Abstract: An improved method is provided for the design of high-efficiency electric machines. The maximum practical value of air gap flux density B.sub.g is selected, consistent with maintaining acceptable noise and vibration levels. The value of B.sub.g selected is then used to determine the dimensions of the stator and rotor laminations so as to result in flux density levels that minimize core loss, stator I.sup.2 R and rotor I.sup.2 R losses, and magnetizing current requirements.

Abstract: An AC motor is provided with a motor housing and a photoelectric sensor associated with the housing. The sensor is part of a motor control circuit which is thereby responsive to the ambient light condition to control the motor by selectively switching At on and off, or alternatively by selectively switching between higher and lower speeds. The control circuit derives its power from the motor's AC input terminals, thereby yielding a self-contained motor control unit, which requires no timer unit and no wiring or mounting by the user. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the photoelectric sensor extends through an aperture in a motor housing end cap with the associated control circuitry fitable within the end cap, thereby providing a retrofit for existing motors.

Abstract: A one-piece, plastic, integrally formed deflector for a motor includes a generally annularly shaped shroud portion, an axially offset generally annularly shaped mounting ring portion, and four generally axially extending webs interconnecting them. The deflector may be conveniently mounted to an end bracket with a screw placed through a mounting hole in the mounting ring located at each web such that as the end bracket is assembled to the motor, the shroud portion closely fits nearly adjacent the rotating rotor blades and the inside of the motor shell to restrict the flow of ventilating air through the motor and prevent its re-circulation past the blades.

Abstract: A cylindrical shell for a motor/generator may be formed by cutting a rectangular blank, offsetting an edge, rolling the blank into a cylinder with the offset edge overlapping its opposite edge, punching through the overlapping edges to interlock them and form the cylinder, and then joining a base to the cylinder through a similar interlocking, punching process. In a variation, the base may be simultaneously joined to the cylinder as the edges are punched. Holes, or holes with locating nibs, may be used to align the blank in a cylindrical shape to reliably control the shell I.D. during fabrication.

Abstract: The stator laminations for a dynamoelectric machine may be first stacked in a concentric orientation and then skewed in a controlled manner after the stator is wound, with a pair of elliptically shaped alignment slots in each lamination holding a pair of alignment bolts of generally circular cross-section, such that the laminations may be first stacked onto the alignment bolts and then skewed by pivoting the alignment bolts, thereby causing relative radial movement between the laminations and the bolts as the bolts are permitted to slide within the elliptical alignment slots. In a second embodiment, a pair of radial projections on the stator laminations and a pair of channel members which surround the radial projections permit relative radial movement and canting of the projections with respect to the channel member as the channel members are pivoted to skew the stator lamination stack.

Abstract: A three-phase A-C speed controller for small integral and fractional horsepower motors includes a phase locked loop comprised principally of a phase comparator and voltage controlled oscillator to generate phase delayed trigger signals for energizing the windings of a three-phase A-C motor. A pair of shift registers are cascaded with a flip-flop to generate the 60.degree. phase delay between phases as is necessary in a three-phase system.

Abstract: An end plate for a squirrel cage amortisseur winding is made from four angular segments, each of the segments being of the same shape and size, the segments having portions thereof cut out along the annular inner surface and the outer edges to accommodate close nesting of the angular segments across both the width and length of a sheet of raw material to minimize waste as they are cut therefrom.

Abstract: A multi-part molded plastic annular fan is formed from four pieces, each piece having upstanding fan blades and a number of integrally molded cylindrical metal sleeves through which bolts extend to mount the fan parts to a flywheel of an engine drive train. Each fan part has an interlocking member at both ends thereof which secure the fan parts together, and a bolt extends through the interlocking members to secure the fan parts to the flywheel.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts a main field coil for use in a dynamoelectric machine. The main field coil has a support having a predetermined geometry and a solid strand electrical wire wound about the support. Coil head air vents of predetermined width are inner spaced in the wound electrical wire. A structurally rigid removable means for forming the air vents is located at least partially in the air vents. The removable means is removed from the air vents after the electrical wire is wound about the support. The present disclosure describes the apparatus and a method for forming the air vents in the main field coil.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit for a three phase AC generator includes an integrator circuit which integrates the voltage across each negative half cycle of generator output and compares it to a reference voltage to adjust the phase angle of an SCR circuit which provides the power to the exciter field of the generator. A bypass circuit is provided for bypassing the regulating circuit at low generator speeds, the bypass circuit including a FET which directly connects the anode and gate of the SCR in the exciter field power supply to directly apply the generator output voltage to the exciter field at low generator speeds and output voltage. A pair of transistors are latched as the output voltage reaches a preselected minimum value to de-energize the FET and enable the regulator circuit to take over control.

Abstract: A main field coil for use in a dynamoelectric machine has a support having a predetermined geometry and a solid strand electrical wire with a circular cross section wound about the support. Coilhead (end turn) air vents of predetermined width are interspaced in the wound electrical wire. A structurally rigid removable pin has a grooved portion for receiving the wire and holding it as the air vents are formed, the pin being located at least partially in the air vents. The removable pin is removed from the air vents after the electrical wire is wound about the support.

Abstract: A frame assembly for an electric motor stator is described. The frame includes at least three arcuate units for encircling a wound core of an electric motor stator. The assembly further includes a means for interlockingly engaging the arcuate units so that the units may be maintained about the stator prior to welding. The interlocking means extends from at least one end of each arcuate unit. The interlocking means may include an overlapping portion extending arcuately outward from one end of an arcuate unit and an underlapping portion similarly extending from an adjacent arcuate unit so that the overlapping and underlapping portions may interlockingly engage with one another during assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a starting control circuit for a multispeed alternating current motor having at least two run windings and at least two start windings and a mechanical rotational output.

Abstract: A circuit for use with an induction generator. The circuit is arranged to initiate operation of the induction generator as a motor to bring the system up to operating speed and subsequently to rearrange the system automatically to cause the induction generator to operate in a generating mode. The automatic reconnection is effected as an incident of the motor reaching a preselected speed. Determination of the preselected speed may be effected by voltage responsive means in one form of the invention, and by centrifugal switch in another form of the invention. The control is effected by suitably selectively connecting the phase winding of the generator. In the illustrated embodiment, a starting capacitor and a power factor correction capacitor are automatically connected at proper times in the operation.