Abstract: An assembly for sensing an amount of strain in an object, including a first cup having a first end, a second end, a cylindrical side wall extending therebetween, and an end wall disposed at the first end of the first cup, and a strain wafer disposed on one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the end wall.

Abstract: A ball screw assembly having a ball screw nut including an outer surface, an inner surface defining a central bore, and a ball track defined by the inner surface, a ball screw shaft including an outer surface defining a ball track, the ball screw shaft being disposed in the central bore so that the two ball tracks form a ball raceway, a first stopper disposed at a first end of the ball screw nut within the ball raceway, a plurality of main balls forming a ball train disposed in the ball raceway, a main spring assembly disposed in the ball raceway between a first end of the ball train and the first stopper, and a strain sensing element affixed to a flat surface portion defined by the outer surface of the ball screw nut.

Abstract: A vibration isolator for use between a support structure and a roller thrust bearing including a first race, a second race, a bearing cage and at least one roller element. The vibration isolator includes a radially extending portion with a mating surface, a bearing surface, an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, the radially extending portion being substantially disk-shaped. An annular flange extends axially from one of the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the radially extending portion, and at least one groove is defined by the mating surface of the radially extending portion. The bearing surface is configured to abut one of the first race and the second race and the mating surface is configured to abut the support structure such that a void is defined between the at least one groove and the support structure.

Abstract: A vibration isolator for use between a support structure and a roller thrust bearing including a first race, a second race, a bearing cage and at least one roller element. The vibration isolator includes a radially extending portion with a mating surface, a bearing surface, an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, the radially extending portion being substantially disk-shaped. An annular flange extends axially from one of the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the radially extending portion, and at least one groove is defined by the mating surface of the radially extending portion. The bearing surface is configured to abut one of the first race and the second race and the mating surface is configured to abut the support structure such that a void is defined between the at least one groove and the support structure.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that includes an induction motor and a motor control circuit with a feedback loop. The feedback loop provides rotor speed to a microprocessor of the motor control circuit. The motor control circuit and feedback loop control the motor such that the motor operates in a reverse frequency mode which provides braking to the washing machine.

Abstract: An integrated controller/motor energized by a power supply includes a controller that has controller circuits and a pair of controller lead lines connectable in circuit between the power supply and the controller circuits. The integrated controller/motor also includes a motor that has a first motor winding and a second motor winding each in circuit with the controller circuits and a thermal overload sensor located in direct proximity to the first motor winding and the second motor winding. The thermal overload sensor may be connected in series with at least one of the controller lead lines. A method of protecting an integrated controller/motor from thermal overload is also presented.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that includes an induction motor and a motor control circuit with a feedback loop. The feedback loop provides rotor speed to a microprocessor of the motor control circuit. The motor control circuit and feedback loop control the motor such that the motor operates in a negative slip mode which provides braking to the washing machine.

Abstract: A low current leakage circuit for power source lines that include a first power line at one potential and a second power line at another potential with respect to the first power line and that carry energy to power a device is provided. The low leakage circuit may include a filter circuit connected in parallel with the device and between the first power line and the second power line. The filter circuit may have a junction in circuit with a local ground and a switch may be connected in series between the junction and the local ground. A method of reducing current leakage in a filter circuit for power source lines carrying energy for powering a device is also provided.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that includes a motor, an inductive winding device, a motor control unit, and a braking circuit. The motor control unit is in electrical communication with the motor and the inductive winding device. The braking circuit is in electrical communication with the inductive winding device and the motor control unit. The braking circuit dissipates a braking energy from the motor through the inductive winding device and the motor control unit controlling the braking energy so as to avoid activation of the inductive winding device.