Abstract: A fuel cell powered magnetically driven shaft assembly comprises: (a) a stationary fuel cell stack having a hollow core; (b) an electrically conductive sleeve lining the hollow core so as to define a cylindrical passage therethrough; and (c) a shaft extending through the sleeve passage and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft is embedded with one or more magnets configured to produce a magnetic field extending substantially perpendicularly to that longitudinal axis. Anodes of the fuel cell stack are connected to one end of the sleeve and cathodes are connected to the other end so as to provide a path for conducting electrons through the sleeve constrained in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Because the current flows perpendicularly through the magnetic field, an electromagnetic force is produced in a direction which is tangential to the shaft, causing the shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A homopolar machine produces an axial counterforce on the rotating shaft to compensate for the load on the shaft's thrust bearing to reduce wear and noise and prolong bearing life. The counterforce is produced through magnetic interaction between the shaft and the machine's field coils and is created by changing the current excitation of the field coils, which results in a magnetic flux asymmetry in an inner flux return coupled to the shaft. The homopolar machine may also have a configuration that uses current collectors that maintain substantially constant contact pressure in the presence of high magnetic fields to improve current collector performance. The current collectors are flexible and may be made from either electrically conductive fibers or stacked strips such that they bear up against the armature so that the pressure is maintained by the spring constant of the current collector material.

Abstract: A DC machine for use as a DC motor (10) or generator, comprising an outer casing (100), and a rotor (200) comprising a central shaft (220) and at least one cylindrical permanent magnet (230) which has a central axis coincident with the shaft (220) and is supported for rotation about its axis within the casing (100). The magnet (230) provides a unipolar radial magnetic field. An annular gap (218) is formed within the rotor (200), which extends co-axially with the magnet (230) such that the magnetic flux of the radial magnetic field extends at substantially right angles across opposite sides of the gap (218). The motor (10) includes a cylindrical stator (300) located co-axially within the gap (218). The stator (300) comprises an armature in the form of a hollow cylindrical roll (310) of elongate insulating substrate (320) having one surface bearing a conductive pattern (330). The pattern (330) has two ends for connection to a DC power source and includes a multiplicity of straight conductors (334).

Abstract: A DC machine for use as a DC motor (10) or generator, comprising an outer casing (100), and a rotor (200) comprising a central shaft (220) and at least one cylindrical permanent magnet (230) which has a central axis coincident with the shaft (220) and is supported for rotation about its axis within the casing (100). The magnet (230) provides a unipolar radial magnetic field. An annular gap (218) is formed within the rotor (200), which extends co-axially with the magnet (230) such that the magnetic flux of the radial magnetic field extends at substantially right angles across opposite sides of the gap (218 ). The motor (10) includes a cylindrical stator (300) located co-axially within the gap (218). The stator (300) comprises an armature in the form of a hollow cylindrical roll (310) of elongate insulating substrate (320) having one surface bearing a conductive pattern (330). The pattern (330) has two ends for connection to a DC power source and includes a multiplicity of straight conductors (334).

Abstract: The fuel cell powered electrical motor comprises an electrical motor and a plurality of fuel cell stacks. The electrical motor includes a shaft assembly, a stator encircling the shaft assembly, a rotor encircling the stator, a flywheel located perpendicularly to the shaft assembly, at a top part of the latter, and a base plate located perpendicularly to the shaft assembly, at a low part of the latter. Base plate is designed to allow a fuel from an outside source to enter and exit the several fuel cell stacks and is also adapted for the passage of electrical power output from the fuel cell stacks to an external controller and from the latter to the stator and rotor.

Abstract: An inductor-alternator provides highly efficient conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. The inductor-alternator produces increased output by providing armature coils in a single air gap formed between two halves of a toothed rotor. In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within the rotating rotor. Airgap armature coils are mounted with the field coils to form a stationary assembly that is placed within the single air gap in the rotor so that the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the armature coils. The rotor and stationary assembly are mounted in a housing by bolts that may also be used as terminals for the armature coils to reduce assembly complexity and production cost. The combined assembly provides high energy and power density because tip speed of the rotor is maximized and the use of air gaps is minimized.

Abstract: A new pole configuration for multi-pole homopolar bearings proposed in this invention reduces rotational losses caused by eddy-currents generated when non-uniform flux distributions exist along the rotor surfaces. The new homopolar magnetic bearing includes a stator with reduced pole-to-pole and exhibits a much more uniform rotor flux than with large pole-to-pole gaps. A pole feature called a pole-link is incorporated into the low-loss poles to provide a uniform pole-to-pole gap and a controlled path for pole-to-pole flux. In order to implement the low-loss pole configuration of magnetic bearings with small pole-to-pole gaps, a new stator configuration was developed to facilitate installation of coil windings. The stator was divided into sector shaped pieces, as many pieces as there are poles. Each sector-shaped pole-piece can be wound on a standard coil winding machine, and it is practical to wind precision layer wound coils.

Abstract: In a flywheel energy accumulator including, in a vacuum-tight housing, a vertical shaft with a rotor of an electric motor/generator arranged in the axial center of the shaft and flywheels mounted on the shaft at opposite sides of the rotor, the electric motor/generator and the flywheels are included in modules, each with a housing ring, which are mounted on top of one another and receive bearing modules including support discs mounted between, and adjacent, the housing rings with superconductive magnetic bearings disposed in the center thereof around the shaft for supporting the shaft with the flywheels and the rotor. The number of superconductive bearings is twice the number of flywheels.

Abstract: A brushless synchronous electrical machine includes a rotor rotating about a rotor axis, and a stator that includes at least one set of magnetically active stator cores projecting radially outward from the axis, and that also includes magnetically interactive crossbars on the radially outward ends of the stator cores. The rotor includes one or more magnetically active projections that sweep past the radially inward facing surfaces of the crossbars as the rotor rotates. Preferably, there are two sets of stator cores, displaced axially and staggered azimuthally with respect to each other. Stator windings are wound toroidally about the stator cores. The rotor is provided with a magnetic field, preferably by electrical current in one or more axial windings wound toroidally with respect to the rotor axis.

Abstract: A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within a rotating solid rotor having teeth cut from a flat disk. The total reluctance of the magnetic circuit and total flux remain substantially constant as the rotor rotates. The flux may travel radially outward and exit the flat disk through the teeth passing across an armature air gap. Airgap armature coils are preferably utilized in which the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the coils.

Abstract: An inductor-alternator provides highly efficient conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. The inductor-alternator produces increased output by providing armature coils in a single air gap formed between two halves of a toothed rotor. In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within the rotating rotor. Airgap armature coils are mounted with the field coils to form a stationary assembly that is placed within the single air gap in the rotor so that the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the armature coils. The rotor and stationary assembly are mounted in a housing by bolts that may also be used as terminals for the armature coils to reduce assembly complexity and production cost. The combined assembly provides high energy and power density because tip speed of the rotor is maximized and the use of air gaps is minimized.

Abstract: An inductor-alternator provides highly efficient conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. The inductor-alternator produces increased output by providing armature coils in a single air gap formed between two halves of a toothed rotor. In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within the rotating rotor. Airgap armature coils are mounted with the field coils to form a stationary assembly that is placed within the single air gap in the rotor so that the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the armature coils. The rotor and stationary assembly are mounted in a housing by bolts that may also be used as terminals for the armature coils to reduce assembly complexity and production cost. The combined assembly provides high energy and power density because tip speed of the rotor is maximized and the use of air gaps is minimized.

Abstract: An electric motor or generator having a permanent magnet cylinder or stator comprised of a plurality of sections with each section having a predetened magnetic orientation so as to create a relatively strong interior working space having a relatively strong magnetic field or flux therein. A cylindrical core formed of copper wires or conductors imbedded in a magnetic material is placed within the interior working space of the permanent magnet cylinder so as to be free to rotate along a longitudinal axis or in relation to the permanent magnet cylinder. Upon application of a current to the copper wires or conductors within the core, the core is caused to rotate or move in relation to the permanent magnet cylinder, forming an electric motor. Alternatively, when the core is mechanically rotated or moved in relation to the permanent magnet cylinder, current is induced in the conductors in the core, generating electricity.

Abstract: An electrical homopolar capacitor generator includes a set of stacked dielectric plates and conductive plates arranged in a magnetic field, with at least one of the dielectric plates is rotated relative to the remainder of the plates to generate an electrical output charge between the conductive plates. One version of the generator employs flat circular disks with an inner dielectric disk rotated relative to the others. The inner disk is placed between a pair of electrically conductive plates, which in turn are placed between a pair of first and second dielectric plates which are in a fixed relationship to the conductive plates. A second embodiment utilizes concentric cylinders in a similar arrangement to the stacked circular disk embodiment, with relative rotation of an inner dielectric being effected along a common axis for all of the cylindrical plates.

Abstract: An efficient and light weight energy storage and retrieval flywheel is described. Two monopolar motor-generators are assembled in a single rotating magnetic cylinder. The ends of the cylinder are enclosed by two magnetic disks with bearings mounted on a fixed cylinder. The two end disks and the flywheel cylinder rotate as an energy storage flywheel. Two rotors are mounted within the magnetic cylinder on two output shafts which drive gear trains. Two fixed pole pieces support two field coils and provide magnetic paths for flux which crosses the rotor armatures at right angles. Two nonmagnetic contact rings and two rotating mercury contact rings provide a current path between the rotor armatures and the outer cylinder. A nonmagnetic contact disk between the two rotors closes a low resistance current loop which interacts with the magnetic flux to provide equal and opposite torques on the rotors and flywheel cylinder. The rotors rotate in the opposite direction to the flywheel.

Abstract: In a flywheel energy accumulator comprising a vertical shaft rotatably supported in a vacuum housing by superconduct ive magnetic axial support bearings, lower and upper flywheels are mounted on the shaft in axially spaced relationship, a homopolar dynamic machine with a rotating magnetic field is disposed in the space between the flywheels and includes a stator supported in, or forming part of, the housing and a rotor mounted on the shaft so as to be disposed within the rotor, and the superconductive magnetic supporet bearings include a lower passive axial thrust bearing with an annular magnet disposed below the lower flywheel and an upper positive axial pull bearing with an annular magnet disposed above the upper flywheel and disc-shaped superconductors disposed adjacent the annular magnets such that both bearings provide magnetic forces jointly counteracting the gravity forces of the shaft, the rotor and the flywheels.

Abstract: A double-sided, non-iron core, brushless, axial magnetic field permanent-magnet type DC motor includes a shaft, two electromagnet units parallelly mounted on the shaft, and a permanent magnet unit mounted on the shaft between the electromagnet units and having its direction of magnetization disposed in parallel to the shaft. The permanent magnet unit is allowed to rotate relatively around the electromagnet units by being forced by magnetic repulsion force from both sides. Electromagnetic areas at the electromagnet units are arranged in a staggered manner, enabling permanent steel magnets at the permanent magnet unit to be alternatively fully induced from its two opposite sides to provide a high torsion output. The electromagnetic areas of the two electromagnet units are caused to change the phase alternatively at a 90.degree. phase difference, so that vibration and dead section problems are eliminated during the operation of the DC motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of electric motor wherein a fuel cell with an electrical output is integrated with a cylindrical type monopole (homopole) electric DC motor. Power is supplied to an output shaft by the introduction of reactants to the fuel cell. The fuel cell is positioned within and rotates with the rotor of the cylindrical type monopole (homopole) DC motor. This novel compact combination of a fuel cell and a cylindrical form of monopole (homopole) electrical DC motor enables the combination to fit within a confined space.

Abstract: A stator core has 3N salient poles arranged circularly where N is a natural number of four or more but except a multiple of three. Coils are formed around the salient poles where winding directions of the coils is the same for the salient poles. A first, a second and a third crossover are formed between a first and an (N+1)-th salient pole, between the (N+1)-th and a (2N+1)-th salient pole and between the (2N+1)-th and the first salient pole, respectively, to forming a triangle before cutting within the salient poles arranged circularly. An end portion of each crossover is connected to a substrate.

Abstract: A rotating machine configurable as a pure DC generator for use in various applications, including recharging batteries in battery operated portable devices. The generator consists of a pair of permanent magnets which are mounted on two rotating magnetic ferrous metal hubs. The magnets are aligned so that they have the same polarity facing each other. The hubs, including the magnets, rotate around a stationary toroidal coil, which creates a magnetic flux. The flux from the two magnets cuts the conductor to the toroidal coil in a same direction upon rotation of the hubs, creating an emf (current) which is always in the same direction. Thus, a direct current is created, without the need for commutation or rectification. The input and output functions of the generator may be reversed to enable the generator to function as a DC motor.

Abstract: A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within a rotating solid rotor having teeth cut from a flat disk. The total reluctance of the magnetic circuit and total flux remain substantially constant as the rotor rotates. The flux may travel radially outward and exit the flat disk through the teeth passing across an armature air gap. Airgap armature coils are preferably utilized in which the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the coils.

Abstract: A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within a rotating solid rotor having teeth cut from a flat disk. The total reluctance of the magnetic circuit and total flux remain substantially constant as the rotor rotates. The flux may travel radially outward and exit the flat disk through the teeth passing across an armature air gap. Airgap armature coils are preferably utilized in which the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the coils.

Abstract: A brushless synchronous rotary electrical machine comprises stationary stator and "inner" windings. Only the rotor moves. The inner windings are stationary helical windings, concentric with the rotor shaft and attached to the stator armature. Variation in time of the magnetic field associated with the rotor is provided by two magnetically interactive (ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic) rotor projections that sweep past the sides of the inner windings as the shaft rotates, each projection including a certain number of lobes. The stator includes a magnetically active hub, within which the rotor rotates, from which project magnetically active stator cores. The stator windings are wound helically around the stator cores. Because all windings are stationary, brushes and rings are not needed. With three times as many stator cores as lobes in each projection, the machine functions as a three-phase generator.

Abstract: An electrical machine includes both a permanent magnet source of field excitation and an electromagnetic source of field excitation. The electrical machine also includes a homopolar rotor, which carries the permanent magnet source, and a lamination stack having a middle portion and outer portions. The homopolar rotor and the middle portion of the lamination stack conduct flux generated by the permanent magnet source. The homopolar rotor and the outer portions of the lamination stack conduct flux generated by the electromagnetic source when the electromagnetic source is energized.

Abstract: A high inertia inductor-alternator energy storage device provides backup energy in a simple, compact device. The inductor-alternator stores an acceptable level of energy via an improved rotor that provides a high level of rotational inertia. The improved rotor can be manufactured at a reduced cost due to reduced milling requirements. Moreover, the inductor-alternators of the present invention have reduced complexity and increased reliability as a result of the geometry of the improved rotor.

Abstract: A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within a rotating solid rotor having teeth cut from a flat disk. The total reluctance of the magnetic circuit and total flux remain substantially constant as the rotor rotates. The flux may travel radially outward and exit the flat disk through the teeth passing across an armature air gap. Airgap armature coils are preferably utilized in which the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the coils.

Abstract: A motive power generating apparatus utilizing magnetic flux from permanent magnets providing higher efficiency and torque is disclosed. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of disc-shaped rotors 10 and 20, a pair of ring-shaped stators 30 and 40, a rotational shaft 50, a permanent magnet 60, and a current controller 80. Each rotor 10, 20 is a disc-shaped member formed of magnetic material. Each stator 30, 40 further includes twelve electromagnets 32, 42 provided along the outer periphery of each disc-shaped rotor 10, 20 at intervals of thirty degrees. Each electromagnet 32, 42 has an armature 32a, 42a and a winding 32b, 42b. Each rotor 10, 20 contains six sets of protruding poles 10a, 20a disposed around the outer periphery thereof at intervals of sixty degrees. Each rotor 10, 20 is magnetized in opposite polarities by the permanent magnet 60 disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within a rotating solid rotor having teeth cut from a flat disk. The total reluctance of the magnetic circuit and total flux remain substantially constant as the rotor rotates. The flux may travel radially outward and exit the flat disk through the teeth passing across an armature air gap. Airgap armature coils are preferably utilized in which the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the coils.

Abstract: A homopolar motor (10) has a field rotor (15) mounted on a frame (11) for rotation in a first rotational direction and for producing an electromagnetic field, and an armature rotor (17) mounted for rotation on said frame (11) within said electromagnetic field and in a second rotational direction counter to said first rotational direction of said field rotor (15). The two rotors (15, 17) are coupled through a 1:1 gearing mechanism (19), so as to travel at the same speed but in opposite directions. This doubles the output voltage and output power, as compared to a motor in which only the armature is rotated. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The DC voltage of electrical energy applied to a homopolar machine, is corted by transformer windings in response to rotor rotation within the magnetic field of the homopolar machine, to a different voltage level for supply to a load.

Abstract: A rotary motor and a rotary magnetic bearing are integrated in a compact assembly that is contact-less. A stator assembly surrounds a ferromagnetic rotor with an annular air gap which can accommodate a cylindrical wall, e.g. of a chamber for semiconductor wafer processing. The stator assembly has a permanent magnet or magnets sandwiched between vertically spaced magnetic stator plates with plural pole segments. The rotor is preferably a ring of a magnetic stainless steel with complementary pole teeth. The stator assembly (i) levitates and passively centers the rotor along a vertical axis and against tilt about either horizontal axis, (ii) provides a radial position bias for the rotor, and (iii) establishes a motor flux field at the rotor poles. Polyphase coils wound on the stator plates produce a rotating flux field that drives the rotor as a synchronous homopolar motor. A rotor without pole teeth allows operation with an asynchronous inductive drive.

Abstract: A brushless synchronous rotary electrical machine comprises stationary stator and "rotor" windings. Only the rotor moves. The rotor winding is a stationary helical winding, concentric with the rotor shaft and attached to the stator armature. Variation in time of the magnetic field associated with the rotor is provided by one or more magnetically interactive (ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic) projections from the rotor that sweep past the sides of the rotor winding as the shaft rotates. Because all windings are stationary, brushes and rings are not needed. The geometries of the rotor, of the stator windings, and of the magnetically interactive part of the stator armature are arranged so that the entire length of the wire in the windings participates in the generation of AC current (in a generator) or torque (in a motor), and so that loss of power to eddy currents is minimized.

Abstract: A flywheel energy conversion device provides highly efficient conversion between kinetic and electrical energy. The flywheel produces increased output by providing armature coils in an air gap formed about the flywheel (both radial and axial embodiments are described). In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within a rotating solid rotor having teeth cut from a flat disk. The total reluctance of the magnetic circuit and total flux remain substantially constant as the rotor rotates. The flux may travel radially outward and exit the flat disk through the teeth passing across an armature air gap. Airgap armature coils are preferably utilized in which the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the coils.

Abstract: A field system assembly of a double pole commutator motor includes a pair of yokes each having a connecting portion at both ends thereof, and a pair of poles each having a connecting portion which is capable of being connected with one of the connecting portions of the yoke. A slot at each pole for introducing a winding thereinto. The field system assembly includes four split parts. A winding is wound around the pole from the outside of the core by using a flyer and then, one of the connecting portions of each pole and the corresponding connecting portion of one of the yokes is pressed into the other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a homopolar machine. The homopolar machine can be used as a generator or a motor. In one embodiment, the homopolar machine has a conductive shaft which orbits around two stationary co-linear conductive shafts. There are four electrical connection means, two located on the orbiting shaft and one located on each of the stationary shafts. Each of the two electrical connections on the stationary shafts are connected to an electrical connection on the orbiting shaft. In this way, the three shafts are electrically connected. There is also an armature, which in a preferred embodiment is disc shaped, located at least one of the four electrical connections and comprises at least one of the electrical connections. Furthermore, a magnetic flux path mechanically associated with the orbiting shaft intersects the armature. In operation, the orbiting shaft moves around the two stationary shafts.

Abstract: An improved homopolar machine in which a solid sliding current collector, or brush, is provided for contact with a flat, annular contact surface of a rotor. The flat plane of the contact surface is orthogonal to the rotor's axis of rotation. A plurality of such contact surfaces with corresponding brushes may be employed. Also, several means for actuating the brush into contact with the rotor contact surface are provided.

Abstract: An alternator, or the like including a stator assembly and a rotor assembly within the stator assembly, wherein the stator assembly includes a pair of axially spaced core sections with a stationary field coil located therebetween. The field coil is formed of convolutions extending circumferentially about the axis of the device. The rotor assembly has a homopolar core with a pair of axially spaced pole sections in locations corresponding to the respective stator core sections. A central yoke portion extends between the two pole sections and is axially aligned within the field coil. A plurality of permanent magnets are mounted circumferentially on each of the pole sections at symmetrically spaced locations between pole sectors of the respective section.

Abstract: A homopolar dynamoelectric machine comprises a solenoid coil for generating a magnetic field, having a cavity formed around an axis thereof. A rotating shaft, which constitutes a rotor, is rotatably provided in the cavity about the axis. A circular plate, which also constitutes the rotor, is integrally fixed on the shaft. A rotating body is rotatably supported by the plate about an axis of the shaft. A first electric current path, through which an electric current can pass from a proximal portion to a distal portion of the rotor, is integrally provided in, for example, the plate. A second electric current path, through which an electric current can pass from a distal portion to a proximal portion of the rotor, is integrally provided in the rotating body. The first and second paths are electrically connected in series, and are adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply in order to supply a direct current to these paths.

Abstract: A homopolar machine for use as a motor or a generator. The machine includes an elongated shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a barrier disposed about the shaft, and first and second electrically conductive, magnetic field inducing disks connected to and disposed about the shaft such that the barrier is sandwiched therebetween. The barrier is conductive of a magnetic field and electrically insulated from the disks. The disks are electrically interconnected and generate a magnetic field perpendicular to the barrier with the magnetic field of the first disk in opposition to the magnetic field of the second disk. The machine also includes first and second electrical contacts electrically connected to the centers of the disks. The conductive path defined by the disks includes first and second ends at the centers of the disks and substantially travels the radius of each of the disks such that when used as a generator i.e.

Abstract: An electrical machine having a stator formed from a pair of cup-shaped permanent magnets symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of a conductive, disk-shaped rotor. The magnets are polarized such that a portion of their external magnetic flux passes in one direction through a short peripheral gap formed by the magnets in which the periphery of the rotor is disposed. The remainder of the external magnetic flux substantially passes in the opposite direction through a cavity defined by the inner volume of the cup-shaped magnets. The inner portion of the disk-shaped rotor is disposed in this cavity. One embodiment of the invention implements the cup-shaped magnets with modified "magic spheres" mounted on either side of the conductive disk-shaped rotor. Other embodiments use a magnetic plate on one side of the disk-shaped rotor to act as a magnetic mirror for a cup-shaped magnet mounted on the other side of the rotor.

Abstract: A pair of hollow permanent magnets mounted to form a toroidal stator having cylindrical gaps and opposed cavities. The magnets are polarized such that their magnetic flux passes in one direction through the gaps to intersect the rotor along two cylindrical bands and then passes through the magnetic shell and subsequently in the opposite direction through the cavities to intersect the rotor in a cylindrical region located between the cylindrical bands. An electrical circuit couples a utilization device to the rotor. Another embodiment of the invention uses a magnetic mirror to replace one of the permanent magnets. Still other embodiments teach the use of a plurality of toroidal stators mounted in tandem about a common rotor. The machine may be used as a homopolar generator or a homopolar motor.

Abstract: A pair of hollow permanent magnets mounted to form a toroidal stator having cylindrical gaps and opposed cavities. The magnets are polarized such that their magnetic flux passes in one direction through the gaps to intersect the rotor along two cylindrical bands and then passes through the magnetic shell and subsequently in the opposite direction through the cavities to intersect the rotor in a cylindrical region located between the cylindrical bands. An electrical circuit couples a utilization device to the rotor. Another embodiment of the invention uses a magnetic mirror to replace one of the permanent magnets. Still other embodiments teach the use of a plurality of toroidal stators mounted in tandem about a common rotor. The machine may be used as a homopolar generator or a homopolar motor.

Abstract: An electrical machine having a stator formed from a pair of cup-shaped permanent magnets symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of a conductive, disk-shaped rotor. The magnets are polarized such that a portion of their external magnetic flux passes in one direction through a short peripheral gap formed by the magnets in which the periphery of the rotor is disposed. The remainder of the external magnetic flux substantially passes in the opposite direction through a cavity defined by the inner volume of the cup-shaped magnets. The inner portion of the disk-shaped rotor is disposed in this cavity. One embodiment of the invention implements the cup-shaped magnets with modified "magic spheres" mounted on either side of the conductive disk-shaped rotor. Other embodiments use a magnetic plate on one side of the disk-shaped rotor to act as a magnetic mirror for a cup-shaped magnet mounted on the other side of the rotor.

Abstract: A homopolar machine for producing high voltage, direct current. The machine comprises a stator which supports the homopolar machine, a plurality of excitation coils disposed within the stator for producing magnetic flux so that the homopolar machine can produce direct current when in operation, a rotor rotationally disposed within the excitation coils for rotating through the magnetic flux when the homopolar machine is in operation to produce direct current, and a coil of a single length continuous conductor element disposed about the rotor such that a plurality of rotor conductor segments are formed wherein successive ones of the plurality of conductor segments are electrically connected such that an induced voltage and direct current are produced in the coil when the rotor and coil traverse through the magnetic flux during homopolar machine operation. Homopolar machines described herein are useful in a wide range of applications, operate with high voltages and allow straight transformation of a DC voltage.

Abstract: A homopolar motor-generator comprising two homopolar machines in series with a conductive belt transmitting current between the rotors of the machines which are caused to rotate in synchronism in oppositely directed magnetic fields to allow extraction of current from relatively low surface speed surfaces.

Abstract: A brushless homopolar dynamoelectric machine motor (1) has a rotor (3) with a least one winding (5) having multiple turns. The rotor is inductively charged using a flux pump or a rectifier. Solenoid pairs (15a, 15b, 17a, 17b) comprise field windings for the motor and compensate for winding and field losses. The motor is an axisymmetric motor in which superconductive materials are used.

Abstract: A homopolar rotary dynamoelectrical machine used as motor or generator has a dense magnetic flux area and sparse magnetic flux area in the air gap between the confonting pole of the main field yoke, the sparse area being in a by-pass yoke which is positioned closely adjacent the side face of the confronting pole. Thus magnetic flux affecting the conductive member becomes diluted in the area of the by-pass yoke, and in the area where the by-pass yoke is not positioned, the magnetic flux affecting the conductive member is kept as it was. Accordingly, generation due to the difference in the amount of magnetic flux is possible.

Abstract: An electrical machine which has a rotor positioned within a housing. The rotor has a pair of spaced-apart engagement portions, which, preferably, are tapered. The engagement portions are engaged by collectors or brushes which are arranged in annular configuration around the engagement portions. Retainer support the collectors and serve as electrical conductors with respect to the collectors. Wick elements engage the tapered portions of the rotor adjacent the collectors and provide lubrication and coolant fluid to the collectors and to the surfaces of the engagement portions of the rotor. Actuator mechanisms continuously urge the retainer members and the collectors in an axial direction upon the engagement portions to automatically compensate for wearing action between the collectors and the engagement portions of the rotor. A stator encompasses the rotor to create a magnetic field which encompasses the rotor.

Abstract: A superconducting DC machine includes a superconductive field winding housed in a cryostat. A magnetic shield is arranged outside the cryostat. An armature drum is rotatably supported between the cryostat and the magnetic shield. The armature drum of the machine is divided into a plurality of segments along the length thereof, and has arranged thereon current-collecting brushes not more than one half of the segments. Each brush is electrically connected to the opposed one at the other longitudinal end of the same segment of the armature drum and also to the one at the longitudinal opposed end of an adjacent segment in diagonal fashion progressively.

Abstract: Current state of the art air core homopolar generators employ large time ying magnetic fields (4 Tesla Range). These high fields are required for proper voltage, but also induce significant eddy currents. Use of novel transposed rotor conductors and a novel transposed coil winding reduces these currents to acceptable levels. Furthermore use of a segmented stator current collection system further reduces the flow of eddy currents.