US Patent 7315102 Axial gap motor

An axial gap motor is described which comprises a rotor shaft rotatable about its axis in case. A rotor is fixed to the rotor shaft to rotate therewith. The rotor includes a plurality of magnets. A stator is disposed about the rotor shaft at a position to coaxially face the rotor. The stator includes a plurality of coils. The magnets of the rotor have each opposed pole faces that extend in a direction other than a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of the rotor shaft.