Abstract: The present technique, in accordance with certain embodiments, provides a novel gearing assembly. The exemplary assembly includes a planetary or epicyclic gear set that provides the final gear reductions from the output shaft. Specifically, the use of a planetary gear set for final reduction transfers rotation and torque to four planet gears, for instance, which drive a carrier assemblies that, in turn, causes rotation of the output shaft. Advantageously, such an assembly can provide high torque-levels (e.g., 300,000 inch-pounds) via a relatively small-sized device.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides an apparatus for assembling a rotor. The exemplary apparatus includes a base that has a central aperture and a seating surface for receiving the rotor. An arbor then extends through the central aperture, the arbor having a longitudinal axis that is substantially orthogonal to the seating surface, and including threaded ends opposite with respect to one another. The exemplary apparatus also includes at least one member of a family of fixtures coupleable to the arbor, the family including a pressure fixture that has first and second piston assemblies disposed at diametrically opposite locations to one another, the family also including a support fixture coupleable the arbor and having members extending axially therefrom, the members being configured to support securing members of the rotor.

Abstract: A novel mechanical drive system is disclosed in which a high-speed motor is directly mounted to a gear reducer and drive at high speeds by a variable high speed drive. The high-speed motor has significantly reduced envelope dimensions and consequent mass due to its high-speed operating capabilities, without reducing the rated power of the drive system. The drive assembly can be mounted on a machine or as an overhung load with reduced stress on the machine frame or a driven shaft due to the lower mass and weight of the drive assembly, owing a large part to the reduced mass of the high-speed motor. The drive circuitry is designed to provide a sinusoidal input to the high-speed motor based upon a control input, which may include closed-loop control with parameters of the driven load or a process in which the load is part.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a bushing that is configured to electrically and mechanically couple a conductor bar of a rotor assembly to an end ring of the rotor assembly. The exemplary bushing has an interior surface that is configured to abut against the conductor bar and an exterior surface that is configured to abut the perimetric surface of an end slot. Advantageously, the bushing, because of a good fit in the end slot and around the conductor bar, provides a good electrical connection between the conductor bar and the end ring. Moreover, the exemplary bushing also provides interferences fits that at least partially secure the end ring to the rotor core.

Abstract: In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the present technique provides an electric motor having a stator core that is formed of a plurality of stator laminations and a rotor core that is formed of a plurality of rotor laminations. In the exemplary motor, the rotor laminations have mechanical and/or electrical characteristics that are different from the stator laminations. For example, the rotor laminations may have a different thickness than the stator laminations. Also, the rotor laminations may comprise a different material than the stator laminations. For example, the stator laminations may by alloyed with a certain percentage of an element, while the rotor laminations are alloyed with a different percentage of element.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a rotatable element, such as a rotor for an electric motor. The exemplary rotatable element has a core with a generally circular cross-section and a channel that extends through the core along an axial centerline of the core. The element also includes a shaft that is secured to the core and that is disposed in the channel. Additionally, the element includes a dielectric layer disposed between the shaft and the core that electrically insulates the core and shaft with respect to one another. Accordingly, the dielectric layer prevents current from flowing between the core and the shaft. In turn, the dielectric layer reduces the development of charge in the shaft.