Patent ID: 7141901
Filing Date: 2006-11-28
Classification: E21B,F04D,H02K

Abstract:
1. A combination of a torque-generating apparatus and an alternator/generator positioned axially adjacent to one another on a common shaft ( 8 ), the torque-generating apparatus comprising: a first assembly ( 10 , 25 ) including a generally cylindrical member of magnetically soft material and having a longitudinal axis, a second assembly ( 2 ) arranged coaxially within the first assembly and including an electromagnetic winding ( 4 ), the first assembly ( 10 , 25 ) and the second assembly ( 2 ) being rotatable relative to each other about the axis; the alternator/generator incorporating a permanent magnent rotor; the combination further including rectifications means ( 31 ) for converting alternating current electrical output from the alternator/generator ( 22 ) to provide direct current to the electromagnetic winding ( 4 ) of the torque-generating apparatus, the voltage of which direct current is dependent upon the speed of rotation of the alternator/generator, whereby relative rotation between the first ( 10 , 25 ) and second ( 2 ) assemblies of the torque-generating apparatus induces a magnetic field which generates rotational torque between the first and second assemblies to generate a progessive braking effect dependent on the voltage applied to the electromagnetic winding ( 4 ).