Torque Converter

Abstract

A torque converter for transferring rotational motion between a first axis and a second axis is provided. The torque converter has a first body rotatable about the first axis; a plurality of first magnets mounted to the first body, each of the first magnets having an inner end portion, the inner end portion being located closer to the first axis than to a peripheral portion of the first body; a plurality of first backing plates, each disposed adjacent to the inner end portion of each of the first magnets; a second body rotatable about the second axis; and a plurality of second magnets mounted to the second body. The second magnets magnetically interact with the first magnets to transfer the rotational motion between the first and second axes.

1 . A torque converter for transferring rotational motion between a first axis and a second axis, the torque converter comprising:
 a first body rotatable about the first axis;   a plurality of first magnets mounted to the first body, each of the first magnets having an inner end portion, the inner end portion being located closer to the first axis than to a peripheral portion of the first body;   a plurality of first backing plates, each disposed adjacent to the inner end portion of each of the first magnets;   a second body rotatable about the second axis; and   a plurality of second magnets mounted to the second body,   wherein the second magnets magnetically interact with the first magnets to transfer the rotational motion between the first and second axes.   
     
     
         2 . The converter of  claim 1 , further comprising a magnetic ring disposed around the periphery of the first body. 
     
     
         3 . The converter of  claim 2 , wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-perpendicular. 
     
     
         4 . The converter of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second bodies are separated by a gap. 
     
     
         5 . The converter of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second bodies are separated by a gap. 
     
     
         6 . The converter of  claim 1 , wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-perpendicular. 
     
     
         7 . The converter of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second bodies are separated by a gap. 
     
     
         8 . The converter of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second bodies are separated by a gap. 
     
     
         9 . The converter of  claim 1 , wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-perpendicular.