Importance

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Abstract

In the preferred embodiment, a variable magnetic reluctor structure comprng an iron yoke having two opposing 'U'-shaped bodies, magnetic flux sources formed by portions of the yoke, a magnetic flux path, a working space and a reluctor space is provided. A reluctor member comprising diamagnetic disks is inserted within the reluctor space decreasing the magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux path to a value lesser than that of air (1.0). The iron disks increase permeability, while either a Type I or a Type II superconducting disk or a combination of iron disks interspersed between Type II superconducting disks decreases permeability. Reluctor members comprising disks constructed solely of either iron, a Type I superconducting material, a Type II superconducting material, or a diamagnetic material, can be mounted in a rotating arrangement so that a different reluctor member can be mechanically inserted within the reluctor space resulting in increases or decreases to the magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux path to a value greater than that of air (1.0). In other embodiments of this invention, a permanent magnetic reluctor structure comprising a horseshoe-shaped magnetic flux source and two reluctor members comprised of stacked superconducting baffles, as well as structures utilizing thermal controls on permeability of reluctor members of a variable magnetic reluctor structure are provided. Methods of varying permeance are also shown.

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First Claim