Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A coupling mechanism includes an inner magnetic coupler disposed inside a thrust tube and an outer magnetic coupler disposed outside the thrust tube. The inner and outer magnetic couplers are spaced by a non-metallic portion of the thrust tube. The inner magnetic coupler is movable relative to the wall in a direction of movement. The outer magnetic coupler is magnetically coupled with the inner magnetic coupler to be moved by the inner magnetic coupler. The inner magnetic coupler includes an inner magnetic bar and a plurality of inner magnetic blocks coupled to the inner magnetic bar. The inner magnetic blocks are disposed between the inner magnetic bar and the thrust tube. The inner magnetic bar is opposite in polarity from the inner magnetic blocks. The inner magnetic blocks are arranged in series and are alternately spaced by a plurality of inner nonmagnetic spacers in the direction of movement. The outer magnetic coupler includes an outer magnetic bar and a plurality of outer magnetic blocks coupled to the outer magnetic bar. The outer magnetic blocks are disposed between the outer magnetic bar and the thrust tube. The outer magnetic bar is opposite in polarity from the outer magnetic blocks. The outer magnetic blocks are arranged in series and are alternately spaced by a plurality of outer nonmagnetic spacers in the direction of movement. The outer magnetic bar is the same in polarity as the inner magnetic bar. The inner magnetic blocks and outer magnetic blocks are staggered in position along the direction of movement when the inner and outer magnetic couplers are substantially stationary. The inner magnetic blocks and outer magnetic blocks move closer toward substantial alignment with each other as the inner and outer magnetic couplers increase in speed, thereby changing the magnetic coupling from an attraction mode to a repulsion mode.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim