Linear electric motor

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to linear electric motor, capable of converting electrical current into mechanical work. More specifically, this invention relates to an electric motor having a ferromagnetic vessel containing a single-pole magnetic field, and a shaft having an electromagnetic coil which moves relative to the magnetic field.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:  
     
         1 . A linear electric motor comprising: 
 (a) a vessel containing one or more magnetic elements, said magnetic elements arranged to produce a single-pole magnetic field;    (b) an electromagnetic coil which moves reciprocally within said single-pole magnetic field, wherein said reciprocal movement generates an electric current during at least a portion of said reciprocal movement;    (c) at least one electromagnet attached to said vessel;    (d) an electric circuit connected to said coil and said electromagnet which electric circuit allows at least a portion of said generated electric current from said coil to flow to said electromagnet.    
     
     
         2 . The linear electric motor of    claim 1    wherein said electric circuit further provides for the introduction of electric current from an external source to said coil.  
     
     
         3 . The linear electric motor of    claim 1    further comprising an end cap proximate to said coil.  
     
     
         4 . The linear electric motor of    claim 1    wherein said vessel contains ferromagnetic materials.  
     
     
         5 . The linear electric motor of    claim 1    wherein said unipolar magnetic field contains a region of concentrated magnetic energy.  
     
     
         6 . The linear electric motor of    claim 1    further comprising a shaft connected to said coil.  
     
     
         7 . The linear electric motor of    claim 6    wherein said shaft is connected to a crankshaft wherein the mechanical energy created by the movement of said coil is transferred to said crankshaft.  
     
     
         8 . A linear electric motor comprising: 
 (a) a vessel containing one or more magnetic elements, said magnetic elements arranged to produce a single-pole magnetic field;    (b) an electromagnetic coil having a top and a bottom which moves reciprocally within said single-pole magnetic field, wherein said reciprocal movement generates an electric current during at least a portion of said reciprocal movement;    (c) a first electromagnet attached to said vessel above said coil;    (d) a second electromagnet attached to said vessel below said coil;    (e) an electric circuit connected to said coil and said electromagnet which electric circuit allows at least a portion of said generated electric current from said coil to flow to said electromagnets.    
     
     
         9 . The linear electric motor of    claim 8    further comprising a first end cap proximate to the top of said coil and a second end cap proximate to the bottom of said coil.  
     
     
         10 . The linear electric motor of    claim 8    wherein said electric circuit further provides for the introduction of electric current from an external source to said coil.  
     
     
         11 . A linear electric motor comprising: 
 (a) at least two separate vessels each of said vessels containing one or more magnetic elements, said magnetic elements arranged to produce a unipolar magnetic field;    (b) an electromagnetic coil disposed within each of said magnetic fields, said coils moving reciprocally within each of said magnetic fields, wherein said reciprocal movement generates an electric current during at least a portion of said reciprocal movement;    (c) a shaft connected to each of said electromagnetic coils;    (d) a crankshaft connected to each of said shafts;    (e) at least one electromagnet attached to each of said vessels;    (f) an electric circuit connected to each of said coils and each of said electromagnets which electric circuit allows at least a portion of said generated electric current from said coils to flow to said electromagnets.    
     
     
         12 . The linear electric motor of    claim 8    wherein said electric circuit further provides for the introduction of electric current from an external source to said coils.