Patents by Inventor Fred N. Miekka

Fred N. Miekka 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: 7638914
    Abstract: Bonding geometries are disclosed between permanent magnets and steel portions of magnetic assemblies. When employed in permanent magnet motors, this particular bonding construction reduces or even eliminates the loosening of permanent magnets inside of electric motors. The bonding geometry consists of interlocking protrusions and voids at the bonding interface. A bonding agent is employed that may be filled with finely divided iron or other magnetic material. The result is a strong bond between the permanent magnet and steel assembly portions with virtually no loss in overall magnetic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sierra Madre Mktg Group
    Inventor: Fred N Miekka
  • Publication number: 20070175562
    Abstract: Interlocking bonding surfaces for use with bonding agents are disclosed having unique lock and key geometries that may be matched to each other in one or more ways. One part may have holes in a specific configuration while the matched part has protrusions or alternatively, one part may have both protrusions and holes that interlock with those of the other matching part. Such configurations provide a one way fit between parts in addition to providing authentication and control of specific components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Fred N. Miekka
  • Publication number: 20070178817
    Abstract: Discontinuous abrasive particle releasing surfaces are disclosed that may be employed in low speed wet grinding, sanding, and polishing operations. The discontinuous abrasive surfaces of the present invention may consist of abrasive containing protrusions attached to rigid or flexible surfaces or alternatively may be comprised of closed cell foam compositions impregnated with abrasive materials such as aluminum oxide. The voids present in the discontinuous abrasive surfaces of the present invention serve to hold water and remove debris. The resulting discontinuous abrasive particle releasing surfaces are long lasting and may be made low in cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Fred N. Miekka, Bola Ajere, Michael Berner
  • Publication number: 20070176506
    Abstract: Bonding geometries are disclosed between permanent magnets and steel portions of magnetic assemblies. When employed in permanent magnet motors, this particular bonding construction reduces or even eliminates the loosening of permanent magnets inside of electric motors. The bonding geometry consists of interlocking protrusions and voids at the bonding interface. A bonding agent is employed that may be filled with finely divided iron or other magnetic material. The result is a strong bond between the permanent magnet and steel assembly portions with virtually no loss in overall magnetic properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Fred N. Miekka
  • Publication number: 20070178282
    Abstract: Wear resistant gripping surfaces are disclosed having a high friction material embedded between protrusions of a harder material. The protrusions may be of the same material or may even be part of the base substrate. The resulting surfaces have high friction properties and exhibit good wear resistance. The high friction material may consist of rubber or other relatively soft substances. Applications include the running boards of sport utility vehicles and trucks, non-slip pads for stairs and walkways, and pads for pedals such as brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Fred N. Miekka
  • Publication number: 20070178296
    Abstract: Lubricating surfaces are disclosed suitable for sliding against other flat surfaces. These lubricating surfaces consist of multiple protrusions extending outward from the surface and employ solid or semi-solid lubricants such as grease between them. The resulting lubricating surfaces may be used in numerous applications and may be particularly useful for sliding surfaces used on a continuous or on an intermittent basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Fred N. Miekka
  • Publication number: 20070177238
    Abstract: Multicolored glass and/or mineral chips are disclosed. Coded information provides the benefit of part verification, authentication of origin, and anti-counterfeit protection. Numerous combinations are provided by color coding using the base ten system. Coloring may be carried out in glass, high temperature ceramic, or minerals such as quarz and alumina. The resulting chips have a high degree of stability to high temperatures and other environmental conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Fred N. Miekka
  • Patent number: 6967417
    Abstract: An electric generator is disclosed having a high efficiency over wide ranges in rotor speed and power output requirements. Output voltage control is achieved by providing the power output windings with variable adjustment. This variable adjustment determines the number of turns that are used for the power output on the power output windings themselves. When excess voltage is generated, turns used on the power output windings are reduced thereby reducing output voltage and increasing efficiency by lowering the power output winding resistance. When the voltage generated is low, more turns on the power output windings are activated thereby increasing the voltage of the generator itself. This voltage control occurs prior to any voltage modification outside of the generator. A sensor and feedback mechanism is used to automatically adjust the power output windings thereby attaining maximum efficiency at the desired voltage and power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
  • Patent number: 6777838
    Abstract: A method of increasing the power output of existing permanent magnet motors along with apparatus is disclosed. Increased power output is achieved by more completely utilizing the magnetic field of motor permanent magnets during running. The apparatus is external to the motor and therefore eliminates the need for modifications to the motor itself. The method involves providing a source of power to a permanent magnet motor which is capable of demagnetizing the motor permanent magnets at stall, and reducing the power at start up to a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization. Full power to the motor is provided when the motor speed reaches a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization of the permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040145256
    Abstract: An electric generator is disclosed having a high efficiency over wide ranges in rotor speed and power output requirements. Output voltage control is achieved by providing the power output windings with variable adjustment. This variable adjustment determines the number of turns that are used for the power output on the power output windings themselves. When excess voltage is generated, turns used on the power output windings are reduced thereby reducing output voltage and increasing efficiency by lowering the power output winding resistance. When the voltage generated is low, more turns on the power output windings are activated thereby increasing the voltage of the generator itself. This voltage control occurs prior to any voltage modification outside of the generator. A sensor and feedback mechanism is used to automatically adjust the power output windings thereby attaining maximum efficiency at the desired voltage and power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Fred N. Miekka, Peter W. Mackie
  • Publication number: 20030025408
    Abstract: A method of increasing the power output of existing permanent magnet motors along with apparatus is disclosed. Increased power output is achieved by more completely utilizing the magnetic field of motor permanent magnets during running. The apparatus is external to the motor and therefore eliminates the need for modifications to the motor itself. The method involves providing a source of power to a permanent magnet motor which is capable of demagnetizing the motor permanent magnets at stall, and reducing the power at start up to a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization. Full power to the motor is provided when the motor speed reaches a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization of the permanent magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Fred N. Miekka, Peter W. Mackie
  • Patent number: 6472784
    Abstract: A method of increasing the power output of existing permanent magnet motors along with apparatus is disclosed. Increased power output is achieved by more completely utilizing the magnetic field of motor permanent magnets during running. The apparatus is external to the motor and therefore eliminates the need for modifications to the motor itself. The method involves providing a source of power to a permanent magnet motor which is capable of demagnetizing the motor permanent magnets at stall, and reducing the power at start up to a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization. Full power to the motor is provided when the motor speed reaches a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization of the permanent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020047346
    Abstract: A method of increasing the power output of existing permanent magnet motors along with apparatus is disclosed. Increased power output is achieved by more completely utilizing the magnetic field of motor permanent magnets during running. The apparatus is external to the motor and therefore eliminates the need for modifications to the motor itself. The method involves providing a source of power to a permanent magnet motor which is capable of demagnetizing the motor permanent magnets at stall, and reducing the power at start up to a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization. Full power to the motor is provided when the motor speed reaches a level sufficient to prevent demagnetization of the permanent magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Fred N. Miekka, Peter W. Mackie
  • Patent number: 6194799
    Abstract: A high power low RPM direct current electric motor is disclosed whereby the high power output is achieved in one of two ways or both. In the first case, the need for cooling is reduced simultaneously along with an increase in the utilization of the magnetic field present in the motor permanent magnets. This is achieved by wrapping the electromagnet core with windings that are capable of demagnetizing the rotor permanent magnets under stall conditions. Interlocking motor circuitry is provided which prevents the full activation of these motor windings until motor RPM values reach a safe level. This increases motor power while decreasing resistive losses in electromagnet windings. In the second case, the rotary portion consists of a large diameter relatively flat rotor containing permanent magnets and having built in vanes for moving air over the electromagnet stator windings providing forced air cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
  • Patent number: 6037692
    Abstract: A high power low RPM direct current electric motor is disclosed whereby the high power output is achieved in one of two ways or both. In the first case, the need for cooling is reduced simultaneously along with an increase in the utilization of the magnetic field present in the motor permanent magnets. This is achieved by wrapping the electromagnet core with windings that are capable of demagnetizing the rotor permanent magnets under stall conditions. Interlocking motor circuitry is provided which prevents the full activation of these motor windings until motor RPM values reach a safe level. This increases motor power while decreasing resistive losses in electromagnet windings. In the second case, the rotary portion consists of a large diameter relatively flat rotor containing permanent magnets and having built in vanes for moving air over the electromagnet stator windings providing forced air cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
  • Patent number: 5956896
    Abstract: A method is provided for growing plants in an environment having air containing carbon dioxide which is lower in carbon 14 content than under normal ambient conditions. Such plants grown under these conditions have a lower concentration of carbon 14 and therefore their natural radioactivity will be reduced. The process involves controlling of the source of carbon dioxide used by the plants as one derived from carbon compounds of very low carbon 14 content. Such sources include but are not limited to limestone and fossil fuels. Such plant material can be used to make articles traceable to the process, or alternatively certain plants can be grown for human or animal consumption to reduce the overall radioactive body burden of carbon 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
  • Patent number: 5903118
    Abstract: A brushless direct current (DC) electric motor includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor has at least one disc mounted to a central shaft. The disc has an outer portion consisting of permanent magnets. The magnets are mounted with their direction of magnetization transversing through the disc. The stator includes C-shaped electromagnets which straddle the disc and are mounted with their magnetic poles aligned in coupling proximity to the poles of the permanent magnets in the disc. Position circuitry senses a position of the permanent magnets with respect to the electromagnets and then provides a signal based on the position to the electromagnets to cause the rotor to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Fred N. Miekka, Peter W. Mackie
  • Patent number: 5788007
    Abstract: A working geometry is provided between an electromagnet and permanent magnet, and a method for using such geometry is also provided which allows for electrically driving the wheel of a vehicle such as a bicycle with enough power to eliminate the need for pedalling. A system for electrically propelling a bicycle or other vehicle by placing permanent magnets on or adjacent the rim of the wheel or wheels, and having one or more electromagnets placed adjacent to them to drive the wheel. The electromagnet or electromagnets may be U-shaped with opposite end poles of each electromagnet extending close to the permanent magnets on opposite sides of the wheel. A sensor such as a reed switch or Hall effect device is used to sense the position of the magnets and properly time pulses of electricity into the electromagnet thus driving the wheel. A transistor interface between the sensor and drive electromagnet allows for driving the wheel without the wear normally associated with brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Fred N. Miekka