초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

A variable speed drive, comprising: a first rotatable member that comprises pole pieces and a drive coil; a second rotatable member that comprises an armature; one of said first rotatable member or said second rotatable member comprising a hub that is structured and arranged to be rotated by a motor

A variable speed drive, comprising: a first rotatable member that comprises pole pieces and a drive coil; a second rotatable member that comprises an armature; one of said first rotatable member or said second rotatable member comprising a hub that is structured and arranged to be rotated by a motor, the other of said first rotatable member or said second rotatable member being structured and arranged to be coupled to a load; said pole pieces having plural interdigitated poles, said poles being separated from said armature by a gap; said drive coil located adjacent to said pole pieces, said pole pieces providing a path for a magnetic field produced by said drive coil; an electrical conductor that is stationary relative to said drive coil; a bearing having first and second electrically conductive portions, said first portion being coupled with said drive coil so as to rotate in unison with said drive coil, said first portion being electrically connected to said drive coil, said second portion being coupled to said stationary conductor and being electrically connected to said stationary conductor, said first portion rotating with respect to said second portion, said bearing having a conductive lubricant that is in contact with both of said first and second portions.