Patents by Inventor Eldon R. Cunningham

Eldon R. Cunningham 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).

  • Patent number: 5949173
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to the stability of D.C. motor brushes mounted in brush boxes with wings is improved by angling the wings toward the commutator such that the brush spring contacts the brush at one or more points intermediate the ends of the brush. Improved cooling is provided by utilizing an end plate with apertures and a brush plate which in combination with the commutator, provides a brush plate aperture for cooling air flow. In a preferred embodiment, speed variations of the motor can be achieved by selectively disconnecting one or more brushes in a four brush embodiment reducing the torque and rotating speed of the motor. In a preferred embodiment, the use of a diode to interconnect same polarity brushes permits a speed change to be accomplished by selectively connecting one or the other end of the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guillermo Wille, Donald B. Pedigo, Harald E. Blaettner, Bernd A. Wieland, Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5610456
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to the stability of D.C. motor brushes mounted in brush boxes with wings is improved by angling the wings toward the commutator such that the brush spring contacts the brush at one or more points intermediate the ends of the brush. Improved cooling is provided by utilizing an end plate with apertures and a brush plate which in combination with the commutator, provides a brush plate aperture for cooling air flow. In a preferred embodiment, speed variations of the motor can be achieved by selectively disconnecting one or more brushes in a four brush embodiment reducing the torque and rotating speed of the motor. In a preferred embodiment, the use of a diode to interconnect same polarity brushes permits a speed change to be accomplished by selectively connecting one or the other end of the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guillermo Wille, Donald B. Pedigo, Harald E. Blaettner, Bernd A. Wieland, Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5604654
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to the stability of D.C. motor brushes mounted in brush boxes with wings is improved by angling the wings toward the commutator such that the brush spring contacts the brush at one or more points intermediate the ends of the brush. Improved cooling is provided by utilizing an end plate with apertures and a brush plate which in combination with the commutator, provides a brush plate aperture for cooling air flow. In a preferred embodiment, speed variations of the motor can be achieved by selectively disconnecting one or more brushes in a four brush embodiment reducing the torque and rotating speed of the motor. In a preferred embodiment, the use of a diode to interconnect same polarity brushes permits a speed change to be accomplished by selectively connecting one or the other end of the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guillermo Wille, Donald B. Pedigo, Harald E. Blaettner, Bernd A. Wieland, Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5602957
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to the stability of D.C. motor brushes mounted in brush boxes with wings is improved by angling the wings toward the commutator such that the brush spring contacts the brush at one or more points intermediate the ends of the brush. Improved cooling is provided by utilizing an end plate with apertures and a brush plate which in combination with the commutator, provides a brush plate aperture for cooling air flow. In a preferred embodiment, speed variations of the motor can be achieved by selectively disconnecting one or more brushes in a four brush embodiment reducing the torque and rotating speed of the motor. In a preferred embodiment, the use of a diode to interconnect same polarity brushes permits a speed change to be accomplished by selectively connecting one or the other end of the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guillermo Wille, Donald B. Pedigo, Harald E. Blaettner, Bernd A. Wieland, Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5497039
    Abstract: A structured product family of dynamoelectric machines for use in a plurality of applications has a frame with a closed end, and a set of permanent magnets is adhesively secured within the frame. An armature disposed in the frame for interaction with the permanent magnets includes a shaft, a core having a set of winding receiving slots therein, and a commutator. During manufacturing and assembly, stress on the motor shaft and commutator is minimized. A brush plate is associated with the frame for locating a set of brushes relative to the commutator, and an end shield is secured to the frame opposite its closed end. At least one freely aligning bearing assembly disposed in the end shield for freely aligning the shaft and including a bearing and a retainer having predetermined conditions preset with the retainer being adhesively secured to the end shield. A bracket is adhesively secured to the frame for connecting the dynamoelectric machine in anyone of the applications; and a novel brush assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harald E. Blaettner, Richard F. Uhen, Robert E. Ellis, Eldon R. Cunningham, Michael J. Usher, Joseph E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5447376
    Abstract: A self contained, "package", bearing system, has relatively rotating and sliding, precisely formed, truncated spherical, journal and bearing surfaces with a high hardness and with a low surface roughness, that operate on a thin hydrodynamic film of pressurized lubricant, when the bearing system is operated under any combination of axial and radial loads. It optionally contains either a supply of dry lubricant, or normally a capillary supported, self-contained reserve of fluid lubricant, and a system of "internally discharging" throwers, for keeping the fluid lubricant within the system, to promote a long operating life.Lubricant re-circulation channels at the ends of the bearing and the inherently lower rates of flow of lubricant from the ends of truncated spherical bearings facilitates achieving long operating life. Grooves and recesses are optionally included in the bearing surfaces for enhancing the axial load capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventors: Eldon R. Cunningham, deceased, Shirley J. Cunningham, personal representative
  • Patent number: 5358341
    Abstract: A structured product family of dynamoelectric machines for use in a plurality of applications has a frame with a closed end, and a set of permanent magnets is adhesively secured within the frame. An armature disposed in the frame for interaction with the permanent magnets includes a shaft, a core having a set of winding receiving slots therein, and a commutator. During manufacturing and assembly, stress on the motor shaft and commutator is minimized. A brush plate is associated with the frame for locating a set of brushes relative to the commutator, and an end shield is secured to the frame opposite its closed end. At least one freely aligning bearing assembly disposed in the end shield for freely aligning the shaft and including a bearing and a retainer having predetermined conditions preset with the retainer being adhesively secured to the end shield. A bracket is adhesively secured to the frame for connecting the dynamoelectric machine in anyone of the applications; and a novel brush assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harald E. Blaettner, Richard F. Uhen, Robert E. Ellis, Eldon R. Cunningham, Michael J. Usher, Joseph E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5237231
    Abstract: A structured product family of dynamoelectric machines for use in a plurality of applications has a frame with a closed end, and a set of permanent magnets is adhesively secured within the frame. An armature disposed in the frame for interaction with the permanent magnets includes a shaft, a core having a set of winding receiving slots therein, and a commutator. During manufacturing and assembly, stress on the motor shaft and commutator is minimized. A brush plate is associated with the frame for locating a set of brushes relative to the commutator, and an end shield is secured to the frame opposite its closed end. At least one freely aligning bearing assembly disposed in the end shield for freely aligning the shaft and including a bearing and a retainer having predetermined conditions preset with the retainer being adhesively secured to the end shield. A bracket is adhesively secured to the frame for connecting the dynamoelectric machine in anyone of the applications; and a novel brush assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harald E. Blaettner, Richard F. Uhen, Robert E. Ellis, Eldon R. Cunningham, Michael J. Usher, Joseph E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5113104
    Abstract: A structured product family of dynamoelectric machines for use in a plurality of applications has a frame with a closed end, and a set of permanent magnets is adhesively secured within the frame. An armature disposed in the frame for interaction with the permanent magnets includes a shaft, a core having a set of winding receiving slots therein, and a commutator. During manufacturing and assembly, stress on the motor shaft and commutator is minimized. A brush plate is associated with the frame for locating a set of brushes relative to the commutator, and an end shield is secured to the frame opposite its closed end. At least one freely aligning bearing assembly disposed in the end shield for freely aligning the shaft and including a bearing and a retainer having predetermined conditions preset with the retainer being adhesively secured to the end shield. A bracket is adhesively secured to the frame for connecting the dynamoelectric machine in anyone of the applications; and a novel brush assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harald E. Blaettner, Richard F. Uhen, Robert E. Ellis, Eldon R. Cunningham, Michael J. Usher, Joseph E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4883982
    Abstract: A motor assembly for use in combination with an air handling system such as an automotive blower system for supplying cooling or heating air to a passenger compartment of an automobile. The assembly comprises a support member which is adapted to be mounted on the air handling system. Stationary and annular rotatable assemblies are mounted on one side of the support plate and a printed circuit board including a motor control circuit is mounted on the other side thereof. The stationary assembly has a plurality of winding stages adapted to be electrically energized to generate an electromagnetic field. The annular rotatable assembly has a plurality of permanent magnet elements surrounding the stationary assembly and is adapted to engage a squirrel cage fan for moving air in the air handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Franklin L. Forbes, Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4523118
    Abstract: A method of providing a lubrication system for a shaft journaled in a dynamoelectric machine. In this method, the shaft is lubricated with a solid lubricant of a feeder wick member impregnated therewith during at least a part of the run-in operation of the dynamoelectric machine when it is first energized. A mixture of a lubricating oil and the solid lubricant is then created to effect the lubrication of the shaft by passing the lubricating oil from a storage wick material therefor through the feeder wick member in response to the rotation of the shaft when the dynamoelectric machine is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4456845
    Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine has a structural component including a partial spherical seating surface having a preselected center of curvature, and a bearing device is adapted for seating association in a plurality of aligned attitudes with the structural component. The bearing device includes a partial toroidal seating surface disposed in seating engagement on the partial spherical seating surface with the seating engagement therebetween generally defining at least a circular line located within a preselected angular range along the partial spherical seating surface in any of the aligned attitudes of the bearing device.A bearing device and wick and bearing assemblies methods of assembling a wick and a bearing and a method of providing a lubrication are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4409714
    Abstract: In a method of assembling a wick and bearing, the wick is passed into a bore of the bearing through one end thereof, and bridge means on the bearing spanning the bore thereof is captured between bifurcated sections of the wick. In another method of assembling a wick and bearing, wiping sections of the wick are respectively disposed in slots in the bearing intersecting with a bore thereof and a bridge section on the wick is twistably displaced between the wiping sections thereof so as to span across a peripheral portion of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4055370
    Abstract: An illustrated lubrication arrangement substantially prevents end leakage oil from flowing along the shaft to an oil thrower, and also causes end leakage oil to recirculate through wicking material to a feed wick which in turn feeds oil to a bearing clearance. A feed wick includes a feeding portion that extends through a window in the bearing and contacts the shaft. This same wick includes recirculatory pick-up wicks that protrude into a capillary oil collection region at each end of the bearing. The pick-up wicks have a smaller cumulative effective axial length than the feeding tab of the wick. The pick-up wicks also contact the shaft, and they recirculate end leakage oil to the feeding tab because of gradients in oil content within the wicking that interconnects the pick-up wicks with the feeding tab. The pick-up wicks and feeding tab may actually be separate pieces, the capillary interstices of which communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1977
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Eldon R. Cunningham
  • Patent number: RE35855
    Abstract: A structured product family of dynamoelectric machines for use in a plurality of applications has a frame with a closed end, and a set of permanent magnets is adhesively secured within the frame. An armature disposed in the frame for interaction with the permanent magnets includes a shaft, a core having a set of winding receiving slots therein, and a commutator. During manufacturing and assembly, stress on the motor shaft and commutator is minimized. A brush plate is associated with the frame for locating a set of brushes relative to the commutator, and an end shield is secured to the frame opposite its closed end. At least one freely aligning bearing assembly disposed in the end shield for freely aligning the shaft and including a bearing and a retainer having predetermined conditions preset with the retainer being adhesively secured to the end shield. A bracket is adhesively secured to the frame for connecting the dynamoelectric machine in anyone of the applications; and a novel brush assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harald E. Blaettner, Richard F. Uhen, Robert E. Ellis, Eldon R. Cunningham, Michael J. Usher, Joseph E. Miller