WO1997029536A1 - Fully programmable, variable speed, true positioning coil - Google Patents

Abstract

A conically tapered coil (70) generating a nonuniform magnetic field in its central bore (78), the magnetic field acting upon a line passing through the central bore (78). A conically tapered coil (70) has a nonuniform winding pattern (76) that creates the conically tapered coil around a central bore. When current is passed through the conically tapered coil (70), a nonuniform magnetic field is generated within the central bore (78). The nonuniform magnetic field is stronger adjacent the area of more windings and weaker adjacent the area with fewer windings. A magnetizable line passing through the bore (78) is susceptible to the nonuniform magnetic field generated within the coil's central bore (78). By controlling the current passing through the coil (70), the position of the line may be controlled with respect to the coil. In alternative embodiments, opposing or aligned coils may be coaxially aligned with a line passing through the central bores of the coils. The line may be uniformly or nonuniformly magnetizable. A wide variety of applications are available for the present invention which may substitute for previous mechanisms used to control motion and position. In some applications, a specific voltage will place a magnetizable line at a specific position. For other applications continuous linear travel may be made relative between the coil and the line.

Description

FULLY PROGRAMMABLE, VARIABLE SPEED, TRUE POSITIONING COIL

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the generation of nonuniform magnetic fields via wire-wrapped coils and, more particularly, to a conically tapered coil and advantageous configurations thereof in conjunction with uniformly and non-uniformly magnetizable lines, shafts, and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

Solenoids, or coils, have been known in the art for several years. Primarily, such coils have been cylindrical in nature and create within the central bore a uniform magnetic field. The uniform magnetic field within the solenoid provides an advantageous way to generate magnetic forces upon ferromagnetic and other similar lines, or shafts, in order to drive them directionally.

A long coil of wire consisting of many loops is called a solenoid. A solenoid has many uses. Its magnetic field generated by the charging of current through the coil wires resembles that of a bar magnet. The magnetic field inside a solenoid can be fairly large since it is the sum of the fields generated by the current passing through each loop.

The art and science of generating electromagnetic fields by running electric current through a coil (solenoid) has a well-established history. In fact, several useful devices have been developed that specifically make use of the electromagnetic force potential created by solenoids. Examples include the following: starter motors, doorbells, proton accelerators, armatures to open and close valves, plungers, "lifters" on electric trains, vibration-dampening systems in aerospace, and so forth. Toward the center of the solenoid, the field is nearly uniform in geometry.

The field outside the solenoid is very small compared to the field inside (except near the ends). The smaller outer field occurs since the same number of field lines that are concentrated inside the solenoid spread out into the vast open space on the exterior of the coil. Solenoids have many useful applications. One such application is a solenoid into which a rod of iron (or other magnetically attractive material) is partially inserted. This configuration is at the heart of most doorbell designs. When the circuit is closed by pushing the button, the coil effectively becomes a magnet and exerts a force on the iron rod as any magnet would. The rod is rapidly pulled into the coil, striking the chimes in the process. A larger solenoid is used in the starter motors of cars. When one engages the starter, one is closing a circuit that not only turns the starter motor but activates a solenoid that first moves the starter into contact with the engine. Solenoids are used as switches in many other mechanical devices, such as tape recorders. They have the advantage of moving mechanical parts quickly and with some accuracy.

Traditional designs of solenoids are generally that of a symmetrical cylinder with a hollow center for the insertion of a metal shaft, or line (Figure 1). Figure IA shows a solenoid having a magnetic end-piece to impart direction to the object of attraction.

Another design is that of a near-rectangular-shape coil that generates a magnetic force from either end of the coil. Others include a disk type and more intricate designs with perforations on the coil to allow better heat dissipation. Traditional solenoids are used primarily as switches to turn on or off a mechanical device, such as that of a valve. The electrical current and the thickness of the coil determine the amount of magnetic force the solenoid generates.

With the exception of the proton accelerator, the solenoid proper has not been the principal means of a propulsion system or the driving principle in creating mechanical work over relatively long distances. In all solenoid designs, the thickness of the coil is maintained uniform across the surface in order to generate a consistent electromagnetic force. Consider the following examples relevant to Figures 2 and 3.

(I) A uniformly distributed cylindrical solenoid:

When the solenoid is activated, it will lift the line, up if the electromagnetic field is greater than the weight (mass times gravity) of the line itself. Ultimately, the line will come to rest when the lifting force of the solenoid is equal to the force due to gravity acting on the line (somewhere close to the midpoint of the line).

(II) If a spring is used; however, the electromagnetic force must not only overcome the weight of the line but the spring force as well. The spring force is a function of compression.

F = -k(X₂ - X )

Thus, at a specific field strength, the spring is compressed to a certain extent, thereby allowing the line to move with some control to a predictable location.

(III) By varying the electromagnetic field strength (increasing or decreasing the current), the line can be lifted to any point within the allowable pitch of the solenoid. This allows greater control than the previous example.

The electromagnetic field for the solenoid is directly proportional to the electrical current supplied through the wire and the number of coil revolutions per unit length of the coil. It can generally be represented by the following equation:

where

B = electromagnetic field potential n = number of wire revolutions per unit length i = electrical current μ₀ = coil constant (scalar)

From this equation, it is obvious that both n and i can be varied to increase the magnetic field. The electric current can thus be manipulated to move the line, up and down. Similarly, one can vary the number of wire revolutions, i.e. , increase the thickness of the coil, to increase the magnetic force for the same given current input.

It is important to note that in all of the above examples, the length of travel the line has cannot be more than its length. As the line travels from one end to the other, the line's polarity is fixed due to the nature of the magnetic field generated at each end of the solenoid.

However, as the line extends past the other end, the polarity of the section outside the solenoid reverses and starts to exert an opposing force on the line. This opposing force, given all other forces being equal, causes the line to "center" itself within the solenoid. This fact is critical since the potential force of the solenoid is equal throughout its length. (IV) In the case of proton accelerators, electromagnetic fields are generated and shaped by strategically placing heavy-duty electromagnets (solenoid-type devices) along a toroidal-shaped path. Once the molecule-size particle is delivered into the accelerator, the selective activation/deactivation of the electromagnets pulls and accelerates the particles through the toroid.

In this case, the electromagnets are used for the sole purpose of accelerating atomic particles. The terms "propulsion" and/or "mechanical motion" are not appropriate descriptions for the type of movement imparted by the use of the solenoids in this application. It is more appropriate to say that the particles are accelerated and then delivered to their target. It is in the area of propulsion and precise mechanical movement that the submitted inventions surpass what has been done before. The act of generating controlled electromagnetic fields working in conjunction with unique rail line systems allows the present invention to provide a new means of creating precise mechanical motion and or propulsion.

While cylindrical coils are advantageously put to such use, the geometry of the fields inside such coils is uniform generally throughout the cavity of the central bore. A uniform field in the central bore does not give any variable response over the field area as the field is uniform. There is no gradation, nor is there any change, with respect to the field created by the cylindrical coil.

Such a uniform field created by a cylindrical coil merely snaps the line into place within the central coil bore. Such action takes place in a step-wise fashion and occurs upon achieving the appropriate field intensity within the central bore. Before that, the field is too weak to move the line and will only gradually build up until it can move the line into place within the central bore.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention resides predominantly in the construction and operation of a conically tapered coil that provides a nonuniform magnetic field within the cavity of its central bore. By providing a nonuniform magnetic field, greater control may be exercised over the movements of lines, including shafts and rail lines, forced to travel through the central bore by means of the magnetic field therein. This precision and control is augmented by implementing several advantageous designs that make use of the conically tapered coil and the nonuniform magnetic field it generates. The submitted invention relies on using specific properties of coil design and breakthroughs in line (rail line/shaft/chain) manufacturing to achieve mechanical movement and propulsion. To summarily describe the invention's theory of operation, it is helpful to discuss coil design and line design separately.

Coil Design In the case of the basic tapered coil configuration (conically tapered coil with a conventional line, or shaft), the precise position of the line can be easily predicted and achieved by balancing the forces acting on the line.

For example, consider the configuration of an ordinary line, or shaft, that is vertically oriented in a conically tapered coil and with only the forces of gravity and the electromagnetic force potential B acting on it. The force B can be predicted as a function of the tapered coil's geometry, materials makeup, and current throughput.

(Please see Figures 9 and 11).

F_R = - 1 E03, a)

where

_F(β, „) - rn ^{« +} C^{2 +} ^ 10 i

1 + (1 + β²) ² β

and

D₂ = D_s a, tan θ

It is helpful at this point to revisit some basic principles of Newtonian and Coil Physics:

1) Force (F) is equal to mass (m) times acceleration (a or g for gravitational acceleration). Commonly expressed as:

F - ma

F_s - mg

2) Distance traveled (x_d) along any one Cartesian axis is equal to the starting velocity (v₀) times starting time (t₀) plus the product of 0.5 times acceleration (a) times the square of the time in which the travel occurred (t) and the addition of the original ordinate (x„). Commonly expressed as:

^xd ^'- V ^{at l x}

3) The sum of the forces acting on a body at rest must sum to zero.

ΣF -- 0

Returning to the example, the force acting on the line in the conically tapered coil is equal to the following:

B ma

Therefore, to predict any distance traveled (x_d) over the time (t), one only needs to rewrite the equation for x_d to get:

This last equation assumes the line was at ordinate (0,0) and that time t₀ = 0. It is clear that for any incremental change in the balance of forces B and F, a corresponding a will be created. This will result in change in position equal to x_d that will occur over time t as predicted in the equation, above.

The equation above helps to explain a very important difference between the common solenoid and the conically tapered coil of the present invention: once the initial force acting on the line is overcome and a small distance x_d is achieved, force

B increases nonlinearly in a conventional solenoid and continues to increase over x_d. This leads to the phenomenon of what appears to be a "snap" or "jump" on the part of the line going through the solenoid trying to reach equilibrium.

Because of the conical shape of the conically tapered coil, the increase in force B is less pronounced than that of a conventional solenoid. To achieve similar results in a conventional solenoid, the current i must be decreased as the line travels the length of the coil. In practice, however, this is difficult without sophisticated control mechanisms.

Line Design In conventional line (rail line/shaft/chain) designs employed extensively in the art, the length of the line is generally not more than twice the coil's length. Hence, the degree of freedom the line has in travel is limited. Although line length can be made longer for special applications, it is generally more desirable to make the coil longer too for the purposes of minimizing energy consumption or heat generation. Ignoring the length of the line for a moment, the coil in which the line travels ultimately affects the effective travel length of the line. To illustrate this, reference is now made to Figure 1.

When the solenoid is energized, the coil will exert a force on the line causing the line to move to the left. This is because the center of gravity (or center of mass) of the line is to the right of the midpoint of the coil. If the center of gravity of the coil were to have been on the left side of the midpoint of the coil, it would have traveled to the right.

Once the center of mass of the line goes beyond the midpoint of the coil, there is more attractive material on one side of the coil. Therefore, there is slightly more force acting on one side of the coil than on the other. At this point, the small electromagnetic forces outside the coil's center must be taken into consideration.

The line will continue to oscillate under the coil's electromagnetic force until reaching equilibrium. In the case of a coil with friction forces present, the pitch of oscillation reduces very fast; or it can be said that the frequency has a "high Q value. "

From this example, it is clear that a coil designed with an equilibrium force occurring at some point other than its midpoint will cause the aforementioned line to come to rest in a skewed manner. This phenomenon is necessary for mechanical motion and propulsion to work in the present invention. If the length of the magnetic and non-magnetic material is spaced in such a way that, as the forces on the initial magnetic portion of the rail line approach equilibrium and the other magnetic materials "feel" an attraction, it is possible to create an indefinite continuous linear or angular motion in one direction. This is shown in Figure 29. By combining concepts of nonuniform coil design and staggered rail line design, precise mechanical motion and propulsion is achievable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a cylindrical solenoid coil with a moveable line traveling through its central bore as was known prior to the present invention. Figure IA shows a cylindrical solenoid coil with a magnetic end piece and a moveable piston line traveling through its central bore as was known prior to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a cylindrical solenoid coil with a line as was known previous to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a cylindrical solenoid coil and line having a spring as was known previous to the present invention. The phantom lines show movement of the line with respect to the coil.

Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a conically tapered coil of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows a conically tapered coil of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a top perspective view of a tapered coil according to the present invention.

Figure 11 shows a labeled cross section of a tapered solenoid coil of the present invention.

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the tapered coil of the present invention. Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the tapered coil of the present invention.

Figure 14 shows a cross section of a dual tapered coil configuration.

Figure 15 shows a cross section of a dual tapered coil configuration.

Figure 16 shows a cross section of a dual tapered coil configuration. Figure 17 shows a cross section of a dual tapered coil configuration.

Figure 18 shows in cross section a dual tapered coil having a rotating line traveling through its central bore.

Figure 19 shows in cross section a tapered coil rotating about a central line.

Figure 20 shows in cross section the female configuration of the present invention.

Figure 21 shows in side cross section the male configuration of the present invention.

Figure 22 shows in side cross section the male-female configuration of the present invention.

Figure 23 shows in side cross section the female-male configuration of the present invention.

Figure 24 shows in side cross section sections of a sectional tapered coil according to the present invention.

Figure 25 shows in top cross section a sectional tapered coil having gaps between the individual elements, Figure 26 shows a side view of a line section for use with the tapered coil of the present invention.

Figure 27 shows a side view of a line section for use in the present invention. Figure 28 shows a side view of a line section for use in the present invention. Figure 29A shows a side view of a line section for use in the present invention.

Figure 29B shows a side view of a chain for use in the present invention. Figure 29C shows a top view of the chain shown in Figure 29B. Figure 30 shows a side view of a line section for use in the present invention. Figure 31 shows a cross-sectional view of the line shown in Figure 30, taken generally along line 31-31 of Figure 30.

Figure 32 shows a side view of a line section for use in the present invention. Figure 33 shows a side view of a line section for use in the present invention. Figure 34 shows a plan view of a shield wrap section for use in the present invention. Figure 35 shows a side perspective view of a line wrapped in the shield shown in Figure 34.

Figure 36 shows a line formed into the shape of a ring for use in the present invention.

Figure 37 shows a side view of a line section for use in the configuration of Figure 36.

Figure 38 shows a side view of a line section for use in the configuration shown in Figure 36.

Figure 39 shows a line for use in the present invention formed into the shape of a ring.

Figure 40 shows a side view of a line section for use in the configuration of 5 Figure 39.

Figure 41 shows a control circuit for use in conjunction with two tapered coils. Figure 42 shows a control circuit for use in the present invention. Figure 43 shows a control circuit for use in the present invention. Figure 44 shows a control circuit for use in the present invention. io Figure 45 shows a control circuit for use in the present invention as well as input and output wave forms.

Figure 46 shows a control circuit for use in the present invention. Figure 47 shows a control circuit for use in the present invention. Figure 48 shows a control circuit for use in the present invention and an output i5 wave form.

Figure 49 shows a control circuit for use in the present invention. Figure 50 shows a side cross-sectional view of a tapered coil for use in the present invention including a line and a spring.

Figure 51 shows a side cross-sectional view of a tapered coil of the present 20 invention, showing a line having a nonuniform magnetization with a spring.

Figure 52 shows a side cross-sectional view of an opposing tapered coil pair with a line of nonuniform magnetization.

Figure 53 shows a side cross-sectional view of a configuration of the present invention. 25 Figure 54 shows in side cross-sectional view a configuration of the present invention.

Figure 55 shows in side cross-sectional view a configuration of the present invention.

Figure 56 shows a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of 3o the present invention.

Figure 57 shows in side cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 58 shows in side cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 59 shows in side cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 60 shows in side cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 61 shows in side cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 62 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a line formed into a ring having two tapered coils.

Figure 63 shows a side view of a line section for use in the configuration shown in Figure 62.

Figure 64 shows a side view of a line section for use in the configuration shown in Figure 62.

Figure 65 shows a line formed into a ring about which are two tapered coils according to the present invention.

Figure 66 shows a side view of a line section for use in the configuration shown in Figure 65. Figure 67 shows a side view of a line section for use in the configuration shown in Figure 65.

Figure 68 shows a side-sectional view of a male-female configuration along the lines of those shown in Figure 22.

Figure 69 shows in side cross-sectional view an opposing pair of dual tapered coils along the lines of the male-female configuration shown in Figure 68.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in the generation of nonuniform magnetic fields in order to provide propulsion on either a limited or continuous basis. Such propulsion may be precisely controlled and allows the present invention to serve as a mechanical driver in the microelectronics industry or to provide the engines necessary to propel large cars for mass transportation. Other uses and implementation may also occur between and beyond these two scales of use.

The functions of the present invention set forth herein can and do have a wide range of applications. The reasons why they have not been adapted for the general purposes of mechanical motion or propulsion are unclear. It is believed that the general state-of-the-science has devoted much effort into describing the electromagnetic field itself and the means in which it can be generated and controlled. Ultimately, many may have ignored or dismissed the potential applications of using electromagnetic forces for propulsion and/or finely controlled mechanical motion. The subject invention proposes to apply the well-established science of electromagnetic field generation (EMF) for the purposes of controlled mechanical motion and propulsion. The invention has two components: 1) a high-resolution, controllable EMF-generating coil and 2) a line (including shafts and rail lines) system that employs a unique manufacturing methodology to aid in the mechanics of propulsion. The line system is not required when the line, travels short distances on the order of less than 3/2 length of the tapered coil.

The first part of the invention involves the creation of specific EMFs. One means of achieving this goal is to make use of a tapered coil to generate a variable field.

Coil Construction

As is shown in Figure 4, the present invention may be realized by forming a stepped coil 2 to generate a nonuniform magnetic field within its central bore 4. A spool (not shown) can serve as the basis for the stepped coil 2 of the present invention. Similarly, other binding or supporting structures may also be used in order to provide a support and to provide the central bore cavity 4. For purposes of description, a spool (not shown) is presumed to be used in order to fabricate the true positioning coil of the present invention.

Initially, a first wire-wrapping portion 6 is wrapped around the spool to provide a certain width and length of wire wrapping for the first wire-wrapping portion. As shown in Figure 4, the first wire-wrapping portion 6 covers approximately the top half of the stepped coil 2. A second wire-wrapping portion 8 is provided by wrapping wire around the bottom half of the spool. The second wire- wrapping portion 8 is of approximately the same length but approximately half the width of the first wire-wrapping portion 6. The first and second wire-wrapping

5 portions 6, 8 are electrically connected so that current running through the first wire- wrapping portion also runs through the second wire-wrapping portion. Generally, both first and second wire wrapping portions 6, 8 will have the same current running through them from the same source. Wires 10 serve to supply the stepped coil 2 with its current, generally supplied by applying a constant voltage across the wires 10. o When the stepped coil 2 of the present invention is energized, the first and second wire- wrapping portions 6, 8 will each generate individual magnetic fields within the central bore 4. Due to the greater number of wire windings about the central bore 4 by the first wire-wrapping portion 6, a correspondingly greater magnetic field is generated within the local confines of the central bore 4 adjacent to s the first wire-wrapping portion 6 than are generated by the second wire-wrapping portion 8 in the central bore 4 adjacent the second wire-wrapping portion. The magnetic fields generated in the central bore 4 by the first and second wire- wrapping portions 6, 8 supplement each other according to the location in question inside the central bore 4. Generally, this leads to a two-step field within the central bore 4 with o a transition portion between the two areas of differing field strength.

When a ferromagnetic line, or shaft, 12 or the like is introduced into the central bore 4, it is initially influenced by the weaker magnetic field generated in the central bore 4 by the second wire-wrapping portion 8. The line 12 is then drawn into the stepped coil 2 by the field of the second wire wrapping portion 8. As the line 12 5 approaches the central bore 4 portion adjacent the first wire- wrapping portion 6, the magnetic field dramatically increases to more strongly urge the line 12 further into the central bore 4. The field generated by the first wire-wrapping portion 6 also pulls the line 12 with greater force into the central bore 4.

As used herein, the term "line" is contemplated as generically encompassing o shafts, rods, rail lines, chains, cables and similar structures for use in the present invention. Due to the different field strengths within the central bore 4, a line 12 is gradually pulled into the central bore 4 then, as it reaches fields of greater strength, the line 12 feels a stronger pull into the central bore 4. In this way, control can be exercised over the acceleration, speed, and travel of the line 12 by varying the widths and thicknesses of the first and second wire wrapping portions 6, 8 as well as the current traveling through the supply wires 10 and into the stepped coil 2 of the present invention.

The same influence upon the line 12 is realized by the embodiment shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, a first wire wrapping portion 20 surrounds a first portion of the spool (not shown). The portion of the spool that is surrounded by the first wire- wrapping portion 20 may be the entire length of the spool. A second wire wrapping portion 22 is shown as surrounding the top portion of the first wire-wrapping portion 20. As can be seen from inspection of Figure 5, the first wire-wrapping portion has a width and length as does the second wire-wrapping portion. The width of the second wire-wrapping portion may be considered to be greater than the first wire-wrapping portion if the diametric distance is considered in determining the width of the second wire-wrapping portion. Wires 24 serve to supply the first and second wire-wrapping portions with electricity, generally from impressing a voltage across the wires 24.

If the cross section of the stepped coil 18 shown in Figure 5 is the same as that shown in the stepped coil 2 of Figure 4, the fields generated within the central bores

4, 26 are identical. This is so as the field generated by the second wire- wrapping portion 22 adds to that generated by the first wire-wrapping portion 20 so as to make the magnetic field present in the top portion of central bore 26 significantly larger than that generated in the bottom portion. As the magnetic fields are identical in the stepped coils 2, 18 of Figures 4 and 5, respectively, the behavior of lines 12 inside the central bores 4, 26, when the stepped coils 2, 18 are energized, is likewise the same. Lines may also be introduced into the coils 2, 18 at the opposite end so that they may be subject to the stronger field first.

In this simple version, there is a "step" built into the electromagnetic coil. This causes, and therefore provides, two different regions where the EMFs (or forces) are different. Thus, not only can the electric current be used to move the line, but the new geometry of the coil's thickness contributes to the locomotion of the line. When the line reaches the region with the thicker coil, it will continue to move upward without the addition of electrical current. As a side note, if the line where to extend past the larger diameter of the coil, it will reverse polarity and cause the line to come to rest at some point above the midpoint of the line.

The accomplishment with this modified geometric design is the following: Because of the differential fields, the line can be precisely controlled using constant voltage, so much so that a specific voltage will place the line in a specific location on a consistent basis. Following the previous reasoning, the more steps that one builds into the coil, the finer control the coil provides.

In Figures 6 and 7, the process is continued. Adding more horizontal or vertical layers serves to increase the number of gradations present in the magnetic field generated in the central core of the stepped coil. In Figure 6, the stepped coil 30 has first, second, third, and fourth wire- wrapping portions 32, 34, 36, 38, respectively. Magnetic fields generated within the central bore 40 by the wire wrapping portions are similarly stepped as travel is made up the stepped coil 30. Wires 42 serve to supply the wire-wrapping portions with electricity. As for the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the wire-wrapping portions are electrically connected so that the same currents may run through the wires of the wire-wrapping portions.

In Figure 7, the stepped coil 50 has the following: first wire-wrapping portion 52, second wire-wrapping portion 54, third wire-wrapping portion 56, and fourth wire-wrapping portion 58. Wires 60 supply the stepped coil 50 with its power. As the cross section of the stepped coil in Figure 7 is generally the same as that shown in

Figure 6, the same field geometry will be generated in the central bore 62 of the stepped coil 50 as for the central bore 40 of the stepped coil 30.

When the stepped coil 50 is energized by electricity through wires 60, the line 12 initially is attracted by the portion of the stepped coil 50 adjacent the lowermost end of the stepped coil 50. This portion of the field is generally generated by the first wire-wrapping portion 52. The line 12 is then pulled into the central bore 62 by the magnetic field generated by the first-wrapping portion 52. As the line 12 travels further into the central bore 62, the field generated by the first and second wire- wrapping portions 52, 54 are impressed upon the line 12. This attracts the line 12 even further into the central bore 62 where it subsequently and successively feels the influences of the fields generated by the first, second and third wire-wrapping portions

52, 54, 56 and ultimately the first, second, third, and fourth wire-wrapping portions 52, 54, 56, 58.

As the line 12 travels further into the central bore, it encounters a stepped field of increasingly greater strength that pulls the line 12 into the central bore 62. The reverse may also be true when the line enters from the bore's opposite side.

As shown in Figure 10, a stepped coil 70 is shown wound about a spool 72, having wires 74 leading away from the spool and the stepped coil 70. A large number of wire-wrapping portion coil steps (individually denoted by the reference number 76) are shown as tapering toward the open end of the central bore 78. The materials contemplated for use in the stepped coils of the present invention include low-resistance, high-current capacity wires or the like or as are already known with respect to current conductance. The spool or other means used to support the internal structure of the central bores of the stepped coils are generally known in the art and are preferably insulators, such as materials currently marketed under the name DELRIN^®.

Ultimately, the greatest control will be achieved with infinitesimal steps. This is the first half of the invention — a conical-shaped electromagnetic coil. Preliminary testing of such a coil demonstrates precision control to one thousandth of an inch, and with 1/3 less power draw compared to a conventional solenoid performing the same work.

Geometrically looking at a cross section, when the current is increased slightly, the line is lifted slightly; when the line is lifted, an additional layer of coils covers the line. With the width of this new layer being greater, the average number of coils per unit length is increased, thereby contributing to the lift of the line as well. As the number of steps of wire-wrapping portions are increased, the number of steps is limited only by the wire diameter and, ultimately, a smooth and non-stepped external surface is realized by a stepped coil. The gradation of the stepped coil is smooth and continuous and is considered to be a conically tapered coil having a smooth exterior and a smooth transition between the narrow open portion having a low magnetic field generating capacity to a wider and broader portion having a much greater capacity for magnetic field generation. Such conically tapered coils are shown in Figures 8 and 9. In Figure 8, a conically tapered coil 80 is shown in cross section, having a central bore 82 through which a line 84 may pass. The conically tapered coil 80 is sloped in a continuous manner from a narrow base portion 86 to a wider top portion 88. Wires 90 supply the conically tapered coil 80 with its electrical power. The conically tapered coil 80 is a continuous wire wrapped around the spool (not shown) or other binding or support media. Voltage impressed upon the wires 90 is transmitted throughout the conically tapered coil 80. As the individual wire wrappings of the conically tapered coil 80 serve as wire-wrapping portions as shown in Figures 4-7, the number of steps in the wire-wrapping portions present in the conically tapered coil is determined by the width of the coil and the thickness of the wire. The wire-wrapping portions present in the conically tapered coil 80 need not necessarily be horizontal or vertical but may be of any other geometry so long as the general cross section of the conically tapered coil 80 is preserved. The preservation of the cross section is significant as the conically tapered coil 80 is considered to have the entirety of its internal structure filled with conductors running circularly around the central bore 82. This provides for the greatest field possible generated inside the central bore 82. While allowance for gaps or breaks within the interior of the conically tapered coil might be made, corresponding loss in the magnetic field generating the central bore would be disadvantageously achieved. Mathematically, the force at any one point along the line axis can be calculated as follows (with reference made to Figures 9 and 11):

F_B = ^ ¹ Fβ, a) ^B , 2β( -l)

where F _riβ, a .) = - Aπ^β , In + ( iα² + β z-²±)γ²

1 + (1 + /3²) ²

α

Z>,

a β D

and - _s S£ tan 0

From the equation stated above, it is predictable that the angle of the coil can be predetermined to allow for either more torque or control. To obtain greater torque per unit length, the angle can be set between 45° and 90°; to allow for finer control and less torque, the angle should be between 0° and 45°.

As shown in Figures 12 and 13 the angle of attack of the tapered portion of the conically tapered coil 80 may be modified to give either greater torque on a line inside the central bore 82 or greater control over the line. Figure 12 shows a very sharp angle of attack, giving greater force upon a line placed inside the central bore 82. Figure 13 shows a lesser angle of attack. The coil 80 of Figure 13 gives greater control over the travel of a line. Generally, the angle of 45° is seen as a boundary by which such designations can be made between conically tapered coils 80 that deliver greater force or greater control. Those conically tapered coils 80 that deliver greater force generally have angles of attack greater than 45° (from the vertical as shown in Figure 12). Those conically tapered coils 80 having angles of attack less than 45° are generally considered to give greater control over a line (such as is shown in Figure 13).

Not only does the conically tapered coil have the advantages outlined above, it is also a more flexible candidate for other applications. Because of its nonuniform configuration and its nonuniformly distributed fields, certain desirable characteristics are realized when a combination of conically tapered coils are utilized. The locomotive properties arising from such configurations are described in more detail below. Unlike solenoids such as those shown in Figures 1 and IA, the conically tapered coil of the present invention does not have nor does it require a magnetic end- piece to impart direction to the object of attraction. The purpose of previous solenoids is to create an electromagnetic field of sufficient strength to attract a metallic piston or rod. However, the attractive force is of little consequence unless it can be directed or controlled in order to achieve the desired objective. The principal method of controlling direction in previous solenoids is achieved by: 1) geometric configuration of the plunger, and 2) making use of a magnetic end-piece. Both the rod and the end-piece are required to control the direction of the motion. Figure IA illustrates this principle. If the end-piece were placed on the other end of the solenoid and enlarged to allow the larger-diameter end of the rod to pass, the rod would not work and would not traverse the length of the solenoid. It would simply "stick" to the strongest attractive force present; namely, the end-piece.

The conically tapered coils of the present invention make use of their geometry and their associated rail line system to control travel direction. The specific theory of operation is described herein in further detail. The means by which solenoids already known and conically tapered coils impart motion are different.

The terms "motor work" and "mechanical motion" have been previously to describe the type of movement generated by electromagnetic systems. These terms "mechanical motion" and/or "motor work" are most commonly applied to situations in which circular or angular momentum is principally generated by the electromagnetic device. Examples of such devices include the electric motor, or dynamo, electric generator, and so forth. In all these previous cases, the process of imparting "motion" is not similar to that implemented by the present invention. The conically tapered coil of the present inventive system imparts work (Force times Linear Distance). Although angular momentum can be explained by the in terms of "motor work" and "mechanical motion," the conically tapered coil of the present invention generally imparts linear, not circular, motion to its rail line, or shaft.

Having established the basic foundations of a conically tapered coil 80, as set forth and as shown in Figures 8-13, it is contemplated that certain advantages are realized by configuring conically tapered coils in tandem. As shown in Figure 14, a pair of conically tapered coils 102, 104 are shown in tandem where the wider end of a first coil 102 is adjacent the narrower end of a second coil 104. The arrows indicate the direction of the magnetic field in Figure 14. The tandem-coil configuration of Figure 14 is considered to be one most advantageously used to accelerate a line through the coaxial central bores of the coils 102, 104.

Conversely, and as shown in Figure 15, when the narrower portion 106 of the first coil 102 is situated adjacent the wider portion 112 of second coil 104, a deceleration configuration is achieved by the coaxial alignment of the central bores of the two coils.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the coils may be placed so that they face in opposite, rather than the same, directions. In this case, an adjustment configuration is achieved that can provide very advantageous positioning for a line placed within the coaxial central bores of the tapered coils. In Figure 16, a first coil 120 has its wider end 122 adjacent the wider end 124 of the second coil 126. As shown in Figure 16, the wider ends 122, 124 of the tapered coils 120, 126 have been placed in adjacent locations. However, the narrow ends 128, 130 might also be placed in adjacent, or close, position in order to achieve generally the same effect as the configuration shown in Figure 16. By controlling the currents present in the coils, a line (not shown) may be positioned precisely within the confines of the central bores 132, 134. One means by which this may be accomplished is by allocating a current supplied to both coils 120, 126 in a manner so that a portion of the current is allocated to the first coil 120 and the second portion is allocated to the second coil 126. By inversely relating the currents through the two coils, the line (not shown) may be precisely positioned within the bores 132, 134. The gap 136 present between the two adjacent wide ends 122, 124 of the coils 120, 126 may be of any general distance. This distance is spanned by the line (not shown). As the ends of the line are subject to the magnetic fields generated by the tapered coils 120, 126, the center of the line may be controlled by inversely distributing the power between the two coils 120, 126. The configuration in Figure 16 is shown using those tapered coils also shown in Figure 13, giving greater control over the direction and travel of the line. With the use of the mildly sloped tapered coils, a bidirectional fine-adjustment configuration is achieved.

Alternatively, as shown Figure 17, tapered coils 140, 142 having a greater angle of attack are shown in a bidirectional quick-adjustment configuration. In Figure

17, the narrow ends 144, 146 of the coils 140, 142 are situated in an adjacent manner. The gap 148 between the two coils 140, 142 may be of any given distance so long as control is maintained over the line traveling through the coaxial central bores 150, 152 of the coils 140, 142. While the operation of the bidirectional quick- adjustment configuration shown in Figure 17 is much like the bidirectional fine- adjustment configuration of Figure 16, the greater power delivered to the magnetic fields generated in the central bores 150, 152 and, therefore, to the line (not shown) arises from the greater angle of attack of the sides of the tapered coils 140, 142. In Figure 18, the tapered coil 160 has a line 162 which spins along its axis within the central bore 164 of the tapered coil 160. Due to the magnetic properties of the line 162, torques are applied by the tapered coil 160 to the line 162 via the magnetic fields generated inside the central bore 164. Such a line 162 may take the form of a line such as that show in Figure 27 and is described in more detail below. Advantageous uses of the rotating line embodiment are realized in those applications requiring such a rotating line as it travels through the central bore 164 of tapered coil 160.

While the focus, thus far, has been in the passage of a line through the coil with the line turning, it is also possible for the coil to turn and move with the line held fixed. As shown in Figure 19, a tapered coil 170 can be placed upon a bearing 172 with a line 174 like that mentioned in Figure 18 and shown in Figure 27. When the coil 170 is energized, the bearing 172 allows the coil to spin with respect to the line 174 which may be held stationary or allowed to move according to the specific application. The coil 170 then spins with respect to the force applied by its magnetic fields in the central bore 176 upon the line 174. Where a spinning coil 170 is advantageously used, the embodiment shown in Figure 19 will be usefully applied.

It is worth noting that the line-rotating configuration is one that resembles a "motor," and that the coil-rotating configuration is one that resembles a "generator. " With a new design to the line to be discussed later, the generator model will be one that can be used to drive a rail car, as well as to generate power for continuous reuse. Also, the conically tapered coil does not necessarily have to surround the line.

The coil can also be placed inside a hollow pipe. This placement has some unique effects and is referred to as the "male" version of the conically tapered coil. The placement previously described is the "female" version of the conically tapered coil. Figure 20 shows the tapered coil 180 of the present invention, having a line 182 traveling through its central bore 184. This configuration is referred to as the

"female" configuration as the line 182 runs through the central bore 184 of the coil 180. As shown in Figure 21 , a male configuration is present where the coil 190 has a central bore 192 inside a hollow pipe 194. Instead of the line traveling through the coil 190, the line 194 is hollow and the coil 190 fits inside the hollow line 194. As shown by the arrow 196 in Figure 21, the coil 190 may turn about the axis defined by the central bore 192. The motion of the tapered coil 190 arises from the magnetic field generated by the coil externally, rather than internally within the central bore 192. The hollow line 194 may be constructed along the lines of the line shown in Figure 27 and as described in more detail below. The proposed modification to the line, as mentioned above, is based on two physical laws: 1) An object will move in the direction of greater potential and, 2) Electrical potential is a function of surface contact area.

In addition to having the conically tapered coil male and female versions, it is foreseeable that for added torque and/or acceleration, two tapered coils, male and female, can be employed. As contemplated in the present invention, the male and female configurations of the tapered coil of the present invention may be advantageously used in tandem. This is shown in Figures 22 and 23.

In Figures 22 and 23, a first coil 210 has a central bore 212 through which a hollow line 214 passes. Within the hollow line, a second coil 216 has a central bore 218. As contemplated in the present invention, a magnetic field generated by the second coil 216 augments the magnetic activity of the hollow line 214. This augmented magnetic activity of the hollow line 214 may then be acted upon by the magnetic field generated by the first coil 210 and its central bore 212. This serves to enhance the operation of the coil 210-line 214 configuration.

As shown in Figure 22, the wider end 220 of coil 216 is located generally

10 adjacent to the narrower end 222 of the first coil 210. As contemplated in the present invention, this has been designated the "male-female" construction.

As shown in Figure 23, the narrower end 224 of the second coil 216 is located generally adjacent the narrower end 222 of the first coil 210. As with the male- female configuration of Figure 22, the female-male configuration of Figure 23 uses i5 the magnetic augmentization of the hollow line 214 by the second coil 216 to enhance the operation of the system as a whole when the magnetic fields generated by the first coil 210 are generated within its central bore 212 .

Both combinations will enhance the speed and efficiency of the coil motion along the line. 2o Furthermore, a conically tapered coil can also be constructed in a multisectional fashion to form a sectional coil. This type of geometric design has the added benefit of imparting a rotation to the sectional conically tapered coil. For the purposes of reducing friction, generating electricity, and/or dissipating heat, the sectional coil has some additional advantages. Figures 24 and 25 show views of 25 sections used to construct a sectional tapered coil that obtains certain characteristics and advantages desirable under some circumstances.

In Figure 24. views are shown of tapered sections that are used to compose the tapered coil. The sectional tapered coil 230 may have two or more sections; but as is shown in Figure 25, three sections may be used to make up the sectional tapered coil. 30 The shape of the sectional tapered coil is generally the same as the regular tapered coil such as is shown in Figure 8. However, gaps 232 are present between the individual coil sections. As with the other tapered coils of the present invention, a central bore 234 passes down the center of the sectional tapered coil 230.

Figure 24 shows different views of a sectionally tapered coil section 236. The shape of the individual sections 236 conform to that generally of the regular conically tapered coil. Each individual section 236 is wrapped in wire windings so that each individual section resembles a section of the regular conically tapered coil. It can be seen that the side end portions of the individual sections 236 adjacent the gaps 232 will have current traveling through them in opposite directions. These magnetic fields will cancel out, leaving only the external and internal magnetic fields. The magnetic fields generated by the sectionally tapered coil within the central bore 234 is much like that generated from a regular conically tapered coil save that some of the field energy is lost due to the spacing between the individual coil sections 236.

As is contemplated by the present invention, the sectional conical coil may have its individual sections 236 independently controlled to impart rotation or other motion or activity to the tapered coil 230 or a line (not shown) passing through the central bore 234. With the line constructed of three magnetic strips of metal, the sectional coil 230 can be guided to move forward and rotate more precisely and efficiently.

Line Construction As has been mentioned above, the tapered coils of the present invention work well in conjunction with lines having uniform magnetivity. However, this is only true if the displacement of the line is always to stay within the local confines of the central bore of the tapered coil. If continuous travel is to be made along a line, a line having nonuniform magnetization is required that allows the tapered coil to attract those portions of stronger magnetization in preference to those of lesser magnetization. As shown in Figures 26-40, several types and configurations of lines having nonuniform magnetization are contemplated. Of course, iron, steel, or other ferromagnetic lines, whether hollow or solid, may be used in conjunction with the tapered coil of the present invention to great advantage. The range of applications possible for the various conically tapered coils are limitless. However, without a means to extend their influence beyond a single line of finite length (generally less than twice the length of the conically tapered coil), the conically tapered coil could not support any applications involving continuous propulsion. To extend the range of influence of the conically tapered coils, the line is modified. The following various configurations of the line constitute an important part of the present invention.

The modification consists of increasing the metallic (magnetizing) area along the line to achieve a line having nonuniform magnetivity. This can be achieved by the incoφoration of nonconductive material in the line. In Figure 26, a sectional portion of a line 240 is shown, having magnetizable and nonmagnetizable portions. The magnetizable portion 242 is generally a flared section that extends along the direction of the line 240 while the nonmagnetizable section 244 surrounds the magnetizable section 242. The length of the magnetizable section 242 may be adjusted according to the preferences and requirements of the application under consideration and implementation.

The simplified version, above, can be configured such that the conductive material is wrapped around or carried by the line in a spiral manner. The spiral construction will further direct the conically tapered coil to turn and move forward along the line. Also, the line may be cast with mixtures of metallic and nonmetallic alloys such that the conductivity along the line is increased.

Figure 27 shows a sectional portion of the line 250 carrying a magnetizable portion 252. The rest of the line 250 is generally nonmagnetizable 254. As mentioned previously and as contemplated in the present invention, the line 250 in Figure 27 enables a tapered coil to turn the line 250 about its long axis. The magnetic portion 252 of the line 250 spirals about the line 250 and is intermediated by nonmagnetic portions 254. As contemplated by the present invention, the spiral form of the magnetic portion 252 allows it to impart some rotation either to the line 250 or to the tapered coil surrounding the line.

As with all the lines contemplated within the present invention, the magnetizable portions are generally made of ferromagnetic materials. The nonmagnetic portion may be either paramagnetic or diamagnetic according to the specific application.

Figure 28 shows a line 260 having gradations of magnetivity along its course. As shown in Figure 28, four regions of differing magnetivity are shown. A first region 262 may be nonmagnetizable while second region 264, third region 266, and fourth region 268 may have increasingly magnetizable characteristics. As with the lines shown in Figures 27 and 26, the line 260 shown in Figure 28 has its shown pattern repeated throughout so that the tapered coil surrounding the line 260 may recurrently encounter regions of greater magnetivity in order to provide propulsion either moving the coil with respect to the line, the line with respect to the coil, or both with respect to each other.

There is a limit to the extent that the surface area or the conductivity can be increased. In a longer line, this configuration can be repeated by integrating interruptions along the line. The interruptions can be achieved by interleaving nonmagnetizable material with magnetizable material. The line 270 shown in Figure 29A has interleaved regions of magnetivity 272 and nonmagnetivity 274. The interleaving of the magnetizable 272 and nonmagnetizable 274 regions can be varied and controlled according to the applications involved.

As an alternative embodiment, the line 270 may be configured as a chain or series of interconnected links with the same alternating regions of magnetivity and nonmagnetivity. As shown in Figures 29B and 29C, links in a chain 570 are constructed so that the chain exhibits alternating regions of magnetivity and nonmagnetivity. Three links are shown in Figures 29B and 29C. First and third links 572, 574 lay on either side of a second link 576. The second link 576 is pivotably attached by pins 578 at each end to ends of the first and third links 572,

574, respectively, much like the links in a bicycle chain or the like.

As shown in Figures 29B and 29C, the second and center link 576 is constructed of nonmagnetizable material while the first and third links 572, 574 are constructed of magnetizable material. When continued to greater chain lengths, this arrangement provides for a chain 570 of any length that alternates regions of magnetivity with nonmagnetivity. As such, a tapered coil may travel along the chain in much the same manner as the line 270. Alternatively, a tapered coil may cause the chain 570 to move with respect to the tapered coil, possibly in a pulley-type arrangement.

However, the chain 570 has an additional advantage in that it may assume a wider variety of path geometries than the line 270. Additionally, the chain 570 may change its course or path without suffering the damage or irreversible bending that would be experience by the line 270. This makes the chain 570 ideal for use as a pulley device or the like under to motivating power of a tapered coil. Other uses are also available. This construction will permit the perpetual motion of the tapered coil along the line. The momentum and reach each coil achieves through each magnetizable segment is designed to allow the coil to reach the next magnetizable segment where the cycle is repeated again. In this manner, continuous motion along the path of the line can be achieved indefinitely. There are other variations in line design that can be incorporated to enhance the precision, the speed, and efficiency of the motion. If possible to achieve, a cable having nonuniform magnetization may be used in the present invention.

As shown in Figures 30 and 31 , the interleaved regions of magnetivity and nonmagnetivity may be further advanced by staggering the regions of magnetivity and nonmagnetivity. In Figure 30, the line 280 has regions of magnetivity 282 staggered with regions of nonmagnetivity 284. The relative lengths and proportions of the interleaved and staggered sections shown in Figure 30 may be chosen according to the application involved. Figure 31 shows a cross section taken looking down the axis of the line shown in Figure 30. The line shown in Figure 32 is much like that of the one shown in Figure 26 with the line 290 having a magnetizable portion 292 projecting into a nonmagnetizable portion 294. As contemplated in the present invention, the nonmagnetizable portion 294 is due to the presence of a smooth, nonmagnetic tube that is fitted over a steel line. The smooth, nonmagnetic tube 294 has cutouts to expose the steel line and its magnetizable portion.

In Figure 33, a line 300 made of magnetic material is covered by a smooth nonmagnetic tube 302. The nonmagnetic tube 302 has holes 304 of increasing diameter or decreasing diameter depending on the direction of travel taken along the smooth, nonmagnetic tube. As contemplated in the present invention, the smooth, nonmagnetic tube presents a nonmagnetizable region to the central bore of a tapered coil. As contemplated in the present invention, the magnetic field generated within the central bore of the tapered coil acts only upon the exposed regions of the magnetic line 300. As the regions of stronger magnetivity will be acted upon in preference to those of lesser magnetivity, propulsion and relative motion between the tapered coil and the line 300 with its smooth, nonmagnetic tube covering 302 will occur. In Figures 34 and 35, a shield wrap with flared cutouts is shown for wrapping around a magnetizable surface in order to provide regions of nonmagnetivity so as to provide a line, or rail line, having nonuniform magnetization. The shield wrap 310 has cutout regions 312 alternating with regions of nonmagnetization 314. When a line 316, hollow or otherwise, is wrapped with the shield wrap 310 of the present invention, the magnetizable line has portions of it covered so as to create, as contemplated in the present invention, regions of nonmagnetization giving rise to a nonuniformly magnetizable line. As with all the nonuniformly magnetizable lines set forth in Figures 26-35, regions of magnetization and nonmagnetization are set forth as being repeated any number of times to accomplish a nonuniformly magnetizable line for use for the tapered coil of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 36, the lines of the present invention may take the form of a ring on either a large or small scale. The ring line 320 has magnetizable regions 322 and nonmagnetizable regions 324. The regions of magnetization and nonmagnetization may either be interleaved as shown in Figure 38 or interleaved and staggered as shown in Figure 37.

In Figure 39, a ring line 330 is shown with interleaved portions of magnetizable regions 332 spiraled about regions of nonmagnetization 334. As shown in Figure 40, regions of magnetization and nonmagnetization may be interleaved in a spiraled manner so that the ring line 330 carries a spiral band of magnetizable regions alternating with regions of nonmagnetization.

The ring lines of Figures 36 and 39 may be solid or hollow according to the applications required. They may also be of a size ranging from the microminiature to the extremely large.

The advantages realized by having a line in the form of a ring, or loop, arises with the consideration that sometimes it is advantageous to have recurring travel 5 across the same path.

As indicated above, the conically tapered coil can be utilized in any one of the various types of line (shaft, rail line, chain and/or ring) configurations. Furthermore, the conically tapered coils and the line configurations can be mixed and matched in order to achieve specific characteristics and/or properties.

0 Control Circuitry

In order to control the travel, or motion, of a conically tapered coil in the present invention with the lines set forth above, several means are available. In the previous sections, geometry and strategic placement of both the conically tapered coils and line systems have been shown to affect the motion of the s system. To control the mechanical motion, two additional factors must be considered:

1) the selective activation of the driving system components and, 2) the current applied to the system.

The following three distinct control systems set forth means by which motion control using the conically tapered coil may be accomplished. Note should be made o that each method can be applied individually or in combination to achieve this goal.

The merits of each system must be evaluated in light of the function the system is expected to perform.

The control system for the limited case of simple line systems has already been discussed in previous sections. Therefore, the scope of the following sections is 5 specifically geared to describing the mechanics of extended mechanical motion and propulsion.

Unlike conventional solenoids, achieving a desired velocity at a constant current is a function of timing the attractive (or magnetic) components at predetermined points along the line system's path. The alternation of the current 0 through the conically tapered coil as it travels along the line's, or rail line's, path is critical.

The first and most basic of all control systems is the length of the magnetizable components of the line system and/or the conically tapered coil(s). The length of the magnetic and nonmagnetic interleaving portions, at a fixed applied current, dictate the velocity of the line with respect to the coil. In addition to spacing the magnetic and nonmagnetic components of the line, multiple conically tapered coils can be spaced in a similar fashion to achieve similar results.

The length of the magnetic components of the lines (rail lines or shafts, etc.), may be selected to be longer or shorter according to the desired system response. When the magnetic portions of these lines are made longer, the tapered coil has a greater area over which it can exert the influence of its magnetic field. This may generally lead to a stronger force being imposed by the tapered coil upon the line, causing some acceleration to occur between the tapered coil and the line. Furthermore, if a constant velocity is desired between the tapered coil and the line, the force of the coil upon the line is merely that needed to overcome the decelerating effects of friction.

Once a fixed velocity is reached, all that is required to maintain that velocity is the continued application of current. Furthermore, acceleration can be momentarily imparted to the system by increasing or decreasing the applied current. In so doing, a new velocity will be achieved by the system.

The spacing of the magnetic portions of the line also exert some control over the characteristics of the system. Basically, the tapered coil has to throw itself from one magnetic portion of the line to the next in order to achieve continuous motion. If the magnetic portions are spaced farther apart, there are fewer opportunities per unit distance for the tapered coil to engage the magnetic portion of the line. If a plurality of conically tapered coils are used in conjunction with a single line, the spacing of the coils can also be used to control the response and operation of the coil/line system. A more advanced means of controlling the motion of a conically tapered coil powered system is to have opposing-direction conically tapered coils on the same system. One example of this type of system is wiring opposing conically tapered coils inversely. That is, as the current is increased in the conically tapered coils with similar orientation, the current going to the other opposed, conically tapered coils is reduced by an equal amount.

A simple means of achieving this configuration entails the use of two variable resistors, or potentiometers. The wiring schematic for this configuration is illustrated in Figure 41. The advantage of this configuration is that a "zero point" can be set and maintained at any current level.

This opposing coil system is shown in Figures 16 and 17. For example, the coils, as shown in Figure 16, may be wired inversely so that the current to coil 120 plus the current to coil 126 is always the same but distributed between the two coils according to the desired system response.

The circuitry 340 shown in Figure 41 has a first potentiometer 342 connected between the power supply 344 and ground 346. The third potentiometer end 348 is connected to the branch between the second potentiometer 350 and one end 352 of a first tapered coil 354. The second end 356 of the coil 354 is connected to a branch between the second ground 358, the wiper arm 360 of the second potentiometer 350, and a first end 362 of a second tapered coil 364. The second end 366 of the second tapered coil 364 is attached to the end of the second potentiometer 350 opposite the first potentiometer 342.

Adjustment of the first potentiometer 342 supplies an absolute voltage level to the two tapered coils 354, 364. Adjustment of the second potentiometer 350 serves to allocate the absolute voltage delivered from the first potentiometer 342 between the first and second tapered coils 354, 364. Once the first potentiometer 342 is set, the voltage between the two tapered coils 354, 364 is determined by the second potentiometer 350. As an example, by setting the potentiometer to one extreme, voltage will be impressed upon the first coil 354 while no voltage is impressed upon the second coil 364 and vice versa.

Building on the control systems described above, it is also possible to control motion by selectively activating and deactivating the current applied to the driving forces in the system, namely, the tapered coils. There are several means in which this can be accomplished. Some examples of this type of control system include the following: 1) electronic timers, 2) electronic gates, 3) mechanical triggers, 4) photoelectric triggered and, 5) self-induction mechanisms.

Essentially, to achieve a desired velocity or acceleration, one only has to control the activation and deactivation of the system drivers taking into account the system's geometry. This is fundamental to conically tapered coil design. This type of control cannot be obtained using conventional solenoids. In addition to varying the activation of the solenoid, the current may also be varied to reach any degree of consistent velocity or acceleration.

Figure 42 shows a flip-flop configuration that may be used to switch voltage between the coils. Figure 43 shows a similar flip-flop circuit, and both circuits shown in Figures 42 and 43 are previously known.

Figures 44, 45, 46, and 47 show previously known circuits that send out predetermined signals at regular intervals. The circuit 370 shown in Figure 44 repetitively pulls in the relay 372, and a repetitive cycle controlled by the resistance RI 374. In accordance with the present invention as contemplated, the relay 372 of circuit 370 must be of a low-voltage type.

In Figures 45, 46, and 47, binary counters are created using T flip-flops. Chains of T flip-flops may also be used to make binary counters. In Figure 45, an input wave form 380 is fed into a T flip-flop 382 which provides two complementary outputs 384, 386. Figure 46 shows a T flip-flop configured as a D flip-flop. Figure 47 shows a

T flip-flop configured as clocked RS flip-flop.

The T flip-flop-based binary counters shown in Figures 45, 46, and 47 may be used to regularly transmit on and off signals to tapered coils used in the present invention. The output wave form may be controlled by controlling the input wave form to determine the operation and characteristics of the tapered coil, thereby controlling the propulsion between the tapered coil and the associated line. Additional control circuits are shown in Figures 48 and 49. In Figure 48, a pulse-generator circuit 390 is shown. The pulse-generator circuit 390 may be used in conjunction with sectional tapered coils such as those shown in Figures 24 and 25. The output 392 of the pulse-generator circuit 390 serves to activate or deactivate the connected sections of the sectional coil 230. Resistor R3 394 controls the pulse rate and, as shown in Figure 48, may be adjustable.

In Figure 49, a phototransistor circuit 400 is shown controlling a relay 402. The relay 402 is for use in conjunction with larger tapered coils. For smaller tapered coils, the phototransistor circuit 400 may drive the inductor 404 directly and, in that case, is a conically tapered coil. Phototransistor circuit 400 is activated when the transistor Ql 406 is illuminated. Such illumination of transistor Ql 406 occurs when an illumination means such as an LED or other light source shines upon the phototransistor Ql 406. Such a light source may be attached to a control mechanism that engages the phototransistor circuit 400, when appropriate, for the desired travel of the conically tapered coil. Such a light source may also be attached to a tapered coil passing by the phototransistor circuit 400 or may otherwise be controlled with a regular or selectively controllable means of intermittent illumination.

As shown in the remaining figures, the conically tapered coil and nonuniformly magnetizable line system can take several very useful forms having widespread applicability and utility.

In Figure 50, conically tapered coil 410 acts upon a uniformly magnetizable line 412 connected to a spring 414. When the tapered coil 410 is activated, the line 412 is pulled into the central bore 416 by the magnetic field generated by the coil. When the voltage impressed upon the tapered coil 410 is reduced to zero or is decreased, the restoring biasing force of the spring 414 serves to return the line 412 to its original and equilibrium position. It can be seen that the spring 414 has been replaced by a second tapered coil in Figures 16 and 17.

In Figure 51 , the tapered coil 420 has a nonuniformly magnetizable line 422 passing through the central bore 424 of the tapered coil. A spring 426 is connected between the tapered coil 420 and the nonuniformly magnetizable line 422, and urges the line 422 to a biased, but equilibrium, position. As the line 422 is nonuniformly magnetizable, the field generated by the tapered coil 420 within the central bore will not act upon the nonmagnetizable portion 428 of the line 422. According to the specific demands of the situation involved, use of a nonuniformly magnetizable line may provide advantageous characteristics.

In Figure 52, oppositely opposed tapered coils 430, 432 are coaxially aligned along their central bores 434, 436. A nonuniformly magnetizable line 438 passes through the central bores 434, 436. The configuration shown in Figure 52 is similar to that shown in Figures 16 and 17 and demonstrates the use of the nonuniformly magnetizable line of the present invention in conjunction with a bidirectional- adjustment configuration enabled by the present invention.

Figure 53 shows a gravity-restored configuration of the present invention having a tapered coil 440 with a nonuniformly magnetizable line 442. The line 442 is of the flared variety previously set forth in conjunction with the disclosure related to Figure 32. Figure 54 shows an aligned pair of tapered coils 450, 452 coaxially surrounding a nonuniformly magnetizable line 454 with staggered and interleaved magnetizable and nonmagnetizable portions. In Figure 54, the aligned coil pair can be seen as a pull-type coil configuration as can be the coil configuration shown in Figure 53. For both Figures 53 and 54, when the coils are activated, they are attracted by the magnetizable portions of their respective lines. The coil portions of the devices then rise against the force of gravity until reaching appropriate equilibrium or, in the case of continuous motion, continue to proceed up the line. Upon cessation of the impressed voltage, the coil sections return to their lowest positions. The Figures 55-60 show sets of tapered coils and nonuniformly magnetizable lines in several different designs indicating the widespread utility and applicability of the present invention for use in providing relative transport between the tapered coils and the nonuniformly magnetizable lines.

In Figure 55, a pair of opposed conically tapered coils 460 surround a staggered and interleaved nonuniformly magnetizable line 462. By appropriately energizing and de-energizing the individual coils of the coil pair 460, linear motion, both forward and reverse, can be achieved between the coil pair 460 and the nonmagnetizable line 462. As with the other configurations shown in Figures 56-58, motion of the coil section with respect to the nonuniformly magnetizable line section can provide transport means for a payload attached to the coil section.

In Figure 56, two pairs of tapered coils 470, 472 are shown aligned in parallel upon separate, nonuniformly magnetizable lines 474, 476. By energizing the coil pairs 470, 472, a payload carried by the coil pairs may be transported along the lines in form of rail lines 474, 476.

In Figure 57, a coil pair 480 is threaded upon a nonuniformly magnetizable s line 482. Figure 57 shows a bidirectional, fine-adjustment configuration (like Figure

16) while Figure 55 shows a bidirectional, quick-adjustment configuration (like Figure 17). As with the other embodiments shown in Figures 55-58, the embodiment shown in Figure 57 may be used in a horizontal or vertical configuration. The use of the opposing dual tapered coil pair can generally be seen as a push-pull device allowing o bidirectionality in the motion of the coil relative to the associated line.

In Figure 58, two coil pairs 490, 492 are coaxially aligned about a single nonuniformly magnetizable line 494. The coils pairs 490, 492 are in a push-pull configuration so as to allow relative motion between the two coil pairs 490, 492 with respect to the rail line 494. s Figure 59 shows a twin pull-type configuration. Tapered coils 500, 502 run on parallel rail lines 504, 506 and may be used in horizontal or vertical applications. The coils may be energized individually or in tandem according to the needs of the specific application. The lines 504, 506 have nonuniformly magnetizable lines along the lines of those shown in Figure 32. 0 Figure 60 shows a twin pull-type configuration having single tapered coils 510,

512 disposed on separate, parallel, nonuniformly magnetizable lines 514, 516. The nonuniformly magnetizable lines 514, 516 are interleaved, alternating magnetizable and nonmagnetizable areas. As with the configuration shown in Figure 59, the configuration shown in Figure 60 may be used in horizontal and vertical applications. 5 In Figure 61, a twin parallel pull-type configuration is shown with syncopated interleaving between the two lines. The two coils 520, 522 are disposed in parallel about lines 524, 526. As shown in Figure 61, the two nonuniformly magnetizable lines 524, 526 have interleaved portions of magnetizable and nonmagnetizable material. The magnetizable portions of the first line 524 are oppositely opposed to 0 nonmagnetizable portions in the second line 526.

In Figure 62, a pair of oppositely aligned, conically tapered coils 530, 532 are shown disposed about a nonuniformly magnetizable line 534 which has been formed into the shape of a ring. The coils 530, 532 may be moved with respect to the line 534 by appropriately adjusting and alternating the current traveling through the coils 530, 532. Figures 63 and 64 show nonuniformly magnetizable line configurations for s use in the ring line 534 of Figure 62. Figure 63 shows a staggered and interleaved line while Figure 64 shows an interleaved line.

In Figure 65, a pair of coaxially aligned tapered coils 540, 542 are shown oppositely opposed upon a nonuniformly magnetizable line 544 constructed in a ring formation. The coils 540, 542 may be independently moveable about the ring line o 544 according to the invention, as described above, for the motion of tapered coils.

Figures 66 and 67 show nonuniformly magnetizable line configurations for use in the ring line 544 of Figure 65. Figure 66 shows an interleaved and staggered line formation. Figure 67 shows an interleaved line formation. In both Figures 66 and 67, regions of magnetizability and nonmagnetizability are alternated in order to s provide a line with nonuniform magnetization properties.

In Figure 68, a male-female configuration is shown as having the female coil passing around the line 552. A nonmagnetic connector 554 connects the female coil 550 to the male coil 556. When the male 556 and female 550 coils are so linked by the nonmagnetic connector, they are forced to travel together with respect to the line o 552. The line 552 may be nonuniformly magnetizable. However, if continuous travel between the coils 550, 556, and the line 552 is not required, the line 552 may be uniformly magnetizable.

In Figure 69, a pair of opposing male-female coil configurations may be disposed to operate in tandem. The first male-female coil pair 560 may be attached to 5 the second male/female coil pair 562. The male-female coil pairs 560, 562 are constructed in conformity with the configuration shown in Figure 68. The first coil pair 560 may be independent of the second coil pair. The line 564 may be uniformly or nonuniformly magnetizable according to the application for which the configuration shown in Figure 69 is used. With appropriate energization of the coil pairs 560, 562, 0 relative motion between the first and second coil pairs 560, 562 as well as relative motion between the coil pairs 560, 562 and the line 564 may be achieved. From all the foregoing configurations of the conically tapered coil with nonuniformly magnetizable line configurations, the conically tapered coil operates to generate a nonuniform magnetic field that exerts a force upon the magnetizable portions of the nonuniformly magnetizable lines. Between the nonuniform magnetic field generated by the conically tapered coils and their central bores and the nonuniform magnetizable nature of the lines, greater control and positioning is achieved between the coils and the lines.

To mention a few applications of the present invention, the deceleration module can be used as dampening or braking systems while the acceleration module can be used as an engine. The bidirectional configurations can be used to provide all types of movements and rotations, such as the steering mechanism for an automobile, the extension of a robotics arm, the reading arm of a compact disc player, etc.

The invention set forth herein has a myriad of applications. The following long list of such applications is considered to specify only a small number of the potential applications that may implement the present invention. Where accurate positioning and/or movement of items or payloads are required, the present invention may serve as a useful substitute for those means presently known in the art. These include the following: hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, chain drives, screw drives, electric motors, worm gear drives, springs, gasoline and diesel motors, shock absorbers, and pulleys and belts. All of these aforementioned mechanisms serve to move or place items or payloads.

The present invention may also be used in brakes, airplanes, lifts, spacecraft, elevators, produce equipment, garage openers, roller coasters, floppy disk drives, tape drives, CD drives, washing machines, compressors, milling machines, lathes, printers, steering mechanisms, home appliances, automobiles, trucks, trains, generators, robots, medical and dental equipment, alternators, and power-steering units.

While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a conically tapered coil that generates nonuniform magnetic fields within the cavity of its central bore. It is another object of the present invention to provide a controllable s nonuniform magnetic field by which to directionally move lines such as rail lines and shafts.

It is another object of the present invention to provide useful and advantageous configurations implementing and taking advantage of nonuniform magnetic fields generated by conically tapered coils. 10 It is yet another object of the present invention to provide lines such as rail lines and shafts that may be continuously moved in a linear direction with respect to a nonuniform magnetic field.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide nonuniformly magnetizable lines such as rail lines and shafts for use in conjunction with a conically i tapered coil.

It is an object of the present invention to provide control circuitry in order to propel conically tapered coils with respect to appropriately configured lines so as to provide controlled travel of one with respect to the other.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be 20 apparent from a review of the specification and accompanying drawings herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A tapered coil defining a central bore, comprising: a first wire wrapping portion surrounding a first portion of the central bore, said first wire wrapping portion having a first width and a first length; a second wire wrapping portion surrounding a second portion of the central bore distinct from said first portion, said second wire wrapping portion having a second width and a second length; and said second wire wrapping portion electrically coupled to said first wire wrapping portion; whereby current flow through said first and second wire wrapping portions produces a nonuniform magnetic field within the central bore.

2. The tapered coil of Claim 1 , further comprising: said first wire wrapping portion being annular; and said second wire wrapping portion being annular and adjacent said first wire wrapping portion.

3. The tapered coil of Claim 2, further comprising: said first portion of the central bore surrounded by said first wire wrapping portion immediately adjacent and distinct from said second portion of the central bore surrounded by said second wire wrapping portion.

4. The tapered coil of Claim 2, further comprising: said first portion of the central bore surrounded by said first wire wrapping portion being partially shared by said second portion of the central bore surrounded by said second wire wrapping portion, said second wire wrapping portion surrounding a portion of said first wire wrapping β portion.

5. The tapered coil of Claim 2, further comprising:

2 said first and second wire wrapping portions forming adjacent portions of a conically tapered coil.

6. The tapered coil of Claim 5, further comprising:

2 a magnetizable pipe surrounding the tapered coil.

7. The tapered coil of Claim 5, further comprising:

2 said first wire wrapping portion continuous with said second wire wrapping portion, said conically tapered coil having a smooth transition 4 from a wider base portion to a narrower tip portion.

8. The tapered coil of Claim 7, further comprising: a magnetizable line, said magnetizable line passing through the central bore and subject to said nonuniform magnetic field.

9. The tapered coil of Claim 8, further comprising:

2 said magnetizable line being nonuniformly magnetizable.

10. The tapered coil of Claim 9, further comprising:

2 said magnetizable line having magnetizable portions alternating with nonmagnetizable portions.

11- The tapered coil of Claim 10, further comprising: said magnetizable line having a nonmagnetizable core carrying a strip of magnetizable material to provide alternating areas of magnetization 4 and nonmagnetization along said magnetizable line.

12. The tapered coil of Claim 11, further compπsing: relative rotational movement occurring between the tapered coil and said magnetizable line due to said strip of magnetizable material carried by said nonmagnetizable core.

13. The tapered coil of Claim 12, further comprising: the tapered coil rotating with respect to said magnetizable line.

14. The tapered coil of Claim 12, further comprising: said magnetizable line rotating with respect to the tapered coil.

15. The tapered coil of Claim 10, further comprising: said magnetizable line having magnetizable portions interleaved with nonmagnetizable portions.

16. The tapered coil of Claim 10, further comprising: said magnetizable line having nonmagnetizable portions interleaved and staggered with magnetizable portions.

17. The tapered coil of Claim 10, further comprising: said magnetizable line having flared magnetizable portions alternating with nonmagnetizable portions.

18. The tapered coil of Claim 10, further comprising: said magnetizable line having flared nonmagnetizable portions alternating with magnetizable portions.

19. The tapered coil of Claim 10, further comprising: said magnetizable line being magnetizable and surrounded by a smooth nonmagnetizable tube, said smooth nonmagnetizable tube defining a repeating series of holes of increasing diameter.

20. The tapered coil of Claim 10, further comprising: said magnetizable line forming a ring.

21. The tapered coil of Claim 10, wherein said magnetizable line comprises a magnetizable line selected from the group consisting of shafts, rails, chains, and cables.

22. The tapered coil of Claim 9, further comprising: said magnetizable line being hollow.

23. The tapered coil of Claim 22, further comprising: a second tapered coil, said second tapered coil adjacent said narrower tip portion of the tapered coil, said second tapered coil located within said hollow magnetizable line.

24. The tapered coil of Claim 23, further comprising: said second tapered coil having a second narrower tip portion closest to said narrower tip portion of the tapered coil.

25. The tapered coil of Claim 23, further comprising: said second tapered coil having a second wider base portion closest to said narrower tip portion of the tapered coil.

26. The tapered coil of Claim 23, further comprising: said hollow magnetizable line having magnetizable portions alternating with nonmagnetizable portions.

27. The tapered coil of Claim 26, further comprising: said hollow magnetizable line having a nonmagnetizable core carrying a strip of magnetizable material to provide alternating areas of magnetization and nonmagnetization along said hollow magnetizable line.

28. The tapered coil of Claim 27, further comprising: relative rotational movement occurring between the tapered coil and said hollow magnetizable line due to said strip of magnetizable material carried by said nonmagnetizable core.

29. The tapered coil of Claim 28, further comprising: the tapered coil rotating with respect to said hollow magnetizable line.

30. The tapered coil of Claim 28, further comprising: said hollow magnetizable line rotating with respect to the tapered coil.

31. The tapered coil of Claim 26, further comprising: said hollow magnetizable line having magnetizable portions interleaved with nonmagnetizable portions.

32. The tapered coil of Claim 26, further comprising: said hollow magnetizable line having nonmagnetizable portions interleaved and staggered with magnetizable portions.

33. The tapered coil of Claim 26, further comprising: said hollow magnetizable line having flared magnetizable portions alternating with nonmagnetizable portions.

34. The tapered coil of Claim 26, further comprising: said hollow magnetizable line having flared nonmagnetizable portions alternating with magnetizable portions.

35. The tapered coil of Claim 26, further comprising:

₂ said hollow magnetizable line being magnetizable and surrounded by a smooth nonmagnetizable tube, said smooth nonmagnetizable tube defining 4 a repeating series of holes of increasing diameter.

36. The tapered coil of Claim 26, further comprising:

2 said hollow magnetizable line forming a ring.

37. A propulsion system, comprising:

2 a tapered coil defining a hollow central bore within which is generated a nonuniform magnetic field; and 4 a line passing through said hollow central bore, said line having regions of greater and lesser magnetization to provide said line with 6 nonuniform magnetization; whereby said tapered coil and said line may be propelled with respect to one « another by said nonuniform magnetic field of said hollow central bore attracting said regions of greater magnetization in preference to said regions o of lesser magnetization.

38. The propulsion system of Claim 37, further comprising:

2 said line having ferromagnetic portions alternating with non- ferromagnetic portions.

39. The propulsion system of Claim 37, further comprising:

2 said non-ferromagnetic portions being diamagnetic.

40. The propulsion system of Claim 37, further comprising:

2 said line having magnetizable portions alternating with nonmagnetizable portions.

41. The propulsion system of Claim 40, further comprising: said line having a nonmagnetizable core carrying a strip of magnetizable material to provide alternating areas of magnetization and nonmagnetization along said line.

42. The propulsion system of Claim 41, further comprising: relative rotational movement occurring between said tapered coil and said hollow magnetizable line due to said strip of magnetizable material carried by said nonmagnetizable core.

43. The propulsion system of Claim 42, further comprising: said tapered coil rotating with respect to said line.

44. The propulsion system of Claim 43, further comprising: said line rotating with respect to said tapered coil.

45. The propulsion system of Claim 40, further comprising: said line having magnetizable portions interleaved with nonmagnetizable portions.

46. The propulsion system of Claim 40, further comprising: said line having nonmagnetizable portions interleaved and staggered with magnetizable portions.

47. The propulsion system of Claim 40, further comprising: said line having flared magnetizable portions alternating with nonmagnetizable portions.

48. The propulsion system of Claim 40, further comprising: said line having flared nonmagnetizable portions alternating with magnetizable portions.

49. The propulsion system of Claim 40, further comprising: said line being magnetizable and surrounded by a smooth nonmagnetizable tube, said smooth nonmagnetizable tube defining a repeating series of holes of increasing diameter.

50. The propulsion system of Claim 40, further comprising: 2 said line forming a ring.

51. A propulsion system, comprising: a tapered coil defining a first external nonuniform magnetic field, said tapered coil defining a hollow central bore within which is generated a ₄ second nonuniform magnetic field; and a hollow line passing about and around said tapered coil, said β hollow line having regions of greater and lesser magnetization to provide said hollow line with nonuniform magnetization; whereby 8 said tapered coil and said hollow line may be propelled with respect to one another by said first external nonuniform magnetic field of said o tapered coil by attracting said regions of greater magnetization in preference to said regions of lesser magnetization.

52. The propulsion system of Claim 51, further comprising:

2 said hollow line having ferromagnetic portions alternating with non- ferromagnetic portions.

53. The propulsion system of Claim 51, further comprising:

2 said non-ferromagnetic portions being diamagnetic.

54. The propulsion system of Claim 51, further comprising: said hollow line having magnetizable portions alternating with nonmagnetizable portions.

55. The propulsion system of Claim 54, further comprising: said hollow line having a nonmagnetizable core with a strip of magnetizable material to provide alternating areas of magnetization and nonmagnetization along said hollow line.

56. The propulsion system of Claim 55, further comprising: relative rotational movement occurring between said tapered coil and said line due to said strip of magnetizable material associated with said nonmagnetizable core.

57. The propulsion system of Claim 56, further comprising: said tapered coil rotating with respect to said line.

58. The propulsion system of Claim 54, further comprising: said line having magnetizable portions interleaved with nonmagnetizable portions.

59. The propulsion system of Claim 54, further comprising: said line having nonmagnetizable portions interleaved and staggered with magnetizable portions.

60. The propulsion system of Claim 54, further comprising: said line having flared magnetizable portions alternating with nonmagnetizable portions.

61. The propulsion system of Claim 54, further comprising: said line having flared nonmagnetizable portions alternating with magnetizable portions.

62. The propulsion system of Claim 54, further comprising:

₂ said line being magnetizable and surrounded by a smooth nonmagnetizable tube, said smooth nonmagnetizable tube defining a repeating series of holes of increasing diameter.

63. The propulsion system of Claim 54, further comprising: 2 said line forming a ring.

64. A locomotion system, comprising:

2 first and second tapered coils defining respective first and second coil bores within which nonuniform magnetic fields may be generated, said 4 first tapered coil coaxial with and adjacent to said second tapered coil, said first tapered coil energized independently of said second tapered coil; 6 a rail line of nonuniform magnetization, said rail line passing through said first and second coil bores; whereby s said nonuniform magnetic fields generated by said first and second tapered coil create forces upon said rail line to move said rail line with o respect to said first and second tapered coils.

65. The locomotion system of Claim 64, further comprising:

2 said first and second tapered coils moving while said rail line remains stationary.

66. The locomotion system of Claim 64, further comprising:

2 said first and second tapered coils remain stationary while said rail line moves.

67. The locomotion system of Claim 64, further comprising: said first and second tapered coils accelerating said rail line.

68. The locomotion system of Claim 64, further comprising: said first and second tapered coils decelerating said rail line.

69. The locomotion system of Claim 64, further comprising: a wider end of said first tapered coil adjacent a narrower end of said second tapered coil so that said first and second tapered coils are disposed in a similar direction.

70. The locomotion system of Claim 64, further comprising:

2 a wider end of said first tapered coil adjacent a wider end of said second tapered coil so that said first and second tapered coils are disposed in opposite directions.

71. The locomotion system of Claim 64, further comprising:

2 a narrower end of said first tapered coil adjacent a narrower end of said second tapered coil so that said first and second tapered coils are disposed in opposite directions.

72. A control system for a propulsion system having a tapered coil generating a nonuniform magnetic field in a central bore defined by the tapered coil and a rail line having nonuniform magnetization properties passing through the central bore, 4 comprising: the rail line having magnetizable and nonmagnetizable portions at 6 regular intervals, lengths of said magnetizable and nonmagnetizable portions pre-selected to dictate relative velocity between the rail line and s the tapered coil when a fixed voltage is applied to the tapered coil.

73. A control system for a propulsion system having a plurality of tapered coils o generating nonuniform magnetic fields in central bores defined by the tapered coils and a rail line having nonuniform magnetization properties passing through the 12 central bores, comprising: the rail line having magnetizable and nonmagnetizable portions at i4 regular intervals; and the plurality of tapered coils spaced apart from one another at pre- i6 selected intervals to dictate relative velocity between the rail line and the tapered coils when a fixed voltage is applied to the tapered coils.

74. A control system for a propulsion system having a plurality of tapered coils 2 generating nonuniform magnetic fields in central bores defined by the tapered coils and a rail line having nonuniform magnetization properties passing through the 4 central bores, comprising: disposing at least one pair of said plurality of tapered coils in 6 opposing directions; and electrically and controllably coupling said pair of tapered coils in an s inverse relationship; so that increase in current in a first tapered coil of said pair decreases io current in a second tapered coil of said pair.

75. The control system for a propulsion system of Claim 74, further 2 comprising: first and second potentiometers; 4 said first potentiometer coupled at a first input to a voltage supply, at a second input to ground, and at a third input to a first input of said first 6 tapered coil and a first input of said second potentiometer; said second potentiometer coupled at a second input to ground, at a 8 third input to a second input of said first tapered coil and a first input of said second tapered coil, and at a third input to a second input of said io second tapered coil; whereby a selected current may be established and maintained for said pair of i tapered coils by said first potentiometer, said selected current selectably distributably between said first and second tapered coils by said second i4 potentiometer.

76. A control system for a propulsion system having a plurality of tapered coils 2 generating nonuniform magnetic fields in central bores defined by the tapered coils and a rail line having nonuniform magnetization properties passing through the 4 central bores, comprising: selective activation of certain ones and deactivation of certain others 6 of said plurality of tapered coils to control motion of said plurality of coils with respect to said rail line.

77. The control system for a propulsion system of Claim 76, further 2 comprising: said selective activation of certain ones and deactivation of certain 4 others of said plurality of tapered coils controlled by a device coupled to said tapered coils selected from the group consisting of electronic timers, 6 electronic gates, mechanical triggers, photo-electric triggers, and self- induction mechanisms.

78. The control system for a propulsion system of Claim 76, further 2 comprising: said selective activation of certain ones and deactivation of certain 4 others of said plurality of tapered coils controlled by a device coupled to said tapered coils selected from the group consisting of J-K flip-flop 6 circuits, Data or Delay flip-flop circuits, chains of T flip-flop circuits, D flip-flop circuits, clocked RS flip-flop circuits, pulse generator circuits, and s phototransistor circuits.

79. A tapered coil defining a central bore and for generating nonuniform io magnetic fields within the central bore, comprising: at least first and second sections; ₁₂ said first section surrounding a first partial portion of the central bore; and i₄ said second section surrounding a second partial portion of the central bore, said second section mechanically coupled to said first section, ie said first and second sections defining a gap; whereby control exercised over voltages applied to said first and second is sections provide greater control over the tapered coil and said gap provides greater heat dissipation and lowers friction.

80. A tapered coil defining a central bore and for generating nonuniform 2 magnetic fields as set forth in Claim 79, further comprising: a magnetizable line having a plurality of sections, said magnetizable 4 line susceptible to said nonuniform magnetic fields and responding thereto; whereby 6 said plurality of sections may be efficiently and precisely guided to move and rotate relative to said tapered coil by selective energization of β said first and second tapered coil sections.

81. A tapered coil defining a central bore, comprising:

2 a wire wrapping, said wire wrapping wound about the central bore; a first end of said wire wrapping located at one end of the central 4 bore; a second end of said wire wrapping located at an opposite end of the e central bore; said first end of said wire wrapping having substantially many more ^β windings than said second end of said wire wrapping to create a transition between said first and second ends; and io a middle portion of said wire wrapping between said first and second ends smoothly mediating said transition between said first and i2 second ends by gradually decreasing windings about the central bore as approach is made to said second end; whereby i4 current flowing through said wire wrapping produces a non-uniform magnetic field within the central bore.

82. The tapered coil of Claim 81 , further comprising: a magnetizable line, said magnetizable line passing through the central bore and attracted by said non-uniform magnetic field; and a spring, said spring attached to one of said first or second coil ends at a first spring end, said spring attached to said magnetizable line at a 6 second spring end; said spring displaced by said magnetizable line when said s magnetizable line is attracted by said non-uniform magnetic field, said spring urging said non-magnetizable line to an equilibrium position, said io equilibrium position reached by said spring and said magnetizable line when no magnetic field is present in the central bore.