Levitation of Objects Using Magnetic Force

Abstract

The invention disclosed is a method of levitating one or both ends of an object permanently or temporarily, or altering the distance between two objects or the momentum of an object by manipulating the direction of the magnetic field of a permanent or electromagnet.

1 . A levitated-object assembly, comprising:
 an object having a proximal end and a distal end and a first magnetic element attached thereto;   a base;   support means for attracting together into contact the base and the proximal end of the object;   the base having two spaced-apart magnet elements carried thereon and arranged to repel the first magnetic element so that the distal end of the object is levitated relative to the base.   
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the support means includes a support magnet for magnetically attracting together the base and the proximal end of the object. 
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein in the magnetic polarity of the two spaced apart magnet elements is reversible for moving the distal end of the object. 
   
   
       4 . A method of supporting an object that has a distal end and a proximal end so that the distal end is levitated, comprising the steps of:
 magnetically attracting the proximal end of the object into contact with a base in manner that permits movement of the mounted object relative to the base; and   levitating the distal end of the object.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the levitating step includes forming a valley-shaped magnetic field for supporting the distal end of the object. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the forming step includes locating two spaced-apart magnets in the base. 
   
   
       7 . A levitated-object assembly, comprising:
 an object having a proximal end and a distal end and first and second spaced-apart magnetic elements attached thereto;   a base;   support means for magnetically attracting together into contact the base and the proximal end of the object;   the base having a third magnetic element carried thereon and arranged to repel the first and second spaced-apart magnetic elements so that the distal end of the object is levitated relative to the base.