Abstract: One example includes a rotary electric machine. The device includes at least one sensor. Each of the at least one sensor can be configured to provide a sensor signal in a first data format, the sensor signal providing an indication of a respective one of a plurality of operational characteristics of the rotary electric machine. The device also includes a programmable interface configured to receive the sensor signal from each of the at least one sensor and to translate the first data format associated with each of the at least one sensor into a second data format associated with a respective type of sensor corresponding to the respective at least one sensor and to provide at least one output signal in the second data format. Each of the at least one output signal can correspond to at least one of the operational characteristics.

Abstract: A method for securing metallic first and second parts together includes positioning filler metal along an interface between the first and second parts. The first and second parts are inserted into a fixture such that at least one of the first and second parts engages the fixture. The fixture is heated with at least one electrical heating element to heat the filler metal by thermal conduction above a melting point of the filler metal and form metallurgical bonds between the filler metal and the first and second parts. The melted filler metal is cooled to join the first and second parts together.

Abstract: A method for securing metallic first and second parts together includes positioning filler metal along an interface between the first and second parts. The first and second parts are inserted into a fixture such that at least one of the first and second parts engages the fixture. The fixture is heated with at least one electrical heating element to heat the filler metal by thermal conduction above a melting point of the filler metal and form metallurgical bonds between the filler metal and the first and second parts. The melted filler metal is cooled to join the first and second parts together.

Abstract: A permanent magnet motor, generator or the like that is constructed with a concentrated winding and edge form wound stator coils. This achieves less eddy current losses in the windings as well as a much higher power density than conventional techniques.

Abstract: A permanent magnet motor, generator or the like that is constructed with a concentrated winding using a separate tooth. This tooth is preloaded in such a way to achieve high structural rigidity and good magnetic performance.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell has an anode aspect and a cathode aspect. A fuel distribution structure is disposed adjacent to the anode aspect. The fuel distribution structure has a fuel feed port configured to receive and inject liquid fuel to a flow field plate. The flow field plate has flow channels formed therein that split and spread from the fuel feed port to exit ports. The flow channels are configured to convey heat to fuel passing there through to substantially convert the liquid fuel to vaporous fuel within the flow channels. The exit ports are configured to deliver the resulting vaporous fuel to the anode aspect to substantially uniformly distribute fuel across the anode aspect. Further, an enthalpy exchanger and heat spreader assembly is in thermal contact with the fuel distribution structure and configured to provide to it heat from fuel cell operation.

Abstract: A fuel cell system which includes a fuel distribution structure that uniformly distributes vaporizing fuel to a fuel cell is provided. As the fuel travels in a flow field channel in the fuel distribution structure, it is substantially converted to a vapor by the heat of the fuel cell operation in such a manner that the resulting vapor pressure works to substantially uniformly distribute fuel evenly outwardly across substantially the entire active area of the anode aspect of one or more membrane electrode assemblies in the system, and whereby localized, uneven “hot spots” of fuel at the anode aspects are substantially prevented. A pair of enthalpy exchanger and heat spreader assemblies include a cathode current collector element that also has a heat spreader plate that collects and redirects heat in the fuel cell system, the assembly acting to manage the heat, temperature and condensation in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure for a wind turbine tower. A plurality of corner posts form the core of the tower with one or more cross braces spanning the distance between pairs of corner posts. Rotating support members mounted at the location of the corner posts are adapted for mounting accelerator platforms and enabling the accelerator platform to rotate. Horizontal-axis wind turbines can be mounted on opposite sides of the accelerator platform. In some towers, the vertical spacing between the rotating support member from one accelerator platform to an adjacent accelerator platform is an integer multiple of the vertical spacing between the intersection points between the cross braces and the corner posts. In other towers, the rotating support member locations on the corner posts are proximal to the intersection of the cross braces and the corner posts.

Abstract: A fuel cell system which includes a fuel distribution structure that uniformly distributes vaporizing fuel to a fuel cell is provided. As the fuel travels in a flow field channel in the fuel distribution structure, it is substantially converted to a vapor by the heat of the fuel cell operation in such a manner that the resulting vapor pressure works to substantially uniformly distribute fuel evenly outwardly across substantially the entire active area of the anode aspect of one or more membrane electrode assemblies in the system, and whereby localized, uneven “hot spots” of fuel at the anode aspects are substantially prevented. A pair of enthalpy exchanger and heat spreader assemblies include a cathode current collector element that also has a heat spreader plate that collects and redirects heat in the fuel cell system, the assembly acting to manage the heat, temperature and condensation in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A tower and wind turbine supporting structure which at least partially envelops the tower. The tower is of uniform cross sectional configuration throughout and has a plurality of outriggers. The outriggers are connected with the tower after the wind turbines and their supporting structure have been positioned at the base of the tower, raised to their point of attachment and secured in place. Individual foundation members for each vertical tower member and for each outrigger are in the form of micro piles. Another aspect of the method of the invention involves providing a tower of uniform cross section, positioning wind turbines and their supporting structures sequentially at the base of the tower, raising them and mounting them on the tower sequentially, and thereafter providing a plurality of outriggers and their foundations and attaching them to the tower.

Abstract: A method is provided for balancing a rotating member having an annular balancing groove which is configured to receive and retain a balancing projectile. The method includes determining a circumaxial imbalance location, and firing a balancing projectile in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so that the balancing projectile enters the groove at the imbalance location. Such steps are repeated as required to cure additional points of imbalance.

Abstract: A method and circuit for detecting the position of the movable element of an electrically commutated machine. The method and apparatus allow detection of the back electromagnetic force (BEMF) waveform with all legs of the machine energized by mathematically removing the applied voltage from the measured voltage across the phases.

Abstract: A method for making a rotor for a permanent magnet electric motor comprising the steps of providing an annular permanent magnet and an annular back-up member. Affixing the magnet to the inner surface of the back-up member in an un-magnetized condition and overmolding both in an injection molding process while controlling the flow of the molten plastic so as to cause the plastic to engage the opposite sides of the magnet at substantially the same time resulting in a knit line intermediate the magnet sides on the inner surface of the magnet. Magnetizing the magnet.

Abstract: A rotatable member is adapted for dynamic balancing by the addition of balancing weights in the form of high speed projectiles fired at the member during rotation in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to impact the member at specific circumaxial locations required for balancing the member. The member has an annular groove for receiving the projectiles and securing the same at the desired locations. The groove has a cross sectional configuration slightly smaller than that of the projectile in at least one direction of measurement so as to engage and capture the projectile in retention in the groove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling permanent magnet segments and a back ring wherein a fixture hold segments in circumaxially spaced relationship, adhesive is applied to the segments, externally from pressure sensitive adhesive tape and the fixture then expands to urge the segments into firm bonding engagement with the back ring.

Abstract: A machine for balancing a rotating member includes hard bearing balancing apparatus for determining the magnitude and circumaxial location of imbalance. A sensor responds to the position of the rotating member. A computer receives signals from the balancing apparatus and the sensor and determines the location of one or more projectiles to be fired at the member. A firing mechanism including a piezoelectric actuator fires the projectiles in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to position the projectiles as required for balancing.

Abstract: An air impeller with both sound attenuation and vibration isolation means in a compact assembly. Three muffler chambers are provided preceding the inlet to the impeller each with sound absorbing foam material and vibration isolators are provided at both inlet and discharge sides of the impeller.

Abstract: An improved bearing mount sleeve and method of making same. The sleeve has a radial flange and body portion projecting therefrom. First and second shoulders in the body portion seat large and small bearings respectively. Crush ribs apply radial preloading and wave washers apply axial preloading. The sleeve is located by tabs on its flange and a locating element projecting from the end opposite the flange A series of drawing steps result in the sleeve form and piercing and forming steps complete the sleeve at economic advantage.

Abstract: A zero clearance bearing assembly comprising a housing defining a generally cylindrical bearing chamber with a pair of ball bearing units disposed therein. One unit is adjacent an axial thrust reaction surface of frusto-conical configuration and a shoulder on an associated shaft urges the unit into engagement with the surface. The other unit is press fit on the shaft and also has a shaft shoulder urging it toward the thrust surface. An air impeller on the shaft urges the same toward the other bearing unit and the thrust unit reacts to both the impeller load and an axial preload spring engaging the other bearing unit. One or both of the bearing units is provided with an improved radial preload device comprising a spring and a pair of circumaxially spaced reaction surfaces opposing the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling permanent magnet segments and a back ring wherein a fixture holds segments in circumaxially spaced relationship, adhesive is applied to the segments, externally from pressure sensitive adhesive tape and the fixture then expands to urge the segments into firm bonding engagement with the back ring.