Linear electric machine

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to linear electric machines, capable of converting electrical current into mechanical work or mechanical work into electrical current. More specifically, this invention relates to an electric machine having a ferromagnetic vessel containing a single-pole magnetic field, end caps for reflecting magnetic energy 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 machine 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; and    (c) an electric circuit connected to said electromagnetic coil.    
     
     
         2 . The linear electric machine of    claim 1    further comprising a shaft connected to said electromagnetic coil.  
     
     
         3 . The linear electric machine of    claim 1    wherein electric energy is fed through said electric circuit to said electromagnetic coil to create a magnetic field within said electromagnetic coil.  
     
     
         4 . The linear electric machine of    claim 3    wherein said magnetic field within said electromagnetic coil moves said coil within said single-pole magnetic field within said vessel.  
     
     
         5 . The linear electric machine of    claim 1    further comprising an end cap proximate to said electromagnetic coil.  
     
     
         6 . A linear electric machine comprising: 
 (a) a vessel having an internal cavity;    (b) one or more magnetic elements within said cavity creating a single-pole magnetic field within said cavity, said single-pole magnetic field having a region of concentrated magnetic energy;    (c) an electromagnetic coil being disposed within said single-pole magnetic field, such that at least a portion of said coil extends through said region of concentrated magnetic energy, and wherein said coil moves relative to said magnetic elements.    
     
     
         7 . The linear electric machine of    claim 6    wherein said coil contains at least a two-step winding configuration, with said first step having hour-glass shaped windings and said second step having filler windings.  
     
     
         8 . The linear electric machine of    claim 6    wherein said movement of said coil relative to said magnetic elements generates electric current within said coil.  
     
     
         9 . A method for generating electric current comprising the steps of placing an electromagnetic coil within a single-pole magnetic field; and moving said coil relative to said magnetic field.  
     
     
         10 . A method for generating electric current of    claim 8    wherein said generated current exits said electromagnetic coil through an electric circuit.