Abstract: A two-phase step motor with bifilar winding around the stator poles is connected to phases &agr; and &bgr; (90° apart) of a two-phase driver in a manner that maximizes torque at medium speed operation and minimizes vibrations. In particular, the coils that are wound around different groups of stator poles are connected in series. In one set, both coils are connected in a forward sense around the stator, while in the other set, the two coils are connected in opposite senses. All coils are energized in every phase of a pulse cycle. The properties are intermediate between that of convention series and parallel stator coil connections.

Abstract: A two-phase step motor with bifilar winding around the stator poles is connected to phases &agr; and &bgr; (90° apart) of a two-phase driver in a manner that maximizes torque at medium speed operation and minimizes vibrations. In particular, the coils that are wound around different groups of stator poles are connected in series. In one set, both coils are connected in a forward sense around the stator, while in the other set, the two coils are connected in opposite senses. All coils are energized in every phase of a pulse cycle. The properties are intermediate between that of convention series and parallel stator coil connections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stator of 2-phase step motor that has 4 stator coils, two in each phase. The coils are wound around 8 stator poles in a standard bifilar winding pattern. The first center-tap of the first phase and the second center tap of the second phase are connected. One end of the first phase makes a first terminal. One end of the second phase makes a second terminal. The other end of the first phase and the other end of the second phase are connected to make a third terminal. A three-phase driver can drive the step motor via these three terminals. Performance of the stator of the step motor can be improved by increasing the number of turns of the two coils whose ends make the first and second terminals. Then the three phase resistances of the stator can be adjusted to have similar resistances by reducing the wire gauge of the other two coils. This reduction of the wire size compensates for the space needed for the increase in the numbers of coil turns mentioned above.

Abstract: A rotating machine configurable as a pure DC generator for use in various applications, including recharging batteries in battery operated portable devices. The generator consists of a pair of permanent magnets which are mounted on two rotating magnetic ferrous metal hubs. The magnets are aligned so that they have the same polarity facing each other. The hubs, including the magnets, rotate around a stationary toroidal coil, which creates a magnetic flux. The flux from the two magnets cuts the conductor to the toroidal coil in a same direction upon rotation of the hubs, creating an emf (current) which is always in the same direction. Thus, a direct current is created, without the need for commutation or rectification. The input and output functions of the generator may be reversed to enable the generator to function as a DC motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the angular resolution of a stepping motor in which the effective step angle of the motor is reduced by a factor of two with no change in the nominal pitch angle. In one embodiment, a group of two stator laminations, angularly offset from one another, are used. In a second embodiment, two rotors, angularly offset from one another, are used, together with two non-offset stator stacks. In an alternative mode of the second embodiment, two stator stacks, angularly offset from one another, are used, together with two non-offset rotors. In a first mode of a third embodiment, a rotor having first and second rotor caps is laterally surrounded by first and second stators, and the two rotor caps, but not the two stators, are angularly offset from one another by the step angle. In a second mode of the third embodiment, the two stators, but not the two rotor caps, are angularly offset from one another by the step angle.

Abstract: Hybrid stepping motor apparatus that produces a step angle of 1/K.sub.p times the pitch angle .DELTA..theta..sub.p of the stator on rotor teeth, where K.sub.p is the number of phases for the motor, using a plurality of stator poles whose center-to-center angular spacings are not uniform, and depend on the number of stator poles used. In one embodiment with M poles, the first M-1 center-to-center pole angular spacings are equal to a first angle A, and the Mth center-to-center pole angular spacing is an angle B with .vertline.A-B.vertline.=m.DELTA..theta..sub.p, where m is a positive integer.

Abstract: A multiple-pole stepping motor includes M stator windings distributed on M/2 groups and coacting with a permanent magnet rotor for hybrid stepper and a soft iron rotor for a variable reluctant stepper. The two stator windings in each group are connected in series with different winding polarity. The uniform pole angle 360.degree./M is to facilitate the winding process. The angles .alpha. and .alpha.' are pitches between adjacent teeth of adjacent poles in the group, the angles .beta. and .beta.' are pitches between adjacent teeth on adjacent groups, having a relationship with step angle t: ##EQU1## In this relation m, n, m' and n' are integer greater than zero.