Abstract: An eddy current drive has an electromagnet and an armature. Either one of the electromagnet or the armature is coupled to a motor shaft so as to rotate therewith, while the other is coupled to a load portion. The motor can rotate at a continuous speed, while the speed of the load portion can vary by varying the energization of the electromagnet, so as to vary the coupling between the electromagnet and the armature. The electromagnet is energized by way of bearings. The bearings provide a rotary coupling. In another embodiment, an electrical generator is provided. The rotation of the motor shaft generates electrical current that is used to energize the electromagnet. The amount of the electrical current that is provided to the electromagnet can be varied to vary the output speed of the load portion.

Abstract: A brushless shaft mounted eddy current drive has a coil mounted to bearings by way of a coil mount. The bearings are located on a hub. The coil mount is anchored to a fixed object. The pole pieces are coupled together by a nonmagnetic material to form a cavity that receives the coil. In another embodiment, a brushless drive has a coil rotatably mounted in a cavity within the pole pieces. A rotary inductive coil is mounted to the pole pieces about a stationary inductive coil. Alternating current is provided to the stationary coil to induce current into the rotary coil. In still another embodiment, an alternator is used to induce current into the rotating coil. In still a further embodiment, a brushless drive incorporates a liquid conductive rotatable coupler in the hub. In still another embodiment, the brushless drive energizes the coil in the electromagnet by way of bearings. The bearings are mounted onto a shaft that is coupled to the electromagnet.