WO2008116258A1

WO2008116258A1 - Magnetic motor

Info

Publication number: WO2008116258A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000418
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Marcus Toltz; Edward Nicholas Miles
Original assignee: Randotor Australia Pty Limited
Priority date: 2007-03-27
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2008-10-02

Abstract

There is provided a magnetic motor device which relies on interaction between the switched electromagnetic field of an electromagnet and one or more permanent magnets: the resulting movement of the permanent magnets harnessed as mechanical output. In particular forms the mechanical output drives a flywheel and/or other mechanical load. In further particular forms the mechanical output drives a generator or other form of device which converts the mechanical output to electrical output. In further particular forms the electrical output, at least in part, is fed back to drive the electromagnet. A method of provision of motive force comprising provision of continuous permanent magnetic attraction and repulsion, which reacts to the bare switch in polarity of an electromagnet.

Description

MAGNETIC MOTOR

The present invention relates to a machine and method and, more particularly, to a magnetic motor which operates on the interaction of attraction and, repulsion characteristics of magnetic fields to generate electricity and mechanical torque.

BACKGROUND

Many forms of machine are known which utilize interaction between magnetic fields.

It is an object of the present invention to utilise the attraction and repulsion characteristics of magnetic fields to generate electricity and mechanical torque.

Notes

1. The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Broadly speaking there is provided a magnetic motor device which relies on interaction between the switched electromagnetic field of an electromagnet and one or more permanent magnets; the resulting movement of the permanent magnets harnessed as mechanical output. In particular forms the mechanical output drives a flywheel and/or other mechanical load. In further particular forms the mechanical output drives generator or other form of device which converts the mechanical output to electrical output .

In further particular forms the electrical output, at least in part, is fed back to drive the electromagnet.

In further particular forms the permanent magnets reciprocate.

Accordingly in one broad form of the invention there is provided magnetic motor device comprising at least one crank shaft rotatable within a housing;

at least a first cylinder passage having a first piston comprised of permanent magnet material and slidably moveable within said first cylinder passage;

at least a second cylinder passage having a second piston comprising permanent magnet material and slidably moveable within said second cylinder passage;

an electromagnet having a first field end and a second field end; said first field end associated with said first cylinder passage so as to allow interaction between a field associated with said first field end and a field associated with said permanent magnet material of said first piston;

said second field end associated with said second cylinder passage so as to allow interaction between a field associated with said second field end and a field associated with said permanent magnet material of said second piston.

Accordingly in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a magnetic motor device comprising at least one crank shaft rotatable within a housing;

said second field end associated with said second cylinder passage so as to allow interaction between a field associated with said second field end and a field associated with said permanent magnet material of said second piston;

at least one conductive coil arranged around at least a part of said first cylinder passage such that at least a part of the said field associated with said permanent magnet material of said first piston interacts with said at least one coil, as said first piston moves reciprocally within said first cylinder passage;

at least one conductive coil arranged around at least a part of said second cylinder passage such that at least a part of the said field associated with said permanent magnet material of said second piston interacts with said at least one coil as said second piston moves reciprocally within said second cylinder passage. Preferably each of said first piston and said second piston is connected respectively to a first crank and a second crank of said crankshaft by respective first and second connecting rods. Preferably said first crank and said second crank are diametrically opposed one to the other such that reciprocal movement of said first and said second pistons within said first cylinder passage and said second cylinder passage is in opposite directions. Preferably said electromagnet is of horseshoe configuration; a first pole with said first field end disposed over an upper open end of said first cylinder passage and a second pole with said second field end disposed over an upper open end of said second cylinder passage.

Preferably polarity of said electromagnet is switched when said first piston and said second piston reach a limit of their stroke. Preferably a pole of said electromagnet is in a state of polarity opposite to the polarity of a said piston when said piston is moving towards said pole.

Preferably a pole of said electromagnet is in a state of polarity the same as the polarity of said piston when said piston is moving away from said pole. Preferably at least one sensor detects end of stroke condition; a signal from said at least one sensor transmitted, to a power control unit of said electromagnet. Preferably alternating current induced in said at least one conductive coil by reciprocating movement of a said piston relative said coil is rectified for charging of a capacitor and/or battery.

Preferably said first cylinder passage and said second cylinder passage form a first pair of a plurality of pairs of first and second cylinder passages; each said pair arranged in a "V" formation with pistons in each cylinder passage interconnected with a common crankshaft by means of connecting rods; each said pair of cylinder passages associated with a said horseshoe configured electromagnet. Preferably said plurality of pairs of first and second cylinder passages and associated first and second pistons form a V4, V6 or V8 device configuration.

Preferably alternating current rectified for charging a capacitor and/or a battery is supplemented by electric power from a generator connected to a rotating flywheel of said crankshaft or otherwise taking advantage of mechanical torque resulting from that rotating flywheel.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of provision of motive force comprising: generating a reversing electromagnetic field having a first field region and a second field region; said first field region a predetermined distance from said second field region; causing said field to vary with time; said first field region being of an opposite polarity to said second field region; exposing a first permanent magnet piston to said first field region; exposing a second permanent magnet piston to said second field region; whereby said first permanent magnet piston is urged along a straight line between a first first permanent magnet position and a second first permanent magnet position by said reversing electromagnetic field; and whereby said second permanent magnet system is urged along a straight line between a first second permanent magnet position and a second second permanent magnet position by said reversing electromagnetic field.

Preferably said first field region is adjacent said second field region.

Preferably said first field region is arranged in opposed relationship to said second field region. In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided method of provision of motive force comprising provision of continuous permanent magnetic attraction and repulsion, which reacts to the bare switch in polarity of an electromagnet. Preferably said continuous permanent magnetic attraction and repulsion is provided by one or more permanent magnets. Preferably said electromagnet only needs sufficient emf to cause it to switch polarity

Preferably said emf is leveraged up by said permanent magnets interacting with the switched field of said electromagnet.

Preferably said permanent magnets are permanent neodymium magnets.

Preferably said permanent magnets move within a cylinder passage.

Preferably the cylinder passage is rectangular or prism shaped.

Preferably the cylinder passage is substantially circular in cross section.

Preferably said permanent magnets move in a reciprocating motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a block schematic diagram of a magnetic motor in accordance with a first, second and third preferred embodiments of the present invention. Fig 2 is a block schematic diagram of a magnetic motor array in accordance with a fourth preferred, embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 3 is a block schematic diagram of a magnetic motor array in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 4 is a series of layouts of a magnetic motor in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention together with concatenated versions thereof.

Fig 5 is a block schematic diagram of a magnetic motor in accordance with a seventh, eighth and ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 6 is a block schematic diagram of a magnetic motor in accordance with a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Fig 7 is a block, schematic diagram of a magnetic motor in accordance with an eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Fig 8 is a series of layouts of a magnetic motor in accordance with a twelfth preferred embodiment of the present invention and concatenated versions thereof,

Fig 9 is a block diagram of a particular commercial application of one or more of the above embodiments to an electric vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Fig. 1 there is illustrated a motive device or magnetic motor 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In this instance, the motor 10 comprises a housing 11. Within the housing 11 is disposed at least a first cylinder passage 12 and a second cylinder passage 13. Within each cylinder passage is slidingly disposed a respective first piston 14 and a second piston 15. Each piston is comprised of permanent magnet material with which there is associated a permanent magnet field.

The permanent magnet material in preferred forms comprises high strength magnetic field material such as Neodymium. The intention is that the make up of the permanent magnets will take advantage of further advances as they become available in high field strength permanent magnets.

Rotatively disposed in association with housing 11 is a crankshaft 16 having at least a first crank 17 mechanically associated with first piston 14 by means of a first connecting rod 18. Crank shaft 16 has at least a second crank 19, diametrically opposed to first crank 17 and mechanically associated with second piston 15 by means of second connecting rod 20. The arrangement is such that crankshaft 16 rotates about crankshaft axis 21 as at least first and second pistons 14 and 15 move reciprocally in opposite directions within respective first cylinder passage 12 and second, cylinder passage 13.

Also disposed at least partially within housing 11 is a horseshoe configured electromagnet 22 having at least a first field end 23 and a second field end 24. First field end 23, the first pole, is disposed over the upper open end of first cylinder passage 12, while second field end 24 , the second pole, is disposed over the upper open end of second cylinder passage 13.

Electromagnet 22 is comprised of a material adapted to conduct a magnetic field and around at least a portion of which is wound an electrically conductive wire coil 25, The electrically conductive wire coil 25 is in communication with electromagnet distributor or power controller 26. In turn, the electromagnet power controller 26 is in electrical communication with distributor unit 27 via electromagnet power conductor 28. A rheostat (not shown) may be provided to regulate the current strength supplied to the electromagnet.

Cylinder passages 12 and 13 are each defined by walls

(shown in dotted outline in Fig 1) 60, 61 respectively of non-conductive material. At least one, and preferably two inductive coils are disposed around each cylinder wall; coils 30A and 30B around the cylinder wall 60 of cylinder passage 12, and coils 31A and 31B around the cylinder wall 61 of cylinder passage 13.

Coils 30A and 30b are electrically connected to a collector unit 32, while coils 31A and 31B are similarly connected to a collector unit 33. Both collector unit 32 and 33 are interconnected with distributor unit 27.

The assembly comprising the walls, coils, cylinder passages and pistons may reside within a housing. The walls 60, 61 and housing 11 preferably comprise of material that does not interfere with the interaction between the. coils and magnets comprising the pistons, A suitable material may comprise ceramic material.

In preferred forms the materials and tolerances are selected so as to minimise friction, shudder and related mechanical losses. In a particular form piston rings 63, 64 may be fitted to the pistons shown in Fig 1 in order to aid mechanical stability of the relatively moving components .

Losses may be further minimised by use of lubrication between relatively, moving surfaces. Each movement of a permanent magnet piston 14 and 15 for the length of their stroke (as determined by the throw of cranks 17 and 19) will induce electrical current in the coils 30 and 31 respectively. Such current may be collected via collector units 32 and 33, and conductors 50 and 51 for temporary storage in a capacitor 52 and/or battery 53. The polarity of electromagnet 22 can be switched cyclically in step with the reciprocal motion of pistons 14 and 15. The polarity of permanent magnet pistons 14 and 15 is of course fixed, and the pistons are constructed such that the polarity of each is oriented in the same direction; that is the field at the head 36 and 37 respectively of each piston 14 and 15 is the same. Thus when a piston, say piston 14 is rising towards top dead centre in its cylinder passage 12 as shown in Figure 1, it will be strongly attracted to the first field end 23, if the polarity of that field end is opposite to the polarity of the piston head 36. At the same time, piston 15 in reciprocal motion to piston 14, will be strongly repelled by second field end 24 since its polarity will be the same as that of piston head 37 of piston 15.

The polarity of electromagnet 22 is switched as piston 14 reaches top dead centre (TDC), and as piston 15 at the same time reaches bottom dead centre (BDC) in their respective cylinder passages. Momentum, aided by a flywheel 40, will carry each piston past TDC and BDC respectively. Thus piston 14 will now be repelled by first field end 23while piston 15 will be attracted to second field end 24.

Switching of polarity of first field end 23 and second field end 24 of electromagnet 22 as pistons 14 and 15 reach the limits of their strokes, may be controlled electronically through inputs from a pair of proximity sensors 42 and 43. These may be placed immediately below each crank 17 and 19, and coaxial with cylinder passages 12 and 13, as shown in Figure 1, so as to detect when pistons 14 and 15 reach BDC. Each time one or other of sensors 42 and 43 is activated by a big end 44 or 45 sweeping past the sensor, electromagnetic power controller 26 switches the polarity of first field end 23 and second field end 24. Alternatively, a single sensor (not shown) could be mounted adjacent flywheel 40, and the flywheel provided with two diametrically opposed sensor activating locations, aligned with the plane defined by cranks 17 and 19.

The reciprocal movement of permanent magnet pistons 14 and 15 relative to the coils around their respective cylinder passages, induces pulses of alternating current. This induced current may be rectified in collector units 32 and 33, and part thereof at least, stored for example in capacitor 52 and/or battery 53, making it available for supply to electromagnet 22.

To maximise the induction of current flow in induction coils around cylinder passages 12 and 13, the ends of pistons 14 and 15 directed to wards the crankshaft 16, are preferably bell-shaped, so as to optimise the magnetic field at that end of the two pistons for interaction with the induction coils. The piston heads 36 and 37 are preferably dome-shaped. Method of Operation

In operation the magnetic motor 10 may be placed into motion by use of electrical power from an electrical storage element such as battery 69 or capacitor 70. The battery 69 or capacitor 70 are switched into circuit for this period of operation of the motor 10 by switches 71, 72. Once the motor is up to speed and operating in previously described the battery 69 and capacitor 70 may be switched out of circuit. At this point magnetic motor electrical output 67 is fed to the distributor 52 so as to provide power to power conductor 28 to maintain operation of electromagnet 22. Additional power is made available to external output 73. Ihe degree to which power is available at output 73 will ba a function of variables of the motor 10 including, but not limited to, the field strength of the magnets of the magnetic material comprising pistons 14, 15.

Second Preferred Embodiment

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a number of pairs of cylinder passages, each with reciprocally moving pistons similar to the first described embodiment above, but in this embodiment each of the pairs of cylinders is arranged as in a "V" type internal combustion engine. Thus two pairs form a V4, three pairs a V6 and four pairs a V8 and so forth, all connected by connecting rods to a common crankshaft.

The cylinders of each pair are now aligned at an angle to each other with the connecting rods of the pair attached to adjoining cranks. Each pair is associated with a horseshoe configured electromagnet, similar to the electromagnet of the first embodiment, but now with the faces of the first and second field ends angled inwardly to align with the axes of the "V" configuration of the pair of cylinder.

Third Preferred Embodiment

Although the above preferred forms of the invention employ a crankshaft to regulate the reciprocating motion of the permanent magnet pistons , it will be appreciated that the effects of interaction between the piston permanent magnets and the electromagnet, and the interaction of the pistons with the conductive coils around the cylinder passages, can be achieved without resort to a crankshaft.

In this further embodiment, the pistons reciprocate between the upper ends of their respective cylinder passages and an arresting mechanism at the remote ends of their stroke. Such an arresting mechanism could take the form of a spring to alow the piston as it approaches the end of the stroke and a resilient fixed barrier. An air cushion effect at the upper end of the cylinder passage caused by the pistons' approach to the face of the electromagnet poles may be employed to slow and arrest the pistons at the upper ends of their stroke, preventing impact between the pistons and pole faces. However, the switching of the polarity of the electromagnet as identified in the following paragraph will prevent impact between pistons and pole faces.

To switch the polarity of the electromagnet, sensors may be arranged to detect end of stroke of the piston, that is, at the equivalent of top dead centre and bottom dead centre. For example, a rod extending from the lower end of a piston and provided with a suitable sensor activating plate, may interact with two proximity sensors spaced-apart the distance of the piston stroke.

In a particular form the generator or alternator 65 can be driven from, fly wheel 40 as illustrated in Fig 1. Its electrical output 66 may be added to the magnetic motor output 67 as illustrated in Fig 1. In an alternative form the flywheel 40 may itself form part of a generator or alternator unit.

A resonant operational mode

In particular forms the switching of the field of electromagnet 22 will be timed, by the control system so as to work in synchronisation with the movement of the pistons 14, 15 whereby movement imparted by interaction of the field of the electromagnet with the fields of the permanent magnets will tend to be enhanced in. a resonant manner.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment:

With reference to Fig 2 there is illustrated a magnetic motor array 110. In this instance the array is built up from a plurality of magnetic motor units 10 substantially of the type described with reference to fig 1 earlier in this specification. In this instance like components are numbered as for. the arrangement of fig 1 except in the 100s series. So, for example, the electromagnet 22 of fig 1 becomes electromagnet 122 in the array 110.

In this instance individual magnetic motors 110 are mechanically linked in a line on a common crank shaft axis 121. In the case of Fig 2 there are 3 crank shaft axes 121 in parallel. It is envisaged that additional lines of magnetic motors 110 may be added in parallel.

The electrical output from the array 110A of magnetic motors 110 is fed to distributor 152. Part of the summed output is used to drive the electro magnets 122. Surplus output at 111 is made available for external use. In this array 110A the travel T of each piston 114, 115 is limited by appropriate dimensional selection of the cranks 117, 119 to a travel T. T is selected to be a dimension which maintains the magnetic field of the permanent magnets of the pistons 114, 115 continuously within the substantive field of influence of their respective pole fields of the electromagnets 122. This dimension T will he a function of strength of the respective magnetic fields.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment:

Fig 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment comprising a magnetic motor array 210A of electrically and mechanically interlinked magnetic motor units 210. Like components are numbered as for the earlier embodiments except in the 200 series.

In this array the pistons 214, 215 comprise rectangular prism-shaped permanent magnets. In this instance the pistons are supported for sliding, reciprocating movement by corner rails 280. The rails themselves are supported within an open structure defined by ribs 281. The ribs define substantially open rectangular prism cavities 282 arranged in a planar array as shown in fig 3. Within each cavity 282 is located a magnetic motor unit 210. This particular magnetic motor unit 210 comprises a rectangular prism-shaped permanent magnet 214, 215 slidably supported on corner rails 280 and adapted to drive a crank shaft 216 having travel T. The movement of the magnet within coils 230, 231 induces an EMF at the output of the coils in the manner previously described in the earlier embodiments, which, output can be made available in an additive manner at distributor 252 as previously described.

A feature of this open structure is that air cooling is facilitated which may be particularly advantageous where the permanent magnets have characteristics which are temperature sensitive.

In particular forms an electromagnetic field shield (not shown) may be required interposed between adjacent ones of the magnetic motor units 210 in order to ensure that there is no undue negative interaction of the fields between adjacent units.

Alternatively to the rectangular prism-shape of the permanent magnets the permanent magnets may be of any shape, e.g. cylindrical. In addition the permanent magnets may form part of a composite structure making up a piston. For example the permanent magnet may be fixed to a platform or like support structure which together with that platform constitutes the piston or "piston head" of the respective piston. 6^th Preferred Embodiment:

With reference to Fig 4 there is illustrated an alternative topological arrangement wherein like components are numbered, as for the first embodiment of Fig 1 except in the 300s series. So, for example, motive device or magnetic motor 10 of Figure 1 is numbered motive device or magnetic motor 310 in the embodiment of Figs 4A to 4F. In this instance the magnetic motor 310 is in the form of a

'multipier topology' wherein a first electromagnet 322 in this instance of elongate rod configuration is utilised to drive first piston 314, 2^nd piston 315, 3^rd piston 314A and 4^th piston 315A. As will be observed in Fig 4A, the topology takes the form of an H configuration. A first crank 317 is in mechanical communication with pistons 314, 314A and arranged so that crank 317 is caused to rotate by movement of the pistons 314, 314A under the influence of the magnetic field 80 generated by the supply of the electrical current to coil 325 and otherwise generally operating in the same manner as described with reference to the embodiment of Fig 1.

As for the first embodiment, electric current can be induced in coils 330 surrounding pistons 314, 314A, 315, 315A as illustrated in Fig 4A. The current thus induced may be utilised to contribute current to the coil 325 of electromagnet 322 and/or can be utilised to supply electric current to external sources. As illustrated in the block diagram shown in the lower half of Fig 4A, the basic arrangement of the magnetic motor

310 as illustrated in side view in Fig 4A can be concatenated with like units so as to multiply further the output from the devices .

One form of concatenation is radial as shown in figure 4B, the end view arrangement can be multiplied by, for example, using the one electromagnet 322 as the centre of two or more radially aligned magnetic motors 310 thereby to multiply the effect in a radial manner. The concatenation can comprise just two magnetic motors 310 arranged 90° apart as illustrated in figure 4B. In the alternative as shown in figure 4C there can be additional magnetic motors 310 arranged radially in this instance 45° apart about the electromagnet 322.

An alternative form of concatenation is illustrated in figure 4D. In this instance each magnetic motor 310 is connected to a like magnetic motor 310 by a common crank 317, 319 respectively.

As illustrated in figure 4E each crank 317, 319 may itself be driven by further like magnetic motors 310 resulting in a 2 x 2 array as illustrated in the figure. Fig 4F illustrates a topology of magnetic motor 310 similar to that of figs 4A through to figs 4E but with the polarity of opposed magnetic pistons altered as illustrated such that opposed pistons will "rise and fall" together with respect to electromagnet 322 (as opposed to move away from each other and then towards each other together) .

Figure 4G illustrates a particular preferred form of the arrangement of Figs 8B and 8C wherein a single connecting flywheel 90 is utilised to harness the mechanical output from each of the radially disposed cranks.

7^th to 9^th Preferred Embodiments

Fig 5 illustrates a further embodiment mechanically arranged in similar fashion to that of the embodiment of Fig 1 except that coils 30A, 30B, 31A, 31B are omitted but with like components otherwise numbered as for Fig 1 except in the 400 series. In this arrangement, the magnetic motor 410 operates such that there is no feedback of electric current derived from the motion of the pistons 414, 415.

Similarly the arrangement of Fig 6 operates the same as for the arrangement of Fig 2 except that, again, there is no feedback of current derived from the motion of the pistons 514, 515. Like components are numbered as for the arrangement of Fig 2 except in the 500 series. Similarly Fig 7 illustrates an arrangement operating in similar manner to that Fig 3 except components are numbered in the 600 series. Again there is no 'feedback' or other utilisation of current derived from the motion of the pistons 614, 615.

Alternatively to the rectangular prism-shape of the permanent magnets the permanent magnets may be of any shape, e.g. cylindrical. In addition the permanent magnets may form part of a composite structure making up a piston. For example the permanent magnet may be fixed to a platform or like support structure which together with that platform constitutes the piston or "piston head" of the respective piston.

Similarly Fig 8A to 8F illustrate the topology previously described with reference to Fig 4A to 4F with like components numbered as for Fig 4 except in the 700 series. Again the feedback coils 314, 314A, 315, 315A have been removed from this arrangement with the result that there is no derived current from the motion of the pistons 614, 615.

Figure 8G illustrates a particular preferred form of the arrangement of Figs 8B and 8C wherein a single connecting flywheel 90 is utilised to harness the mechanical output from each of the radially disposed cranks. Each of the figs 5, 6, 7 and 8A to 8F inclusive illustrate piston heads of cylindrical shape and each of those arrangements is stated above as an arrangement operating in similar manner as for the arrangements in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4A to 4F respectively. Alternatively;

(a) as in the Fifth Preferred Embodiement described above and in fig 3, the pistons may be supported for sliding, reciprocating movement by corner rails which rails themselves are supported within an open structure defined by ribs; which ribs define substantially open rectangular cavities arranged in a planar array as shown in fig 3. A feature of that is an open structure, one benefit being that air cooling is facilitated which may be particularly advantageous where the permanent magnets have characteristics which are temperature sensitive; and/or

(b) instead of the permanent magnet piston heads being of cylindrical shape, the permanent magnets could be of any shape, e.g. rectangular prism-shape, fixed to a platform which together with that platform constitutes the "piston head" of the respective piston.

Summary

By way of summary of the above described embodiments there has been described a magnetic motor where in one form the only input into the electromagnet is from an outside source and in another form the only use of the crank is to provide mechanical torque. Those are alternatives to where there is input from internally generated emf to the electromagnet; and a further embodiment where the cranks are used to drive generators.

By way of non-limiting example with reference to a commercial application which will be described below there may be provided a motor where the only input into the electromagnet is from an outside source; and the cranks will either provide mechanical torque or themselves drive generators (which may or may not apply some of their emf back into the electromagnets) . It is envisaged in this commercial example:

1. that the torque generated by the cranks will drive a vehicle; and alternatively

2. the motor as described may, in at least some embodiments, "leverage up" the power required to drive the electromagnet, to provide power for the cranks to drive generators providing greater power than that required . to drive the electromagnet.

The "power" driving the pistons of the magnetic motor is not petrol; or diesel; or steam - it is continuous permanent magnetic attraction and repulsion, merely "reacting" to the bare switch in polarity of the electromagnet, which itself does not have to have much strength. The "strength" comes from the permanent magnets. The electromagnet only needs sufficient emf to cause it to switch polarity. That amount of emf is what is being "leveraged up" in effect by the permanent neodymium magnets .

Commercial Application

With reference to Figure 9 there is illustrated an application of the magnetic motor of any one of the above described embodiments to a small electric car 96, sized so as to provide the same power as a similar sized petrol driven car, running on small solar panels supplemented by batteries in common use with solar installations.

As illustrated in block diagram form a vehicle 96 includes a magnetic motor 10 of one of the forms described above. The magnetic motor 10 is provided with electrical input which, as illustrated, can be provided by a battery bank 92 or solar panels 93, This electrical input provides at least the initial power to activate the electromagnet of the magnetic motor. The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic motor device comprising at least one crank shaft rotatable within a housing;

an electromagnet having a first field end and a second field end;

said first field end associated with said first cylinder passage so as to allow interaction between a field associated with said first field end and a field associated with said permanent magnet material of said first piston;

at least one conductive coil arranged around at least a part of said second cylinder passage such that at least a part of the said field associated with said permanent magnet material of said second piston interacts with said at least one coil as said second piston moves reciprocally within said second cylinder passage .

2. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said first piston and said second piston is connected respectively to a first crank and a second crank of said crankshaft by respective first and second connecting rods.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said first crank and said second crank are diametrically opposed one to the other such that reciprocal movement of said first and said second pistons within said first cylinder passage and said second, cylinder passage is in opposite directions.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said electromagnet is of horseshoe configuration; a first pole with said first field end disposed over an upper open, end of said first cylinder passage and a second pole with said second field end disposed over an upper open end of said second cylinder passage.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein polarity of said electromagnet is switched when said first piston and said second piston reach a limit of their stroke.

6. The device of any one of claims 4 or 5 wherein a pole of said electromagnet is in a state of polarity opposite to the polarity of a said piston when said, piston is moving towards said pole.

7. The device of claims 4 or 5 wherein a pole of said electromagnet is in a state of polarity the same as the polarity of said piston when said piston is moving, away from said pole.

8. The device of claims 6 or 7 wherein at least one sensor detects end of stroke condition; a signal from said at least one sensor transmitted to a power control unit of said electromagnet.

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein alternating current induced in said at least one conductive coil by reciprocating movement of a said piston relative said coil is rectified for charging of a capacitor and/or battery.

10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said first cylinder passage and said second cylinder passage form a first pair of a plurality of pairs of first and second cylinder passages; each said pair arranged in a "V" formation with pistons in each cylinder passage interconnected with a common crankshaft by means of connecting rods; each said pair of cylinder passages associated with a said horseshoe configured electromagnet .

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said plurality of pairs of first and second cylinder passages and associated first and second pistons; form a V4, V6 or V8 device configuration.

12. A magnetic motor device as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

13. A. magnetic motor device comprising at least one crank shaft rotatable within a housing;

at least a second cylinder passage having a second piston comprising permanent magnet material and slidably moveable within said second cylinder passage; an electromagnet having a first field end and a second field end;

14. The device of claim 13 wherein each of said first piston and said second piston is connected respectively to a first crank and a second crank of said crankshaft by respective first and second connecting rods .

15. The device of claim 14 wherein said first crank and said second crank are diametrically opposed one to the other such that reciprocal movement of said first and said second pistons within said first cylinder passage and said second cylinder passage is in opposite directions.

16. The device of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein said electromagnet is of horseshoe configuration; a first pole with said first field end disposed over an upper open end of said first cylinder passage and a second pole with said second field end disposed over an upper open end of said second cylinder passage.

17. The device of any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein polarity of said electromagnet is switched when said first piston and said second piston reach a limit of their stroke.

18. The device of any one of claims 16 or 17 wherein a pole of said electromagnet is in a state of polarity opposite to the polarity of a said piston when said piston is moving towards said pole.

19. The device of claims 16 or 17 wherein a pole of said electromagnet is in a state of polarity the same as the polarity of said piston when said piston is moving away from said pole.

20. The device of claims 18 or 19 wherein at least one sensor detects end of stroke condition; a signal from said at least one sensor transmitted to a power control unit of said electromagnet .

21. The device of any one of claims 13 to 20 wherein alternating current induced in a said at least one conductive coil by reciprocating movement of a said piston relative said coil is rectified for charging of a capacitor and/or battery.

22. The device of any one of claims 13 to 21 wherein said first cylinder passage and said second cylinder passage form a first pair of a plurality of pairs of first; and second cylinder passages; each said pair arranged in a "V" formation with pistons in each cylinder passage interconnected with a common crankshaft by means of connecting rods; each said pair of cylinder passages associated with a said horseshoe configured electromagnet.

23. The device of claim 22 wherein said plurality of pairs of first and second cylinder passages and associated first and second pistons form a V4, V6 or V8 device configuration.

24. A method of provision of motive force comprising: generating a reversing electromagnetic field having a first field region and a second field region; said first field region a predetermined distance from said second field region; causing said field to vary with time; said first field region being of an opposite polarity to said second field region; exposing a first permanent magnet piston to said first field region; exposing a second permanent magnet piston to said second field region; whereby said first permanent magnet piston is urged along a straight line between a first first permanent magnet position and a second first permanent magnet position by said reversing electromagnetic field; and whereby said second permanent magnet system is urged along a straight line between a first second permanent magnet position and a second second permanent magnet position by said reversing electromagnetic field.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein said first field region is adjacent said second field region.

26. The method of claim 24 wherein said first field region is arranged in opposed relationship to said second field region.

27. A method of provision of motive force comprising provision of continuous permanent magnetic attraction and repulsion, which reacts to the bare switch in polarity of an electromagnet.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein said continuous permanent magnetic attraction and repulsion is provided by one or more permanent magnets .

29. The method of claim 27 or claim 28 wherein said electromagnet only needs sufficient emf to cause it to switch polarity

30. The method of claim 29 wherein said emf is leveraged up by said permanent magnets interacting with the switched field of said electromagnet.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein said permanent magnets are permanent neodymium magnets .

32. The method of any one of claims 28 to 31 wherein said permanent magners move within a cylinder passage.

33. The method of claim 32 where the cylinder passage is rectangular or prism shaped.

34. The method of claim 32 where the cylinder passage is substantially circular in cross section.

35. The method of any one of claims 28 to 34 wherein said permanent magnets move in a reciprocating motion.

36. The method of any one of claims 27 to 35 and as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to any one of the Figures.

37. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 1.

38. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 2.

39. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 3.

40. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 4A.

41. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 4B.

42. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 4C,

43. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 4D.

44. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 4E.

45. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 4F.

46. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 4G.

47. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 5.

48. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 6.

49. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 7.

50. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 8A.

51. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 8B.

52. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore .particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 8C.

53. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 8D.

54. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 8E.

55. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 8F.

56. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 8G.

57. A magnetic motor as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in Fig 9.