Truly the stuff of science fiction! This brand new discovery/invention was only patented in 2012, and everyone here at Grand Illusions has been utterly amazed to see this effect in action.

Basically the main unit, or inverter magnet, has a plastic ring that contains two circular neodymium magnets in the centre, and six smaller ones around the edge. There is then a second, test magnet, which is identical to the two magnets in the centre of the inverter array.

The magnets are arranged so that the test magnet is attracted to the central magnets in the inverter array, but repelled by the six, smaller magnets around the edge. So given these conflicting forces, what will happen when you bring the two together?

Initially, the two are attracted, since the large magnets work at a greater distance. But then, as they get close, the repulsion starts to work between the test magnet and the six small magnets, and the test magnet stops, leaving a gap between the two! The inverter array and the test magnet are held together in this invisible bond, and you can move one magnet and the other will follow, despite the fact there is an air gap between them.

This reminds us of the so called tractor beam that occurs in various science fiction movies, where a spaceship can reach out through space and hold another ship or another object locked in an invisible beam!

The inventor did extensive computer modelling of the magnetic fields involved, in order to discover exactly what combination of magnets would work. Only then did he start work on a series of prototypes.