or to partially or wholly block projection of high-gradient magnetic field regions. Magnetic shielding may be applied directly to the magnetic elements to shape the high gradient magnetic field regions. Repelling magnetic elements may be employed to steer the projection of high gradient magnetic field regions. One or more of the magnets of the magnetic structure 200 instead of being a single magnet may be a magnetic structure comprised of a plurality of magnets, such as an embodiment of one of the magnetic structures shown Figures 2-7, 9a-9c, 11 -13, 16, 17, or 19-25. Figure 27 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a magnetic structure 300. The magnetic structure 300 comprises a first magnetic element 302, a second magnetic element 304 and a third magnetic element 306. The magnets 302, 304, 306 may be, for example, generally spherical, rectilinear, cylindrical or disk-shaped. Other shapes may be employed. The first magnetic element 302 and the second magnetic element 304 are unbalanced with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the first magnetic element 302 and the second magnetic element 304 may be balanced with respect to each other. As illustrated, the first magnetic element 302 has a greater length than the second magnetic element 304. Other ways of unbalancing the magnetic elements 302, 304 may be employed, such as varying the strength of the magnetic elements. Electromagnets may be employed and the strength adjusted as desired. The first magnetic element 302 and the second magnetic element 304 are held together spaced apart with like poles facing each other to create a high gradient, compressed magnetic field. R3 illustrates example high gradient field regions that might be generated by the magnetic structure 300 taking into account the impact of the magnetic element 306. As illustrated, the high gradient regions R3 are shifted away from, or projected, from the magnetic structure 300. By varying various physical properties of the magnetic structure 300, such as the size, shape, strength of the magnetic elements, the distances between and orientations of the magnetic elements, and the number of magnetic elements employed, the position and strength of the high gradient magnetic field regions generated and projected by the magnetic structure may be changed.

Figure 28 illustrates an electromechanical system 400 employing a magnetic structure 410 comprising a first magnetic element 402, a second magnetic element 404 unbalanced with respect to the first magnetic element 402, and a third magnetic element 406. The magnets 402, 404, 406 may be, for example, generally spherical, rectilinear, cylindrical or disk-shaped. Other shapes may be employed. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements 402, 404 may be balanced with respect to each other. The first magnetic element 402 and the second magnetic element 404 are held together spaced apart with like poles facing together to generated a high gradient compressed magnetic field. The third magnetic element is configured to project a high gradient compressed magnetic field to a region R4 positioned away from the magnetic structure 400. The coil system 420 is configured to move a coil through the high gradient field region R4. The ability to project high gradient magnetic field regions provides substantially increased design flexibility for designing power generators. For example, in applications that would conventionally employ complicated gearing systems to translate mechanical force to a generator, the moving magnetic field could instead be projected to a location of the coil system or a coil system could move with respect to a projected high gradient magnetic field. For example, a windmill could rotate (or move linearly) a magnetic structure in a windmill pod, and a projected magnetic field could generate power by moving through coils in a coil system located at a base of the windmill. The transmission system converting movement of the windmill blades to useful mechanical force could be greatly simplified.

Figure 29 illustrates another embodiment of an electromechanical system 500. The system 500 comprises a magnetic structure 502 configured to selectively generate and project a high gradient magnetic field into a region R5. For example, an embodiment of the magnetic structure 200 of Figure 26 may be employed. The magnetic structure 502 includes or is coupled to a controller 540 configured to control the generation and/or projection of the high gradient magnetic field. As illustrated, the controller comprises a processor 542 and a memory 544. The processor may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory for controlling the selective generation or projection of a high gradient magnetic field. In some embodiments, discrete circuitry, application specific integrated circuits may be employed in addition to or instead of the processor and memory. The system 500 comprises an electronic device 530. The device 530 may comprise, for example, a generator configured to generate electrical energy in response to, for example, a pulsating, oscillating or moving electromagnetic field projected from the magnetic structure 502. The generator may be configured to function when a pulsating magnetic field at a particular frequency is detected, and to disable operation when the field is not detected. In another example, the device 530 may comprise a security subsystem configured to detect a magnetic field of a particular strength or oscillation or pulsating frequency or combination thereof and to enable or disable some or all of the components of the device 530 in response to the detection.

The various embodiments described herein may be incorporated into an integrated circuit. For example, the magnetic structure of Figure 26 or the systems of Figure 28 or Figure 29 may be incorporated into an integrated circuit. Figure 30 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure

700 configured to project a magnetic field. The magnetic structure 700 comprises a first magnetic element 702, a second magnetic element 704 and a third magnetic element 706. The magnetic elements 702, 704, 706 are held spaced apart with like poles facing together so as to generate a compressed magnetic field with high gradient magnetic field regions. The magnetic structure 700 also comprises a fourth magnetic element 708 configured to project a high gradient magnetic field region generated by the magnetic structure 700. One or more of the magnetic elements of magnetic structure 700 may comprise electromagnets to, for example, facilitate selective generation or projecting of magnetic fields or control over pulsing or oscillation of a projected magnetic field.

Figure 31 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure 800 configured to generate and project a compressed high-gradient magnetic field region. The magnetic structure 800 comprises a first magnetic element 802 and a second magnetic element 804. The magnetic elements 802, 804 are held spaced apart with like poles facing together so as to generate a compressed magnetic field with high gradient magnetic field regions. The magnetic structure 800 also comprises a third magnetic element 806 configured to project a high gradient magnetic field region generated by the magnetic structure 800. One or more of the magnetic elements of magnetic structure 800 may comprise electromagnets to, for example, facilitate selective generation or projecting of magnetic fields or control over pulsing or oscillation of a projected magnetic field. Additional magnetic elements may be employed in the generation and/or projection of high-gradient magnetic fields in some embodiments. As illustrated, the magnetic structure 800 is configured to project the generated high-gradient region R1 into the region RV and the generated high-gradient region R2 into the region R2'.

Figure 32 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic structure 900 configured to generate and project a compressed high-gradient magnetic field region. The magnetic structure 900 comprises a first magnetic element 902 and a second magnetic element 904. The magnetic elements 902, 904 are held spaced apart with like poles facing together so as to generate a compressed magnetic field with high gradient magnetic field regions. The magnetic structure 900 also comprises a third magnetic element 906 and a fourth magnetic element 908 configured to project one or more high gradient magnetic field regions generated by the magnetic structure 900. One or more of the magnetic elements of magnetic structure 900 may comprise electromagnets to, for example, facilitate selective generation or projecting of magnetic fields or control over pulsing or oscillation of a projected magnetic field. Additional magnetic elements may be employed in the generation and/or projection of high-gradient magnetic fields in some embodiments. As illustrated, the magnetic structure 900 is configured to project the generated high-gradient region R1 into the region R1 ' and the generated high-gradient region R2 into the region R2'.

Figure 33 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a magnetic structure 1000. The magnetic structure 1000 comprises a first magnetic element 1002, a second magnetic element 1004 and a third magnetic element 1006. The first magnetic element 1002 and the second magnetic element 1004 are unbalanced with respect to each other. Balanced magnetic structures may be employed in some embodiments. As illustrated, the first magnetic element 1002 has a greater length than the second magnetic element 1004. Other ways of unbalancing the magnetic elements 1002, 1004 may be employed, such as varying the strength of the magnetic elements. Electromagnets may be employed and the strength adjusted as desired. The first magnetic element 1002 and the second magnetic element 1004 are held together spaced apart with like poles facing each other to create a high gradient, compressed magnetic field. A third magnetic element 1006 is positioned so as to shift the location, or project, high gradient magnetic field regions generated by the magnetic structure 1000. By varying various physical properties of the magnetic structure 1000, such as the size, shape, strength of the magnetic elements, the distances between and orientations of the magnetic elements (including the poles of the magnetic elements), and the number of magnetic elements employed, the position and strength of the high gradient magnetic field regions generated by the magnetic structure may be changed.

Although specific embodiments of and examples for the coils, magnetic structures, devices, generators/motors, batteries, control modules, energy storage devices and methods of generating and storing energy are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams and examples. Insofar as such block diagrams and examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present subject matter may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). In one embodiment, the present subject matter may be implemented via one or more digital signal processors executing, for example, instructions stored on one or more memories. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs executed by one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs executed by on one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers) as one or more programs executed by one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors), as firmware, using discrete circuitry, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this disclosure. When logic is implemented as software and stored in memory, logic or information can be stored on any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with any processor-related system or method. In the context of this disclosure, a memory is a computer-readable medium that is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that contains or stores a computer and/or processor program. Logic and/or the information can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions associated with logic and/or information. In the context of this specification, a "computer-readable medium" can be any element that can store the program associated with logic and/or information for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, and/or device. The computer-readable medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette (magnetic, compact flash card, secure digital, or the like), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), digital tape. Note that the computer-readable medium could be any suitable medium upon which the program associated with logic and/or information can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in memory.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. For example, multiple magnet magnetic structures configured to generate high gradient field regions may be employed with the various coil systems and generators described above. In another example, multiple magnet magnetic structures may include a magnet or a sub multiple magnet magnetic structure configured to project or to selectively project a magnet field.

All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including but not limited to commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/475,858, 11/475,389, 11/475,564, 11/475,842, 11/762,005, 11/762,005, and 11/762,021 are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

These and other changes can be made in light of the above- detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit embodiments to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure. .

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A magnetic structure comprising: a first magnet having a first pole and a second pole; a second magnet having a first pole and a second pole; and a third magnet having a first pole and a second pole, wherein the first, second and third magnets are held in position with respect to each other with like poles facing together.

2. The magnetic structure of claim 1 , further comprising a fourth magnet having a first pole and a second pole, wherein the first, second, third and fourth magnets are held in position with respect to each other with like poles facing together.

3. A magnetic structure comprising three or more magnets held spaced apart with like poles facing together.

4. A magnetic structure comprising: first means for generating a magnetic field; second means for generating a magnetic field; third means for generating a magnetic field; and means for generating a compressed magnetic field from the first, second and third means for generating magnetic fields.

5. The magnetic structure of claim 4 wherein the means for generating a compressed magnetic field comprises a housing configured to hold the first, second and third means for generating magnetic fields in position with like poles facing together.

6. A magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims comprising a magnetic conductive material covering a portion of a surface of at least one of the magnets of the magnetic structure.

7. A magnetic structure comprising: a first magnet having a first pole and a second pole and a layer of magnetic conductive material covering a portion of a surface of the first magnet; a second magnet having a first pole and a second pole and a layer of magnetic conductive material covering a portion of a surface of the second magnet, wherein the first and second magnets are held in position with respect to each other with like poles facing together.

8. The magnetic structure of claim 7, further comprising a third magnet having a first pole and a second pole.

9. The magnetic structure of claim 7 or 8 wherein the layer of magnetic conductive material covering the portion of the surface of the first magnet covers a portion of the first pole of the first magnet.

10. The magnetic structure of claim 7, 8 or 9 wherein the layer of magnetic conductive material covering the portion of the surface of the second magnet covers a portion of the first pole of the second magnet.

11. The magnetic structure of any of claims 6 through 10 wherein the layer of magnetic conductive material covering the portion of the surface of the first magnet covers a portion of a side of the first magnet adjacent to the first pole of the first magnet.

12. A magnetic structure comprising: first means for generating a magnetic field; first means for conducting magnetic fields coupled to the first means for generating a magnetic field; second means for generating a magnetic field; second means for conducting magnetic fields coupled to the second for generating a magnetic field; and means for generating a compressed magnetic field from the first and second means for generating magnetic fields.

13. The magnetic structure of claim 12 wherein the means for generating a compressed magnetic field comprises a housing configured to hold the first and second means for generating magnetic fields in position with like poles facing together.

14. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims wherein the magnetic structure has a spherical shape.

15. The magnetic structure of any of claims 1 -13 wherein the magnetic structure has a cylindrical shape.

16. The magnetic structure of any of claims 1 -13 wherein the magnetic structure has a rectilinear shape.

17. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims wherein the magnetic structure is configured to generate a compressed magnetic field.

18. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims wherein at least one of the magnets is unbalanced with respect to at least one other magnet in the magnetic structure.

19. The magnetic structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the magnetic structure is configured to generate a magnetic field comprising high gradient field regions.

20. The magnetic structure of claim 19 wherein at least one high gradient field region is parallel and adjacent to a plane passing between two magnets of the magnetic structure.

21. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims, further comprising a magnetic element configured to project a magnetic field region generated by the magnetic structure.

22. The magnetic structure of claim 21 wherein the magnetic element configured to project the magnetic field region comprises an electromagnet.

23. The magnetic structure of claim 21 wherein the magnetic element configured to project the magnetic field region comprises a multiple- magnet magnetic structure.

24. The magnetic structure of claim 21 wherein the magnetic element configured to project the magnetic field region is configured to selectively project the high-gradient magnetic field region.

25. A magnetic structure comprising: a first magnetic element having a first pole and a second pole; a second magnetic element having a first pole and a second pole, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are held in position with respect to each other with like poles facing together; and a third magnetic element configured to project a magnetic field region generated by the first and second magnetic elements.

26. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims wherein at least one of the magnetic elements comprises an electromagnet.

27. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims wherein at least one of the magnetic elements comprises a permanent magnet.

28. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims wherein at least one of the magnetic elements comprises a cylindrical magnet.

29. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims wherein the magnetic structure is configured to generate a pulsating magnetic field region.

30. The magnetic structure of any of the proceeding claims wherein the magnetic structure is configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field region.

31. The magnetic structure of any of claims 25-30 wherein at least one of the magnetic elements is unbalanced with respect to at least one other magnetic element in the magnetic structure.

32. The magnetic structure of any of claims 21 -30 wherein the projected magnetic field region comprises a high-gradient field region.

33.. A magnetic structure comprising: first means for generating a magnetic field; second means for generating a magnetic field; and means for projecting a magnetic field generated by the first and second means for generating a magnetic field.

34. A system comprising a magnetic structure of any of the above claims.

35. The system of claim 34 comprising means for generating electrical energy.

36. The system of claim 35 wherein the means for generating electrical energy is configured to generate electrical energy in response to a projected magnetic field region.

37. A system according to any of claims 34 to 36 comprising means for detecting a projected magnetic field.

38. A system according to any of claims 34-37 comprising means for controlling operation of the system based on a projected magnetic field.

39. A system according to any of claims 34-38 comprising means for controlling projection of a magnetic field region.

40. A method, comprising: generating a compressed magnetic field using any of the magnetic structures of claims 1 -33; and projecting the compressed magnetic field.

41. The method of claim 40 further comprising controlling the generation of the compressed magnetic field.

42. The method of claim 40 or claim 41 comprising controlling the projection of the compressed magnetic field.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein a controller is configured to control the projection of the compressed magnetic field.

44. The method of any of claims 40-43, further comprising detecting the projected compressed magnetic field.

45. The method of claim 44 further comprising controlling a system based on the detection of the projected compressed magnetic field.

46. A computer-readable memory medium whose contents cause a controller to at least partially control the method of any of claims 40-45.