Abstract:
Two independent, cooperating systems, comprising a permanent magnet system and an electromagnet system, are employed to suspend a movable body. Permanent magnets are employed to carry all static loads; whereas electromagnets are used for control purposes only. Persisting net force producing electrical energization of the electromagnet system resulting from displacement of the movable body is caused to be augmented until the movable body is repositioned to an oppositely displaced position of substantial equilibrium with minimized net force producing electrical energization of the electromagnet system. So using the permanent magnet system in cooperation with the electromagnet system results in magnetic suspension which approaches zero power as a limit regardless of how much mass is freely suspended.
Abstract:
MAGNETIC SUSPENSION APPARATUS FOR SUSPENDING A MOVABLE BODY BETWEEN A PAIR OF ELECTROMAGNETS EXERTING RADIAL CENTERING FORCES AND OPPOSED AXIAL PULLING FORCES IN WHICH EACH ELECTROMAGNET COMPRISES AN INNER CYLINDRICAL PERMEABLE MEMBER AND AN OUTER CYLINDRICAL PERMEABLE MEMBER COAXIAL THEREWITH HAVING AN ELECTROMAGNET COIL SITUATED IN THE SPACE BETWEEN THESE TWO CYLINDRICAL MEMBERS.