Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An outer rotor motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a rotor and a stator. A control board assembly configured to control at least one operational characteristic of the motor is mounted at least in part radially inside the stator.

Abstract: An outer rotor motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a rotor and a stator. A control board assembly configured to control at least one operational characteristic of the motor is mounted at least in part radially inside the stator.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 increase gradually the angular velocity of the drum to provide a “soft start” for the dryer.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An outer rotor motor is provided for use in a machine. The motor includes a rotor and a stator. A control board assembly configured to control at least one operational characteristic of the motor is mounted at least in part radially inside the stator.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a motor controller are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, the motor controller can be instructed to select an operational profile based on the duration of power loss. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a battery or capacitor to provide power to a microcontroller in the motor controller while power is disconnected.

Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A motor drive for an electric motor of a variable fluid circulating system includes a processing module and a power module. The processing module receives a signal profile and generates a control signal based on the signal profile. A power module generates a carrier signal based on the control signal and a direct current (DC) voltage. The power module pulse width modulates the carrier signal to generate a drive signal in the electric motor that matches the signal profile. The power module powers the electric motor based on the drive signal to adjust injection of a fluid into a reservoir.

Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a motor controller are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, the motor controller can be instructed to select an operational profile based on the duration of power loss. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a battery or capacitor to provide power to a microcontroller in the motor controller while power is disconnected.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An integrated electric motor and controller assembly includes a motor, a controller mounted to the motor, and a sensor device disposed at an interface between the motor and the controller. The sensor device includes a sensor disposed at the controller and a magnet disposed at the motor. An alignment structure is provided at the interface between the motor and the controller for positioning the sensor relative to the magnet when the controller is mounted to the motor. The magnet is recessed in the motor and the sensor is protected by a controller housing of the controller. This arrangement has the advantages of protecting the sensor device from damage during shipment and assembly and providing a quick assembly and connection of the sensor device to the motor and the controller.

Abstract: 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 increase gradually the angular velocity of the drum to provide a “soft start” for the dryer.