Abstract: A reluctance torque coupler includes a first rotor assembly which provides a magnetic field and a second rotor assembly which rotates relative to the first rotor assembly. The second rotor assembly includes a pair of elongated, arcuate flux poles that are attached to a non-magnetic frame. The flux poles extend towards the first rotor such that they are magnetically coupled to the first rotor. Air gaps between ends define a position of minimum reluctance for the first rotor. When the conductors magnetic axis of the first rotor is aligned with the spaces, the leakage of flux across the spaces is at a minimum. If one rotor is rotated, there is a change in energy stored in the magnetic circuit. This change is resisted by a restoring torque toward the aligned position. In this manner, the torque coupler transmits torque from one rotor to another.

Abstract: Blade pitch is changed by an actuator that is responsive to the relative rotation of two input members. Blade pitch is not changed when the members are rotated at the same speed. However, blade pitch is changed in one direction when a braking torque is applied to one member, and blade pitch is changed in an opposite direction when a braking torque is applied to the other member.

Abstract: Blade pitch of variable pitch blades is changed by an actuator having first and second ac machines. The first ac machine is excited with ac power to apply a motoring torque to a control shaft of the actuator, thereby causing blade pitch to change in one direction. The second ac machine is excited with appropriate power to apply a braking torque to the control shaft, thereby causing blade pitch to change in an opposite direction. When the second ac machine is an induction machine, dc excitation will brake the control shaft. When the second ac machine is a synchronous machine, an ac excitation causing a retarding magnetic field will brake the control shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus indicates changes in blade pitch of variable pitch blades by detecting relative displacements of first and second members of a blade pitch actuator. The members are selectively displaced to change the pitch of the blades. The apparatus includes sensors which provide output signals to a microprocessor, which determines displacement of each member with respect to a frame of reference. The microprocessor takes the difference between the displacements of the two members to determine the relative displacement, which is indicative of a change in blade pitch.

Abstract: A torque coupling device of the synchronous reluctance type having a magnetic flux generating device and concentric rotors, each rotor having a sleeve of diamagnetic material including a plurality of flux windows, the diamagnetic sleeves on the two rotors cooperating to provide a reluctance gradient within a magnetic circuit, thereby variably magnetically linking the two rotors.

Abstract: An electrical machine utilizes a consequent pole rotor with a polyphase stator assembly and a control coil to produce a widely variable voltage output. Either constant-speed--variable-voltage performance, or variable-speed--constant-voltage performance may be easily achieved by varying the magnitude and level of D.C. current supplied to the control coil. Single and double rotor embodiments are disclosed, with cogging being easily suppressible in the double rotor embodiments.

Abstract: A rotor for an electrical machine has large permanent magnets located at half the pole locations, with alternating pole locations containing ferromagnetic projections which become consequent poles in the rotor. The permanent magnet poles have a high reluctance, while the ferromagnetic poles have a very low reluctance, thereby affording variable flux linkage between the rotor and a stator. Magnetic homogeneity is improved, while susceptibility to thermal degradation in the rotor is reduced substantially.

Abstract: A variable-voltage electrical generator.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine having a self-supporting, ironless stator assembly.

Abstract: A rotor having wedge-shaped permanent magnets and cushions between the magnets and their support members.

Abstract: A rotor having wedge-shaped permanent magnets and cushions between the magnets and their support members.

Abstract: A rotor assembly having self-locking wedge-shaped permanent magnets.