Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus relating to a magnet member for a dynamoelectric machine comprising, a first portion of the magnet member made of a first magnetic material and a second portion of the magnet member made of a second magnetic material. Further disclosed is a method that relates to increasing performance of an electric machine comprising, determining locations of high demagnetization fields at the dynamoelectric machine, and positioning a magnetic member having a first portion having a higher level of coercivity and a second portion having a lower level of coercivity in the machine such that the portion having a higher level of coercivity is more proximate the location of high demagnetization fields than the portion having the lower level of coercivity.

Abstract: A vehicle alternator and methods for controlling an amount of torque loading of the vehicle alternator on an engine are provided. The vehicle alternator utilizes a voltage regulator with a microprocessor to control an amount of torque loading, based on a rotational speed of a rotor of the alternator, or an amount of current output by the alternator, or both.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical coil. An embodiment of the method comprises providing a core, the core being constructed of a material suitable for use in an electrical coil, the core being of a generally cylindrical shape; providing wire, the wire being of a type suitable for use in an electrical coil, the wire comprising an electrical conductor surrounded by insulation, the electrical conductor having a substantially circular cross-section; winding the wire around an outer surface of the core; and while the wire is winding, compressing the wire thereby causing the cross-section of the electrical conductor to permanently change shape. In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the step of compressing the wire comprises the steps of positioning the wire between the core and at least one cylindrical roller; and apply force against the wire with the at least one cylindrical roller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic package for an electrical machine including a slip ring end frame; a plurality of negative diodes dispersed in an angular fashion in the SRE frame acting as a negative heat sink; a plurality of positive diodes mounted on a separate electrically conductive plate located above a location of the plurality of negative diodes; a non-conductive separator fitted over a series of bosses, configured to electrically insulate; a terminal assembly configured to make appropriate electrical connections between the positive and negative diodes, stator phase leads, and a regulator, which is operably fastened to the SRE frame at a plurality of locations, the regulator electrically connects to the positive heat sink, a stator phase terminal extending from the terminal assembly, SRE frame, and a brush holder; wherein the regulator is perpendicular to the SRE frame.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously brazing adjacent conductor joints comprises the steps of arranging at least two pair of conductor joints in a row placing a brazing compound between the pairs of joints desired to be electrically connected placing a conductive spacer between the pairs not to be brazed and passing an electrical current through the row of conductors until the brazing compound melts joining the conductor joints. The spacer can then be removed thereby maintaining the proper spacing between the pairs of brazed conductor joints. The multiple rows of conductor joints can be arranged adjacent one another so that they can be moved between brazing electrodes sequentially thereby allowing a continuous brazing operation of multiple rows of conductor joints. The brazing compound may be a continuous ribbon of brazing compound which extends between the multiple rows of conductor joints.

Abstract: An electrical current overstress protection device for use with a power source and an overload protection switch comprising a main conductor member receiving current from the power source; a parallel conductor member connected to the main conductor member; and an area of localized increased electrical resistance located on the parallel conductor member and located proximate to the overload protection switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining wear in the frictional components of an alternator. Such an apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to count voltage peaks generated by the automotive alternator; circuitry configured to compare the counted voltage peaks against a predetermined standard; and circuitry configured to generate a warning indication when the counted voltage peaks exceeds the predetermined standard. Such an apparatus may comprise comprises circuitry configured to measure a voltage drop across the alternator brushes; circuitry configured to compare the voltage drop against a predetermined voltage drop criterion; and circuitry configured to generate a warning indication if the voltage drop exceeds the predetermined voltage drop criterion.

Abstract: An improvement to a bridge rectifier assembly of the type used to convert alternating current produced by an motor vehicle alternator into direct current. The bridge rectifier assembly of this type comprises a heat sink, a plurality of pressfit diodes installed in the heat sink, and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the motor vehicle alternator. The first end of a flexible conductor is mechanically and electrically connected to a conductive connector. The second end of the flexible conductor is mechanically and electrically connected to a lead of one of the plurality of pressfit diodes. The conductive connector is electrically connected to one of the plurality of terminals to complete an electrical connection between the one of the plurality of pressfit diodes and the one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: An improved alternator rotor comprising a nonhomogenous steel rotor core, the nonhomogenous steel rotor core comprising a low carbon inner portion and a high carbon outer portion around the low carbon inner portion. An improved alternator rotor comprising a steel rotor core of nonhomogenous hardness, wherein an outer portion of the steel rotor core is harder than an inner portion of the steel rotor core.

Abstract: A method of producing a component with a flexible connector attached thereto. The method comprises the steps of forming a loop in a braided conductor, solidifying the loop, and attaching a component lead to said braided conductor. The loop is solidified by joining together the strands of the braided conductor in the looped area, such as by welding or soldering.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a bearing housing; a rotatable shaft extending through the bearing housing; a bearing having an outer race and an inner race with a bearing seal therebetween, the outer race operably coupled to the bearing housing and the inner race operably coupled to the rotatable shaft; and a slinger operably coupled to an outside edge defining the inner race and rotatable therewith while an external periphery defining the slinger is disposed within a groove configured in the housing, wherein the slinger protects the bearing from contamination from the elements while freely spinning absent contact with the housing, the outer race, and the bearing seal.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously brazing adjacent conductor joints comprises the steps of arranging at least two pair of conductor joints in a row placing a brazing compound between the pairs of joints desired to be electrically connected placing a conductive spacer between the pairs not to be brazed and passing an electrical current through the row of conductors until the brazing compound melts joining the conductor joints. The spacer can then be removed thereby maintaining the proper spacing between the pairs of brazed conductor joints. The multiple rows of conductor joints can be arranged adjacent one another so that they can be moved between brazing electrodes sequentially thereby allowing a continuous brazing operation of multiple rows of conductor joints. The brazing compound may be a continuous ribbon of brazing compound which extends between the multiple rows of conductor joints.

Abstract: A method for lubricating gear reduction and overrunning clutch mechanisms in internal combustion engine starter motors, and apparatuses embodying the method. According to the present invention, sealing features are added to a gear reduction mechanism, overrunning clutch mechanism, or combined gear reduction and overrunning clutch mechanism. The sealed mechanism then is filled with oil for lubrication.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine includes a rotor having a rotor shaft; two flux carrying segments rotatably disposed on the rotor shaft; a field coil disposed between the two flux carrying segments, the field coil having a pair of coil leads; an insulative member disposed at one end of the shaft; a pair of slip rings longitudinally spaced on the insulative member and having respective coupling terminals; and a diode having a pair of diode leads, each diode lead electrically connected to one of the pair of coil leads of the field coil and to one of the respective coupling terminals, the diode configured to suppress electrical noise as a result of an interface between the pair of slip rings and respective brushes.

Abstract: An electronic package for an electrical machine preferably a rotary current generator includes a slip ring end (SRE) frame defining one end of a housing configured for mounting a rotor therein so as to be rotatable; a plurality of negative diodes dispersed in an angular fashion in the SRE frame acting as a negative heat sink; a plurality of positive diodes mounted on a separate electrically conductive plate located above a location of the plurality of negative diodes, the plate being configured as a positive heat sink having corresponding holes such that leads extending from each negative diode protrude directly therethrough and openings formed in the positive heat sink to engage a body of each positive diode; and a non-conductive separator fitted over a series of bosses that space the positive heat sink above a top surface defining the negative heat sink, the separator configured to electrically insulate the positive heat sink and negative heat sink from one another, wherein waste heat from the positive and

Abstract: An electric machine having multi-set rectangular copper hairpin windings comprises a stator having a plurality of partially closed stator slots. A first winding set and a second winding set are positioned in the stator slots. The first winding set and the second winding set are connected by adjacent leg ends. According to a first embodiment, conductor layers in alternate slots alternate between different phases. The conductor layers in the remaining slots are all of the same phase. Hairpins having unequal length legs are used to implement the first embodiment. According to a second embodiment, conductor layers in alternate slots include one phase for the first winding set and another phase for the second winding set. The conductor layers in the remaining slots are all of the same phase. Hairpins having equal length legs are used to implement the second embodiment.

Abstract: An electronic package for an electrical machine preferably a rotary current generator includes a slip ring end (SRE) frame defining one end of a housing configured for mounting a rotor therein so as to be rotatable; a plurality of negative diodes dispersed in an angular fashion in the SRE frame acting as a negative heat sink; a plurality of positive diodes mounted on a separate electrically conductive plate located above a location of the plurality of negative diodes, the plate being configured as a positive heat sink having corresponding holes such that leads extending from each negative diode protrude directly therethrough and openings formed in the positive heat sink to engage a body of each positive diode; and a non-conductive separator fitted over a series of bosses that space the positive heat sink above a top surface defining the negative heat sink, the separator configured to electrically insulate the positive heat sink and negative heat sink from one another, wherein waste heat from the positive and

Abstract: A method for assembling a one-piece stator lead and terminal insulator for an oil cooled alternator, wherein the one-piece stator lead and terminal insulator comprises an arcuate plate having three cylindrical retainers positioned thereon for receiving stator terminals. The arcuate plate also includes three guides for guiding stator leads to the terminals. Three rectangular holes are provided next to each of the guides. The rectangular holes receive insulating ties that encircle the stator leads and hold the stator leads to the plate, properly positioning the stator leads away from other conductors and housings within the alternator. Two flanges also extend from the plate to aid in assembly of the device and further act to properly position the stator leads away from other conductors and housings within the alternator.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of electromagnetic devices having a ferromagnetic core containing electrical windings. The ferromagnetic core is variously configured to include intra-turn ferromagnetic protrusions which are configured to nestle between junctions of the windings, such as in the bends, to increase the amount of ferromagnetic material retained proximal the windings. The increased amount of ferromagnetic material increases electromagnetic efficiency, and reduces the probability that the wiring will be nicked on the edges of the electromagnetic core. By way of example, the intra-turn ferromagnetic projections may be formed within an integrated electromagnetic core, as unitary core extensions, or as singular protrusions attached to the electromagnetic core.

Abstract: A powdered magnetic material stator core with embedded stator windings and a method for its manufacture. Embedding the windings within a radially compacted powdered magnetic material stator core enables equivalent or better electromagnetic performance in a significantly reduced size. Radial compaction of the powdered magnetic material minimizes the distortion of the stator windings during compaction.