Nidec Motor Corporation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160111943 | BLOWER MOTOR FOR HVAC SYSTEMS - A blower motor assembly having a variable speed motor that is suitable for replacing a PSC motor in a residential HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The blower motor assembly includes a variable speed motor and motor controller; a first power input for receiving a plurality of AC power signals from a control device for use in determining an operating parameter for the motor; and a second power input for receiving AC power from an AC power source for powering the motor controller even when no AC power signals are received by the first power input. | 04-21-2016 |
20160099672 | INDEPENDENT PATHWAYS FOR DETECTING FAULT CONDITION IN ELECTRIC MOTOR - An electric motor system having substantially independent hardware-based and software-based pathways for detecting and initiating responses to fault conditions, such as over-current conditions, in an electric motor which is powered by a power inverter which is controlled by a power module and a microprocessor. Each pathway involves comparing a voltage, which is representative of an electric current flowing to the motor, to a predetermined maximum voltage, and if the former exceeds the latter using hardware or software to initiate shutting off the motor, such as by shutting off the power inverter. When one pathway detects a fault condition it may notify the other pathway, and the notified pathway may also initiate shutting off the motor. | 04-07-2016 |
20160065103 | MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING INRUSH RESISTOR - A system for protecting an inrush resistor by determining whether an inrush relay connected in parallel with the resistor properly closes. A differential amplifier connected across the resistor produces an output signal that is proportional to the differential voltage. A control block determines whether the relay is open based on the output signal, and if the relay is open and the motor is running, takes remedial action to protect the inrush resistor. Alternatively, the amplifier is replaced with a slow response filter that produces an output signal that is a delayed version of a bus voltage. The control block determines the difference between the bus voltage and the output signal, and if it exceeds a predetermined value and the motor is running, takes remedial action to protect the inrush resistor. Remedial action may include shutting off the motor or restarting the motor to confirm improper behavior of the relay. | 03-03-2016 |
20160056681 | INTEGRATED MOTOR AND CONTROLLER WITH INTERNAL HEAT SINK AND SNAP-ON DRIPSHIELD - An electric motor includes a stator, a rotor rotatable relative to the stator about a rotor axis, a motor case, and a motor controller. The motor case presents a motor chamber in which the stator is located. The motor controller is supported relative to the motor case and includes a heat-producing component external of the motor chamber. A heat sink is thermally coupled with the heat-producing component of the motor controller and is located within the motor chamber. A dripshield cooperates with the motor case to define a controller chamber in which the controller is at least substantially located. The dripshield and motor case present complementary pairs of latch components, with each pair of latch components including a dripshield latch component and a case latch component. Each pair of latch components is automatically interlocked to secure the dripshield on the motor case. | 02-25-2016 |
20160020716 | MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INPUT CURRENT PROTECTION - A motor control system for adjusting motor speed if a current overload condition occurs. The motor control system may include a motor, a power factor correction (PFC) circuit providing current to the motor, and a signal processor. The PFC circuit may limit current provided to the motor based on an output voltage sensed by the PFC circuit. The signal processor may sense input voltage of the PFC circuit to determine a power limit, then compare sensed or calculated drive power of the motor with the power limit. If the drive power sensed or calculated is greater than the power limit, the signal processor may output a signal for reducing the drive power to the power limit. Limiting the drive power provided to the motor limits or decreases a speed of the motor. | 01-21-2016 |
20160006316 | RADIALLY OFFSET MOTOR CONTROL HOUSING - A motor comprising a rotor, a stator, a motor shell, a pair of motor endshields, and a controller housing is provided. The rotor is rotatable about an axis. The stator presents opposite axial ends. The motor shell extends around the axis to at least partly circumscribe the rotor and stator. Each motor endshield is positioned adjacent a respective one of the stator ends and provides support for the rotor. The fastener extends through and interconnects the stator and endshields. The controller housing defines an electronics compartment positioned radially outside the motor shell. The controller housing includes a connector that receives the fastener so as to fix the controller housing to the stator and endshields. | 01-07-2016 |
20160006303 | SPOKED ROTOR FOR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A rotor is provided for use in an electric motor. The rotor includes a shaft assembly rotatable about an axis, a plurality of magnets arranged arcuately about the shaft assembly, and a plurality of pole segments arranged arcuately about the shaft assembly. The pole segments alternate with the magnets, such that each of the magnets is at least in part interposed between adjacent pole segments. The pole segments are magnetically isolated from each other. Furthermore, the shaft assembly is electrically isolated from the pole segments. | 01-07-2016 |
20150381093 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND CONTROLLING A MOTOR - A system including an electric motor and a control software operable to control the operation of a plurality of different types of electric motors. The control software is provided with or identifies a particular control algorithm from among a plurality of such algorithms and/or a particular set of operational parameters from among a plurality of such sets for the motor with which it is assembled. The sets of operational parameters are stored in one or more read-only memories, which may be electrically erasable programmable read-only memories. To identify the particular motor control algorithm and/or the particular set of operational parameters, the control software causes the motor to be energized, senses an actual operating parameter of the motor, and identifies the particular motor control algorithm and/or the particular set of operational parameters based on the sensed actual operating parameter. | 12-31-2015 |
20150381091 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING MOTOR RESISTANCE AND TEMPERATURE - A system and method for determining electrical angles of electric motors at zero and low speeds without using angle sensors, and a system and method for estimating resistances and temperatures in electric motors, wherein the two systems and methods may be used separately or together. When used together, they substantially simultaneously estimate motor flux linkage, magnet flux, and motor resistance. In particular, the estimated magnet flux is used to derive the electrical angle and to estimate an average rotor temperature, and the estimated motor resistance is used to estimate the average stator temperature. A Kalman filter, which may be a linear Kalman filter or a Luenberger observer, is used to update state equations from which various motor parameters can be derived or estimated. The system and method which works for motors operating at zero and low speeds can be combined with systems and methods that work at high speeds. | 12-31-2015 |
20150381090 | SENSORLESS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING MOTOR ANGLE AT ZERO OR LOW SPEEDS - A system and method for determining electrical angles of electric motors at zero and low speeds without using angle sensors, and a system and method for estimating resistances and temperatures in electric motors, wherein the two systems and methods may be used separately or together. When used together, they substantially simultaneously estimate motor flux linkage, magnet flux, and motor resistance. In particular, the estimated magnet flux is used to derive the electrical angle and to estimate an average rotor temperature, and the estimated motor resistance is used to estimate the average stator temperature. A Kalman filter, which may be a linear Kalman filter or a Luenberger observer, is used to update state equations from which various motor parameters can be derived or estimated. The system and method which works for motors operating at zero and low speeds can be combined with systems and methods that work at high speeds. | 12-31-2015 |
20150381086 | FAN MOTOR POWER SUPPLY - A fan having one fan blade; a fan motor for rotating the fan blade; a motor control electrically coupled with the fan motor for controlling operational characteristics of the fan motor; and a power supply having a step-down high efficiency buck converter, a step-down low drop-out linear regulator, and/or a step-down switching regulator are described. The power supply may receive a first input voltage and lower the first input voltage to a second lower voltage. The fan motor is electrically coupled to be driven by the first input voltage and the motor control is electrically coupled to operate using the second lower voltage from the power supply. The motor control may include a microcontroller, level shifters electrically coupled to the microcontroller, and drivers electrically coupled to the level shifters and configured to drive the fan motor. | 12-31-2015 |
20150381022 | STATOR WITH OVERMOLDED CORE AND MOLD FOR PRODUCING SAME - A stator of an electric motor includes a core and a covering overmolded on the core. The mold for overmolding the covering on the core includes first and second cavity-defining portions and pluralities of first and second pins extending at least generally toward opposite ones of the cavity-defining portions. The cavity is configured to receive the core therein. The first pins and the second pins are configured to extend into the cavity when the mold is in the closed position to cooperatively at least in part secure the core in the cavity. | 12-31-2015 |
20150381006 | MOTOR WITH BACKING RING DIECAST IN ROTOR CAN - An electric fan includes a plurality of blades and an electric motor for rotating the blades. The electric motor includes a stator and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator about an axis. The rotor includes a backing ring and a diecast rotor can. The can includes a non-machined sidewall that is diecast integrally as part of the rotor can. The sidewall extends about the axis. The rotor can is diecast in an overlying relationship with at least part of the backing ring, with the sidewall and backing ring being securely interengaged so as to restrict relative shifting therebetween. | 12-31-2015 |
20150380998 | MOTOR HAVING SPOKED OUTER ROTOR WITH SPACED APART POLE SEGMENTS - An electric motor is provided. The electric motor comprises a stator and a rotor rotatable about an axis and spaced at least in part radially outside the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of arcuately spaced apart pole segments, a plurality of arcuately spaced apart magnets alternately arranged with the pole segments such that each of the pole segments is positioned between an adjacent pair of the magnets, a rotor can at least in part supporting the pole segments and the magnets, and a plurality of pegs. Each of the pole segments defines an opening therethrough and includes a generally arcuately extending wall structure positioned radially outside of and at least in part defining the opening. Each of the pegs extends through a corresponding one of the openings to secure a corresponding one of the pole segments relative to the can. | 12-31-2015 |
20150377241 | LARGE DIAMETER FAN HAVING LOW PROFILE RADIAL AIR GAP MOTOR - An electric fan includes blades and an outer rotor motor for rotating the blades. The motor includes a rotor rotatable about an axis and a generally toroidal stator including a core and electrically conductive wiring wound about the core. The rotor is rotatable about an axis. The rotor includes a rotor can and a plurality of arcuately arranged magnets fixed relative to the can. The blades are mounted to the can. The core includes a yoke and a plurality of arcuately spaced apart teeth extending from the yoke. The teeth cooperatively present an outer radial margin of the core. Each of the magnets is spaced radially outwardly from the radial margin such that the core and the magnets cooperatively define a circumferentially extending radial gap therebetween. The motor defines at least ten poles. Each of the coils has an axial thickness of about 5 mm or less. | 12-31-2015 |
20150376829 | ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED SWITCH FOR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A system in which the operation of an electric motor is controlled by electronically controlled switches. The system includes the motor having a run winding and a start winding, a heating component, and a motor control subsystem. A control unit closes a first switch to energize the run winding, closes a second switch to energize the start winding, determines based on an amplitude and a lag time of a current flowing through the motor whether the motor has started and is running normally, and if so, opens the second switch to de-energize the start winding and closes a third switch to activate the heating component. The control unit determines whether the motor has started and is running normally by comparing the real time amplitude and lag time of the current to a plurality of stored amplitudes and lag times associated with different operating conditions. | 12-31-2015 |
20150365026 | SINGLE-SHUNT CURRENT SENSING FOR MULTI-PHASE MOTOR - A motor controller for providing a three-phase alternating current (AC) signal to a three-phase motor. The motor controller uses current feedback from a single shunt to monitor or control the three phase AC signal. The motor controller may include a three-phase DC to AC power inverter, a single-shunt current sensor, and a processor. During individual duty cycles when two or more phase signals are too close to each other, the processor may shift one of the phase signals in time so that its leading or trailing edges are a predetermined conflict time away from each other. Then, the processor may sample current from the single-shunt current sensor to determine currents of two of the three phase signals and then calculate current of a remaining one of the three phase signals. Sample times may depend on pulse widths and shifting of the phase signals. | 12-17-2015 |
20150365023 | MOTOR INTERFACE CONTROLLER HAVING AN INTEGRATED POWER SUPPLY - A motor assembly broadly includes a motor, a motor controller, and an interface controller having an integrated power supply. The integrated power supply includes an AC to DC power conversion and voltage reduction component. The motor controller and the interface controller receive line voltage electrical power without the need for an external transformer. | 12-17-2015 |
20150349685 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STARTING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A system and method for starting electric motors. A controller attempts to start a motor without applying a brake to the rotor. If the motor fails to start, the controller applies a strength of braking and then again attempts to start the motor. If the motor still fails to start, the controller iteratively increases the strength of braking and attempts to start the motor until a maximum strength of braking and/or a maximum number of attempts to start the motor is reached. Alternatively, a sensing system first determines whether the rotor is rotating. If the rotor is rotating, the sensing system determines the speed of rotation, the controller determines a strength of braking that will halt the rotation based on the speed of rotation, applies that strength of braking to halt the rotation of the rotor, and then attempts to start the motor. | 12-03-2015 |
20150349604 | SIDE-MOUNTED INTEGRATED MOTOR CONDUIT AND INTERFACE BOX - An electric motor is provided. The motor includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is rotatable about an axis. The motor has a motor case fixed relative to the stator. An integrated conduit and interface box houses a power terminal and a user interface. The user interface is operable to permit a user to selectively vary a motor condition. The box is positioned substantially radially outside the motor case. | 12-03-2015 |
20150325395 | Centrifugal Actuator Switch With A Limiter For Spring Movement - A centrifugal actuator switch includes a sleeve having a collar on which two protuberances are formed. Each protuberance engages a biasing member to limit movement of the biasing member when weighted lever arms of the switch are extended by centrifugal force as they rotate at a predetermined rotational speed. | 11-12-2015 |
20150318752 | MOTOR WITH SEALED CONTROLLER HOUSING - An electric motor is provided. The motor is mountable to a machine. The motor includes a rotor rotatable about an axis, a stator, a housing, and a fastener. The housing includes a first endshield and a controller can, with the stator being positioned axially between the endshield and the can. The fastener extends through and interconnects the first endshield, the stator, and the can. The fastener projects axially beyond at least one of the first endshield and the can for connection to the machine. | 11-05-2015 |
20150296050 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTING AND WIRELESSLY PROGRAMMING A MOTOR - A system for wirelessly programming and diagnosing a motor includes a server computer system, a portable electronic device, and a wireless communication device. The server computer system stores motor operating parameters and other motor data that can be accessed by the portable electronic device over a wireless communication network for identifying a suitable replacement motor for an unserviceable motor. The server computer system also generates motor programming instructions for programming the replacement motor to emulate the unserviceable motor. The portable electronic device wirelessly transmits the motor programming instructions to the wireless communication device for storing the motor programming instructions on a memory of a controller of the replacement motor so that the replacement motor will emulate the unserviceable motor. | 10-15-2015 |
20150257626 | OFFSET INLET DISHWASHER PUMPS - A dishwasher pump assembly according to one example embodiment includes a pump having a housing and a pumping chamber within the housing. The pumping chamber includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet has a center axis. The assembly also includes a motor having a shaft operably coupled to the pump for rotating the pump. The shaft has a center axis that is offset from the center axis of the fluid inlet. Other embodiments, assemblies and methods are also disclosed. | 09-17-2015 |
20150256054 | Ground Ring And Enclosure In An Electric Motor - An enclosure for a ground ring includes an enclosure housing configured to accept a ground ring and hold the ground ring in a predetermined position around a shaft that is electrically connected to a drive shaft of an electric motor. The ground ring having a first opening for the drive shaft and the enclosure housing has a second opening for the drive shaft. The enclosure includes an attachment configured to hold the enclosure housing around the shaft to dissipate an electrical charge and to form a cavity that contains the ground ring and includes a predetermined gap between a perimeter of the second opening of the enclosure and a surface of the drive shaft. | 09-10-2015 |
20150229187 | INTERNAL ROTOR SENSOR HAVING ADJUSTABLE SENSOR CARRIER - An electric motor is provided. A rotor sensor mechanism is operable to sense a condition of the rotor. The rotor sensor mechanism includes a target component, a radial sensor, and a sensor carrier. The target component comprises a shutter wheel fixed relative to the rotor for rotational movement therewith. The shutter wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially projecting radial target teeth. The radial sensor is configured to sense the target teeth. The radial sensor is at least generally axially aligned with the radial target teeth and faces radially toward the radial target teeth. The sensor carrier adjustably supports the radial sensor on the motor frame assembly so as to permit the radial sensor to be selectively positioned relative to the radial target teeth. | 08-13-2015 |
20150229180 | TAPERED BEARING HOUSING AT COUPLED END OF CLOSE-COUPLED MOTOR - An electric motor is provided. The rotor includes a rotor shaft, with a bearing rotatably supporting the rotor shaft. A bearing housing is interposed between the bearing and the motor frame assembly. The bearing housing is releasably connected to the motor frame assembly so as to be selectively secured in supporting relationship with the bearing and thereby the rotor. The motor frame assembly includes a circumferentially extending support face. The bearing housing presents a circumferentially extending engagement face which engages the support face when the bearing housing is in the supporting relationship. At least one of the faces is axially tapered to facilitate axial movement of the bearing into the supporting relationship. | 08-13-2015 |
20150229179 | ROTOR SHAFT JACK - An electric motor is provided. The motor includes a motor frame assembly including a motor frame and a motor housing. A stator is fixed relative to the motor frame assembly. A rotor including a rotor shaft is mounted in the motor frame assembly for rotational movement relative to the motor frame assembly about an axis. A rotor jack is operable to selectively support the rotor shaft. The rotor jack is shiftably coupled relative to the motor frame assembly for movement between a support position, in which the jack is shifted into supporting contact with the rotor shaft, and a retracted position, in which the jack is spaced from the rotor shaft. | 08-13-2015 |
20150229167 | STATOR CAGE FOR LARGE MOTOR - An electric motor is provided. The stator includes a core and a stator cage. The stator core is comprised of a plurality of axially stacked laminations. The stator cage includes a pair of end plates positioned adjacent the axial ends of the rotor core. The stator cage also includes at least one axially extending bar that interconnects the end plates. The stator core, the end plates, and the at least one bar are interconnected to form an integral body that is supported on the motor frame. The at least one bar presents opposite ends and includes a bore that projects axially from one of the ends. The bore is exposed to facilitate lifting of the stator. | 08-13-2015 |
20150214806 | Actuator Overspeed Guard - A location and retention component is provided for positively locating an overspeed guard and retaining a centrifugal actuator at an optimum positional relationship relative to each other. The system includes a first and second retention element removably engagable to the output shaft of a motor and axially fixable to the shaft at corresponding locations to maintain the optimum positional relationship. The first retention element serves as a positive stop for assembling the overspeed guard on the motor shaft, while the second retention element ensures that the centrifugal actuator is properly placed within the overspeed guard. | 07-30-2015 |
20150180298 | MOTOR STATOR WITH REDUCED COIL CONFIGURATION - A motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a segmented stator comprising magnetically isolated core segments. | 06-25-2015 |
20150145361 | INTEGRATED DIRCT DRIVE MOTOR AND CONTROL - An outer rotor motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a rotor and a stator. A control board assembly configured to control at least one operational characteristic of the motor is mounted at least in part radially inside the stator. | 05-28-2015 |
20150130315 | MOTOR/GENERATOR WITH COMBINATION CLUTCH AND BEARING ARRANGEMENT - An electric motor or generator is provided. The motor or generator includes a rotor component rotatable about an axis, a stator, and a support assembly supporting the rotor component and the stator. The support assembly includes a shaft component rotatable about an axis and a bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the rotor component on the shaft component. The bearing arrangement includes a one-way bearing configured such that a first one of the components transmits torque to a second one of the components when the first component rotates in a first direction and the second component does not rotate in the first direction relative to the first component. | 05-14-2015 |
20150130314 | MOUNTING BASE FOR MOTOR/GENERATOR - A motor or generator assembly including a motor or generator machine and mounting structure supporting the machine on an appliance is provided. The machine presents an axially extending, radially outermost circumferential face and a pair of axially spaced apart, radially projecting axial margins. The mounting structure includes a pair of at least substantially radially extending plates and a base configured for connection to the appliance. The plates extend at least in part adjacent respective ones of the axial margins and at least in part define a machine-receiving space therebetween. The machine is mounted on the brackets so as to be positioned at least in part in the machine-receiving space. The base is positioned at least substantially radially outside the circumferential face of the machine and presents a pair of axially spaced apart side faces, with each of the plates being secured against a respective one of the side faces. | 05-14-2015 |
20150130308 | MOTOR/GENERATOR WITH COMBINATION CLUTCH AND BEARING ARRANGEMENT - An electric motor or generator is provided. The motor or generator includes a rotor component rotatable about an axis, a stator, and a support assembly supporting the rotor component and the stator. The support assembly includes a shaft component rotatable about an axis and a bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the rotor component on the shaft component. The bearing arrangement includes a one-way bearing configured such that a first one of the components transmits torque to a second one of the components when the first component rotates in a first direction and the second component does not rotate in the first direction relative to the first component. | 05-14-2015 |
20150130307 | HIGH INERTIA STAMPED ROTOR CAN - An outer rotor motor or generator is provided. The motor or generator includes a stator and a rotor rotatable about an axis. The rotor includes a stamped rotor can and an inertia ring. The stamped rotor can includes a generally radially extending base and a generally axially extending sidewall extending from the base to present radially innermost and radially outermost faces. The inertia ring at least in part overlies at least one of the radially innermost and radially outermost faces. The inertia ring is fixed to the rotor can to rotate therewith. The inertia ring is configured to increase the rotational inertia of the rotor about the axis. | 05-14-2015 |
20150091396 | End Shield With Extrusions For Mounting The End Shield To A Stator Stack - A mounting feature plate rigidly mounts a mounting feature to a stator of an electrical motor in proximity to an end shield to help maintain a predetermined air gap between a rotor and a stator in the electrical motor. The mounting feature plate includes a planar member, an offset member extending from the planar member that has a mounting feature configured to mount an electrical motor within an appliance, and a pair of flanges extending from the planar member. Each of the flanges has an opening with a cylindrical extrusion aligned with and extending from the opening. The extrusions are configured to be received within a mounting hole within a stator to enable a bolt to pass through the opening and the extrusion and be received within the mounting hole in the stator. | 04-02-2015 |
20150076955 | DUAL-OUT STATOR LAMINATION FOR OUTER ROTOR MOTOR - A stator formed of a dual-out stator lamination is disclosed. The stator comprises a generally annular core including a plurality of arcuately spaced apart teeth. Each of the teeth includes a generally radially extending leg and a head extending generally arcuately relative to the leg to present opposite head ends spaced from the leg. The head presents a tooth head height measured in at least a substantially radial direction. Each adjacent pair of said heads is spaced apart by a generally arcuate slot opening distance defined between the adjacent ends of the pair of heads. The ratio of each tooth head height to each adjacent slot opening distance is at least about twenty-eight hundredths (0.28). | 03-19-2015 |
20150076954 | WEDGE FOR STATOR HAVING OVERMOLDED INSULATION - A stator for use in an electric motor is disclosed. The stator comprises an annular core, a plurality of wedges, and a plurality of wedge-retaining structures. The core includes a plurality of arcuately spaced apart teeth. Each of the teeth includes a generally radial leg and a head projecting from the leg to present a pair of arcuately spaced apart head ends. A slot opening is defined between the opposed head ends of each adjacent pair of teeth. Each of the wedges is received within a corresponding slot opening. Each wedge-retaining structure is at least in part fixed relative to the core and cooperates with a respective one of the wedges to compressibly retain the respective wedge between the head ends. | 03-19-2015 |
20150076933 | STATOR TOOTH WIRE RETENTION WINGS - An overmolded stator for use in an electric motor is disclosed. The stator core includes a yoke and a plurality of arcuately spaced apart teeth extending at least substantially radially from the yoke. Each of the teeth presents opposite axially spaced apart endmost surfaces, a leg extending generally radially from the yoke, and a head extending generally arcuately relative to the leg to present opposite head ends spaced from the leg. A pair of wire retention wings extend at least substantially circumferentially outwardly relative to each of the teeth. | 03-19-2015 |
20140265742 | MULTIPLE SPEED MOTOR WITH THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTION - An electric motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator has a plurality of low speed windings and a plurality of separate high speed windings. A first type of thermal overload protector is coupled with at least one of the low speed windings and a second type of thermal overload protector is coupled with at least one of the high speed windings. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265715 | Electrical Motor With Adjustable Stator Stack Height And Reduced Yoke Diameter - A stator is formed from two stacks of laminations have different outer perimeters to enable electrical motors with different output ratings to be built with a same hub-to-hub distance. The stator includes a first plurality of laminations having a first outer perimeter with at least two flanges with mounting holes, and a second plurality of laminations having a second outer perimeter that is different than the first outer perimeter. The second outer perimeter of the laminations in the second plurality of laminations are configured to enable a portion of an endplate to pass the second plurality of laminations and contact a face of the first plurality of laminations. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264109 | REDUCED NOISE VALVE MECHANISM - A valve assembly is provided to control the flow of a fluid therethrough. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a pressure-regulating assembly. The valve body defines an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending therebetween. The pressure-regulating assembly includes a longitudinally extending piston tube, a venturi element, and a vent. The piston tube is shiftably mounted in the valve body and at least in part defines an outer chamber. The flow path extends through the piston tube. The venturi element is disposed in the flow path. The vent fluidly interconnects the flow path and the outer chamber such that a pressure drop associated with fluid flow through the venturi element draws fluid from the outer chamber through the vent and into the flow path. | 09-18-2014 |
20140232214 | DIRECT DRIVE ROTOR WITH METAL COUPLER - A rotor for an outer rotor-type motor is provided. The rotor includes a metallic coupler and a polymeric frame molded over at least part of the metallic coupler. | 08-21-2014 |
20140210391 | SENSORLESS MOTOR CONTROL - An electric motor control system includes a power inverter and control circuitry configured to control the power inverter either according to a target voltage in a voltage-based control mode or according to a target current in a current-based control mode. A controller is operable to switch operation of the control circuitry between the voltage-based control mode and the current-based control mode. The controller may be configured to operate the control circuitry in the current-based control mode at lower motor operating speeds where stator current margin is of greater significance, and to operate the control circuitry in the voltage-based control mode at higher motor operating speeds where stator voltage margin is of greater significance. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210383 | SENSORLESS MOTOR BRAKING SYSTEM - An electric motor control system includes a motor control circuit for generating a motor control signal and a braking mechanism for adjusting the motor control signal to augment motor losses when the motor control circuit is in a braking mode. The braking mechanism includes a difference component for receiving a first signal containing motor reference speed information, for receiving a second signal containing actual speed information, and for generating a third signal containing information indicating a difference between the reference speed and the actual speed. An integrating component integrates the third signal and generates a fourth signal representing the integrated third signal. The fourth signal may augment a voltage control signal in a voltage-based control circuit or may augment a flux-producing component of a current control signal in a current-based control circuit. The electric motor control circuit may include multiple braking mechanisms for use in different modes of operation. | 07-31-2014 |
20140174490 | TAPPED AUXILIARY WINDING DISHWASHER MOTOR - A motor assembly comprises an electric motor and a motor controller. The motor includes a stator; a rotor; a main winding; a first auxiliary winding; a second auxiliary winding; a capacitor; a first tap point between the main winding and the first auxiliary winding; and a second tap point between the first and second auxiliary windings. The motor controller may energize the first tap point so that the first and second auxiliary windings are in series with the capacitor and the first and second auxiliary windings and the capacitor are in parallel with the main winding to provide a relatively higher motor speed or may energize the second tap point so that only the second auxiliary winding is in series with the capacitor and the second auxiliary winding and the capacitor are in parallel with the main winding to provide a relatively lower motor speed. | 06-26-2014 |
20140167544 | Frequency Altering Brace For An Electric Motor - A vibration dampening brace for a motor enables altering the stiffness and reed critical frequency of a combined system of the motor and driven equipment without removal of the motor from a motor stand or support structure. The vibration dampening brace includes a first member configured to engage a portion of a housing of an electrical motor and a second member operatively connected to the first member to stiffen the bending moment of the electrical motor housing, resulting in the housing moving less with the vibrations generated by the combined system of the motor and the driven equipment. The vibration dampening brace alters the RCF of the motor system by a predetermined amount to modify the RCF of the combined system and ensure that the RCF of the combined system is outside a range of vibration frequencies that would amplify the motor vibrations. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166844 | Frequency Altering Brace For An Electric Motor - A support brace for a motor enables altering the stiffness and reed critical frequency of a motor system without removal of the motor from a motor stand or support structure. The support brace includes a first flange configured to mount to an electrical motor housing, and a second flange configured to mount to a supporting fixture. The flanges are connected by a member that extends between the flanges and is configured to increase a stiffness of the electrical motor to modify a resonance frequency of the electrical motor. | 06-19-2014 |
20140162502 | MOTOR PROGRAMMING TOOL WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED PCB - A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The programming tool includes circuitry disposed in the tool body. The circuitry is electrically connected to the wiring and includes a power transmission portion and a data transmission portion. | 06-12-2014 |
20140139166 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SELECTING AND PROGRAMMING REPLACEMENT MOTORS - Methods and systems for replacing HVAC blower motors and other electric motors are disclosed including systems and methods for gathering and storing information about motors that may need to be replaced, systems and methods for selecting replacement motors, and systems and methods for programming the replacement motors. The systems and methods allow a select few replacement motors to be programmed to replace nearly any original motor. | 05-22-2014 |
20140139151 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND ASSEMBLIES FOR DETECTING STOPPAGE OF ELECTRIC MOTORS - A motor controller for an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The motor controller includes a power input for receiving AC power from a power source; a control input for receiving a control signal from a control; and circuitry for switching power from the power source to the electric motor in response to the control signal. The circuitry is operable to: apply a driving waveform to the stator to cause rotation of the rotor; remove the driving waveform from the stator to cause the rotor to coast and eventually stop; apply a stop detection waveform to the stator while the rotor is coasting, wherein the stop detection waveform induces a waveform on the rotor which in turn induces a waveform back to the stator while the rotor is rotating; and monitor the stator to detect a characteristic of the waveform induced back to the stator to detect when the rotor has substantially stopped rotating. | 05-22-2014 |
20140132185 | System And Method For Variable Speed Motor Control With A Single Control Signal - In a motor control system, a controller generates a single control signal for a motor control unit in a first electric motor and another motor control unit in a second electric motor. The motor control units in the first and second electric motors operate the first and second electric motors at a first rate in response to the control signal being at a first level. The motor control unit in the first electric motor operates the first electric motor at a second rate and the motor control unit in the second electric motor operates the second electric motor at a third rate in response to the control signal being at a second level, the third rate being different than the second rate. | 05-15-2014 |
20140132110 | CONNECTION FOR MOTOR STATOR SEGMENTS - A motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a segmented stator and a resiliently flexible clip. The stator includes a core having spaced apart arms and a yoke. The arms define an opening therebetween, and the yoke spans the opening. The clip is removably retained on the core so as to apply pressure against each arm toward the yoke such that the arms are retained in contact with the yoke. | 05-15-2014 |
20140132106 | MOTOR HAVING BRIDGED STATOR WITH SEARCH COIL - A motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a bridged stator. | 05-15-2014 |
20140127060 | APPLIANCE PUMP WITH ANGLED FLOW PATH AND AXIAL FLOW IMPELLER - A household appliance includes a tub, in which a liquid is at least temporarily contained, and a pump assembly for effecting liquid flow within the tub. The pump assembly includes a housing including a flow path portion that is integrally formed and defines an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending between and interconnecting the inlet and the outlet. The flow path portion defines a turn, such that at least part of the flow path extends in a direction that is oriented at an angle relative to the inlet axis. The pump assembly includes an impeller rotatable about an impeller axis. The impeller includes a plurality of blades extending at least substantially radially from the impeller axis and configured to propel a fluid at least substantially axially thereby. The impeller is positioned in the flow path adjacent the inlet such that the impeller axis and the inlet axis are at least substantially parallel or at least substantially aligned. | 05-08-2014 |
20140125189 | 3-PHASE PERMANENT MAGNET MOTOR OR GENERATOR HAVING VARIABLE STATOR TEETH - An electric motor or generator machine is provided. The machine includes a rotor rotatable about an axis, as well as a stator. The stator includes a stator core and wiring wound around the stator core. The stator core includes a plurality of arcuately spaced apart alternating primary teeth and secondary teeth, such that each secondary tooth is spaced between a corresponding pair of primary teeth. The wiring is wound about the primary teeth to form a plurality of coils. The plurality of coils includes an A-phase coil, a B-phase coil, and a C-phase coil. Each of the primary teeth includes a generally radially extending primary arm and a generally arcuately extending primary crown. Each of the primary crowns spans one hundred sixty (160) to two hundred (200) electrical degrees. | 05-08-2014 |
20140117783 | MOTOR PROGRAMMING TOOL - A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The tool body includes a shiftable locking mechanism operable to selectively secure the tool body relative to the electrical connection block of the motor. The locking mechanism includes a pivotable latch moveable between an open position, wherein the connecting assemblies are freely moveable into and out of contact with the motor terminals, and a closed position, wherein at least a portion of the pivotable latch is in contact with the motor and the connecting assemblies are restricted from moving out of contact with the motor terminals. | 05-01-2014 |
20140112808 | AXIAL FLOW PUMP WITH INTEGRATED MOTOR - An appliance containing a motorized appliance pump is provided. The appliance pump includes an integrated motor. The pump is an axial flow pump operable to move fluid along a fluid passageway. | 04-24-2014 |
20140111124 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BRAKING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A motor controller for an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The motor controller includes a power input for receiving AC power from a power source; a control input for receiving a control signal from a control; and circuitry for switching power from the power source to the electric motor in response to the control signal. The circuitry is operable to: apply a braking waveform to the stator while the rotor is rotating; monitor a reactive power of the stator; detect an increase in the reactive power of the stator to determine the rotor has substantially stopped rotating; and remove the braking waveform from the stator in response to detecting the increase in the reactive power. | 04-24-2014 |
20140109429 | Dryer Motor and Control - A drying device has been developed having a single electric motor configured to drive a drum and directly drive an air blower. The single electric motor is a non-line frequency electric motor. The drum is coupled to a support frame to enable rotation of the drum relative the support frame. The drum has an interior space for holding a load of articles, such as clothing. The motor includes a controller configured to regulate the angular velocity of the output shaft of the motor with reference to the current drawn by the motor. | 04-24-2014 |
20140072464 | INTEGRATED ENDSHIELD AND PUMP VOLUTE FOR AN ELECTRIC PUMP AND METHOD OF FORMING AN ELECTRIC PUMP - An electric pump comprises a stator, a rotor, and an endshield. The interface plate is fixed to the stator and is configured to couple the electric motor to a pump. The pump volute is formed as an integral portion of the endshield, thereby minimizing the axial length of the electric pump. A drainage passageway is provided on the endshield to harmlessly drain away any fluid that seeps past the pump's seals. In one embodiment of the invention, the drainage passageway is a groove that faces the stator and is configured to facilitate the evaporation of and leak fluid by channeling the fluid near the stator, which warms the fluid and thereby increases the fluid's evaporation rate. | 03-13-2014 |
20140059759 | Automatic Liquid Handling and Temperature Control for a Spa - A spa includes a housing forming a vessel, an opening formed in the vessel, a valve fluidly coupled to the opening, a liquid sensor configured to measure an amount of liquid in the vessel, and a controller operatively connected to the valve and the liquid sensor. The controller operates the valve to drain liquid the vessel through the opening, and operates the valve to fill the vessel with liquid from a liquid source when a predetermined amount of liquid has drained from the vessel. | 03-06-2014 |
20140055063 | ELECTRIC MOTOR AND MOTOR CONTROL - Various embodiments of an electric motor and electronic control for an electric motor are disclosed. An exemplary electric motor comprises a single-phase brushless permanent magnet electric motor. In exemplary embodiments, the electronic motor control is configured to commutate an electric motor at a frequency other than line frequency, perform pulse width modulation, and drive the electric motor with a drive waveform that approximates the counter-electromotive force of the motor. | 02-27-2014 |
20140035418 | MOTOR STATOR WITH REDUCED COIL CONFIGURATION - A motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a segmented stator comprising magnetically isolated core segments. | 02-06-2014 |
20140030121 | Electric Motor Having a Partially Sealed Housing - An electric motor has been developed that includes a housing to prevent particles from exiting one compartment of the motor, while enabling air flow through another compartment of the motor. The enclosed compartment includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of electronics components to prevent debris produced by a catastrophic failure of an electronic component from escaping the housing. Vents are provided in a separate portion of the housing to enable air to circulate about the primary components of the motor. | 01-30-2014 |
20140010642 | LOW NOISE STATOR OF AN ELECTRIC MOTOR OR GENERATOR AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME - A stator of an electric motor or generator comprises a core formed of ferromagnetic material having a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially about an axis. In one aspect of the invention, at least one retaining member connects the end portions of at least two of the teeth to each other in a manner inhibiting relative movement between said tooth end portions. By inhibiting relative movement between said tooth end portions, vibration is reduced. Vibration can also be reduced by welding interior surfaces of a core to each other. Reducing the vibration reduces the noise emissions of the stator during operation. | 01-09-2014 |
20130343905 | PUMP MOTOR CONTROL ASSEMBLY - A pump motor assembly operable to provide driving power to a fluid pump includes a rotor, a stator, a case housing the rotor and the stator, and a control assembly mounted to the case and operable to control motor operation. The control assembly includes an information display and a cover overlying the display, with a window section in general alignment with the display. The control assembly also includes a filler plate underlying the window section to prevent any air gap along an underside thereof, allowing the display to be visible while reducing the risk of condensation buildup. The control assembly further includes a low voltage housing with the display disposed in a first compartment defined thereby, and a high voltage housing with a high voltage component disposed in a second compartment defined thereby. The low voltage housing includes a thermal and fluid barrier that substantially fluidly separates the first and second compartments to reduce the risk of liquid electrical conduction therebetween and to reduce heat transfer into the low voltage housing. | 12-26-2013 |
20130292235 | WATERPROOF SWITCH HAVING UNIFORM TACTILE FEEL - A manually operated switch assembly is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a housing, a switch mechanism, and an actuator assembly. The switch mechanism is housed within the housing and is configured to open or close a circuit upon actuation. The actuator assembly is shiftably supported by the housing and generally includes a depressible actuator and a stability element. The actuator presents an actuator length and serves to actuate the switch mechanism when depressed. The stability element is configured to ensure that the actuator moves substantially uniformly along the actuator length when the actuator is depressed such that actuation of the switch mechanism is facilitated regardless of where the actuator is depressed along the actuator length. The switch assembly may be waterproofed, and be formed, at least in part, by a curable liquid sealant supplied to the switch assembly from a single fluid source. | 11-07-2013 |
20130278094 | INTEGRATED DIRECT DRIVE MOTOR AND CONTROL - An outer rotor motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a rotor and a stator. A control board assembly configured to control at least one operational characteristic of the motor is mounted at least in part radially inside the stator. | 10-24-2013 |
20130265698 | REMOTE CONTROL FOR HIGH HUMIDITY ENVIRONMENTS - A remote control is provided for use in a high humidity environment. More particularly, the remote control includes a foam insert configured to at least substantially fill a space in an interior compartment of the remote control to prevent formation of condensate in the space. The foam insert is also configured to exert a force against a control board in the interior compartment, thereby fixing the control board within the remote control. The remote control housing comprises a pair of enclosures. A plurality of latch components and a polymer bead are provided to cooperatively secure the enclosures to each other, with the bead providing an at least substantially continuous seal between the interior compartment and the environment. | 10-10-2013 |
20130187500 | DIRECT MACHINE MOUNTING FOR INSULATED STATOR OF OUTER ROTOR MOTOR - Mounting structure is provided for support of a motor within a machine. More particularly, the mounting structure is configured for the support of a stator within the machine, with the mounting structure preventing axial and rotational movement of the stator relative thereto. | 07-25-2013 |
20130162095 | SEGMENTED STATOR ASSEMBLIES HAVING END CAPS - Segmented stator assemblies having a plurality of stator segments and a plurality of end caps are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a segmented stator assembly includes a plurality of stator segments and a plurality of end caps. Each stator segment has a yoke portion and a tooth portion extending from the yoke portion. Each end cap is positioned over one of the stator segments. Each end cap includes a body portion positioned at least partially over the yoke portion of its associated stator segment. At least one of the body portions includes at least a first post that cooperates with a post of an adjacent end cap to define a first wire management tie-down. The stator assembly further includes a stator wire coupled to the first wire management tie-down. Stator assemblies and end caps having other wire management and routing features are also disclosed. | 06-27-2013 |
20130140926 | MOUNTING CAP FOR INSULATED STATOR OF OUTER ROTOR MOTOR - A mounting cap is provided for use with an insulated stator of an outer rotor motor. The mounting cap is configured to support the stator and is fixed to the stator to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The mounting cap includes mounting structure configured to fix the mounting cap to the machine, such that the stator is fixed to and supported on the machine by the mounting cap. Furthermore, the mounting cap is configured to facilitate routing of wiring associated with the stator. | 06-06-2013 |
20130126318 | ILLUMINATED THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ASSEMBLY - An electric switch assembly comprises a circuit board; a light source mounted on the circuit board; a thumbwheel knob rotatably mounted on the circuit board; a transparent surface that moves with the thumbwheel knob and on which a symbol is applied or formed; and a light guide for directing light from the light source to the transparent surface to illuminate the symbol. | 05-23-2013 |
20130095685 | MOTOR PROGRAMMING TOOL - A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The tool body includes a shiftable locking mechanism operable to selectively secure the tool body relative to the electrical connection block of the motor. The locking mechanism includes a pivotable latch moveable between an open position, wherein the connecting assemblies are freely moveable into and out of contact with the motor terminals, and a closed position, wherein at least a portion of the pivotable latch is in contact with the motor and the connecting assemblies are restricted from moving out of contact with the motor terminals. | 04-18-2013 |
20130082579 | DIRECT DRIVE ROTOR WITH METAL COUPLER - A rotor for an outer rotor-type motor is provided. The rotor includes a metallic coupler and a polymeric frame molded over at least part of the metallic coupler. | 04-04-2013 |
20120313468 | MOTOR ENDSHIELD WITH CAPACITOR RETENTION STRUCTURE - An electric motor endshield includes a plate and a capacitor-mounting assembly particularly suitable for secure attachment to a capacitor. The mounting assembly includes a lug presenting a capacitor-engaging projection spaced outwardly from the endshield plate. The capacitor-engaging projection presents an inner face in an opposed relationship to the endshield plate to define a capacitor-retaining space therebetween. A peripheral lip of the capacitor housing is received within the capacitor-retaining space, and the housing lip engages the capacitor-engaging projection. The mounting assembly provides secure attachment of the capacitor to the endshield, thereby preventing inadvertent detachment of the capacitor during operation of motor. | 12-13-2012 |
20120274173 | ALIGNMENT OF SEGMENTED STATORS FOR ELECTRIC MACHINES - A stator segment for a segmented stator of an electric machine includes insulative material configured for overlapping with insulative material of an adjacent stator segment to provide continuous insulation along a joint between the adjacent stator segments. Additionally, or alternatively, the stator segment can include one or more alignment tabs configured to engage a surface of an adjacent stator segment to inhibit relative axial movement between adjacent stator segments. | 11-01-2012 |
20120256504 | ELECTRIC MOTOR HAVING FLUID CIRCULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR COOLING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - An electric motor having a housing, a stator mounted in the housing, and a rotor mounted in the housing for rotation relative to the stator about a central axis. A plurality of fluid flow passages extend through the rotor between opposite ends. An electro-magnetic drive system is adapted for driving rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. A fluid circulation system is in fluid communication with the fluid flow passages for providing fluid flow from the first end of the rotor to the second end of the rotor through at least one of the fluid flow passages and fluid flow from the second end of the rotor to the first end of the rotor through at least one other of the fluid flow passages. The rotor and components of the fluid circulation system can be assembled to make a rotor assembly | 10-11-2012 |
20120230839 | HVAC BLOWER MOTOR WITH SPEED SENSOR - An HVAC system includes a heating/cooling element; an electric motor; a speed sensor; and a control device. The heating/cooling element may include a heating element, and/or a cooling element, and associated heat exchangers. The electric motor has a rotatable shaft coupled with a blower wheel for blowing air over the heating/cooling element. The speed sensor is provided for sensing a rotational speed of the motor shaft and thus the blower wheel. The speed sensor comprises a magnet coupled with the motor shaft for rotation therewith; and a coil assembly mounted concentrically over the magnet and operable to generate an alternating signal when the magnet rotates relative to the coil. The alternating signal has an electrical characteristic that is generally proportional to the rotational speed of the shaft. The control device receives the alternating signal from the speed sensor and calculates or otherwise determines a rotational speed of the motor shaft and disables operation of the heating/cooling element when the alternating signal indicates that the rotational speed of the shaft drops below a minimum threshold speed. | 09-13-2012 |
20120227928 | CALCULATING AIRFLOW VALUES FROM HVAC SYSTEMS - A method of calculating a control parameter for a component in an HVAC system includes receiving a plurality of input signals, and calculating a value of the control parameter using a control parameter equation having a plurality of predetermined coefficients and a plurality of variables, each variable corresponding to one of the input signals. This equation is stored in and subsequently fetched from memory associated with a component of the HVAC system, such as a blower motor controller or a system controller. In some embodiments, the equation is stored in a device for interfacing a system controller with a blower motor assembly. | 09-13-2012 |
20120204982 | WELD-LINE ELIMINATION ON MOLDED PLASTIC PARTS - An injection molded pump housing defines an interior chamber operable to contain pressurized fluid and to permit selective drainage of fluid from the chamber. The pump housing includes a unitary housing body presenting an outer margin, with the body including a drain-port boss. The boss defines a hole that extends axially therethrough and communicates with the chamber to thereby permit fluid drainage, with at least part of the boss being disposed along the outer margin of the body. The body includes a protrusion that extends outwardly from the boss to define a portion of the outer margin of the body and thereby prevent a weld-line from being formed on the boss, such that the boss is devoid of a weld-line. A method of injection molding an element so as to eliminate weld-lines in a hole-defining portion of the outer margin of the element is also disclosed. | 08-16-2012 |
20120104878 | PUMP MOTOR CONTROL ASSEMBLY - A pump motor assembly operable to provide driving power to a fluid pump includes a rotor, a stator, a case housing the rotor and the stator, and a control assembly mounted to the case and operable to control motor operation. The control assembly includes an information display and a cover overlying the display, with a window section in general alignment with the display. The control assembly also includes a filler plate underlying the window section to prevent any air gap along an underside thereof, allowing the display to be visible while reducing the risk of condensation buildup. The control assembly further includes a low voltage housing with the display disposed in a first compartment defined thereby, and a high voltage housing with a high voltage component disposed in a second compartment defined thereby. The low voltage housing includes a thermal and fluid barrier that substantially fluidly separates the first and second compartments to reduce the risk of liquid electrical conduction therebetween and to reduce heat transfer into the low voltage housing. | 05-03-2012 |
20120096902 | INTEGRATED MOTOR AND CONTROL - An integrated motor and control system has an electric motor. A control controls operation of the motor. A housing substantially covers at least two sides of the control. The housing has an opening and a liquid guide for guiding liquid toward a predetermined position in the opening to prevent liquid from contacting the control. The control is mounted on at least one of the electric motor and the housing. A heat sink can be extended through the opening in the housing to cool the control. The liquid guide can facilitate natural convection over the portion of the heat sink exterior of the housing. The integrated motor and control system can suitably be used in a washing machine or other appliance where liquid may be encountered. | 04-26-2012 |
20120013212 | LIQUID DEFLECTING BAFFLE FOR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A fluid deflecting baffle is provided for use on an electric motor to be used in an environment where liquid may otherwise pass through a vent opening in an endshield of the motor. The baffle is secureable to the endshield and extends in a partial covering relationship with the vent opening. The baffle includes a vent passage therethrough and has at least one liquid flow obstructing louver that extends across the vent opening to deflect liquid away from the vent passage while allowing venting air to flow through the vent passage. The louver includes a generally flat liquid deflection surface that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the axis of the motor and at least partially faces a venting direction of incoming air and fluid. | 01-19-2012 |
20120012772 | ENCAPSULATED OUTER STATOR ISOLATED ROTOR STEPPER MOTOR VALVE ASSEMBLY - An electric motor assembly includes a rotor rotatable about an axis and a stator spaced radially away from the rotor. An isolation housing, configured to permit magnetic flux to flow therethrough between the rotor and the stator, is disposed between the rotor and the stator and defines an internal rotor chamber, in which the rotor is located. The isolation housing fluidly isolates the internal rotor chamber from the stator. An encapsulating cover is provided that radially and axially surrounds the stator. The cover is formed of a resin material and bonds the stator to the isolation housing to prevent relative movement therebetween. | 01-19-2012 |
20120012288 | DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINE ASSEMBLIES OPERABLE WITH SERIAL COMMUNICATION SIGNALS AND WM CONTROL SIGNALS - A dynamoelectric machine assembly for connection to a system controller. The assembly includes at least one input contact for receiving a control signal from the system controller and a processor coupled to the input contact. The processor is configured to operate the assembly in a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode when the control signal is a PWM control signal and to operate the assembly in a serial mode when the control signal is a serial communication signal. | 01-19-2012 |
20110314616 | WASHING MACHINE OUT OF BALANCE DETECTION - A method of operating a washing machine to detect unbalanced loads has been developed. The method includes operating a motor to rotate a tub holding a load at a first rotational rate that is below a threshold rotational rate, identifying a mass of the load, operating the motor to rotate the tub at a second rotational rate that is above the threshold rotational rate, identifying a power applied to the motor to continue rotation of the tub at the second rotational rate, obtaining an out of balance mass value from a memory with reference to the power applied to the motor, second rotational rate, and identified mass, identifying a maximum rate for the tub with reference to the out of balance mass value, and operating the motor to rotate the tub at a rate that is less than or equal to the maximum rate. | 12-29-2011 |
20110291520 | ALIGNMENT OF SEGMENTED STATORS FOR ELECTRIC MACHINES - A stator segment for a segmented stator of an electric machine includes insulative material configured for overlapping with insulative material of an adjacent stator segment to provide continuous insulation along a joint between the adjacent stator segments. Additionally, or alternatively, the stator segment can include one or more alignment tabs configured to engage a surface of an adjacent stator segment to inhibit relative axial movement between adjacent stator segments. | 12-01-2011 |
20110266898 | Cooling System for a Motor and Associated Electronics - A cooling system is provided for an electric motor having control circuitry and including a motor housing surrounding the motor. The motor drives at least one radial fan at one end thereof for directing airflow through the motor housing across the motor. A fan housing encloses the cooling fan and defines a diverter chamber radially outboard of the fan that is sized to divert a portion of the airflow away from the electric motor. A control box contains the control circuitry and includes a base having a heat sink for contacting the control circuitry. The base defines a plenum in communication with the diverter chamber and a channel in communication with the plenum and the heat sink to direct the diverted airflow across the heat sink. | 11-03-2011 |
20110260666 | BLOWER MOTOR FOR HVAC SYSTEMS - A blower motor assembly having a variable speed motor that is suitable for direct, drop-in replacement in a residential HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system that employs a PSC motor. The blower motor assembly includes at least a neutral input and two hot AC line connections, one for connection to the heating power source and the other to the cooling power source. A sensing circuit senses which of the inputs is energized by sensing either voltage or current on the inputs. The sensing circuit delivers a corresponding signal to a motor controller to control the speed of the variable speed motor. The blower motor assembly may also be equipped with additional hot AC inputs, more than one neutral line, and several sensing circuits for sensing current or voltage in the hot inputs and/or the neutral lines for controlling various aspects of the variable speed motor. | 10-27-2011 |
20110257910 | Method for Calibrating a Motor Control Circuit to Improve Temperature Measurement in an Electrical Motor - A method enables adjustment of a current sense voltage for accurate measurement of an operating temperature for an electrical motor. The method includes identifying a DC input voltage to a motor winding and a duty cycle corresponding to the DC input voltage, the duty cycle being identified with reference to a linear relationship between two inverter loss factors established for different DC input voltages within a range of voltages for the DC input voltage. A voltage across the motor winding is identified with reference to the identified duty cycle, the identified voltage not including voltage dropped across an inverter used to apply the DC input voltage to the motor winding. The identified voltage across the motor winding is used to identify a resistance change for the motor winding. | 10-20-2011 |
20110148245 | ASSEMBLING METHOD FOR A STATOR AND STATOR PRODUCED THEREBY - A laminated stator and a method for making a laminated stator of an electric motor. The method includes arranging a plurality of stator laminations into lamination stacks spaced axially from one another, each lamination stack including a first group of stator laminations including an annular portion and a plurality of tooth portions extending from a periphery of the annular portion, and a second group of stator laminations including only tooth portions positioned to correspond with the tooth portions of said first group. The method further includes winding stator windings around selected subsets of the plurality of teeth while the lamination stacks are spaced axially and meshing the lamination stacks with one another so the annular portions of the lamination stacks are axially adjacent one another and the plurality of teeth are intermeshed with the plurality of another stack. | 06-23-2011 |