Patent ID: 7898120
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: H02K

Abstract:
1. An actuator comprising: a plurality of stator windings adapted to produce a first stator magnetic field that translates along a stator axis, and to produce a second stator magnetic field that rotates around the stator axis, wherein the plurality of stator windings are aligned to encompass and define a central stator channel; a shaft defining a shaft axis; and a rotor, coupled to the shaft and positioned within the central stator channel, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of non-segmented magnetic components and a plurality of segmented magnetic components arranged along the shaft axis according to a contiguous alternating pattern, wherein the plurality of non-segmented magnetic components is adapted to produce a first rotor magnetic field that translates along the shaft axis,. and wherein the plurality of segmented magnetic components is further arranged around the shaft axis according to a pattern of multiple repeating groups and is adapted to produce a second rotor magnetic field that rotates around the shaft axis.