Patents by Inventor John Balcerak

John Balcerak 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: 11070055
    Abstract: An improved system for connecting a DC bus cable and a remote motor drive includes a capacitance module and an extension module that may each be mounted adjacent to the remote motor drive. The capacitance module includes a first DC bus connector and a second DC bus connector. The first DC bus connector includes a terminal block configured to receive a pair of conductors for the DC bus. The first DC bus connector further includes a pair of intermediate bus bars where each of the intermediate bus bars are connected at a first end to the terminal block and at a second end to a circuit board contained within the capacitance module. Traces on the circuit board are routed between the second ends of the intermediate bus bars and the second DC bus connector. The second DC bus connector is configured to be connected to DC bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Ozimek, John Balcerak, Jeremiah Kopiness, Vinod Bhansali, Shailendra Shukla, Magesh Subbarao Rengabashyam
  • Publication number: 20200281586
    Abstract: An improved system for connecting a DC bus cable and a remote motor drive includes a capacitance module and an extension module that may each be mounted adjacent to the remote motor drive. The capacitance module includes a first DC bus connector and a second DC bus connector. The first DC bus connector includes a terminal block configured to receive a pair of conductors for the DC bus. The first DC bus connector further includes a pair of intermediate bus bars where each of the intermediate bus bars are connected at a first end to the terminal block and at a second end to a circuit board contained within the capacitance module. Traces on the circuit board are routed between the second ends of the intermediate bus bars and the second DC bus connector. The second DC bus connector is configured to be connected to DC bus bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Patrick Ozimek, John Balcerak, Jeremiah Kopiness, Vinod Bhansali, Shailendra Shukla, Magesh Subbarao Rengabashyam
  • Patent number: 10717643
    Abstract: A motor having a circuit board including at least two MEMS sensors. The circuit board is mounted within a housing of the motor using the same fasteners as an encoder of the motor. Mounting the MEMS sensors to the circuit board simplifies assembly of the motor and standardizes the positioning of the MEMS sensors within the housing, while the overall motor footprint is unaffected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristin N. Yee, Michael J. Melfi, Zhenhuan Yuan, John A. Balcerak, Arun K. Guru
  • Patent number: 10695054
    Abstract: An improved system for connecting a DC bus cable and a remote motor drive includes a capacitance module and an extension module that may each be mounted adjacent to the remote motor drive. The capacitance module includes a first DC bus connector and a second DC bus connector. The first DC bus connector includes a terminal block configured to receive a pair of conductors for the DC bus. The first DC bus connector further includes a pair of intermediate bus bars where each of the intermediate bus bars are connected at a first end to the terminal block and at a second end to a circuit board contained within the capacitance module. Traces on the circuit board are routed between the second ends of the intermediate bus bars and the second DC bus connector. The second DC bus connector is configured to be connected to DC bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Ozimek, John Balcerak, Jeremiah Kopiness, Vinod Bhansali, Shailendra Shukla, Magesh Subbarao Rengabashyam
  • Patent number: 10488282
    Abstract: An improved system for monitoring drive members in a belt-driven application during installation and during operation and for detecting common failure modes in belt-driven equipment is disclosed. Sensors are positioned within or proximate the motor housing to detect vibrations on the belt or in the electric machine. The vibration signals are used to monitor operating conditions and/or to identify the failure modes in belt-driven equipment. The vibration signals may be used, for example, to determine tension on a belt, detect either a static or dynamic force applied along the belt, a misalignment between a pulley and the belt, or a shock load applied to the belt during operation. By monitoring the various operating conditions of the belt-driven equipment, a controller may identify an existing failure mode or predict a premature failure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arun K. Guru, Linglai Li, John Balcerak, Robert H. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190137350
    Abstract: An improved system for monitoring drive members in a belt-driven application during installation and during operation and for detecting common failure modes in belt-driven equipment is disclosed. Sensors are positioned within or proximate the motor housing to detect vibrations on the belt or in the electric machine. The vibration signals are used to monitor operating conditions and/or to identify the failure modes in belt-driven equipment. The vibration signals may be used, for example, to determine tension on a belt, detect either a static or dynamic force applied along the belt, a misalignment between a pulley and the belt, or a shock load applied to the belt during operation. By monitoring the various operating conditions of the belt-driven equipment, a controller may identify an existing failure mode or predict a premature failure mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Arun K. Guru, Linglai Li, John Balcerak, Robert H. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190092621
    Abstract: A motor having a circuit board including at least two MEMS sensors. The circuit board is mounted within a housing of the motor using the same fasteners as an encoder of the motor. Mounting the MEMS sensors to the circuit board simplifies assembly of the motor and standardizes the positioning of the MEMS sensors within the housing, while the overall motor footprint is unaffected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristin N. Yee, Michael J. Melfi, Zhenhuan Yuan, John A. Balcerak, Arun K. Guru
  • Publication number: 20180132846
    Abstract: An improved system for connecting a DC bus cable and a remote motor drive includes a capacitance module and an extension module that may each be mounted adjacent to the remote motor drive. The capacitance module includes a first DC bus connector and a second DC bus connector. The first DC bus connector includes a terminal block configured to receive a pair of conductors for the DC bus. The first DC bus connector further includes a pair of intermediate bus bars where each of the intermediate bus bars are connected at a first end to the terminal block and at a second end to a circuit board contained within the capacitance module. Traces on the circuit board are routed between the second ends of the intermediate bus bars and the second DC bus connector. The second DC bus connector is configured to be connected to DC bus bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick Ozimek, John Balcerak, Jeremiah Kopiness, Vinod Bhansali, Shailendra Shukla, Magesh Subbarao Rengabashyam
  • Patent number: 9882421
    Abstract: An improved system for connecting a DC bus cable and a remote motor drive includes a capacitance module and an extension module that may each be mounted adjacent to the remote motor drive. The capacitance module includes a first DC bus connector and a second DC bus connector. The first DC bus connector includes a terminal block configured to receive a pair of conductors for the DC bus. The first DC bus connector further includes a pair of intermediate bus bars where each of the intermediate bus bars are connected at a first end to the terminal block and at a second end to a circuit board contained within the capacitance module. Traces on the circuit board are routed between the second ends of the intermediate bus bars and the second DC bus connector. The second DC bus connector is configured to be connected to DC bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Ozimek, John Balcerak, Jeremiah Kopiness, Vinod Bhansali, Shailendra Shukla, Magesh Subbarao Rengabashyam
  • Publication number: 20160336795
    Abstract: An improved system for connecting a DC bus cable and a remote motor drive includes a capacitance module and an extension module that may each be mounted adjacent to the remote motor drive. The capacitance module includes a first DC bus connector and a second DC bus connector. The first DC bus connector includes a terminal block configured to receive a pair of conductors for the DC bus. The first DC bus connector further includes a pair of intermediate bus bars where each of the intermediate bus bars are connected at a first end to the terminal block and at a second end to a circuit board contained within the capacitance module. Traces on the circuit board are routed between the second ends of the intermediate bus bars and the second DC bus connector. The second DC bus connector is configured to be connected to DC bus bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Ozimek, John Balcerak, Jeremiah Kopiness, Vinod Bhansali, Shailendra Shukla, Magesh Subbarao Rengabashyam
  • Patent number: 9190759
    Abstract: A system for connecting motor drives to each other is disclosed that does not require the use of wire or tools. The system includes an adapter plug and bus bar modules that connect to each other at a conductive receptacle of the adapter plug to define a splice joint at the point of connect of the bus bar modules. The bus bar modules may include insulating covers and insulating clips may overlie the splice joints so that the system is substantially devoid of exposed surfaces of its conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Balcerak, Thomas H. Van Groll, Craig R. Winterhalter
  • Patent number: 9099237
    Abstract: Cooling systems include a first passageway forming member that includes first and second ends and at least one connecting recess that opens into first and second passageways formed by the first passageway forming member. A second passageway forming member includes first and second ends and inlet and outlet ports proximate the first end such that the first end, including an elastomeric seal and the inlet and outlet ports, is sealably insertable in and removable from the at least one connecting recess, where the inlet port opens into the first passageway and the outlet port opens into the second passageway, and where, when the first end is inserted in the at least one connecting recess, the elastomeric seal is sandwiched between and in substantial contact with both the first end and the first passageway forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Balcerak, Jeremy J. Keegan, William K. Siebert, Neil Gollhardt, Scott D. Day
  • Publication number: 20140045353
    Abstract: A system for connecting motor drives to each other is disclosed that does not require the use of wire or tools. The system includes an adapter plug and bus bar modules that connect to each other at a conductive receptacle of the adapter plug to define a splice joint at the point of connect of the bus bar modules. The bus bar modules may include insulating covers and insulating clips may overlie the splice joints so that the system is substantially devoid of exposed surfaces of its conductive materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Balcerak, Thomas H. Van Groll, Craig R. Winterhalter
  • Patent number: 8634193
    Abstract: An air cooled switching unit for a motor drive includes a forced air cooling chamber and a convective cooling chamber separate from the forced air cooling chamber. An exhaust port of the forced cooling chamber is configured to direct exhaust air across an outlet of the convective cooling chamber to induce an increased air flow through the convective cooling chamber thereby increasing the cooling capacity of the convective cooling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rui Zhou, John A. Balcerak, Craig R. Winterhalter
  • Patent number: 8585422
    Abstract: A system for connecting motor drives to each other is disclosed that does not require the use of wire or tools. The system includes an adapter plug and bus bar modules that connect to each other at a conductive receptacle of the adapter plug to define a splice joint at the point of connect of the bus bar modules. The bus bar modules may include insulating covers and insulating clips may overlie the splice joints so that the system is substantially devoid of exposed surfaces of its conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Balcerak, Thomas H. Van Groll, Craig R. Winterhalter
  • Publication number: 20130141867
    Abstract: An air cooled switching unit for a motor drive includes a forced air cooling chamber and a convective cooling chamber separate from the forced air cooling chamber. An exhaust port of the forced cooling chamber is configured to direct exhaust air across an outlet of the convective cooling chamber to induce an increased air flow through the convective cooling chamber thereby increasing the cooling capacity of the convective cooling chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Rui Zhou, John A. Balcerak, Craig R. Winterhalter
  • Publication number: 20120264317
    Abstract: A system for connecting motor drives to each other is disclosed that does not require the use of wire or tools. The system includes an adapter plug and bus bar modules that connect to each other at a conductive receptacle of the adapter plug to define a splice joint at the point of connect of the bus bar modules. The bus bar modules may include insulating covers and insulating clips may overlie the splice joints so that the system is substantially devoid of exposed surfaces of its conductive materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: John A. Balcerak, Thomas H. Van Groll, Craig R. Winterhalter
  • Publication number: 20120085524
    Abstract: Cooling systems include a first passageway forming member that includes first and second ends and at least one connecting recess that opens into first and second passageways formed by the first passageway forming member. A second passageway forming member includes first and second ends and inlet and outlet ports proximate the first end such that the first end, including an elastomeric seal and the inlet and outlet ports, is sealably insertable in and removable from the at least one connecting recess, where the inlet port opens into the first passageway and the outlet port opens into the second passageway, and where, when the first end is inserted in the at least one connecting recess, the elastomeric seal is sandwiched between and in substantial contact with both the first end and the first passageway forming member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: John A. Balcerak, Jeremy J. Keegan, William K. Siebert, Neil Gollhardt, Scott D. Day
  • Patent number: 8081462
    Abstract: A method and kit of components for configuring electronics cooling configurations, the kit comprising a plurality of passageway forming members, each forming member including an extruded member having first and second ends and forming at least one passageway and at least one of an input port and an output port that opens into the passageway, each forming member also including at least one plug insert secured to the second end of the forming member to block the at least one passageway, a plurality of elastomeric seals, a plurality of mechanical fasteners, wherein forming members can be arranged adjacent each other with ports aligned and the fasteners can be used to mechanically fasten the forming members together with seals there between to form various cooling configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Balcerak, Scott D. Day, Jeremy J. Keegan, William K. Siebert, Neil Gollhardt
  • Publication number: 20090073658
    Abstract: A method and kit of components for configuring electronics cooling configurations, the kit comprising a plurality of passageway forming members, each forming member including an extruded member having first and second ends and forming at least one passageway and at least one of an input port and an output port that opens into the passageway, each forming member also including at least one plug insert secured to the second end of the forming member to block the at least one passageway, a plurality of elastomeric seals, a plurality of mechanical fasteners, wherein forming members can be arranged adjacent each other with ports aligned and the fasteners can be used to mechanically fasten the forming members together with seals there between to form various cooling configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: John A. Balcerak, Scott D. Day, Jeremy J. Keegan, William K. Siebert, Neil Gollhardt