Patents by Inventor Greg Heins

Greg Heins 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: 12166400
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a housing having an air intake, an air outlet, and defining an air passage therein. The air passage includes a first channel extending from the air intake in a radial direction and a second channel extending in the radial direction to the outlet. The electric machine further includes a motor assembly positioned within the housing that includes a shaft that rotates about a rotational axis that is generally perpendicular to the radial direction. The electric machine further includes an electronics assembly within the housing interior and a heat sink positioned at least partially within the air passage and thermally connected to the electronics assembly. Operation of the motor assembly draws an ambient airflow into the air passage in the radial direction through the air intake, directs the airflow along the heat sink, and exhausts the airflow through the air outlet in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignees: Regal Beloit Australia Pty Ltd, Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafal Pawel Rohoza, Alexander Julian Baer, Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Jeffrey William Crosson, Nathan August Bulman
  • Patent number: 12160139
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a rotor assembly for use in a radial flux electric motor assembly having core magnets rotatable relative to end magnets such that the torque constant of the rotor assembly varies. The plurality of end magnets is positioned over the core magnets when the rotor assembly is at rest and the rotor assembly has a first torque constant at rest. The plurality of end magnets can rotate relative to the core magnets upon application of torque to the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventors: Mark Thiele, Greg Heins, Dean James Patterson
  • Publication number: 20240333082
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a housing having an air intake, an air outlet, and defining an air passage therein. The air passage includes a first channel extending from the air intake in a radial direction and a second channel extending in the radial direction to the outlet. The electric machine further includes a motor assembly positioned within the housing that includes a shaft that rotates about a rotational axis that is generally perpendicular to the radial direction. The electric machine further includes an electronics assembly within the housing interior and a heat sink positioned at least partially within the air passage and thermally connected to the electronics assembly. Operation of the motor assembly draws an ambient airflow into the air passage in the radial direction through the air intake, directs the airflow along the heat sink, and exhausts the airflow through the air outlet in the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Rafal Pawel Rohoza, Alexander Julian Baer, Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Jeffrey William Crosson, Nathan August Bulman
  • Patent number: 11984763
    Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor core includes a plurality of rotor poles circumferentially-spaced about a central axis and including a first rotor pole and an adjacent second rotor pole that each include an outer wall, and wherein the rotor core includes a rotor diameter. The rotor core also includes a plurality of radial apertures alternately-spaced with the plurality of rotor poles. The rotor core also includes a first protrusion extending from the first rotor pole into a first radial aperture of the plurality of radial apertures positioned between the first rotor pole and the second rotor pole. The rotor core further includes a second protrusion extending from the second rotor pole into the first radial aperture such that a circumferential opening is defined between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The opening extends a first length of between approximately 0.052% and approximately 0.058% of the rotor diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: Regal Beloit America, Inc., Regal Beloit Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Thiele, Greg Heins, Subhash Brahmavar, Steve Long, Lester Benjamin Manz, Kerry Shelton
  • Publication number: 20240072587
    Abstract: A rotor assembly is disclosed, including a rotatable rotor shaft defining a central axis, the rotor shaft coupled to a rotor core, the rotor core including a plurality of rotor pole pieces circumferentially located about the central axis, each pair of adjacent pole pieces being separated by a space, said rotor core comprising a plurality of core magnets located in the spaces separating the adjacent pole pieces; at least one magnet retainer plate positioned adjacent the rotor core and connected to the rotatable rotor shaft, the at least one magnet retainer plate including a plurality of circumferentially spaced magnet slots and balancing slots located between adjacent magnet slots, the balancing slots configured to receive a balancing weight; and, compression springs located in the balancing slots, each compression spring located adjacent a respective core magnet when the at least one magnet retainer plate is located adjacent the rotor core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Mark K. Thiele, Greg Heins, Jiang Guo Ping, Anthony Carl Maiorano
  • Publication number: 20230402885
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a rotor assembly for use in a radial flux electric motor assembly having core magnets rotatable relative to end magnets such that the torque constant of the rotor assembly varies. The plurality of end magnets is positioned over the core magnets when the rotor assembly is at rest and the rotor assembly has a first torque constant at rest. The plurality of end magnets can rotate relative to the core magnets upon application of torque to the rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Thiele, Greg Heins, Dean James Patterson
  • Publication number: 20230216367
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a housing having an air intake, an air outlet, and defining an air passage therein. The air passage includes a first channel extending from the air intake in a radial direction and a second channel extending in the radial direction to the outlet. The electric machine further includes a motor assembly positioned within the housing that includes a shaft that rotates about a rotational axis that is generally perpendicular to the radial direction. The electric machine further includes an electronics assembly within the housing interior and a heat sink positioned at least partially within the air passage and thermally connected to the electronics assembly. Operation of the motor assembly draws an ambient airflow into the air passage in the radial direction through the air intake, directs the airflow along the heat sink, and exhausts the airflow through the air outlet in the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Rafal Pawel Rohoza, Alexander Julian Baer, Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Jeffrey William Crosson, Nathan August Bulman
  • Publication number: 20230052600
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for use in a radial flux electric motor assembly includes a rotor core having a plurality of rotor poles circumferentially spaced about a central axis, wherein the rotor core includes a first end and an opposing second end. The rotor assembly further includes a plurality of core magnets alternately spaced with the plurality of rotor poles. The plurality of rotor poles define a radial aperture between each pair of circumferentially adjacent rotor poles, and each radial aperture is configured to receive at least one core magnet of the plurality of core magnets therein. A plurality of end magnets are coupled to at least one of the first end and the second end, and at least one end plate coupled to the plurality of end magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Thiele, Greg Heins, Dean James Patterson
  • Publication number: 20210288532
    Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor core includes a plurality of rotor poles circumferentially-spaced about a central axis and including a first rotor pole and an adjacent second rotor pole that each include an outer wall, and wherein the rotor core includes a rotor diameter. The rotor core also includes a plurality of radial apertures alternately-spaced with the plurality of rotor poles. The rotor core also includes a first protrusion extending from the first rotor pole into a first radial aperture of the plurality of radial apertures positioned between the first rotor pole and the second rotor pole. The rotor core further includes a second protrusion extending from the second rotor pole into the first radial aperture such that a circumferential opening is defined between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The opening extends a first length of between approximately 0.052% and approximately 0.058% of the rotor diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Mark Thiele, Greg Heins, Subhash Brahmavar, Steve Long, Lester Benjamin Manz, Kerry Shelton
  • Patent number: 11085450
    Abstract: A pump includes a housing including a first portion thereof defining opposed parallel spaced apart internal and exterior generally planar surfaces. The pump also includes a first impeller rotatably secured to the housing and positioned within the housing. The pump also includes a first axial flux motor connected to the first impeller and at least partially positioned within the housing. The first axial flux motor includes a first motor rotor fixedly secured to the first impeller. The first motor rotor has a generally planar surface thereof positioned adjacent to and parallel to the internal generally planar surface of the first portion of the housing. The first axial flux motor includes a first motor stator fixedly secured to the housing. The first motor stator has a generally planar surface thereof positioned adjacent to and parallel to the external generally planar surface of the first portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC., REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Mohamad Khalil Dahouk, Jason Jon Kreidler, Bruce Cole, Norman Carl Golm, Jr., Lester Benjamin Manz, Gregory Gross, Michael Allen Marks, John Sheldon Wagley, Yilcan Guzelgunler, Greg Heins, Matthew J. Turner
  • Patent number: 11025111
    Abstract: A rotor for connection to a stationary member for use in an electric machine is provided. The rotor includes a body defining a center of rotation of the body. The body further defines a first surface extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the center of rotation. The rotor also includes a magnet connected to the body and an adhesive. The adhesive is positioned between the magnet and the body. The adhesive is adapted to assist in securing the magnet to the body. The first surface of the body is adapted to permit removal of material from the body and to assist in balancing the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventors: Matthew Turner, Greg Heins, Chen Bin
  • Patent number: 11018565
    Abstract: A stator assembly for use in an axial flux electric motor includes at least one tooth tip and at least one stator tooth coupled to the at least one tooth tip, wherein the at least one stator tooth includes an insertable portion. The stator assembly also includes at least one stator base including at least one receiving slot configured to receive the insertable portion to form a mechanical joint between the at least one stator base and the at least one stator tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignees: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC., REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Steve Wilfred Post, Greg Heins, Jason Jon Kreidler
  • Patent number: 10865794
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly for pumping a fluid through a fluid cavity includes a stator assembly including a plurality of conduction coils configured to transmit heat energy to the fluid within the fluid cavity and a rotor assembly positioned adjacent the stator assembly to define an axial gap therebetween. The stator assembly is configured to impart a first axial force on the rotor assembly. The electric motor assembly also includes an impeller directly coupled to the rotor assembly opposite the stator assembly such that the rotor assembly and the impeller are configured to rotate about an axis. A fluid channeled by the impeller imparts a second axial force on the impeller. The rotor assembly and the impeller are configured to be submerged in the fluid within the fluid cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignees: REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Turner, Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Jason Jon Kreidler
  • Patent number: 10830252
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly for pumping a fluid through a fluid cavity includes a stator assembly including a plurality of conduction coils configured to transmit heat energy to the fluid within the fluid cavity. The electric motor assembly also includes a rotor assembly positioned adjacent the stator assembly to define an axial gap therebetween. The electric motor assembly also includes an impeller directly coupled to the rotor assembly opposite the stator assembly such that the rotor assembly and the impeller are configured to rotate about an axis. The rotor assembly and the impeller are configured to be submerged in the fluid within the fluid cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignees: REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Turner, Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Jason Jon Kreidler
  • Patent number: 10770940
    Abstract: A rotor module for an axial flux electric machine includes a back iron segment configured for attachment to a rotor base and a plurality of permanent magnets attached to the back iron segment. The back iron segment has a length less than a circumference of the rotor base. Each permanent magnet attached to the back iron segment has an opposite magnetic pole orientation from each adjacent permanent magnet attached to the back iron segment. A plurality of rotor modules is coupled to the rotor base to form a rotor for the axial flux electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Regal Beloit Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Thiele, Greg Heins, Matthew J. Turner, Dean James Patterson
  • Patent number: 10731653
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a bearing assembly including a rotating component and at least one stationary component. The electric motor assembly also includes an impeller coupled to the rotating component. The impeller includes an inlet and an outlet and is configured to direct a fluid between the inlet and the outlet. The electric motor assembly also includes a rotor assembly directly coupled to the impeller. A fluid flow channel is defined between the rotating component and the at least one stationary component. The flow channel includes a first end proximate the impeller outlet and a second end proximate the impeller inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignees: REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Turner, Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Jason Jon Kreidler
  • Patent number: 10683888
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a first member including a first engaging surface. The first member is stationary in a non-operating mode of the bearing assembly and rotates about an axis in an operational mode of the bearing assembly. The first member includes a first bore and a shaft positioned within the first bore and including an end surface. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly also includes a second member including a second bore and a second engaging surface positioned adjacent the first engaging surface. The second member is stationary in both the non-operating mode and the operational mode of the bearing assembly. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly further includes a spacer member positioned within the second bore and is configured to engage the first member to define a first gap between the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface in the non-operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Turner, Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Jason Jon Kreidler
  • Patent number: 10594180
    Abstract: A rotor for an electric machine includes a circular rotor base having a first surface, a second surface, and a circumferential outer edge extending from the first surface to the second surface, a plurality of magnets disposed proximate the circumferential outer edge of the circular rotor base, and a plurality of flux guides. Each magnet has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of each magnet is attached to the first surface of the circular rotor base, and the second surface of each magnet defines a first shape. Each flux guide is attached to the second surface of a different magnet and has a first surface attached to the second surface of a first respective magnet and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface of each flux guide defines a second shape different than the first shape of the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Dean James Patterson, Matthew J. Turner
  • Patent number: 10584739
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a first stationary component, a shaft coupled to the first stationary component, and a second stationary component coupled to the shaft opposite the first stationary component. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly also includes a rotating component coupled to the shaft between the first stationary component and the second stationary component. The rotating component includes a first end surface including a first diameter and an opposing second end surface including a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignees: REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Turner, Greg Heins, Mark Thiele, Jason Jon Kreidler
  • Patent number: 10541591
    Abstract: A stator for an axial flux machine includes a back iron, a plurality of stator teeth extending from the back iron, and a plurality of tooth tips attached to the stator teeth. The back iron and the stator teeth include a first material. Each stator tooth has a first end proximate the back iron and a second end. Each tooth tip is attached to the second end of a different stator tooth. The tooth tips include a second material different than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY, LTD.
    Inventors: Dean James Patterson, Mark Thiele, Greg Heins, Matthew J. Turner