Patents by Inventor Alan E. Lesak

Alan E. Lesak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9853532
    Abstract: An electromagnetic transmission assembly. The electromagnetic transmission assembly includes a stator having a central axis and a plurality of selectively-energized electromagnetic poles. A first rotor assembly is rotatably supported for rotation about the central axis. The first rotor assembly including a first rotor shaft and a castellated rotor including a plurality of radially arranged ferromagnetic pole portions disposed in a housing. A second rotor assembly is rotatably supported for rotation about the central axis. The second rotor assembly includes a second rotor shaft and a permanent-magnet rotor. The first rotor assembly is at least partially magnetically coupled to the second rotor assembly when the plurality of electromagnetic poles are energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Alan E. Lesak, Ian P. Brown
  • Publication number: 20140232227
    Abstract: An electromagnetic transmission assembly. The electromagnetic transmission assembly includes a stator having a central axis and a plurality of selectively-energized electromagnetic poles. A first rotor assembly is rotatably supported for rotation about the central axis. The first rotor assembly including a first rotor shaft and a castellated rotor including a plurality of radially arranged ferromagnetic pole portions disposed in a housing. A second rotor assembly is rotatably supported for rotation about the central axis. The second rotor assembly includes a second rotor shaft and a permanent-magnet rotor. The first rotor assembly is at least partially magnetically coupled to the second rotor assembly when the plurality of electromagnetic poles are energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Alan E. Lesak, Ian P. Brown
  • Patent number: 8344582
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a rotor, a first tooth portion, and a second tooth portion spaced apart from the first tooth portion and cooperating with the first tooth portion to at least partially define a rotor opening. At least a portion of the rotor is disposed within the rotor opening. A bridge has a first end connected to the first tooth portion and a second end connected to the second tooth portion such that the bridge defines a portion of the rotor opening. An aperture is defined by the bridge and is disposed between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 8035273
    Abstract: A rotor for an electric machine having a number of poles includes a shaft that extends along a portion of an axis and defines an outer surface. A first core portion is formed as a single inseparable component and includes a first portion that extends from the outer surface to a first outside diameter to define a first thickness, and a second portion spaced axially from the first portion that includes a reduced back portion that extends from an inside diameter to the first outside diameter to define a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. A second core portion is connected to the first core portion and includes a second outside diameter that is substantially the same as the first outside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Robert J. Heideman, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7923881
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator and a rotor core positioned adjacent the stator and rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotor core includes a plurality of bar apertures, a plurality of elongated flux barriers separate from the bar apertures and positioned radially inward of the bar apertures, and a plurality of magnet slots separate from the bar slots and positioned radially inward of a portion of the bar apertures. The electric machine also includes a plurality of magnets, each positioned in one of the magnet slots. A plurality of conductive bars are each positioned in one of the bar apertures and includes a first end and a second end. A first end ring is coupled to the first end of each of the bars and a second end ring is coupled to the second end of each of the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Alan E. Lesak, Jeremiah Mattingly
  • Patent number: 7821175
    Abstract: A stator for an electric machine includes a plurality of core segments interconnected with one another. At least one core segment includes a plurality of teeth and a back portion that at least partially interconnects the teeth. A first one-piece mold defines a first end insulator portion and a plurality of slot insulator portions, and a second one-piece mold defines a second end insulator portion and a second plurality of slot insulator portions. The plurality of core segments is positioned between the first mold and the second mold such that the molds align and insulate the core portions. The stator also includes a plurality of coils. Each coil surrounds at least a portion of one tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Robert J. Heideman, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7821176
    Abstract: An electric machine has a rotor and includes a first portion that is substantially rectangular and includes a rotor aperture configured to receive a portion of the rotor. A second portion is separate from and connected to the first portion. The second portion is substantially U-shaped and includes a first leg, a second leg, and a base. A first coil surrounds a portion of the first leg and a second coil surrounds a portion of the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: A.O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7737598
    Abstract: A stator configured to rotate a rotor with a number of magnetic poles includes a yoke that includes a back portion and a first type and first quantity of integral teeth, and a second type and second quantity of insertable teeth coupled to the back portion. At least two coils are wound with a continuous electric wire. Each of the coils is placed around two different integral teeth to define a first winding section. At least two other coils are wound with a continuous electric wire. The other coils are placed around two different insertable teeth to define a second winding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7709991
    Abstract: A rotor for an electric machine includes a shaft that is rotatable about an axis and defines a first diameter normal to the axis. A first core portion defines a first aperture having a first aperture diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The first core portion is positioned adjacent the shaft to define a first space. A second core portion defines a second aperture having a second aperture diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The second core portion is positioned adjacent the shaft to define a second space. A damping member is positioned in the first space and the second space. The damping member at least partially interconnects the shaft, the first core portion, and the second core portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Robert J. Heideman, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7687965
    Abstract: A stator for a motor having a rotor includes a plurality of laminations each formed in a first elongated arrangement. Each lamination includes a first leg, a second leg, and an intermediate portion that are configured to be rearranged and stacked in a stackwise direction to define a core having a second U-shaped arrangement. A coil is coupled to the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7669311
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a core for an electrical machine. The method includes providing a planar sheet of magnetic material and creating first and second generally U-shaped laminations from the planar sheet. The first and second generally U-shaped laminations result from a pattern formed in the planar sheet. The pattern includes the first generally U-shaped lamination having a first leg and a second leg, and the second generally U-shaped lamination rotated one hundred-eighty degrees with respect to the first generally U-shaped lamination. The second generally U-shaped lamination includes a third leg and a fourth leg. The third leg is disposed between the first and second legs. The method further includes creating the core by stacking the first and second generally U-shaped laminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Brian Branecky, Alan E. Lesak
  • Publication number: 20090085415
    Abstract: A stator for an electric machine includes a plurality of core segments interconnected with one another. At least one core segment includes a plurality of teeth and a back portion that at least partially interconnects the teeth. A first one-piece mold defines a first end insulator portion and a plurality of slot insulator portions, and a second one-piece mold defines a second end insulator portion and a second plurality of slot insulator portions. The plurality of core segments is positioned between the first mold and the second mold such that the molds align and insulate the core portions. The stator also includes a plurality of coils. Each coil surrounds at least a portion of one tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: A. O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Robert J. Heideman, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7468570
    Abstract: A stator for a multi-phase electric machine having a plurality of core segments interconnected with one another and a plurality of coils. At least one core segment includes a plurality of teeth and a back portion that at least partially interconnects the teeth. The back portion of each segment has a first arrangement in which the teeth of that segment are a first distance from one another and a second arrangement in which the teeth of that segment are a second distance from one another, the second distance being smaller than the first distance. Each coil surrounds at least a portion of one tooth, wherein all coils surrounding teeth of a single core segment are interconnected to at least partially define one phase winding. Each of the plurality of core segments includes a center tooth having a first profile, a first end tooth having a second tooth profile, and a second end tooth having a third tooth profile. The first tooth profile is different than the second tooth profile and the third tooth profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Robert J. Heideman, Alan E. Lesak
  • Publication number: 20080303369
    Abstract: An electric machine has a rotor and includes a first portion that is substantially rectangular and includes a rotor aperture configured to receive a portion of the rotor. A second portion is separate from and connected to the first portion. The second portion is substantially U-shaped and includes a first leg, a second leg, and a base. A first coil surrounds a portion of the first leg and a second coil surrounds a portion of the second leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: A. O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Alan E. Lesak
  • Publication number: 20080272667
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator and a rotor core positioned adjacent the stator and rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotor core includes a plurality of bar apertures, a plurality of elongated flux barriers separate from the bar apertures and positioned radially inward of the bar apertures, and a plurality of magnet slots separate from the bar slots and positioned radially inward of a portion of the bar apertures. The electric machine also includes a plurality of magnets, each positioned in one of the magnet slots. A plurality of conductive bars are each positioned in one of the bar apertures and includes a first end and a second end. A first end ring is coupled to the first end of each of the bars and a second end ring is coupled to the second end of each of the bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: A. O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Jeremiah Mattingly, Alan E. Lesak
  • Publication number: 20080129140
    Abstract: A stator for a multi-phase electric machine having a plurality of core segments interconnected with one another and a plurality of coils. At least one core segment includes a plurality of teeth and a back portion that at least partially interconnects the teeth. The back portion of each segment has a first arrangement in which the teeth of that segment are a first distance from one another and a second arrangement in which the teeth of that segment are a second distance from one another, the second distance being smaller than the first distance. Each coil surrounds at least a portion of one tooth, wherein all coils surrounding teeth of a single core segment are interconnected to at least partially define one phase winding. Each of the plurality of core segments includes a center tooth having a first profile, a first end tooth having a second tooth profile, and a second end tooth having a third tooth profile. The first tooth profile is different than the second tooth profile and the third tooth profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: A. O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Robert J. Heideman, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7348706
    Abstract: A stator for a multi-phase electric machine having a plurality of core segments interconnected with one another and a plurality of coils. At least one core segment includes a plurality of teeth and a back portion that at least partially interconnects the teeth. The back portion of each segment has a first arrangement in which the teeth of that segment are a first distance from one another and a second arrangement in which the teeth of that segment are a second distance from one another, the second distance being smaller than the first distance. Each coil surrounds at least a portion of one tooth, wherein all coils surrounding teeth of a single core segment interconnect to at least partially define one phase winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Robert J. Heideman, Alan E. Lesak
  • Publication number: 20070241629
    Abstract: A stator for a motor having a rotor includes a plurality of laminations each formed in a first elongated arrangement. Each lamination includes a first leg, a second leg, and an intermediate portion that are configured to be rearranged and stacked in a stackwise direction to define a core having a second U-shaped arrangement. A coil is coupled to the first leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7247967
    Abstract: An electric motor stator including a yoke having a plurality of yoke laminations. A body portion is formed as part of each of the plurality of yoke laminations. A first tooth is continuous with the body portion and is formed as part of at least a portion of the plurality of yoke laminations. The first tooth defines a first tooth profile. A first tooth attachment portion is formed as part of the plurality of yoke laminations. A second tooth includes a plurality of tooth laminations. Each tooth lamination of the second tooth includes a second tooth attachment portion and defines a second tooth profile that differs from the first tooth profile. The second tooth attachment portion is engaged with the first tooth attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Alan E. Lesak
  • Patent number: 7109621
    Abstract: An electric motor that includes a stator, a rotor including a rotor shaft and a support member coupled to the stator. A first bearing is at least partially disposed within the support member and a printed circuit board is coupled to the stator. A second bearing is at least partially disposed within the printed circuit board. The first bearing and the second bearing cooperate to support the rotor shaft for rotation relative to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Alan E. Lesak