By Electronic Switch Patents (Class 318/786)
  • Patent number: 11788337
    Abstract: An opening-closing member control device includes a motor that opens and closes an opening-closing member of a vehicle, and a control unit configured to stop the motor when determining that a foreign object has been entrapped by the opening-closing member and reverse the motor when a delay time elapses after stopping the motor. When the control unit determines that entrapment has occurred upon operation of a remote operation switch that is separated from the vehicle, the control unit reverses the motor after the delay time that is shorter than when determining that entrapment has occurred upon operation of a vehicle operation switch that is arranged in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Aoshima, Kazuyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 11277081
    Abstract: A device for switching in and out a start winding of a single phase AC motor using an energizer winding to generate voltage which can be used to power a simple timing switch circuit. The AC voltage is rectified and converted to DC voltage. The DC voltage is then used to drive a normally closed solid state switch to an open state which in turn inactivates a triac connected to the start winding in the motor. The “on time” of the start winding is controlled by a RC circuit that ramps the voltage to the gate of a FET that drives current through the normally closed solid state switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Flint & Walling, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Hansen, Adam J. Cohen, Josh E. Tang
  • Patent number: 11076740
    Abstract: Provided herein are an appliance and method for washing and rinsing goods. The appliance may include a circulation pump, a sensing arrangement arranged to measure an indication of circulation pump pressure or process water flow rate through the circulation pump, and a controller arranged to control operating speed of the circulation pump. The controller may be further arranged to detect that the indicated circulation pump pressure or process water flow rate through the circulation pump is insufficient, and gradually reduce operating speed of the circulation pump until the circulation pump pressure or the process water flow rate through the circulation pump is at a sufficient operational level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: David Persson
  • Patent number: 10469006
    Abstract: A power adapter for use with a power tool having an electric motor, and configured to supply electric power from an alternating current power supply to the power tool, is provided. The adapter includes a housing and an auxiliary capacitor circuit housed within the housing. The auxiliary capacitor circuit includes an auxiliary capacitor, a switch in series with the auxiliary capacitor, and a switch control circuit. A state of the switch creates either a charging path for the auxiliary capacitor or both the charging path and a discharging path for the auxiliary capacitor, and the switch control circuit is configured to detect voltage associated with the power supply or the power tool and to control state of the switch in accordance with magnitude of the detected voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Pradeep M. Pant, Michael K. Forster, Scott J. Eshleman, Samuel G. Woods, Timothy J. Seeley, Mark T. Cherry
  • Patent number: 10267532
    Abstract: A thermostat or other in-line, two-conductor control device employs a power-stealing technique to obtain DC power for its electronic controls where the thermostat wire run has an R wire but no C (common) wire. The controlled switch for a reactive load, such as the gas valve relay or compressor contactor, is formed of a pair of power capacitors and a pair of switching transistors or other electronic controlled switches. The conductors for feeding DC power to control electronics are connected with the junctions of the power capacitors and their respective switching transistors. The power capacitors and switching transistors can be configured in respective series combinations, with the series combinations forming a parallel combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: International Controls and Measurements Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Christopher Wood, Andrew S. Kadah, Michael James Cariseo
  • Patent number: 10097003
    Abstract: A system for managing delivery of electric power includes at least one source of electric power supplying an aggregate amount of available power and a plurality of electrical loads, each having a priority designation. There is a power management system electrically connected to the source of electrical power and to the plurality of electrical loads. The power management system monitors electrical power demanded by the electrical loads and the aggregate amount of available power of the at least one source of electric power. When the power management system determines that the aggregate demanded power exceeds the aggregate amount of available power, the power management system continues to provide power to each of said electrical loads but at a power level which is less than demanded to one or more of said plurality of electrical loads based on the priority designation of each of said electrical loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Kartik Nanda
  • Patent number: 9806660
    Abstract: A control system for a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor is provided herein. The control system includes a motor drive circuit configured to condition AC input voltage from an AC voltage source to an output voltage for operating the PSC motor at a variable speed. The control system also includes a switch device configured to couple the AC input voltage from the AC voltage source directly to the PSC motor for operating the PSC motor at a fixed speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra
  • Patent number: 9800188
    Abstract: Hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A hybrid motor drive circuit includes an inverter coupled to the motor and configured to drive the motor when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies. The hybrid motor drive circuit also includes a first switch device configured to couple line input power to an output of the inverter when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra
  • Patent number: 9598093
    Abstract: A signal detection system for use with a signaling system is disclosed, the signal detection system comprising a plurality of electrical terminals including a source terminal and an output terminal, the output terminal being connected to a signaling device. An auxiliary terminal electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrical terminals is provided. A current sensor is coupled to the auxiliary terminal for detecting an electrical signal for controlling the signaling device. The current sensor generating an output signal in response to the detection of the electrical signal for controlling the signaling device for monitoring the status of the signaling device. Also disclosed is a method for installing a signal detection system in a wayside signaling system including a signaling device for monitoring a status of the signaling device. An apparatus for connecting a current sensor to a signaling device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Alstom Transport Technologies
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Fries, Gregory K. Hann, Aric Weingartner, Steven R. Murphy, Dan E Erickson, David Fletcher, Bradley Dale Brown
  • Patent number: 9479104
    Abstract: A power circuit is configured with mostly passive electrical components to connect a phase shift capacitor to a phase shift winding of a PSC motor selectively. The power circuit includes a timing circuit, a switching circuit, and a triac having a first anode connected to the second capacitor and a second anode connected to electrical ground. The timing circuit has a plurality of passive electrical components and a single active comparator configured to generate a signal indicative of an expiration of a predetermined time period after application of a line voltage to the motor. The switching circuit has a plurality of passive electrical components and a single active switch, which generates a signal to operate the triac to electrically connect the second capacitor to the second winding during the predetermined time period and to disconnect electrically the second capacitor from the second winding in response to a signal generated by the timing circuit indicating the predetermined time period has expired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Hollenbeck, Bruce C. Ley, Mark M. Lulling
  • Patent number: 9160259
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a system and an electronic device (15), especially designed for start and control of the functioning of a single-phase induction motor (12). Said motor (12) comprises a run winding (10) and a start winding (11), the start winding (11) is electrically associated to an electronic start device (15), the run winding (10) and the electronic start device (15) are electrically associated to an alternating voltage source (F) configured to supply feed energy to the motor (12), the start winding (11) is kept de-energized at a first operation instant (Top1) of the motor (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventor: Marcos Roberto de Souza
  • Publication number: 20150137730
    Abstract: In a method for operating an asynchronous motor including a main winding and an auxiliary winding, a start capacitor is connected in series with the auxiliary winding before the asynchronous motor is started up and is disconnected at a point in time, which is to be determined, after the asynchronous motor is started up. The voltage of the auxiliary winding is measured and at least one mathematical model is used, which models the voltage amplitude of the voltage of the auxiliary winding in relation to time and includes at least one parameter of the dynamic process of the motor starting procedure, which is determined on the basis of the mathematical model and the course of the amplitude or the effective value of the measured voltage of the auxiliary winding, and the point in time for disconnecting the start capacitor is determined by means of the determined parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Xiaoming Peng
  • Patent number: 9003826
    Abstract: The motor (1) of the present invention is fed by the mains voltage (Vac), and comprises a main winding (MW), an auxiliary winding (AW), a first triac (2) connected in series to the auxiliary winding (AW) which provides to start up the motor (1) by being actuated at the moment of start up in order to operate the motor (1), a second triac (3) connected in series to the main winding (MW) which provides the motor (1) to continue operating and a control unit (4) which controls the start up and operation of the motor (1) by actuating the triacs (2 and 3) when required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
    Inventors: Oner Hatipoglu, Ahmet Ihsan Yuce, Mustafa Yuksel, Mucahit Bacaksiz
  • Patent number: 8749191
    Abstract: A float switch includes a floater (106), a float leader (105), a reed pipe detection device and a relay (101). The floater (106) is sleeved on the float leader (105), and can slide freely. The reed pipe detection device comprises a high-level reed pipe (108), a low-level reed pipe (109) and a magnet (107). The float leader (105) is hollow. The high-level reed pipe (108) and the low-level reed pipe (109) are located in a high level and a low level inside the float leader (105) respectively. The magnet (107) is provided inside the floater (106). A motor is controlled by the relay (101) in the float switch. The motor begins to work when the relay (101) is switched on, and the motor stops working when the relay (101) is switched off. The switch has a long service life, high reliability and an excellent waterproof property. The float switch has a simple manufacture and installation process, less fraction defective and condemnation factor, thus further reduces the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GP Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liming Wang
  • Patent number: 8432122
    Abstract: A method and device for starting single-phase asynchronous motors which substantially consists in disengaging the start winding of a single-phase asynchronous motor, after its starting, by using a switching means that is connected in series to the start winding. The switching means is controlled as a function of a starting time and of a starting voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Sumoto S.R.L.
    Inventors: Sebastiano D'Amico, Andrea Fongaro, Michele Giardina
  • Patent number: 8390239
    Abstract: A control circuit for a single-phase AC motor of a dryer, including at least an electronic starting circuit including at least a starting control unit, a first drive circuit, and a bidirectional triode thyristor, a second drive circuit, and a mechanical switch K. The bidirectional triode thyristor is serially connected to a starting winding and a starting capacitor of the motor, and connected to an AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the bidirectional triode thyristor via the first drive circuit. The mechanical switch K is serially connected to an electrical heating wire, and is connected to the AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the mechanical switch K via the second drive circuit. The first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are interlocked with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8378619
    Abstract: A motor start circuit for an induction motor includes a start switch device serving the purpose of interrupting the current or voltage flow through the start winding after the start of the motor. The motor includes a main winding and a start winding, which are supplied with alternating current or voltage from a mains power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hendon Semi Conductors Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Phil Hancock, Phil Tracy, Justin Langman, Mark Potter
  • Patent number: 8373378
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a speed control system for a motor that includes a fixed speed control portion and a variable speed control portion. The fixed speed control portion is operable to control a speed of a motor in a fixed speed mode wherein the motor is operated at a preselected fixed speed below a predetermined fixed speed mode threshold speed. The variable speed control portion is operable to control the motor in a variable speed mode wherein the motor is operated such that a speed of the motor can be selectively varied within a range between the fixed speed mode threshold speed and a maximum motor speed. The system additionally includes a switching device structured and operable to selectively switch the speed control system between the fixed speed mode and the variable speed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert E. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20120274262
    Abstract: A voltage and speed sensitive solid state motor control starting circuit is a RPM voltage sensing circuit for controlling the starting circuit operation of an AC induction motor. The circuit effectively removes the start capacitor from the AC circuit at a predetermined RPM cutout voltage and reengages the start capacitor at a predetermined cut in voltage. The circuit may be installed on an AC induction motor to replace conventional mechanical switches that are used for removing start capacitors from the AC induction motor circuit. The circuit is more simplified and less complex than conventional mechanical switches, while being very efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: John F. Parrish
  • Patent number: 8299735
    Abstract: A fan system including a motor with a coil, a storage unit, a driver, and a buffer circuit is provided. The coil module has a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal. The storage unit electrically couples with a voltage source, stores electrical energy when the voltage source is available, and releases the stored electrical energy to carry out a brake operation when the voltage source is unavailable. The driver electrically couples with the first and second connection terminals of the coil module to control a direction of an inductor current passing through the coil module. The buffer circuit electrically couples with the coil module. In the brake operation, the buffer circuit operates to form a transient potential between the first and second connection terminals of the coil module and to consume electrical energy of the inductor current, for gradually stopping the motor in a buffering time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Horng, Tung-An Chen, Cheng-Nan Tsai, Kun-Tien Wu, Kuan-Yin Hou
  • Patent number: 8274253
    Abstract: A single-phase AC motor control circuit for a dryer, including a starting control unit, a first drive circuit, a bidirectional triode thyristor BCR1, a second drive circuit, and a bidirectional triode thyristor BCR2. The bidirectional triode thyristor BCR1 is serially connected to a motor starting winding, and a starting capacitor, and then to a utility power AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the bidirectional triode thyristor BCR1 via the first drive circuit. The bidirectional triode thyristor BCR2 is serially connected to an electrically heated strip, and then to the utility power AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the bidirectional triode thyristor BCR2 via the second drive circuit. The first drive circuit is interlocked with the second drive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8269450
    Abstract: A winding switching apparatus includes a winding switching device and a drive circuit. The winding switching device is configured to switch a plurality of windings of an AC motor. The drive circuit is configured to control the winding switching device. The winding switching device includes a winding switch, a diode bridge, and a capacitor. The diode bridge includes a positive-side DC output terminal, a negative-side DC output terminal, and AC input terminals. The AC input terminals corresponds to respective phases of the AC motor. The positive-side and negative-side DC output terminals are respectively connected to positive-side and negative-side DC buses provided in an inverter. The AC input terminals are respectively connected to winding-switching terminals corresponding to the respective phases of the AC motor. The AC input terminals are respectively connected to phase terminals provided in the winding switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Koji Higashikawa, Kenji Yamada, Katsutoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8258738
    Abstract: A low cost motor starter is shown having a PTC resistor 12 serially connected to a triac 14 and a bias resistor in turn adapted to be connected to the start winding of a single phase motor. A reed relay 16 having a sense coil 16a serially connected to the main winding in one preferred embodiment and in parallel with the main and start windings in a second preferred embodiment, is magnetically coupled to reed contacts 16b, 16c. Reed contact 16b is connected to a location intermediate the PTC resistor 12 and the triac 14 while reed contact 16c is connected to the gate of the triac. A gate signal phase shifting network comprising capacitor C1-R2 is also connected to reed contact 16c and the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies Massachusetts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Andrews, Jr., Russell P. Brodeur, Kevin J. Dropps
  • Patent number: 8248020
    Abstract: A starting circuit for a single-phase AC motor, consisting at least-of a rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit, a control circuit with a zero-cross detecting circuit and a counter, and a bidirectional thyristor. The bidirectional thyristor is serially connected to a starting winding and a starting capacitor, the bidirectional thyristor, the starting winding and the starting capacitor are connected a utility power AC input. The input end of the rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit is connected to the utility power AC input. The output end of the rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit supplies power to the control circuit. The input end of the zero-cross detecting circuit is connected to the utility power AC input. The output end of the zero-cross detecting circuit is connected to the input end of the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8237395
    Abstract: A dual-speed single-phase AC motor, including: a stator, including a stator core, and a coil winding, including a starting winding, a first main winding, and a second main winding, a rotor, and a starting circuit, including a rectifying and voltage-stabilizing circuit, a detecting circuit, a voltage comparison circuit, a first switching circuit, a second switching circuit, and a third switching circuit. The number of poles of the starting winding is the same as that of the first main winding. The number of poles of the first main winding is less than that of the second main winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8228020
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a hybrid motor, The hybrid motor, uses a permanent magnet instead of a field coil for a rotor, winds a coil round a stator in a multi-phase independent parallel manner, fixes a rectifying type encoder to the rotor and connects a sensor to a driving circuit. The apparatus comprises: an encoder attached to a rotor in cooperation with a pole sensor a speed input unit for generating a speed instruction signal a power switching circuit to generate motor driving signals; a drive module receiving the speed instruction signal and the sensor signal and outputting the speed instruction signal synchronized with the sensor signal as a driving motor signal; a power supply for applying a DC voltage to the power switching circuit; A logic power supply for converting the DC voltage into a logic voltage, and applying logic voltage to the drive module. The motor has n phases, n power switching circuits and n drive modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eni Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Ryul Shin, Pyeong-Hun Cho
  • Publication number: 20120159984
    Abstract: The motor (1) of the present invention is fed by the mains voltage (Vac), and comprises a main winding (MW), an auxiliary winding (AW), a first triac (2) connected in series to the auxiliary winding (AW) which provides to start up the motor (1) by being actuated at the moment of start up in order to operate the motor (1), a second triac (3) connected in series to the main winding (MW) which provides the motor (1) to continue operating and a control unit (4) which controls the start up and operation of the motor (1) by actuating the triacs (2 and 3) when required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Oner Hatipoglu, Ahmet Ihsan Yuce, Mustafa Yuksel, Mucahit Bacaksiz
  • Patent number: 8198854
    Abstract: A starting circuit for a single-phase AC motor, the single-phase AC motor comprising a main winding and a starting winding, and the starting circuit comprising a detecting circuit, a rectifying circuit, a triggering circuit, and a switch, wherein the detecting circuit is connected in series with the main winding, the switch is connected in series with the starting winding, the detecting circuit transfers current parameters of the main winding into detecting signals, the rectifying circuit processes the detecting signals and transmits the detecting signals to the triggering circuit, the triggering circuit controls the switch according to the detecting signals whereby controlling power-on and power-off of the starting winding, and the triggering circuit is a hysteresis comparing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8120305
    Abstract: An electronic relay for single phase induction motor, the electronic relay including a triac located between a start winding and a start capacitor of the single phase induction motor to control current flow of the start winding and an induced voltage detection circuit to detect an induced voltage of the start winding proportional to an angular velocity of the motor. The electronic relay is adapted to detect a zero-point voltage of a motor line voltage before start of the motor and to calculate an acceleration torque during start of the motor. The electronic relay is programmed to turn on the triac when the zero-point voltage of the motor line is detected and to turn off the triac when the acceleration torque begins decreasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Young Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 8093858
    Abstract: A voltage or power conditioning and control device may be used in line with a source of AC line power and a reactive load such as a single-phase induction motor. The device operates to absorb some of the power reflected by the AC load and generate a synthetic power wave to supplement and correct the applied power in level and phase. The device employs a pair of power capacitors, and a pair of electronic switch devices each with a diode in parallel. Gating or command signals are generated based on the line voltage and timing, e.g., zero crossings. The phase or timing of the command signals is selected for a normal or no-boost mode, a voltage boost mode, or a voltage reduction mode. The capacitors are considered in series with the load, and improve the power factor to the load. A variation of this device may be used in conjunction with a solar array or other local power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: International Controls and Measurements Corp.
    Inventors: Hassan B Kadah, Andrew S. Kadah
  • Publication number: 20110298413
    Abstract: A single-phase AC motor control circuit for a dryer, including a starting control unit, a first drive circuit, a bidirectional triode thyristor BCR1, a second drive circuit, and a bidirectional triode thyristor BCR2. The bidirectional triode thyristor BCR1 is serially connected to a motor starting winding, and a starting capacitor, and then to a utility power AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the bidirectional triode thyristor BCR1 via the first drive circuit. The bidirectional triode thyristor BCR2 is serially connected to an electrically heated strip, and then to the utility power AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the bidirectional triode thyristor BCR2 via the second drive circuit. The first drive circuit is interlocked with the second drive circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong ZHAO
  • Patent number: 8072179
    Abstract: An electronic starter device for an electric motor including a first terminal connected in use to a mains voltage source selectively activatable by means of control means to feed respective starter and run windings of the electric motor; switch means arranged in series between the voltage source and the starter winding to selectively feed the starter winding; generating means of a first low voltage potential (V1) directly connected to the feeding terminal; timer means including at least one capacitor and means for selectively charging the capacitor by means of at least one first resistor; first driving means for activating the switch means; and second driving means for activating the first driving means, the latter being arranged logically in a cascade with respect to the second driving means, which are activated by means of the timer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
    Inventor: Alfredo De Pasca
  • Patent number: 8022657
    Abstract: A control circuit for a washing machine that avoids contact bounce short circuit failures is provided. A washing machine that utilizes an induction motor including a starting winding used to start rotation of the motor at the beginning of a cycle. Such washing machines require that the motor be operated in both directions during different cycles. To enable such operation, a mechanical timer uses a pair of single pole, double throw switches in a switching assembly to reverse the L1 and neutral connections to the starter winding. To avoid the contact shorting problem, the control wiring runs either the L1 or neutral side of the voltage source, or both, through the centrifugal switch to open the input contact(s) once the motor has reached its operating speed. Then, if the switching assembly has L1 and N contacts touching at the same time, it will not result in a dead short.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: James E. Pearson, Richard Louis Elkin
  • Publication number: 20110193511
    Abstract: A control circuit for a single-phase AC motor of a dryer, including at least an electronic starting circuit including at least a starting control unit, a first drive circuit, and a bidirectional triode thyristor, a second drive circuit, and a mechanical switch K. The bidirectional triode thyristor is serially connected to a starting winding and a starting capacitor of the motor, and connected to an AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the bidirectional triode thyristor via the first drive circuit. The mechanical switch K is serially connected to an electrical heating wire, and is connected to the AC input. The starting control unit is connected to a control end of the mechanical switch K via the second drive circuit. The first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are interlocked with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: ZHONGSHAN BROAD-OCEAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20110018486
    Abstract: An electronic relay for single phase induction motor, the electronic relay including a triac located between a start winding and a start capacitor of the single phase induction motor to control current flow of the start winding and an induced voltage detection circuit to detect an induced voltage of the start winding proportional to an angular velocity of the motor. The electronic relay is adapted to detect a zero-point voltage of a motor line voltage before start of the motor and to calculate an acceleration torque during start of the motor. The electronic relay is programmed to turn on the triac when the zero-point voltage of the motor line is detected and to turn off the triac when the acceleration torque begins decreasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Young Jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110001451
    Abstract: A method and device for starting single-phase asynchronous motors which substantially consists in disengaging the start winding of a single-phase asynchronous motor, after its starting, by using a switching means that is connected in series to the start winding. The switching means is controlled as a function of a starting time and of a starting voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Sebastiano D'Amico, Andrea Fongaro, Michele Giardina
  • Publication number: 20100207569
    Abstract: A starting circuit for a single-phase AC motor, the single-phase AC motor comprising a main winding and a starting winding, and the starting circuit comprising a detecting circuit, a rectifying circuit, a triggering circuit, and a switch, wherein the detecting circuit is connected in series with the main winding, the switch is connected in series with the starting winding, the detecting circuit transfers current parameters of the main winding into detecting signals, the rectifying circuit processes the detecting signals and transmits the detecting signals to the triggering circuit, the triggering circuit controls the switch according to the detecting signals whereby controlling power-on and power-off of the starting winding, and the triggering circuit is a hysteresis comparing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: ZHONGSHAN BROAD-OCEAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong ZHAO
  • Patent number: 7777992
    Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5), which are supplied with current, particularly alternating current, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a start switching device (15) serving the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the start switching device (15) being connected to a control device (20) via a connector (18), the control device (20) being connected between the current supply connections (24, 25), and with a winding protection switch (28), which is normally closed and which opens on the occurrence of a fault. The invention is characterized in that the control device (20) is connected to the winding protection switch (28) via at least one further connector (22, 17), preferably via at least one further connector (22, 17) and the auxiliary winding (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7777438
    Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor-with a main winding and an auxiliary winding having two end connections supplied with current via current supply connections, and with a start circuit device serving the purpose of stopping the current flow through the auxiliary winding after the start of the motor, and being connected via a conductor to a control device connected between the current supply connections, and with a preset timer device interacting with the start circuit device to stop the current flow through the auxiliary winding, as soon as a predetermined period after the start of the current flow has lapsed. With the purpose of optimizing the motor start circuit, a voltage presetting device, with which a predetermined voltage value can be set, the start circuit device being disconnected if this value is exceeded, and a period duration presetting device, are connected to or integrated in the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7633260
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the starting and stopping of an AC induction motor, the apparatus comprises a first and a second magnetic permeable portions having a plurality of legs wherein a magnetic control flux of the second magnetic has an opposite magnetic polarity to the magnetic control flux of the first magnetic permeable portion; anon-spacer separating the first and second magnetic permeable portions to prevent magnetic control flux cancellation between the first and second magnetic permeable portions; a first and second AC power phase windings; and a first and second group of DC excitation control windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Hilton Raymond Bacon
  • Patent number: 7630180
    Abstract: The invention concerns a motor starter circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5) supplied with current, particularly AC, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a starter switch arrangement (15), which serves the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the starter switch arrangement (15) interacting with a measuring arrangement serving the purpose of measuring the voltage across the auxiliary winding (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Patent number: 7612519
    Abstract: Apparatus for driving a three-phase compressor assembly from a single-phase electrical power supply having first and second power lines, said three-phase compressor assembly comprising a compressor having a rotatable shaft, an electrical motor having a rotatable shaft coupled to the rotatable shaft of the compressor, the electrical motor having at least first, second and third motor windings and having at least first, second and third terminals connected to the first, second and third windings, means adapted to connect the first and second power lines of the single-phase power supply to the first and second terminals and a torque augmentation circuit for injecting current into the third terminal and including a capacitor and an electrical component in series with the capacitor, said electrical component having resistive characteristics and having means for essentially interrupting the current being injected into the third terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Otto J. M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090174359
    Abstract: A method and a circuit for controlling a triac intended to be series-connected with a resistive element of positive temperature coefficient or a capacitive element, and a winding for starting an asynchronous motor, for supply by an A.C. voltage, the present invention including the steps of: detecting a voltage representative of the voltage across the series connection of the element and of the triac; comparing this detected voltage with respect to a threshold; and blocking a turning back on of the triac when the threshold has been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: STMcroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent Gonthier, Jean-Michel Simonnet
  • Patent number: 7554284
    Abstract: An inductive contactless starter for single-phase AC motor, comprising a current inductor and a triac; wherein, one terminal of secondary coil of said current inductor is connected to the gate electrode of said triac, the other terminal is both connected to the first electrode of said triac and the terminal of secondary winding of the motor, and the two terminals of primary coil of said current inductor are connected to the motor and the power supply. By sampling relevant current signals with said current inductor, the invention can control heat loss of the current sampling system effectively down to milliwatt level (i.e., the starter is a “zero power loss”starter for single-phase AC motors), and thereby improve energy efficiency greatly; in addition, the invention has a simple circuit and fewer components and is reliable, improving reliability of the electric starter system while delivering electric starting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Changshu Tianyin Electromechanical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yunwen Zhao
  • Publication number: 20090128082
    Abstract: A low cost switching system for an electrical motor, which is speed sensitive, direction of rotation insensitive, load insensitive and voltage fluctuation insensitive. The switch contains a power supply, a control circuit, a zero cross detector circuit, a triggering circuit and an electronic switch to provide the switching action. A time delay hysterisis inducement circuit is provided in the switching system to energized and deenergized the capacitor at a predetermined synchronous speed of the motor. The switching system first checks the speed of the motor before reenergizing the start capacitor, which increases the life of the motor. The switching system operates in high temperature range and regardless the value of the capacitor used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Abhishek Singh
  • Patent number: 7511446
    Abstract: A system and method for starting and regulating a wound rotor motor (320) including a phase-controlled SCR converter (350) and a drive circuit (330, 340) having a voltage source inverter (340) and a voltage source converter (330). The SCR converter (350) regulates power transmitted to the drive circuit from the rotor of the motor so that the ratings of the drive circuit are not exceeded. A shorting contactor (390) is employed in various embodiments to increase the efficiency of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: TM GE Automation Systems LLC
    Inventor: Paul S. Bixel
  • Publication number: 20080225447
    Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5), which are supplied with current, particularly alternating current, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a start switching device (15) serving the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the start switching device (15) being connected to a control device (20) via a connector (18), the control device (20) being connected between the current supply connections (24, 25), and with a winding protection switch (28), which is normally closed and which opens on the occurrence of a fault. The invention is characterised in that the control device (20) is connected to the winding protection switch (28) via at least one further connector (22, 17), preferably via at least one further connector (22, 17) and the auxiliary winding (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: DANFOSS COMPRESSORS GMBH
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt, Hans Peter Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20080191659
    Abstract: A submersible motor is provided for a submersible pump, the motor being configured as a single-phase asynchronous motor, which includes a main winding (6), an auxiliary winding (8), and a starting device (10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) for controlling the starting procedure of the submersible motor. The starting device for the control of the current feed of the auxiliary winding (8) includes at least one electronic switch (20) in the circuit of the auxiliary winding (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/S
    Inventors: Hakon Borsting, Bjarne Henriksen, Claus B. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7408321
    Abstract: Apparatus for driving a three-phase compressor assembly from a single-phase electrical power supply having first and second power lines, said three-phase compressor assembly comprising a compressor having a rotatable shaft, an electrical motor having a rotatable shaft coupled to the rotatable shaft of the compressor, the electrical motor having at least first, second and third motor windings and having at least first, second and third terminals connected to the first, second and third windings, means adapted to connect the first and second power lines of the single-phase power supply to the first and second terminals and a torque augmentation circuit for injecting current into the third terminal and including a capacitor and an electrical component in series with the capacitor, said electrical component having resistive characteristics and having means for essentially interrupting the current being injected into the third terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Otto J. M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7408320
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for power control by phase gating of an AC voltage, which supplies an electrical load (14), and for reduction of harmonics which are created by the phase gating, in particular up to a region of 4 kHz, preferably in the region of the third harmonic, having a first circuit element (12) (TRIAC) which is connected in series with the load (14) and is driven by a control device (20) in order to carry out phase gating. The apparatus is distinguished in that a second circuit element (34) is provided in series with a resistance element (32), with the series circuit being arranged in parallel with the first circuit element (12) and with the control device (20) being designed such that it drives the second circuit element (34) shortly before the first circuit element (12) and switches it to the on state for a short time period. The invention also relates to a method for harmonic reduction in the range up to 4 kHz, preferably of the third harmonic, for power control by phase gating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Detlef Schulz