Patents by Inventor Craig E. Wallace

Craig E. Wallace 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: 9559561
    Abstract: A motor or generator assembly including a motor or generator machine and mounting structure supporting the machine on an appliance is provided. The machine presents an axially extending, radially outermost circumferential face and a pair of axially spaced apart, radially projecting axial margins. The mounting structure includes a pair of at least substantially radially extending plates and a base configured for connection to the appliance. The plates extend at least in part adjacent respective ones of the axial margins and at least in part define a machine-receiving space therebetween. The machine is mounted on the brackets so as to be positioned at least in part in the machine-receiving space. The base is positioned at least substantially radially outside the circumferential face of the machine and presents a pair of axially spaced apart side faces, with each of the plates being secured against a respective one of the side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Collins, Jeffrey S. Sherman, Chetan O. Modi, Craig E. Wallace, Payman Rassoolkhani, Kent A. Sheeran
  • Publication number: 20150349604
    Abstract: An electric motor is provided. The motor includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is rotatable about an axis. The motor has a motor case fixed relative to the stator. An integrated conduit and interface box houses a power terminal and a user interface. The user interface is operable to permit a user to selectively vary a motor condition. The box is positioned substantially radially outside the motor case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Craig E. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20150130308
    Abstract: An electric motor or generator is provided. The motor or generator includes a rotor component rotatable about an axis, a stator, and a support assembly supporting the rotor component and the stator. The support assembly includes a shaft component rotatable about an axis and a bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the rotor component on the shaft component. The bearing arrangement includes a one-way bearing configured such that a first one of the components transmits torque to a second one of the components when the first component rotates in a first direction and the second component does not rotate in the first direction relative to the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Craig E. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20150130314
    Abstract: A motor or generator assembly including a motor or generator machine and mounting structure supporting the machine on an appliance is provided. The machine presents an axially extending, radially outermost circumferential face and a pair of axially spaced apart, radially projecting axial margins. The mounting structure includes a pair of at least substantially radially extending plates and a base configured for connection to the appliance. The plates extend at least in part adjacent respective ones of the axial margins and at least in part define a machine-receiving space therebetween. The machine is mounted on the brackets so as to be positioned at least in part in the machine-receiving space. The base is positioned at least substantially radially outside the circumferential face of the machine and presents a pair of axially spaced apart side faces, with each of the plates being secured against a respective one of the side faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Collins, Jeffrey S. Sherman, Chetan O. Modi, Craig E. Wallace, Payman Rassoolkhani, Kent A. Sheeran
  • Publication number: 20150130315
    Abstract: An electric motor or generator is provided. The motor or generator includes a rotor component rotatable about an axis, a stator, and a support assembly supporting the rotor component and the stator. The support assembly includes a shaft component rotatable about an axis and a bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the rotor component on the shaft component. The bearing arrangement includes a one-way bearing configured such that a first one of the components transmits torque to a second one of the components when the first component rotates in a first direction and the second component does not rotate in the first direction relative to the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Craig E. Wallace
  • Patent number: 8587169
    Abstract: An electric motor endshield includes a plate and a capacitor-mounting assembly particularly suitable for secure attachment to a capacitor. The mounting assembly includes a lug presenting a capacitor-engaging projection spaced outwardly from the endshield plate. The capacitor-engaging projection presents an inner face in an opposed relationship to the endshield plate to define a capacitor-retaining space therebetween. A peripheral lip of the capacitor housing is received within the capacitor-retaining space, and the housing lip engages the capacitor-engaging projection. The mounting assembly provides secure attachment of the capacitor to the endshield, thereby preventing inadvertent detachment of the capacitor during operation of motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Craig E. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20120313468
    Abstract: An electric motor endshield includes a plate and a capacitor-mounting assembly particularly suitable for secure attachment to a capacitor. The mounting assembly includes a lug presenting a capacitor-engaging projection spaced outwardly from the endshield plate. The capacitor-engaging projection presents an inner face in an opposed relationship to the endshield plate to define a capacitor-retaining space therebetween. A peripheral lip of the capacitor housing is received within the capacitor-retaining space, and the housing lip engages the capacitor-engaging projection. The mounting assembly provides secure attachment of the capacitor to the endshield, thereby preventing inadvertent detachment of the capacitor during operation of motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Craig E. Wallace
  • Patent number: 8305028
    Abstract: A switch for an electric motor has a switch arm comprising a lever and an arc barrier formed integrally with the lever. The switch has first and second electrical contacts. The switch arm and second electrical contact are moveable relative to the first contact between an open position and a closed position. The arc barrier is positioned adjacent the first contact in the closed position. The arc barrier limits the risk of electrical arcing associated with the electrical contacts. The switch is suitable for use in an electric induction motor. For example, the switch can be adapted to de-energize auxiliary start windings when an electric induction motor is up to speed and/or to provide a signal indicating the motor is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne J. DeVries, Craig E. Wallace, Donald E. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20110221381
    Abstract: A switch for an electric motor has a switch arm comprising a lever and an arc barrier formed integrally with the lever. The switch has first and second electrical contacts. The switch arm and second electrical contact are moveable relative to the first contact between an open position and a closed position. The arc barrier is positioned adjacent the first contact in the closed position. The arc barrier limits the risk of electrical arcing associated with the electrical contacts. The switch is suitable for use in an electric induction motor. For example, the switch can be adapted to de-energize auxiliary start windings when an electric induction motor is up to speed and/or to provide a signal indicating the motor is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Wayne J. DeVries, Craig E. Wallace, Donald E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6856055
    Abstract: An interconnecting ring and wire guide for an electric machine includes an annular radial ring having a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge. An axial ring projects axially from the radially inner edge of the annular radial ring. A guide positioner positions the annular radial ring and the axial ring relative to the electric machine. Wire dividers are located on a radially outer surface of the radial ring. The wire dividers include a plurality of circumferential projections that are formed on the radially outer surface of the radial ring. A plurality of wire guides are located adjacent to a radially outer edge of the annular radial ring. Indicia on an outer surface of the annular radial ring identifies at least one of a mounting position for the interconnecting ring and wire guide and a wiring schematic for phases wiring of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul G. Michaels, Kent A. Sheeran, Craig E. Wallace, Daniel E. Hilton, Richard E. Hartsfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6700284
    Abstract: A fan assembly includes a fan housing and a fan. A switched reluctance fan motor is mounted in an inlet of the fan housing and includes a shaft that is connected to the fan. The switched reluctance fan motor includes a stator with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator segment assemblies that include a stator segment core. Winding wire is wound around the stator segment core. A rotor tends to rotate relative to the stator to a rotational position that maximizes the inductance of an energized winding. A drive circuit energizes the winding wire around the stator segment assemblies based on the rotational position of the rotor. End cap assemblies are connected to opposite axial ends of the stator segment core. The end cap assemblies define an annular channel for receiving the winding wire and for preventing winding creep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Donald J. Williams, Steven P. Randall, Craig E. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20040007934
    Abstract: An interconnecting ring and wire guide for an electric machine includes an annular radial ring having a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge. An axial ring projects axially from the radially inner edge of the annular radial ring. A guide positioner positions the annular radial ring and the axial ring relative to the electric machine. Wire dividers are located on a radially outer surface of the radial ring. The wire dividers include a plurality of circumferential projections that are formed on the radially outer surface of the radial ring. A plurality of wire guides are located adjacent to a radially outer edge of the annular radial ring. Indicia on an outer surface of the annular radial ring identifies at least one of a mounting position for the interconnecting ring and wire guide and a wiring schematic for phases wiring of the electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul G. Michaels, Kent A. Sheeran, Craig E. Wallace, Daniel E. Hilton, Richard E. Hartsfield
  • Publication number: 20020135255
    Abstract: A fan assembly includes a fan housing and a fan. A switched reluctance fan motor is mounted in an inlet of the fan housing and includes a shaft that is connected to the fan. The switched reluctance fan motor includes a stator with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced stator segment assemblies that include a stator segment core. Winding wire is wound around the stator segment core. A rotor tends to rotate relative to the stator to a rotational position that maximizes the inductance of an energized winding. A drive circuit energizes the winding wire around the stator segment assemblies based on the rotational position of the rotor. End cap assemblies are connected to opposite axial ends of the stator segment core. The end cap assemblies define an annular channel for receiving the winding wire and for preventing winding creep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Donald J. Willliams, Steven P. Randall, Craig E. Wallace
  • Patent number: D776055
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Craig E. Wallace, Douglas F. Walker, Jason D. LeBloch, Jonathan R. Lucas, John Scott Lee, Scott J. Durfee