Patents by Inventor Michael Melfi

Michael Melfi 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: 11911726
    Abstract: A toilet dehumidifier assembly for draining reclaimed water into a toilet tank includes a toilet tank lid that has an opening extending through the toilet lid. The toilet tank lid is positionable on a toilet tank. A dehumidifier is attachable to the toilet tank lid to remove moisture from ambient air surrounding the toilet tank. The dehumidifier is aligned with the opening in the toilet tank lid to drain water into the toilet tank. A container is positionable inside the toilet tank to capture the water drained from the dehumidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Michael Melfi
  • Publication number: 20220080350
    Abstract: A toilet dehumidifier assembly for draining reclaimed water into a toilet tank includes a toilet tank lid that has an opening extending through the toilet lid. The toilet tank lid is positionable on a toilet tank. A dehumidifier is attachable to the toilet tank lid to remove moisture from ambient air surrounding the toilet tank. The dehumidifier is aligned with the opening in the toilet tank lid to drain water into the toilet tank. A container is positionable inside the toilet tank to capture the water drained from the dehumidifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Melfi
  • Publication number: 20070273234
    Abstract: A permanent magnet motor having a rotor and a stator and configured such that when the leading edge of each pole of the rotor aligns with a stator tooth the trailing edge of that pole is generally not aligned with a stator tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Melfi
  • Publication number: 20070013241
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a motor having a stator core disposed in a motor frame. The stator core is formed of a plurality of substantially identical laminations. Each lamination of the stator core comprises at least one recessed section, which, in cooperation with the frame, defines an incremental segment of closed passageway for routing a fluid along a perimetric surface of the stator core. Accordingly, the closed passageway provides a mechanism by which the outer regions of the stator core may be more effectively cooled. Furthermore, the laminations of the stator core may be oriented at varied orientations with respect to one another to form a labyrinthine path along the surface of the stator core through which coolant is routed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Rich Schiferl, Michael Melfi, Qimin Dong
  • Publication number: 20060066163
    Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a transient power source that includes a flywheel that stores kinetic energy. In the event of a loss of main or operating power, the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel is converted into electrical energy. As one example, the rotation of the flywheel drives a generator that converts this mechanical (i.e., kinetic energy) into electrical energy. Additionally, the exemplary flywheel, as one embodiment, generates a cooling airflow for various components of the electrical machine. Thus, the rotation of the flywheel not only generates power, but also cools the various components of the transient power source as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Melfi
  • Publication number: 20060066104
    Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for providing operating power to a complementary device to an induction device based uninterruptible power source (UPS) via a direct current (dc) bus. In one embodiment, the UPS includes a flywheel that stores kinetic energy during conventional operating conditions, e.g., external power is available. During such operating condition, the external power operates the induction device as an induction motor. However, when external power is lost, i.e., a transient operating condition, power conversion circuitry of the UPS provides ac power to the induction device such that the induction device operates above its synchronous speed and, as such, acts as an induction generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Melfi
  • Publication number: 20060061334
    Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for providing transient and uninterrupted power to protected loads. As one example, the present invention provides an induction device that operates as an induction motor to energize a kinetic energy storage device, such as a flywheel, during conventional operating conditions. However, in the event of a loss of primary power, the induction device, which is fed ac power at variable frequencies, begins to operate as an induction generator. For example, by varying the frequency of the input ac power such that the synchronous speed of the motor is exceeded by the rotating flywheel, the induction device acts as an induction generator and provides a transient operating power to the downstream loads until an auxiliary power source, such as a diesel generator, is brought on line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry Pollack, Michael Melfi
  • Publication number: 20050285464
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dissipation of shaft charge. According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a charge-dissipating device that includes a dissipation member disposed in an explosion-proof enclosure. When mounted to a rotatable shaft of an electric motor, for example, the dissipation member is configured to generally abut against the rotatable shaft. The dissipation member dissipates shaft-charge developed in the rotatable shaft during operation of the motor. By dissipating shaft charge, the likelihood of arcing and/or bearing current (Ib) occurrences are reduced or eliminated. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a transmission member is configured to impart a voltage signal onto the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Marcus Orders, William Woodson, Rich Schiferl, Michael Melfi