Patents Issued in May 27, 2014
  • Patent number: 8736090
    Abstract: The inventive protection arrangement of an electric power system comprises a relay arrangement (12) for measuring current, voltage or both of an electric grid (15). The relay arrangement is adapted to detect over-current, under-voltage or both. The protection arrangement comprises also a speed/load controller (16) that is in connection with the relay arrangement (12). The speed/load controller is arranged to drive a prime mover (11) of a generator (10) set as a response for the said detection. The speed/load controller (16) is connectable with said prime mover (11). In more detail the controller (16) is arranged to drive power output of the prime mover (11) to a lower level when over-current, under-voltage or both is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Wartsila Finland Oy
    Inventor: Vesa Riihimäki
  • Patent number: 8736091
    Abstract: The present techniques include methods and systems for operating converter to maintain a lifespan of the converter. In some embodiments, the operating frequency of the converter may be increased such that stress may be reduced on the bond wires of the converter. More specifically, embodiments involve calculating the aging parameters for certain operating conditions of the converter operating in a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode and determining whether the MPPT operation results in aging the converter to a point which reduces the converter lifespan below a desired lifespan. If the MPPT operation reduces the converter lifespan below the desired lifespan, the frequency of the converter may be increased such that the converter may be controlled to operate at a percentage of MPPT. Thus, in some embodiments, power output may be optimized with respect to maintaining a desired lifespan of the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lixiang Wei, Russel J. Kerkman, Richard A. Lukaszewski, Haihui Lu, Zhenhuan Yuan
  • Patent number: 8736092
    Abstract: A control system and a method for controlling operation of a wind turbine are disclosed. A first sensor and a second sensor are arranged for sampling or continuously measuring a first physical value and a second physical value being representative of a first physical impact and a second physical impact on components of the wind turbine in order to provide a first and a second control parameter for controlling operation of the wind turbine. The first and second control parameters are distinct. During active generation of energy the control system is adapted to selectively switch between controlling the operation of the wind turbine either on the basis of the first control parameter or on the basis of the second control parameter, i.e. to selectively switch between two different, distinct and independent control strategies. The two control strategies allow redundancy in control of the operation of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Frank Ormel
  • Patent number: 8736093
    Abstract: An output control apparatus for a wind turbine, including an output difference calculation unit; a maximum output rate setting unit; an output command value calculation unit; and an output control unit, wherein the maximum output rate setting unit is configured so that the larger an absolute value of the difference is, the higher the maximum output rate is set at least in a range that the absolute value of the difference is not greater a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kii, Akira Yasugi
  • Patent number: 8736094
    Abstract: A turbine controller of a wind turbine generator includes a generated-output-power command value creating section that creates a generated-output-power command value and an optimum-upper-and-lower-limit limiting section that limits the generated-output-power command value by means of an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the generated output power that are determined based on a power curve indicating the relationship between the generated output power and the rotational speed of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Wakasa, Akira Yasugi, Yoshikatsu Ikawa, Takehiro Naka, Hisanobu Shinoda
  • Patent number: 8736095
    Abstract: A linear hydro-kinetic power generation system generates electrical power from low head water, such as rivers or irrigation channels. The linear hydro-kinetic power generation system includes a paddle system configured to travel in a continuous loop when acted upon by the low-head water. The linear hydro-kinetic power generation system also includes a linear electric power generation subsystem configured to generate electricity as the paddles travel along the continuous loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Aaron Davis Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 8736096
    Abstract: A water flow electricity generating device includes: an annular stator in which a coil is provided; a permanent magnet that causes a magnetic force to act on the coil; a rotor main body that is disposed on an inner circumferential side of a stator core to support the permanent magnet; a blade support unit that is provided on a front side of the rotor main body; a rotor that includes a rotating blade projecting radially outward from the blade support unit; and water-lubricated bearings that are provided in the stator while being opposed to the rotor main body, the water-lubricated bearings supporting loads in a thrust direction and a radial direction. The blade support unit is disposed on a front side of the rotor main body, and the rotor includes a float unit that is provided on the front side of the rotor main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Kiyose, Kiyoto Owaki, Etsuya Yanase, Youhei Murase, Hiroyasu Okawa
  • Patent number: 8736097
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic generator apparatus that includes a liquid reservoir having an outlet port and an inlet port that is disposed over the outlet port; an outflow valve that is disposed at the outlet port of the liquid reservoir; at least one generator module coupled from the liquid reservoir and including at least one fill pipe for receiving liquid expelled from the liquid reservoir, and at least one outlet port; at least one surge generator disposed in the fill pipe; and an outflow valve at a base of the generator module. The outlet port of the generator module is coupled to the inlet port of the liquid reservoir. The apparatus further includes a battery pack; an electrical controller responsive to a voltage across the battery pack for controlling said valves; and an electrical charging hub responsive to the surge generator for re-charging the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Clarence W. Schrader
  • Patent number: 8736098
    Abstract: A wind power generation system using the Bernoulli principle having an elongated tube, wind entry and exit openings on opposite ends of a main body of the tube, a central wind passing section of the tube having a smaller diameter than that of the wind entry and exit openings between the opposite ends, support struts spanning the wind entry and exit openings, and left and right power generators arranged centrally of the support struts, with the generators being rotated simultaneously on a single rotation shaft axle. Plural wind turbines are provided left-right symmetrically on the rotation shaft axle, and transverse rotation bearings are provided on the lower and upper part of the wind passing tube, so the tube can pivot into the wind via vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Hae-Yong Choi, Jin-Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 8736099
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling two parts of a dc network, in which at least two capacitors respectively are installed, particularly onboard an aircraft. The device includes at least one static converter including at least one electronic coupling device, including at least one transistor and one diode, associated with an inductance, arranged between these at least two capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Olivier Langlois, Lucien Prisse, Marc Aiximeno
  • Patent number: 8736100
    Abstract: A ship that reduces the total amount of fossil fuels and other energy sources required, thereby saving energy. The ship (1) has a plurality of subsystems (10) constructed by dividing a network of power supply lines (3) and signal lines (4) into groups. The subsystems (10) consist of at least two subsystems among a bridge subsystem (10a) on the bridge; a propulsion subsystem (10b) in an engine room; a deck subsystem (10c) installed on a deck; a ballast cargo subsystem (10d) for ballasting and equipment installed in a hold; and an information processing subsystem (10e) corresponding to communication equipment. The subsystems (10) each have a storage battery (5) and a smart meter (6), each of which is linked to a microgrid monitoring and control system (2), which detects the amount of electric power consumed by the subsystems (10), and controls the transfer of electric power between the subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Ship Building Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Ueki, Tetsuro Kajita
  • Patent number: 8736101
    Abstract: An electric powered vehicle is equipped with a main battery for storing electric power input to and output from a motor, and an auxiliary battery as a power source for an auxiliary system including a control system. A DC/DC converter converts an output voltage of the main battery to a level of an output voltage of the auxiliary battery. During operation, a BAT-ECU monitors states of charge of the main battery and the auxiliary battery and controls operation/stop of the DC/DC converter. When the electric powered vehicle is in a key-off state (running stop state), the BAT-ECU is intermittently operated, while an external charging system and a vehicle running system are stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomokazu Masuda, Ryuichi Kamaga
  • Patent number: 8736102
    Abstract: The multifunctional power converter apparatus and method includes an input power stage configured to receive a DC input voltage from a DC power source and convert the DC input voltage to an AC or DC output voltage. At least one electrical power conversion electronic circuit is connected to an output of the input power stage, a DC output circuit; an AC output circuit; and a controller configured to control the input power stage, the DC output circuit and the AC output circuit. The controller is configured to automatically control the power converter output voltage based on a preselected user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lijun Gao, Shengyi Liu, Kamiar J. Karimi
  • Patent number: 8736103
    Abstract: A load control module is provided for use with a transfer switch apparatus that controls the delivery of standby electrical power to a load during utility power interruption. The load control module selectively brings loads online to receive standby electrical power to prevent overloading of the electric generator that is providing the standby electrical power. The frequency of the electrical power is also monitored and if a low frequency condition is detected, loads are taken offline (shed). A method to flag those loads that induce an overload condition is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Vicari, Steven Wilcox, Greg Wischstadt, Jake Thomas
  • Patent number: 8736104
    Abstract: A power supply includes an alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) converter, a control unit, and a selection switch. The AC/DC converter is connected to an AC power source to convert an AC voltage into a DC voltage. The control unit includes a controller and a switch. The selection switch is connected to the controller, and connected between the AC converter and the power module of a motherboard to connect the AC converter to either the power module or the controller. When the AC/DC converter is connected to the controller, the controller receives the DC voltage to be started, the controller turns on the switch for a predetermined connection time to make the DC voltage be input to the power module, and then turns off the switch for a predetermined disconnection time to make the DC voltage fail to be input to the power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guan Wang
  • Patent number: 8736105
    Abstract: An electrical voltage supply device for machines processing printing material includes at least one drive motor for the transport of printing material and at least one further electrical consumer. A control unit is provided which, when the supply voltage drops below a minimum acceptable supply voltage of the machine processing printing material, switches of electrical consumers which are not required for the transport of printing material and supplies the drive motor for the transport of printing material from energy stored in the moving masses of the machine processing printing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Kleibaumhüter, Helmut Meyer, Werner Stadler, Kamilla Haaf
  • Patent number: 8736106
    Abstract: A mechanical outlet system is connected to an incoming power source through power entry cables. The cables connect to cable connectors which, in turn, connect to junction blocks. The junction blocks receive outlet receptacle blocks. The receptacle blocks can be of varying types of sockets, without requiring electrical modifications to the junction blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Randell E. Pate, Timothy J. Warwick
  • Patent number: 8736107
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of power source redundancy in a power supply for a rack mounted computing device. The power supply includes a plurality of AC power converters configured to receive power from corresponding power sources. A first AC power converter provides DC power to a common DC bus of the power supply. A second AC power converter provides DC power to the common DC bus in response to a change in the voltage level provided by the first AC power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin Lee Frink, Peter G. Ross
  • Patent number: 8736108
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system described herein includes a first group of photovoltaic modules that comprises a first plurality of microsystem enabled photovoltaic modules. A second group of photovoltaic modules comprises a second plurality of microsystem enabled photovoltaic modules, wherein the first group of photovoltaic modules are electrically connected in parallel to the second group of photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory N. Nielson, Murat Okandan, Anthony L. Lentine, William C. Sweatt, Paul Gilbert Clem, Sean J. Hearne, Paul Davids, Dale L. Huber, Jeffrey S. Nelson, Christopher Alan Apblett
  • Patent number: 8736109
    Abstract: A data center is electrically coupled to a power grid at two separate access points, which may be located within geographic proximity to each other. Each access point is located between two power generation systems. The access points have one or more power generation systems located between them, allowing the data center to be coupled to three or more power generation systems simultaneously and have access to power in the event of multiple power generation system failure. The data center may comprise two separate data center power inputs, which may each be connected to a separate power grid access point. The power grid may provide a high voltage level to the data center, and the data center may comprise transformers which step the voltage down to a lower voltage level. The data center may comprise one such transformer coupled to each of the two data center power inputs. The outputs of such transformers may be coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Seung Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 8736110
    Abstract: A simplified multilevel DC converter circuit structure comprises a dual input DC power supply, a power control module and an AC side low-pass filter, wherein each of the dual input DC power supply supplies half of the rated DC voltage to the power control module, and the power control module is composed of six power switches, and different switching combinations of each power switch are controlled to convert a DC voltage to an output of an AC voltage, and two of the power switches of the power control module perform a low-frequency switching twice every cycle of the output voltage, and the withstand voltage is equal to the input voltage, and the remaining power switches perform the switching by a high frequency, and the withstand voltage is only half of the input voltage, such that a multilevel voltage can be outputted, and a low harmonic AC waveform can be outputted from the AC side low-pass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: National Penghu University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yi-Hung Liao, Ching-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 8736111
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for the anti-islanding of a power conditioning system. The apparatus for the anti-islanding of a power conditioning system according to the present invention is applied to a power conditioning system including a DC/DC converter and a DC/AC inverter in order to transfer power from a solar cell array to a grid. The apparatus for the anti-islanding of a power conditioning system may include an injection signal generator generating an injection signal, an adder generating a final fundamental wave command value, a main controller performing the power control according to the final fundamental wave command value and stopping the operation of the power conditioning system when the level of the detected injection signal has reached the predetermined reference level or more, and an injection signal detector detecting the injection signal included in voltage and providing them to the main controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd., Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Doo Young Song, Tae Hoon Kim, Tae Won Lee, Don Sik Kim, Jin Wook Kim, Jae Hyung Kim, Jun Gu Kim, Yong Hyok Ji, Chung Yuen Won, Byoung Kuk Lee
  • Patent number: 8736112
    Abstract: A method for controlling power flow within a multi-terminal DC power transmission system including two or more converter stations and the corresponding multi-terminal DC power transmission system are provided. The method includes the steps of: controlling the power flow to a steady state reference operating point for operating points within a control dead band defined for each respective converter station, and controlling the power flow by means of droop control in at least one of the converter stations upon detection of exceeding of an end point of one or more of the control dead bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Kerstin Linden, Gunnar Flisberg, Lars-Erik Juhlin, Per Holmberg
  • Patent number: 8736113
    Abstract: A method and system for limiting energy to a sensor and/or an environment in which the sensor is located. A high current sensor driver is powered through a resistance-capacitance (RC) circuit. In a failure mode, the RC circuit constrains output of a sensor driver to the sensor in order to limit average current applied to the sensor. In one embodiment, the capacitor is chosen so that it can provide adequate current to the sensor driver for a short period of time. The value of the resistor may be chosen to ensure that under short circuit conditions direct current (DC) is limited to a safe value. The combined values of the resistor and capacitor may be adjusted such that the capacitor can charge to a prescribed level during the interval between active pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Howard Austerlitz, Ron Bueter, John O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8736114
    Abstract: A method of aligning a wall conductor with an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel conductor is disclosed. A transmitter device having a capacitive conductor and a receiver device having a capacitive conductor in proximity to the capacitive conductor of the transmitter device. The capacitive conductors of the transmitter device and the receiver device are aligned using an alignment indicator, which indicates that at least one edge of the capacitive conductor of the receiver device is in alignment with the capacitive conductor of the transmitter to optimize a transfer of power between the capacitive conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Laboratory U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: John Randall Christ
  • Patent number: 8736115
    Abstract: Electronic devices may use buttons to gather user input. Button status monitoring circuits may be provided that apply a time-varying bias voltage to each button. The time-varying bias voltage may be held at a fixed non-zero level when the state of the button is being monitored and may be held at a level of zero volts when the state of the button is immaterial and is not being monitored. The reduction of the bias voltage across the button when the button is not being monitored prevents undesired acceleration in dendritic growth when the electronic device is exposed to moisture. The bias voltage may be pulsed by using a control circuit. The control circuit may generate a series of square wave pulses that are applied across the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fisher, Jr., Stephen Brian Lynch, Robert Caston Curtis
  • Patent number: 8736116
    Abstract: A compact information device in which a shortened unlatch time is enabled so such device can transition from a power cutoff mode to a power supply mode to resume supplying power to internal circuits as a result of a latch circuit unlatching a control signal. Embodiments of such a device, which may be a printer, includes a CPU, tactile switch, smoothing capacitor, switch circuit, a switch control signal generator including a latch circuit, and a potential difference detection circuit. The latch circuit and potential difference detection circuit operate with voltage Vin2. The CPU outputs a start latch signal VLT when the operating mode changes from the power supply mode to the power cutoff mode. When the tactile switch is turned off, the potential difference detection circuit outputs an unlatch signal VRST. When the unlatch signal VRST is input, the latch circuit unlatches the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Yoshie
  • Patent number: 8736117
    Abstract: A server rack system includes a rack, a power transmission module, a power supply module, and operating units. The power transmission module configured at the rack includes first, second, and third conductive pillars. When the power supply module slidably configured in the rack is completely installed in the rack, the power supply module electrically connects the first, second, and third conductive pillars to receive high-voltage direct-current (DC) electric power through the first conductive pillar electrically connecting an external power supply. When the operating units slidably configured in the rack are completely installed in the rack, the operating units electrically connect the second and third conductive pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Shi-Feng Wang, Ji-Peng Xu, Tsai-Kuei Cheng
  • Patent number: 8736118
    Abstract: A safety switching device for fail-safely switching on and off an electrical load, and to a system comprising at least two safety switching devices which interact in a fail-safe manner via a single-channel. The safety switching device comprises a fail-safe control unit, a first and a second electronic switching element connected with a first and a second output terminal; and at least one input terminal for receiving a first switching signal that causes a switching of said switching elements. Said first and second switching elements each comprise an output which provides depending on the first switching signal an output signal having a first or second potential. A third output terminal connects said safety switching device to a second safety switching device, providing a clocked signal depending on the first switching signal and being monitored by said control unit for performing a cross fault detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Lorenz, Norbert Machuletz, Rudolf Papenbreer, Thomas Helpenstein
  • Patent number: 8736119
    Abstract: A center frame is fastened to a first bracket and a second bracket such that a first mated protrusion and a second mated protrusion are fitted together with a first mated recess portion and a second mated recess portion so as to be mated. O rings are disposed annularly so as to be held between an end surface of the first bracket and a first axial end surface of the center frame, and between an end surface of the second bracket and a second axial end surface of the center frame on an opposite side from outer circumferential inner wall surfaces of the first mated recess portion and the second mated recess portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Iwamoto, Masaya Inoue, Shinji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8736120
    Abstract: An Oldham coupling includes a first coupling part, a second coupling part and an intermediate part. The first coupling part and the second coupling part are coupled to each other with the intermediate part provided therebetween. The first coupling part and the second coupling part are fitted on fitting portions of the intermediate part extending perpendicular to each other. The first coupling part, the second coupling part and the intermediate part have fitting indication portions. The fitting indication portions allow a positional relationship between the first coupling part and the second coupling part about a rotational axis to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Maeda, Isao Kariya
  • Patent number: 8736121
    Abstract: Disclosed is a linear vibrator including a fixing part providing an inner space of a predetermined size, at least one magnet disposed in the inner space of the fixing part to generate a magnetic force, a vibration part including a coil disposed to face the magnet to generate electromagnetic force by interacting with the magnet and a vibrating mass body, an elastic member coupled to the fixing part and the vibration part to provide an elastic force, and a substrate coupled to the vibration part and including a through hole through which the magnet passes to prevent the substrate from contacting the magnet when the vibration part is vibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Kun Choi, Kwang Hyung Lee, Hwa Young Oh
  • Patent number: 8736122
    Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine, such as a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) induction motor has a double-wall bearing housing heat shield that envelops and thermally isolates the bearing housing from the rest of the motor housing interior. The shield defines an air channel between the shield outer and inner walls. Optionally the air channel may be constructed to enable circulating air flow through a shield intake in communication with an air flow source, such as air ducted from the TEFC motor axial cooling fan. The air channel also defines an exhaust. Air flow within the air channel transfers heat out of the motor housing, lowering bearing housing operating temperature. Air flow rate may be varied in response to motor operational parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Kamp
  • Patent number: 8736123
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spindle motor including: a rotating part including a hub coupled to a rotating shaft and a magnet coupled to the hub; and a fixing part including a sleeve supporting the rotating shaft and an armature facing the magnet, wherein the magnet has a contact part formed on an upper end portion thereof in a direction of the rotating shaft, the contact part partially contacting a lower end portion of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ho Kyung Jang
  • Patent number: 8736124
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a motor, including a hoop structure and a plurality of mounting feet. The hoop structure includes a wall surface. The wall surface of the hoop structure includes the mounting feet formed by punching the wall surface of the hoop structure so that a plurality of grooves close to the mounting feet is produced on the wall surface of the hoop structure, and one end of each mounting foot is coupled to the wall surface of the hoop structure. The mounting bracket for a motor of the invention has a simple structure, low cost, and reliable connection and requires less material compared to conventional mounting brackets. The mounting bracket is suitable for different types of motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hongyu Jia
  • Patent number: 8736125
    Abstract: This coupling device includes a magnet rotator and a yoke-side member, while a conductor portion of the yoke-side member has a plurality of first conductor portions at least on a side opposed to magnets. A yoke of the yoke-side member is arranged at least on the side opposed to the magnets in a clearance between the plurality of first conductor portions. The ratio of the circumferential length of each of the first conductor portions to the circumferential length of the yoke is at least 1/1.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Ohhashi, Junichi Sutani
  • Patent number: 8736126
    Abstract: The Circular transformer-generator is a rotational electrical machine that joins creation of sinusoidal voltage and current with the transformation phenomenon or mutual inductivity of the individually wound stator coils. The Circular transformer-generator consists of the stator part that has a number of the inner pole extensions, and a number of the outer pole extensions with spaces between them for the individual stator windings, and of the double rotor assembly that contains the inner body and the outer body with the magnetic or electromagnetic poles that during rotor rotation supply induction to the stator assembly or the individual axially wound stator coils. The axially wound coils of the stator are connected to the Circular transformer-generator output, and at the same time are tied (act upon each other) by their mutual induction, during which time also the transformation coil ratio can be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Franti{hacek over (s)}ek Konećný, Jan Konecný
  • Patent number: 8736127
    Abstract: A dynamoelectric device comprises a plurality of armatures arranged circumferentially about an axis, sets of electrically conductive winding members that extend axially through the stack of laminates and are positioned circumferentially between each adjacent pair of the armatures, and first and second layers of end-turn members. Each of the end-turn members of the first axial layer is connected to one of the winding members. Each of the end-turn members of the first axial layer extends clockwise circumferentially from its respective one of the winding members. Each of the end-turn members of the second axial layer is connected to one of the winding members and to each of the end-turn members of the first axial layer of end-turn members. Each of the end-turn members of the second axial layer extends counter-clockwise circumferentially from its respective one of the winding members. The winding members are each formed of Litz wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: InnerPoint Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Schlote
  • Patent number: 8736128
    Abstract: Electromagnetic devices and near field plates for three-dimensional magnetic field manipulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic device includes a rotor, a stator, and a magnetic field focusing device. The rotor may include a rotor body and a plurality of radially extending rotor poles. The stator may include a plurality of stator poles radially extending inwardly from a stator body toward the rotor body. Each stator pole may have a magnetic flux generating device and a stator pole tip, wherein an air gap may be located between each stator pole tip and each corresponding rotor pole. The magnetic field focusing device is coupled to at least one stator pole tip and produces a magnetic field profile having at least one concentrated magnetic flux region proximate the stator pole tip. The magnetic field focusing device twists the magnetic field profile by an angle ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ercan Mehmet Dede, Jaewook Lee, Debasish Banerjee
  • Patent number: 8736129
    Abstract: An example end cap of a stator segment is provided for use in locating wires in a segmented stator assembly in desired positions. The end cap generally includes a body and an inboard wall. An identifier is defined by the inboard wall of the end cap for use in determining wire sizes to be used with the end cap. Terminal pockets are provided in the body for receiving the wires and making desired electrical connections, and steps located in the terminal pockets help secure the connectors in the terminal pockets. Plateaus, and troughs defined in the plateaus, are located outside the terminal pockets for use in trimming wires received in the terminal pockets as desired. And, retaining structures are located around the end cap to help with locating the wires in the desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: William Wang, Paul G. Michaels, Brian P. Fogarty, J. Scott Rose, Donald R. Shaw, Jason J. Jurkowski
  • Patent number: 8736130
    Abstract: Segmented stator assemblies having a plurality of stator segments and a plurality of end caps are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, a segmented stator assembly includes a plurality of stator segments and a plurality of end caps. Each stator segment has a yoke portion and a tooth portion extending from the yoke portion. Each end cap is positioned over one of the stator segments. Each end cap includes a body portion positioned at least partially over the yoke portion of its associated stator segment. At least one of the body portions includes at least a first post that cooperates with a post of an adjacent end cap to define a first wire management tie-down. The stator assembly further includes a stator wire coupled to the first wire management tie-down. Stator assemblies and end caps having other wire management and routing features are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Chetan O. Modi, Mark E. Carrier, Jason J. Jurkowski
  • Patent number: 8736131
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamoelectric machine that can reduce 12f vibrational force and suppress generation of irritating electromagnetic noise in a vicinity of 2,000 Hz in an idling state. In the present invention, an armature winding includes first and second three-phase windings, the first three-phase winding is configured by delta-connecting respective phase windings, and the second three-phase winding is configured so as to be Y-connected to the first three-phase winding by connecting respective phase windings in series to respective output ends of the first three-phase winding. The first and second three-phase windings are each installed in the stator core such that respective phase currents have a phase difference from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyuki Kometani, Toshiaki Kashihara
  • Patent number: 8736132
    Abstract: A turn part of a lead wire includes a projection part, a slope part and a second bent part. The projection part projects from a first slot to a direction parallel to an axial direction of the stator core. The slope part is diagonally extended at an angle of less than 90 degrees aiming to a Kth slot. The Kth slot is separated from the first slot at a specific interval via a first bent part that is bent in a circumferential direction from a tip of the projection part. The second bent part is connected with the slot accommodation part accommodated in the Kth slot, and is bent to the direction parallel to the axial direction of the stator core from a tip of the slope part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Taniguchi, Keiji Kondou, Akito Akimoto
  • Patent number: 8736133
    Abstract: A first winding portion from a set of winding portions has a set of coils. Each coil of the first winding portion is associated with a different electrical phase from a set of electrical phases. Each coil of the first winding portion circumscribes a different area from a set of areas circumscribed by the set of coils of the first winding portion. A second winding portion has a set of coils associated with the set of electrical phases and a third winding portion has a set of coils associated with the set of electrical phases. The first winding portion at least partially overlaps the second winding portion and the third winding portion such that each area from the set of area is substantially circumscribed by a coil associated with each electrical phase from the set of electrical phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Boulder Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Smith, James D. Duford, James D. Jore, Lincoln M. Jore, Matthew B. Jore, Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8736134
    Abstract: A stator segment for a segmented stator of an electric machine includes insulative material configured for overlapping with insulative material of an adjacent stator segment to provide continuous insulation along a joint between the adjacent stator segments. Additionally, or alternatively, the stator segment can include one or more alignment tabs configured to engage a surface of an adjacent stator segment to inhibit relative axial movement between adjacent stator segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Lyle
  • Patent number: 8736135
    Abstract: Teeth are arranged annularly around a rotation axis. The yoke has through holes. The through holes open in a radial direction around the rotation axis and in an axial direction along the rotation axis. The teeth are inserted through the through holes. A metal plate is arranged to face the yoke in the axial direction. A reinforcing plate is fixed to the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinari Asano, Nobuyuki Kifuji, Tomonori Kikuno, Shin Nakamasu, Ryuuji Yasumoto
  • Patent number: 8736136
    Abstract: A switched reluctance motor includes a stator and a rotor, the stator having stator poles supporting a magnetic field focusing device such as a near field plates on each stator pole tip. An example near field plate has a spatially modulated surface reactance configured so as to focus magnetic flux extending from each pole tip within at least one region of increased magnetic field proximate the pole tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaewook Lee, Ercan Mehmet Dede, Debasish Banerjee, Hideo Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8736137
    Abstract: An electrical rotating machine, such as a generator or motor, communicates power from a stationary location to the rotating rotor of the rotating machine via opposed pairs of capacitor plates, one plate of each pair rotating with the rotor and one plate of each pair fixed not to rotate. In one embodiment, separation between the plates of the pair is provided by a cushion of entrapped air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Daniel Colin Ludois, Justin Kyle Reed, Kyle Hanson
  • Patent number: 8736138
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube MEMS assembly comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes oriented into a patterned frame, the patterned frame defining at least two components of a MEMS device. An interstitial material at least partially binds adjacent carbon nanotubes one to another. At least one component of the frame is fixed and at least one component of the frame is movable relative to the fixed component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Robert C. Davis, Richard R. Vanfleet, David N. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 8736139
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical image stabilizer, including: a substrate; a table disposed over the substrate, while levitating, to be movable on the substrate and having an image sensor mounted on the upper end of the substrate; cantilever arms disposed over the substrate, while levitating, and connected to the table to move the table; anchors fixing one ends of the cantilever arms onto the substrate; and electrodes applying voltage for moving the cantilever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Seoup Lee