Abstract: A washing machine is provided that includes an induction motor and a motor control circuit with a feedback loop. The feedback loop provides rotor speed to a microprocessor of the motor control circuit. The motor control circuit and feedback loop control the motor such that the motor operates in a negative slip mode which provides braking to the washing machine.

Abstract: A cast rotor cage for an electric machine is provided. The rotor cage includes conductor bars, a first end ring, and a second end ring. The conductor bars have a first end and a second end. The first end ring is at the first end, while the second end ring is at the second end. The first end ring has a plurality of first fan blades, where at least some the first fan blades are asymmetrically disposed on the first end ring. Similarly, the second end ring has a plurality of second fan blades, where at least some the second fan blades are asymmetrically disposed on the second end ring.

Abstract: A tool for operatively coupling a drive mechanism to a driven component is provided. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft. The tool includes at least two members. Each member includes an inner surface forming an inner lip extending along a first axial edge of each member. The inner lip is positioned within a groove defined within the drive shaft. Each member also includes an outer surface and a channel defined within the outer surface. The outer surface is tapered between the channel and the first axial edge. The tool further includes at least one seal removably coupled to the at least two members. The at least one seal is configured to retain the at least two members about the drive shaft.

Abstract: Rotors and methods of assembling such rotors for electric motors are described. In one embodiment, the rotor includes a substantially cylindrical core having substantially planar first and second end surfaces and a substantially cylindrical body portion. The rotor core body portion has first, second and third body sections. The first body section has an outer diameter less than an outer diameter of the second body section, and the third body section has an outer diameter approximately about equal to the outer diameter of the first body section. The first and third body sections sometimes are referred to as end sections or core extensions. A plurality of radially arranged rotor bar slots extend through the body portion, and a plurality of rotor bars are cast in the rotor bar slots. The rotor bar slots in the end sections have a first geometric cross-sectional shape and the rotor bar slots in the second body section have a second geometric cross-sectional shape.