Magnet array for a shaft-type linear motor

A magnet array adapted for use with a coil array of a motor, the magnet array having an array axis, the magnet array comprising:

• a magnetic, first section including a plurality of segments which are positioned so that the polarization of the first section is substantially transverse to the array axis;
• wherein the first section includes a first side, an opposed second side, and a first channel which extends from the first side into only a portion of the first section, the first channel being substantially centered on the array axis.

A magnet array adapted for use with a coil array of a motor, the magnet array including an array axis, the magnet array comprising:

• a first section made of a high energy product, rare earth, magnetic material, the first section having substantially transverse polarization relative to the array axis;
• wherein the first section includes a plurality of segments which are positioned so that the polarization of first section is substantially transverse to the array axis;
• wherein at least one of the segments has a substantially wedge shaped cross-section.

A magnet array adapted for use with a coil array of a motor, the magnet array including an array axis, the magnet array comprising:

• a plurality of magnetic sections positioned along the array axis, each section including a first side and an opposed second side, at least one of the sections including a first channel which extends from the first side into only a portion of the section, the channel being substantially centered on the array axis.

A method for manufacturing a magnet array adapted for use with a coil array, the magnet array having an array axis, the method comprising the step of:

• manufacturing a magnetic first section having a polarization which is substantially transverse to the array axis, the first section being made of a high energy product, rare earth, magnetic material;
• the first section including a plurality of segments;
• wherein at least one of the segments has a substantially wedge shaped cross-section.

A magnet array adapted for use with a coil array of a motor, the magnet array having an array axis, the magnet array comprising:

• a magnetic, first section including a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments has a substantially wedge shaped cross-section.

The magnet array of claim 59 wherein the first section includes a plug which is substantially encircled by the plurality of segments, the plug being made of a magnetic material.

A magnet array adapted for use with a coil array of a motor, the magnet array having an array axis, the magnet array comprising:

• a substantially tubular shaped, magnetic, first section, the first section having a length along the array axis;
• and
• plug positioned within the first section, the plug having a length along the array axis, wherein the length of the plug is approximately equal to the length of the first section.

A motor comprising:

• a tubular shaped coil array;
• and
• a magnet array that fits within the coil array, the magnet array having an array axis, the magnet array including a magnetic, first section having a polarization that is substantially transverse to the array axis and a magnetic, second section positioned adjacent to the first section along the array axis, the second section having substantially axial polarization relative to the array axis.

A magnet array adapted for use with a coil array of a motor, the magnet array having an array axis, the magnet array comprising:

• a first section made of a magnetic material, the first section having substantially transverse polarization relative to the array axis;
• and
• a plug that is substantially encircled by the magnetic material of the first section, the plug being made of a magnetic material.