Stockholm Sweden

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 30-Dec-21 (DeNoise AI).

With additional '38/98, 60 years of excellence' titles.

Replace 13 descriptions

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 19-Feb-20.

This aircraft was delivered to Aerolineas Argentinas as LV-ISD in Feb-67. It was sold to the Argentine Air Force in Jan-83 and re-serialled as T-95 in Mar-84. The aircraft was wet-leased to PLUNA Líneas Aéreas Uruguayas S.A. as LV-ISD between Oct/Dec-85 and returned to the Argentine Air Force as T-95. It was wet-leased to PLUNA again, as LV-ISD, between May/Jun-68 and was returned to the Argentine Air Force as T-95. It was stored at El Palomar Air Force Base (Argentina) in Jun-04, time expired. A major D Check was started in Apr-06 but it was abandoned in 2007 when it was more than 75% complete. The aircraft was permanently retired at El Palomar AFB in mid 2008. It was auctioned for scrap in Nov-17.

Stoneborough, set in the Eagle's Eye pass in the Dragonscale mountains of Central Lenfald, is a naturally a well defensible city. It is protected by steep rock cliffs which form natural walls. The surrounding landscape is broken and rocky, crossed by swift mountain streams and ravines, and covered in dense pine forest.

However, the man-made walls which protect the city had fallen into disrepair over the years, particularly during the period of the Queen's rule.

When the the ambitious new Duke, Eberhard Strong, rose to power after the queen's overthrow, he began a massive project to rebuild and strengthen the walls. Funded by investments in the new colonies and money from the high Lord, the skilled Stoneborough masons have replaced damaged portions of the wall, and added new towers, as well as several feet to the entire height of the wall.

This scene shows a typical section of the wall on the southwest of the city. It shows the addition to the wall, the new battlements and one of the towers. It also shows one of the several mountain streams which run through the city, providing fresh water.

Duke Eberhard Strong is riding out to hunt along a wooden causeway which leads down from one of the city gates, smoothly crossing ravines and streams.

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This is only my third attempt at proper medieval fortifications, and I'm quite happy with how it turned out.

The basic inspiration came from this large and impressive build. I liked but he did with the rock cliffs around the city, but I didn't want to simply copy what had already been done, and I had my own ideas about how the wall should look. Therefore, in keeping with the theme of the LC, I had the idea of showing later additions to the wall. The lower mostly light gray section is meant to represent the original wall, and the dark bluish gray the additions.

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A build for Lands of Rowia, a LEGO castle group in which members create a character and then use Lego builds to tell their in a shared LEGO castle world. LoR also features motivational contests and challenges. We are currently looking for new members, so come on over, pick a faction and join the fun!

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Comments and critique welcome.

Replacing an earlier digital photo with a better version, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 13-Jan-24.

The 10th A330-243/MRTT for the UK Royal Air Force which is in 'Reserve Status' and was leased to Thomas Cook Airlines UK by Air Tanker Services Ltd. It has been fully fitted out and still has it's underwing refuelling equipment fitted. It had just been painted at Air Livery, Manchester in Thomas Cook Airlines [very] basic new livery and departed today back to the Airbus Military facility at Getafe, Spain. It entered service with Thomas Cook in Apr/May-15.

First flown in Jan-14 in storage primer as F-WWTR, this aircraft was delivered to EADS Spain as EC-330 in Mar-14 for conversion to MRTT (Multi Roll Tanker Transport) standard.

It became MRTT026 in Dec-14 and was delivered to Air Tanker Ltd at RAF Brize Norton, UK as G-VYGK in Feb-15. This is an RAF Reserve aircraft which would be seriallied ZZ340 in military service. On arrival at Brize Norton the military equipment was removed and stored and the interior was fitted out for civil use with 320 economy seats.

The aircraft was wet-leased to Thomas Cook Airlines UK in Apr-15 and returned to Air Tanker Ltd in Mar-19. It was wet-leased to Condor Flugdienst in Apr-19 and returned to Air Tanker Ltd in Mar-20 at the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Air Tanker civilian A330 fleet operate regular Royal Air Force scheduled services between Brize Norton and the Falkland Islands and operate short-term and ad-hoc charter flights for airlines worldwide.

The aircraft was leased, short-term, to Jet2 .com in May-24 to cover while sister-ship G-VYGL was on maintenance at Birmingham, UK. Current, updated 04-Jun-24.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 27-Jan-18, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 13-Dec-23.

With both Kalitta and American International Airways titles.

Originally built as a 'Combi' with a side cargo door, this aircraft was delivered to Kuwait Airways as 9K-ADA in Jul-78. It was wet-leased to EgyptAir in Nov-87 and returned to Kuwait Airways in Jun-88.

In Dec-88 it was wet-leased to Garuda Indonesia Airlines and returned to Kuwait Airways in Jul-89. The aircraft was sold to American International Airways (Kalitta!) as N707CK in Aug-95 and was converted to a full freighter configuration by Jan-96.

The company was renamed Kitty Hawk International Air Cargo in Feb-99 and the aircraft was stored at Mojave, CA, USA in May-00. It was leased to Kalitta Air in Dec-00 when the aircraft was returned to service.

It was returned to Kitty Hawk and sold to the Kitty Hawk Collateral Liquidating Trust and stored in Sep-02. In Feb-04 it was leased to Global Air Cargo. The aircraft was due to be re-registered N707KH but that didn't happen and the aircraft returned to the Kitty Hawk Collateral Liquidating Trust just 3 months later in May-04.

In Jun-04 it was leased to AFX Capital III Ltd and was re-registered N801KH in Jul-04. It was sub-leased to Air Bangladesh as S2-ADT two weeks later. The aircraft was stored at Manston UK in Apr-05 without titles.

It was returned to AFX Capital III around Jan-06 but remained stored at Manston. It was returned to Kitty Hawk Collateral Liquidating Trust in Oct-06 and immediately sold to Star Aviation Services.

It was ferried from Manston, via Brussels to Ahlhorn, Germany in Nov-06 with the undercarriage locked down. The aircraft was broken up at Ahlhorn in Jul/Aug-07.

Note: The registration N707CK was later re-used by Kalitta in Mar-06 on an ex JAL Japan Airlines Cargo B747-246F, c/n 21681/382.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 21-Jan-21.

-Waves and Cranes- England World Tail c/scheme.

This aircraft was delivered to a leasing company and leased to Deutsche BA as D-ADBX in May-97. It didn't stay long and was returned to the lessor in Mar-98. It was immediately leased to British Airways as G-ODUS.

The aircraft was returned to the lessor in Feb-02 and leased to Go Fly the following month. Go Fly was merged into the easyJet Airline Company in Dec-02 and continued in service until it was returned to the lessor in Mar-06.

It was leased to Thomsonfly.com as G-THOJ in Apr-06. In Sep-08 it returned to the lessor and was leased to Dniproavia as UR-DNJ the following month. Dniproavia was merged with AeroSvit in Jun-11 and the aircraft was fitted with blended winglets the same month. In Feb-13 Dniproavia/AeroSvit ceased operations and it was returned to the lessor and stored at Kiev, Ukraine.

In Apr-13 the lease was taken over by Ukraine International Airlines and the aircraft was re-registered UR-GBD. It was returned to the lessor in Dec-18 and permanently retired at Billund, Denmark. Updated 21-Jul-21.

I also have photo's of this aircraft with Thomsonfly.com, AeroSvit and Ukraine International at ...

www.flickr.com/photos/kenfielding/6251729092 - Thomsonfly

www.flickr.com/photos/kenfielding/7433351276 - AeroSvit

www.flickr.com/photos/kenfielding/9208789483 - Ukraine Intl

Replacing an earlier scanned slide with a better version 30-Mar-15, plus DeNoise AI 05-Jan-23.

Originally delivered to the US Army Air Force serialled 42-101077 in Sep-44, it was transferred to the US Navy on delIvery as Bua39573. It was withdrawn from use and stored in late 1946.

It surfaced again 10 years later when it was bought by Aaxico Inc in 1956 as N10427 and leased to Seaboard & Western Airlines in Aug-56. Seaboard bought it in May-57 and they were renamed Seaboard World Airlines in Apr-61.

The aircraft was based in Germany and operated cargo services for Lufthansa, it was stored at Frankfurt in 1970. It was sold to 'Marshall M Landy' in May-71, then to Aircraft Modifications Inc in 1972 and leased to 'Joanne Fashions' in 1973.

It was written off when it crashed on approach to Pereira, Colombia in Feb-73 after an engine failure.

'Joanne Fashions' and crashing in Colombia has drug running written all over it...

Replacing an earlier scanned slide with a better version 21-Feb-16.

OK, I know it's a Space Shuttle, but it's sitting on top of a B747-100 !

;o)

Replaced in 2015 from the Airlink service 100 between Waverley Bridge and Edinburgh Airport by new buses, the original vehicles were transferred to East Coast Buses. Seen in Waterloo Place is 20937 - SN10DKE.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 14-Apr-25.

Fleet No: "604".

An early build Boeing 767, first flown in Apr-84 with the Boeing test registration N6046P, this aircraft was delivered to El Al Israel Airlines as 4X-EAD in Jun-84.

After 27 years in service the aircraft was permanently retired at Tel Aviv, Israel in Oct-11. It was broken up there in Nov-13.

Replacing an earlier scanned print with a better version 17-Aug-20, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 23-Apr-24.

Operating a one-off sub-charter for Airtours International Airways.

Named: "Baleares"

This aircraft was delivered to The GPA Group Ltd and leased to Spanair with the Spanish temporary registration EC-547 in Feb-91. It was re-registered EC-FCU in Jun-91.

It was returned to the lessor in Mar-02 and stored at Madrid. The aircraft was re-registered N25034 in Jun-02 and leased to Air Canada as C-GHPD in Jul-02. It was returned to the lessor in Nov-13 and permanently retired at Marana, AZ, USA. It was broken up at Marana in 2014.

Note: The registration C-GHPD was re-used on an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A321-211/S in Jan-19.

Replacing an earlier digital photo with a better version 13-Sep-21 (DeNoise AI).

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version.plus Topaz DeNoise AI 21-Jan-25.

Named: "Spirit of Westmoreland". Fleet No: "566".

First flown with the Airbus test registration D-AVZM, it was re-registered D-ASSY a few days later. The aircraft was delivered to ILFC International Lease Finance Corporation and leased to UK charter airline, Air World as G-BXAW in Mar-97. Air World was merged into Flying Colours Airlines in Nov-98 and it returned to the lessor in early Jan-99.

It was leased to Air Jamaica as 6J-JMD a few days later and returned to the lessor 10 years later, in mid Mar-09. The aircraft was leased to Turkuaz Airlines (Turkey) as TC-TCE in May-09. It was wet-leased to Al Wafeer Air (Saudi Arabia) for a Haj Pilgrimage operation between Oct/Dec-10. Turkuaz ceased operations at the end of the lease and the aircraft was returned to the lessor and stored at Medina, Saudi Arabia.

In Mar-11 the aircraft was re-registered N851LF and moved to Shannon, Ireland for further storage in May-11. It was re-registered again in Aug-11, this time as EI-ESI and remained stored at Shannon. The aircraft was leased to Al Masria Universal Airlines (Egypt) as SU-TCC in Oct-11. It returned to the lessor as EI-ESI in Jun-13.

In Aug-13 the aircraft was leased to Hermes Airlines (Greece) as SX-BHT. It was wet-leased to Air Moldova between May/Oct-14 and again between Apr/Oct-15. It was returned to the lessor in Mar-16 and stored at Craiova, Romania.

The aircraft was leased to Olympus Airways (Greece) in Jul-16, using the same registration. It was wet-leased to Air Moldova the following day and returned to Olympus in Mar-17. It was wet-leased to Wings of Lebanon, short-term, between Apr/May-17 and then to Windrose Aviation (Ukraine) between May/Oct-17. On it's return to Olympus the aircraft was initially stored at Istanbul before being ferried to Goodyear, AZ, USA where it was permanently retired in Jan-18.

Replaced old file coz it looked too blue when viewed with other devices.

- - - - - - - - - +

Eagle -- Crobidoll B-line Yuri

Elyse -- Volks SDgr Lorina

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 10-Sep-17, plus DeNoise AI 19-Nov-22,

This aircraft was delivered to Aeronaves de Mexico as XA-SOA in May-67. Aeronaves de Mexico was renamed AeroMexico in Feb-72.

The aircraft continued in service until it was sold to the GPA Group Ltd (later to become GECAS) in Jun-89. Already 22 years old it was stored at Waco, TX. USA. It was re-registered EI-BZX in Nov-89.

The aircraft was leased to Aero California in Oct-90. They suspended operations in Apr-06 and the aircraft was permanently retired at Mojave, CA, USA. It was last noted still stored at Mojave in Oct-15 in poor condition. Updated 19-Nov-22.

Replacing the usual A321 on the afternoon Istanbul / Manchester service.

Named: "Erzurum"

This aircraft was delivered to Turkish Airlinjes as TC-JJJ in Jan-11. Current (Sep-18).

Replacing an earlier digital photo with a better version 06-Nov-21 (DeNoise AI).

First visit to Manchester for a new Ukrainian Airline, SkyUp Airlines, bringing in Shakhtar Donetsk to play Manchester City in a Champions League game the following evening.

Left side.

This aircraft was delivered to BBAM Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management and leased to Malaysia Airlines as 9M-MXP in Dec-13. It was returned to the lessor as 2-QWEB in Dec-17 and stored at Marana, AZ, USA.

It was transferred to the BCC Equipment Leasing Corporation (Boeing) as N766BC in Feb-18 and leased to SkyUp Airlines as UR-SQB in Apr-18. The aircraft was fitted with 'Split Scimitar' winglets in May-19.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in Feb-22 the aircraft was stored at Iasi, Romania. It returned to service in Apr-22 and has been kept busy, mostly operating services for Corendon Airlines Turkey and Corendon Europe. It's also operated services for Tailwind Airlines, Turkey and Air Albania. Current, updated 06-Nov-22.

Replacing a digital photo with a better version 14-Aug-19, plus DeNoise AI 21-Feb-23.

With additional GTI Travel titles on the engines.

Named: "Sun", right side livery.

This aircraft was delivered to the GPA Group Ltd and leased to Leisure International Airways (trading as Air UK Leisure) as G-UKLA in Oct-88. Between Oct-89/Apr-90 it was wet-leased to Malaysia Airlines.

It was leased to Malaysia Airlines again for the winter season 1990/91, this time as 9M-MLC, returning as G-UKLA in Jun-91. For the winter of 1995/96 it was leased to Modiluft India as VT-MGE and was stored on it’s return in Aug-96. It became G-ULKA again in Apr-97, but only briefly.

Air UK and Air UK Leisure were owned by KLM and in Jun-97 they were merged into KLM. G-UKLA was re-registered PH-BPA and continued in service with KLM until, after a brief wet lease to Air Mediterranee, it was returned to the lessor in Mar-01.

It was leased to Turkish charter company Sky Airlines the following month as TC-SKA and operated with them for seven years. In Feb-08 it was returned to the lessor and sold to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest (Trustee) as N865FC.

It was converted to freight configuration at Tel Aviv, Israel in Dec-08 and leased to BlueBird Cargo Iceland in Mar-09 as TF-BBH. Bluebird Cargo became Bluebird Nordic in Jan-18 although the aircraft titles still show Bluebird Cargo. Now 34.5 years old, it continues in service. Current, updated 13-Feb-23.

Replacing an earlier scanned slide with a better version 24-Feb-16.

Unfortunately this is slightly blurred...

analogimpulse.net/

Replacing an earlier scanned slide with a better version 17-Mar-15, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 18-Oct-23.

Named: "St Laurence O' Toole / Lorcan O'Touathail".

Delivered new to Irish International Airlines/Aer Lingus in Jun-64 as EI-AMW, the aircraft was wet-leased to Trans Mediterranean Airways in Oct-70, returning to Irish International in Mar-71.

It was sold to Trek Airways as LX-LGV in Jun-72 and leased to Luxair. In Jul-77 it was sub-leased to Guinness Peat Aviation (leasing) and sub-leased again to Iran Air.

In Nov-77 Luxair pulled out and the aircraft was re-registered in Ireland again as EI-AMW with the lease to Guinness Peat and Iran Air continuing. The aircraft was sold to Guinness Peat in Nov-78 and the lease to Iran Air continued.

Iran Air returned it to Guinness Peat Aviation in Jan-79 and it was immediately leased to Air Algerie, returning to Guinness Peat 2 months later. In May-79 it was sold to Alyemda, Yemen, as 7O-ACJ.

It was 'damaged beyond repair' while on approach to Damascus in Jan-82 (the aircraft was operating a cargo flight carrying 'military supplies' between Libya and Damascus when it was attacked by either a Syrian or Israeli fighter on approach.

The crippled aircraft landed safely but was declared a write-off). The fuselage was later used as part of a restaurant in Damascus.

Replacing an earlier digital photo with better version 04-Mar-24.

On delivery Boeing Field / Goose Bay / Manchester / Cairo / Nairobi.

This aircraft was delivered to Kenya Airways as 5Y-KYF in Feb-09. It was substantially damaged when it was hit by a tug at Nairobi on 24-Jul-17 when the towbar became detached, causing a long gash in the right side of the fuselage.

It was repaired and returned to service in Oct-17. Current, updated 04-Mar-24.

old picture [:

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 02-Sep-16, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 08-May-25.

This aircraft was delivered to LAB Lloyd Aereo Boliviano as CP-1367 in Oct-78. It was fitted with winglets in late 2003 and continued in service until the airline ceased operations at the end of Mar-07.

The aircraft was now 29 years old and was stored at Santa Cruz-Viru Viru, Bolivia, and was noted still stored there in Sep-07. At some stage (date unknown) it was ferried to Cochabamba, Bolivia and was seen there in May-08 without engines, along with various other ex LAB aircraft. It was later broken up.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 20-Apr-17.

This aircraft was delivered to ANA All Nippon Airlines as JA8967 in Aug-96. After 21 years in service it was permanently retired at San Bernardino, CA, USA in Jun-18 and broken up there in 2018.

Replacing an earlier photo from Apr-17 with a better version 15-Sep-18.

This aircraft was incorrectly stickered as 5Y-KFA when in primer at Boeing Everett and was first flown as such! It was delivered to GECAS and leased to Kenya Airways as 5Y-KZZ in Oct-13. The aircraft was returned to GECAS in Jan-16 and was initially stored at Amsterdam (Netherlands). It was leased to Turkish Airlines as TC-LKA in Apr-16. Current (Sep-18).

Replacing an earlier digital photo with a slightly better version, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 08-Dec-25 (not the best photo in the world and taken through a double glazed window).

First flown with the Airbus test registration F-WWDP, this aircraft was delivered to ILFC International Lease Finance Corporation and leased to Bahrain Air as A9C-BAV in Ap-09.

It was returned to ILFC in early May-12 (Bahrain Air ceased operations in Feb-13 citing 'political unrest in the Gulf area').

The aircraft was leased to Garuda Indonesia Airlines as PK-GLG in mid May-12 and immediately transferred to Garuda Citilink. Garuda Citilink was renamed Citilink Indonesia at the end of Jul-12.

In Mar-20 it was withdrawn from service due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and was stored until it returned to service in Sep-24. Current, updated 08-Dec-25.

Replaced this because I rededited it. :)

Please like my Facebook Fanpage. :)

52/365

The world is alive now, in and outside our home

You run through the forest, settle before the sun

Darling, I can barely remember you beside me

You should come back home, back on your own now

- "Ragged Wood" by Fleet Foxes

Just a note, but I choose any lyrics after I take, edit, and post the photo.

View on black!

Sheet series! Today was my first legit shoot with my new camera, and I think this turned out really well. The basic concept was a feral yet elegant forest nymph. This was taken in the woods on our campus. My friend Sarah, once again, modeled. She really knows her angles and how to pose well. She also really knows how to take initiative and risks with her posing. I love that about her.

Funny story from when we were shooting. Sarah was just wearing a bra and pants underneath the sheet, and as we were shooting, someone was running on one of the paths near us. It was really awkward, but we still kept shooting. It was also freezing. Sarah's a real trooper. :)

Finally, I am really learning to use the manual setting on my camera, and it's so fantastic.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 03-Oct-21 (DeNoise AI).

This aircraft was delivered to Australian Airlines as VH-TJA in Dec-88. Australian Airlines was merged into QANTAS Airways in Oct-93.

It continued in service and was briefly leased to Polynesian Airlines between late Jan/Mar-99. The aircraft was leased to Jet Connect (New Zealand) as ZK-JNN In Oct-04.

It returned to QANTAS in Sep-09 and was sold to an aircraft part-out company in the USA as N295AG. It was ferried to Tucson, AZ, USA in Sep-09 and permanently retired. The registration was cancelled in Nov-09.

Replacing an earlier digital photo with a better version 02-Sep-22.

A 'one airline' aircraft!

First flown with the Airbus test registration F-WWAX, this aircraft was due for delivery to Monarch Airlines as G-MONT but that registration wasn't used and it was delivered to Monarch as G-MAJS in Apr-91.

The aircraft served with Monarch for 23 years and was permanently retired at Tupelo, MS, USA in Feb-14. It was last noted stored at Tupelo without engines in Apr-14. The registration was cancelled in Jul-14.

The magnetic motor will be cheaper than a standard motor to make, as the rotor and stator assemblies can be set into plastic housings, due to the fact that the system creates very little heat. Further, with the motor's energy efficiency, it will be well suited for any application where a motor has limited energy to drive it. While development is still focused on replacing existing devices, Minato says that his motor has sufficient torque to power a vehicle. With the help of magnetic propulsion, it is feasible to attach a generator to the motor and produce more electric power than was put into the device. Minato says that average efficiency on his motors is about 330 percent.

Mention of Over Unity devices in many scientific circles will draw icy skepticism. But if you can accept the idea that Minato's device is able to create motion and torque through its unique, sustainable permanent magnet propulsion system, then it makes sense that he is able to get more out of the unit than he puts in in terms of elctrical power. Indeed, if the device can produce a surplus of power for longer periods, every household in the land will want one.

"I am not in this for the money," Minato says. "I have done well in my musical career, but I want to make a contribution to society -- helping the backstreet manufacturers here in Japan and elsewhere. I want to reverse the trends caused by major multinationals. There is a place for corporations. But as the oil industry has taught us, energy is one area where a breakthrough invention like this cannot be trusted to large companies."

Minato was once close to making a deal with Enron. But today, he is firmly on a mission to support the small and the independent -- and to go worldwide with them and his amazing machine. "Our plan is to rally smaller companies and pool their talent, and to one day produce the technology across a wide range of fields."

When we first got the call from an excited colleague that he'd just seen the most amazing invention -- a magnetic motor that consumed almost no electricity -- we were so skeptical that we declined an invitation to go see it. If the technology was so good, we thought, how come they didn't have any customers yet?

We forgot about the invitation and the company until several months later, when our friend called again. "OK," he said. "They've just sold 40,000 units to a major convenience store chain. Now will you see it?" In Japan, no one pays for 40,000 convenience store cooling fans without being reasonably sure that they are going to work.

The Maestro ~

The streets of east Shinjuku are littered with the tailings of the many small factories and workshops still located there -- hardly one's image of the headquarters of a world-class technology company. But this is where we are first greeted outside Kohei Minato's workshop by Nobue Minato, the wife of the inventor and co-director of the family firm. The workshop itself is like a Hollywood set of an inventor's garage. Electrical machines, wires, measuring instruments and batteries are strewn everywhere. Along the diagram-covered walls are drill presses, racks of spare coils, Perspex plating and other paraphernalia. And seated in the back, head bowed in thought, is the 58-year-old techno maestro himself. Minato is no newcomer to the limelight. In fact, he has been an entertainer for most of his life, making music and producing his daughter's singing career in the US. He posseses an oversized presence, with a booming voice and a long ponytail. In short, you can easily imagine him onstage or in a convertible cruising down the coast of California -- not hunched over a mass of wires and coils in Tokyo's cramped backstreets. Joining us are a middle-aged banker and his entourage from Osaka and accounting and finance consultant Yukio Funai. The banker is doing a quick review for an investment, while the rest of us just want to see if Minato's magnetic motors really work. A prototype car air conditioner cooler sitting on a bench looks like it would fit into a Toyota Corolla and quickly catches our attention. Seeing is Believing ~

Nobue then takes us through the functions and operations of each of the machines, starting off with a simple explanation of the laws of magnetism and repulsion. She demonstrates the "Minato Wheel" by kicking a magnet-lined rotor into action with a magnetic wand. Looking carefully at the rotor, we see that it has over 16 magnets embedded on a slant -- apparently to make Minato's machines work, the positioning and angle of the magnets is critical. After she kicks the wheel into life, it keeps spinning, proving at least that the design doesn't suffer from magnetic lockup. She then moves us to the next device, a weighty machine connected to a tiny battery. Apparently the load on the machine is a 35kg rotor, which could easily be used in a washing machine. After she flicks the switch, the huge rotor spins at over 1,500 rpms effortlessly and silently. Meters show the power in and power out. Suddenly, a power source of 16 watt or so is driving a device that should be drawing at least 200 to 300 watts. Nobue explains to us that this and all the other devices only use electrical power for the two electromagnetic stators at either side of each rotor, which are used to kick the rotor past its lockup point then on to the next arc of magnets. Apparently the angle and spacing of the magnets is such that once the rotor is moving, repulsion between the stators and the rotor poles keeps the rotor moving smoothly in a counterclockwise direction. Either way, it's impressive. Next we move to a unit with its motor connected to a generator. What we see is striking. The meters showed an input to the stator electromagnets of approximately 1.8 volts and 150mA input, and from the generator, 9.144 volts and 192mA output. 1.8 x 0.15 x 2 = 540mW input and 9.144 x 0.192 = 1.755W out. But according to the laws of physics, you can't get more out of a device than you put into it. We mention this to Kohei Minato while looking under the workbench to make sure there aren't any hidden wires. Minato assures us that he hasn't transcended the laws of physics. The force supplying the unexplained extra power out is generated by the magnetic strength of the permanent magnets embedded in the rotor. "I'm simply harnessing one of the four fundamental forces of nature," he says. Although we learned in school that magnets were always bipolar and so magnetically induced motion would always end in a locked state of equilibrium, Minato explains that he has fine-tuned the positioning of the magnets and the timing of pulses to the stators to the point where the repulsion between the rotor and the stator (the fixed outer magnetic ring) is transitory. This creates further motion -- rather than a lockup. (See the sidebar on page 41 for a full explanation). Real Products ~ Nobue Minato leads us to the two devices that might convince a potential investor that this is all for real. First, she shows us the cooling fan prototype that is being manufactured for a convenience store chain's 14,000 outlets (3 fans per outlet). The unit looks almost identical to a Mitsubishi-manufactured fan unit next to it, which is the unit currently in wide use. In a test, the airflow from both units is about the same. The other unit is the car air conditioning prototype that caught our eye as we came in. It's a prototype for Nippon Denso, Japan's largest manufacturer of car air conditioners. The unit is remarkably compact and has the same contours and size as a conventional unit. Minato's manufacturing skills are clearly improving.

The Banker and his Investment ~

Minato has good reason to complain about Japan's social and cultural uniformity. For years, people thought of him as an oddball for playing the piano for a living, and bankers and investors have avoided him because of his habit of claiming that he'd discovered a breakthrough technology all by himself -- without any formal training. However, the Osaka banker stands up after the lecture and announces that before he goes, he will commit \100 million to the investment pool. Minato turns to us and smiles. We brought him good luck, and this was his third investor in as many weeks to confirm an interest. Bringing the Tech to the Table ~ With the audience gone, we ask Minato what he plans to do to commercialize the technology. His game plan is simple and clear, he says. He wants to retain control, and he wants to commercialize the technology in Japan first -- where he feels he can ensure that things get done right. Why doesn't he go directly to the US or China? His experiences in both countries, he suggests, have been less than successful. "The first stage is critical in terms of creating good products and refining the technology. I don't want to be busy with legal challenges and IP theft while doing that." Still, the export and licensing of the technology are on his agenda, and Minato is talking to a variety of potential partners in other countries. Whereas another inventor might be tempted to outsource everything to a larger corporation, part of what drives Minato is his vision of social justice and responsibility. The 40,000 motors for the convenience store chain are being produced by a group of small manufacturers in Ohta-ku and Bunkyo-ku, in the inner north of Tokyo -- which is becoming a regional rust belt. Minato is seized with the vision of reinvigorating these small workshops that until the 80s were the bedrock of Japan's manufacturing and economic miracle. Their level of expertise will ensure that the quality of the motors will be as good as those from any major company. International Prep " Despite his plan to do things domestically first, Minato is well prepared for the international markets. He is armed with both six years of living and doing business in Los Angeles in the early 90s -- and with patent protection for over 48 countries. His is hardly a provincial perspective. His US experience came after playing the piano for a living for 15 years. He began tinkering with his invention in the mid-70s. The idea for his magnetic motor design came from a burst of inspiration while playing the piano. But Minato decided to drop everything in 1990 to help his daughter Hiroko, who at the age of 20 decided that she wanted to be a rhythm and blues star in the US. Minato is a strong believer in family: If Hiroko was going to find fame and fortune in the US, Dad had better be there to help manage her. He suceeded in helping Hiroko to achieve a UK dance chart number one hit in 1995. In 1996 Minato returned to Japan and his magnetic motor project. The following year he displayed his prototypes to national power companies, government officials and others at a five-day conference in Mexico City. Interest was palpable, and Minato realized that his invention might meet a global need for energy-saving devices.

Subsequent previews and speeches in Korea and Singapore further consolidated his commitment to bringing the invention to fruition, and he was able to bring in several early-stage investors.

During the late 90s, Minato continued to refine his prototypes. He also stayed in constant contact with his lawyer, registering patents in major countries around the world. Through his experiences in the US he realized that legal protection was critical, even if it meant delaying release of the technology by a couple of years. Ironically, by the time he'd won patents in 47 countries, the Japanese patent office turned him down on the grounds that "[the invention] couldn' t possibly work" and that somehow he was fabricating the claims. But a few months later they were forced to recant their decision after the US patent office recognized his invention and gave him the first of two patents. As Minato notes: "How typical of Japan's small-minded bureaucrats that they needed the leadership of the US to accept that my invention was genuine." By 2001, the Minatos had refined their motors and met enough potential investors to enter into a major international relationship, initially with a Saudi company, to be followed thereafter by companies in the US and elsewhere. However, fate dealt the investors and Minato's business a serious blow when the World Trade Center was attacked in New York. The Saudis retreated, and Minato's plans fell back to square one. Now Minato is once again ready to move. With the first order in the works and more orders pending successful prototypes, he has decided that investors don't have to be primary partners. He is actively accepting inquiries from corporate investors who can bring strategic advantages and corporate credibility with them. His company, Japan Magnetic Fan, will make a series of investment tie-up announcements in the first and second quarters of 2004. Implications ~ Minato's motors consume just 20 percent or less of the power of conventional motors with the same torque and horse power. They run cool to the touch and produce almost no acoustic or electrical noise. They are significantly safer and cheaper (in terms of power consumed), and they are sounder environmentally. The implications are enormous. In the US alone, almost 55 percent of the nation's electricity is consumed by electric motors. While most factory operators buy the cheapest motors possible, they are steadily being educated by bodies like NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) that the costs of running a motor over a typical 20-year lifespan comprise a purchase price of just 3 percent of the total, and electricity costs of 97 percent. It is not unusual for a $2,000 motor to consume $80,000 of electricity (at a price of .06 cents per kilowatt hour). Since 1992, when efficiency legislation was put into place at the US federal level, motor efficiency has been a high priority -- and motors saving 20 percent or so on electrical bills are considered highly efficient. Minato is about to introduce a motor which saves 80 percent, putting it into an entirely new class: The $80,000 running cost will drop to just $16,000. This is a significant savings when multiplied by the millions of motors used throughout the USA and Japan -- and eventually, throughout the world. The Devices ; Minato's invention and its ability to use remarkably less power and run without heat or noise make it perfect for home appliances, personal computers, cellphones (a miniature generator is in the works) and other consumer products.

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US Patent # 4,751,486

(Cl. 335/272)

Magnetic Rotation Apparatus

(June 14. 1998)

Kohei Minato

Abstract --- The magnetic rotation apparatus of the present invention has first and second rotors rotatably supported and juxtaposed. The first and second rotors are connected so as to be rotatable in opposite directions in a cooperating manner. A number of permanent magnets are arranged on a circumferential portion of the first rotor at regular intervals, and just as many permanent magnets are arranged on a circumferential portion of the second rotor at regular intervals. Each permanent magnet has one magnetic polarity located radially outward from the rotors, and has the other magnetic polarity located radially inward toward the rotors. The polarity of each permanent magnet, which is located radially outward from the rotors, is identical. When the first and second rotors are rotated in a cooperating manner, the phase of rotation of the permanent magnets of one rotor is slightly advanced from that of the permanent magnets of the other rotor. One of the permanent magnets of one rotor is replaced with the electromagnet. The radially outward polarity of the electromagnet can be changed by reversing the direction in which a current is supplied to the electromagnet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a magnetic rotation apparatus in which a pair of rotors are rotated by utilizing a magnetic force.

BACKGROUND ART

An electromotor is well known as a rotation apparatus utilizing a magnetic force. For example, an AC electromotor comprises a rotor having a coil, a stator surrounding the rotor, and a plurality of electromagnets, disposed on the stator, for generating a rotating magnetic field. An electric power must be constantly supplied to the electromagnets in order to generate the rotating magnetic field and keep the rotor rotating, i.e., an external energy, or electric energy, is indispensable for the rotation of the rotor. Under the circumstances, a magnetic rotation apparatus, which employs permanent magnets in lieu of electromagnets and can rotate a rotor only by a magnetic force of the permanent magnets, is highly desirable. The present application proposes a magnetic rotation apparatus which comprises a pair of rotors rotatable in opposite directions in a cooperating manner, and a plurality of permanent magnets stationarily arranged at regular intervals on the peripheral portion of each rotor. One end portion of each permanent magnet of both rotors, which has the same polarity, is located radially outward of the rotors. When the two rotors are rotated in a cooperating fashion, a permanent magnet on one rotor and a corresponding permanent magnet on the other, which form a pair, approach and move away from each other periodically. In this case, the phase of rotation of the magnet on one rotor advances a little from that of the corresponding magnet on the other rotor. When the paired permanent magnets approach each other, magnetic repulsion causes one rotor to rotate. The rotation of one rotor is transmitted to the other rotor to rotate the same. In this manner, other pairs of magnets on both rotors sequentially approach each other, and magnetic repulsion occurs incessantly. As a result, the rotors continue to rotate. In the above apparatus, in order to stop the rotation of the rotors, a brake device is required. If an ordinary brake device is mounted on the magnetic rotation apparatus, the entire structure of the apparatus becomes complex, and a driving source for the brake device must be provided separately. The present invention has been developed in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a magnetic rotation apparatus including a brake device for suitably stopping the rotation of rotors.,DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The magnetic rotation apparatus of the present invention is provided with magnetic force conversion means which is substituted for at least one pair of permanent magnets of the paired rotors. In a normal state, the magnetic force conversion means causes a magnetic repulsion, as in the other pairs of permanent magnets. When it is intended for the rotors to stop, the magnetic force conversion means causes a magnetic attraction force. Since a magnetic attraction force can be produced between the rotors at any time, the magnetic attraction force serves to stop the rotors. The brake device constituted by the magnetic force conversion means differs from an ordinary brake device which forcibly stops a pair or rotors by using a frictional force. In the brake device of this invention, by converting a magnetic repulsion force to a magnetic attraction force, the rotors can be braked in the state that the movement of the rotors is reduced. Thus, the rotors can be stopped effectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a magnetic rotation apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the relationship between the first and second rotors; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a permanent magnet; FIG. 4 shows an electromagnet, a permanent magnet cooperating with the electromagnet, and a driving circuit the electromagnet; and FIG. 5 is a view for explaining how a pair of rotors rotate. BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a magnetic rotation apparatus embodying the present invention. The magnetic rotation apparatus has frame 1. Frame 1 is provided with a pair of rotation shafts 2 which extend vertically and in parallel to each other. Shafts 2 are located at a predetermined distance from each other. Upper and lower ends of each shaft 2 are rotationally supported on frame 1 via bearing 3. First rotor 4a is mounted on one of rotation shafts 2, second rotor 4b is mounted on the other rotation shaft 2. First and second rotors 4a and 4b are arranged on the same level. Rotors 4a and 4b have similar structures. For example, each rotor 4a (4b) comprises two ring-shaped plates 5 which are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 2. Gears 6a and 6b made of synthetic resin are, as cooperating means, attached to lower surfaces of first and second rotors 4a and 4b. The diameters of gears 6a and 6b are identical but larger than those of rotors 4a and 4b. Gears 6a and 6b mesh with each other. First and second rotors 4a and 4b are thus rotatable in opposite directions in a cooperating manner. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 indicates support arms for supporting first and second rotors 4a and 4b.

For example, 16 magnets are arranged at regular intervals on a peripheral portion of first rotor 4a. These magnets are secured between two ring-shaped plates 5. In this embodiment, among the 16 magnets, one is electromagnet 9a (see FIG. 2), and the others are permanent magnets 8a. FIG. 2 shows only some of permanent magnets 8a. As shown in FIG. 3, permanent magnet 8a comprises case 10, and a plurality of rod-like ferromagnetic members 11 housed in case 10. Ferromagnetic member 11 is, for example, a ferrite magnet. Ferromagnetic members 11 of each permanent magnet 8a are arranged such that ferromagnetic members 11 have the same polarity at one end. In first rotor 4a, for example, an N-polarity end portion of each permanent magnet 8a faces radially outward, and an S-polarity end portion of magnet 8a faces radially inward. As shown in FIG. 2, when each permanent magnet 8a is located between two shafts 2, angle C formed by longitudinal axis A of magnet 8a and imaginary line B connecting two shafts 2 is, for example, set to 30.degree. C. On the other hand, electromagnet 9a is, as shown in FIG. 4, constituted by U-shaped iron core 12, and coil 13 wound around core 12. Electromagnet 9a is arranged such that both N- and S-polarity end portions face radially outward of first rotor 4a, and the above-mentioned angle C is formed, similarly to the case of permanent magnet 8a. The same number of permanent magnets (8b,9b) as the total number of all permanent magnets and electromagnet (8a,9a) of first rotor 4a are secured on a peripheral portion of second rotor 4b at regular intervals. In FIG. 2, when first and second rotors 4a and 4b are rotated in opposite directions, each permanent magnet of second rotor 4b periodically moves toward and away from the corresponding one of the magnets (8a,9a) of first rotor 4a. The permanent magnets (8b,9b) of second rotor 4b will now be described in greater detail. Permanent magnets 8b of second rotor 4b, which periodically move toward and away from permanent magnets 8a of first rotor 4a in accordance with the rotation of rotors 4a and 4b, have a structure similar to that of permanent magnets 8a of first rotor 4a. The polarity of that end portion of each permanent magnet 8b which is located radially outward from second rotor 4b, is identical with that of the end portion of each permanent magnet 8a of first rotor 4a. That is, the radially outward portion of each permanent magnet 8b has an N-polarity. Permanent magnet 9b of second rotor 4b, which periodically moves toward and away from electromagnet 9a of first rotor 4a, has a structure shown in FIG. 4. Permanent magnet 9b has a structure similar to that of permanent magnets 8a. Both polarities of electromagnet 9a face radially outward from first rotor 4a. Permanent magnet 9b has two different polarities which face radially outward from second rotor 4b and correspond to both polarities of electromagnet 9a. As shown in FIG. 2, when each permanent magnet 8b,9b is located between two rotation shafts 2, angle E formed by longitudinal axis D of the magnet (8b,9b) and imaginary line B connecting two shafts 2 is, for example, set to 56.degree. C. In addition, when rotors 4a and 4b are rotated in opposite directions, as shown by arrows, the magnets (8a,9a) of first rotor 4a move a little ahead of the corresponding permanent magnets (8b,9b) of second rotor 4b, in a region in which both magnets (8a,9a; 8b,9b) approach one another. In other words, the phase of rotation of the magnets (8a,9a) of first rotor 4a advances by a predetermined angle in relation to the permanent magnets (8b,9b) of second rotor 4b. As shown in FIG. 4, electromagnet 9a of first rotor 4a is electrically connected to drive circuit 14. Drive circuit 14 includes a power source for supplying an electric current to coil 13 of electromagnet 9a. While rotors 4a and 4b rotate, drive circuit turns on electromagnet 9a upon receiving a signal from first sensor 15 only when electromagnet 9a and permanent magnet 9b are in a first region in which they periodically approach each other. First sensor 15 is an optical sensor comprising a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. As shown in FIG. 1, first sensor 15 is attached to a portion of frame 1 above first rotor 4a. First sensor 15 emits light in a downward direction. The light is reflected by reflection plate 16 projecting radially inward from the inner edge of first rotor 4a. First sensor 15 receives the reflected light, and feeds a signal to drive circuit 14. Thus, drive circuit 14 turns on electromagnet 9a. The circumferential length of reflection plate 16 is equal to that of the above-mentioned first region. When magnets 9a and 9b enter the first region, first sensor 15 is turned on, and when they leave the first region, first sensor 15 is turned off. When drive circuit 14 receives a signal from first sensor 15, it excites electromagnet 9a such that both polarities of electromagnet 9a correspond to those of permanent magnet 9b of second rotor 4b. Drive circuit 14 is electrically connected to switching circuit 17. When brake switch 18 is operated, switching circuit 17 reverses the direction in which an electric current is supplied to electromagnet 9a. When the current supplying direction of drive circuit 14 is reversed, drive circuit 14 excites electromagnet 9a only in a time period in which drive circuit 14 receives a signal from second sensor 19. Second sensor 19 has a structure similar to that of first sensor 15, and is attached to frame 1 so as to be located closer to the center of rotor 4a than first sensor 15. Reflection plate 20, which corresponds to the position of second sensor 19, is formed integral to an inner edge portion of reflection plate 16. As shown in FIG. 2, compared to reflection plate 16, reflection plate 20 extends in rotational direction of first rotor 4a, indicated by the arrow. The operation of the above-described magnetic rotation apparatus will now be explained with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, rotation shaft 2 of first rotor 4a is denoted by 01, and rotation shaft 2 of second rotor 4b is denoted by 02. Only the radially outward polarity, that is, N-polarity, of the magnets of rotors 4a and 4b is shown, for the sake of convenience. Although electromagnet 9a and permanent magnet 9b have both polarities located radially outward, only the N-polarity thereof is shown. When first and second rotors 4a and 4b are put in a position shown in FIG. 5, magnetic pole Nb1 of one permanent magnet of second rotor 4b is located in a line connecting shafts 01 and 02. In this case, polarity Na1 of first rotor 4a, which is paired with polarity Nb1, is a little advanced from polarity Nb1 in the rotational direction of first rotor 4a. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, magnetic pole Na1 is advanced from polarity Nb1 by an angle of X.degree.. Polarities Na1 and Nb1 exert repulsion force F1 upon each other along line L. Supposing that an angle, formed by line M, which is drawn from shaft 01 perpendicularly to line L, and the line connecting shafts 01 and 02 is represented by Y, and that the length of line K is represented by R, torques Ta1 and Tb1 caused by repulsion force F1 to rotate first and second rotors 4a and 4b can be given by: Ta1=F1.multidot.R.multidot.cos (Y-X)

Tb1=F1.multidot.R.multidot.cos Y Since cos (Y-X)>cos Y, Ta1>Tb1.

As shown in FIG. 5, since magnetic pole Na1 is advanced from magnetic pole Nb1 by angle X.degree., first rotor 4a receives a greater torque than second rotor 4b. Thus, first rotor 4a forwardly rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5. Mention is now made of paired magnets of rotors 4a and 4b in the vicinity of magnetic poles Na1 and Nb1. Magnetic poles Nan and Nan-1 of first rotor 4a are advanced ahead of magnetic pole Nal in the rotational direction. Magnetic poles Nan and Nan-1 receive a torque produced by a repulsion force acting between magnetic poles Nan and Nan-1 and corresponding magnetic poles Nbn and Nbn-1. In FIG. 5, magnetic poles Nan and Nan-1 receive a smaller torque, as they rotate farther from the location of magnetic pole Na1. It is well known that a torque of first rotor 4a, which is caused by a repulsion force acting on magnetic poles Nan and Nan-1, is decreased in inverse proportion to the square of the distance between paired magnetic poles Na and Nb.

Magnetic poles Na2 and Na3, behind magnetic pole Na1, receive a torque which tends to rotate rotor 4a in the reverse direction. This torque is considered to be counterbalanced with the torque acting on magnetic poles Nan and Nan-1. In FIG. 5, attention should be paid to the region of magnetic poles Na1 and Na2. As first rotor 4a forwardly rotates, the direction in which a torque applies to magnetic pole Na2, is changed from the reverse direction to the forward direction, before magnetic pole Na2 reaches the position of magnetic pole Na1. The torque for forwardly rotating rotor 4a is larger than that for reversely rotating rotor 4a. Therefore, first rotor 4a is easily rotated in the direction shown in FIG. 2. Second rotor 4b is considered to receive a torque in a direction reverse to the direction shown in FIG. 2, as seen from the description of first rotor 4a. It is obvious that second rotor 4b receives a maximum torque at the position of magnetic pole Nb1. As seen from the above formula, torque Tb1 applied to second rotor 4b in a direction reverse to that denoted by the arrow is smaller than torque Ta1 applied to first rotor 4a in the forward direction. The rotation of first rotor 4a is transmitted to second rotor 4b through gears 6a and 6b. By determining the relationship between the strengths of torques Ta1 and Tb1, second rotor 4b is thus rotated in a direction reverse to the rotational direction of first rotor 4a, against the torque applied to second rotor in the direction. As a result, first and second rotors 4a and 4b are kept rotating, since a torque for rotating rotors 4a and 4b in a cooperating manner is produced each time magnetic poles Na of first rotor 4a pass across the line connecting shafts 01 and 02. In a diagram shown in the right part of FIG. 5, a solid line indicates a torque applied to first rotor 4a, and a broken line indicates a torque applied to second rotor 4b. The ordinate indicates a distance between each magnetic pole and the line connecting shafts 01 and 02 of rotors 4a and 4b. The first region in which electromagnet 9a of first rotor 4a is turned on is set in a range of Z during which a torque is applied to first rotor 4a in the forward direction. In order to stop the cooperative rotation of rotors 4a and 4b, brake switch is turned on to operate switching circuit 17. Thus, the direction in which drive circuit 14 supplies a current to electromagnet 9a is reversed. The polarities of electromagnet 9a are reversed. The torque applied to electromagnet 9a in the forward direction is stopped. When electromagnet 9a approaches permanent magnet 9b, a magnetic attract:on force is produced. As a result, the rotation of rotors 4a and 4b is effectively slowed down and stopped. Since the second region, in which electromagnet 9a is excited, is larger than the first region, a large braking force can be obtained from a magnetic attraction force. In the above embodiment, since electromagnet 9a is excited only in a specific region, a large electric power is not required. In addition, since electromagnet 9a rotates and brakes rotors 4a and 4b, a braking mechanism for a magnetic rotation apparatus can be obtained without having to make the entire structure of the apparatus complex. The present invention is not restricted to the above embodiment. With the exception of the paired electromagnet and permanent magnet, all permanent magnets of the rotors are arranged such that their end portions of the same polarity face radially outward from the rotors. However, it is possible that the polarities of the radially outward end portions of the permanent magnets are alternately changed. Namely, it should suffice if the polarities of the radially outward end portions of the first rotor are identical to those of the corresponding radially outward end portions of the second rotor. The magnets may have different magnetic forces. Furthermore, an electric power for exciting the electromagnet can be derived from the rotation of the rotors or from the revolving magnetic field of the permanent magnet.

Angles C and E are not restricted to 30.degree. and 56.degree.. They may be freely determined in consideration of the strength of the magnetic force of the permanent magnet, a minimum distance between adjacent magnets, angle x, and the like. The number of magnets of the rotor is also freely chosen.

Industrial Applicability ~ As described above, the magnetic rotation apparatus of the present invention can be used as a driving source in place of an electric motor, and as an electric generator. US Patent # 5,594,289 (Cl. 310/152) Magnetic Rotating Apparatus (January 14, 1997) Kohei Minato Abstract --- On a rotor which is fixed to a rotatable rotating shaft, a plurality of permanent magnets are disposed along the direction of rotation such that the same magnetic pole type thereof face outward. In the same way, balancers are disposed on the rotor for balancing the rotation of this rotor. Each of the permanent magnets is obliquely arranged with respect to the radial direction line of the rotor. At the outer periphery of the rotor, an electromagnet is disposed facing this rotor, with this electromagnet intermittently energized based on the rotation of the rotor. According to the magnetic rotating apparatus of the present invention, rotational energy can be efficiently obtained from permanent magnets. This is made possible by minimizing as much as possible current supplied to the electromagnets, so that only a required amount of electrical energy is supplied to the electromagnets. Claims --- [ Claims not included here ] Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic rotating apparatus, and more particularly, to a magnetic rotating apparatus which utilizes repulsive forces produced between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.

2. Description of the Prior Art In a conventional electric motor, an armature as a rotor consists of turns of wires, and electric field as a stator consists of a permanent magnet. In such the conventional electric motor, however, current must be usually supplied to windings of the armature which is rotated. When the current is supplied, heat is generated, which gives rise to the problem that not much driving force is efficiently generated. This, in turn, gives wise to the problem that the magnetic forces cannot be efficiently obtained from the permanent magnet. In addition, in the conventional electric motor, since the armature is so constructed as consisting of the windings, the moment of inertia cannot be made very high, so that enough torque cannot be obtained. To overcome the above-described problems of such the conventional electric motor, the inventor proposed, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61868/1993 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,486) a magnetic rotating apparatus in which a plurality of the permanent magnets are disposed along the two rotors, respectively, at a predetermined angle, and in which an electromagnet is disposed at one of the rotors. In a generally constructed conventional electric motor, there is a limit as to how much the efficiency of energy conversion can be increased. In addition, the torque of the electric motor cannot be made high enough. For the above reasons, hitherto, various improvements have been made on existing electric motors, without any success in producing an electric motor so constructed has providing satisfactory characteristics. In the magnetic rotating apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6868/1993 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,486) a pair of rotors is rotated. Therefore, it is necessary for each of the rotors to have high precision, and in addition, measures must be taken for easier rotation control. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic rotating apparatus in which rotational energy can be efficiently obtained from the permanent magnet with a minimum amount of electrical energy, and in which rotation control can be carried out relatively easily. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic rotating apparatus comprising a rotating shaft; a rotor which is fixed to the rotating shaft and which has disposed thereon permanent magnet means and means for balancing rotation, the permanent magnet means being disposed such that a plurality of magnetic poles of one (or first) polarity type is arranged along an outer peripheral surface in the direction of rotation, and a plurality of magnetic poles of the other (or second) polarity type arranged along an inner peripheral surface, with each pair of corresponding magnetic poles of one and the other polarities obliquely arranged with respect to a radial line; electromagnet means, which is disposed facing this rotor, for developing a magnetic field which faces the magnetic field of the permanent magnet means of the rotor and detecting means for detecting rotating position of the rotor to allow the electromagnet means to be energized. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic rotating apparatus comprising a rotating shaft a rotor which is fixed to the rotating shaft and which has disposed thereon a plurality of permanent magnets and balancers for balancing rotation, the permanent magnets being disposed such that one magnetic polarity type is arranged along an outer peripheral surface in the direction of rotation and the other magnetic polarity type arranged along an inner peripheral surface, with each pair of corresponding magnetic poles of one and the other polarities obliquely arranged with respect to a radial line; an electromagnet, which is disposed facing this rotor, for developing a magnetic field which produces the other magnetic polarity type on the facing surface; and energizing means for intermittently energizing the electromagnet means from where the leading permanent magnet, based on the rotation of the rotor, passes the facing surface of the electromagnet in the direction of rotation. According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided magnetic rotating apparatus comprising a rotating shaft; a first rotor which is fixed to the rotating shaft and which has disposed thereon permanent magnet means and means for balancing rotation, the permanent magnet means being disposed such that a plurality of magnetic poles of the second polarity type is arranged along an outer peripheral surface in the direction of rotation, and a plurality of magnetic poles of the first pole type arranged along an inner peripheral surface, with each pair of corresponding magnetic poles of one and the other polarities obliquely arranged with respect to a radial line; a second rotor which rotates along with the first rotor and is fixed to the rotating shaft, having disposed thereon a plurality of permanent magnets and balancers for balancing rotation, the permanent magnets being disposed such that one magnetic polarity type is arranged along an outer peripheral surface in the direction of rotation and the other magnetic polarity type arranged along an inner peripheral surface, with each pair of corresponding magnetic poles of one and the other polarities obliquely arranged with respect to a radial line a first and a second electromagnet means, which are magnetically connected and disposed facing the first and second rotors, respectively, for developing a magnetic field which faces the magnetic field of the permanent magnet means of the first and second rotors; and detecting means for detecting rotating position of the rotors to allow the electromagnet means to be energized. The nature, principle and utility of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a magnetic rating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 2 is a side view of the magnetic rotating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a rotor of the magnetic rotating apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit in the magnetic rotating apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a magnetic field distribution formed between the rotor and the electromagnet of the magnetic rotating apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a torque which causes rotation of the rotor of the magnetic rotating apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The magnetic field developed by an electromagnet means and that of a permanent magnet means of a rotor repel each other. In addition, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet means is flattened by the magnetic fields of other nearby permanent magnets and electromagnet means. Therefore, a torque is produced therebetween to efficiently rotate the rotor. Since the rotor has a high inertial force, when the rotor starts rotating, its speed increases by the inertial force and the turning force. A magnetic rotating apparatus related to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of a magnetic rotating apparatus related to one embodiment of the present invention. In the specification, the term "magnetic rotating apparatus" will include an electric motor, and from its general meaning of obtaining turning force from the magnetic forces of permanent magnets, it will refer to a rotating apparatus utilizing the magnetic forces. As shown in FIG. 1, in the magnetic rotating apparatus related to one embodiment of the present invention, a rotating shaft 4 is rotatably fixed to a frame 2 with bearings 5. To the rotating shaft 4, there are fixed a first magnet rotor 6 and a second magnet rotor 8, both of which produce turning forces and a rotated body 10, which has mounted therealong a plurality of rod-shaped magnets 9 for obtaining the turning forces as energy. They are fixed in such a manner as to be rotatable with the rotating shaft 4. At the first and second magnet rotors 6 and 8, there are provided, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first electromagnet 12 and a second electromagnet 14 respectively are energized in synchronism with rotations of the first and second magnet rotors 6 and 8, both of which face each other and are each disposed in a magnetic gap. The first and second electromagnets 12 and 14 are respectively mounted to a yoke 16, which forms a magnetic path. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second magnet rotors 6 and 8 each have disposed on its disk-shaped surface a plurality of tabular magnets 22A through 22H for developing a magnetic field for generating the turning forces and balancers 20A through 20H, made of non-magnetic substances, for balancing the magnet rotors 6 and 8. In the embodiments, the first and second magnet rotors 6 and 8 each have disposed along the disk-shaped surface 24 at equal intervals the eight tabular magnets 22A through 22H along half of the outer peripheral area and +the eight balancers 20A through 20H along the other half of the outer peripheral area.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the tabular magnets 22A through 22H are disposed so that its longitudinal axis 1 makes an angle D with respect to a radial axis line 11 of the disk-shaped surface 24. In the embodiment, an angle of 30 degrees and 56 degrees have been confirmed for the angle D. An appropriate angle, however, can be set depending on the radius of the disk-shaped surface 24 and the number of tabular magnets 22A through 22H to be disposed on the disk-shaped surface 24. As illustrated in FIG. 2, from the viewpoint of effective use of the magnetic field, it is preferable that the tabular magnets 22A through 22H on the first magnet rotor 6 are positioned so that their N-poles point outward, while the tabular magnets 22A through 22H on the second magnet rotor 8 are positioned so that their S-poles point outward. Exterior to the first and second magnet rotors 6 and 8, the first and second electromagnets 12 and 14 are disposed facing the first and second magnet rotors 6 and 8 respectively in the magnetic gap. When the first and second electromagnets 12 and 14 are energized, they develop a magnetic field identical in polarity to the their respective tabular magnets 22A through 22H so that they repel one anther. In other words, as shown in FIG. 2, since the tabular magnets 22A through 22H on the first magnet rotor 6 have their N-poles facing outwards, the first electromagnet 12 is energized so that the side facing the first magnet rotor 6 develops an N-polarity. In a similar way, since the tabular magnets 22A through 22H on the second magnet rotor 8 have their S-poles facing outwards, the second electromagnet 14 is energized so that the side facing the tabular magnets 22A through 22H develops a S-polarity. The first and second electromagnets 12 and 14, which are magnetically connected by the yoke 16, are magnetized so that the sides facing their respective magnet rotors 6 and 8 are opposite in polarity with respect to each other. This means that the magnetic fields of the electromagnets 12 and 14 can be used efficiently. A detector 30, such as microswitch, is provided to either one of the first magnet rotor 6 or second magnet rotor 8 to detect the rotating position of the magnet rotors 6 and 8. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, in a rotational direction 32 of the tabular magnets 22A through 22H, the first and the second magnet rotors 6 and 8 are respectively energized when the leading tabular 22A has passed. In other words, in the rotational direction 32, the electromagnet 12 or 14 is energized when starting point So, located between the leading tabular magnet 22A and the following tabular magnet 22B coincides with the center point Ro of either the electromagnet 12 or 14. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in the rotational direction 32 of the tabular magnets 22A through 22H, the first and the second magnet rotors 6 and 8 are de-energized when the last tabular magnet 22A has passed. In the embodiment, an end point Eo is set symmetrical to the starting point So on the rotating disk-shaped surface 24. When the end point Eo coincides with the center point Ro of either the electromagnet 12 or 14, the electromagnet 12 or 14 is de-energized, respectively. As will be described later, with the center point Ro of the electromagnet 12 or 14 arbitrarily set between the starting point So and the end point Eo, the magnet rotors 6 and 8 start to rotate when the electromagnets 12 and 14 and their tabular magnets 22A through 22H face one another. When a microswitch is used as the detector 30 for detecting the rotating position, the contact point of the microswitch is allowed to slide along the surface of the rotating disk-shaped surface 24. A step is provided for the starting point So and the end point Eo so that the contact of the microswitch closes between the starting point So and the end point Eo. The area along the periphery therebetween protrudes beyond the other peripheral areas of the rotating disk-shaped surface 24. It is apparent that a photo sensor or the like may be used instead of the microswitch as the detector 30 for detecting the rotating position. As shown in FIG. 4, the windings of the electromagnets 12 and 14 are connected to a DC power source 42 through a movable contact of a relay 40, which is connected in series with the windings. A series circuit containing the relay 40 (solenoid) and the detector 30 or microswitch is connected to the DC power source 42. In addition, from the viewpoint of energy conservation, a charger 44 such as a solar cell is connected to the DC power source 42. It is preferable that the DC power source 42 is constantly chargeable using solar energy or the like. In the magnetic rotating apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a magnetic field distribution shown in FIG. 5 is formed between the tabular magnets 22A through 22H, disposed on each of the magnet rotors 6 and 8, and the electromagnets 12 and 14 which face them, respectively. When the electromagnet 12 or 14 is energized, a magnetic field of a tabular magnet of the tabular magnets 22A through 22H, adjacent to the electromagnet 12 or 14, is distorted in the longitudinal direction in correspondence with the rotational direction. This results in the generation of a repulsive force therebetween. As is apparent from the distortion of the magnetic field, the repulsive force has a larger component in the longitudinal or perpendicular direction, and produces a torque, as shown by an arrow 32. Similarly, a magnetic field of a tabular magnet of the tabular magnets 22A through 22H, which next enters the magnetic field of the electromagnet 12 or 14, is distorted. the repulsive force produced between the tabular magnets of the tabular magnets 22A through 22H, which have already entered the magnetic field of the electromagnets, a repulsive force operates between both of the poles M and M' of the tabular magnet at the rotating side and the electromagnet at the stationary side, respectively. Therefore, from the relationship illustrated in FIG. 6, an angular torque T is generated based on the formula: T=F. a.cos (.alpha.-.beta.), where in a is a constant. The angular torque starts the rotation of the rotating disk-shaped surface 24. After the rotating disk-shaped surface 24 has started rotating, its rotating speed gradually increases due to an inertial moment thereof, which allows a large turning driving force to be produced. After a stable rotation of the rotating disk-shaped surface 24 has been produced, when a necessary electromotive force can be developed in an electromagnetic coil (not illustrated) by externally bringing it near a rotated body 10 to be rotated along with the rotating disk-shaped surface 24. This electric power can be used for other applications. This rotating principle is based on the rotating principle of the magnetic rotating apparatus already disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61868/1993 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,486) by the inventor. That is, even if an electromagnet, provided for one of the rotors of the magnetic rotating apparatus disclosed in the same Patent Application, is fixed, it is rotated in accordance with the rotating principle disclosed therein. For details, refer to the above Japanese Patent Publication No. 61868/1993 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,486).

The number of tabular magnets 22A through 22H is not limited to "8" as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Any number of magnets may be used. In the above-described embodiment, although the tabular magnets 22A through 22H are disposed along half of the peripheral area of the disk-shaped surface 24, and the balancers 20A through 20H are disposed along the other half of the peripheral area, the tabular magnets may further be disposed along other areas of the disk-shaped surface 24. It is preferable that balancers, in addition to magnets, are provided along a portion of the peripheral area on the disk-shaped surface. The counter weights, which do not need to be formed into separate blocks, may be formed into one sheet of plate which extends on the outer peripheral area of the disk-shaped surface. In addition, in the above-described embodiments, while the construction is such as to allow the electromagnets to be energized for a predetermined period of time for every rotation of the rotating disk-shaped surface, the circuit may be so constructed as to allow, upon increased number of rotations, energization of the electromagnets for every rotation of the rotating disk-shaped surface, starting from its second rotation onwards. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a tabular magnet has been used for the permanent magnet, but other types of permanent magnets may also be used. In effect, any type of magnet may be used as the permanent magnet means as long as a plurality of magnetic poles of one type is disposed along the outer surface of the inner periphery and a plurality of magnetic poles of the other type are disposed along the inner peripheral surface of the disk-shaped surface, so that a pair of corresponding magnetic poles of one and the other polarities is obliquely arranged, with respect to the radial line 11, as shown in FIG. 3. Although the tabular magnets 22A through 22H are mounted on the magnet rotors 6 and 8 in the above embodiment, they may be electromagnets. In this case, the electromagnets 12 and 14 may be the alternative of electromagnets or permanent magnets.

According to the magnetic rotating apparatus of the present invention, rotational energy can be efficiently obtained from permanent magnets. This is made possible by minimizing as much as possible current supplied to the electromagnets, so that only a required amount of electrical energy is supplied to the electromagnets. It should be understood that many modifications and adaptations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art and it is intended to encompass such obvious modifications and changes in the scope of the claims appended hereto. KeelyNet: BBS Posting from Henry Curtis (11-18-1997)

Korean Magnetic Perpetual Motion Wheel I must apologize for not having all the details of this interesting device but will update the file when I get more info from the source. In email communications with John Schnurer, I happened to mention it and he's been on me since then to send him a diagram, yet I felt like it would simply be confusing because its operation is not clear or readily apparent from the information I had.The information that I have comes directly from long time friend Henry Curtis of Colorado. We both attended the 1997 ISNE conference in Denver and Henry was telling about this interesting machine he had seen while on a trip to the Phillipines. He said there was a free energy conference held there and he noticed a spinning bicycle wheel that was attached to a stand that sat on a table.The wheel was running when he first saw it, yet there did not appear to be any driving force such as a motor, belts, gears, etc..Henry said he watched it for quite awhile and it never stopped running. On expressing curiosity about the wheel, he was invited to stop it and start it up without any outside assistance.Henry reports the wheel was brought to a complete stop, then he gave it a spin with his hand and it began moving on its own. I am uncertain if it followed the tendency of other such devices to establish its own speed. Some devices like this can be spun up to high speed from an outside source, then will slow to a speed which is determined by the geometry and strength of the repelling or attracting forces that operate it.Henry swears it was the neatest thing he'd ever seen and drew a crude diagram of the arrangement on my notepad. Unfortunately, we were a bit rushed and I did not achieve a complete understanding of how it operated. That is why I did not want to blow smoke about it until more detail had been received, god knows, we don't need any more of that.However, perhaps someone can figure it out from the limited information I do have. The following drawing shows the wheel arrangement, one half was weighted, the other half had slanted magnets. I do not know whether they are all repelling, attracting or a mix of these forces. As you can imagine, the weight of the magnets must equal the weight of the other half of the wheel to balance out. Apparently the force of the magnetic repulsion or attaction provides the actual imbalance.Henry also said there was a patent on this device that is dated January 14, 1997. The inventor is a Japanese man named Minatu. The spelling of this name is uncertain. I did a search on the IBM server but found nothing even remote. Henry specifically said this was a United States patent. So, here it is. Perhaps Henry can come up with some more detail which can be used to update this file in future. Good luck.... KeelyNet: Update and Corrections from Henry Curtis (Wed, 19 Nov 1997) ~

From: Henry Curtis ~ To: Jerry Decker Subject: Bicycle wheel correction and update Jerry, Again we see that communication is difficult and memories are fallable. Obviously I am remiss in not having sent this to you months ago as I intended to, but as a sage of old observed "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is slow." During the first weekend of May, 1997, a group in Soeul, Korea headed up by Mr. Chi San Park, held The First International New Energy Conference in Seoul, Korea. I attended this conference and gave a talk on various approcahes to free energy. It was at this conference in Seoul, Korea that I saw the bicycle wheel and had the opportunity to work with it unattended by anyone else.The inventor is Kohei Minato, a Japanese rock musician, who reports that he has spent a million dollars out of his own pocket developing magnetic motors, because the world needs a better source of energy. He has several patents in various countries. His latest patent that I am aware of is United States Patent # 5,594,289. His development efforts have gone in the general direction of the Adams motor which the above patent is similar to. He had a working prototype of this design at the conference and reported that it used 150 watts power input and produced 450 watts output on a sustained basis. About a year ago CNN (in the US) had a 10 minute segment about him and his motors. In this video he is shown demonstrating two of his magnetic motors. I have a copy of this film clip that he gave to me. I will make a copy and send it to you. Unfortunately, the editors were not attuned to technical details and the pictures of the running machines show little useful detail. The Phillipine connection that you mention is completely erroneous. It was in Korea. The drawing on the web site is essentially correct with the following exceptions. The counter weight is a single curved piece of aluminum covering 180 degrees. Each of the several individual magnets on the other half of the wheel are slightly asymmetric, crescent shaped and nested. They are magnetised end to end with the N poles out. The motor is actuated by moving the N pole of a large permanet magnet (the drive magnet) toward the wheel. As this magnet is moved toward the wheel, the wheel starts to spin. As the magnet is moved closer to the wheel it spins faster. The acceleration of the wheel is rapid. So rapid in fact, as to be startling. To put it another way I was very impressed. The motor works. And it works very well. In the film clip a slight pumping action of Minato's hand holding the magnet is apparent. When I braced my hand so that there was no pumping action, the motor still ran. In fact it seemed to run better. Pumping action by the hand held magnet is not the power that drives the motor. When the drive magnet is moved away from the wheel it coasts rather quickly to a stop and comes to rest in a manner typical of any spinning bicycle wheel. Again when the wheel is at rest and a large magnet is moved up to the wheel it starts to spin. At no time is it necessary to touch the wheel to get it to rotate. Simply bring the N pole of a large magnet several inches from the wheel. The particular orientation of the wheel when it is at rest seems to have no effect on how well it starts to turn. Irrespective of how the wheel and the magnets on it are sitting; move the drive magnet near, it starts to spin. Move the magnet closer it spins faster. Move the magnet further away it slows up. The wheel was mounted on a stand made of aluminum angle pieces bolted together similar to the diagram in the above mentioned patent. The axle of the wheel was mounted parellel to the surface of the planet. I have attached a rough diagram of the wheel. Apparently the geometry of the magnets on the wheel is very important and subtle. I have built several small models none of which have shown the free energy effects of Minato's machine. The conference in Seoul was attended by several hundred people, most appeared to be under 40 and evenly divided between men and women. Presenters were from Korea, US, Japan, and China. Simultaneous translation was provided for all talks in the 3 day conference. Jerry, I hope this information is useful. I may be contacted by e-mail at mailto:hcurtis@mindspring.com or by phone at 303.344.1458.

KeelyNet: Email from Gene Mallove at Infinite Energy ~ I spoke to Bob Vermillion of Tri-Cosmos Development (Los Angeles, CA 310-284-3250 or fax 310-284-3260) today, just before he left for the three-day demonstrations of the Minato magnetic motor being held in Mexico City, Mexico on July 8, 9, 10th.Three (3) Minato Motors (MM), covered by US Patents # 5,594,289 (Jan 14, 1997) and # 4,751,486 (June 14, 1988), have been brought over from Japan. One was allegedly tested last evening by Grupo Bufete Industrial (supposedly one of the largest power generation construction companies in Mexico and South America). The company engineers were said (by Vermillion) to have measured an output /input ratio of 4.3 / 1. The printed literature, which I received in a Fedex packet from Vermillion states that the device can put out 500 watts (maximum) with an input of 34 watts.For those of you who wonder why the device is not self-sustaining -- oral info from Vermillion is that Minato *will* in the course of one of the demonstrations *remove the battery power supply* and let the device self-run -- presumably with a load. The press release makes no bones about the physics-busting character of the MM: "As rotations per minute (rpm's) increase, the electromagnetic consumption of the stator decreases. This phenomenon is in direct conflict with accepted laws of physics and is achieved through the repelling magnetic fields. It operates without heat, noise, or pollution of any kind. It can be produced in size from ultra-small to very large." It is said in the press release that applications from cell phones to laptop computers are under development. Vermillion told me of other parties who were planning to attend the demonstrations, which will be conducted both in public displays and with private party measurements. These include: ENRON, Bechtel, Tejas (a division of Shell Oil Corporation), Fluor Daniels, Kellogg Corp. .He told me that Hal Fox of New Energy News and the Fusion Information Center will be there (I confirmed with Hal that he will be there and will give us a full report.) I considered going myself (I was invited), but I trust Hal Fox to provide a full report --

www.japaninc.com/article.php?articleID=1302

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permanent_magnet_motor

edit: replaced by the one i originally had in the comments

sooc, except for a little straightening. i don't think i could take a straight picture to save my life.

i miss spring break. this was a sort of window ledge/seat thingie in my room in the place we stayed, it was big enough to sit in. (which i did often.) and of course, it had the best view. ;)

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a slightly better version 21-Apr-20, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 29-Mar-23.

Named: "Isrid Viking".

This aircraft was delivered to SAS Scandinavian Airlines as LN-ROB in Dec-96. It was sold to a lessor on delivery and leased back to SAS. The aircraft was stored at Copenhagen in Mar-05 after repair following a ground accident (see note, below).

It was sub-leased to Fly Hello (Switzerland) as HB-JIF in Feb-06, they wet-leased it to Iceland Express between Mar-08/Sep-08. The aircraft was returned to SAS in Feb-11 and stored at Stockholm-Arlanda.

It was ferried to Marana, AZ, USA in Jun-11 and sold to Wells Fargo Delaware Trust (Trustee for Delta) and leased to Delta Air Lines as N934DN. The aircraft was refurbished, repainted and entered service in Jan-12. It was sold to Delta in Jul-16.

At the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Delta decided to remove the rest of their MD-80/MD-90 fleet from service and this aircraft was permanently retired at Blytheville, AR, USA at the end of Apr-20. Updated 29-May-23.

Note: The aircraft was involved in a ground accident at Copenhagen on 06-Jan-05, it was being towed when the tug driver became ill and lost control, both aircraft and tug ran off the taxiway onto the grass with the tug ending up under the nose of the aircraft which was badly damaged. It was repaired and test flown at Copenhagen on 23-Mar-05, then stored until it was leased to Fly Hello in Feb-06.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 18-May-18.

First flown with the Airbus test registration D-AXAR, this aircraft was delivered to Lufthansa & leased to Eurowings as D-AEWQ in Nov-16. Current, updated 18-May-24.

Replacing an earlier scanned slide with a better version 01-Sep-15.

A little bit of 'glare' along the top of the 'cheat-line'. The tail on the right is Wardair's B727 CF-FUN.

Eagle Airways was renamed Cunard Eagle Airways in Mar-60 after a 60% investment by the Cunard Steamship Company.

This aircraft was delivered to Cunard Eagle Airways in Feb-62. It was originally due to be registered G-ARWD but that wasn't taken up and instead it was registered to Cunard Eagle Airways Bermuda as VR-BBW.

In Sep-62 after much double dealing, Cunard formed a new company with BOAC. The aircraft was re-registered G-ARWD and was transferred to BOAC Cunard. The Cunard part didn't last and in Oct-66 the aircraft became part of BOAC's mainline fleet.

It was leased to BEA Airtours in Jan-73 and in Apr-74 it was renamed British Airtours. In Apr-79 the aircraft was wet leased to Air Mauritius for 2 years, returning to British Airtours in Apr-81.

The following month it was returned to British Airways and sold to Boeing in part exchange for new Boeing 747's. It was stored at Kingman, AZ, USA, in May-81 and subsequently broken up there in 1986.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 31-Aug-19, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 12-Dec-25 (rescanned from a very yellowed negative).

Named: "Arab Solidarity".

This aircraft was delivered to Syrian Arab Airlines as YK-AHB in Jul-76. After more than 31 years in service it was withdrawn from service and stored at Damascus in 2008, only because the airline was unable to obtain spare parts due to US sanctions.

Sometime around 2012/2013, the aircraft was ferried to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and was noted stored there in Sep-13. It was broken up at Riyadh in Apr/May-14.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 11-Nov-20, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 01-Apr-24.

Named: "Usti Nad Labem" (name is above the shield aft of the forward door).

First flown with the Boeing test registration N1876B, this aircraft was delivered to CSA Czech Airlines as OK-CGH in Mar-97. It was sold to Mauritania Airlines as 5T-CLA in Jan-11.

The aircraft was withdrawn from use and stored at Nouakchott, Mauritania in Jan-16, It was registered to CSDS Aircraft Sales & Leasing Ltd (date unknown but possibly Jan-18) and remained stored at Nouakchott.

It's still shown as 'stored' in most databases but hasn't flown for 8 years, It's now 27 years old and I'd say it's probably permanently retired. Updated 02-Apr-24.

Two units lead BNSF Train U LINLIN6 09Z running east towards Nebraska City with 4 cars on a round trip from Lincoln as they pass the station sign at Syracuse and tiptoe up to a highway crossing that was being protected by flagmen as the planks were replaced. One of the interesting things about this line are the green whistle boards and milepost signs that look more like highway signs than railroad signs.

This is a track geometry test train being operated by BNSF Railway for reinstatement of through-trains on the Nebraska City Branch. The test train operated at 10 MPH for the duration of the trip. The line between Lincoln and Nebraska City was built as a CB&Q branch, later BN, BNSF, and in latter years was used to serve the Omaha Public Power District Nebraska City Generating Station.

The KYLE Railroad also made an attempt at operating this line in the early 2000’s serving local customers until BNSF resumed service after only a couple years. BNSF had the coal contract for OPPD, but Union Pacific won it in 2002, and they routed trains from their Falls City Sub., which passes through Nebraska City. After that, through trains didn’t traverse the entire line until a half dozen or so coal trains were rerouted in 2007 from Lincoln.

Since 2007, a through train hadn’t crossed the entire line until today. While the west end had been used occasionally by BNSF and OPPD to store cars, a large Frontier Co-Op Elevator loop track opened in April 2017 at Syracuse loading unit grain trains, served by UP from the east. At the moment, the only other customer on the line is the AGP Elevator in Lincoln, served by BNSF.

The interesting part is that the line itself was sold to OPPD. Union Pacific was the Primary Operating Railroad and called the line the UP Arbor Sub. and dispatched it via TWC. BNSF Railway refers to their portion on the west end from Lincoln the BNSF Nebraska City Industrial Spur. BNSF recently won the coal contract from UP, which begins in 2021. Dozens of bridges were replaced, repaired, or strengthened, crossing protection was installed, enhanced, or put back in service, track was surfaced, and trees were trimmed. Special agents and Heartland Division officials escorted or the train through towns that hadn’t seen a train over a decade.

As it turned out, one of UP’s last hurrahs was as bringing a coal train into the power plant just hours before the arrival of the test train, which was supposed to run through the loop track and return to Lincoln. They wound up having to recrew the train and run the engines around the consist to take it back west that night. To make matters even more interesting, that very UP coal train experienced a locomotive fire as the train came into Nebraska City. It was an interesting day, to say the least.

As of December 18, 2020, BNSF Railway again became the POR for the entire line, and is beginning the process of requalifying crews with short trains on the line for the coal contract start date of January 1, 2021.

Locomotives: BNSF 8590, BNSF 7753

12-9-20

Syracuse, NE

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 20-Nov-20, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 05-Apr-23.

Martinair only kept their A320's for just over 4 years.

First flown with the Airbus test registration F-WWDE, this aircraft was delivered to SALE Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise and leased to Martinair as PH-MPE in Mar-03 and returned to the lessor in Nov-07.

It was leased to Etihad Airways as A6-EIB in Dec-07. The aircraft was sub-leased to Air Seychelles as S7-SIL in Jul-15 and returned to Etihad in Aug-19 when it was stored at Abu Dhabi. It was moved to Hyderabad, India in Dec-19 for continued storage and returned to the lessor in Aug-20.

It was leased to SmartLynx Airlines - Malta as 9H-SLB two weeks later and, because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was stored at Malta on delivery. The aircraft was ferried to St. Athan, Wales, UK in Sep-20.

It never entered service and was permanently retired at St. Athan, Wales, UK. It was broken up there in Mar-23.

I think this sign may be gone now, replaced by a new (boring) one.

Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels. She was built to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk by enemy action on May 29, 1940 at Dunkirk.

Waverley’s keel was laid on December 27, 1945 but due to material shortages after the war, she was not ready for launch until October 2, 1946. It wasn’t until the following year on January 20, 1947 that she was towed to Greenock for the installation of her boiler and engines. Her maiden voyage was on June 16, 1947.

Waverley was built for the route up Loch Goil and Loch Long from Craigendoran & Arrochar in West Scotland. She now visits several areas of the UK offering regular trips on the Clyde, The Western Isles, the Thames, South Coast of England and the Bristol Channel with calls at Liverpool & Llandudno.

Waverley is the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer. In 1974, at the end of her working life, she was famously gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., a charity registered in Scotland, was set up to own and operate the ship. Waverley then began a second career as one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Since she has been in operational preservation, she has been awarded four stars by Visit Scotland, an engineering heritage award, and has carried over 6 million passengers from over 60 ports around the UK.

2003 saw the completion of a £7m Heritage Rebuild which returned Waverley to the original 1940s style in which she was built. This was made possible with major grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS). Contributions also came from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, the European Regional Development Fund and local authorities.

2017 marked 70 years since Waverley’s maiden voyage on June 16, 1947. In May 2019 she was withdrawn from service and a capital appeal was launched to raise £2.3 million to allow her boilers to be replaced and re-commission Waverley for further service. In December 2019 it was announced that the appeal target had been reached.

Despite delays to the boiler refit due to the COVID-19 pandemic Waverley returned to service in August 2020 and operated a short season on the Firth of Clyde. After a successful season on the Clyde the following year, Waverley will be returning to other sailing areas in 2022.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version 12-Jul-16, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 01-Sep-24.

First flown with the Airbus test registration F-WWIF, this aircraft was leased to ACES Colombia as VP-BVB in Nov-97. ACES ceased operations in Aug-03, the aircraft was repossessed and stored at Nimes, France.

It stayed at Nimes for 18 months until It was re-registered with the temporary French registration F-WQUO in Feb-05 and then leased to Valuair (Singapore) as 9V-VLD later the same month.

It returned to the lessor in May-06 and was immediately leased to Lotus Airlines (Egypt) as SU-LBG. Lotus Airlines ceased operations in May-11 and the aircraft was repossessed again, re-registered N416AC and stored at Dublin, Ireland.

It was leased to Zest Airways (Philippines) as RP-C8994 in Nov-11. Zest was renamed Philippines Air Asia in Jan-16. The aircraft was returned to the lessor in Jul-18 and permanently retired at Kemble, UK. It was broken up at Kemble in Nov-18.

Here is Arriva Buses Wales DAF DB250 East Lancs Lowlander Y704 XJF 4189 is seen at Bangor bus station as it's about to replace Wrightbus VDL SB200 Pulsar CX14 BYM 3174 to do the route 5 to Llandudno to collect more passangers. 28/01/17

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 06-Apr-25.

English titles, left side

History approximate. This aircraft was delivered to Aeroflot as RA-42421 in 1993. It was transferred to Kuban Airlines (date unknown) and sold to Izhavia in early 2014.

It was noted in service with Izhavia in May-18 but by Jul-18 it was operating for Turuhan Avia. It was registered to UT Air in Jul-19 and appears to have been permanently retired at Surgut, Russia in Jun-20.

My second digital camera soon came to replace the Toshiba which I quickly took a dislike to. The next one was my first Sony, a DSC-P73 model, 4 megapixel point and shot which produced better results.

Taken on the same day as the previous upload, ARRIVA Midlands had regained control of the Abermule outstation the previous year from ARRIVA Cymru which had managed it from Aberystwyth for some time but now under the control of Shrewsbury again. Here we find this former Shearings and later Timeline, Volvo B10M, Alexander Q, 3304 H73 DVM about to depart Newtown Bus Station on the D81 Vaynor Town Service. Note Scania L113CRL, 3428 R428 TJW also in the scene, suspect would have been on the D75 trunk service Shrewsbury to Llanidloes, the X5 Telford Express still in the windscreen too, a route it operated on a fair bit at that time.

Replacing an earlier scanned photo with a better version, plus Topaz DeNoise AI 20-Jan-25.

This aircraft was delivered to Piedmont Airlines, USA as N791N in Mar-82. It was re-registered N244US in Oct-88 prior to being merged into US Air in Aug-89.

US Air was renamed US Airways in Feb-97 and the aircraft was transferred to US Airways MetroJet in May-99. It was withdrawn from service and stored at Mojave, CA, USA in Dec-01.

The aircraft was sold to the Alameda Corporation in Mar-02 and sold to AVIACSA, Mexico as XA-TVN. AVIACSA ceased operations on 06-Jul-09. It was stored at Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico, a joint civil/military airfield the same month and was eventually permanently retired. Updated 20-Jan-25.