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US 6,275,127 B1Granted
Solar powered magnetic support for display
OwnerWilliam Wallace Frenchinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An intriguing and educational display structure (2) includes a translucent earth globe body (3) suspended by energy derived from solar cells (14) integral to the globe. The globe is suspended by magnetic forces between magnets within the support assembly (10) which is controlled by a servo system substantially integral to the globe and powered by the solar cells (14). The servo mechanism can be made to launch and land the suspended globe in response to changing levels of illumination. Energy can be stored within the globe to power occasional periods of suspension, even in very low light levels.
Claims6
An apparatus comprising a support and a body,
- wherein said support comprises a magnet;
- wherein said body comprises a solar battery for providing electrical current to operate a servo mechanism comprising:
- said magnet;
- an electromagnet fixedly attached to said body;
- a current driver integral to said body;
- a position sensor for sensing the relative position of said body and said magnet,
- wherein said servo mechanism is designed to hold said body in a supported position against the downward pull of gravity by means of controlling the magnetic forces between said magnet and said electromagnet.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.