Abstract: The composite magnet comprises two sections, each section having a plurality of projections and apertures. The projections and apertures on a first section mate with the apertures and projections, respectively, on the second section. The first and second sections are magnetized in opposite axial directions.

Abstract: The brushless DC motor comprises at least one multi-pole composite magnet which functions as a rotor, at least one stator member which determines the angular position of this rotor, means for positioning the rotor(s) and the stator member(s) on a common axis, a sensing device for determining the position of the composite magnet relative to the stator member(s), and means for determining the magnetic configuration on the stator member. The composite magnet comprises two sections, each section having a plurality of projections and apertures. The projections and apertures on a first section mate with the apertures and projections, respectively, on the second section. The first and second sections are magnetized in opposite axial directions. In one embodiment, each stator member has a plurality of pole pieces which are positioned in operative relation to the composite magnet. Two windings are formed on each stator member.

Abstract: A stepper motor is provided that is compact, easily manufactured, and provides high torque. The stepper motor comprises a multi-pole composite magnet which functions as a rotor, at least one stator member which determines the angular position of this rotor, and means for positioning the rotor and the stator members on a common axis. The composite magnet comprises two pieces, each piece having a mating member and an arc-shaped member integrally formed with the mating member. To form the composite magnet, the mating members of both pieces are aligned on an axis and the arc-shaped members of both pieces are juxtaposed. The first and second pieces are magnetized in opposite axial directions which results in two advantages. First, the composite magnet provides a high area of energy conversion per unit volume, thereby significantly reducing the size of the stepper motor in comparison to prior art stepper motors.

Abstract: The composite magnet of the present invention comprises two pieces of permanent magnet material formed into a complementary pattern of holes and projections. The two pieces are magnetized in opposite axial directions. The two pieces, magnetized in this manner, when placed together form an interlocking single element which exhibits a magnetic pattern of north-south poles which matches the pattern of holes and projections. In this manner, the composite magnet appears as a single permanent magnet, exhibiting a sharp, strong, and well-defined magnetic pattern. In accordance with the present invention, the composite magnet may be used in many applications including, but not limited to encoders, one of which is described in detail.

Abstract: The composite magnet of the present invention comprises two pieces of permanent magnet material formed into a complementary pattern of holes and projections. The two pieces are magnetized in opposite axial directions. The two pieces, magnetized in this manner, when placed together form an interlocking single element which exhibits a magnetic pattern of north-south poles which matches the pattern of holes and projections. In this manner, the composite magnet appears as a single permanent magnet, exhibiting a sharp, strong, and well-defined magnetic pattern. In accordance with the present invention, the composite magnet may be used in many applications including, but not limited to encoders, one of which is described in detail.

Abstract: The stepper motor comprises a multi-pole composite magnet which functions as a rotor, two stator members which determine the angular position of this rotor, and means for positioning the rotor and the stator members on a common axis. The composite magnet comprises two sections, each section having a plurality of projections and apertures. The projections and apertures on a first section mate with the apertures and projections, respectively, on the second section. The first and second sections are magnetized in opposite axial directions. Each stator member has a plurality of pole pieces which are positioned in operative relation to the composite magnet. In one embodiment, two windings are formed on each stator member. Applying current to one or both of these determines the polarity of the pole pieces on that stator member. In another embodiment, a stator member comprises a hollow, toroid-shaped trough. Pole fingers extend from the edges opposite the edges defining the bottom of the trough.

Abstract: A tape drive assembly includes a compact rectangular housing mounting a fixed take-up reel. A removable supply reel is mounted on a pivotable carrier which is adapted to be swung into a closure position on the housing to place the supply reel in operative position adjacent the take-up reel. In such operative position the supply reel is frictionally engaged by an endless drive belt which also frictionally engages the take-up reel so as to drive both reels and cause the tape to be fed therebetween in a path that passes adjacent a read/write head. The drive belt is formed of a viscoelastic material so that it is maintained on its supporting rollers under tension with the supply reel in or out of engagement with it and so that a constant tension is maintained on the drive belt, and hence the tape, at different driving speeds.