Rift Manipulator

The Rift Manipulator was designed by Toshiko Sato of the Torchwood Institute in the hope of controlling the Rift. The Rift is a central component of Torchwood, with almost every episode being based around material or lifeforms which have passed through the Rift. The Torchwood Institute website suggests that Torchwood Three was formed in Cardiff as soon as the Institute became aware of the Rift's presence Torchwood Three has also been described as merely a "monitoring station" for the rift.

Upon the disappearance of Jack and Tosh who had fallen through the rift into 1941. Owen, sick and tired of “living in it’s shadow” Decides to use the Rift machine only to find pieces missing, one is in the possession of Bilis Manger and the other in the safe in Jack’s office. Upon acquiring these parts Owen and Ianto fight which results in the Machine being activated and Owen shot.

With the rift open Jack and Tosh literally walk back into the present day. After these events the team vows never to tamper with the rift and never use the Machine again.