Abstract: Drive and support structure for magnetic disc stores comprising a drive spindle which is adapted for direct connection to a disc pack, a pair of self-acting air bearings which support the spindle with its axis vertical, and an alternating current synchronous motor comprising a rotor which is connected to the spindle between the bearings and carries permanent magnets, and a stator which surrounds the rotor and produces a rotating magnetic field which interacts with magnetic poles provided at the periphery of the stator by the magnets. The air bearings are each of the inward pumping zero flow herringbone type.The upper end of the spindle is adapted for connection to a disc pack, and the weight of the spindle is supported at its lower end through a self-acting fluid thrust bearing of the grooved hydro-dynamic oil type. A cooling chamber is provided around the thrust bearing to cool recirculated oil.

Abstract: An alternating current rotating electric machine having a permanent magnet rotor comprising a generally cylindrical body of magnetic material having a plurality of regularly spaced, inwardly extending slots formed around its circumference so as to define pole-pieces therebetween connected by magnetic material of the body at the base of the slots, and a plurality of permanent magnets which are located in said slots so as to induce poles of alternate polarity in the pole-pieces, the central axes of the slots being uniformly inclined relative to respective radii of the body which pass through the centers of the outer open ends of the slots, and the magnetic axes of the magnets extending transversely of the respective central axes of the slots.

Abstract: A rotor for an electrical alternator or motor is described. The rotor has a number of disc shaped, axially magnetized, permanent magnets separated by steel discs, and elongated pole shoes parallel to the rotor axis making up the rotor periphery. The pole shoes are fixed to appropriate steel discs to give pole-shoe polarities which alternate around the rotor periphery. In order to .[.allow starting as a motor.]. .Iadd.stabilize the machine.Iaddend., alternate pole shoes are divided near one end and fixed to the same steel discs as transversely adjacent pole shoes .[.to give a solid metal rotor section which gives starting by induction motor action, and forms a toothed wheel which runs at synchronous speed by reluctance motor action.]..