Abstract: A method for in-situ solid lubrication of sliding electrical contacts includes the steps of providing a device having a movable electrically conductive first member and an electrically conductive second member, the first and second member being in electrical contact at a slideable electrical contact, and automatically applying an electrically conductive solid lubricant transfer film to the slideable electrical contact during operation of the device. The applying step can be a deposition of the electrically conductive solid lubricant transfer film on a surface of the first member, wherein the electrically conductive solid lubricant transfer film is carried by movement of the first member to the electrical contact.

Abstract: A generator may incorporate a positively restrained balance ring. A generator may include a rotor core including a rotor, and a balance ring. The balance ring may include a weight. The balancer may include a plurality of balance holes in the ring, at least one of the plurality of balance holes to receive a weighted insert. A method of balancing a rotor of a generator may include mounting a balance ring adjacent to a rotor core, and adjusting weights to be located at one or more of a plurality of positions equally spaced around the balance ring to balance the rotor.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a control unit for controlling an ultrasonic actuator. The control unit performs switching between a normal operation mode in which the piezoelectric element unit vibrates at a frequency close to a resonance frequency of longitudinal vibration in the lengthwise direction of the piezoelectric element unit and a resonance frequency of bending vibration to let the ultrasonic actuator output a driving force and a heating mode in which the piezoelectric element unit vibrates at a frequency close to a resonance frequency of longitudinal vibration in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric element unit to heat the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A linear electromechanical translation apparatus is provided of the type comprising first and second clamps fixed to a support, first and second elongate movable members each extending through one of the clamps, and an extension actuator connected between the movable members and adapted to move each one of the elongate movable members longitudinally relative to the other member as the extension actuator is extended or retracted. The apparatus is characterized in that the first elongate movable member has a rear end connected to a front end of the extension actuator, and the second movable member has a rear end connected to a rear end of the actuator and has a forwardly extending elongate portion which lies beside and parallel to the first elongate movable member. Both the clamp assemblies may be located forwardly of the front end of the actuator.

Abstract: A storage device, in particular for a climate controlled cabinet, is described. The storage device serves to store laboratory objects, in particular microtiter plates, in shelf racks (4). It comprises a pickup device (17) for automatically picking up and depositing laboratory objects from the or into the shelf racks (4). The shelf racks (4) are arranged such that they can receive several laboratory objects behind each other. This increases the storage capacity strongly while only slightly increasing space requirements, such that the costs per laboratory object drop. The pickup device (17) can pick up several laboratory objects arranged behind each other at the same time and bring them to a temporary storage position. From there a desired laboratory object can be withdrawn by means of a separating device (30) or an additional laboratory object can be added to the other laboratory objects. Then the pickup device can place back the objects into the shelf rack.

Abstract: A netting assembly includes a netting panel sized to span at least a majority of a shelving assembly's storage space. An adjusting member is capable of being positioned in three configurations and is operatively connected to the netting panel proximate at least two spaced apart portions of the adjusting member. The adjusting member is operatively connected to the netting panel such that gaps are created between the adjusting member and the netting panel proximate between the at least two spaced apart portions when the adjusting member is in the first and second configurations. The netting panel has a first size when the adjusting member is in the first configuration and is expandable to a second size when the adjusting member is in the third configuration. The netting panel is adjustable in size between the first size and the second size, and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel.

Abstract: A boltless panel assembly for use in constructing a boltless cabinet comprises a panel having exterior and interior faces and side edge portions. At least one slot engaging member is attached to and extends interiorly from each side edge portion of the panel for insertion into slots of boltless support post. A releasable retaining member prevents disengagement of the slot engaging member from a slot once it has been inserted into and seated in a slot of a boltless support post.

Abstract: IMPROVEMENT TO THE METALLIC STRUCTURE FOR MANUFACTURING ELECTRICAL PANELS/CABINETS, enclosing a structure of metallic cross sections (5), with the means for supporting the parts making up the external walls from folded sheets, as well as constituting the means for supporting and mounting the doors with its respective hinges and other accessories, such as: the upper (6) and lower enclosure with the base (7) and other components, being that, still, same structure, although, on the inside, also configures the necessary mounts for distributing and assembling the different electrical and electronic components and devices; in the first construction version, the said structure (5) presented semi-assembled, where four of its uprights or four of its cross sections (P1) are completely free whilst all the other cross sections are rigidly integrated into two equal rectangular frames (8) which form the two opposite sides of the said structure (5) and therefore at the corner point of the junction of each rectangular frame

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided, comprising a door pivotably attached to a body and having a counterbalance assembly coupled therebetween for facilitating pivoting of the door, wherein the counterbalance assembly includes a biasing member coupled to the body and serially engaged with a flexible element coupled to the door, and a guide member secured to the body and including a fixed arcuate member defining a first guide track, and a pulley rotatable about an axis and defining a second guide track, wherein the flexible element is at least partially wrapped about each of the fixed arcuate member and the pulley so as to serially engage the first and second guide tracks, and wherein the first guide track of the fixed arcuate member is offset from the second guide track of the pulley along the axis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigeration apparatus having improved access to ice comprising a freezer compartment, a slidable support occupying a portion of the freezer compartment and configured to open to an extended position, an ice bin moveable with the slidable support and occupying at least a portion of the slidable support, and a stationary ice maker attached to the freezer compartment and located above the portion of the slidable support, wherein when the slidable support is pulled opened to the extended position, access to the ice bin is unobstructed by the ice maker.

Abstract: Alpha particles are directed and focused onto a delta-ray cathode target, where an alpha fusion reaction is generated. Delta radiation or high-energy secondary electrons are generated from the said alpha reaction. The cathode also becomes thermally active generating thermionic electrons. The electrons flow in the direction of an anode that absorbs their energy, generating electrical current in one direction, known in the electrical field as direct current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external light shielding sheet and a plasma display panel device having the external light shielding sheet. The plasma display panel device of the present invention includes: a plasma display panel; and an external light shielding sheet having a base portion having a groove, and a pattern portion formed in the groove of the base portion, wherein an upper end of the pattern portion is arranged nearer the panel than a lower end of the pattern portion, the lower end being broader in width than the upper end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge lamp having a thin film indium oxide coating on the interior lamp envelope surface that effectively reflects UV, near IR and microwave radiation while transmitting light in the visible spectrum, the lamp being a high temperature operating lamp.

Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine, the igniter comprising: a center electrode; an insulator disposed about the center electrode; a ground shield disposed about the insulator, the insulator having a tip portion extending past an end portion of the ground shield and a tip portion of the center electrode extending through and away from the tip portion of the insulator; and a spark gap disposed between the tip portion of the center electrode and the end portion of the ground shield.

Abstract: A method for producing a plasma display panel wherein the projection of the end portions of electrode in the widthwise direction are suppressed so that failure in insulation and pressure proof is not caused upon forming an electrode pattern by collectively exposing and developing a bus electrode having a two-layered structure. When the electrode pattern having two-layered structure by a photolithography method using a mask, exposure is made by applying light, while a part of a surface of portion of a paste film of an electrode material which portion to be formed into the electrode pattern is shield from the light, so that a dent is formed in the electrode surface after developing and the thermal shrinkage of the center portion and the thermal shrinkage of the end portions of the electrode in the widthwise direction are controlled separately by the dent.

Abstract: Hillock is prevented when aluminum wiring is used in order to reduce line resistance in a display unit. The aluminum wiring is formed into multi-layer structure and each layer contains an element which is not solidly solubilized with aluminum. The element are preferably rare earth metal such as Nd, high-melting point transition metals such as Ta and noble metals such as Pd. Intermetallic compounds of aluminum and the element are educed at an interface of the multi-layer wiring and it is prevented that grains of aluminum are enlarged to form hillock.

Abstract: There is provided a spacer for an image display apparatus having a base material and a film configuration in which a first film having a structure that silver particles are dispersed in aluminum oxynitride and a second film containing tungsten, germanium and nitrogen are layered on the base material in this order.

Abstract: A white light LED having a supporting frame; at least one light emitting chip being installed on the supporting frame; a transparent body covering upon the chip; the transparent body being mixed with florescent powders. The florescent powders causes that light emitted from the chip and then passing through the transparent body will present as white light. The chip is a blue-light light emitting chip or an ultraviolet-light light emitting chip and the florescent powders is yellow florescent powders. The supporting frame has two pins. The transparent body is made by at least one of silicide gel, glass, epoxy resin, and epoxy resin with silicide. The transparent body encloses a part of the supporting frame.

Abstract: A ?-sialon phosphor containing an optical active element M, having a specific surface area of not more than 0.8 m2/g measured by the air permeation method, and a method of preparing a ?-sialon phosphor including a firing step of firing a mixture containing metallic compound powder in which the mixture contains (A) metallic compound powder containing the optical active element M and (B) metallic compound powder coated with a specific coating compound are provided. A ?-sialon phosphor having high homogeneity of crystals with high luminous efficiency resulting from suppression of a different phase can be obtained. This phosphor is preferably applied to a semiconductor light-emitting device and an image display.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic light emitting device which can reduce the angle dependency of the emission brightness and the emission color, and has a small change in the emission brightness and the emission color with respect to film thickness fluctuations, and can increase use efficiency of the light. The organic light emitting device of the present invention has a plurality of emission layers 3 between an anode 1 and a cathode 2, and the emission layers 3 are separated from each other by an equipotential surface forming layer 4 or a charge generating layer 4. The feature of the present invention resides in that the organic light emitting device has, at least either inside or outside the device, a light scattering means 5 for scattering light emitted from the emission layers 3.

Abstract: An organic EL display including: a first organic EL device including a first reflective electrode (2), a second reflective electrode (5) and an organic layer (4) provided therebetween, a second organic EL device including a first reflective electrode (2), a second reflective electrode (5), a light-transmitting layer (3) and an organic layer (4), the light-transmitting layer (3) and the organic layer (4) being provided between the first and second reflective electrodes (2) and (5), and a fluorescence conversion film (7G) and (7R) converting the color of light emitted from the second organic EL device. The angular distribution of the luminance intensity of light from the second organic EL device is smaller than the angular distribution of the luminance intensity of light from the first EL device by adjusting the optical film thicknesses L1 and L2 of the first and second organic EL devices.

Abstract: The invention provides novel luminescent poly(arylenevinylene) and poly(heteroarylenevinylene) polymers. The polymers of the invention may be prepared as films and such films may be used as an emissive layer in polymeric light emitting devices. In one embodiment, a bulky aryl group is attached at position (2) of at least one phenylene ring of a poly(phenylenevinylene) backbone. In another embodiment, the bulky aryl is attached at position 3 of at least one 5-membered heteroarylene ring of a poly(heteroarylenevinylene) backbone.

Abstract: A layer is spaced between an anode and a cathode and is composed of an organic compound represented by the following general formula [1]. wherein R1 to R10 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted amino group, an alkyl group, an aryl group, and a heterocyclic group; and X represents (a) an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein in the alkylene group, one or separate two methylene groups may be substituted by —O—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —S—, or —NRa1—, and a hydrogen atom may be substituted by a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, (b) an aryl group which may be substituted, or (c) a heterocyclic group which may be substituted, or (d) a fluorine atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvement of blue-emitting organic electroluminescent devices comprising stilbenamines, and to materials for the production of these electroluminescent devices.

Abstract: Provided are methods for conditioning a getter material, comprising subjecting the getter material to microwave radiation. Electronic devices uses the conditioned getter materials and methods of making such electronic devices are also provided.

Abstract: A lamp assembly (10) comprising: a lamp (20) having a glass envelope (22) containing a gaseous fill at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and a seal (24) comprising a substantially parallelepipedonal structure having two oppositely disposed long sides (26, 28) and two oppositely disposed short sides (30, 32); and a retainer (50) engaging the seal (24), the retainer (50) including four pressure points (52), two on each of the long sides (26, 28) with an indent separating each pair of the long side pressure points.

Abstract: A plasma display panel has a first substrate, plural pairs of display electrodes, a second substrate, and plural data electrodes. Each pair of the display electrodes is made up of a scanning electrode and a sustain electrode which are arranged parallel to each other on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. A discharge space is formed between the first substrate and second substrate. The data electrodes are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the display electrodes on the second substrate. The data electrode is wider in peripheral portion of the second substrate than in a central portion of the second substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter and a plasma display device thereof, and the plasma display device includes: a plasma display panel; an EMI shielding sheet, wherein shielding layers including three or more thin film layers are repeatedly stacked; and a sheet for protecting external light having a base unit of which one side is formed with a plurality of grooves and a plurality of pattern units formed inside the grooves of the base unit and having a different refractive index from that of the base unit. According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively realize black images and enhance bright room contrast by arranging the sheet for protecting external light, which maximally absorbs and protects external light from the outside, at the front of the display panel. At the same time, it is also possible to enhance electromagnetic wave shielding effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a class of mm and sub mm wavelength amplifiers and oscillators operating with miniature helical slow wave circuits manufactured using micro fabrication technology. The helices are supported by diamond dielectric support rods. Diamond is the best possible thermal conductor, and it can be bonded to the helix. The electron beam is transmitted, not through the center of the helix, but around the outside. In some configurations the RF power produced may be radiated directly from the slow wave circuit. The method of fabrication, which is applicable above 60 GHz, is compatible with mass production.

Abstract: This invention comprises an auxiliary light apparatus for use in combination with a backup light apparatus of a truck or other vehicle. The auxiliary light apparatus comprises a male or female electrical plug for connection to a mating plug on the original vehicle backup light apparatus; an electrical voltage relay element in the auxiliary plug apparatus; a toggle switch in the auxiliary apparatus and auxiliary lights mounted on the vehicle. The auxiliary lights function simultaneously with the original vehicle backup lights in response to activation of the reverse gear apparatus of the vehicle transmission, with the voltage relay acting to deliver sufficient voltage to activate both the original vehicle backup lights and the auxiliary lights. In another embodiment of the invention, the toggle switch is closed to access directly the vehicle 12 volt source to power the auxiliary lights for use as work lights, even when the vehicle reverse gear is not engaged.

Abstract: In the present invention, a plasma generating device is provided for generating a plasma with a uniform intensity. The plasma generating device comprises at least a first antenna to transmit the first electromagnetic wave, at least a second antenna to transmit the second electromagnetic wave, and an insulator defining an isolated space for containing therein the first antenna and the second antenna, wherein the first antenna has an opposite orientation with respect to the second antenna, so that the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave are transmitted in opposite directions. The first and the second electromagnetic waves can be coupled with each other to produce a uniform standing wave pattern. Consequently, a large size uniform plasma can be generated.

Abstract: In a method of driving a light source, light generated by a light source is sensed in order to detect color coordinates of a red color, color coordinates of a green color and color coordinates of a blue color. A light source color space formed by the color coordinates of the red, green and blue colors is compared with a reference color space formed by red reference color coordinates, green reference color coordinates and blue reference color coordinates. Then, color temperature of the light generated by the light source is controlled so that the light source color space covers the reference color space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining characteristics of a lighting unit, comprising at least two flux sensor each having different wavelength characteristics and being arranged to measure light emitted from the lighting unit, yielding two measurements, and means for calculating a dominant wavelength and a real flux for the lighting unit based on the measurements and the sensors' wavelength characteristics. The present invention provides for a direct calculation of dominant wavelength and real flux without the need for predefined data about the light source or without performing additional measurements such as using temperature measurements. The present invention also relates to a system using such a device, and a corresponding method for determining characteristics of a lighting unit.

Abstract: A pixel driving circuit array is disclosed, comprising a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The first capacitor comprises a first electrode, an insulator layer and a common electrode. The second capacitor comprises a second electrode, the insulator layer and the common electrode. The first capacitor and the second capacitor share the same common electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are on the same plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma display device and a driving method thereof. The plasma display device includes a first switch, and a second switch. The first switch has a first end electrically connected to a first power source that supplies a first voltage and a second end electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes, and gradually increases a voltage of the plurality of first electrodes during a reset period. The second switch has a first end electrically connected to a second power source that supplies a second voltage that is less than the first voltage and a second end electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes. The first and second switches are simultaneously turned on in the reset period.

Abstract: The light emitting diode (LED) lamp assembly has an LED light string, a power plug, an AC to DC converter and a voltage-regulating element. The LED light string has multiple LEDs connected in series. The power plug is connected to the LED light string and obtains an AC power from an external AC power source. The AC to DC converter is retained and mounted in the power plug and is connected to the LED light string, wherein the AC to DC converter obtains and converts the AC power into a DC power. The voltage-regulating element is connected between the LED light string and the AC to DC converter in the power plug and has a constant voltage. Therefore, a voltage supplied to the LED light string is obtained by subtracting the constant voltage of the voltage-regulating element from the voltage of the DC power.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply system including piezoelectric and ferrite transformers for driving a discharge lamp is provided. Specifically, the hybrid power supply system includes a rectifier/filter, a piezoelectric inverter, and a ferrite converter. The rectifier/filter has an input terminal connected to an external AC voltage to convert the external AC voltage to a DC voltage. The piezoelectric inverter is connected to the rectifier/filter to step up and convert the DC voltage to an AC voltage for driving the discharge lamp. The ferrite transformer is connected to the rectifier/filter to step down the DC voltage to a rated DC voltage for driving discharge lamp circuits other than the discharge lamp. The piezoelectric inverter and the ferrite converter are integrated by connecting a primary side of the piezoelectric step-up transformer and a primary side of the ferrite step-down transformer in series or in parallel with an output terminal of switching circuits.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power switch driving circuit is provided for a fluorescent lamp ballast. The circuit includes a first power switch driven by a first driver. A controller has a first output terminal for outputting a control signal for controlling the first driver. The first driver includes a first capacitor having a first terminal electrically connected to a control electrode of the first power switch and a second terminal electrically connected to the first output terminal.

Abstract: A driving circuit supplies a suppression current (I4) which reduces a decrease in a driving current (Idrive) immediately after occurrence of an overshoot at the time of the rise of the driving current (Idrive) to a laser diode (1). The driving circuit draws a suppression current (I5) which reduces an increase in the driving current (Idrive) immediately after occurrence of an undershoot at the time of the fall of the driving current (Idrive) from the driving current (Idrive).

Abstract: A three-way dimming ballast circuit for driving a ballast power switching circuit powering a gas discharge lamp such as a CFL. The circuit includes a driver circuit for driving high and low side switches of the ballast power switching circuit; a control circuit for driving the driver circuit including an oscillator circuit for providing an oscillating signal to control the frequency of operation of the ballast power switching circuit, the ballast power switching circuit outputting lamp-powering pulsed signals; and a dimming control circuit having an input, the dimming control circuit receiving an AC lamp current feedback signal at the input, the dimming control circuit further receiving a DC input voltage reference at the input, whereby the DC input voltage reference determines a desired dimming level of the lamp and the AC lamp current feedback signal maintains the lamp brightness at the desired dimming level.

Abstract: An organic EL display device having an organic EL drive circuit has a reference current generation circuit that switches the column line drive in response to changing of the dot arrangement of R, G and B through changeover switch circuits. Three D/A converter blocks constituted by a plurality of switch circuits and a plurality of output side transistors of a current mirror circuit are provided to produce reference currents for R, G and B that are selectively switched by a first, a second and a third changeover switch circuit. As a result, the D/A converter blocks corresponding to the respective terminal pins dynamically produce drive currents for the respective terminal pins so as to correspond to the dot arrangement of R, G and B on the organic EL panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for eliminating electric arc in the field of lighting electronics. Whether or not electric arc is likely to be produced is determined through monitoring the current variation in the lighting circuit loop. If electric arc is likely to be produced, the lighting circuit loop is disconnected for a preset period of time to eliminate the voltage condition for producing electric arc so as to eliminate electric arc. Beyond the preset time when the lighting circuit loop is disconnected, the lighting circuit loop is connected normally, and works normally and unaffectedly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable color light emitting device (10) comprising a light emitting diode (12) for emitting light, which diode in turn comprises a plurality of electrically conducting layers (14, 16, 18), at least one of which being such that lateral current spreading in the diode is limited to form at least two independently electrically addressable segments (36), for allowing illumination of an optional number of the segments. At least one of the number of segments is provided with a wavelength converter (34) adapted to convert at least part of the light emitted from its associated segment to generate light of a certain primary color. The invention also relates to systems incorporating at least one such light emitting device and a method for controlling such a light emitting device.

Abstract: There is provided a driving circuit using an internal diode instead of a zener diode and a discharging method using the same capable of replacing a driving circuit including an external zener diode, thereby reducing costs. The driving circuit using a discharging method for driving an OLED (organic light emitting diode) panel, the driving circuit includes: a precharge channel which is constructed in a current mirror scheme and is turned off when discharging; a discharge channel which is connected to the to precharge channel in series and operates when discharging; and an internal diode which is connected to the discharge channel and controls a discharge voltage level. According to the present invention, a voltage level can be controlled not to be discharged to a ground level by using an internal diode circuit when discharging. Therefore, a driving circuit requiring low power can be implemented, and additional costs are not needed.

Abstract: A flashlight (1) having a control unit (4) with a push button (12) for activating the flashlight (1). The control unit (4) connects to a computer via USB port, whereby user-configurable control information is downloaded. A computer program running on the computer enables operating conditions of the flashlight to be selected by a user according to predetermined types of activation e.g. of the push button (12). The operating conditions are collated into operating instructions associated with the predetermined types of activation. The operating instructions are converted into byte code and downloaded to and stored on a memory in the control unit (4). Upon detecting a predetermined activation type, the control unit accesses the operating conditions and configures the flashlight accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for improved monitoring and controlling of mechanically commutated DC motors. The system and method include DC motors, pulse-count driver circuitry for driving the motors, motor position sensing circuitry, and motor control circuitry. The system and method provide for improved motor current waveform sensing that is able to effectively reject false brake pulses, avoid erroneous processing due to fluctuating battery voltage levels, and reduce the sensitivity to variations in motor current signals due to dynamic motor load, manufacturing variation, system aging, temperature, brush bounce, EMI, and other factors. The system and method also include an improved ability to multiplex additional external motor drivers to the motor control circuitry, select between sequential and simultaneous drive modes using an SPI bit, and monitor the system controller for an error condition and simultaneously driver motors in response to the error condition.

Abstract: A method and system for a control scheme for linear induction machines. The control scheme includes a maximum energy conversion ratio and a maximum acceleration and deceleration for linear induction machines.

Abstract: A control system and method to determine position of a rotor relative to a stator for a synchronous multipole electrical machine is presented, including one for application on a fuel/electric hybrid powertrain for a vehicle. The machine includes a stator, a rotor, and a rotor position sensing mechanism. The control system controls the electrical machine, in conjunction with an electrical storage device and an inverter, using algorithms and calibrations which derive a rotor position based upon a sensorless position sensing technique, and determine an offset from a sensed rotor position. Electrical output from the inverter to the machine is controlled based the offset, which is stored non-volatile memory. A rotor position is derived based upon a sensorless position sensing technique during initial machine operation after startup of the machine, and includes operation in a torque-generative mode and in an electrical energy-generative mode.

Abstract: A power electronic circuit arrangement includes functional blocks for controllable, bidirectional energy exchange between a rotating field machine with at least one phase winding and an external energy store with one positive terminal and one negative terminal. At least one functional block is designed as a functional block that is connection-compatible on the power side and includes at least one internal energy store, such that this functional block has at least one additional switching state, in which an output voltage (UX2) is more positive than the positive terminal (P) of the external energy store, and/or in which an output voltage (UX2) is more negative than the negative terminal (N) of the external energy store.

Abstract: A selectively configurable electric motor comprises a stator and a plurality of poles electrically coupled to the stator. The selectively configurable electric motor also includes an actuator separated from the poles by an air gap and configured to move relative to the stator in the presence of an electromagnetic field. The selectively configurable electric motor further includes a plurality of electric conductors, each of the plurality of electric conductors substantially wound around one of the plurality of poles. The selectively configurable electric motor also includes a power converter, at least a portion of which is coupled to the plurality of electric conductors, including a plurality of switching elements configured to selectively couple one or more of the plurality of electric conductors in a predetermined electrical configuration.