Magnetic transmission

Abstract

A magnetic transmission is provided which incorporates a first rotatable member that is generally annular in shape and provided with a plurality of magnetic poles in which the plurality of magnetic poles comprise alternating polarities. A second rotatable member is similarly provided with a plurality of alternating magnetic poles. Both the first and second rotatable members are supported for rotation about individual axes and, preferably, are arranged in concentric and coaxial relation with each other. One of more third rotatable members are also provided with magnetic poles having alternating polarity and supported for rotation about individual axes. These third rotatable members are disposed radially between the first and second rotatable members and are arranged in noncontact magnetic torque transmitting relation with both the first and second rotatable members. Any of the first, second or third rotatable members can be provided with connection to a driving force, such as a motor. When the first rotatable member is the driving member, the magnetic transmission is a speed increasing transmission and, conversely, when the second rotatable member is connected to a driving force and used as a driving member the magnetic transmission is used as a speed reducing transmission. Any of the rotatable members can be fixed and any of the rotatable members can be connected to a device to be driven by the transmission.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.