Patents by Inventor Lester Benjamin Manz

Lester Benjamin Manz 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: 11881801
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra, Kamron Mark Wright, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Publication number: 20230344379
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra, Kamron Mark Wright, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Patent number: 11716040
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra, Kamron Mark Wright, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Publication number: 20230123360
    Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit including an inverter configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor coupled to the drive circuit wherein the electric motor is communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor, thereby operating the electric motor at a motor speed, and determine, based upon at least one input parameter, a maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve. The controller is also configured to receive a command to operate the electric motor at line frequency current and control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variable frequency current to supplying line frequency current before the maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Patent number: 11539319
    Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit including an inverter configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor coupled to the drive circuit wherein the electric motor is communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor, thereby operating the electric motor at a motor speed, and determine, based upon at least one input parameter, a maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve. The controller is also configured to receive a command to operate the electric motor at line frequency current and control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variably frequency current to supplying line frequency current before the maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Patent number: 11431210
    Abstract: A lamination for use in an electric machine stator includes a body having a generally circular outer periphery and a generally circular inner periphery, spaced from the outer periphery and a plurality of spaced apart teeth extending inwardly from the circular inner periphery. Each of said teeth define opposed inner edges thereof. The lamination includes a first pair of tips extending tangentially in opposed directions from the inner edge of one of said teeth and a second pair of tips extending tangentially in opposed directions from the inner edges of another one of said teeth. A tip of the first pair of tips and a tip of the second pair of tips define a first configuration having a first gap therebetween and defining a second configuration having a second gap therebetween. The first gap being substantially less than the second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Jacob Manz, Kamron Mark Wright, John Sheldon Wagley, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Publication number: 20220239246
    Abstract: An electric motor system is described. The electric motor system includes a drive circuit including an inverter configured to supply variable frequency current and a contactor configured to supply line frequency current. The electric motor system also includes an electric motor coupled to the drive circuit wherein the electric motor is communicatively coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to control the inverter to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor, thereby operating the electric motor at a motor speed, and determine, based upon at least one input parameter, a maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve. The controller is also configured to receive a command to operate the electric motor at line frequency current and control the drive circuit to transition from supplying variably frequency current to supplying line frequency current before the maximum potential motor speed the inverter can achieve is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Patent number: 11277045
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a permanent magnet rotor is provided. The permanent magnet rotor includes at least one permanent magnet and a substantially cylindrical rotor core including an outer edge and an inner edge defining a central opening. The rotor core includes a radius R, at least one pole, and at least one radial aperture extending radially though the rotor core from the outer edge to a predetermined depth less than the radius. The at least one radial aperture is configured to receive the at least one permanent magnet. The rotor further includes at least one protrusion extending into the at least one radial aperture, the at least one protrusion positioned substantially along a bottom of the at least one radial aperture and configured to facilitate retention of the at least one permanent magnet within the at least one radial aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Subhash Marutirao Brahmavar, Lester Benjamin Manz, Ludovic Andre Chretien, Changiz Rashidzadeh, Dan Mircea Ionel
  • Publication number: 20210288532
    Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor core includes a plurality of rotor poles circumferentially-spaced about a central axis and including a first rotor pole and an adjacent second rotor pole that each include an outer wall, and wherein the rotor core includes a rotor diameter. The rotor core also includes a plurality of radial apertures alternately-spaced with the plurality of rotor poles. The rotor core also includes a first protrusion extending from the first rotor pole into a first radial aperture of the plurality of radial apertures positioned between the first rotor pole and the second rotor pole. The rotor core further includes a second protrusion extending from the second rotor pole into the first radial aperture such that a circumferential opening is defined between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The opening extends a first length of between approximately 0.052% and approximately 0.058% of the rotor diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Mark Thiele, Greg Heins, Subhash Brahmavar, Steve Long, Lester Benjamin Manz, Kerry Shelton
  • Patent number: 11085450
    Abstract: A pump includes a housing including a first portion thereof defining opposed parallel spaced apart internal and exterior generally planar surfaces. The pump also includes a first impeller rotatably secured to the housing and positioned within the housing. The pump also includes a first axial flux motor connected to the first impeller and at least partially positioned within the housing. The first axial flux motor includes a first motor rotor fixedly secured to the first impeller. The first motor rotor has a generally planar surface thereof positioned adjacent to and parallel to the internal generally planar surface of the first portion of the housing. The first axial flux motor includes a first motor stator fixedly secured to the housing. The first motor stator has a generally planar surface thereof positioned adjacent to and parallel to the external generally planar surface of the first portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC., REGAL BELOIT AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Mohamad Khalil Dahouk, Jason Jon Kreidler, Bruce Cole, Norman Carl Golm, Jr., Lester Benjamin Manz, Gregory Gross, Michael Allen Marks, John Sheldon Wagley, Yilcan Guzelgunler, Greg Heins, Matthew J. Turner
  • Publication number: 20210143766
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra, Kamron Mark Wright, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Patent number: 10931219
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling hybrid motor drive circuits configured to drive a motor are provided herein. A controller is configured to drive the motor using an inverter when a motor commanded frequency is not within a predetermined range of line input power frequencies, and couple line input power to an output of the inverter using a first switch device when the motor commanded frequency is within the predetermined range of line input power frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Ludovic Andre Chretien, Roger Carlos Becerra, Kamron Mark Wright, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Patent number: 10875053
    Abstract: A method for making a component for use in an electric machine is provided. The method includes applying first and second portions of a first material to a first surface, applying a second material to the first portion of first material; bonding the second material to the first portion of the first material, removing the second portion of the first material to form a void defined by the first portion of the first material, applying a conductive material in the void, and applying an insulating layer to the second material, wherein the process for preparing the component further comprising the steps of: applying first and second portions of a third material to the insulating layer; applying a fourth material to the first portion of third material, and bonding the fourth material to the first portion of the third material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Jon Kreidler, Wesley Kenneth Anderson, Norman Carl Golm, Jr., Michael A. Logsdon, Lester Benjamin Manz, John Sheldon Wagley
  • Patent number: 10868460
    Abstract: A permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor includes a stator defining an axis of rotation and a rotor disposed adjacent the stator. The stator includes a start winding, a capacitor electrically coupled in series with the start winding, a first plurality of windings, and a second plurality of windings. The motor includes first and second sets of electrical leads connected respectively to the first plurality of windings and to the second plurality of windings, the first plurality of windings and the second plurality of windings respectively configurated to rotate the motor respectively at a first and second rotational speeds of the motor when mounted respectively to the first machine and to the second machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Lena Nelson, Matthew Ryan Logan, Harry Robert Wilson, Bryan James Stout, Lester Benjamin Manz, John Sheldon Wagley
  • Publication number: 20200313474
    Abstract: A stator assembly for an electric motor assembly is provided. The stator assembly includes an annular body extending about a central axis. The annular body includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The annular body has a first thickness defined between the inner surface and the outer surface. The stator assembly also includes at least one stator tooth extending radially from the annular body. The at least one stator tooth includes a first tip spaced radially from the annular body. The at least one stator tooth has a second thickness. A ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is at least about 1.1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Kerry Baker Shelton, Subhash Marutirao Brahmavar, Andrew Craig Barry, Mohamad Khalil Dahouk, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Publication number: 20200227961
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a permanent magnet rotor is provided. The permanent magnet rotor includes at least one permanent magnet and a substantially cylindrical rotor core including an outer edge and an inner edge defining a central opening. The rotor core includes a radius R, at least one pole, and at least one radial aperture extending radially though the rotor core from the outer edge to a predetermined depth less than the radius. The at least one radial aperture is configured to receive the at least one permanent magnet. The rotor further includes at least one protrusion extending into the at least one radial aperture, the at least one protrusion positioned substantially along a bottom of the at least one radial aperture and configured to facilitate retention of the at least one permanent magnet within the at least one radial aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Subhash Marutirao Brahmavar, Lester Benjamin Manz, Ludovic Andre Chretien, Changiz Rashidzadeh, Dan Mircea lonel
  • Patent number: 10608488
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a permanent magnet rotor is provided. The permanent magnet rotor includes at least one permanent magnet and a substantially cylindrical rotor core including an outer edge and an inner edge defining a central opening. The rotor core includes a radius R, at least one pole, and at least one radial aperture extending radially though the rotor core from the outer edge to a predetermined depth less than the radius. The at least one radial aperture is configured to receive the at least one permanent magnet. The rotor further includes at least one protrusion extending into the at least one radial aperture, the at least one protrusion positioned substantially along a bottom of the at least one radial aperture and configured to facilitate retention of the at least one permanent magnet within the at least one radial aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: REGAL BELOIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Subhash Marutirao Brahmavar, Lester Benjamin Manz, Ludovic Andre Chretien, Changiz Rashidzadeh, Dan Mircea Ionel
  • Publication number: 20200044498
    Abstract: A lamination for use in an electric machine stator includes a body having a generally circular outer periphery and a generally circular inner periphery, spaced from the outer periphery and a plurality of spaced apart teeth extending inwardly from the circular inner periphery. Each of said teeth define opposed inner edges thereof. The lamination includes a first pair of tips extending tangentially in opposed directions from the inner edge of one of said teeth and a second pair of tips extending tangentially in opposed directions from the inner edges of another one of said teeth. A tip of the first pair of tips and a tip of the second pair of tips define a first configuration having a first gap therebetween and defining a second configuration having a second gap therebetween. The first gap being substantially less than the second gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Alan Jacob Manz, Kamron Mark Wright, John Sheldon Wagley, Lester Benjamin Manz
  • Publication number: 20190280579
    Abstract: A permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor includes a stator defining an axis of rotation and a rotor disposed adjacent the stator. The stator includes a start winding, a capacitor electrically coupled in series with the start winding, a first plurality of windings, and a second plurality of windings. The motor includes first and second sets of electrical leads connected respectively to the first plurality of windings and to the second plurality of windings, the first plurality of windings and the second plurality of windings respectively configurated to rotate the motor respectively at a first and second rotational speeds of the motor when mounted respectively to the first machine and to the second machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Andrea Lena Nelson, Matthew Ryan Logan, Harry Robert Wilson, Bryan James Stout, Lester Benjamin Manz, John Sheldon Wagley
  • Patent number: 10284130
    Abstract: A permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor includes a stator defining an axis of rotation and a rotor disposed adjacent the stator. The stator includes a start winding, a capacitor electrically coupled in series with the start winding, a first plurality of windings, and a second plurality of windings. At least one winding of the first plurality of windings is energized in parallel with at least one winding of the second plurality of windings at a first voltage and in series with the at least one winding of the second plurality of windings at a second voltage. The first and second pluralities of windings are energized to produce a plurality of motor speeds. The rotor rotates relative to the stator about the axis of rotation at a selected one of the plurality of motor speeds induced at least partially by a magnetic output of the windings of the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Lena Nelson, Lester Benjamin Manz, Bryan James Stout, Harry Robert Wilson, Aurelio Santiago Garrido, Juan Manuel Amaya Martinez, Fredier Ruiz Arias