Patents by Inventor Michael Duane Bradfield
Michael Duane Bradfield 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).
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Publication number: 20240136877Abstract: A rotating electric machine receiving a flow of fluid at a rotor includes a stator having stator slots and a plurality of stator windings for receiving electrical current; the rotor, concentrically received within the stator, including: at least one axially-extending fluid channel in fluid communication with an end face of the rotor and an opposite end face of the rotor, wherein the axially-extending fluid channel is configured to receive fluid applied by a fluid outlet spaced a distance from the end face of the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2022Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20240055915Abstract: An electric machine includes a housing having an inner surface, an upper portion, and a bottom portion. The bottom portion supports a coolant inlet, and a coolant outlet. A stator is mounted in the housing. The stator includes a plurality of stator laminations having a first end turn and a second end turn. The plurality of stator laminations includes a coolant flow path having a plurality of coolant channels that extend circumferentially about the stator. A first portion of the plurality of coolant channels direct a coolant circumferentially about the stator in a clockwise direction and a second portion of the plurality of coolant channels direct the coolant circumferentially about the stator in a counter-clockwise direction. The coolant flow path includes a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet directs onto the first end turn, and the second outlet directs coolant onto the second end turn.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20240006961Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator formed from a plurality of stator laminations arranged in a first lamination group and a second lamination group. The first lamination group and the second lamination group form a tortuous flow path that extends across the stator. The first lamination group includes at least two of the plurality of stator laminations joined together. The at least two of the plurality of stator laminations include a first plurality of cooling channel defining members. The second lamination group includes a second plurality of stator teeth and a second plurality of cooling channel defining members. The second plurality of cooling channel defining members of the second lamination group are circumferentially offset from corresponding ones of the first plurality of cooling channel defining members of the first lamination group.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Patent number: 11811294Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator formed from a plurality of stator laminations arranged in a first lamination group and a second lamination group that is circumferentially off-set from the first lamination group. The first lamination group and the second lamination group forming a tortuous flow path that extends axially across the stator. Each of the plurality of stator laminations of the first lamination group includes a body having an inner surface section and an outer surface section. The inner surface section includes a plurality of stator teeth. A plurality of cooling channel defining members is integrally formed with and extend radially outwardly from the outer surface section. Each of the plurality of cooling channel defining members being spaced from others of the plurality of cooling channel defining members by a corresponding gap.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: BORGWARNER INC.Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20230179037Abstract: A wound field rotor includes a shaft having an outer surface, an inner surface defining a flow path, and an opening defining a passage extending from the flow path through the outer surface. A plurality of laminations is mounted to the outer surface. The plurality of laminations includes an inner annular surface disposed on the shaft and an outer annular surface defining a plurality of rotor teeth. A plurality of field windings is disposed about corresponding ones of the plurality of rotor teeth. A first portion of the plurality of rotor laminations includes a first passage portion that extends from the inner annular surface radially outwardly and is fluidically connected to the passage, and a second portion of the plurality or rotor laminations adjacent the first portion includes a second passage portion that includes a first end that registers with the first passage portion and a second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2021Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Patent number: 11469647Abstract: An electric machine including a rotor and a stator positioned about the rotor. The stator includes a stator core having a plurality of stator teeth and a plurality of stator windings supported by the stator core about the plurality of stator teeth. The plurality of stator windings include a first end turn and a second end turn. The stator includes a plurality of interlocking insulators extending about corresponding ones of the plurality of stator teeth. Each of the plurality of interlocking insulators includes a first base portion extending circumferentially outwardly in a first direction and a second base portion extending circumferentially outwardly in a second direction. The first base portion being configured to inter-engage with a second base portion on an adjacent interlocking insulator to form a coolant passage and a coolant barrier about the air gap.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: BORGWARNER INC.Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20220239170Abstract: An electric machine including a housing and a stator mounted in the housing. The stator is formed from a plurality of stator laminations arranged in a first lamination group and a second lamination group that is circumferentially off-set from the first lamination group. The first lamination group and the second lamination group form a coolant flow path that extends circumferentially about and axially across the stator. Each of the plurality of stator laminations of the first and second lamination groups include a body having an inner surface section and an outer surface section. A plurality of cooling channels defining members is integrally formed with and extend radially outwardly from the outer surface section. The plurality of cooling channel defining members create a coolant flow path that extends circumferentially in a first plurality of channels and axially in a second plurality of channels across the stator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20200389070Abstract: An electric machine including a rotor and a stator positioned about the rotor. The stator includes a stator core having a plurality of stator teeth and a plurality of stator windings supported by the stator core about the plurality of stator teeth. The plurality of stator windings include a first end turn and a second end turn. The stator includes a plurality of interlocking insulators extending about corresponding ones of the plurality of stator teeth. Each of the plurality of interlocking insulators includes a first base portion extending circumferentially outwardly in a first direction and a second base portion extending circumferentially outwardly in a second direction. The first base portion being configured to inter-engage with a second base portion on an adjacent interlocking insulator to form a coolant passage and a coolant barrier about the air gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20200227977Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator formed from a plurality of stator laminations arranged in a first lamination group and a second lamination group that is circumferentially off-set from the first lamination group. The first lamination group and the second lamination group forming a tortuous flow path that extends axially across the stator. Each of the plurality of stator laminations of the first lamination group includes a body having an inner surface section and an outer surface section. The inner surface section includes a plurality of stator teeth. A plurality of cooling channel defining members is integrally formed with and extend radially outwardly from the outer surface section. Each of the plurality of cooling channel defining members being spaced from others of the plurality of cooling channel defining members by a corresponding gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2020Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20040187293Abstract: A stator core extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a yoke, and a plurality of radially-inwardly projecting teeth separated by intervening slots. Each tooth includes a tooth tip at the radially innermost portion of each tooth, thereby defining a slot opening. A conductor segment including two segment ends, a pair of straight portions, and a hairpin-shaped end turn disposed therebetween is radially inserted into at least two slots through corresponding slot openings, wherein the straight portions of the conductor segment each have a width substantially equal to the width of the slot. After the conductor segment is inserted into the stator core, the tooth tips are deformed so as to reduce the size of the slot opening, thereby providing for an improved magnetic flux path and slot fill percentage without increasing the complexity or cost of manufacturing, or decreasing the reliability of the final product.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Patent number: 6731031Abstract: A heat sink device for retaining a heat dissipating object includes a substrate having an aperture configured therethrough to receive the object and an extruded portion extending from a surface of the substrate defining the aperture. The extruded portion is configured to receive the object and increase a surface area available for heat transfer from said object in said aperture relative to without said extruded portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Debabrata Sarkar, Michael Duane Bradfield, Olen L. Phillips
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Publication number: 20040066102Abstract: A heat sink device for retaining a heat dissipating object includes a substrate having an aperture configured therethrough to receive the object and an extruded portion extending from a surface of the substrate defining the aperture. The extruded portion is configured to receive the object and increase a surface area available for heat transfer from said object in said aperture relative to without said extruded portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Debabrata Sarkar, Michael Duane Bradfield, Olen L. Phillips
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Patent number: 6707691Abstract: A compact rectifier bridge for an air-cooled generator is disclosed. The rectifier bridge comprises a first electrically conductive heat sink to which a first diode is electrically coupled, a second electrically conductive heat sink axially spaced from the first heat sink, and to which a second diode is electrically coupled. The rectifier additionally comprises a diode terminal assembly sandwiched between the first and second heat sinks, and having a lead terminal for electrically connecting leads from the first and second diodes. The lead terminal is radially spaced from said first and second diodes. The rectifier bridge may further comprise an output terminal structure on the first heat sink comprising a compressible tower disposed about an output terminal stud and a cavity in the surface of said heat sink for receiving the output terminal. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the compact rectifier bridge.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Patent number: 6707225Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of electromagnetic devices having a ferromagnetic core containing electrical windings. The ferromagnetic core is variously configured to include intra-turn ferromagnetic protrusions which are configured to nestle between junctions of the windings, such as in the bends, to increase the amount of ferromagnetic material retained proximal the windings. The increased amount of ferromagnetic material increases electromagnetic efficiency, and reduces the probability that the wiring will be nicked on the edges of the electromagnetic core. By way of example, the intra-turn ferromagnetic projections may be formed within an integrated electromagnetic core, as unitary core extensions, or as singular protrusions attached to the electromagnetic core.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Delco Remy International, Inc.Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20030198068Abstract: A compact rectifier bridge for an air-cooled generator is disclosed. The rectifier bridge comprises a first electrically conductive heat sink to which a first diode is electrically coupled, a second electrically conductive heat sink axially spaced from the first heat sink, and to which a second diode is electrically coupled. The rectifier additionally comprises a diode terminal assembly sandwiched between the first and second heat sinks, and having a lead terminal for electrically connecting leads from the first and second diodes. The lead terminal is radially spaced from said first and second diodes. The rectifier bridge may further comprise an output terminal structure on the first heat sink comprising a compressible tower disposed about an output terminal stud and a cavity in the surface of said heat sink for receiving the output terminal. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the compact rectifier bridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20030141042Abstract: A heat sink structure is provided for a rectifier assembly of an air-cooled generator. The heat sink structure comprises a substantially annular base that defines a plane. The base has a plurality of cooling fins extending from it and which project from the plane. The base further has a plurality of cooling slots, which comprise cutouts of the fins. Additionally, the base has diode mounts, each of which is adapted to retain a respective diode in a thermally conductive manner, whereby heat from each respective diode is transferred to the base and to the cooling fins. Also provided is a method for manufacturing a heat sink structure. The method comprises the steps of configuring a sheet of thermally conductive material to include a substantially annular base, perforating the base to form contiguous fin projections, and bending the fin projections out of the base whereby fin shaped slots remain.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Michael Duane Bradfield, Stephen Alan Alford
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Patent number: 6580187Abstract: A heat sink structure is provided for a rectifier assembly of an air-cooled generator. The heat sink structure comprises a substantially annular base having inner and outer edges. The inner and/or outer edges have (has) a cooling fin arrangement projecting out from the base. The heat sink structure is provided with diode mounts. Each diode mount is adapted to retain a respective diode in a thermally conductive (and preferably press-fit) manner. Heat from each diode is transferred to the base and cooling fin arrangement, to provide a heat sink effect. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a heat sink structure. The method comprises the steps of configuring a sheet of thermally conductive material to include a substantially annular base and radial extensions of the base, and bending the radial extensions so that the radial extensions are substantially perpendicular to the annular base. Perpendicular extensions or prongs thus are defined. A rectifier assembly is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20030033709Abstract: A stator core extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a yoke, and a plurality of radially-inwardly projecting teeth separated by intervening slots. A radially innermost portion of each tooth initially includes a pair of legs separated by a recess disposed therebetween. The conventional tooth tips are unformed in the first stage, thereby defining an increased-size slot opening for allowing the insertion of an enlarged stator winding, which has a width (e.g., diameter for a round conductor) substantially equal to the width of the slot itself. In a second processing stage, after the core itself has been manufactured and wound with stator windings, the legs are cold-formed in order to form tooth tips, which define a reduced-size slot opening to provide an improved magnetic flux path and provide a wire retention function. A high slot fill stator design is provided, which allows and enables higher generator efficiencies and output for a given package size.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20020117929Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of electromagnetic devices having a ferromagnetic core containing electrical windings. The ferromagnetic core is variously configured to include intra-turn ferromagnetic protrusions which are configured to nestle between junctions of the windings, such as in the bends, to increase the amount of ferromagnetic material retained proximal the windings. The increased amount of ferromagnetic material increases electromagnetic efficiency, and reduces the probability that the wiring will be nicked on the edges of the electromagnetic core. By way of example, the intra-turn ferromagnetic projections may be formed within an integrated electromagnetic core, as unitary core extensions, or as singular protrusions attached to the electromagnetic core.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield
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Publication number: 20020079757Abstract: A heat sink structure is provided for a rectifier assembly of an air-cooled generator. The heat sink structure comprises a substantially annular base having inner and outer edges. The inner and/or outer edges have (has) a cooling fin arrangement projecting out from the base. The heat sink structure is provided with diode mounts. Each diode mount is adapted to retain a respective diode in a thermally conductive (and preferably press-fit) manner. Heat from each diode is transferred to the base and cooling fin arrangement, to provide a heat sink effect. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a heat sink structure. The method comprises the steps of configuring a sheet of thermally conductive material to include a substantially annular base and radial extensions of the base, and bending the radial extensions so that the radial extensions are substantially perpendicular to the annular base. Perpendicular extensions or prongs thus are defined. A rectifier assembly is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Michael Duane Bradfield