Correlated Surfaces

Correlated surfaces made up of permanent magnetic sources can be used as correlated tracks much like railroad tracks.  Fig. 1, depicts a correlated surface and a cylinder having a correlated magnetic structure around it moving down the correlated surface.

Fig. 1.  Cylinder with Correlated Magnetic Structure on Correlated Surface

Referring to Fig. 1, the cylinder has surrounding it a correlated magnetic structure of permanent magnetic sources corresponding to six instances (or code modulos) of a 7x7 code.  The cylinder is attached to a correlated surface having magnetic sources that are complementary coded to those on the cylinder.  As such, as the cylinder is turned (by whatever means) a magnetic holding force will keep the cylinder precisely aligned with the correlated surface.  If it moves forward some number of turns and then moves backward the same number of turns it will end up exactly where it was before moving forward.  There should not be any slippage.  Fig. 2 depicts a sphere on a correlated surface, which could be inside a cylinder. 

Fig. 2.  Sphere with Correlated Magnetic Structure on Correlated Surface

Referring to Fig. 2, the sphere has surrounding it a correlated magnetic structure of permanent magnetic sources corresponding to six instances (or code modulos) of a 7x7 code.  The sphere is attached to a correlated surface having magnetic sources that are complementary coded to those on the sphere.  As such, as the sphere is turned (by whatever means) a magnetic holding force will keep the sphere precisely aligned with the correlated surface.  A sphere can also travel through a cylinder (or tube) having one or more correlated surfaces.  Fig. 3 depicts use of a belt around multiple cylinder to achieve a stronger hold or gripping force.

Fig. 3.  Two Cylinders with Belt Having Correlated Magnetic Structure on a Correlated Surface

It is important to note that a correlated surface could be vertical or in any plane including being across a ceiling. It could also be in a pipe full of oil or in many different other such locations where a robot could traverse a correlated surface manufactured into or onto some object.  Correlated surfaces, like 2D and 3D EM arrays, also enable more efficient use of the volume of a building for manufacturing or other such purposes.