Abstract: An electric machine with a stator and a rotor. The rotor core is formed by a stack of laminations with the laminations being generally planar and oriented substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. One of the laminations includes an axially projecting tab. An electically conductive end ring is located at an axial end of the rotor core and is in communication with a plurality of axially extending conductor bars on the rotor core. The tab is coupled with the end ring and resists a portion of the centrifugal forces acting on the end ring during rotation of the rotor. A plurality of such tabs may be used to provide support to the end ring. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric machine with a stator and a rotor. The rotor core is formed by a stack of laminations with the laminations being generally planar and oriented substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. One of the laminations includes an axially projecting tab. An electically conductive end ring is located at an axial end of the rotor core and is in communication with a plurality of axially extending conductor bars on the rotor core. The tab is coupled with the end ring and resists a portion of the centrifugal forces acting on the end ring during rotation of the rotor. A plurality of such tabs may be used to provide support to the end ring. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a battery cover having a moveable handle which assists in movement of the battery comprising a molded cover securely attached to the battery; the cover having a slotted space in which the handle snugly fits during non-use thereof; the handle being comprised of a U shaped configuration wherein the closed end of the U is configured for engagement to assist in moving manually the battery and wherein the legs of the U are each comprised of a generally arcuate member having a step shaped indentation, the handle pivoting about the circular members when moving from a lowered position to a raised position; and a locking member in contact with the generally arcuate member such that when the handle is in the slotted space of the cover the locking member is in contact with a curved portion of the arcuate member and when the handle is in a raised position the step portion of the arcuate member engages the locking member to maintain the handle in a locked raised position.

Abstract: An electric storage battery includes a case for housing the battery's active, energy-storage elements, and a cover. The cover is configured to be secured to the case to thereby enclose the active elements. The cover includes one or more blind bores having a deformation relief feature on an inner surface thereof so as to configure the blind bore to receive a fastener for mounting a component to the battery. The deformation relief feature includes a plurality of ribs separated by intervening grooves.

Abstract: A power connector system includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector includes a female terminal in a female housing. The female terminal is in the form of a U-shaped channel defining a recess. A U-shaped contact member in the channel recess forms a second recess. The male connector includes a male terminal in a male housing. The male and female housings are releasably connected together with the male terminal extending into the recess in the contact member.

Abstract: An automotive battery is maintained in a tray mounted to the vehicle. The tray has a hinge mechanism in which a torsion rod is pivotally mounted. The torsion rod has a holddown portion which engages a complementary component on the battery to hold the battery in the desired operating location. A latch member on the tray cooperates with the torsion rod to restrain the torsion rod in a latched condition such that a continuous holddown force is exerted on the battery.

Abstract: An automotive battery is positioned in a tray secured with the vehicle. The tray and the battery have cooperating extensions and projections which hold the battery in position on the tray. A pivotally mounted handle on the battery engages in notches on a vertical stanchion formed on the tray. The battery is secured in the tray through the cooperation of the extensions and projections and the handle and the stanchion. The handle has a pair of spaced notches in which the battery cables are secured to prevent relative movement between the battery and the cable terminal connections.