Patents by Inventor Gregory A. Peterson
Gregory A. Peterson 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).
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Patent number: 9794347Abstract: A system for wirelessly programming and diagnosing a motor includes a server computer system, a portable electronic device, and a wireless communication device. The server computer system stores motor operating parameters and other motor data that can be accessed by the portable electronic device over a wireless communication network for identifying a suitable replacement motor for an unserviceable motor. The server computer system also generates motor programming instructions for programming the replacement motor to emulate the unserviceable motor. The portable electronic device wirelessly transmits the motor programming instructions to the wireless communication device for storing the motor programming instructions on a memory of a controller of the replacement motor so that the replacement motor will emulate the unserviceable motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Randy L. Bomkamp, Scott M. Schroer, Christopher D. Schock, Gregory A. Peterson
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Publication number: 20170284013Abstract: A system in which the operation of an electric motor is controlled by electronically controlled switches. The system includes the motor having a run winding and a start winding, a heating component, and a motor control subsystem. A control unit closes a first switch to energize the run winding, closes a second switch to energize the start winding, determines based on an amplitude and a lag time of a current flowing through the motor whether the motor has started and is running normally, and if so, opens the second switch to de-energize the start winding and closes a third switch to activate the heating component. The control unit determines whether the motor has started and is running normally by comparing the real time amplitude and lag time of the current to a plurality of stored amplitudes and lag times associated with different operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: GREGORY A. PETERSON, DAVID E. LASS
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Publication number: 20170284340Abstract: A spark plug having an insulating body defining a longitudinal axis and including a base portion and an obstruction portion, a first electrode including a proximal portion, a sheathed portion and a distal portion, the sheathed portion of the first electrode extending through the base portion of the insulating body, and a second electrode including a proximal portion, a sheathed portion and a distal portion, the sheathed portion of the second electrode extending through the base portion and the obstruction portion of the insulating body, wherein the obstruction portion axially extends beyond the distal portion of the first electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Leora Peltz, William Gregory Peterson, Robert V. Frampton
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Publication number: 20170141705Abstract: A system in which the operation of an electric motor is controlled by electronically controlled switches. The system includes the motor having a run winding and a start winding, a heating component, and a motor control subsystem. A control unit closes a first switch to energize the run winding, closes a second switch to energize the start winding, determines based on an amplitude and a lag time of a current flowing through the motor whether the motor has started and is running normally, and if so, opens the second switch to de-energize the start winding and closes a third switch to activate the heating component. The control unit determines whether the motor has started and is running normally by comparing the real time amplitude and lag time of the current to a plurality of stored amplitudes and lag times associated with different operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2017Publication date: May 18, 2017Applicant: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Peterson, David E. Lass
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Patent number: 9629006Abstract: An example method can comprise receiving a plurality of signal characteristic measurements from each of a plurality of sensors disposed at geographically distinct premises or geographically distinct locations throughout a premises. A prioritized sensor (e.g., prioritized relative to other sensors) can be determined from among the plurality of sensors, and the signal characteristic measurement from the prioritized sensor can be compared to a set of predefined signal characteristics. A network device can adjust one or more transmission characteristics based on the received signal characteristic measurements.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLCInventors: Nicholas Iuzzolino, Gregory Peterson
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Publication number: 20170048324Abstract: A system for wirelessly programming and diagnosing a motor includes a server computer system, a portable electronic device, and a wireless communication device. The server computer system stores motor operating parameters and other motor data that can be accessed by the portable electronic device over a wireless communication network for identifying a suitable replacement motor for an unserviceable motor. The server computer system also generates motor programming instructions for programming the replacement motor to emulate the unserviceable motor. The portable electronic device wirelessly transmits the motor programming instructions to the wireless communication device for storing the motor programming instructions on a memory of a controller of the replacement motor so that the replacement motor will emulate the unserviceable motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Applicant: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Randy L. Bomkamp, Scott M. Schroer, Christopher D. Schock, Gregory A. Peterson
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Publication number: 20170041812Abstract: An example method can comprise receiving a plurality of signal characteristic measurements from each of a plurality of sensors disposed at geographically distinct premises or geographically distinct locations throughout a premises. A prioritized sensor (e.g., prioritized relative to other sensors) can be determined from among the plurality of sensors, and the signal characteristic measurement from the prioritized sensor can be compared to a set of predefined signal characteristics. A network device can adjust one or more transmission characteristics based on the received signal characteristic measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2015Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Nicholas Iuzzolino, Gregory Peterson
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Patent number: 9559619Abstract: A system in which the operation of an electric motor is controlled by electronically controlled switches. The system includes the motor having a run winding and a start winding, a heating component, and a motor control subsystem. A control unit closes a first switch to energize the run winding, closes a second switch to energize the start winding, determines based on an amplitude and a lag time of a current flowing through the motor whether the motor has started and is running normally, and if so, opens the second switch to de-energize the start winding and closes a third switch to activate the heating component. The control unit determines whether the motor has started and is running normally by comparing the real time amplitude and lag time of the current to a plurality of stored amplitudes and lag times associated with different operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Peterson, David E. Lass
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Patent number: 9531308Abstract: A fan having one fan blade; a fan motor for rotating the fan blade; a motor control electrically coupled with the fan motor for controlling operational characteristics of the fan motor; and a power supply having a step-down high efficiency buck converter, a step-down low drop-out linear regulator, and/or a step-down switching regulator are described. The power supply may receive a first input voltage and lower the first input voltage to a second lower voltage. The fan motor is electrically coupled to be driven by the first input voltage and the motor control is electrically coupled to operate using the second lower voltage from the power supply. The motor control may include a microcontroller, level shifters electrically coupled to the microcontroller, and drivers electrically coupled to the level shifters and configured to drive the fan motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Nidec Motor CompanyInventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Keith M. Kolmos, Carolyn S. Schaefer, Mile Bozic, David E. Lass, William J. Taylor
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Publication number: 20160359440Abstract: Various embodiments of an electric motor and electronic control for an electric motor are disclosed. An exemplary electric motor comprises a single-phase brushless permanent magnet electric motor. In exemplary embodiments, the electronic motor control is configured to commutate an electric motor at a frequency other than line frequency, perform pulse width modulation, and drive the electric motor with a drive waveform that approximates the counter-electromotive force of the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: GREGORY A. PETERSON, MICHAEL P. SULLIVAN, STEPHEN J. BURTON, GARY E. HORST, KEITH I. HOEMANN, RICHARD J. FADLER
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Patent number: 9491242Abstract: A system for wirelessly programming and diagnosing a motor includes a server computer system, a portable electronic device, and a wireless communication device. The server computer system stores motor operating parameters and other motor data that can be accessed by the portable electronic device over a wireless communication network for identifying a suitable replacement motor for an unserviceable motor. The server computer system also generates motor programming instructions for programming the replacement motor to emulate the unserviceable motor. The portable electronic device wirelessly transmits the motor programming instructions to the wireless communication device for storing the motor programming instructions on a memory of a controller of the replacement motor so that the replacement motor will emulate the unserviceable motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Randy L. Bomkamp, Scott M. Schroer, Christopher D. Schock, Gregory A. Peterson
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Patent number: 9425720Abstract: Various embodiments of an electric motor and electronic control for an electric motor are disclosed. An exemplary electric motor comprises a single-phase brushless permanent magnet electric motor. In exemplary embodiments, the electronic motor control is configured to commutate an electric motor at a frequency other than line frequency, perform pulse width modulation, and drive the electric motor with a drive waveform that approximates the counter-electromotive force of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Michael P. Sullivan, Stephen J. Burton, Gary E. Horst, Keith I. Hoemann, Richard J. Fadler
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Publication number: 20160056681Abstract: An electric motor includes a stator, a rotor rotatable relative to the stator about a rotor axis, a motor case, and a motor controller. The motor case presents a motor chamber in which the stator is located. The motor controller is supported relative to the motor case and includes a heat-producing component external of the motor chamber. A heat sink is thermally coupled with the heat-producing component of the motor controller and is located within the motor chamber. A dripshield cooperates with the motor case to define a controller chamber in which the controller is at least substantially located. The dripshield and motor case present complementary pairs of latch components, with each pair of latch components including a dripshield latch component and a case latch component. Each pair of latch components is automatically interlocked to secure the dripshield on the motor case.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2014Publication date: February 25, 2016Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Michael W. Major, Carolyn S. Schaefer, Gregory A. Peterson
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Patent number: 9228292Abstract: A drying device has been developed having a single electric motor configured to drive a drum and directly drive an air blower. The single electric motor is a non-line frequency electric motor. The drum is coupled to a support frame to enable rotation of the drum relative the support frame. The drum has an interior space for holding a load of articles, such as clothing. The motor includes a controller configured to regulate the angular velocity of the output shaft of the motor with reference to the current drawn by the motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Robert E. Wehrheim, Keith I. Hoemann, Gregory A. Peterson, L. Ranney Dohogne, Marshall J. Huggins, Gregory M. Levine
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Publication number: 20150376829Abstract: A system in which the operation of an electric motor is controlled by electronically controlled switches. The system includes the motor having a run winding and a start winding, a heating component, and a motor control subsystem. A control unit closes a first switch to energize the run winding, closes a second switch to energize the start winding, determines based on an amplitude and a lag time of a current flowing through the motor whether the motor has started and is running normally, and if so, opens the second switch to de-energize the start winding and closes a third switch to activate the heating component. The control unit determines whether the motor has started and is running normally by comparing the real time amplitude and lag time of the current to a plurality of stored amplitudes and lag times associated with different operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Peterson, David E. Lass
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Publication number: 20150381086Abstract: A fan having one fan blade; a fan motor for rotating the fan blade; a motor control electrically coupled with the fan motor for controlling operational characteristics of the fan motor; and a power supply having a step-down high efficiency buck converter, a step-down low drop-out linear regulator, and/or a step-down switching regulator are described. The power supply may receive a first input voltage and lower the first input voltage to a second lower voltage. The fan motor is electrically coupled to be driven by the first input voltage and the motor control is electrically coupled to operate using the second lower voltage from the power supply. The motor control may include a microcontroller, level shifters electrically coupled to the microcontroller, and drivers electrically coupled to the level shifters and configured to drive the fan motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Keith M. Kolmos, Carolyn S. Schaefer, Mile Bozic, David E. Lass, William J. Taylor
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Publication number: 20150296050Abstract: A system for wirelessly programming and diagnosing a motor includes a server computer system, a portable electronic device, and a wireless communication device. The server computer system stores motor operating parameters and other motor data that can be accessed by the portable electronic device over a wireless communication network for identifying a suitable replacement motor for an unserviceable motor. The server computer system also generates motor programming instructions for programming the replacement motor to emulate the unserviceable motor. The portable electronic device wirelessly transmits the motor programming instructions to the wireless communication device for storing the motor programming instructions on a memory of a controller of the replacement motor so that the replacement motor will emulate the unserviceable motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2014Publication date: October 15, 2015Applicant: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Randy L. Bomkamp, Scott M. Schroer, Christopher D. Schock, Gregory A. Peterson
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Publication number: 20150226805Abstract: A data acquisition device that can be coupled with any motor, even those already in service, to automatically monitor the operation of the motor and provide alerts when the motor is in need of repair or replacement. The data acquisition device senses conditions of the motor and transmits sensor data to a computer system or other remote monitoring device so that the remote monitoring device can determine if the motor needs to be repaired or replaced. The data acquisition device also acquires location data and sends it to the remote monitoring device so that a technician or other person can quickly locate the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Inventors: Timothy R. Albers, Helmuth M. Glatt, Gregory E. Levine, Gregory A. Peterson, Christopher T. Wiseman, Michael P. Sullivan, David M. Lyle
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Patent number: 9093884Abstract: An integrated motor and control system has an electric motor. A control controls operation of the motor. A housing substantially covers at least two sides of the control. The housing has an opening and a liquid guide for guiding liquid toward a predetermined position in the opening to prevent liquid from contacting the control. The control is mounted on at least one of the electric motor and the housing. A heat sink can be extended through the opening in the housing to cool the control. The liquid guide can facilitate natural convection over the portion of the heat sink exterior of the housing. The integrated motor and control system can suitably be used in a washing machine or other appliance where liquid may be encountered.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Michael W. Major, Gregory A. Peterson
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Patent number: 9080276Abstract: A method of operating a washing machine to detect unbalanced loads has been developed. The method includes operating a motor to rotate a tub holding a load at a first rotational rate that is below a threshold rotational rate, identifying a mass of the load, operating the motor to rotate the tub at a second rotational rate that is above the threshold rotational rate, identifying a power applied to the motor to continue rotation of the tub at the second rotational rate, obtaining an out of balance mass value from a memory with reference to the power applied to the motor, second rotational rate, and identified mass, identifying a maximum rate for the tub with reference to the out of balance mass value, and operating the motor to rotate the tub at a rate that is less than or equal to the maximum rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Nidec Motor CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Thomas J. Sheahan