Every enthusiast of magnets knows that when two magnetic objects are brought close to each other they will either attract or repel each other, depending on their polarity. But what if you brought two magnets close to each other on a plane surface and they started to attract each other and then suddenly stopped without touching each other, leaving a visible air gap of about between them. And then when you moved one specific magnet the other moved with it maintaining the same air gap between them. Amazing! Isn’t it?
This is accomplished by The Inverter Magnet that was invented by Owen Miller. An array of powerful neodymium magnets creates a 2D magnetic trap which can hold another magnet in place a fixed distance away. There is a plastic ring that has six strong neodymium magnets at the periphery while in the center two circular neodymium magnets are placed. This arrangement is such that the central magnets are attracted to the external test magnet while the peripheral magnets repel it. The result is an extraordinary physical effect where a magnet becomes ‘stuck’ to the inverter magnet while still separated by a 5-7mm air gap, causing the two magnets move together across a flat surface as if attached by a solid bar.
Check out our posts on Levitron.
For best results place the inverter magnet on a table. Then put a normal magnet (supplied) on the table but far away from the inverter magnet. Slowly bring the normal magnet closer; as they get closer together they will start to attract one another. But when it comes closer to the Inverter assembly it stops at a distance of about 4-7mm. When the Inverter Magnet is moved across a table top, the test magnet moves with it as if attached with a rigid rod, despite the fact that the magnets are not connected by anything except magnetic forces.
The kit containing 10 magnets (6 outer magnets + 2 inner magnets stacked on top of one another + 2 magnets for testing). The plastic Inverter ring measures 1 1/2″ in diameter, inner and test magnets measure 3/4″ diameter, and outer ring magnets measure 1/4″ diameter. The whole assembly will cost you US$39.95.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DJAyiEvRys
