Patents by Inventor Brian Lee Beifus
Brian Lee Beifus has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11879472Abstract: A control system for an electric motor for a fluid moving apparatus includes a drive circuit and a processor. The drive circuit regulates power supplied to the motor to generate fluid flow. The processor is coupled to the drive circuit and controls the drive circuit to operate the motor at a first speed and torque, and at a second speed and torque, receive a first flow corresponding to the first speed and torque, determine a second flow based on a ratio of the first flow to the first speed, and corresponding to the second speed and torque. The processor is configured to define an algorithm based on the first and second speed, torque, and flow, compute a set point for a demanded flow using the algorithm, and control the drive circuit based on the set point to supply power to the motor and generate the flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Bin Yang, Brian Lee Beifus, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Publication number: 20240014763Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes an inverter configured to supply current to stator windings of the electric motor. The motor controller further includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate a sensor signal in response to detecting a parameter. The sensor signal represents a measured parameter. The motor controller further includes a processor coupled in communication with the inverter and with the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to, in a first mode, transmit a control signal to the inverter to operate the electric motor at a first frequency. The processor is further configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The processor is further configured to determine a first fault condition is present at the electric motor based on the measured parameter represented by the sensor signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Brian Lee Beifus, Michael R. Koller
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Patent number: 11791760Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes an inverter configured to supply current to stator windings of the electric motor. The motor controller further includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate a sensor signal in response to detecting a parameter. The sensor signal represents a measured parameter. The motor controller further includes a processor coupled in communication with the inverter and with the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to, in a first mode, transmit a control signal to the inverter to operate the electric motor at a first frequency. The processor is further configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The processor is further configured to determine a first fault condition is present at the electric motor based on the measured parameter represented by the sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Brian Lee Beifus, Michael R. Koller
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Patent number: 11761665Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor for driving a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a processor and a drive circuit configured to regulate power supplied to the motor to turn the blower. The processor computes a system resistance for the blower based on a fixed set point for a first control parameter and a feedback parameter. The processor receives an airflow rate demand value and computes an operating set point for a second control parameter based on the system resistance and the airflow rate demand value. The processor controls the drive circuit based on the operating set point to supply electrical power to the electric motor and to operate the blower to generate the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Bin Yang, Brian Lee Beifus, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Publication number: 20220316744Abstract: A control system for an electric motor configured to drive a fluid-moving apparatus. The control system includes a drive circuit and a processor coupled in communication with the drive circuit. The processor is configured to control the drive circuit to operate the electric motor at a plurality of control values of a control parameter and determine, for each of the plurality of control values, a fluid-flow value and a feedback value, the feedback value corresponding to a feedback parameter, compute a mathematical relationship between fluid-flow rate and one of the control parameter or the feedback parameter, receive a fluid-flow rate demand value, compute an operating setpoint for the control parameter based on the fluid-flow rate demand value and the computed mathematical relationship, and control the drive circuit to operate the electric motor at the operating setpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2021Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Bin Yang, Brian Lee Beifus, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Publication number: 20220255489Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The motor controller includes an inverter configured to supply current to stator windings of the electric motor. The motor controller further includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate a sensor signal in response to detecting a parameter. The sensor signal represents a measured parameter. The motor controller further includes a processor coupled in communication with the inverter and with the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to, in a first mode, transmit a control signal to the inverter to operate the electric motor at a first frequency. The processor is further configured to receive the sensor signal from the plurality of sensors. The processor is further configured to determine a first fault condition is present at the electric motor based on the measured parameter represented by the sensor signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2021Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Brian Lee Beifus, Michael R. Koller
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Publication number: 20220062487Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure includes a fluid moving system. The fluid moving system includes a fluid moving apparatus configured to convey a fluid through a housing from an inlet to an outlet. The fluid moving system includes an active cleaning device configured to neutralize or remove at least a portion of an undesired matter from the fluid conveyed through the housing. The fluid moving system includes an electric motor including a rotor coupled to the fluid moving apparatus and configured to turn the fluid moving apparatus upon application of electric power to a stator of the electric motor. The fluid moving system includes a motor controller communicatively coupled to the electric motor and configured to control at least one of a speed output or a torque output thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Roger Carlos Becerra, William Stuart Gatley, William Arthur Ziegler, Mohamad Khalil Dahouk, Michael David Smith, Audwin William Cash, Zachary Joseph Stauffer, Brian Lee Beifus, John Carl Kunze, Ramin Rezaei, Joseph A. Henry
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Patent number: 11128250Abstract: An electric machine includes a motor assembly including a motor and a motor controller coupled to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor. The electric machine also includes a motor housing defining an interior space and enclosing the motor assembly within the interior space. The electric machine further includes an electric machine housing. The motor housing is enclosed within the electric machine housing. The electric machine also includes an NFC antenna communicatively coupled to the motor controller and mounted such that an antenna range of the NFC antenna extends on an exterior of the electric machine housing. The NFC antenna is configured to receive a signal relating to a user command from a handheld device and relay the signal to the motor controller. The motor controller is configured to adjust an operational parameter of the motor based at least partially on the user command.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Steven Albert Nardin, Brian Lee Beifus, Ryan Keith Stephens, Shailesh Prabhakar Waikar
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Publication number: 20210277908Abstract: A control system for an electric motor for a fluid moving apparatus includes a drive circuit and a processor. The drive circuit regulates power supplied to the motor to generate fluid flow. The processor is coupled to the drive circuit and controls the drive circuit to operate the motor at a first speed and torque, and at a second speed and torque, receive a first flow corresponding to the first speed and torque, determine a second flow based on a ratio of the first flow to the first speed, and corresponding to the second speed and torque. The processor is configured to define an algorithm based on the first and second speed, torque, and flow, compute a set point for a demanded flow using the algorithm, and control the drive circuit based on the set point to supply power to the motor and generate the flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Bin Yang, Brian Lee Beifus, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Patent number: 11101759Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The electric motor is configured to drive a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a memory and a processor coupled thereto. The memory is configured to store a speed-to-airflow ratio associated with an airflow restriction on the blower. The processor is configured to receive a command for a calibrating airflow and operate the electric motor in a constant airflow mode to generate the calibrating airflow at a calibrating speed. The processor is further configured to write the calibrating speed and the calibrating airflow to the memory as the speed-to-airflow ratio.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.Inventors: Brian Lee Beifus, Kathryn Bloomfield, Andrew C. Barry
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Patent number: 10908590Abstract: A motor controller coupled to a motor is provided. The motor controller includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a first input coupled to the processor, wherein the first input is associated with a first mode of operation, and a second input coupled to the processor, wherein the second input is associated with a calibration mode. The motor controller is configured to receive, through the first input, a first activation signal, operate the motor in the first mode of operation in response to receiving the first activation signal, while operating the motor in the first mode of operation, receive, through the second input, a second activation signal, in response to receiving the first activation signal and the second activation signal, adjust a value of a parameter associated with the first mode of operation, and store the value of the parameter in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Roger Carlos Becerra, Brian Lee Beifus, Ludovic Andre Chretien, Yao Da, Glen Chester Young
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Publication number: 20200284462Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor for driving a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a processor and a drive circuit configured to regulate power supplied to the motor to turn the blower. The processor computes a system resistance for the blower based on a fixed set point for a first control parameter and a feedback parameter. The processor receives an airflow rate demand value and computes an operating set point for a second control parameter based on the system resistance and the airflow rate demand value. The processor controls the drive circuit based on the operating set point to supply electrical power to the electric motor and to operate the blower to generate the airflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Bin Yang, Brian Lee Beifus, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Publication number: 20200259446Abstract: An electric machine includes a motor assembly including a motor and a motor controller coupled to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor. The electric machine also includes a motor housing defining an interior space and enclosing the motor assembly within the interior space. The electric machine further includes an electric machine housing. The motor housing is enclosed within the electric machine housing. The electric machine also includes an NFC antenna communicatively coupled to the motor controller and mounted such that an antenna range of the NFC antenna extends on an exterior of the electric machine housing. The NFC antenna is configured to receive a signal relating to a user command from a handheld device and relay the signal to the motor controller. The motor controller is configured to adjust an operational parameter of the motor based at least partially on the user command.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Steven Albert Nardin, Brian Lee Beifus, Ryan Keith Stephens, Shailesh Prabhakar Waikar
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Patent number: 10731889Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor for driving a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a processor and a drive circuit configured to regulate power supplied to the motor to turn the blower. The processor computes a system resistance for the blower based on a fixed set point for a first control parameter and a feedback parameter. The processor receives an airflow rate demand value and computes an operating set point for a second control parameter based on the system resistance and the airflow rate demand value. The processor controls the drive circuit based on the operating set point to supply electrical power to the electric motor and to operate the blower to generate the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Bin Yang, Brian Lee Beifus, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Publication number: 20200217548Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor for driving a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a processor and a drive circuit configured to regulate power supplied to the motor to turn the blower. The processor computes a system resistance for the blower based on a fixed set point for a first control parameter and a feedback parameter. The processor receives an airflow rate demand value and computes an operating set point for a second control parameter based on the system resistance and the airflow rate demand value. The processor controls the drive circuit based on the operating set point to supply electrical power to the electric motor and to operate the blower to generate the airflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2019Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Bin Yang, Brian Lee Beifus, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Patent number: 10697663Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor for driving a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a processor and a drive circuit configured to regulate power supplied to the motor to turn the blower. The processor computes a system resistance for the blower based on a fixed set point for a first control parameter and a feedback parameter. The processor receives an airflow rate demand value and computes an operating set point for a second control parameter based on the system resistance and the airflow rate demand value. The processor controls the drive circuit based on the operating set point to supply electrical power to the electric motor and to operate the blower to generate the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Bin Yang, Brian Lee Beifus, Roger Carlos Becerra
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Patent number: 10651778Abstract: An electric machine includes a motor assembly including a motor controller including an NFC tuned circuit. The electric machine also includes a motor housing defining an interior space and enclosing the motor assembly within the interior space. The electric machine further includes an electric machine housing. The motor housing is enclosed within the electric machine housing. The electric machine also includes an NFC antenna mounted within the electric machine housing and configured to emit a magnetic field at a selected frequency. The magnetic field is configured to induce an electric current in the NFC tuned circuit. The electric machine further includes a memory configured to store information included in signals transmitted between the NFC antenna and the NFC tuned circuit via the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Steven Albert Nardin, Brian Lee Beifus, Ryan Keith Stephens, Shailesh Prabhakar Waikar
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Publication number: 20190326840Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The electric motor is configured to drive a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a memory and a processor coupled thereto. The memory is configured to store a speed-to-airflow ratio associated with an airflow restriction on the blower. The processor is configured to receive a command for a calibrating airflow and operate the electric motor in a constant airflow mode to generate the calibrating airflow at a calibrating speed. The processor is further configured to write the calibrating speed and the calibrating airflow to the memory as the speed-to-airflow ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventors: Brian Lee Beifus, Kathryn Bloomfield, Andrew C. Barry
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Patent number: 10294950Abstract: A motor controller for an electric motor is provided. The electric motor is configured to drive a blower to generate an airflow. The motor controller includes a memory and a processor coupled thereto. The memory is configured to store a speed-to-airflow ratio associated with an airflow restriction on the blower. The processor is configured to receive a command for a calibrating airflow and operate the electric motor in a constant airflow mode to generate the calibrating airflow at a calibrating speed. The processor is further configured to write the calibrating speed and the calibrating airflow to the memory as the speed-to-airflow ratio.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Brian Lee Beifus, Kathryn Bloomfield, Andrew C. Barry
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Publication number: 20190149080Abstract: An electric machine includes a motor assembly including a motor controller including an NFC tuned circuit. The electric machine also includes a motor housing defining an interior space and enclosing the motor assembly within the interior space. The electric machine further includes an electric machine housing. The motor housing is enclosed within the electric machine housing. The electric machine also includes an NFC antenna mounted within the electric machine housing and configured to emit a magnetic field at a selected frequency. The magnetic field is configured to induce an electric current in the NFC tuned circuit. The electric machine further includes a memory configured to store information included in signals transmitted between the NFC antenna and the NFC tuned circuit via the magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2018Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Steven Albert Nardin, Brian Lee Beifus, Ryan Keith Stephens, Shailesh Prabhakar Waikar