Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having a coil, stator and an armature where dual parallel channels are formed in the stator for receiving the coil and where the armature is hinged to the stator for movement toward the stator upon application of an electrical current to the coil. The stator has a length, a width and a height where its length is at least 1.6 times its width and its width is at least 2.0 times its height.

Abstract: Separate multiple flux paths for an electrical generator or motor are provided in a single rotor machine by axially mounting a plurality of pole pieces on the rotor shaft. Each pole piece includes a central disc portion having a plurality of radial pole-forming projections, with the projections of adjacent pole pieces rotated 180 electrical degrees, such that the pole-forming projections of every other pole piece have the same magnetic polarity. Provision of a plurality of separate magnetic flux paths increases the total flux attainable in a machine of given size and therefore improves the machine's output and efficiency.

Abstract: Separate multiple flux paths for an electrical generator or motor are provided in a single rotor machine by axially mounting a plurality of pole structures on the rotor shaft. Each pole structure includes a pair of interleaved claw-type pole pieces forming each separate path, with an excitation source sandwiched between the pole pieces. The excitation source in at least one of the pole structures comprises a non-magnetic sleeve mounted on a shaft of the rotor between the pole pieces and an annular permanent magnet mounted on the sleeve. The excitation source in at least one other of the pole structures comprises a permeable core mounted on the rotor shaft between the pole pieces and a conductive coil encircling the core.