WO2000070729A1

WO2000070729A1 - Nutational motor

Info

Publication number: WO2000070729A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/013938
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas R. Swetish; Todd A. Rathe
Original assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
Priority date: 1999-05-19
Filing date: 2000-05-19
Publication date: 2000-11-23
Also published as: AU5277900A

Abstract

A motor includes a stator, a rotor adjacent to the stator, a magnetic member proximate the rotor, and an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member. The stator has at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis. The rotor has a magnet. The electrically conductive coil has ends adapted to be connected to an intermittent or alternating source of electrical current. Current flowing through the coil intermittently or alternately magnetizes the magnetic member to apply a force to the rotor, whereby the rotor nutates about the axis.

Description

NUTATIONAL MOTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electrically driven motors. In particular, the present invention relates to a nutational motor which has few parts and which is compact, easy to manufacture and inexpensive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nutational motors are commonly used in applications, such as the operation of large fluid control valves, where the motors must provide high torque at low operating speeds. Nutational motors, such as those set forth in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,237,234 and 5,672,923, typically include a rotor, a stator having a multiple magnetic lands encircling the rotor, a position sensor sensing the location of the rotor and an electrical sequencer for sequentially producing electromagnetic forces in the lands of the stator to sequentially attract and repel the rotor such that the rotor rotates against the magnetic lands about an axis.

Despite their electrical efficiency, such conventional nutational or electrostatic motors have been used in only a limited number of applications. This is largely due to the fact that the position sensor and the electrical sequencer are both relatively expensive electrical components which occupy space and which add cost to the manufactured motor. The multiple magnetic lands also increase the cost of such motors. As a result, the application of such electrostatic or nutational motors to small consumer products and one-time use products has been impractical.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a nutational or electrostatic motor which has fewer parts, which is compact and which can be easily manufactured at a lower cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a motor for use with an alternating current electrical outlet. The motor includes a stator, a rotor and a nutational actuator for nutating the rotor. The stator has a circumferential surface extending about an axis. The rotor is located adjacent to the stator and includes a magnet. The nutational actuator includes at least one ferromagnetic member proximate the rotor, an electrically conductive coil about the at least one ferromagnetic member and a plug having first and second prongs electrically connected to first and second ends of the coil. When the prongs are inserted into the electrical outlet, the alternating current flowing through the coil causes the rotor to nutate about the axis defined by the stator.

The present invention provides a motor for use with a source of an alternating electrical current. The motor includes a stator, a rotor, a magnetic member and an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member. The stator has at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis. The rotor extends adjacent to the stator and has a center of mass and a magnet. The coil has first and second opposite ends adapted to be electrically connected to the source of alternating electrical current. The rotor gyrates about the center of mass in response to alternating electrical current flowing through the coil.

The present invention provides a motor for use with a source of alternating electrical current. The motor includes a stator, a rotor, a magnetic member proximate the rotor and an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member. The stator is formed from a non-magnetic material and has at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis. The rotor has a magnet. The coil has first and second opposite ends adapted to be electrically connected to the source of alternating electrical current.

The present invention provides a motor for use with a source of an alternating electrical current. The motor includes a stator having first and second circumferential surface portions located about an axis, a rotor adjacent to the stator and having a magnet, a magnetic member proximate the rotor and an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member. The coil has first and second opposite ends adapted to be electrically connected to the source of alternating electrical current. The first and second circumferential surface portions extend on opposite sides of the axis. The rotor is alternately attracted towards and repelled away from each of the first and second circumferential surface portions in response to alternating electrical current flowing through the coil.

The present invention also provides a method for rotatably driving a rotor having an axial length, an axial mid-point and first and second rotor portions on opposite axial sides of the axial mid-point. The method includes steps of providing a stator having first and second circumferential surface portions located about an axis, wherein the first and second circumferential surface portions extend on opposite sides of the axis; positioning the rotor between the first and second circumferential surface portions; and pivoting the rotor about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the stator, such that the rotor rotates against the first and second circumferential surface portions about the axis of the stator.

The present invention also provides a method for making a motor.

The method includes the steps of providing a magnetic member having an axial end, wrapping an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member, wherein the magnetic member has first and second opposite ends adapted for being connected to a source of an alternating electrical current, molding a mass of non-magnetic material about the magnetic member and the electrically conductive coil to form a body, forming a stator having an axis within the body proximate the axial end of the magnetic member and positioning a rotor along the axis of the stator.

According to a first exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a motor including a stator, a rotor adjacent to the stator, a magnetic member proximate the rotor and an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member. The stator has at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis. The electrically conductive coil is adapted to be electrically coupled to an intermittent source of electrical current. The stator is configured to support the rotor such that the rotor moves in a first direction non-parallel to the axis under the force of gravity and wherein current flowing through the coil intermittently magnetizes the magnetic member to apply a force to the rotor to move the rotor in a second opposite non-parallel to the axis, whereby the rotor nutates about the axis. According to a second exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a motor including a stator, a rotor adjacent to the stator, a magnetic member proximate the rotor, an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member and an intermittent source of electrical current coupled to the electrically conductive coil. The stator has at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis. The rotor includes a magnet. The stator is configured to support the rotor such that the rotor moves in a first direction non-parallel to the axis under the force of gravity and wherein current flowing through the coil intermittently magnetizes the magnetic member to apply a force to the rotor to move the rotor in a second opposite direction non-parallel to the axis, whereby the rotor nutates about the axis.

According to a third exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a motor including a stator, a rotor adjacent to the stator, at least one magnetic member proximate the rotor, at least one electrically conductive coil about the at least one magnetic member, a source of varying electrical current electrically connected to the at least one electrically conductive coil, and at least one nonmagnetic electrically conductive member proximate the at least one magnetic member. The stator includes at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis. The rotor has a magnet. The at least one non-magnetic electrically conductive member is configured such that magnetic flux emitted from the at least one magnetic member, as electrical current flows through the at least one electrically conductive coil, flows through the non-magnetic electrically conductive member. As a result, varying magnetic flux through the non-magnetic electrically conductive member creates eddy currents therein to generate heat due to an electrical resistance of the non-magnetic electrically conductive member.

According to a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a stator, a rotor adjacent to the stator, at least one elongate magnetic rod proximate the rotor, an electrically conductive coil about the at least one magnetic rod and a source of varying electrical current electrically coupled to the electrically conductive coil. The stator has at least one circumferential surface extending about the axis. The rotor has a magnet. The at least one magnetic rod has an end proximate to the rotor. The varying electrical current flowing through the coil magnetizes the at least one magnetic member to apply force to the rotor in at least a first direction during spaced time intervals, wherein heat is generated along the at least one magnetic rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a nutational motor of the present invention for use with an alternating current electrical outlet.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of the motor of Fig. 1 plugged in the alternating current electrical outlet.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the motor of Fig. 2 taken along lines 3 — 3.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a rotor nutating about an axis of a stator of the motor of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a second alternative embodiment of the motor of Fig. 1 for use with an alternating current electrical outlet.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a third alternative embodiment of the motor of Fig. 1 plugged in the alternating current electrical outlet.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the motor of Fig. 6 taken along lines 7 —

7.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a fourth alternative embodiment of the motor of Fig. 1 for use with an alternating current electrical outlet. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the motor of Fig. 1 including a varying current supply which is schematically shown.

Fig. 10 is a graph illustrating the supply of electrical current by a first embodiment of the varying current supply of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a graph illustrating the supply of electrical current by a second embodiment of the varying current supply of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the motor of Fig. 9 with a rotor in the first position.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the motor of Fig. 9 with the rotor in a second position.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the motor of Fig. 1 with a varying current source shown schematically.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a seventh alternative embodiment of the motor of Fig. 1 with a varying current source schematically shown.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the motor of Fig. 15 taken along lines 16 — 16.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a stator and rotor of the motor of Fig. 15.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an eighth alternative embodiment of the motor of Fig. 1 including a varying current source schematically shown. Fig. 19 is a top elevational view schematically illustrating an alternative embodiment of the nutational actuator of Fig. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. MOTOR 10

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating motor 10 for use with alternating current electrical outlet 11. Motor 10 generally includes stator 12, rotor 14, and a nutational actuator 15 including magnetic member 16, coil 18 and electrical plug 20. The stator 12 comprises the portion of motor 10 which remains fixed with respect to nutating rotor 14. Stator 12 defines a circumferential surface 22 concentrically extending about axis 24. Surface 22 preferably comprises an inner circumferential surface so as to provide a closed surface pathway against which rotor 14 rotates to nutate about axis 24. In exemplary embodiment, surface 22 defines an inner diameter of a bore in which rotor 14 nutates. Stator 12 is made from a non-magnetic material such as a plastic including nylon or high-density polyethylene.

Although circumferential surface 22 is illustrated as a continuous inner circumferential surface, circumferential surface 22 may alternatively be composed of several inner arcuate or circumferential segments slightly spaced from one another but sufficiently close so as to surround and retain rotor 14 therebetween. Moreover, circumferential surface 22 may alternatively comprise an outer circumferential surface as illustrated in FIGURE 8. Although circumferential surface 22 is illustrated as being smooth, circumferential surface 22 may alternatively be roughened to provide greater friction or may be altered to include teeth for meshing with corresponding teeth provided on rotor 14.

Rotor 14 comprises an elongate shaft preferably connected to a driven component (not shown) such that nutation of rotor 14 rotates the component for a selected purpose. Rotor 14 includes a circumferential surface 28 opposing circumferential surface 22. Surface 28 defines a diameter of rotor 14 which is less than the inner diameter of the bore defined by surface 22. Circumferential surface 28 is configured for rotating against circumferential surface 22. Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1 , surface 28 is generally smooth or slightly roughened for frictional contact against the generally smooth surface 22. As will be appreciated, when surface 22 includes teeth, surface 28 may likewise include corresponding teeth. Moreover, in alternative embodiments where stator 12 includes an outer circumferential surface, rotor 14 preferably includes an inner circumferential surface which is either continuous or segmented and which encircles the outer circumferential surface of stator 12.

Rotor 14 additionally includes a magnet which possesses the property of attracting certain substances. In the exemplary embodiment, rotor 14 is formed from a moldable magnetic material. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "magnetic" means a member or material which has a sufficient magnetic susceptibility so as to be capable of being temporarily magnetized to form an electromagnet or capable of being magnetized to form a permanent magnet. In contrast, the term "magnet" means a member or material which already has been magnetized so as to produce a magnetic field, such as an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. The moldable magnetic material includes a powdered magnetic material preferably having a high magnetic susceptibility such as a mixture of aluminum, nickel and cobalt molded with a plastic material to form the structure of rotor 14. The powdered magnetic material encapsulated within the plastic material is then magnetized in a conventionally known manner so as to provide a permanent magnet. The magnet is preferably oriented such that its north and south poles are displaced from one another in a direction along the axis of rotor 14.

Alternatively, rotor 14 may be provided with a distinct permanent magnet which is mounted or otherwise secured to the structure forming rotor 14. Moreover, in lieu of being provided with a permanent magnet, rotor 14 may alternatively be provided with an electromagnet. Nutational actuator 15 supplies a controlled and varied magnetic field to the magnet of rotor 14 to cause rotor 14 to rotate about axis 24 and to further cause rotor 14 to rotate against circumferential surface 22. Nutational actuator 15 serves this function, yet requires very few components such as magnetic member 16, coil 18 and plug 20. Magnetic member 16 comprises a member of at least one material preferably having a high magnetic susceptibility, such as iron or ferrite, which is capable of being magnetized by an electrical current flowing about member 16 so as to form an electromagnet.

Member 16 has a first end 32 and a second end 34. End 32 is positioned proximate rotor 14 while end 34 is positioned distant rotor 14. Magnetic member 16 conducts or directs magnetic flux created by current flowing through coil 18 across stator 12 and rotor 14 to create a dense magnetic field across stator 12 and rotor 14 and to thereby cause rotor 14 to rotationally nutate with greater force. Although less desirable, but still somewhat functional, motor 10 may omit magnetic member 16 such the magnetic flux is conducted through the less conductive medium of air across stator 12 and rotor 14.

Coil 18 comprises an elongate wire of at least one electrically conductive material, such as copper, having a first end 38 and a second end 40. To prevent electrical shorting across member 16, coil 18 is preferably insulated from member 16 by an electrically insulating sheath about coil 18. Alternatively, coil 18 may be electrically insulated from member 16 by a sheath or bobbin of electrically insulating material about member 16 itself. Alternatively, coil 18 may be spaced about member 16 by air. Coil 18 includes portions 42 and 44. Portion 42 extends from end 38 axially along member 16 from end 34 to end 32. Portion 44 extends from portion 42 to end 40. Portion 44 encircles member 16 from end 32 to end 34 of member 16. Ends 38 and 40 are electrically connected to electrical prongs 48, 50, respectively, of electrical plug 20.

Electrical prongs 48 and 50 of electrical plug 20 are conventionally known and are configured for being inserted into alternating current electrical outlet 11. Electrical prongs 48 and 50 project from the body which supports stator 12, magnetic member 16, and coil 18. Alternatively, prongs 48 and 50 may be formed at the end of a conventionally known electrical cord carrying a pair of electrical wires which are electrically connected to ends 38 and 40 of coil 18. As will be further appreciated, the configuration of plug 20 and electrical prongs 48 and 50 may widely vary depending upon the configuration of electrical outlet 11. For example, in addition to including electrical prongs 48 and 50, electrical plug 20 may also include an additional prong for grounding. In alternative applications, plug 20 and electrical prongs 48, 50 may be omitted where ends 38 and 40 are directly electrically connected to an alternating current electrical power source.

In use, electrical prongs 48 and 50 of electrical plug 20 are simply inserted into electrical outlet 11. Outlet 11 supplies electrical prongs 48 and 50 with an alternating electrical current which flows through coil 18 from prong 48 to prong 50 and vice-versa. The alternating electrical current flowing through coil 18 about magnetic member 16 electromagnetizes member 16 such that end portion 32 alternately switches back and forth between a north polarity and a south polarity. In the exemplary embodiment, because electrical outlet 11 provides an alternating current having a frequency of 60 hertz, end portion 32 of magnetic member 16 alternately exhibits north and south polarities at a frequency of 60 hertz. As a result, the opposite poles of the magnet of rotor 14 are alternately attracted to and repelled away from end 32 at a similar frequency. This alternating attraction and repulsion of the magnet of rotor 14 causes rotor 14 to wobble or nutate about axis 24. In particular, the resulting alternating attraction and repulsion of rotor 14 with respect to end 32 initially causes portions of rotor 14 to reciprocate between opposite sides of circumferential surface 22 which are angularly spaced 180 degrees from one another. However, during this reciprocation of rotor 14, rotor 14 has a tendency to become off-centered such that rotor 14 begins reciprocating between portions of surface 22 which are less than 180 degrees apart and which are not directly opposite one another. Consequently, the alternating attraction and repulsion of rotor 14 causes rotor 14 to roll against circumferential surface 22 and to nutate about axis 24. To ensure that rotor 14 becomes off-centered during reciprocation, the magnetic field attracting and repelling rotor 14 must be weak enough given the mass of rotor 14 and the relative diameters of stator 12 and rotor 14 to enable rotor 14 to become sufficiently off-centered such that rotor 14 rolls against surface 22. As will be appreciated, the magnetic field strength, the mass of rotor 14 and the relative diameters of stator 12 and rotor 14 may have any of a variety of different values while still enabling rotor 14 to become off-centered during reciprocation. For example, the magnetic field strength, which is a function of the electrical amperage and the number of turns which coil 118 encircles magnetic member 16, may be increased and decreased as the mass of rotor 14 is correspondingly increased and decreased. As the mass of rotor 14 is increased, the difference between the diameters of stator 12 and 14 should preferably be correspondingly decreased. As will further be appreciated, the precise frequency at which rotor 14 is alternately attracted to or repelled away from end 32 will depend upon the frequency of the alternating current provided by electrical outlet 11. The speed at which rotor 14 rotates is dependent upon the frequency at which rotor 14 is attracted and repelled, and the relative diameters of stator 12 and rotor 14.

As shown by FIGURE 1, motor 10 requires very few parts. In contrast to prior nutational motors which required a stator having multiple magnetic lands about the rotor, a position sensor and an electrical sequencer for sequentially magnetizing the lands, motor 10 merely requires a stator made of any non-magnetic material which provides a circumferential surface, a rotor having a magnet and a nutational actuator consisting of a single magnetic member 16 and a single electrical coil 18 extending about the magnetic member 16 and having ends electrically connected to electrical prongs 48 and 50 of an electrical plug 20. As a result, stator 12, rotor 14 and the nutational actuator 15 of motor 10 each may be easily and inexpensively manufactured. Moreover, due to its relatively few and inexpensive components, motor 10 is also relatively compact and space saving. Thus, motor 10 is well adapted for low-cost applications such as small consumer products and onetime use products. II. MOTOR 110

FIGURES 2-4 illustrate motor 110, a first alternative embodiment of motor 10 shown in FIGURE 1. Motor 110 is specifically configured for driving propeller 117 and incorporates the basic schematically illustrated elements of motor 10. Motor 110 generally includes body 111, stator 112, magnet 113, rotor 114, and nutational actuator 115 including magnetic member 116, coil 118, and electrical plug 120. Body 111 comprises a block of material which serves as a base for supporting stator 112, magnetic member 116, coil 118 and electrical plug 120. In the exemplary embodiment, body 111 is made of non-magnetic material, such as nylon or high density polyethylene (HDPE). Body 111 substantially surrounds stator 112 and the components of the nutational actuator 115. Body 111 is configured for being positioned adjacent the electrical outlet 11.

Stator 112 generally consists of an elongate cylindrical bore 122 concentrically extending about axis 121. Bore 122 has a diameter greater than the diameter of rotor 114. Bore 122 preferably extends into body 111 on an end opposite electrical plug 120. Alternatively, bore 122, forming stator 112, may extend into a separate structure which is mounted to body 111. Bore 122 provides a continuous and relatively smooth inner circumferential surface 124 against which rotor 114 nutates as shown in FIGURE 4.

Magnet 113 comprises a component made of magnetic material which attracts and repels magnetic substances. Magnet 113 preferably comprises a permanent magnet. Alternatively, magnet 113 may comprise an electromagnet. Magnet 113 is preferably situated at bottom 126 of bore 122 and is oriented so as to repel magnet 136 of rotor 114. Magnet 113 elevates rotor 114 within bore 122 to reduce frictional contact therebetween. In most applications, magnet 113 may be omitted.

Rotor 114 nutates within bore 122 of stator 112 and generally includes shaft 130, rings 132, 134, and magnet 136. Shaft 130 is a generally elongate hollow tubular shaft extending along axis 137 and having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of bore 122. Shaft 130 is fixedly secured to propeller

117 such that nutation of shaft 130 causes rotation of propeller 117.

Rings 132 and 134 circumscribe shaft 130 at spaced locations along shaft 130. Rings 132 and 134 have an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of bore 122 so as to enable rotor 114 to nutate within bore 122. In the exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the diameter of bore 122 to the outer diameter of rings 132 and 134 is approximately 1.2 to 1. It has been found that as the mass of rotor 114 increases, the optimal ratio of the diameter of bore 122 to the diameter of rings 132 and 134 decreases. Rings 132 and 134 have a high coefficient of friction and are also preferably compressible. Rings 132 and 134 frictionally contact inner circumferential surface 124 to facilitate nutation of rotor 114. Because rings 132 and 134 are additionally compressible, rings 132 and 134 reduce vibration and noise. Rings 132 and 134 preferably comprise conventionally known rubber O- rings which are inset within outer circumferential grooves (not shown) formed in the outer circumferential surface of shaft 130. As will be appreciated, rings 132 and 134 may be integrally formed as part of shaft 130 or may be fastened to shaft 130 by various other well-known fastening means. Moreover, the outer circumferential surface of rotor 114 may be formed out of a material, such as rubber, which has a relatively high co-efficient of friction and which is resiliently compressible.

Magnet 136 comprises a permanent magnet carried by shaft 130 within the hollow interior of shaft 130. Magnet 136 has north and south poles, N, S, displaced from one another in a direction along the axis of shaft 130. The lower portion of magnet 136 has the same polarity as the upper portion of magnet 113. As a result, magnet 136 repels magnet 113 to elevate shaft 130 above bottom 126 of bore 122. Magnet 136 further interacts with magnetic member 116 to cause nutation of rotor 114 once plug 120 is inserted into outlet 11. Although magnet 136 is illustrated as a separate magnetic component secured within the hollow interior of shaft 130, magnet 136 may alternatively be secured along the outside of shaft 130 or may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with shaft 130. For example, shaft 130 may be formed from moldable magnetic materials such as aluminum, nickel and cobalt which are powdered and molded in plastic to form rotor 114 or a portion of rotor 114, wherein the powdered magnetic material carried within the plastic material of the rotor is magnetized to form a permanent magnet.

In lieu of comprising a permanent magnet, magnet 136 may alternatively comprise an electromagnet.

Magnetic member 116, coil 118 and electrical plug 120 serve as nutational actuator 115 for nutating rotor 114 about axis 121 of stator 112 to rotate propeller 117. Magnetic member 116 comprises an elongate piece of magnetic material which is capable of being magnetized or attracted by a magnet. In the exemplary embodiment, member 116 is made of ferrite. As will be appreciated, other alternative magnetic materials may also be utilized. Magnetic member 116 is supported within a hollow cavity 139 within body 111 and includes an end portion 140 proximate rotor 114 and an opposite end portion 142 distant rotor 114. Magnetic member 116 is magnetized by alternating current flowing through coil 118.

Coil 118 is a single elongate continuous electrically insulated wire of electrically conductive material, such as copper, wrapped about magnetic member 116 and having first and second ends 144 and 146 electrically connected to first and second prongs 148 and 150 of electrical plug 120.

Upon electrical prongs 148 and 150 of electrical plug 120 being inserted into an alternating current electrical outlet 11 , alternating electrical current flows through prongs 148, 150 and coil 118. The electrical current flowing through coil 118 creates a magnetic flux which is conducted through magnetic member 116. The magnetic flux forms a magnetic field which extends from end portion 140 through stator 112 and rotor 114 and around to end portion 142 of magnetic member 116. As a result, magnet 136 aligns itself with the magnetic field flowing through stator 112. Because magnet 136 is axially spaced above the bottom of rotor 114, the alignment of magnet 136 with the magnetic field levitates rotor 114 above the bottom of bore 122 to eliminate frictional contact therebetween during nutation and rotation of rotor 114. As the current flowing through coil 118 switches direction, end portion 140 of magnetic member 116 changes in polarity. This change in polarity alternately attracts and repels magnet 136 of rotor 114. Because the diameter of bore 122 is greater than the outer diameter of rings 132 and 134, as well as shaft 130, rotor 114 nutates about axis 121 within bore 122 against the inner circumferential surface 124 of stator 112. As further shown by FIGURE 4, during nutation, rotor 114 gyrates about its center of mass 158 and spins about axis 137. Rotor 114 also pivots about multiple axes extending through the center of mass 158 and extending perpendicular to axis 121. Consequently, portions 159a 159b located on opposite axial ends of rotor 114 are alternately and intermittently forced or moved towards opposite portions of circumferential surface 124 as indicated with phantom lines. Because surface 124 is at least partially circumferential and because the diameters of rotor 114 and bore 122 are appropriately sized given the mass of rotor 114, the pivoting of rotor 114 causes rotor 114 to roll against circumferential surface 124. Although top portion 154 and bottom portion 156 of rotor 114 rotate in generally the same direction, top portion 154 and bottom portion 156 rotate on opposite sides of the axis 121 of stator 112. This is believed to be due to the fact that magnet 136 of rotor 114 has north and south poles which are axially spaced from the center of mass. Such a condition occurs when both the north and south poles are located on one side of the center of mass or when the north and south poles are axially spaced from one another on opposite sides of the center of mass. Because rotor 114 gyrates about its center of mass and pivots about an axis substantially perpendicular to axis 121, less force is required to nutationally rotate rotor 114. Thus, rotor 114 more easily nutationally rotates about axis 121.

III. MOTOR 210

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating motor 210, a second alternative embodiment of motor 10. Motor 210 generally includes stator 212, rotor 214 and nutational actuator 215 comprising magnetic member 216, electrically conductive coil 218 and electrical plug 220. Stator 212 and rotor 214 are substantially identical to stator 12 and rotor 14 of motor 10. Magnetic member 216 is similar to magnetic member 16 of motor 10 except that magnetic member

216 includes legs 222, 224, and connector 226. Legs 222 and 224 comprise elongate members made of a material preferably having a high magnetic susceptibility, such as ferromagnetic materials including ferrite, cobalt, nickel and gadolinium, among others. Legs 222 and 224 include end portions 228, 230, respectively, which are positioned on opposite sides of rotor 214 and are angularly spaced from one another by approximately 180 degrees. Legs 222 and 224 are interconnected to one another by connector 226. Connector 226 comprises an elongate bar of material having a high magnetic susceptibility, such as a ferromagnetic material. Connector 226 extends between legs 222 and 224. Connector 226 conducts magnetic flux across legs 222 and 224 when magnetic member 216 is magnetized by alternating current flowing through coil 218. Although connector 226 is illustrated as a separate component mounted to axial ends of legs 222 and 224, connector 226 may be mounted so that it extends anywhere along the axial length of legs 222 and 224 between legs 222 and 224 with coil 318 positioned between connector 226 and rotor 214. Moreover, connector 226 may be integrally formed as a part of a single unitary body with legs 222 and 224 so that magnetic member 216 has a horse-shoe shape. Although less desirable, connector 226 may alternatively be omitted such that magnetic flux is conducted through the air between legs 222 and 224. Although even less desirable, magnetic member 216 may be omitted in its entirety such that the magnetic flux created by coil 218 flows through the less conductive medium of air across stator 212 and rotor 214.

Electrically conductive coil 218 is substantially identical to electrically conductive coil 18 of motor 10 except that electrically conductive coil 218 encircles both legs 222 and 224. As shown by figure 5, electrically conductive coil 218 has first and second opposite ends 238 and 240 which are electrically connected to electrical prongs 248 and 250 of electrical plug 220. Alternatively, ends 238 and 240 may be directly electrically connected to an alternating current electrical power source. Extending from end 238, electrically conductive coil 218 encircles leg 224, extends across to leg 222 and encircles leg 222 prior to terminating at end 240. Coil 218 encircles legs 222 and 224 in opposite directions. When electrical prongs 248 and 250 of plug 220 are inserted into alternating current electrical outlet 11, the electric current flowing through coil 218 oppositely magnetizes legs 222 and 224. For example, at a first point in time, the electrical current flowing through coil 218 will provide end portion 228 of leg 222 with a north polarity while at the same time providing end portion 230 of leg 224 with a south polarity. As a result, the electrical current flowing through coil 218 oppositely magnetizes legs 222 and 224 so as to create a magnetic field from end portion 228 through stator 212 and rotor 214 to end portion 230. This magnetic field is most dense along the linear path connecting end portions 228 and 230. Because end portions 228 and 230 are angularly spaced 180 degrees from one another on opposite sides of the axis 121 of stator 212, rotor 214 is attracted to one of end portions 228 and 230 and repelled away from the other of end portions 228 and 230 at the first point in time. Because the electrical current from outlet 11 is alternating, the polarity of end portions 228 and 230 of magnetic member 216 will alternate between the north and south polarities at a frequency equal to the frequency of the alternating current. For example, if electrical outlet 11 is at 60 hertz, end portions 228 and 230 will switch between a north and south polarity with a frequency of approximately 60 times per second. As a result, rotor 214 will be attracted to end portion 228 and then repelled away from end portion 228 to cause rotor 214 to nutate about axis 121 of stator 212.

In particular, the resulting alternating attraction and repulsion of rotor 214 with respect to end portions 228 and 230 initially causes portions of rotor 214 to reciprocate between opposite sides of the circumferential surface portions of stator 212 which are angularly spaced 180 degrees from one another. However, during this reciprocation of rotor 214, rotor 214 has a tendency to become off- centered such that rotor 214 begins reciprocating between portions of the circumferential surface which are not directly opposite one another. Consequently, the alternating attraction and repulsion of rotor 214 causes rotor 214 to roll against the inner circumferential surface and to nutate about axis 121. To ensure that rotor 214 becomes off-centered during reciprocation, the magnetic field attracting and repelling rotor 214 must be weak enough given the mass of rotor 214 and the relative diameters of stator 212 and rotor 214 to enable rotor 214 to become sufficiently off-centered. As will be appreciated, the magnetic field strength, the mass of rotor 214 and the relative diameters of stator 212 and rotor 214 may have any of a variety of different values while still enabling rotor 214 to become off- centered during reciprocation. Because rotor 214 is simultaneously attracted and then repelled in alternating directions between opposite sides of axis 121, rotor 214 nutates with greater force to provide greater torque.

IV. MOTOR 310

FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate motor 310, a third alternative embodiment of motor 10 shown in FIGURE 1. Motor 310 is a preferred embodiment which incorporates several of the basic schematically illustrated elements of motor 210 and which is specifically adapted for driving propeller 317. Motor 310 generally includes body 311, stator 312, rotor 314 and nutational actuator 315 comprising magnetic member 316, coil 318 and electrical plug 320. Body 311 serves as a base for supporting stator 312 and the nutational actuator 315. In the exemplary embodiment, body 311 includes platform 322, prong support 324 and standoff 326. Platform 322 supports stator 312, magnetic member 316 and coil 318. In the exemplary embodiment, platform 322 is a generally rectangular member having a front 328, a rear 330, a head end 332 and a tail end 334. Platform 322 generally includes a pair of parallel cavities 338, 340, a transverse cavity 342 and stator receiving cavity 344. Cavities 338 and 340 extend through platform 322 from tail end 334 to head end 332. As best shown in FIGURE 6, cavities 338 and 340 have a narrower diameter at head end 332 adjacent stator receiving cavity 344. Transverse cavity 342 extends through platform 322 across cavities 338 and 340. Cavities 338, 340 and 342 receive and house magnetic member 316 and coil 318. Stator receiving cavity 344 extends into front 328 of platform 322 at head end 332. Stator receiving cavity 344 receives stator 312.

Prong support 324 rearwardly projects from platform 322 at head end 332. Prong support 324 supports plug 320. Plug 320 is identical to plug 220 and includes electrical prongs 348 and 250 (shown in FIGURE 5). Prongs 248 and 250 project from support 324 at spaced positions for insertion into electrical outlet 11. As a result, plugging motor 310 into outlet 11 simultaneously mounts motor 310 to the wall or other surface surrounding outlet 11. In exemplary embodiment, prong support 324 is preferably molded about the prongs of plug 320.

Standoff 326 comprises at least one leg rearwardly projecting from platform 322 at tail end 334 by a distance equal to the width of prong support 324. Standoff 326 spaces platform 322 from electrical outlet 11 and maintains platform 322 parallel to electrical outlet 11 and the adjacent wall or other structure. In the exemplary embodiment, platform 322, prong support 324 and standoff 326 are integrally formed as part of single unitary body. Alternatively, platform 322, prong support 324 and standoff 326 may be formed as separate components connected to one another.

Stator 312 comprises a portion of motor 310 which remains fixed with respect to nutating rotor 314. In the exemplary embodiment, stator 312 provides an inner circumferential surface 352 concentrically extending about an axis 354 about which rotor 314 nutates. Stator 312 preferably includes an annular liner or sleeve 356 press fit or otherwise fastened within stator supporting cavity 344 of platform 322. Sleeve 356 is preferably made of a compressible material, such as rubber. As a result, during nutation of rotor 314, sleeve 356 increases friction, dampens vibration and reduces noise. As will be appreciated, various other compressible materials may be employed. In addition, sleeve 356 may alternatively have an outer rigid portion lined with a soft compressible inner portion. As discussed above with respect to stator 12 of motor 10, stator 312 may alternatively comprise a plurality of segments which provide an inner-circumferential surface 352 or may alternatively provide an outer circumferential surface about which rotor 314 nutates.

Rotor 314 is fastened to propeller 317 and generally includes shaft 360 and magnet 362. Shaft 360 comprises a hollow tubular shaft preferably made of a non-magnetic material such as high density polyethylene or nylon. Shaft 360 includes an outer circumferential surface 364 opposite inner circumferential surface 352 of stator 312. Shaft 360 has an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of stator 312 defined by inner circumferential surface 352. In the exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the inner diameter of the bore of stator 312 to the outer diameter shaft 360 is approximately 1.2 to 1. It has been found that as the mass of rotor 314 and the attached component are increased, the ratio of the inner diameter of the bore of stator 312 to the outer diameter of shaft 360 should be decreased. Magnet 362 preferably comprises a permanent magnet carried within the hollow interior of shaft 360. The magnet 362 is preferably oriented such that its opposite poles are displaced relative to one another along the axis of rotor 314. In particular, magnet 362 is oriented so as to have a first pole facing front 328 and a second pole facing rear 330 of platform 322. As will be appreciated, magnet 362 may alternatively extend along an outer surface of shaft 360 or may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with shaft 360. For example, shaft 130 may be formed from moldable magnet materials such as aluminum, nickel and cobalt which are powdered and molded in plastic to form rotor 114 or a portion of rotor 114, wherein the powdered magnetic material carried within the plastic material of the rotor is magnetized to form a permanent magnet. In addition, in lieu of comprising a permanent magnet, magnet 362 may comprise an electromagnet. Magnet 362 interacts with the magnetic forces generated by the nutational actuator 315 to cause rotor 314 to nutate against circumferential surface 352 of stator 312 about axis 354.

Magnetic member 316 generally includes cores or legs 366, 368, connector 370 and electrical insulators 372, 374. Legs 366, 368 and connector 370 are substantially identical to legs 222, 224 and connector 226 of motor 210. Legs 366 and 368 extend through cavities 338 and 340, respectively, and include end portions 376 and 378 which project on opposite sides of stator 312 and are angular spaced approximately 180 degrees from one another. End portions 376 and 378 are preferably located so as to extend within a common plane coextensive with magnet 362. Connector 370 is inserted through cavity 342 and in contact with legs 366 and 368. Connector 370 transmits magnetic flux between legs 366 and 368.

Electrical insulators 372 and 374 extend between legs 366 and 368 and coil 318. Electrical insulators 372 and 374 preferably comprise electrical insulating bobbins. Insulators 372 and 374 prevent electrical short circuiting across leg 366 or leg 368.

Coil 318 is substantially identical to coil 218 of motor 210. Coil 318 includes first and second ends 382 and 384 which are electrically connected to electrical prongs 348 and 350, respectively. Coil 318 extends from end 382, encircles insulator 374 and leg 366, extends from leg 366 to leg 368, and encircles insulator 372 and leg 368 before terminating at end 384.

As with motor 210, when plug 320 is inserted into alternating current electrical outlet 11 , alternating electrical current will flow through coil 318 about legs 366 and 368 to oppositely electromagnetize legs 366 and 368. Because the electrical current from outlet 11 is alternating, the polarities of end portions 376 and 378 alternate between north and south polarities at a frequency equal to the frequency of the alternating current. As a result, opposite poles of magnet 362 of rotor 314 will be attracted to end portion 376 and then repelled away from end portion 376 to cause rotor 314 nutate about axis 354 of stator 312.

Although each of motors 10, 110, 210 and 310 are illustrated as having stator s including an inner circumferential surface which is made entirely of a non-magnetic material, each of motors 10, 110, 210 and 310 may alternatively be provided with a stator having an inner circumferential surface which is only partially formed from a non-magnetic material. For example, the inner circumferential surfaces of the stators of motors 10, 110, 210 and 310 may have portions closest to magnetic members 16, 116, 216 and 316 which are made from a material having a high magnetic susceptibility. Such magnetic portions may be positioned in contact with or integrally formed as part of magnetic members 16, 116, 216 and 316 so long as such magnetic portions of the inner circumferential surface of each stator are separated or spaced from one another or from the opposite side of the base of the stator by non-magnetic material such that the strongest portion of the magnetic field passes through the axis defined by the stator and across the rotor. Although such an embodiment is contemplated, such an embodiment is not preferred for reasons of complexity and manufacturing cost. V. MOTOR 410

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating motor 410, a fourth alternative embodiment of motor 10. Motor 410 is substantially similar to motor 10, except that motor 410 includes stator 412 and rotor 414 in lieu of stator 12 and rotor 14. Motor 410 additionally includes electrical switch 490, timer 492 and actuator 494. For ease of illustration, those remaining elements of motor 410 which correspond to elements of motor 10 are numbered similarly. Stator 412 comprises an elongate spindle or shaft concentrically extending along axis 415 and fixed or stationary relative to rotor 414. Stator 412 has a diameter defined by outer circumferential surface 416. Outer circumferential surface 416 provides a closed surface pathway against which rotor 414 rotates to nutate about axis 415.

Although surface 416 is illustrated as a continuous outer circumferential surface, surface 416 may alternatively be composed of several outer circumferential segments slightly spaced from one another or sufficiently close so as to retain rotor 414 thereabout. Furthermore, although circumferential surface 416 is illustrated as being smooth, circumferential surface 416 may alternatively be roughened to provide greater friction or could be altered to include teeth from meshing with corresponding teeth provided on rotor 414.

Rotor 414 comprises a capped annular member, such as a tube or sleeve, having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of stator 412 and having an inner circumferential surface 420 opposite outer circumferential surface 416 of stator 412. Circumferential surface 420 is configured for rotating against circumferential surface 416. Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated, surface 420 is generally smooth or roughened for frictional contact against the surface 416. As will be appreciated, when surface 416 includes teeth, surface 420 may likewise include corresponding teeth. Moreover, in lieu of comprising a continuous inner circumferential surface, surface 420 may alternatively be composed of several segments which are spaced sufficiently close to one another so as to retain rotor 414 about stator 412 during rotation and nutation of rotor 414.

Rotor 414 includes a magnet which interacts with magnetic member 16. The magnet of rotor 414 comprises a magnet which possesses the property of attracting certain substances. In particular, the magnet comprises a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the magnet may comprise a magnetic material which is electr omagnetized .

Electrical switch 490 comprises a conventionally known component connected to coil 18 so as to selectively interrupt the flow of current between prongs 48 and 50 through coil 18. Switch 490 is movable between a first disengaged position (as shown in FIGURE 8) to a second disengaged position (as shown in phantom). In the disengaged position, switch 490 interrupts the flow of electrical current from electrical prong 48 to electrical prong 50 through coil 318. As a result, magnetic member 16 is not magnetized and the nutation of rotor 414 about axis 415 of stator 412 is terminated even when electrical prongs 48 and 50 are plugged into electrical outlet 11. As a result, switch 490 enables motor 410 to be shut off by moving switch 490 to the disengaged position while leaving motor 410 plugged into outlet 11.

In the engaged position (shown in phantom), switch 490 electrically connects both ends of coil 18 to electrical prongs 48 and 50. As a result, when electrical prongs 48 and 50 are inserted into alternating current electrical outlet 11 , the alternating electrical current is conducted from one of prongs 48, 50 through coil 18 about magnetic member 16 and through the other of electrical prongs 48, 50. The alternating electrical current flowing through coil 18 about magnetic member 16 electromagnetizes member 16 such that end portion 32 alternatively switches back and forth between a north and a south plurality. Consequently, the magnet of rotor 414 is alternatively attracted to and repelled away from end 32. This alternating attraction and repulsion of rotor 414 causes rotor 414 to wobble or nutate about axis 415 of stator 412. As will be appreciated, the precise frequency at which rotor 414 is alternately attracted to or repelled away from end 32 will depend upon the frequency of the alternating current provided by electrical outlet 11.

Timer 492 and actuator 494, schematically illustrated in FIGURE 8, are each conventionally known components. Actuator 494 preferably comprises a solenoid or another electrically activated actuator connected to switch 490. Actuator 494 moves switch 490 between the disengaged and the engaged positions.

Timer 492 comprises a conventionally known timing device or control circuit connected to actuator 494. Timer 492 is programmed or configured to generate a control signal which is transmitted to actuator 494. Actuator 494 moves switch 490 between the disengaged and engaged positions at selected times or time intervals to selectively actuate motor 410 based upon the control signals generated by timer 492.

As will be appreciated, various conventionally known timers and actuators may be utilized with motor 410. Moreover, in lieu of being actuated by timer 492 and actuator 494, switch 490 may alternatively be manually actuated between the disengaged position and the engaged position. In addition, motor 410 may be stopped or started by simply unplugging or plugging in motor 410.

V. CONCLUSIONS REGARDING MOTORS 10. 110. 210. 310 AND 410

Each of motors 10, 110, 210, 310 and 410 provides an electrically driven motor which has fewer parts, which is compact, and which can be easily manufactured at a low cost. This is due largely to the fact that each of motors 10, 110, 210, 310 and 410 eliminates the need for a relatively complex stator having multiple magnetic lands, eliminates the need for a position sensor, and eliminates the need for an electrical sequencer for sequentially magnetizing the multiple lands. In contrast, each of motors 10, 110, 210, 310, and 410 simply utilizes a nutational actuator consisting of at least one ferromagnetic member proximate the rotor and an electrical coil encircling the ferromagnetic member, wherein the coil has first and second ends electrically connected to electrical prongs adapted for insertion into an alternating current electrical outlet. Consequently, motors 10, 110, 210, 310 and 410 are well adapted for use in applications such as small consumer products and one-time use products.

In addition to eliminating the need for multiple magnetic lands, a position sensor and an electrical sequencer, motors 10, 110, 210, 310 and 410 also enable a stator to be more easily formed and enable the remaining components to be easily secured in place adjacent the stator. As discussed above, stators 12, 112, 212, 312 and 412 are preferably made from a nonmagnetic material. As a result, each of stators 12, 112, 212, 312 and 412 may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with the base or body supporting the remaining stationary components of the motor such as magnetic members 16, 116 and 316; coils 18, 118, 218 and 318; and the electrical prongs. As a result, part numbers are reduced and the manufacture of the motor is simplified.

Moreover, motors 10, 110, 210, 310 and 410 are well adapted for manufacture without extensive assembly and without the need for fasteners, adhesives and the like. Each of motors 110 and 310 have bodies 111 and 311, respectively, include bores for receiving the magnetic members and the coils.

Alternatively, bodies 111 and 311 may be molded about the magnetic members and the electrical coils to simplify manufacturing and assembly. For example, motor 110 may be easily made by providing a magnetic member 116, wrapping an electrically conductive coil 118 about member 116 and connecting the ends of coil 118 to a pair of appropriately spaced electrical prongs 48, 50 and molding a mass of nonmagnetic material about magnetic member 116, coil 118 and electrical prongs 48, 50 to form body 111 and to simultaneously encapsulate magnetic member 116, coil 118 and prongs 48 and 50 in place. Bore 122 providing stator 112 may either be molded or may be drilled once body 111 is molded. Likewise, motor 310 may be formed by providing a magnetic member 316 having a pair of legs 366, 368 connected by connector 370, wrapping an electrically conductive strands or wire about legs 366 and 368 to form coil 318, connecting the opposite ends of coil 318 to appropriately spaced electrical prongs and molding a mass of nonmagnetic material, such as a plastic including nylon or high-density polyethylene about magnetic member 316, coil 318 and the electrical prongs to form body 311. Once again, the bore forming stator 312 may be either formed during the molding of body 311 or may be later formed by excavating material such as by drilling. Thus, motors 10, 110, 210 and 410 are well adapted to mass production without extensive or complex assembly, further enabling motors 10, 110, 210 and 410 to be used in application such as small consumer products and one-time use products.

Motors 10, 110, 210, 310 and 410 depict several preferred embodiments wherein each embodiment has unique features. As will be appreciated, the features described and illustrated with respect to one particular embodiment may additionally be incorporated in any of the other embodiments. For example, although motors 110 and 310 are illustrated as having prongs integrally formed as part of the body of the motors, motors 110 and 310 may alternatively have plugs connected to conventionally known electrical cords having wires electrically connected to coils 118 and 318, respectively. Motors 10, 110, 210 and 310 may additionally include an electrical switch 490 as well as the timer device 492 and actuator 494 described and discussed with respect to motor 410. Various other alternative combinations of features are also envisioned.

VI. MOTOR 510

Figures 9-13 illustrate motor 510, a fifth alternative embodiment of motor 10 shown in Figure 1. Motor 510 generally includes stator 512, rotor 514, nutational actuator 515 including magnetic member 516, coil 518 and varying electrical current source 520. As best shown by Figures 12 and 13, stator 512 generally consists of an elongate cylindrical bore 522 concentrically extending about axis 521 which extends in a generally vertical orientation. Bore 522 has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of rotor 514. Bore 522 provides a continuous and relatively smooth inner circumferential surface 524 against which rotor 514 nutates . Stator 512 additionally includes a bottom or floor 526 (shown in

Figs. 12 and 13) at one end of bore 522 upon which stator 512 initially rests. Floor 526 is sloped downwardly away from magnetic member 516 of nutational actuator 515. In the exemplary embodiment, floor 526 downwardly slopes at an angle of 20 degrees relative to the horizontal.

Rotor 514 nutates within bore 522 of stator 512 and generally includes shaft 530 and magnet 536. Shaft 530 is a generally elongate hollow tubular shaft extending along axis 537 and having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of bore 522. In the exemplary embodiment, shaft 530 is fixedly secured to propeller 517 such that nutation of shaft 530 causes rotation of propeller 517.

Magnet 536 comprises a permanent magnet carried by shaft 530 within the hollow interior of shaft 530. Magnet 536 has north and south poles, N, S, displaced from one another in a direction along the axis of shaft 530. Magnet 536 interacts with magnetic member 516 to cause nutation of rotor 514 once coil 518 is supplied with varying electrical current.

Although magnet 536 is illustrated as a separate magnetic component secured within the hollow interior of shaft 530, magnet 536 may alternatively be secured along the outside of shaft 530 or may be integrally formed as part of a single unitary body with shaft 530. For example, shaft 530 may be formed from moldable magnetic materials such as aluminum, nickel and cobalt which are powdered and molded in plastic to form rotor 514 or a portion of rotor 514, wherein the powdered magnetic material carried within the plastic material of rotor 514 is magnetized to form a permanent magnet. In lieu of comprising a permanent magnet, magnet 536 may alternatively comprise an electromagnet.

Magnetic member 516, coil 518 and varying electrical current source

520 serve as a nutational actuator for nutating rotor 514 about axis 521 of stator 512 to rotate propeller 517. Magnetic member 516 comprises an elongate piece of magnetic material which is capable of being magnetized or attracted by a magnet. In the exemplary embodiment, member 516 is made of ferrite. As will be appreciated, other alternative magnetic materials may also be utilized. Magnetic member 516 includes an end 540 proximate rotor 514 and an opposite end 542 distant rotor 514. Magnetic member 516 is magnetized by electrical current flowing through coil 518.

Coil 518 is an elongate continuous electrically insulated wire of electrically conductive material, such as copper, wrapped about magnetic member 516. Coil 518 includes first and second ends 544 and 546 electrically connected to varying electrical current source 520. Coil 518 conducts electrical current to create magnetic flux which magnetizes magnetic member 516.

Varying electrical current source 520 is electrically connected to ends 544 and 546 and provides a varying electrical current to coil 518 such that the magnetic flux created by the current flowing through coil 518 varies and such that the magnetization of magnetic member 516 also varies.

According to a first exemplary embodiment, source 520 includes a direct current (DC) power source 548 electrically coupled to a conventionally known electrical sequencer 550. DC power source 548 preferably comprises a conventionally known electrical battery which supplies direct current to sequencer 550. Sequencer 550 is programmed and configured to intermittently conduct the electrical current from source 548 to coil 518, in a conventionally known timed manner. Figure 10 is a graph illustrating the supply of electrical current from source 520 to coil 518 over time.

According to a second exemplary embodiment, source 520 includes an alternating current (AC) electrical power source electrically coupled to a conventionally known sequencer. The sequencer is programmed and configured, in a conventionally known manner, to attenuate the alternating electrical current from the AC power source and intermittently conduct the attenuated electrical current to coil 518. Figure 11 is a graph depicting electrical current supplied to coil 518 over time by such an alternative varying current source 520. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the operation of motor 510. Figure 12 illustrates motor 510 when varying electrical current source 520 is supplying electrical current to coil 518 to magnetize magnetic member 516. Figure 13 illustrates motor 510 when sequencer 550 has cessated the supply of electrical current to coil 518. As shown by Figure 12, magnetization of magnetic member 516 causes magnetic member 516 to attract magnet 536 such that rotor 514 is drawn towards end 540. This magnetic force applied to rotor 514 by the magnetization of magnetic member 516 moves rotor 514 in a first direction non-parallel to axis 521.

As shown by Figure 13, the cessation of electrical current being supplied to coil 518 also cessates the magnetization of magnetic member 516. As a result, magnetic member 516 no longer applies a magnetic force to rotor 514 to attract or draw rotor 514 towards end 540. Because floor 526 of stator 512 is downwardly sloped in a second opposite direction, during startup, rotor 514 falls or slides away from end 540 in a second opposite direction under the natural force of gravity. Varying electrical current source 520, and in particular, sequencer 550, is configured to intermittently supply electrical current to coil 518 at a relatively high repeating rate, preferably 60 Hertz. As a result, rotor 514 is repeatedly drawn towards end 540 of magnetic member 516 and then allowed to fall or slide away from end 540 under the force of gravity. The resulting alternating movement towards and away from end 540 causes rotor 514 to reciprocate between opposite sides of the circumferential surface portions of stator 512. During this reciprocation, rotor 514 has a tendency to become off-centered such that rotor 514 begins reciprocating between portions of circumferential surface 524 which are not directly opposite one another. Consequently, the alternating movement of rotor 514 towards and away from end 540 causes rotor 514 to roll against the inner circumferential surface 524 and to nutate about axis 521. After a short period of time, rotor 514 has sufficient momentum such that rotor 514 no longer relies upon the force of gravity for movement away from end 540 of magnetic member 516. Instead, the momentum of rotor 514 moves rotor 514 away from magnetic member 516 while the magnetization of member 516 is temporarily cessated due to the intermittent supply of current to coil 518. In addition, after the start-up, magnet 536 aligns itself with the magnetic flux field. As a result, rotor 514 no longer rests upon floor 526, but floats above floor 526.

Figure 14 illustrates motor 610, a sixth alternative embodiment of motor 510 shown in Figure 1. Motor 610 is similar to motor 510 except that motor 610 includes stator 612 in lieu of stator 512. For ease of discussion, those remaining components of motor 610 which are substantially identical to corresponding components of motor 510 are numbered similarly. Stator 612 is similar to stator 512 except that stator 612 includes a bore 622 providing an inner circumferential surface 624 which extends about an axis 621 that is substantially horizontal. Stator 612 includes a floor 626 which is unsloped and substantially vertical. As a result, rotor 514 moves or falls in the direction indicated by arrow 625 under the force of gravity to the position shown in Figure 14.

As with motor 510, varying current source 520 supplies a varying, and preferably intermittent, electrical current to coil 518 to intermittently magnetized magnetic member 516. During periods in which source 520 is supplying electrical current to coil 18, magnetic member 516 is magnetized to apply a magnetic force to magnet 536 (shown in Figure 12) to move rotor 514 in a second opposite direction as indicated by arrow 627. In the exemplary embodiment, magnetic member 516 applies an attractive magnetic force to magnet 536. As a result, rotor 514 is repeatedly and alternately lifted by the temporary magnetization of magnetic member 516 and permitted to fall when the magnetization of magnetic member 516 is temporarily cessated. During this repeated reciprocation of rotor 514, the magnetic attraction of magnetic member 516 must be weak enough given the mass of rotor 514 to the relative diameters of stator 612 and rotor 514 to enable rotor 514 to become sufficiently off-centered such that rotor 514 nutates about axis 621 against surface 624. After a short period of time, rotor 514 has sufficient momentum such that rotor 514 no longer relies upon the force of gravity for movement away from end 540 of magnetic member 516. Instead, the momentum of rotor 514 moves rotor 514 away from magnetic member 516 while the magnetization of member 516 is temporarily cessated due to the intermittent supply of current to coil 518. Motors 510 and 610 are advantageous in that both motors utilize gravity to assist in the reciprocation of rotor 514 during startup. During startup, rotor 514 utilizes gravity to build momentum. Nutational actuator 515 only applies a force to rotor 514 to move rotor 514 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement caused by gravity. Rotor 514 then utilizes its built-up momentum to rotate and roll rotor 514 away from member 516 while member 516 is not magnetized. Thus, nutational actuator 515 need only apply a force in a single direction to rotor 514 to enable rotor 514 to nutate.

Figures 9-14 illustrate particular exemplary embodiments; however, various other alternative embodiments are also contemplated. For example, although both motors 510 and 610 are illustrated as exerting a magnetic attractive force upon rotor 514 to move rotor 514 in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in which rotor 514 moves under the force of gravity, motors 510 and 610 could each be alternatively configured such that actuator 515 exerts a repulsive magnetic force upon rotor 514 to move rotor 514 in a direction opposite to the direction in which rotor 514 moves under the force of gravity during startup. In particular, motor 510 may alternatively be configured such that magnetic member 516 and coil 518 are positioned on an opposite side of stator 512 adjacent to a lower end of sloped floor 526, whereby rotor 514 would move towards magnetic member 516 under the force of gravity along floor 526 and whereby magnetic member 516, upon being magnetized, would repel magnet 536 and rotor 514 to cause rotor 514 to nutate. Similarly, motor 610 may alternatively be configured such that magnetic member 516 extends beneath stator 612, whereby rotor 514 falls towards magnetic member 516 under the force of gravity and whereby magnetic member 516, upon being magnetized, repels rotor 514 to cause rotor 514 to nutate.

In yet another contemplated embodiment, each of motors 510 and 610 are modified to include a magnetic material (i.e. a material which is attracted to a magnet) in lieu of magnet 536 of rotor 514. For example, shaft 530 may alternatively be formed from a magnetic material or may be provided with a magnetic material insert. By replacing magnet 536 with a magnetic material, the manufacturing costs of motors 510 and 610 are reduced.

VII. MOTOR 710

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate motor 710, a seventh alternative embodiment of motor 10 shown in Figure 1. Motor 710 is similar to motor 510 in many respects. For ease of discussion, those elements of motor 710 which correspond to similar elements of motor 510 are numbered similarly. Motor 710 generally includes stator 512, rotor 514, nutational actuator 715 including magnetic member 716, coil 718 and varying current source 720 and heating system 754. Stator 512 and rotor 514 are described above and extend adjacent to nutational actuator 715.

Nutational actuator 715 is similar to nutational actuator 515 except that magnetic member 716 and coil 718 are transversely oriented relative to axis 521 of stator 512 and that magnetic member 716 is composed of two flux extensions 750. Flux extensions 750 (only one of which is shown) are generally L-shaped members that have vertically overlapping and abutting legs 751 extending through coil 78 and legs 752 extending from legs 751 to opposite sides of stator 512. Extensions 750 are formed from a magnetic material and preferably include ferrite. Extensions 750 conduct magnetic flux across stator 512 to move rotor 514 such that rotor 514 nutates about axis 521. In particular, as shown by Figure 16 during start up, stator 512 slides down sloped floor 526 in the direction indicated by arrow 753. Upon the supply of electrical current from current source 722 to coil 718, magnetic flux is created. This magnetic flux is transmitted through legs 751 and 752 of flux extensions 750 and across rotor 514. As a result, magnet 536 of rotor 514 is attracted towards one of extensions 750 and is repelled by the other of extensions 750 (not shown) such that rotor 514 moves in an opposite direction indicated by arrow 755. Upon the cessation of the supply of electrical current being supplied to coil 718 by current source 720, rotor 514 once again slides in the direction indicated by arrow 753. During this repeated reciprocation, rotor 514 becomes off- centered and begins to roll or nutate against inner circumferential surface 524 of stator 512. After a short period of time, rotor 514 gains momentum such that rotor 514 no longer relies upon gravity but instead utilizes momentum to roll against inner circumferential surface 524 and to rotate propeller 517. In addition to flowing through stator 512, the flux generated by the electrical current flowing through coil

718 also flows through heating system 754 to generate heat for various uses.

Heater system 754 utilizes the magnetic flux created by the electrical current flowing through coil 718 to generate heat for such purposes as heating volatiles such as in air standard quality modification systems or insect and pest control systems. In particular, heater system 754 is made of a non-magnetic electrically conductive material such that eddy currents are created as the magnetic flux flowing through the non-magnetic electrically conductive material varies. These eddy currents generate heat due to the inherent electrical resistance of the non-magnetic electrically conductive material forming heater system 754.

In the exemplary embodiment, heater system 754 includes a lower member 756 and upper member 758. Members 756 and 758 are substantially identical to one another and each include a plate portion 760 and an arm 762. Plate portions 760 of members 756 and 758 overlap and abut one another. Plate portions 760 are configured to distribute the heat generated therein across a relatively large surface area for such uses as heating a packet of volatiles.

Arms 762 are integrally formed and extend from plate portion 760.

Arms 762 are generally L-shaped and extend through coil 718 in an overlapping and abutting relationship. As a result, magnetic flux flows through arm 762 and across plate portions 760. In the exemplary embodiment, members 756 and 758 are formed from aluminum. Alternatively, members 756 and 758 may be formed from other non-magnetic electrically conductive material such as copper. Because plate portion 760 of members 756 and 758 extend over a relatively large surface area, heater system 754 is well suited for distributing heat to a large surface area. Although less desirable for the particular purpose of driving off volatiles, members 756 and 758 may alternatively be integrally formed as a single member and may have various other sizes, shapes and configurations while still generating heat due to eddy currents created therein. Although heater system 754 is illustrated in conjunction with stator

512, rotor 514 and nutational actuator 715, heater system 754 may alternatively be employed with systems utilizing alternating electrical current rather than intermittent electrical current, such as those shown and described in Figures 1-8. For example, coil 718 may alternatively be supplied with electrical current from an AC power source. With such an alternative embodiment, the alternating electrical current flowing through coil 718 (preferably at a rate of 60 Hertz) magnetizes magnetic member 716 such that the polarity of extensions 750 would switch in response to the current direction reversing. As a result, actuator 715 would exert alternating opposite forces upon magnet 536 of rotor 514 to alternately move rotor 514 in the direction indicated by arrows 757 and 759 (shown in Figure 17). With such an alternative embodiment, the need for sloped floor 526 during startup is reduced or eliminated such that motor 710 may alternatively be provided with stator 712 shown in Figure 17.

VIII. MOTOR 810

Figure 18 illustrates motor 810, an eighth alternative embodiment of motor 10 shown in Figure 1. Motor 810 is similar to motor 110 shown in Figures 1-4 except that motor 810 includes nutational actuator 815 in lieu of nutational actuator 115. For ease of illustration, those elements of motor 810 which correspond to similar elements of motor 110 are numbered similarly. Nutational actuator 815 is similar to nutational actuator 115 except that nutational actuator 815 includes varying current source 820 in lieu of electrical plug 120. Varying current source 820 provides a varying electrical current to coil 118. In the exemplary embodiment, the varying electrical current supplied to coil 118 is an alternating electrical current (i.e. a current which reverses polarity). As a result, nutational actuator 815 functions almost identically to nutational actuator 115 so as to nutate rotor 114 about axis 121.

Varying current source 820 includes direct current (DC) power source 848 electrically coupled to a conventionally known electrical DC to AC converter or inverter 850. Direct current power source 848 preferably comprises a conventionally known electrical battery which supplies direct current to inverter

850. Inverter 850 is programmed and configured, in a conventionally known manner, to convert the direct current from source 848 to an alternating electrical current which is supplied to coil 118 via ends 144 and 146.

IX. NUTATIONAL ACTUATOR 915

Figure 18 illustrates nutational actuator 915, an alternative embodiment of nutational actuator 215 shown in Figure 5. Nutational actuator 915 generally includes magnetic members 928, 930, electrically conductive coils 918, 919, and varying current sources 920, 921. Coils 918, 919 encircle magnetic members 928 and 930, respectively, in opposite directions. Coils 918 and 919 are electrically coupled to varying current sources 920 and 921 , respectively. Varying current sources 920 and 921 supply electrical current to coils 918 and 919, respectively, wherein the electrical current varies. In particular, current sources 920 and 921 each comprise alternating electrical current sources which alternate the direction of the current being supplied to coils 918 and 919 preferably at a rate of 60 Hertz. Because coils 918 and 919 extend about members 928 and 930 in opposite directions and ends 932 and 933 of members 928 and 930, positioned on opposite sides of the stator and rotor, will have opposite polarities. Because sources 920 and 921 preferably provide alternating electrical current to coils 918 and 919, the opposite polarities of ends 932 and 933 will alternate to reciprocate the rotor (not shown) such that the rotor will nutate about the axis of the stator (not shown) . Alternatively, current sources 920 and 921 may comprise direct current (DC) power sources with one or more sequencers such that alternating electrical current is supplied to coils 918 and 919 to reciprocate to rotor back and forth between the ends of the magnetic members such that the rotor nutates about the axis of the stator.

Alternatively, coils 918 and 919 may be wound about members 928 and 930, respectively, in the same direction such that ends 932 and 933 exhibit the same polarity on electrical current being supplied to coils 918 and 919 by current sources 920 and 921. With such an alternative arrangement, current sources 920 and 921 are configured to alternately supply electrical current to coils 918 and 919 such that only one of members 928 and 930 is magnetized at any one instant.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention described with reference to the preferred embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A motor for use with an alternating current electrical outlet, the motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor having a magnet; a magnetic member proximate the rotor; an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member, the coil having first and second opposite ends; and a first prong configured for insertion into the electrical outlet and electrically connected to the first end of the coil, and a second prong configured for insertion into the electrical outlet and electrically connected to the second end of the coil, whereby alternating current flowing through the coil causes the rotor to nutate about the axis defined by the stator.

2. The motor of claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

3. The motor of claim 1 wherein the rotor extends along a rotor axis and wherein the magnet include first and second poles displaced from one another in a direction along the rotor axis.

4. The motor of claim 1 wherein the at least one circumferential surface comprises at least one outer circumferential surface extending about the axis.

5. The motor of claim 1 wherein the at least one circumferential surface comprises at least one inner circumferential surface extending about the axis.

6. The motor of claim 1 including a body supporting said at least one magnetic member, the body having a cylindrical bore defining the inner circumferential surface surrounding the rotor.

7. The motor of claim 1 wherein the at least one circumferential surface is resiliently compressible.

8. The motor of claim 1 wherein the at least one circumferential surface has a high coefficient of friction.

9. The motor of claim 1 wherein the at least one circumferential surface is made of a rubber material.

10. The motor of claim 1 including a body, wherein the body supports the first and second prongs, whereby the motor is adapted for being mounted adjacent the electrical outlet.

11. The motor of claim 1 wherein the stator is non-magnetic.

12. The motor of claim 11 including a body supporting the magnetic member, wherein the body is integrally formed as part of a single unitary structure with the stator.

13. The motor of claim 1 wherein said at least one magnetic member comprises a single magnetic member having an end portion proximate the rotor.

14. The motor of claim 1 wherein said at least one magnetic member includes first and second end portions angularly spaced approximately 180 degrees from one another on opposite sides of the axis.

15. The motor of claim 1 wherein the rotor comprises a hollow tubular shaft.

16. The motor of claim 15 wherein the hollow tubular shaft is made of a plastic material which carries the magnet.

17. The motor of claim 1 wherein the motor comprises a shaft including a moldable magnetic material which is magnetized.

18. The motor of claim 1 including a switch electrically coupled to the coil, wherein the switch is movable between a first disengaged position in which the coil is electrically disconnected from at least one of the first and second prongs and a second engaged position in which the first end of the coil is electrically connected to the first prong and the second end of the coil is electrically connected to the second prong of the electrical plug.

19. The motor of claim 18 including an actuator coupled to the switch for moving the switch between the first disengaged position and the second engaged position.

20. The motor of claim 19 including a timer operably coupled to the actuator, wherein the timer is configured to generate a control signal and wherein the actuator moves the switch between the first disengaged position and the second engaged position based upon the control signal.

21. The motor of claim 1 wherein the rotor includes at least one circumferential surface opposite the at least one circumferential surface of the stator, wherein the at least one circumferential surface of the rotor is resiliently compressible.

22. The motor of claim 19 wherein the at least one circumferential surface of the rotor has a high coefficient of friction.

23. The motor of claim 19 wherein the at least one circumferential surface of the rotor is made of a rubber material.

24. The motor of claim 1 wherein the magnetic material of the rotor comprises a magnet, the magnet having a first portion with a first polarity and a second portion with a second opposite polarity, wherein the motor includes a stator magnet supported by the stator adjacent the rotor, wherein the stator magnet includes a third portion facing the second portion of the magnet of the rotor, wherein the third portion has the second polarity so as to repel the rotor.

25. The motor of claim 1 wherein the rotor extends along a second axis oblique to the axis of the stator in response to the alternating current flowing through the coil.

26. The motor of claim 1 wherein the rotor has a center of mass and wherein the rotor gyrates about the center of mass in response to the alternating current flowing through the coil.

27. The motor of claim 1 wherein the rotor has a rotor axis and a center of mass along the rotor axis, wherein the magnet has a north pole and a south pole, and wherein at least one of the north poles and the south poles is axially spaced from the center of mass.

28. A motor for use with an alternating current electrical outlet, the motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to stator, the rotor having a magnet; and a nutational actuator for nutating the rotor about the axis, the nutational actuator consisting solely of: at least one magnetic member proximate the rotor; an electrically conductive coil about said at least one magnetic member, the coil having first and second opposite ends; and a first prong electrically connected to the first end of the coil and a second prong electrically connected to the second end of the coil, whereby the alternating current flowing through the coil causes the rotor to nutate about the axis defined by the stator.

29. The motor of claim 28 wherein the magnetic member includes a first end portion proximate the rotor.

30. The motor of claim 28 wherein the magnetic member includes first and second end portions angularly spaced 180 degrees from one another on opposite sides of the axis.

31. The motor of claim 28 wherein the at least one circumferential surface of the stator comprises an inner circumferential surface.

32. The motor of claim 28 wherein the at least one circumferential surface of the stator comprises an outer circumferential surface.

33. The motor of claim 28 wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

34. The motor of claim 28 wherein the rotor extends along a rotor axis and wherein the magnet include first and second poles displaced from one another in a direction along the rotor axis.

35. The motor of claim 28 wherein the at least one circumferential surface is resiliently compressible.

36. A motor for use with a source of an alternating electrical current, the motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor having a center of mass and a magnet; a magnetic member proximate the rotor; and an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member, the coil having first and second opposite ends adapted to be electrically connected to the source of alternating electrical current, wherein the rotor gyrates about the center of mass in response to alternating electrical current flowing through the coil.

37. The motor of claim 36 wherein the rotor extends along a rotor axis and wherein the rotor axis extends oblique to the axis of the stator in response to alternating electric current flowing through the coil.

38. The motor of claim 36 wherein the magnet has a north pole and a south pole and wherein at least one of the north pole and the south pole is axially spaced from the center of mass of the rotor.

39. The motor of claim 38 wherein the north pole and the south pole of the magnet are located on a first axial side of the center of mass.

40. The motor of claim 36 including: a first prong configured for insertion into an alternating current electrical outlet and electrically connected to the first end of the coil; and a second prong configured for insertion into the electrical outlet and electrically connected to the second end of the coil.

41. The motor of claim 36 where the stator is formed from a non- magnetic material.

42. The motor of claim 40 including a body supporting the magnetic member, wherein the stator and the body are integrally formed as part of a single unitary structure.

43. A motor for use with a source of an alternating electrical current, the motor comprising: a stator having a first and second circumferential surface portions located about an axis, the first and second circumferential surface portions extending on opposite sides of the axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator and having a magnet; a magnetic member proximate the rotor; and an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member, the coil having first and second opposite ends adapted to be electrically connected to the source of alternating electrical current, wherein the rotor is alternately attracted towards and repelled away from each of the first and second circumferential surface portions in response to alternating electrical current flowing through the coil

44. The motor of claim 43 wherein the first and second circumferential surface portions are non-magnetic.

45. A motor for use with a source of alternating electrical current, the motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis, the stator being formed from a non-magnetic material; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor having a magnet; magnetic member proximate the rotor; and an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member, the coil having first and second opposite ends adapted to be electrically connected to the source of alternating electrical current.

46. The motor of claim 45 including a body supporting the magnetic member, wherein the body and the stator are integrally formed as part of a single unitary structure.

47. A method for rotatably driving a rotor having an axial length, an axial mid-point and first and second portions on opposite axial sides of the axial mid-point, the method comprising: providing a stator having first and second circumferential surface portions located about a first axis, the first and second circumferential surface portions extending on opposite sides of the first axis; positioning the rotor between the first and second circumferential surface portions; and pivoting the rotor about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis of the stator such that the rotor rotates against the first and second circumferential surface portions.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein the first and second circumferential surface portions comprise inner circumferential surface portions.

49. The method of claim 47 wherein the step of pivoting the rotor about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the stator includes alternately applying a force in a first direction and a force in a second substantially opposite direction to the first portion.

50. The method of claim 47 wherein the step of pivoting the rotor about an axis substantially perpendicular to axis of the stator includes alternately forcing the first rotor portion towards the first and second circumferential surface portions of the stator.

51. The motor of claim 50 wherein the step of alternately forcing the first rotor portion includes intermittently attracting the first rotor portion towards the first circumferential surface portion of the stator.

52. The method of claim 50 wherein the step of alternately forcing the first rotor portion of the rotor includes intermittently repelling the second rotor portion away from the first circumferential surface portion of the stator.

53. The method of claim 50 wherein the step of alternately forcing the first rotor portion towards the first circumferential surface portion of the stator includes the steps of: providing one of the rotor and the stator with a magnet; providing the other of the rotor and the stator with a magnetic member; and alternately magnetizing the magnetic member.

54. The method of claim 53 wherein the step of alternately magnetizing the magnetic member includes the step of directing an alternating electrical current about the magnetic member such that magnetic fields from the magnetic member alternately vary.

55. A method for making a motor, the method comprising: providing a magnetic member having an axial end; wrapping an electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member, wherein the magnetic member has first and second opposite ends adapted for being connected to a source of an alternating electrical current; molding a mass of non-magnetic material about the magnetic member and the electrically conductive coil to form a body; forming a stator having an axis within the body proximate the axial end of the magnetic member; and positioning a rotor along the axis of the stator.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein the step of forming a stator having an axis within the body comprises forming a bore in the body.

57. The method of claim 55 wherein the step of forming a bore in the body includes a step of drilling into the body.

58. The method of claim 55 wherein the step of forming a bore in the body includes the step of molding a bore in the body.

59. A motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor having a magnet; a first magnetic member proximate the rotor; a first electrically conductive coil about the first magnetic member; and an intermittent source of electrical current coupled to the first electrically conductive coil, wherein the stator is configured to support the rotor such that the rotor moves in a first direction non-parallel to the axis under the force of gravity and wherein the current flowing through the coil intermittently magnetizes the first magnetic member to apply a force to the rotor to move the rotor in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction and non-parallel to the axis, whereby the rotor nutates about the axis.

60. The motor of claim 59 including: a second magnetic member proximate the rotor; a second electrically conductive coil about the magnetic member; and a second intermittent source of electrical current coupled to the second electrically conductive coil, wherein the first and second intermittent sources of electrical current intermittently and simultaneously supply electrical current to the first and second coils to intermittently and alternatively magnetize the first and second magnetic members to apply forces to the rotor to move the rotor in the second direction, whereby the rotor nutates about the axis.

61. The motor of claim 59 wherein the axis extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

62. The motor of claim 59 wherein the stator is non-magnetic.

63. A motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor having a magnet; at least one magnetic member proximate the rotor; at least one electrically conductive coil about the at least one magnetic member; a source of varying electrical current electrically connected to the at least one electrically conductive coil; and at least one non-magnetic electrically conductive member proximate the at least one magnetic member and configured such that magnetic flux, emitted from the at least one magnetic member as electrical current flows through the at least one electrically conductive coil, flows through the non-magnetic electrically conductive member, whereby varying magnetic flux through the non-magnetic electrically conductive member creates eddy currents therein to generate heat due to an electrical resistance of the non-magnetic electrically conductive member.

64. The motor of claim 63 wherein the stator is configured to support the rotor such that the rotor moves in a first direction non-parallel to the axis under the force of gravity and wherein the source of varying electrical current supplies electrical current to the at least one electrically conductive coil intermittently to intermittently magnetize the magnetic member to apply a force to the rotor to move the rotor in a second opposite direction, whereby the rotor nutates about the axis.

65. The motor of claim 63 wherein the source of electrical current includes: a direct current power source; and an electrical sequencer electrically coupled between the direct current power source and the at least one electrically conductive coil.

66. The motor of claim 63 wherein the stator includes a floor downwardly sloped in the first direction.

67. The motor of claim 63 wherein the stator is non-magnetic.

68. The motor of Claim 63 wherein the non-magnetic electrically conductive member includes a plate portion configured to distribute the heat generated therein across a large surface area.

69. A motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor having a magnet; a first elongate magnetic rod, wherein the first rod has a first end proximate to the rotor; an electrically conductive coil about the first magnetic rod; and a source of varying electrical current electrically coupled to the electrically conductive coil, wherein the varying electrical current flowing through the coil magnetizes the first magnetic rod to apply force to the rotor in at least a first direction during spaced time intervals and wherein heat is generated along the first magnetic rod.

70. A motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor including a magnet attractable material; and a nutational actuator for nutating the rotor about the axis, the nutational actuator consisting solely of: a single magnetic member proximate the rotor; at least one electrically conductive coil about the single magnetic member; and an intermittent source of electrical current coupled to the at least one electrically conductive coil, wherein the stator is configured to support the rotor such that the rotor moves in a first direction non-parallel to the axis under the force of gravity and wherein the current flowing through the coil intermittently magnetizes the single magnetic member to apply a force to the rotor to move the rotor in a second direction different from the first direction and non-parallel to the axis, whereby the motor nutates about the axis.

71. A motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor having a magnet; and a nutational actuator for nutating the rotor about the axis, the nutational actuator consisting solely of: a first magnetic member proximate to the rotor; a second magnetic member proximate the rotor and opposite the first magnetic member; at least one electrically conductive coil about the first and second magnetic members; and an intermittent source of electrical current coupled to the at least one electrically conductive coil, wherein the intermittent current flowing through the at least one coil intermittently magnetizes the first and second magnetic members to apply at least one force to the rotor, whereby the rotor nutates about the axis.

72. A motor comprising: a stator having at least one circumferential surface extending about an axis; a rotor adjacent to the stator, the rotor having a magnet; a first magnetic member proximate the rotor; an electrically conductive coil about the first magnetic member; and an intermittent source of electrical current coupled to the first electrically conductive coil, wherein the stator is configured to support the rotor such that the rotor moves in a first direction non-parallel to the axis under the force of gravity and wherein the current flowing through the coil intermittently magnetizes the magnetic member to apply a force to the rotor in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction and non-parallel to the axis, whereby the rotor nutates about the axis.