Patents by Inventor Larry Gebhardt

Larry Gebhardt 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: 10461610
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to miniaturized motor assembly for use in an appliance, for example, an ice maker for a commercial or residential refrigerator. The miniaturized motor assembly includes an electric motor, such as a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor, and a printed circuit board operable to control power to the electric motor, wherein the printed circuit board is connected to the motor as a component of the assembly. At least one electrically-conductive connection device acts as a terminal, providing multiple points of contact between the printed circuit board and the motor, forming both an improved, reliable mechanical connection and an effective electrical connection between the circuit board and the motor. Use of the electrically-conductive connection device of the present disclosure eliminates the need for tedious and inconsistent soldering connections, while providing multiple points of contact and improved electrical contact over other forms of connecting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: MOLON MOTOR & COIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Larry Gebhardt, Emilio A. Ramirez, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170353086
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to miniaturized motor assembly for use in an appliance, for example, an ice maker for a commercial or residential refrigerator. The miniaturized motor assembly includes an electric motor, such as a permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor, and a printed circuit board operable to control power to the electric motor, wherein the printed circuit board is connected to the motor as a component of the assembly. At least one electrically-conductive connection device acts as a terminal, providing multiple points of contact between the printed circuit board and the motor, forming both an improved, reliable mechanical connection and an effective electrical connection between the circuit board and the motor. Use of the electrically-conductive connection device of the present disclosure eliminates the need for tedious and inconsistent soldering connections, while providing multiple points of contact and improved electrical contact over other forms of connecting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Larry Gebhardt, Emilio A. Ramirez, JR.