WO2013123111A1

WO2013123111A1 - Magnetic solenoid

Info

Publication number: WO2013123111A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/026023
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Philip BAXTER; Joshua Lee VOGEL
Original assignee: Strongland Resources, Llc
Priority date: 2012-02-15
Filing date: 2013-02-14
Publication date: 2013-08-22

Abstract

Disclosed is a magnetic solenoid that includes an electromagnet and a magnet that is moveable toward or away from the electromagnet in response to application of an electrical current to the electromagnet. In one embodiment, the magnet moving away from the electromagnet toward another, stationary body, which may also be a magnet of opposite polarity, can be used to apply a pulling or pushing force on another object. The moving magnet can move along a track that extends between the electromagnet and the body. In another embodiment, a magnetically susceptible structure moving toward the electromagnet can apply a pulling force to the other object. Also or alternatively in this other embodiment, the electromagnet can move toward the magnetically susceptible structure or the electromagnet and the magnetically susceptible structure can move toward each other in response to application of an electrical current to the electromagnet.

Description

MAGNETIC SOLENOID

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/599,086, filed February 15, 2012, entitled "Magnetic Solenoid", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to magnetic solenoids that can be utilized for applying a pushing or pulling force to an object.

Description of Related Art

[0003] From an input/output perspective, a solenoid's basic operation involves the input of electrical current in order to output a linearly directed force. Basic solenoids include a coil wire with a ferromagnetic plunger through the center, which moves and applies a linearly directed force in response to the input of electrical current. Ultimately the input and output are linked by electromagnetism - electric current generates an electromagnetic field in the coil which attracts or repels the plunger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Disclosed herein is a magnetic solenoid comprising: a track having first and second ends; an electromagnet at the first end of the track; a magnetically susceptible body at the second end of the track; and a magnet movable along a length of the track from the electromagnet toward the body in response to application of an electrical current to the electromagnet.

[0005] The body can be a magnet, whereupon opposing surfaces of the body and the moveable magnet can have opposite magnetic polarities.

[0006] The body can include a through-hole. A plunger can include a shaft extending through the through-hole to be contacted by the magnet moving along the length of the track toward the body. In response to being contacted by the magnet moving along the length of the track, the plunger moves in the through-hole in a direction opposite the electromagnet.

[0007] One or more magnets can be disposed adjacent the track along the length. The track can be a tube made of non-magnetically susceptible material or a magnetic rail. [0008] The magnet can include a through-hole. A rod can extend through the through- hole between the electromagnet and the body. The magnet moving along the length of the track can also move along the rod via the through-hole.

[0009] The electromagnet can surround a section of the rod.

[0010] The body can include a cavity or through-hole therein. A cap can be on an end of the rod adjacent the body. In response to the cap being contacted by the magnet moving along the length of the track toward the body the cap can move into the cavity or through-hole in the body.

[0011] The rod can move toward the body when the cap moves into the cavity or through-hole in the body in response to the cap being contacted by the magnet moving along the length of the track toward the body.

[0012] A plunger or rod can extend from the magnet in a direction opposite the body.

[0013] The electromagnet can surround a section of the plunger or rod.

[0014] A plunger or rod can be coupled to the magnet and can extend (a) through a bore of the electromagnet, or (b) through a through-hole or bore in the body, or (c) both the bore of the electromagnet and the through-hole or bore in the body.

[0015] The track can be a tube made of non-magnetically susceptible material or a magnetic rail.

[0016] Also disclosed herein is a magnetic solenoid comprising: a plunger surrounded by a sleeve in fixed spaced relation, wherein the plunger, the sleeve, or both the plunger and the sleeve is made from magnetically susceptible material; and an electromagnet including an bore in alignment with the plunger, wherein in response to application of an electrical current to the electromagnet: (a) the combination of the plunger and sleeve move, or (b) the electromagnet moves, or (c) the combination of the plunger and sleeve and the electromagnet move from a first state where less of the plunger is received in the bore and less of the electromagnet is surrounded by the sleeve to a second state where more of the plunger is received in the bore and more of the electromagnet is surrounded by the sleeve.

[0017] The magnetic solenoid can further include means for fixing the plunger and sleeve in fixed spaced relation. The means for fixing can be an end cap coupled between an end of the plunger and an end of the sleeve.

[0018] The magnetic solenoid can further include means for coupling the means for fixing to a external device to be moved by the combination of the plunger and sleeve moving in concert. The means for coupling can be an eyelet. [0019] The plunger can be permanent magnet, the sleeve can be permanent magnet, or the plunger and the sleeve can both be permanent magnets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figs 1A-1C are different operational views of a first embodiment magnetic solenoid including a moving magnet slideably received in a cross-section of a track for movement between an electromagnet at one end of the track and a stationary magnet at the other end of the track;

[0021] Figs. 2A-2C are different operational views of a second embodiment magnetic solenoid that includes all the elements of the first embodiment magnetic solenoid of Figs. 1A- 1C and which further includes one or more magnets adjacent (flanking) the exterior surface of the track or surrounding the track;

[0022] Figs. 3A-3D are different operational views of a third embodiment magnetic solenoid that includes a magnet that is slideable along a track between an electromagnet and a stationary magnet, wherein the slideable magnet also slides along a rod that extends through a through-hole of the slideable magnet, wherein the end of the rod adjacent the stationary magnet includes a flange or cap that can be inserted into a cavity or bore of the stationary magnet in response to the slideable magnet moving into contact with the flange or cap;

[0023] Figs. 4A-4C are different operational views of a fourth embodiment magnetic solenoid that includes a magnet that is slideable along a track between an electromagnet and a stationary magnet, wherein the slideable magnet is coupled to an object to be moved via a rod that extends through a through-hole or bore of the electromagnet;

[0024] Figs. 5A-5C are different operational views of a fifth embodiment magnetic solenoid that is similar in construction and operation to the fourth embodiment magnetic solenoid shown in Figs. 4A-4C, but wherein the slideable magnet that is coupled to the rod also extends along the track and through a through-hole in the stationary magnet at the end of the track opposite the electromagnet; and

[0025] Figs. 6A-6C are different operational views of a sixth embodiment magnetic solenoid including an electromagnet having a through-hole for receiving a plunger of a peraianent magnet structure that includes a cylindrical peraianent magnet sleeve which suiTounds the electromagnet in operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures where like reference numbers correspond to like elements.

[0027] With reference to Figs. 1A-1C, a first embodiment magnetic solenoid includes a track 2 having at a first end thereof an electromagnet 4 and having at a second end thereof a body 6 made of magnetically susceptible material. In one non-limiting embodiment, body 6 is desirably a permanent magnet. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Desirably, electromagnet 4 and body 6 are affixed to the respective opposite ends of track 2. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0028] Electromagnet 4 desirably, but optionally, includes a core 5 of magnetically susceptible material. Depending on the application, core 5 can be solid or can have a through- hole or bore therethrough. Core 5 can extend the full length or partial length of electromagnet 4, e.g., core 5 can be disposed within the central part of electromagnet 4, with the ends of core 5 spaced from the ends of electromagnet 4.

[0029] A magnet 8 is moveable (e.g., slideable) along the length of track 2 from electromagnet 4 toward body 6 in response to the application of an electrical current I to electromagnet 4. Magnetic attraction between magnet 8 and electromagnet 4 and/or core 5 aids in maintaining magnet 8 adjacent the electromagnet 4 (as shown in Fig. 1A) when electromagnet 4 is not receiving current I.

[0030] Fig. 1A shows one exemplary polarity of magnet 8 and, if body 6 is a magnet, the polarity of body 6, with each having its positive (+) pole to the left in the figure and with its negative (-) pole to the right in the figure. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the invention since the polarities of body 6 in the form of a magnet and magnet 8 can be reversed if desired. Regardless of the orientation of the magnetic poles of body 6 in the form of a magnet and magnet 8 in Figs. 1A-1C, opposing surfaces of body 6 in the form of a magnet and magnet 8 desirably have opposite magnetic polarities.

[0031] In one embodiment, body 6 and magnet 8 are both single magnets. In another embodiment, body 6 and magnet 8 are arrangements of multiple magnets. In yet another embodiment, body 6 is comprised of multiple magnets while magnet 8 is a single magnet. In yet another embodiment, body 6 is a single magnet while magnet 8 is an aiTangement of multiple magnets. The description herein of body 6 and magnet 8 having specific shapes and/or constructions, is not to be construed as limiting the invention since it is envisioned that body 6 and magnet 8 can have any suitable and/or desirable shape and/or construction. [0032] Body 6 can include therethrough a through-hole or bore 10. Disposed within through-hole 10 is a plunger 12, which, in a starting position extends from both ends of through-hole 10 as shown. Plunger 12 can include an optional tip 14 on an end thereof opposite track 2. Tip 14 is optional depending on the application. Alternatively, body 6 can be formed from a plurality of pieces disposed about plunger 12, whereupon body 6 does not per se define a through-hole or bore 10 therethrough.

[0033] Track 2 can be any suitable and/or desirable structure that facilitates movement of magnet 8 along the length of track 2. For example, without limitation, track 2 can be a tube made of non-magnetically susceptible material that is adapted to enable magnet 8 to slide therein. In one non-limiting embodiment, tube 8 can be formed of a plastic or polymer material. The interior of track 2 can have a low friction surface, for example, coated with Teflon^®. Teflon^® is a registered trademark of EI Du Pont DeNemours and Company Corporation, Wilmington, Delaware, Registration No. 1,592,650. Alternatively, track 2 can be a magnetic rail, albeit a permanent magnet rail or a rail that depends on the application of external applied electrical power to generate magnetic fields, that is adapted to facilitate the translation of magnet 8 along the length of track 2.

[0034] Starting with magnet 8 positioned on track 2 adjacent electromagnet 4 at the starting position shown in Fig. 1A, in response to electromagnet 4 receiving current I of an appropriate polarity, electromagnet 4 will generate a magnetic field that repulses magnet 8 thereby causing magnet 8 to move along track 2 as shown in Fig. IB. As magnet 8 approaches body 6, magnetic attraction between body 6 and magnet 8 increases causing magnet 8 to be drawn forcibly toward body 6. Where body 6 is a permanent magnet, the opposing magnetic poles of body 6 and magnet 8 increase the force of attraction between body 6 and magnet 8 versus when body 6 is only made of magnetically susceptible material. As magnet 8 moves into contact with body 6, the leading surface of magnet 8 moves forcibly into contact with the end of plunger 12 facing track 2. In response to magnet 8 contacting the end of plunger 12 facing track 2, the opposite end of plunger 12 moves forcibly in the direction shown by arrow 16. If provided, optional tip 14 will also move forcibly in the direction shown by arrow 16.

[0035] The forcible movement of plunger 12 and, if provided, tip 14 can be used to actuate another device (not shown), sever a link (not shown), etc.

[0036] It is to be appreciated that in practice, when magnet 8 is at the starting position shown in Fig. 1A, there is insufficient magnetic attraction between body 6 and magnet 8 to attract magnet 8 toward body 6. Rather, it is only after the application of current to electromagnet 4 whereupon the magnetic field produced by electromagnet 4 causes second magnet to move along track 2 toward body 6 where magnetic attraction between body 6 and magnet 8 forcibly draws magnet 8 toward body 6 in the manner described above.

[0037] With reference with Figs. 2A-2C and with continuing reference to Figs. 1 A-1C, a second embodiment magnetic solenoid shown in Figs. 2A-2C is similar in construction and operation to the first embodiment magnetic solenoid shown in Figs. 1A-1C, except that the second embodiment magnetic solenoid of Figs. 2A-2C include one or more elongated side magnets 18 adjacent (flanking) the exterior of track 2 with one end of each magnet 18 positioned adjacent the end of electromagnet 4 that is coupled to or adjacent the one end of track 2.

[0038] In one version of the second embodiment magnetic solenoid, two cylindrical (or rod-like) magnets 18 are positioned on opposite sides of track 2. In another version of the second embodiment magnetic solenoid, a single cylindrical magnet 18 is positioned on one side of track 2. In yet another version of the second embodiment magnetic solenoid, a single magnet 18 in the form of a hollow cylinder completely surrounds track 2. In yet another embodiment, three or more magnets 18 surround track 2. The description herein of each magnet 18 having a specific shape, is not to be construed as limiting the invention since it is envisioned that each magnet 18 can have any suitable and/or desirable shape.

[0039] Desirably, the polarity of each magnet 18 is the same as the polarity of magnet 8. For example, if magnet 8 has its positive (+) pole to the left and its negative (-) pole to the right in Figs. 2A-2B, each magnet 18 has its positive (+) pole to the left and its negative (-) pole to the right in Figs. 2A-2C. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the invention since it is envisioned that each magnet 6, 8 and 18 can be positioned with its magnetic poles in any suitable and/or desirable orientation deemed suitable and/or desirable by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] A benefit of including one or more solid cylindrical magnets 18 around the exterior of track 2, or a single hollow cylindrical magnet 18 surrounding track 2, where track 2 is received in the hollow portion of said hollow cylindrical magnet 18, is that the use of these one or more magnets 18 promotes continued movement and propulsion of magnet 8 along track 2.

[0041] In operation starting with magnet 8 positioned adjacent electromagnet 4 as shown in Fig. 2A, in response to application of electrical current I to electromagnet 4, magnet 8 is repulsed by the electric field created by electromagnet 4 along track 2 toward body 6. The one or more magnets 18 flanking track 2 facilitate the movement of magnet 8 along the length of track 2 toward body 6 as shown in Fig. 2B. As magnet 8 approaches body 6, magnetic attraction therebetween increases until this magnetic attraction becomes strong enough to overcome the magnetic attraction of the one or more side magnets 18 flanking track 2 whereupon magnet 8 is drawn forcibly into contact with body 6 whereupon plunger 12 and, if provided, tip 14 forcibly move in the direction shown by arrow 16. To facilitate attraction to magnet 8, body 6 is desirably a permanent magnet.

[0042] With reference to Figs. 3A-3D, a third embodiment magnetic solenoid includes track 2, electromagnet 4, body 6 and magnet 8. Differences in this third embodiment from the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1A-1C include the following: magnet 8 has a through-hole 20 therethrough that facilitates magnet 8 sliding along a rod 22 that extends through a through-hole or bore 24 of electromagnet 4 and/or, if core 5 is inside of bore 24, rod 22 extends through the bore of core 5. A first end of rod 22 extends to the left and terminates outside the leftmost side of electromagnet 4. A second end of rod 22 includes a flange or cap 26 positioned in alignment with a cavity 28 of body 6. Optionally, cavity 28 can be replaced with a through-hole or bore, like through-hole or bore 10 in body 6 shown in Figs. 1 A-1C.

[0043] Beginning from a starting state with magnet 8 positioned to the left as shown in Fig. 3A, in response to the application of current I to electromagnet 4, electromagnet 4 generates a magnetic field that repulses magnet 8 causing it to slide along track 2 to the right along rod 22 via through-hole 20 within magnet 8 toward body 6 as shown in Fig. 3B.

[0044] As magnet 8 continues moving toward body 6, magnetic attraction therebetween increases, whereupon magnet 8 is forcibly drawn into contact with flange or cap 26 as shown in Fig. 3C. The force of magnet 8 moving into contact with flange or cap 26 is transferred to rod 22 via flange or cap 26 which is forcibly moved by magnet 8 contacting flange or cap 26 into cavity 28 or bore 10 if provided. In response to the forcible movement of flange or cap 26 into cavity 28 (or bore 10 if provided), the opposite end of rod 22 experiences a tension force in the direction shown by arrow 30. To facilitate attraction to magnet 8, body 6 is desirably a permanent magnet.

[0045] With reference to Figs. 4A-4C, a fourth embodiment magnetic solenoid includes track 2, electromagnet 4, body 6 and magnet 8. In this embodiment, a rod 32 extends through through-hole or bore 24 of electromagnet 4 and/or, if core 5 is inside of bore 24, rod 22 extends through the bore of core 5. One end of rod 32 is coupled to an object 34 to which it is desired to apply a force in the direction of arrow 36. The other end of rod 32 is fixedly coupled to magnet 8. [0046] Beginning from the starting state shown in Fig. 4A with magnet 8 adjacent electromagnet 4, in response to the application of electrical current I to electromagnet 4, electromagnet 4 generates a magnetic field that repulses magnet 8 causing it to move along track 2 in a direction toward body 6 as shown in Fig. 4B. As magnet 8 moves closer to body 6, magnetic attraction therebetween increases thereby forcibly moving magnet 8 into contact with body 6. During the movement of magnet 8 from the position shown in Fig. 4 A to the position shown in Fig. 4C, rod 32 coupled between magnet 8 and object 34 causes object 34 to experience a force in the direction of arrow 36. To facilitate attraction to magnet 8, body 6 is desirably a permanent magnet.

[0047] With reference to Figs. 5A-5C, a fifth embodiment magnetic solenoid is similar in construction and operation to the fourth embodiment magnetic solenoid shown in Figs. 4A- 4C and discussed above except that in the fifth embodiment magnetic solenoid magnet 8 is coupled to 32 rod that also extends along track 2 and through through-hole or bore 10 in body 6 at the end of the track opposite the electromagnet 4.

[0048] In operation, beginning from the starting state shown in Fig. 5A with second magnet adjacent electromagnet 4, in response to the application of electrical current I to electromagnet 4, electromagnet 4 generates a magnetic field that repulses magnet 8 causing it to move along track 2 in a direction toward body 6 as shown in Fig. 5B. As magnet 8 moves closer to body 6, magnetic attraction therebetween increases thereby forcibly moving magnet 8 into contact with body 6. During the movement of magnet 8 from the position shown in Fig. 5A to the position shown in Fig. 5C, rod 32 coupled between magnet 8 and object 34 causes object 34 to experience a force in the direction of arrow 36. In addition, the right end of rod 32 in Figs. 5A-5C experiences a force in the direction of arrow 36, which force directed to the right in Figs. 5A-5C can be used to actuate another device (not shown), server a link (not shown), etc. To facilitate attraction to magnet 8, body 6 is desirably a permanent magnet.

[0049] If desired, the fifth embodiment magnetic solenoid can be modified whereupon the portion of rod 32 extending from the left of magnet 8 in Figs. 5A-5C is omitted, whereupon only the portion of rod 32 extending from the right of magnet 8 along track 2 and through through-hole or bore 10 in body 6 remains. In this modification of the fifth embodiment magnetic solenoid, there is no com ection to between magnet 8 and object 34 and it is only the portion of rod 32 extending from the right of magnet 8 that is able to apply a force in the direction of arrow 36. [0050] With reference to Figs. 6A-6C, a sixth embodiment magnetic solenoid includes electromagnet 4 including through-hole or bore 24 therethrough. In the sixth embodiment magnetic solenoid shown in Figs. 6A-6C, track 2, body 6 and magnet 8 have been omitted. To the left of electromagnet 4 in Fig. 6A is a sleeve-type tubular magnetically susceptible structure 38 that includes a magnetically susceptible sleeve 40 that defines therein an opening 42 which is sized to receive electromagnet 4 therein. If desired, magnetically susceptible sleeve 40 can be a permanent magnet.

[0051] In the arrangement of parts shown in Fig. 6 A, the end of structure 38 opposite electromagnet 4 includes an end cap 44, which is desirably made of a magnetically susceptible material. Extending from end cap 44 substantially coaxial with opening 42 is a plunger 46 which is desirably made of magnetically susceptible material. Plunger 46 is configured to be received within through-hole or bore 24 of electromagnet 4. If desired, plunger 46 can be a permanent magnet.

[0052] A side of end cap 44 opposite plunger 46 can be connected to any suitable means 48 that facilitates connection of structure 38 to an object 34 to which a force is to be applied to by the sixth embodiment magnetic solenoid shown in Figs. 6A-6C. In the illustrated embodiment, means 48 is an eyelet. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the invention since the use of any suitable and/or desirable means 48 for coupling end cap 44 to object 34 is envisioned.

[0053] In operation, beginning from the starting state shown in Fig. 6A where plunger 46 is aligned with through-hole or bore 24 and/or, if core 5 is inside of bore 24, plunger 46 is aligned with the bore of core 5, in response to the application of electrical current I to electromagnet 4, electromagnet 4 generates a magnetic field that attracts plunger 46 into through-hole or bore 24 and/or, if core 5 is inside of bore 24, attracts plunger 46 into the bore of core 5. Sleeve 40 facilitates concentration of the magnetic field generated by electromagnet 4 and, hence, thereby facilitates the movement of plunger 46 into through-hole or bore 24 and/or, if core 5 is inside of bore 24, the movement of plunger 46 into the bore of core 5 and the concurrent movement of sleeve 40 around electromagnet 4. More generally, in response to the application of electrical current I to electromagnet 4, structure 38 moves in the direction shown by arrow 50 to the final position shown in Fig. 6C, wherein the left end of electromagnet 4 is adjacent or in contact with the right side surface of end cap 44.

[0054] The immediately foregoing description assumes that structure 38 moves and that electromagnet 4 is stationary. Also or alternatively, it is envisioned that structure 38 can be stationary and electromagnet 4, in response to the application of electrical current I to electromagnet 4, can move in the direction of arrow 52 into opening 42, whereupon through- hole or bore 24 and/or, if core 5 is inside of bore 24, the bore of core 5 surrounds plunger 46 and sleeve 40 surrounds electromagnet 4, as shown in Fig. 6C. It is also envisioned that structure 38 and electromagnet 4, in response to the application of electrical current I to electromagnet 4, can move towards each other in the directions of arrows 50 and 52, respectively, until through-hole or bore 24 and/or, if core 5 is inside of bore 24, the bore of core 5 surrounds plunger 46 and sleeve 40 surrounds electromagnet 4, as shown in Fig. 6C.

[0055] In Fig. 6 A, electromagnet 4 and structure 38 are shown as separated from each other by a gap 52. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the invention since it is envisioned that the rightmost end of plunger 46 will be at least slightly received in an end of through-hole or bore 24 of electromagnet 4 and/or, an end of the bore of core 5, if provided, prior to the application of electrical current I to electromagnet 4.

[0056] The present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying figures. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. For example, as shown in Figs. 1 A-5C, one or more spacers 52 can optionally be provided at one or both ends of each instance of track 2 to avoid direct contact between magnet 8 and electromagnet 4 and/or body 6. Also or alternatively, as shown in Figs. IB, 2B, 3B, 4B and 5B, spacers can optionally be provided on one or both ends of magnet 8, again to avoid direct contact between magnet 8 and electromagnet 4 and/or body 6. Combinations of spacers 52 on magnet 8 and the ends of track 2 are also envisioned. Moreover, each instance of magnetically susceptible material described herein can be, without limitation, ferromagnetic material. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS

1. A magnetic solenoid comprising:

a track having first and second ends;

an electromagnet at the first end of the track;

a magnetically susceptible body at the second end of the track; and

a magnet movable along a length of the track from the electromagnet toward the body in response to application of an electrical current to the electromagnet.

2. The magnetic solenoid of claim 1, wherein:

the body is a magnet; and

opposing surfaces of the body and the magnet have opposite magnetic polarities.

3. The magnetic solenoid of claim 1 , further including:

a through-hole in the body; and

a plunger including a shaft extending through the through-hole to be contacted by the magnet moving along the length of the track toward the body, wherein in response to being contacted by the magnet moving along the length of the track, the plunger moves in the through-hole in a direction opposite the electromagnet.

4. The magnetic solenoid of claim 1, further including one or more magnets disposed adjacent the track along the length.

5. The magnetic solenoid of claim 1, further including:

a through-hole in the magnet; and

a rod extending through the through-hole between the electromagnet and the body, wherein the magnet moving along the length of the track also moves along the rod via the through-hole.

6. The magnetic solenoid of claim 5, further including the electromagnet surrounding a section of the rod.

7. The magnetic solenoid of claim 5, further including:

a cavity or through-hole in the body; and a cap on an end of the rod adjacent the body, wherein in response to the cap being contacted by the magnet moving along the length of the track toward the body the cap moves into the cavity or through-hole in the body.

8. The magnetic solenoid of claim 7, further including the rod moving toward the body when the cap moves into the cavity or through-hole in the body in response to the cap being contacted by the magnet moving along the length of the track toward the body.

9. The magnetic solenoid of claim 1, further including a plunger or rod extending from the magnet in a direction opposite the body.

10. The magnetic solenoid of claim 9, further including the electromagnet surrounding a section of the plunger or rod.

11. The magnetic solenoid of claim 1, further including a plunger or rod coupled to the magnet and extending (a) tlirough a bore of the electromagnet, or (b) tlirough a through- hole or bore in the body, or (c) both the bore of the electromagnet and the through-hole or bore in the body.

12. The magnetic solenoid of claim 1, wherein the track is a tube made of non- magnetically susceptible material or a magnetic rail.

13. A magnetic solenoid comprising:

a plunger surrounded by a sleeve in fixed spaced relation, wherein the plunger, the sleeve, or both the plunger and the sleeve is made from magnetically susceptible material; and

an electromagnet including an bore in alignment with the plunger, wherein in response to application of an electrical current to the electromagnet:

(a) the combination of the plunger and sleeve move, or

(b) the electromagnet moves, or

(c) the combination of the plunger and sleeve and the electromagnet move from a first state where less of the plunger is received in the bore and less of the electromagnet is surrounded by the sleeve to a second state where more of the plunger is received in the bore and more of the electromagnet is surrounded by the sleeve.

14. The magnetic solenoid of claim 13, further including means for fixing the plunger and sleeve in fixed spaced relation.

15. The magnetic solenoid of claim 12, wherein the means for fixing is an end cap coupled between an end of the plunger and an end of the sleeve.

16. The magnetic solenoid of claim 12, further including means for coupling the means for fixing to a external device to be moved by the combination of the plunger and sleeve moving in concert.

17. The magnetic solenoid of claim 16, wherein the means for coupling is an eyelet.

18. The magnetic solenoid of claim 12, wherein the plunger is permanent magnet, the sleeve is permanent magnet, or the plunger and the sleeve are both permanent magnets.