A magnetic levitation system is described, including a first cylinder-shaped magnet; a second cylinder-shaped magnet coaxially aligned with the first cylinder-shaped magnet; and a first cavity coaxially aligned with the first cylinder-shaped magnet; wherein the surfaces of the like-poles of the first and second cylinder-shaped magnets are parallel to each other and face each other to result in a linear magnetic field between the first and the second magnets. Methods of using a magnetic levitation system for analyzing a diamagnetic or paramagnetic sample are also described.

A multidimension-controllable levitation switch comprising a switch levitating body having a magnet; a magnetic levitation support mechanism for supporting the switch body in a stably levitated state relative thereto; magnetic detector means for detecting magnetic field variation of the switch body relative thereto and outputting a correspondingly varied magnetic signal; and a switch control circuit receiving the varied magnetic signal output by the magnetic detector means, and generating a corresponding switch signal based on the varied magnetic signal received. The multidimension-controllable levitation switch or switch system of the present invention may be applied to various electrical appliances, wherein the switch-shift operation of the electric device can be achieved simply by applying a push or press action on the levitating body, and thus incorporates operational convenience as well as novelty.

A multidimension-controllable levitation switch comprising a switch levitating body having a magnet; a magnetic levitation support mechanism for supporting the switch body in a stably levitated state relative thereto; magnetic detector means for detecting magnetic field variation of the switch body relative thereto and outputting a correspondingly varied magnetic signal; and a switch control circuit receiving the varied magnetic signal output by the magnetic detector means, and generating a corresponding switch signal based on the varied magnetic signal received. The multidimension-controllable levitation switch or switch system of the present invention may be applied to various electrical appliances, wherein the switch-shift operation of the electric device can be achieved simply by applying a push or press action on the levitating body, and thus incorporates operational convenience as well as novelty.

A method for moving a stage relative to a base includes coupling a magnet assembly to the stage; coupling an array of coils to the base; and directing current to at least one of the coils with a control system that includes a processor to generate a force that levitates the stage relative to the base and moves the stage relative to the base. In one embodiment, the control system generates at least one current command that levitates and moves the stage while inhibiting the excitation of a first targeted flexible mode.

A method for moving a stage relative to a base includes coupling a magnet assembly to the stage; coupling an array of coils to the base; and directing current to at least one of the coils with a control system that includes a processor to generate a force that levitates the stage relative to the base and moves the stage relative to the base. In one embodiment, the control system generates at least one current command that levitates and moves the stage while inhibiting the excitation of a first targeted flexible mode.

The disclosed apparatus may include (1) a subassembly that includes (a) a plurality of conductive coils, where the coils are arranged into first and second rows that are aligned as adjacent layers along a first direction, and where the rows are offset along the first direction such that two portions of each of the coils are arranged along the first direction without overlapping and each of the two portions of each coil is aligned in parallel along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and (b) a body that holds the coils, (2) a structure that generates a magnetic field through the portions of the coils, where the magnetic field is directed along a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and (3) a coil driver circuit that supplies current to at least some of the coils to move the structure relative to the subassembly, or vice-versa, along the first direction. Various other embodiments are also disclosed.

The disclosed apparatus may include (1) a subassembly that includes (a) a plurality of conductive coils, where the coils are arranged into first and second rows that are aligned as adjacent layers along a first direction, and where the rows are offset along the first direction such that two portions of each of the coils are arranged along the first direction without overlapping and each of the two portions of each coil is aligned in parallel along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and (b) a body that holds the coils, (2) a structure that generates a magnetic field through the portions of the coils, where the magnetic field is directed along a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, and (3) a coil driver circuit that supplies current to at least some of the coils to move the structure relative to the subassembly, or vice-versa, along the first direction. Various other embodiments are also disclosed.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that involve a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation. The upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion and further includes a slot. An elastomeric structure is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot and includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib includes a flexible portion and a retention portion. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs receive an encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs secure the encasement within the slot.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that involve a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation. The upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion and further includes a slot. An elastomeric structure is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot and includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib includes a flexible portion and a retention portion. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs receive an encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs secure the encasement within the slot.

An aerial vehicle is provided. The aerial vehicle may include a battery, a receiver for wirelessly receiving power to charge the battery, a vehicle magnetic levitation module providing a repelling force between the aerial vehicle and a charging station, and a controller controlling the vehicle magnetic levitation module to adjust a level of the repelling force based on at least one of parameters indicative of charging efficiency.