USOO5929732A

United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 5,929,732

Bushman (45) Date of Patent: Jul. 27, 1999
54). APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR 5,502,425 3/1996 Tsai ......................................... 335/304
AMPLIFYING AMAGNETIC BEAM
Primary Examiner Michael L. Gellner
75 Inventor: Boyd B. Bushman, Lewisville, Tex. Assistant Examiner Raymond Barrera
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Baker & Botts, L.L.P.
73 Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Fort
Worth, Tex. 57 ABSTRACT
An apparatus and method for creating a magnetic beam
21 Appl. No.: 08/842,850 wherein a focusing magnet assembly (45) is comprised of a
22 Filed: Apr. 17, 1997 first opposing magnet pair (20) and a second opposing
6 magnet pair (30) disposed in a focusing plane, each magnet
51) Int. Cl. ........................................................ H01F 7/02 of the respective opposing magnet pairs having a like pole
52) U.S. Cl. .......................... 335/306; 315/5.35; 335/210 directed towards the geometric center of the focusing mag
58 Field of Search ............................ 335/210, 302-306; net assembly (45) to form an alignment path, two like
310/90.5; 31.5/5.35; 324/318-320 magnetic beams extending from the alignment path on each
Side of the focusing magnet assembly (45), each beam being
56) References Cited generally perpendicular to the focusing plane. A like pole of
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS an unopposed magnet (10) can be directed down the align
ment path from one Side of the focusing magnet assembly
2,869,563 1/1959 Schoengrun .............................. 137/43 (45) to produce a single magnetic beam extending generally
3.237,059 2/1966 Meyerer ....... ... 335/306 perpendicular from the focusing magnet assembly opposite
3,349,354 10/1967 Miyata .................................... 335/209 unopposed magnet (10). This beam is a magnetic monopole
3,781,592 12/1973 Harrold ................................... 335/210 which emits pulses, levitates, degausses, Stops electronics
4,568,901 2/1986 Adam ....... ... 335/305 and Separates materials.
5,014,032 5/1991. Aubert ............. ... 335/306
5,462,054 10/1995 Rapoport et al. 128/653.5
5,488.342 1/1996 Hanley .................................... 335/306 18 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Jul. 27, 1999 Sheet 1 of 3 5,929,732

FIC. 1
U.S. Patent Jul. 27, 1999 Sheet 2 of 3 5,929,732

FIC. 2
U.S. Patent Jul. 27, 1999 Sheet 3 of 3 5,929,732

FIG. 3
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1 2
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR functions using less total magnetic force than is generally
AMPLIFYING AMAGNETIC BEAM used by an unfocused magnet. This allows for the use of
Smaller permanent magnets, or alternatively, electromagnets
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION that use lower amounts of electric power. Thus, a commer
The present invention relates generally to the field of cial device built with magnets according to the present
invention can be built Smaller and with less of a need for
magnetic devices, and more particularly to focusing a mag power consumption than devices using Standard magnets.
netic field to increase the efficiency of a magnet. For instance, the present invention can be used to more
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION effectively Separate ferric materials from non-ferric
materials, and can more effectively induce propulsion or
Magnets have a variety of commercial uses. For instance, levitation in Systems that use magnetic fields, Such as
magnets perform a variety of physical tasks by attracting electric motorS or levitating trains that use opposing mag
ferric materials, and magnets also perform a variety of netic fields. The present invention can also interact with
electrical tasks, Such as creating an electric current in a electromagnetic devices Such as computers by Stopping the
generator or alternator or enhancing the performance of 15 operation of analog circuits from a distance, degaussing and
electromagnetic devices Such as inductors. However, the otherwise interfering with digital circuits and memories, and
creation of a Strong magnetic field to perform these func emitting high powered electromagnetic pulses (EMP) at
tions generally entails the use of a large permanent magnet Such circuits when induction coils are energized around the
or a powerful electromagnet. Such magnets are often physi magnets with an alternating current. The present invention
cally large and heavy, and tend to produce wide magnetic can also direct or transport electromagnetic charges through
fields which can interfere with equipment near the magnet. a distance.
Thus, commercial devices that include magnets must be
designed around the physical size of the magnet needed to BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
produce a desired magnetic field and around the width of the A more complete understanding of the present invention
magnetic field produced. 25
and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION following description taken in conjunction with the accom
panying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate
Therefore, a need has arisen for an apparatus and method like features and wherein:
for manipulating and focusing the magnetic field of a FIG. 1 depicts an assembly of five magnets to produce a
magnet to reduce the Size and Strength required for a given magnetic beam;
magnet to perform a function. FIG. 2 depicts a magnetic beam adapted to detect motion;
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and
and method is provided that Substantially eliminates or FIG. 3 depicts an electronic coil disposed around an
reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previ 35 opposing magnet for producing a magnetic pulse beam.
ously used unfocused magnets. The present invention uses
opposing magnetic pairs to direct a magnetic field along an DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
alignment axis. INVENTION
More specifically, the present invention focuses a mag
netic beam along an alignment axis by providing a focusing 40 Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illus
magnet assembly having at least three opposing magnets trated in the figures, like numerals being used to refer to like
Spaced apart in a focusing plane, the Space between the and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
opposing magnets forming an alignment path, and by further Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present
providing an unopposed magnet generally directed along the invention is depicted creating a South magnetic beam 5. A
alignment axis towards the alignment path. Each opposing 45 Single unopposed magnet 10 is aligned along an alignment
magnet has a like pole facing acroSS the alignment path. The axis 15 so that the south pole 11 of magnet 10 points
alignment axis corresponds to the alignment path formed by Substantially in the direction of the intended magnetic beam.
the Spacing between the focusing assembly of magnets. In The alignment axis 15 in FIG. 1 is labeled as the “X” axis.
one alternative embodiment, the unopposed magnet can be A first opposing magnet pair 20 is disposed along a first or
placed in the focusing plane to form opposing magnet pairs 50 “Y” axis 25 substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis
which direct a magnetic beam from the alignment path along 15. Opposing magnet pair 20 is comprised of two magnets,
the alignment axis from each side of the focusing assembly. 21 and 23, Substantially aligned along the “Y” axis 25 so that
In one alternative embodiment, a coil of conducting the south pole 22 of magnet 21 and the South pole 24 of
material is disposed in the magnetic beam near the exit of the magnet 23 face each other. Magnets 21 and 23 are arranged
beam from the focusing magnet assembly. An unbalanced 55 to have a Space between them which coincides with the path
capacitor and a voltmeter connected in Series with the coil of alignment axis 15.
allow the detection of movement through the magnetic beam A Second opposing magnet pair 30 is disposed along a
by measuring variations in the AC Voltage of the coil. second or “Z” axis 35, which is substantially perpendicular
Alternatively, AC voltage can be measured from a pin array to the alignment axis 15 and also Substantially perpendicular
disposed in the beam as a Substitute for the coil and 60 to the “Y” axis 25, the first and second magnet pairs forming
unbalanced capacitor. In yet another embodiment, electric a focusing magnet assembly 40. Second opposing magnet
power, Such as an alternating current, can be passed through pair 30 is comprised of two opposing magnets, 31 and 33,
coils arranged around one or more of the magnets of the each substantially aligned along the “Z” axis 35 so that the
assembly to allow the generation of a magnetic pulse. South pole 32 of magnet 31 faces the South pole 34 of magnet
The focused magnetic beam or beams produced by the 65 33. Magnets 31 and 33 are arranged with a space between
present invention provides important technical advantages them, the Space coinciding with the path of the alignment
by focusing a magnetic field. The focused field may perform axis 15. The Spaces of first and Second opposing magnet
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pairs 20 and 30 coincide to form an alignment path 45 large Spark from the VanDeGraaff to the South opposing
through which the alignment axis 15 is disposed. The first magnets, indicating the potential for the present invention to
axis 25 and Second axis 35 intercept within alignment path perform electron transfer through a distance.
45 at the approximate geometric center of the magnet In alternative embodiments, various numbers of magnets
assembly to form a focusing plane. or opposing magnet pairs can be arranged around the
In the embodiment depicted by FIG. 1, each magnet has alignment axis 15 to focus the magnetic beam 5. For
approximately the same magnetic force, and each magnet is instance, three opposing magnets could be used instead of
a niosyum magnet constructed in the form of a cylinder with the four opposing magnets depicted in FIG. 1. Alternatively,
a hole 50 down its center. Nonferric bolts 51 are inserted
through each hole and interSect at the geographic center of a greater number of magnets or magnet pairs can be arranged
the magnetic pairs, where the Nonferric bolts can be coupled offset to the focusing plane to alter the focus or Strength of
to hold the magnets in place. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic beam 5. In yet another embodiment, a plurality
any other convenient means of coupling the magnets in of focusing magnet assemblies can be disposed along the
place can be used, and alternative means of producing a alignment axis in a plurality of focusing planes.
magnetic force, Such as electromagnets, can be used. In 15
Referring now to FIG. 2, two alternative embodiments of
another embodiment, unopposed magnet 10 can be removed the present invention are depicted. First, a coil 60 comprised
So that a magnetic beam extends along the alignment axis 15 of a conducting material, Such as copper, is disposed within
from each side of the focusing plane. a magnetic beam 5. An unbalanced capacitor 65 is coupled
in series with the coil 60 and a voltmeter 66. Unbalanced
The embodiment of FIG. 1 depicts a like pole of each capacitor 65 can be an electrical device Such as the electrical
magnet directed towards the geographic center of the focus device disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/144,
ing magnet assembly 40. In FIG. 1, the south pole of each
magnet is depicted as directed at the alignment path 45 and 814, by Boyd Bushman, abandoned, now issued as a
at the geographic center of the focusing magnet assembly continuation-in-part as U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,946, which is
40. In other embodiments, the north pole of each magnet can incorporated herein by reference. Voltmeter 66 is any con
be directed at the geographic center. In either case, the 25
ventional voltmeter capable of measuring an electric current,
coupling of like poles in a plane and the introduction of a Such as an alternating current. Movement, and even just the
like pole perpendicular to the plane acts to focus the mag presence of objects, through the beam produces an AC
netic fields of each magnet into a beam extending perpen voltage in coil 60 which can be detected by unbalanced
dicular from the focusing plane along the alignment axis 15 capacitor 65 and measured by voltmeter 66.
of the Single unopposed magnet 10. Thus, an unopposed Alternatively, a pin array 70 disposed in the magnetic
magnet that would ordinarily have a measurable magnetic beam 5 can also be used to measure disturbances, Such as
field of four to Six inches extending outward from a pole can movement through the magnetic beam, which cause an AC
have a beam extending five to Seven feet outward from the voltage in pin array 70 that can be measured by voltmeter 66.
pole. The focused magnetic beam 5 extends along the Pin array 70 is any device such as the device disclosed in
alignment axis 15 beyond the magnetic field that would 35 U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/144,814, by Boyd
occur if each magnetic field of the beam assembly were Bushman, abandoned, now issued as a continuation-in-part
combined into a single magnetic field, Such as would happen as U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,946, which is incorporated herein by
if each of the magnets were combined end-to-end. The reference. Alternatively, any other means of measuring a
direction and intensity of the beam can be altered by disturbance through a magnetic field can be used.
changing the alignment of the Single opposing magnet 10, or 40 Referring now to FIG. 3, a coil 80 comprised of a
by changing the position or Strength of the magnets in the conducting material, Such as copper, is depicted disposed
focusing magnet assembly relative to the focusing plane, or around Single unopposed magnet 10. An electric power
by changing the shape or configuration of individual mag Source, Such as an AC generator 85 Supplies an alternating
nets. Thus, for instance, the beam could be made to rotate current to coil 80 at a variety of frequencies. The strength of
around alignment axis 15 by Sequentially altering the 45 the magnetic beam 5 varies according to the frequency of the
Strength of each magnet in the focusing magnet assembly. alternating current through coil 80 due to the magnetic field
The increased magnetic field of the embodiment depicted created by coil 80. Thus, a magnetic pulse beam is generated
in FIG. 1 can be demonstrated by its physical effects. For according to the frequency of the current passing through
instance, an unopposed magnet 10 that can lift a ferric object coil 80. When the frequency of the AC current is high, such
at a distance of approximately one inch can lift the same 50 as ten to the fifteenth power hertz, the magnetic pulse
ferric object through a distance of approximately six inches emitted Simulates the effect of a destructive electromagnetic
when coupled to a magnetic assembly comprised of two pulse. In alternative embodiments, coils can be disposed
pairs of opposing magnets as is depicted in FIG.1. The same around each magnet or around the magnet assembly as a
assembly can cause cathode tube distortions at a distance of whole to create a magnetic field and pulse according to the
approximately two feet, can make electronic Systems inop 55 frequency of a current applied to the coil.
erable at a distance of approximately six inches, and can The present invention provides Several technical advan
double the performance of an inductor at a distance of tages related to the application of a magnetic field. For
approximately eight inches. instance, by focusing a magnetic field, the present invention
In another example of the physical effects of an embodi allows for a decrease in the size of magnets used in com
ment such as that depicted in FIG. 1, a VanDeGraaff 60 mercial devices. Thus, in commercial applications Such as
generator with a Spark potential of approximately three where a magnet is used to increase the efficiency of an
quarters of an inch from its bell can be placed between an inductor, the present invention allows for greater miniatur
assembly of north opposing magnets and an assembly of ization with smaller magnets than would be allowed with the
South opposing magnets, the north opposing magnets magnetic field of an unfocused magnet. Where the present
located eight inches from the bell, and the South opposing 65 invention is used with electromagnets, Such as for the lifting
magnets located five feet from the bell, with the bell located of ferric materials, a Smaller electric power Source can be
one foot from its base. This configuration will produce a used to create a lifting magnetic force.
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Although the present invention has been described in acroSS a Second Space, the Second Space coinciding
detail, it should be understood that various changes, Substi proximate to the first Space to form an alignment path;
tutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing and,
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the an unopposed magnet having a like pole fixedly directed
appended claims. at the alignment path.
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for creating a magnetic beam along an 10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein at least
alignment axis, the apparatus comprising: one of the magnets comprises an electromagnet.
11. A magnetic beam assembly according to claim 9
a focusing magnet assembly comprising at least three further comprising:
opposing magnets disposed in a focusing plane, the at
least three opposing magnets forming an alignment a conducting coil proximate to the alignment path; and
path, the opposing magnets having like poles directed an unbalanced capacitor coupled in Series with the con
at the alignment path; and ducting coil.
an unopposed magnet, the unopposed magnet having a 12. A magnetic beam assembly according to claim 9
like pole fixedly directed along the alignment axis 15 further comprising a pin array proximate to the alignment
towards the alignment path. path.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mag 13. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the first
netic assembly has a geometric center and wherein the at axis intersects the Second axis to form a focusing plane, and
least three opposing magnets and the unopposed magnet wherein the unopposed magnet is Substantially perpendicu
each have a South pole directed Substantially at the geomet lar to the focusing plane.
ric center of the magnetic assembly. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13 further compris
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mag ing:
netic assembly has a geometric center and wherein the at an electric coil disposed around the unopposed magnet;
least three opposing magnets and the unopposed magnet 25 and
each have a north pole directed Substantially at the geomet
ric center of the magnetic assembly. an electric power Source coupled to the coil.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mag 15. A method for creating a magnetic beam, the method
netic assembly comprises a plurality of opposing magnet comprising the Steps of:
pairs disposed in the focusing plane, each opposing magnet disposing a first opposing magnet pair along a first axis,
pair having two magnets, the magnets of the opposing the first opposing magnet pair comprising two magnets
magnet pairs forming the alignment path. having like poles facing each other acroSS a first space;
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising: disposing a Second opposing magnet pair along a Second
a coil of conducting material disposed along the align axis, the Second opposing magnet pair comprising two
ment path; and 35
magnets having like poles facing each other acroSS a
an unbalanced capacitor coupled in Series with the coil. Second Space, the Second axis interSecting the first axis
6. The apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising So that the first and Second Space form an alignment
a pin array disposed within the magnetic beam. path; and
7. The apparatus according to claim 4 further comprising: fixedly directing a like pole of an unopposed magnet
a conducting coil disposed around at least one magnet; 40
through the alignment path.
and 16. The method according to claim 15 further comprising
an electric power Source coupled to the conducting coil. the Step of measuring fluctuations in the magnetic beam to
determine the presence of objects proximate to the magnetic
8. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the electric beam.
power Source provides an AC current to the coil. 17. The method according to claim 15 further comprising
9. A magnetic assembly comprising: 45
the Step of providing an electric current around at least one
a first opposing magnet pair comprising two magnets, of the magnets to generate a magnetic pulse beam.
each magnet having a like pole Substantially aligned 18. The method according to claim 15 further comprising
along a first axis, the like poles facing each other acroSS the Step of changing the Strength of the magnetic field in at
a first Space; 50 least one magnet of the opposing magnetic pairs to alter the
a Second opposing magnet pair comprising two magnets, direction of the magnetic beam.
each magnet having a like pole Substantially aligned
along a Second axis, the like poles facing each other k k k k k