Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for bending magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit are disclosed. A means for conducting a substantially planar electric current is placed in the path of the flux of a magnetic circuit. Current is then caused to flow in the conducting means, causing the magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit to deviate from its original path. A preferred embodiment of the invention is described wherein a series of coils are used to form both the planar conducting means and a partial flux conduit for coupling the flux bending apparatus to the magnetic circuit. Specific applications of the invention are disclosed in relation to magnets for use in magnetic resonance imaging applications, and magnets for use in dual dipole particle accelerator applications. Additional applications of the invention are described in relation to creating modular components for magnetic flux piping systems, such components including devices for splitting and recombining magnetic flux, concentrating and expanding magnetic flux, and switching magnetic flux to two or more different paths. Also disclosed are applications of the invention to create magnetic circuits wherein the flux pipes have a size on the order of microns. Specifically, a data storage device is disclosed containing micron-sized flux pipes and flux switching devices fabricated on a substrate and integrated with other circuitry.

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First Claim