Levitron

Being in the untwisted state, a magnetic top with a mass of ~ 20 grams is able to hover over a specially located system of permanent magnets in the box (since the magnets are constant, the levitron does not require an electric current source). The top is an annular permanent magnet with an axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of symmetry of this magnet. The magnet in the box is usually also a ring, but with a larger diameter. The shape of the magnetic field is due to a combination of these two sizes. A potential well forms at a certain distance above the center of a large magnet, that is, a small zone, the magnetic field in the center of which is slightly weaker than at the edges. This prevents the top from deviating from the center of the box. The size of this zone determines the weight, the magnetic field of the top, and the place where the phenomenon is possible. Rotation is necessary so that the top does not roll over. The moment of inertia of the rotating body, in accordance with the law of conservation of angular momentum, keeps the top in the position of the repulsive pole down. A spinning top experiences friction only on air, as a result of which it can soar for quite some time.

More complex options differ only in that they use one way or another to spin up an object, which is usually enclosed within a small globe . Then “levitation” lasts until the device is turned off or the batteries are exhausted in it. In the lower box there is additionally an electromagnetic coil- transmitter, and in the upper object a coil- receiver, which together form an air transformer . Such power devices are known as wireless induction computer mice , where the wire leads only to the mat. The transmitted power may even be enough to illuminate such a globe.

The implementation of souvenirs and toys of this type is carried out by the American company Fascinations Toys and Gifts, located in Seattle . These include: “Perpetuator” - a constantly floating mains powered levitron, electromagnetic fields supporting rotation of the top are added to it, “Art Bank” - a box inside which there is an airplane model, a coin or tennis ball in the air, and also “Amazing Anti-Gravity Globes” - “flying globe”. On the basis of such toys, the production of promotional promo levitrons with logos or company attributes placed on them has begun. As a spinning top, it is now possible to use a variety of objects - telephones, jewelry and even mannequins with clothes. For such promo levitrons, magnetic amplifiers are installed that can withstand up to 3 kilograms of weight. Production of promotional promo levitrons began in China, but with the period of import substitution, they are now being produced in Russia.

The first patent for levitron, number 4382245, was issued in May 1983 by Roy Herrigen, an American inventor (the validity of this patent expired in 2003).

William Hones and Edward Hones received several patents for improvements to this device: 5404062, 5883454, etc.

• Antigravity
• Levitation
• Spinning top
• Mendoza motor

• Levitron home page
• Spin stabilized magnetic levitation
• LEVITRON Physics
• THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE LEVITRON
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