Motor having non-coaxial, synchronized rotors

Abstract

An improved electric motor comprising two rotatable members. The members have rotational axes arranged at an angle to and intersecting one another. The members rotate in tandem, so that an arbitrarily selected point on the end of one member has a corresponding point located on the opposing end of the other member. The paired points pass through a cycle wherein they progressively approach one another, then spread apart. This cycle repeats. Electromagnets are disposed upon each rotatable member in the manner of the corresponding points, so that their flux fields enjoy the benefit of cyclic variable proximity. This arrangement increases the efficiency of electric motors. Electric power for energizing the coils of the electromagnets is switched by an energized member interposed between the rotatable members. The energized member contacts brushes mounted on the rotatable members. Rotation causes the brushes to contact and lose contact with appropriately energized conductors located on the energized member. The electromagnets are thus cyclically energized and deenergized so that attraction occurs as the electromagnets approach one another, and repulsion ensues as the electromagnets diverge. In an alternative embodiment, electromagnets of one rotating member are maintained at one polarity, and polarity of electromagnets of the other member is switched appropriately.