Patents by Inventor Robert J. Ploof, Jr.

Robert J. Ploof, Jr. 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: 10831165
    Abstract: A system and method for replacing a sixteen-pin ECM with a non-sixteen-pin, field adjustable ECM in an HVAC or other system, and adjusting the performance of the replacement motor at the point of installation. A converter module receives programming information from an existing control board via an existing sixteen-pin harness, and converts the information to six signals. The module includes potentiometers for tuning speed/torque for first and second settings, adjusting a horsepower output of the replacement ECM, and adjusting a ramp time to increase or decrease a rate at which the speed/torque changes. The module includes switches for selecting between clockwise and counterclockwise directions for the replacement ECM, selecting between PWM and non-PWM control, and selecting between torque and speed modes. A non-sixteen-pin motor controller receives the information from the converter module via a four-wire harness, translates the information, and outputs a control signal to the replacement ECM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tarris A. Reed, Christopher D. Schock, Ryan Timothy Wade, Morgan Jeremy Silvey, Prakash B. Shahi, Robert J. Ploof, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200319612
    Abstract: A system and method for replacing a sixteen-pin ECM with a non-sixteen-pin, field adjustable ECM in an HVAC or other system, and adjusting the performance of the replacement motor at the point of installation. A converter module receives programming information from an existing control board via an existing sixteen-pin harness, and converts the information to six signals. The module includes potentiometers for tuning speed/torque for first and second settings, adjusting a horsepower output of the replacement ECM, and adjusting a ramp time to increase or decrease a rate at which the speed/torque changes. The module includes switches for selecting between clockwise and counterclockwise directions for the replacement ECM, selecting between PWM and non-PWM control, and selecting between torque and speed modes. A non-sixteen-pin motor controller receives the information from the converter module via a four-wire harness, translates the information, and outputs a control signal to the replacement ECM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tarris A. Reed, Christopher D. Schock, Ryan Timothy Wade, Morgan Jeremy Silvey, Prakash B. Shahi, Robert J. Ploof, JR.
  • Patent number: 10389205
    Abstract: A tool for programming a controller of an electric motor by engaging a connection block of the motor and providing high voltage power and communicating programming signals to the controller. The tool includes a body having an interface for engaging the connection block, and internal wiring presenting tool terminals at the interface for making contact with corresponding motor terminals to allow for providing power and communicating signals between the tool and the controller. An energy-limited transformer having an isolated high impedance secondary winding provides both electrical isolation to protect against shock and low energy output to protect against arc flash. Redundant interlocks include a software interlock which allows the power to be present at the interface only during actual programming of the controller. A light ring encircling the body indicates the presence of high voltage and is visible from multiple directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Geiler, Chetan O. Modi, Douglas D. Glenn, Robert J. Ploof, Jr., Anandan C. Velayutham, James L. Skinner
  • Publication number: 20190173353
    Abstract: A tool for programming a controller of an electric motor by engaging a connection block of the motor and providing high voltage power and communicating programming signals to the controller. The tool includes a body having an interface for engaging the connection block, and internal wiring presenting tool terminals at the interface for making contact with corresponding motor terminals to allow for providing power and communicating signals between the tool and the controller. An energy-limited transformer having an isolated high impedance secondary winding provides both electrical isolation to protect against shock and low energy output to protect against arc flash. Redundant interlocks include a software interlock which allows the power to be present at the interface only during actual programming of the controller. A light ring encircling the body indicates the presence of high voltage and is visible from multiple directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Geiler, Chetan O. Modi, Douglas D. Glenn, Robert J. Ploof, JR., Anandan C. Velayutham, James L. Skinner
  • Patent number: 10254318
    Abstract: A method of estimating an input power of a motor comprises determining an output power of the motor; determining a speed of the motor; calculating a scaling factor as a function of the speed of the motor; and estimating the input power as a function of the scaling factor and the output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Prakash B. Shahi, Robert J. Ploof, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10075042
    Abstract: A tool for programming a controller of an electric motor by engaging a connection block of the motor and providing high voltage power and communicating programming signals to the controller. The tool includes a body having an interface for engaging the connection block, and internal wiring presenting tool terminals at the interface for making contact with corresponding motor terminals to allow for providing power and communicating signals between the tool and the controller. An energy-limited transformer having an isolated high impedance secondary winding provides both electrical isolation to protect against shock and low energy output to protect against arc flash. Redundant interlocks include a software interlock which allows the power to be present at the interface only during actual programming of the controller. A light ring encircling the body indicates the presence of high voltage and is visible from multiple directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Geiler, Chetan O. Modi, Douglas D. Glenn, Robert J. Ploof, Jr., Anandan C. Velayutham, James L. Skinner
  • Publication number: 20170201161
    Abstract: A tool for programming a controller of an electric motor by engaging a connection block of the motor and providing high voltage power and communicating programming signals to the controller. The tool includes a body having an interface for engaging the connection block, and internal wiring presenting tool terminals at the interface for making contact with corresponding motor terminals to allow for providing power and communicating signals between the tool and the controller. An energy-limited transformer having an isolated high impedance secondary winding provides both electrical isolation to protect against shock and low energy output to protect against arc flash. Redundant interlocks include a software interlock which allows the power to be present at the interface only during actual programming of the controller. A light ring encircling the body indicates the presence of high voltage and is visible from multiple directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Geiler, Chetan O. Modi, Douglas D. Glenn, Robert J. Ploof, JR., Anandan C. Velayutham, James L. Skinner
  • Publication number: 20140358458
    Abstract: A method of estimating an input power of a motor comprises determining an output power of the motor; determining a speed of the motor; calculating a scaling factor as a function of the speed of the motor; and estimating the input power as a function of the scaling factor and the output power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Prakash B. Shahi, Robert J. Ploof, JR.
  • Patent number: 8837104
    Abstract: A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The programming tool includes circuitry disposed in the tool body. The circuitry is electrically connected to the wiring and includes a power transmission portion and a data transmission portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Geiler, Robert J. Ploof, Jr., Chetan O. Modi, Payman Rassoolkhani
  • Patent number: 8764472
    Abstract: A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The tool body includes a shiftable locking mechanism operable to selectively secure the tool body relative to the electrical connection block of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Payman Rassoolkhani, Chetan O. Modi, Charles L. Geiler, Robert J. Ploof, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140162502
    Abstract: A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The programming tool includes circuitry disposed in the tool body. The circuitry is electrically connected to the wiring and includes a power transmission portion and a data transmission portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles L. Geiler, Robert J. Ploof, JR., Chetan O. Modi, Payman Rassoolkhani
  • Publication number: 20140117783
    Abstract: A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The tool body includes a shiftable locking mechanism operable to selectively secure the tool body relative to the electrical connection block of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Payman Rassoolkhani, Chetan O. Modi, Charles L. Geiler, Robert J. Ploof, JR.
  • Patent number: 8632353
    Abstract: A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The tool body includes a shiftable locking mechanism operable to selectively secure the tool body relative to the electrical connection block of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Payman Rassoolkhani, Chetan O. Modi, Charles L. Geiler, Robert J. Ploof, Jr.