Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing electrical arcing in motors by placing an electrically conductive roller assembly between the stator and rotor of the motor. A rotor is mounted on a shaft, and this assembly is positioned within the bore of a stator. The roller assembly has a stationary portion that is secured to the stator. The roller assembly also has a movable portion on which a roller is mounted. The movable portion of the roller assembly is spring-loaded to urge the roller toward the shaft and thereby maintain contact between the roller and the shaft. When the shaft rotates within the bore, the roller rotates and rolls on the surface of the shaft, maintaining contact without rubbing against the shaft. An electrically conductive pathway is formed from the stator, through the roller assembly to the shaft and rotor thereby preventing an electrical potential from developing between the rotor and stator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing electrical arcing in motors by placing an electrically conductive roller assembly between the stator and rotor of the motor. A rotor is mounted on a shaft, and this assembly is positioned within the bore of a stator. The roller assembly has a stationary portion that is secured to the stator. The roller assembly also has a movable portion on which a roller is mounted. The movable portion of the roller assembly is spring-loaded to urge the roller toward the shaft and thereby maintain contact between the roller and the shaft. When the shaft rotates within the bore, the roller rotates and rolls on the surface of the shaft, maintaining contact without rubbing against the shaft. An electrically conductive pathway is formed from the stator, through the roller assembly to the shaft and rotor thereby preventing an electrical potential from developing between the rotor and stator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing or preventing electrical arcing within rotor bearings in induction motors by positioning an electrically conductive ring between the outer race and the housing of the bearing. In one embodiment, a bearing has a cylindrical housing within which an outer race is positioned. An inner race is positioned coaxially within the outer race and rotates within the outer race. An electrically conductive ring is positioned between the outer race and the housing to allow electrical current to be conducted between them. This prevents electrical potential from building up between the outer race and the housing, and prevents arcing between them. The conductive ring may be formed by joining the two ends of a coil spring to form a loop around the outer race. The spring may be positioned in a groove in the outer periphery of the outer race.