Abstract: A modular fan cover assembly for inclusion on an electric motor is selectively configurable for degrees of reduced noise operation. The modular fan cover assembly includes a plurality of cooperating components arranged to direct fluid communication through the assembly. The components may include, for example, a fan cover defining a fan chamber for enclosing the fan, an inlet cover including an inlet chamber and a plurality of inlet apertures, and a silencing insert selectively includable with the fan cover assembly that may include one or more silencing features. The selective combination of the components can redirect airflow through various turns or bend in the modular fan cover assembly to trap or suppress noise propagating from the electric motor. The modular fan cover assembly may be operatively equipped with a blower assembly.

Abstract: An anti-friction insulated bearing system, including a bracket disposed about a motor driveshaft and a bearing disposed within the bracket configured to support the driveshaft for rotation. The system also includes an outer bearing cap disposed proximal a drive end of the bracket and an inner bearing cap. The system further includes an insulation sleeve disposed within the bracket proximal the bearing. The outer bearing cap, the inner bearing cap and the insulation sleeve are configured as modular components of the system. The modular insulation sleeve allows the use of standard anti-friction rolling element bearings. The modular components have common inner and outer bearing caps that can be used across a multitude of configurations with a minimal number of parts.

Abstract: An anti-friction insulated bearing system, including a bracket disposed about a motor driveshaft and a bearing disposed within the bracket configured to support the driveshaft for rotation. The system also includes an outer bearing cap disposed proximal a drive end of the bracket and an inner bearing cap. The system further includes an insulation sleeve disposed within the bracket proximal the bearing. The outer bearing cap, the inner bearing cap and the insulation sleeve are configured as modular components of the system. The modular insulation sleeve allows the use of standard anti-friction rolling element bearings. The modular components have common inner and outer bearing caps that can be used across a multitude of configurations with a minimal number of parts.

Abstract: A totally-enclosed fan-cooled motor, including a stator provided in a closed motor housing, a rotor provided to the stator and mounted to a rotation shaft, a pair of bearings for holding a drive side and a non-drive side of the shaft, an external fan provided on the non-drive side of the shaft and outside the motor for sending wind to the motor housing, an air deflector mounted to an endplate disposed on the drive side located on an outer side of the bearing and the endplate holding the drive side of the shaft, outside the motor and proximal the bearing for cooling the bearing holding the drive side of the shaft. The air deflector includes a plurality of faceted surfaces at obtuse angles to one another about a periphery of the air deflector to deflect wind across the endplate and the drive side bearing.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler (1) for dispensing aerosol doses comprises an actuation housing (2) adapted to receive a canister (4). The canister (4) is configured to move from a rest position to an activation position in which a valve (7) of the canister (4), positioned at a valve end (8) of the canister (4), is depressed against a bottom portion of the actuation housing such that an aerosol dose is released. The inhaler (1) further comprises a mechanical dose (10) counter comprising an indicator member which is constructed and arrangement to undergo a predetermined count-indicating motion when an aerosol dose is released. Moreover, the inhaler (1) comprises a triggering unit (11) for triggering at least one electrical switch (12) when the canister (4) is moved from the rest position to the activation position whereby an electrical signal is generated. Also part of the inhaler (1) is a processing unit for processing the signal generated by the switch (12) upon being triggered.

Abstract: A modular fan cover assembly for inclusion on an electric motor is selectively configurable for degrees of reduced noise operation. The modular fan cover assembly includes a plurality of cooperating components arranged to direct fluid communication through the assembly. The components may include, for example, a fan cover defining a fan chamber for enclosing the fan, an inlet cover including an inlet chamber and a plurality of inlet apertures, and a silencing insert selectively includable with the fan cover assembly that may include one or more silencing features. The selective combination of the components can redirect airflow through various turns or bend in the modular fan cover assembly to trap or suppress noise propagating from the electric motor. The modular fan cover assembly may be operatively equipped with a blower assembly.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler (1) for dispensing aerosol doses comprises an actuation housing (2) adapted to receive a canister (4). The canister (4) is configured to move from a rest position to an activation position in which a valve (7) of the canister (4), positioned at a valve end (8) of the canister (4), is depressed against a bottom portion of the actuation housing such that an aerosol dose is released. The inhaler (1) further comprises a mechanical dose (10) counter comprising an indicator member which is constructed and arrangement to undergo a predetermined count-indicating motion when an aerosol dose is released. Moreover, the inhaler (1) comprises a triggering unit (11) for triggering at least one electrical switch (12) when the canister (4) is moved from the rest position to the activation position whereby an electrical signal is generated. Also part of the inhaler (1) is a processing unit for processing the signal generated by the switch (12) upon being triggered.

Abstract: The invention features devices for capturing and culturing cells (e.g., microorganisms, cells containing microorganisms, or cells from eukaryotic cell cultures) and methods of using these devices. One device is a cassette containing growth media that may be employed in an automated rapid enumeration system. The cassette has, for example, been enhanced with features for controlling surface flatness, optical imaging, controlled dehydration of semi solid nutrient media, controlled air and particle exchange, and automated handling. Another device of the invention is a filtration funnel that may used to concentrate cells in a sample onto a membrane.

Abstract: The invention features devices for capturing and culturing cells (e.g., microorganisms, cells containing microorganisms, or cells from eukaryotic cell cultures) and methods of using these devices. One device is a cassette containing growth media that may be employed in an automated rapid enumeration system. The cassette has, for example, been enhanced with features for controlling surface flatness, optical imaging, controlled dehydration of semi solid nutrient media, controlled air and particle exchange, and automated handling. Another device of the invention is a filtration funnel that may used to concentrate cells in a sample onto a membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for facilitating cooling of a totally enclosed motor. A first thermal barrier is coupled to a first end bracket and is operable to insulate bearings from internal heat produced by the motor. Either an external fan located opposite the drive end of the motor, an externally mounted blower, or free ambient air convection may be employed to provide cooling air to the motor. An air deflector is coupled to the drive end of the motor to capture the cooling air and direct it as high velocity air over the first end bracket thereby keeping the bearings supported within the first end bracket cool. Alternatively, an external fan may be coupled to the drive end of the motor to provide cooling air to the first end bracket.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for facilitating cooling of a totally enclosed motor. A first thermal barrier is coupled to a first end bracket and is operable to insulate bearings from internal heat produced by the motor. Either an external fan located opposite the drive end of the motor, an externally mounted blower, or free ambient air convection may be employed to provide cooling air to the motor. An air deflector is coupled to the drive end of the motor to capture the cooling air and direct it as high velocity air over the first end bracket thereby keeping the bearings supported within the first end bracket cool. Alternatively, an external fan may be coupled to the drive end of the motor to provide cooling air to the first end bracket.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for facilitating cooling of a totally enclosed motor. A first thermal barrier is coupled to a first end bracket and is operable to insulate bearings from internal heat produced by the motor. Either an external fan located opposite the drive end of the motor, an externally mounted blower, or free ambient air convection may be employed to provide cooling air to the motor. An air deflector is coupled to the drive end of the motor to capture the cooling air and direct it as high velocity air over the first end bracket thereby keeping the bearings supported within the first end bracket cool. Alternatively, an external fan may be coupled to the drive end of the motor to provide cooling air to the first end bracket.