Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for selectably directing power signals to coils of active field pole members in brushless electrodynamic machinery are disclosed. In one embodiment, a field pole commutator includes a power transfer region configured to transfer at least a first power signal and second power signal to the coils. It also includes a first power region and a second power region configured to provide the first power signal and the second power signal, respectively, to the power transfer region. The first power region and the second power region each are configured to rotate together with the power transfer region about an axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the field pole commutator is implemented in a brushless direct current (“DC”) current motor, which includes a rotor having permanent magnets and a plurality of active field pole members. Each active field pole member has one or more coils wound about the periphery of field pole members to form said plurality of active field pole members.

Abstract: A rotor-stator structure for electrodynamic machinery is disclosed to, among other things, minimize magnetic flux path lengths and to eliminate back-iron for increasing torque and/or efficiency per unit size (or unit weight) and for reducing manufacturing costs. In one embodiment, an exemplary rotor-stator structure can comprise a shaft defining an axis of rotation, and a rotor on which at least two substantially conical magnets are mounted on the shaft. The magnets include conical magnetic surfaces facing each other and confronting air gaps. In some embodiments, substantially straight field pole members can be arranged coaxially and have flux interaction surfaces formed at both ends of those field poles. Those surfaces are located adjacent to the confronting conical magnetic surfaces to define functioning air gaps. Current in coils wound on the field poles provide selectable magnetic fields that interact with magnet flux in flux interaction regions to provide torque to the shaft.

Abstract: A rotor-stator structure for electrodynamic machinery is disclosed to, among other things, minimize magnetic flux path lengths and to eliminate back-iron for increasing torque and/or efficiency per unit size (or unit weight) and for reducing manufacturing costs. In one embodiment, an exemplary rotor-stator structure can comprise a shaft defining an axis of rotation, and a rotor on which at least two substantially conical magnets are mounted on the shaft. The magnets include conical magnetic surfaces facing each other and confronting air gaps. In some embodiments, substantially straight field pole members can be arranged coaxially and have flux interaction surfaces formed at both ends of those field poles. Those surfaces are located adjacent to the confronting conical magnetic surfaces to define functioning air gaps. Current in coils wound on the field poles provide selectable magnetic fields that interact with magnet flux in flux interaction regions to provide torque to the shaft.