Abstract: A linear motor utilizing a flat, ironless, printed circuit type winding where the winding can be stamped, etched, or deposited and adhered to a rigid substrate. The winding provides coils that are relatively movable between straight, parallel rows of stationary magnets, or between one row of magnets and a parallel flux return member. In most applications the preferred structure is a moving winding and stationary permanent magnets. The advantage over the existing art is the significantly lower cost to manufacture and the almost limitless ability to create complex windings for improved performance without complicated tooling or winding machines. Also, higher performance is achieved due to a smaller air gap. The structure also provides higher winding stiffness, yet lower mass.

Abstract: A linear motor utilizing a flat, ironless, coil winding which can be of the printed circuit type (stamped, etched, or deposited and adhered to a rigid substrate). The winding provides coils that are relatively movable between straight, parallel rows of magnets. The winding can also be fabricated using insulated wire to form a distributed winding. In designing the winding particular attention is paid to the length of the straight portion perpendicular to the direction of the linear motion (L.sub.M) compared to the height of the linear air gap (L.sub.B) and the outside dimension of the winding (L.sub.S). Selection of these dimensions determines four key motor parameters, namely, the motor back emf K.sub.e, the motor force constant K.sub.f, the winding resistance R, and the motor force ripple F.sub.r.

Abstract: An axial airgap brushless motor including a rotor having a plurality of permanent magnet poles, and a stator having a plurality of conductor layers and a connecting layer for connecting the conductor layers. The motor is operated by exciting the conducting layers with three phase electric current. The current gives rise to conductor magnetic fields which interact with the rotating magnetic field of the permanent magnets. The magnets are spaced relative to one another to minimize the odd harmonics to thereby minimize torque ripple.