Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Patrick S. Yoder
  • Patent number: 6930427
    Abstract: A technique is provided for manufacturing a stator of an electrical machine, such as a motor. The stator is formed by using thin end plates or laminations that are attached to each other by rods around a group of laminations. The end plates maintain pressure on the laminations. Within the laminations, slots extend thru the length of the stator. A slot liner is placed within each slot as an insulating layer between coils and the laminations. Furthermore, an insulating end piece or lamination is positioned within each end plate and adjacent to the laminations to provide support to the slot liners that extend beyond the laminations. The insulating end lamination supports the slot liners during the winding processes to prevent the slot liners from damage. In addition to providing support, the insulating end lamination is able to provide extra insulation between the coils, laminations, and the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Barron D. Grant, Thomas S. Cufr, Thomas S. Evon, Grayson W. Lambert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6912927
    Abstract: A worm shaft is provided with an intermediate worm thread section between first and second end structures, wherein at least one of the first and second end structures has a coupling structure for a desired extension of a plurality of modular worm shaft extensions. The desired extension and the intermediate worm thread section are both selectable based on the desired application, the desired gearing ratio, and other features. Accordingly, the multi-component worm shaft of the present technique increases flexibility, reduces manufacturing costs, and reduces inventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Frederick Paul Eberle
  • Patent number: 6912484
    Abstract: A monitoring and protection system for a machine system includes monitoring modules or groups of modules positioned at various locations of the machine system at which dynamic operating conditions are monitored. The modules are configured to communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. Network media is routed between groups of monitoring modules to establish an overall system topology that is highly distributed and that is not dependent upon routing of multiple signal cables to central monitoring locations or racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Entek IRD International Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Bibelhausen, Patrick F. Carle, Dan R. Shupe, Kevin E. Kramb, Donn V. Stoutenburg, Chien-Tan Lien
  • Patent number: 6909607
    Abstract: A thermal support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. Power electronic circuits are thermally matched, such as between component layers and between the circuits and the support. The support may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Radosevich, Daniel G. Kannenberg, Steven C. Kaishian, Bruce C. Beihoff
  • Patent number: 6901316
    Abstract: A technique for configuring programmable, networked electrical components of a system includes downloading data into each component from a configurator, based upon a database for the system. The components include memory objects which are designed to store data descriptive of the system, the component, the component location in the system, and the component configuration. The configurator may load the information prior to, during or following assembly of the components in the system. The configurator may also modify system and component configurations following installation of the system by modifying the data downloaded into the individual components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Jensen, Kevin Retlich, Lou Klein
  • Patent number: 6898072
    Abstract: A terminal structure provides interfacing with power electronics circuitry and external circuitry. The thermal support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the terminal structure and the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Beihoff, Lawrence D. Radosevich, Mark G. Phillips, Dennis L. Kehl, Steven C. Kaishian, Daniel G. Kannenberg
  • Patent number: 6886985
    Abstract: A temperature controlled bearing includes a bearing element disposed within a temperature conductive housing for receiving and facilitating the rotation of a shaft. An oil sump may be formed within the housing or bearing which contains a supply of lubricant for the bearing. At least one fan is mounted to the exterior of the bearing housing, such as adjacent an oil sump. The fan is adapted to transfer heat from the bearing housing to the atmosphere by forced convection. A temperature sensor may be disposed within the bearing housing and coupled to a logic controller. The logic controller operates the fan according the temperature of the bearing as detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Kostrzewsky, Qimin J. Dong
  • Patent number: 6865080
    Abstract: A support may receive one or more power electronic circuits. The support may aid in removing heat from the circuits through fluid circulating through the support. The support, in conjunction with other packaging features may form a shield from both external EMI/RFI and from interference generated by operation of the power electronic circuits. Features may be provided to permit and enhance connection of the circuitry to external circuitry, such as improved terminal configurations. Modular units may be assembled that may be coupled to electronic circuitry via plug-in arrangements or through interface with a backplane or similar mounting and interconnecting structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Radosevich, Andreas A. Meyer, Bruce C. Beihoff, Daniel G. Kannenberg
  • Patent number: 6857179
    Abstract: A technique for making a stator for an electric motor or similar machine includes disposing a plurality of concentric coils in a stator core such that leads exit both ends of the stator core. The coils are disposed in accordance with a winding pattern that is particularly suited for making four-pole, three-phase machines. Certain of the coils are disposed singularly within core slots, while other coils share slots with coils of other winding groups. The coils may be inserted by machine, and in several layers by rotating the stator core between each layer insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Craig W. Luttrell
  • Patent number: 6849804
    Abstract: A technique and system for insulating conductors is provided in which insulating tubes are formed by winding insulating tape on a mandrel, with two or more layers of tape being wound in the same or opposite helical directions. The layers are bonded to one another and multiple tubes are formed in a series which can be nestingly assembled. The tubes are selected based upon the insulation rating desired and the size of a conductor. The tubes are assembled on the conductor and bonded to one another and to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hudson
  • Patent number: 6836204
    Abstract: A technique is provided for insulating a winding or coil for an electrical machine such as a motor. The coil is wound and placed in a taping station. Multiple layers of insulating tape are applied along an end region with leads bent back from the end region. The taping station permits the leads to be then placed over the insulated end region, and the main body region of the coil is similarly taped in a continuous uninterrupted manner. The tape wrap pitch may be varied along certain regions, where increased dielectric strength is desired. Following the insulating tape application, an armor tape may be applied over both the end region and the main region of the coil in a continuous uninterrupted manner. The coil can then be finished and assembled in a machine such as an electric motor stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ray Thomas Reid, Jeffrey A. Hudson
  • Patent number: 6832118
    Abstract: Components designed for use in networked control and monitoring systems including dedicated memory objects which store data representative of the system, the component and the function of the component in the system. The component-specific information may include data indicating the physical location of the component in the system. The objects are reprogrammable to adapt to system changes. A system comprising the components allows the objects to be accessed via a data network. Controlled or monitored parameters of the components may thus be collected in association with the other data stored in the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Erich Heberlein, Jon W. Simons, Louis K Kein, Kevin A Retlich, Wayne H. Wielebski, Kevin Baumann
  • Patent number: 6825860
    Abstract: A technique is provided for generating, resizing and rescaling an image. The image may be of a physical system, and may be based upon data collected from components via a data network. Elements in the image are associated into logical groups. The image is displayed in a display area, the dimensions of which may be changed by a user. Upon a change in a first dimension of the display area, the image is rescaled so as to maintain an original aspect ratio of the image. Resizing of the display area in a second direction does not rescale the image, but changes the number of logical groups displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jung-Hsiang Hu, Steve Fischer, Lou Klein, Kevin Retlich
  • Patent number: 6816817
    Abstract: A technique for monitoring operational parameters of networked components includes storing data within each component descriptive of the component. The data is polled by a monitoring station and provides a basis for monitor views compiled in real time. The monitor views provide a view of current levels of parameters controlled or monitored by each device, such as on virtual meters. Historical levels of operational parameters may be presented in virtual strip chart output. Textual descriptions of the components are provided, along with listings of key settings. More detailed data may be accessed by links between the monitor views and other user viewable representations for the system and the specific components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Retlich, Jinghui Luo, Dave Blair
  • Patent number: 6774618
    Abstract: A device comprises a first magnetically conductive structure, a second magnetically conductive structure, and a circuit coupled the first and second magnetically conductive structures. The circuit senses information pertaining to a permeability of the first magnetically conductive structure relative to a permeability of the second magnetically conductive structure. The device may be used for various flux sensing and control applications, such as in current sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Blakely
  • Patent number: 6768411
    Abstract: A stator assembly for use in an electromechanical machine includes an improved concentric winding arrangement. Groups of concentric coils are alternately inserted from both ends of the stator core. In other words, a first phase group is inserted from one end. The stator core is then rotated 180° for insertion of the second phase group. Next, the stator core is rotated back to its original position for insertion of the third phase group. The alternating process continues until all phase groups have been inserted. Preferably, the winding pattern utilizes a combination of full slots and shared slots, with full slots of different groups of the same phase being adjacent to one another. The invention permits the use of automated winding equipment in large inductions motors where hand insertion was often required in the past.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Craig W. Luttrell
  • Patent number: 6768949
    Abstract: A monitoring and protection technique for machine systems includes providing multiple processors within a monitoring module. A first processor generally performs management functions, such as data communications control, memory management, and so forth. A second processor performs complex calculations that provide data to the first processor. The module may be specifically adapted to applications, such as vibration monitoring, in which case the second processor may perform analysis of received signals to derive vibrational data that forms the basis for decisions for energizing or de-energizing relay circuitry used to control the machine system or an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Entek Ird International Corporation
    Inventors: Dan R. Shupe, Kevin E. Kramb, David J. Bibelhausen, Donn V. Stoutenburg, David P. Trumpy
  • Patent number: 6745640
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing worm shafts for a gearbox. The method comprises using a common worm shaft blank to produce worm gears for all of the gear ratios of a family of gearboxes. The common worm shaft blank has a defined outer diameter. The method may comprise establishing an axial pitch to enable the worm shaft to be adapted with a thread to produce a desired gearbox ratio using the common worm shaft blank. The method may comprise adapting the common worm shaft blank to produce the worm shaft thread for the desired gear ratio. The system comprises a family of gearboxes having a plurality of gear ratios. The worm shafts for each of the gearboxes is adapted from a worm shaft produced from a common worm shaft blank. The worm shafts may all have the same outer diameter at the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chuong H. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6729913
    Abstract: A connector system is provided in which a branch connector may be secured in a pre-wired power and data network. The branch connector is designed to interface with existing network connections to provide at least one additional interface point for added or temporary devices. The connector may be designed to interface with existing connectors in a manner similar to existing cable assemblies, and may present sockets or similar interfaces which are substantially identical to the interface to which the connector is applied. Expanded network connectivity is thus provided for additional devices or temporary devices, such as programming, logging, system configuration and troubleshooting, and similar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Bruski, G. Erich Heberlein, Jr., Sean V. Ciesielka
  • Patent number: 6720692
    Abstract: An electromechanical machine includes a stator fixed with respect to a housing structure and a rotor fixed with respect to a driven shaft. The stator includes a magnetically permeable core having a plurality of parallel winding slots containing conductive windings. Coilheads are located at opposite axial ends of the magnetically permeable core where the windings turn to extend down a parallel winding slot. The motor is equipped with an electrostatic shield arrangement to reduce capacitive coupling between the stator and rotor during operation. The shield arrangement comprises a grounded conductive layer separated from the conductive windings of the stator by an insulative layer of cured resin material. Preferably, the conductive layer may be formed of a conductive paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Sidney Bell