Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a controllerless electric drive system, a controllerless hybrid drive system and a method for controlling drive system characteristics based on received drive system inputs. In one instance, a controllerless electric drive system is configured to power one or more powered wheels. The controllerless electric drive system includes a battery, a substantially constant-speed electric motor, an infinitely variable transmission and one or more powered wheels. The battery is coupled to the substantially constant-speed electric motor, and the motor is coupled to the infinitely variable transmission. As such, the battery provides power for the electric motor to drive the infinitely variable transmission which turns the one or more powered wheels, without implementing a controller to vary the current or voltage between the battery and the motor.

Abstract: An AC unipolar generator provides high power at high frequencies without requiring a source of high-frequency mechanical power. A rotor having a plurality of spaced magnetic disks and two sets of rotating capacitor plates is coupled to a source of mechanical power, the two sets of rotating capacitor plates being spaced apart along the outside of the rotor and electrically connected via a conducting channel. A stator surrounding a portion of the rotor that includes the magnetic disks and one of the two sets of rotating capacitor plates includes a magnetic stator core that forms a magnetic circuit with the magnetic disks of the rotor, a stator field coil, and a fixed set of capacitor plates that capacitively couple the stator field coil to the rotor conducting channel through one of the sets of rotating capacitor plates.

Abstract: There is provided an electric motor having a flat form factor. The electric motor has a rotor with a shaft attached thereto. The rotor further includes a plurality of teeth disposed thereon. The motor further includes a stator having an axial length. A plurality of teeth are disposed on the stator such that a gap is defined between the teeth of the stator and the teeth of the rotor. The motor further includes a plurality of copper windings disposed around each of the teeth of stator. Each of the windings has a length of end copper equal to about twice the axial length of the stator. In this regard, the end of the wire is greater than the width of the stator such that the form factor of the motor can be flattened.

Abstract: In a resonant motor system, an electrical motor having a stator with one or more windings, a rotor which may or may not be wound, and an air gap between the stator and the rotor for storing magnetic energy such that the motor exhibits a definite electrical inductance deployed with a drive combination including a capacitance connected in series with the inductance of the motor to form an LCR circuit therewith. Phased provision of DC power to the LCR circuit causes the circuit to oscillate, which excites the motor. The DC power is provided in synchronism with the rotation of the rotor in order to maximize torque produced by the motor.

Abstract: A slip ring assembly for transferring electrical current to an electrical device is disclosed. The slip ring assembly has a housing that is attachable to the electrical device. Disposed within the housing is a rotatable slip ring and a flexible conductor. The flexible conductor is configured to conform to the shape of the slip ring and conduct an electric current. A fluid is contained within the housing. The fluid forms a conductive film between the slip ring and the conductor when the slip ring rotates through hydrodynamic forces. The conductive film is operative to transfer electrical current between the slip ring and the conductor while also preventing wear of the slip ring and conductor.

Abstract: In a resonant motor system, an electrical motor having a stator with one or more windings, a rotor which may or may not be wound, and an air gap between the stator and the rotor for storing magnetic energy such that the motor exhibits a definite electrical inductance may be deployed with a drive combination including a capacitance connected in series with the inductance of the motor to form an LCR circuit therewith. Phased provision of DC power to the LCR circuit causes the circuit to oscillate, which excites the motor. The DC power is provided in synchronism with the rotation of the rotor in order to maximize torque produced by the motor.

Abstract: In a resonant motor system, an electrical motor having a stator with one or more windings, a rotor which may or may not be wound, and an air gap between the stator and the rotor for storing magnetic energy such that the motor exhibits a definite electrical inductance deployed with a drive combination including a capacitance connected in series with the inductance of the motor to form an LCR circuit therewith. Phased provision of DC power to the LCR circuit causes the circuit to oscillate, which excites the motor. The DC power is provided in synchronism with the rotation of the rotor in order to maximize torque produced by the motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for balancing tools 16 is disclosed which may uniquely characterize a needed balance for each of the individual tools 16 and which may then store the needed balance conditions so as to use the balancing data upon every use of the individual tool 16. This balance is achieved, in one embodiment, by the movement of certain balancing objects 28 from a balance containment member 22 to cavities 26 within a balance reception member 24. Should the original balance condition falter, the apparatus and methodology of this invention allow the balance conditions to be updated, dynamically, and to be stored for later use.

Abstract: An electric rotating machine, which can be operated as either a motor or generator, utilizes material exhibiting a Hall effect to replace the normal slip rings or mechanical commutation devices. Preferably, a slab of Hall effect material is curved to extend circumferentially around the rotor between the rotor and stator, and the rotor is adapted to create a magnetic field. When used as a motor, a source of electrical power is connected to the Hall effect material to cause a primary current to flow therein. The combination of the rotor magnetic field and the primary current flowing in the Hall effect material produces a Hall effect current which creates a torque on the rotor causing it to rotate. When used as a generator, the rotor is rotated and induces a primary current to flow in the Hall effect material. The combination of the rotor magnetic field and the induced primary current produces a Hall effect voltage and current that can be connected to power an electrical load.

Abstract: A control system for the remote control of functions on a rotating object from a stationary location is disclosed. The control system, in the disclosed embodiment, constitutes a single channel, four function-select, power transmission system with an encoder at the stationary location and a decoder on the rotating object. The encoder is used to develop selected electrical waveform patterns each of which is uniquely correlated with a particular control function to be performed on the rotating object. Each waveform pattern consists of a unique pattern of electrical waveform half cycles. The particular electrical waveform pattern for the particular control function to be performed is transmitted to the rotating object via center contact assemblies which engage opposite ends of a spindle on which the rotating object is supported for rotation.

Abstract: Balancing apparatus for performing in-process balancing of a rotary mass by capacitor discharge to deliver an arc to erode material from the mass. A capacitor bank is operatively coupled through a coupling circuit to electrode structure which delivers the arc to the mass. A trigger pulse is injected into the coupling circuit to initiate the arc discharge. The coupling circuit is so constructed and arranged as not to impair the effectiveness of the trigger pulse in initiating the arc, yet it provides no significant resistance to the high amperage capacitor discharge current which is enabled to flow to the electrodes once the gap between the electrode structure and the rotary mass has been broken down. Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment comprises multiple capacitor banks which are sequentially placed on-line. Associated with each capacitor bank is a "contactless switch".

Abstract: A drill press mounting apparatus for use on a balancing machine having a longitudinally extending machine bed is disclosed. The drill press assembly is comprised of a first longitudinally extending guide path defined adjacent the machine bed and a second longitudinally extending guide path defined adjacent the machine bed parallel to the first guide path. A drill press is mounted for movement along the first and second guide paths and a friction stop is operatively connected between the drill press and the machine bed. The friction stop retards movement of the drill press with respect to the machine bed upon commencement of drill press operations.

Abstract: An unbalance correction system is disclosed for balancing a workpiece while it rotates in a conventional balancing machine. Stock removal occurs simultaneously with unbalance measurement. State of balance is continuously monitored while correction proceeds. The trial and error aspect in conventional methods of alternating between measurement and correction operations is eliminated, resulting in a higher precision balance in reduced procedure time. Stock is removed by discharging capacitors across a gap formed between the spinning workpiece and stationary electrodes. The momentary high-current arc melts and vaporizes material during only a portion of a total revolution. The discharge is triggered by a vibration induced signal from the balancing machine when the heavy spot is adjacent the electrodes.

Abstract: An improved unbalance compensator control in which the distribution of balance mass fluid is controlled by selective activation of thermal devices creating thermal differentials and ensuing balance mass fluid re-distribution for balance correction, and in which electrical power for the thermal devices is transmitted across an air gap separating stationary and rotating portions by means of the selective energizing of primary coils each of which has a corresponding confronting secondary coil associated therewith. Different geometries of coils are disclosed. In another embodiment a composite waveform containing power and signal components is conducted to the rotating portion by electro-mechanical contact arrangements at opposite axial ends of the machine on which the unbalance compensator is mounted.

Abstract: A dynamic balancing system for rotary elements wherein balance is maintained by remote control of mass distribution during rotation. A fluid balancing mass partially fills three or more annular chambers. A change in mass distribution is achieved by heating the fluid in a chamber and conducting the vapor so produced to the opposite chamber(s) where the vapor condenses. A warmer chamber thereby loses mass to a cooler chamber. Electronic vibration measuring means and control are generally employed to determine which chambers and what degree of heating are required to improve the state of balance. The preferred control is electronic and comprises a stationarily mounted encoding portion and rotationally mounted decoding portion. Power and encoded control signals are transmitted via inductively coupled coils from the encoding portion to the decoding portion.

Abstract: A hard bearing cradle balancing machine involving novel elements for workpiece support and end thrust restraint, angle of unbalance indication and machine mounted drill press slide. "V" block bearings incorporating independently tilting pads provide uniform journal contact without torsional restraint that would otherwise result from workpiece misalignment. A device magnetically attached to the end of the workpiece maintains axial positioning thereof and communicates rotational position and speed information to an electronic vibration analyzer, as well as rotational reference information to the machine operator. A balancer mounted drill press slide freely traverses the workpiece axis, locking up only upon application of drilling pressure at any point thereon.