Abstract: An expandable arbor is provided for assembling a plurality of laminas into a lamination, wherein each lamina has a central opening and a plurality of slots extending radially from the central opening. The arbor includes a base portion and an expandable core that is disposed to extend axially from the base portion. The arbor further includes a plurality of key holders disposed around the core. Each key holder is configured in the form of an elongated shaft that extends axially from the base portion and has a polygonal transverse cross-section. Each key holder is further configured with a plurality of faces, and each face defines a key receptacle therein for holding a key.

Abstract: A frame for the housing of an electric motor having a top cavity that extends axially along the upper interior portion of the frame and beneath the top wall of the frame. The top cavity functions as a conduit box through which access is provided to the electrical leads of the motor, thus eliminating the need for a separate conduit box attached to the exterior of the housing. The frame also includes an axially extending, corner channel along each of its four corners. The frame is adaptable for both closed and open housing cooling arrangements.

Abstract: A system for training a neural network to synthesize vibration data relating to the operation of a machine. The system includes a first sensor operatively coupleable to the machine, the first sensor adapted to obtain at least one vibration signal relating to the operation of the machine. The system further includes a second sensor operatively coupleable to a power lead of the machine, the second sensor adapted to obtain at least one current signal relating to the operation of a machine. Additionally, the system includes a neural network operatively coupleable to the second sensor, the neural network being trainable to generate at least one synthesized vibration signal from the current signal, wherein the synthesized vibration signal is substantially equivalent to the vibration signal obtained from the first sensor.

Abstract: An expert manufacturing system generates a manufacturing plan for producing a part in an automated manufacturing system. The expert manufacturing system generates a multipurpose manufacturing geometry definitions file. The expert manufacturing system includes a rule-based expert system which uses the manufacturing geometry definitions file to generate the manufacturing plan in the form of a neutral source code file. The neutral source code is converted to machine-specific program code directly executable by a device controller, such as a logic controller or motion controller. The expert manufacturing system also includes a parametric drawing generation program for generating drawing of the part, and a computer simulation program for simulating the manufacturing plan for producing the part.

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 electrostatic shield arrangements in the winding slots and coilheads to reduce capacitive coupling between the stator and rotor during operation.

Abstract: A coupling/mounting system for securing a shaft to a sleeve or hub includes an inner insert or bushing and an outer insert or bushing. The inner bushing has a slot permitting its radial compression during insertion into the hub. One or more radially extending projections are provided about the cylindrical outer periphery of the inner bushing. The projections enter into engagement in a corresponding recess within the bore. The inner bushing has a tapered inner surface that contacts a corresponding tapered outer surface of the outer bushing. The outer bushing has a elongated slot that permits its radial compression about the shaft when the system is assembled. The outer bushing includes mechanical features which permit it to be drawn into engagement between the inner bushing and the shaft, and thereby to exert radial forces for securing the shaft to the bore.

Abstract: Lead wires of large electric motors are routed through annular shrouds located inside of the motor housing to surround respective stator coilheads. Each of the shrouds includes at least one attachment portion defining an opening for passage of the leads. In one embodiment, a support element defining a lead channel aligns with the lead opening. The support element includes a mounting structure for attachment of a conduit box thereon. A seal arrangement having a planar seal element may be provided in the lead channel to support and separate the individual leads, while providing a seal to inhibit passage of cooling air from the housing interior into the conduit box. In another embodiment, a cover arrangement is attached directly to the attachment portion of the shroud. The cover arrangement may include a flexible gasket juxtaposed to a rigid cover plate.

Abstract: Variable speed AC motors are selected in accordance with user defined characteristics. A reference database containing information on a selected variety of frame/modules is modified in accordance with selected input data. The complexity of selecting an appropriate sized frame/module is simplified by utilizing key information about the motor electromagnetic characteristics as well as how they will vary due to operation at some user/application-defined operating conditions. The user/application-defined operating conditions are multi-dimensional, and include cooling/enclosure variations, ambient temperature, altitude, service factor, minimum, nominal, and maximum speeds (and corresponding continuous and momentary load torques at each of these speeds). This allows a person without intimate knowledge of motor characteristics to choose an optimal combination of motor and corresponding variable voltage, variable frequency supply for a particular application.

Abstract: A power application circuit utilizes microelectromechanical (MEM) switches to reduce power loss in energy conversion equipment. The MEM switches can be integrated on a single substrate with a diode or semiconductor switch. The MEM switches can be included in a single circuit package with another semiconductor device and may include a control circuit which turns each MEM switch on or off. The MEM switch is controlled so that it is opened and closed only when a relatively low voltage drop occurs across the switch. The MEM switch can be utilized in AC to AC converters, DC to AC converters, AC to DC converters, matrix converters, motor controllers, resonant motor controllers, or other power application devices. The MEM switch can also be included in a single package with an IGBT which is optimized for low-switching losses. It can be included in a single package with a diode to reduce conduction loss in power diode bridges.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor and drive package is disclosed, including modular subassemblies which are integrated into a single unit. The drive includes power electronic circuitry and related control circuitry which is supported on a circuit board within the package. The circuit board is supported on an end cap of the motor and is housed within the package housing. The end cap supporting the circuit board preferably forms a bearing support recess for receiving a shaft bearing. The resulting package is extremely compact, and reduces or eliminates the need for separate drive circuitry and related support hardware.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for rotationally joining a first rotational member to a second rotational member is provided including a first adapter, a first bearing within the first adapter, a second adapter, a second bearing within the second adapter, and a connecting assembly. A power transmission assembly is provided, suitable for use with any one of a family of motors of different sizes, the assembly including a motor selected from the family, a speed reducer, a first adapter, a first bearing, a second adapter, a second bearing, and a connecting assembly. The first adapter is sized for use with at least two of the motors, and the first bearing is chosen from a family of bearings of different sizes, each sized for use with a corresponding one of the motors within the family. The first bearing is sized for use with the motor.

Abstract: A simple modification to a proportional integral controller allows for non-linear control strategies while maintaining the simplicity of set up and tuning of the loop through modifying the proportional and/or integral gains K.sub.p, K.sub.j by a linear or parabolic function of the feedback error signal. Provision is made for symmetrical or asymmetrical gain modification functions.

Abstract: An integral brushless DC motor and drive package is disclosed that includes the brushless DC motor and drive circuitry supported by one of the motor end caps. The drive circuitry includes power electronic devices for converting input power to pulsed power for the motor. The power switching components extend from a circuit board and are received within recesses of the end cap. The switching components are electrically insulated from the end cap, but are thermally conductive to the end cap within the recesses to dissipate heat during operation. The switching components are preferably disposed in radially equally spaced positions on the circuit board to provide even heat loading to the end cap.

Abstract: A clip assembly used in testing electrical equipment includes a mechanical actuator to provide mechanically assisted clipping of electrical leads in a manufacturing environment. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator takes the form of a fluid-actuated cylinder such as a pneumatic cylinder. The clip assembly includes a spring to urge the test clip into a clamping position. Upon activation, pressurized fluid is directed to the cylinder, causing a force to oppose the spring and move the test clip into a release position.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus and method for making the same including a metallic main body portion and a hollow metallic fluid conduit assembly disposed within the main body portion and a binder material disposed between the assembly and the main body portion wherein the binder material prohibits alloying between the materials used to form each of the assembly and the body portion. The invention includes a supporter for maintaining the tube conduit position, both laterally and vertically during formation.

Abstract: An electric motor comprises a stator having a plurality of conductive windings radially spaced about a central axis. The motor includes a rotor located radially inward of the stator and rotationally fixed with respect to a shaft disposed along the central axis. The rotor defines an area in which, upon rotation of the rotor, a low pressure vacuum is created drawing air radially outward, with respect to the rotor, from the area. The rotor also includes an annular plate disposed at a transverse end of the rotor coaxial with the shaft. The annular plate defines at least one hole extending axially through the annular plate and in pneumatic communication with the area. The hole is configured so air is drawn by the low pressure vacuum through the hole to the area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time electric motor diagnostics and condition monitoring. While the motor is energized, dynamic operating parameters are determined and a notification signed is generated if predetermined criterion are satisfied. The diagnostic apparatus is integrated with the motor and includes a set of sensors, a processing unit, a memory and an output interface for communicating alarms, warnings and calculated operating parameter values or the like to a display device and to an external supervisor having wireless paging capability to alert a remote operator or maintenance personnel. In a normal operating mode, the processing unit calculates a general class of derived motor operating parameters such as over-temperature, over-voltage, over-current, excessive vibration, and phase imbalance.

Abstract: A power-off electromechanical brake employs a friction disk compressed between a ferromagnetic clapper plate and a pressure plate. An electromagnet may pull the clapper plate away from the friction disk or the pressure plate and clapper plate may be separated by free floating spacer elements held within a rotating race positioned between the clapper plate and the pressure plate. In a first mode, cavities in the clapper plate receive spacer elements held within the race and the friction disk is compressed. In a manual release mode, the spacer elements no longer engage with the cavities and separate the pressure plate and clapper plate.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus including a fluid conduit within a body portion wherein the body portion includes at least first and second walls which are in different planes, each wall forming at least one mounting surface, the conduit passing though each wall and, the apparatus also including at least two electronic devices, at least one device mounted to each of the mounting surfaces for dissipating heat, the assembly having a relatively small volume.

Abstract: A flexible coupling device is disclosed adapted to connect a first rotatable shaft with a second rotatable shaft. The coupling device generally includes a pair of opposing hubs, each of which is adapted to be secured to a respective shaft. A continuous and flexible coupling element extends between the hubs. The coupling element is nonremovably associated with a pair of inner clamp rings, each adapted to be connected to one of the hubs. The coupling element can be molded about the inner clamp rings and can be adhesively secured to the rings.