Abstract: Control system for an electronically commutated motor (ECM). The ECM includes a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with the stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with the winding stages. A circuit commutates the winding stages by selectively supplying power thereto in response to a pattern of control signals leaving at least one of the winding stages unpowered at any one time while the other winding stages are powered.

Abstract: A method of assembling a stationary assembly for a dynamoelectric machine. A set of winding lead ends are extended from a preselected part of the winding means for the stationary assembly, and the winding lead ends are cut to a preselected length. A set of tubes of a dielectric material are placed about the winding lead ends, and the winding lead ends are terminated with a plug member. The winding lead ends are wrapped generally spirally about means of the assembly including the plug member and a retaining member therefor for establishing a lost motion engagement between the plug and retaining members, and the retaining member is mounted with the stationary assembly at least generally adjacent the preselected part of the winding means.

Abstract: Control system for an electronically commutated motor (ECM). The ECM includes a stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated, and rotatable means associated with the stationary assembly in selective magnetic coupling relation with the winding stages. A digital computer operating under stored program control effects the commutation of the winding stages by selectively supplying power thereto in response to a pattern of control signals leaving at least one of the winding stages unpowered at any one time while the other winding stages are powered.

Abstract: A method of controlling laundry apparatus having first and second conductors for supplying power and being driven by an electronically commutated motor having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be selectively commutated. In practicing this method, voltages across the winding stages are converted to digital form thereby to digitize the voltages, and the winding stages are commutated by selectively switching the winding stages to the conductors in at least one preselected sequence. The commutating is temporarily interrupted to leave the winding stages temporarily unpowered, and the winding stages are switched from a first connection arrangement to a second connection arrangement. The digitized voltages are sensed while the winding stages are temporarily unpowered, and the commutating is resumed beginning at a point in the sequence determined from the sensed digitized voltages.

Abstract: An electronically commutated motor for energization by DC in both a high speed mode and a low speed mode at a current not significantly greater than a preselected level. The motor stator has a plurality of winding stages each with a plurality of winding turns only a first portion of which is commutated in a first sequence in a high speed mode and a predeterminately greater portion of which is commutated in a second sequence different from the first when the motor is energized in the low speed mode. A permanent magnet rotor is rotatably driven in one direction in the high speed mode so as to develop a first torque at the preselected current level when only the first portion of the winding turns of the winding stages are commutated in the first preselected sequence.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supporting a motor having cradle engageable rings at opposite ends thereof in the arms of a selected one of a plurality of different size support or cradle bases is disclosed wherein the motor has at least one end shield with an axially extending hub and a resilient mounting ring embracing that hub and movable axially therealong. A support base has a cradle portion for engaging the mounting ring to support the hub and a clamp arrangement for securing the ring to the cradle portion. The opposite motor end may have a similar axially extending hub on the opposite motor end shield embraced by another mounting ring clampable in a second similar cradle portion.

Abstract: A motor is disclosed that is particularly adapted for energization from a single phase power source and that includes a magnetic core having uniformly sized and spaced slots as well as three different winding phases. In one illustrated form, the motor winding circuit includes sub-circuits in the form of a primary phase winding, an intermediate phase winding, and a capacitor phase winding with the different winding phases positioned on the core so that the space angle between the effective centers of poles (or coil groups) of next adjacently located winding phases is sixty electrical degrees. Also disclosed are procedures by which an initial ratio of effective conductors (or turns) in the capacitor phase to effective conductors in the main phase can be calculated as well as an initial ratio of effective conductors in the intermediate phase to those in the primary phase.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supporting a motor having cradle engageable rings at opposite ends thereof in the arms of a selected one of a plurality of different size support or cradle bases is disclosed wherein the motor has at least one end shield with an axially extending hub and a resilient mounting ring embracing that hub and movable axially therealong. A support base has a cradle portion for engaging the mounting ring to support the hub and a clamp arrangement for securing the ring to the cradle portion. The opposite motor end may have a similar axially extending hub on the opposite motor end shield embraced by another mounting ring clampable in a second similar cradle portion.