I came across a video on Youtube of a motor that uses toroid stators. I have NEVER seen a motor use toroid stators before.
This motor is called the "E-Orbo" and a company named Steorn is launching it this month.
Here is the link to the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5nae_I_Mus
There are two interesting things about this motor. First, a toroid keeps most of it's flux inside of itself. I never thought that toroids could be used in a motor.
Secondly, the company claims that it does not experience back EMF.
I also see that there are a bunch of folks on Youtube who are trying to replicate it. I might do so myself.
I don’t think the example motor would be very powerful with the wide spacing between poles.
If you are interested in quirky ideas for motor design do a google on the gemini motor. Although it’s been around for years and I can’t say I’ve seen an example in an application yet, I do like the idea behind it. Designer is David Ettridge.