With Cleaning, Lubricating, Resurfacing Or Repairing Patents (Class 310/228)
  • Patent number: 11008096
    Abstract: A method and system for redundancy management of an individual blade controller rotor system is provided. The blade controller rotor system has a control computer in a stationary frame and multiple blade controllers in a rotary frame. Each of the blade controllers corresponds to a blade of a rotor system. A slip ring interfaces the stationary frame and the rotary frame. Data is transferred, via the slip ring, between each blade controller and the control computer. Each blade controller accepts and transmits information, including historical blade positions, from the other blade controllers. Each blade controller can determine a valid position for its blade based on a historical position of another blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Matthew Rhinehart
  • Patent number: 9991661
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning a slip ring arranged to be rotatable about an axis is disclosed. The cleaning system includes a cleaner assembly configured so as to be positionable to contact the slip ring. The cleaner assembly is capable of moving along the slip ring for cleaning. A control unit is configured to control the functioning of the cleaner assembly based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Gowrishankar Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 9905983
    Abstract: A brush for an electric motor has a brush body having a front end surface configured to make sliding electrical contact with a commutator of the motor. First and second side surfaces are connected to the front end surface. The first side surface and the second side surface are positioned on opposite sides of the brush body in a rotational direction of the commutator. The front end surface has a first contact surface and a second contact surface that contact the commutator earlier than other regions of the front end surface, and are respectively positioned on diametrically opposed corners of the front end surface. In an initial state, the width of the contact area between the brush and the commutator is increased to extend the commutation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Fa Yun Qi, Shu Dan Zhao, Cheng Shun Du, Rui Feng Qin
  • Patent number: 9496669
    Abstract: A sliding contact arrangement (13) is used in an erosion arrangement (10) or an erosion machine. The sliding contact arrangement (13) establishes an electrical connection with a slip ring (14), whereby said slip ring can be driven about a rotational axis (D), and with a current source or voltage source (11). The sliding contact arrangement (13) has an electrical connecting line (12) that can be electrically connected to the current source or voltage source (11). The connecting line (12) is mechanically and electrically connected to an electrically conductive body (20). On an underside (21) associated with the slip ring (14), the body (20) includes a plurality of projecting contact wires (35) bundled into several strands. In not loaded, not bent state, the strands (37) extend parallel to each other away from the underside (21) toward their free ends (39), which contact a common generated surface of a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: WALTER MASCHINENBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Bernhard Pichler
  • Patent number: 9263838
    Abstract: The current invention is regarding a slip ring for transmitting high speed electrical signal across a rotating interface, especially for transmitting Ethernet data. It consists of sandwich assembly with multiple conducting plates individually sandwiched by multiple insulating spacers and a brush block assembly with multiple conducting brushes. The input Ethernet cable is attached on said sandwich assembly and the wires from input cable can be individually soldered into the central hole of each conducting plate (The wires are always off-centered in prior art). The output Ethernet cable is soldered on said brush block. Said brush block assembly and said sandwich assembly are rotatable relative to each other through bearings to form a rotational interface. As a result, high speed electrical signal can be transmitted across the rotating interface without suffering from phase shift and data distortion as in prior arts due to unequal path lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: PRINCETEL, INC.
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Jingrong Shen, Joe Ritacco, Boying B. Zhang
  • Patent number: 9178400
    Abstract: A cooling arrangement for a motor assembly includes a motor operably connected to a load. Also included is a motor controller disposed adjacent to, and fluidly coupled to, the motor, the motor controller disposed within a housing enclosing a cooling fluid for immersion of a plurality of motor controller components. Further included is a duct arrangement configured to route a cooling flow to a location proximate the housing of the motor controller for cooling therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Debabrata Pal, Mustansir Hussainy Kheraluwala, Eric Alan Carter, Robert Scott Downing, Charles Patrick Shepard
  • Patent number: 9071092
    Abstract: The current diverter rings (CDRs), captured CDRs, bearing isolators, and explosion-proof CDRs serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the explosion-proof CDR includes a stator that may be mounted to the equipment housing and a rotor that may be mounted to a shaft. The rotor may rotate with the shaft may be encompassed by stator and a cap, which cap may be secured directly to the stator or the housing. A conductive assembly may be positioned in a radial channel formed in the stator such that the conductive assembly contacts the shaft to conduct electricity from the shaft to the housing. Another embodiment of an explosion-proof CDR does not require a rotor. The explosion-proof CDR may be configured to define a flame path to achieve various explosion-proof certifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: INPRO/SEAL, LLC
    Inventors: Neil F. Hoehle, Dwight A. Vicars, Robert A. Tejano, David C. Orlowski
  • Publication number: 20150137656
    Abstract: Devices and methods of use for brush holder assemblies are disclosed. Brush holder assemblies including a mounting block and a brush holder are disclosed. Also illustrated is a brush holder assembly including a first portion in sliding engagement with a second portion. In some embodiments the brush holder includes a channel, such that at least a portion of the mounting block is disposed within the channel of the brush holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Robert S. Cutsforth, David L. Cutsforth
  • Publication number: 20150137657
    Abstract: Devices and methods of use for brush holder assemblies are disclosed. Brush holder assemblies including a mounting block and a brush holder are disclosed. Also illustrated is a brush holder assembly including a first portion in sliding engagement with a second portion. In some embodiments the brush holder includes a channel, such that at least a portion of the mounting block is disposed within the channel of the brush holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Robert S. Cutsforth, David L. Cutsforth
  • Patent number: 8917008
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric machine, in particular a commutator machine (10), the carbon brushes (14) of which cooperate with a commutator (13) to supply the rotor with current, the carbon brushes (14) being continuously provided or provided in layer sections with different additives such as scouring material, lubricants or similar. To achieve a longer service life for the carbon brushes (14), a maximum of half, preferably less than half of all the carbon brushes (14) of the machine have a significant fraction of an additive, said fraction differing from that of the other carbon brushes (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Bayer, Sven Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8742643
    Abstract: A commutation system for a DC motor having a stator including a plurality of windings and a permanent magnet assembly, the assembly has a housing; at least three collector segments connected to stator windings inside the housing; and a rotor assembly in the housing having brushes for connecting the collector segments, the brushes extending from the rotors parallel to the motor axis; wherein the brushes are attached to the rotors to rotate coaxially to each other and contact the surfaces of the collector segments. The system includes proper mechanism for heat conduction from the brushes sliding surface to the external wall. Damping is provided to limit resonance in the commutation system. Also air filtering can be provided to insure clean operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jacques Orban, Maxim Yurievich Vdovin, Alexey Yurievich Vdovin, Evgeny Mikhailovich Sviridov
  • Patent number: 8624464
    Abstract: A brush and brush housing arrangement for use with an electric brushed motor containing viscous fluid. The brush and brush housing arrangement comprises a brush housing and at least one brush. The at least one brush comprising a first end that is in contact with a rotating commutator of the motor when in use and an opposed second end. At least one open-faced channel in a surface of the brush extends from the first end to the second end. The open-faced channel provides an exit for entrained fluid from the brush and brush housing, minimizing or eliminating brush lift caused by fluid being forced between the rotating commutator and the brush. Additional pressure relief channels for allowing escape of entrained fluid may be located in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony R. Dopf, Paul L. Camwell, Derek W. Logan, Timothy Neff
  • Patent number: 8513852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a commutation device (1) having a rotatable commutator (2) and at least one grinding element (16, 17, 18, 19) contacting the commutator (2). According to the invention, means (21) for removing abrasion debris (20) occurring during commutation are provided. The invention further relates to an electric machine having a commutation device (1) of said kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Klumpp, Erwin Sinni, Anita Seebacher
  • Patent number: 8513853
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a device for establishing an electrical contact between two device elements moving relative to each other. The device includes a plurality of brushes that may be arranged on one of the device elements and establishes contact on the relative movement of the device elements along a slideway provided on the other device element. The brushes are arranged staggered one behind the other relative to a direction of movement determined by the relative movement. The brush arrangement according to the present embodiments is more robust than conventional arrangements with respect to wear and ageing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Luthardt, Helmut Repp
  • Patent number: 8378548
    Abstract: The present approaches provide a current control assembly with a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a drain for channeling contaminants away from the assembly and the rotor includes one or more slots that rotate with the rotor for outwardly slinging the contaminants. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes the current control assembly having a first ring including a first shaft opening and a first discharge opening. The current control assembly also includes a second ring having a second shaft opening and a second discharge opening, wherein the first and second rings rotate relative to one another, and the first and second discharge openings align with one another to discharge a contaminant. The current control assembly further includes a plurality of conductive filaments configured to transfer current between the current control assembly and a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Hieyoung W. Oh, Jeffrey W. Richardson
  • Patent number: 8193682
    Abstract: An alternator for vehicles, the alternator being provided with a rotary shaft, comprising slip rings fixed to a rotary shaft to be rotated with the rotary shaft, brushes being placed to be in slide contact with the slip rings a brush holder that accommodates the brushes to be held therein; connection terminals fixed to the brush holder, brush leads electrically connecting the brushes to the connection terminals respectively, and a slip ring cover that covers the slip rings in cooperation with the brush holder, wherein the brush holder comprises first chambers in which the bushes are fixedly accommodated second chambers in which the brush leads are accommodated, the second combers communicating with the first chambers, and first air holes formed to open outside of the housing and formed as inlet/exhaust passages communicating with the second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Wada, Hiroshi Ishida
  • Publication number: 20120126661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to slip ring assemblies with separately replaceable ground rings. Also provided are separately replaceable ground rings and methods of replacing such rings in slip ring assemblies, as well as kits for performing the same. The rings, assemblies, methods, and kits of the present invention are particularly useful in wind turbines and other applications where accessibility poses significant obstacles to maintenance operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: MORGAN AM&T
    Inventors: David S. Ketner, John R. Jasek
  • Publication number: 20120001506
    Abstract: A commutation system for a DC motor having a stator including a plurality of windings and a permanent magnet assembly, the assembly comprising: a housing; at least three collector segments connected to stator windings inside the housing; and a rotor assembly in the housing having brushes for connecting the collector segments, the brushes extending from the rotors parallel to the motor axis; wherein the brushes are attached to the rotors to rotate coaxially to each other and contact the surfaces of the collector segments. The system includes proper mechanism for heat conduction from the brushes sliding surface to the external wall. Damping is provided to limit resonance in the commutation system. Also air filtering can be provided to insure clean operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jacques Orban, Maxim Yurievich Vdovin, Alexey Yurievich Vdovin, Evgeny Mikhailovich Sviridov
  • Publication number: 20110241352
    Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed, the wind turbine comprising a nacelle including at least one of a debris-generating device, an inlet for air or an outlet for air. Following this invention, the wind turbine further comprises at least one electro-static filter arranged to filter at least one of the debris coming from the debris-generating device, the air coming into the nacelle through the inlet or the air coming out of the nacelle through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Brian Johansen
  • Publication number: 20110140568
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a device for establishing an electrical contact between two device elements moving relative to each other. The device includes a plurality of brushes that may be arranged on one of the device elements and establishes contact on the relative movement of the device elements along a slideway provided on the other device element. The brushes are arranged staggered one behind the other relative to a direction of movement determined by the relative movement. The brush arrangement according to the present embodiments is more robust than conventional arrangements with respect to wear and ageing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: THOMAS LUTHARDT, Helmut Repp
  • Patent number: 7960317
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Ziegert, Wallace G. Sawyer, David L. Burris
  • Patent number: 7915782
    Abstract: There is described an electrical machine with a rotor shaft, a slip ring, arranged on the rotor shaft, and at least two sliding contacts arranged along the circumference of the slip ring for producing an electrical connection with the slip ring. The electrical machine has one or more extraction devices arranged between the at least two sliding contacts directly via the slip ring and intended for extracting abraded material produced at the slip ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mark Höfel, Udo Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20110062818
    Abstract: The present approaches provide a current control assembly with a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a drain for channeling contaminants away from the assembly and the rotor includes one or more slots that rotate with the rotor for outwardly slinging the contaminants. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes the current control assembly having a first ring including a first shaft opening and a first discharge opening. The current control assembly also includes a second ring having a second shaft opening and a second discharge opening, wherein the first and second rings rotate relative to one another, and the first and second discharge openings align with one another to discharge a contaminant. The current control assembly further includes a plurality of conductive filaments configured to transfer current between the current control assembly and a shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Hieyoung W. Oh, Jeffrey W. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7888838
    Abstract: In an electrical device, in particular a power tool, equipped with a commutator motor, and in an accessory for an electrical device of this kind, a carbon brush shape adapting device is an integral component of the electrical device or of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Florian Esenwein
  • Publication number: 20100244620
    Abstract: The invention relates to a commutation device (1) having a rotatable commutator (2) and at least one grinding element (16, 17, 18, 19) contacting the commutator (2). According to the invention, means (21) for removing abrasion debris (20) occurring during commutation are provided. The invention further relates to an electric machine having a commutation device (1) of said kind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Klumpp, Erwin Sinni, Anita Seebacher
  • Publication number: 20100146524
    Abstract: A method (1000) to automatically detect and rectify a tray block in a disk drive (100) is disclosed. The method comprises detecting an occurrence of a tray block in a disk drive (100) upon receiving a tray-out command or a tray-in command by determining whether the tray (108) is in an intermediate position for a predetermined time period, the intermediate 5 position being a position between a first position within a casing of the disk drive (100) and a second position projecting completely outwards from the casing, the tray arranged to receive a record carrier (110) when in the second position and being supported for movement between the first position and the second position. The detected tray block is rectified by cleaning a brush-commutator interface of a tray motor (102), the tray motor being arranged to 10 move the tray (108) between the first position and the second position. The technique is useful for CD, DVD and BD recorders and for players which have the design of tray open/close mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Kum Chung Loh, Yu Zhou
  • Patent number: 7615908
    Abstract: An alternator for a vehicle is disclosed as having front and rear frames supporting a stator having a stator winding, a rotor fixedly carried on a rotary shaft and rotatably disposed inside the stator while having a field winding, a bush unit accommodating brushes held in sliding contact with slip rings formed on the rotary shaft, and a brush-wear particle collecting section for collecting brush-wear particles resulting from sliding contact between the brushes and the slip rings. In one embodiment, the bush unit includes a bush holder holding the bushes and a sealing plate member having the brush-wear particle collecting section. In another embodiment, the rear frame carries a protective cover formed with the brush-wear particle collecting section. In a further embodiment, the rotary shaft carries thereon brush-cooling means formed adjacent to the slip rings for creating an air stream to cool the brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yamamuro, Shigenobu Nakamura, Hiroki Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20090021102
    Abstract: There is described an electrical machine with a rotor shaft, a slip ring, arranged on the rotor shaft, and at least two sliding contacts arranged along the circumference of the slip ring for producing an electrical connection with the slip ring. The electrical machine has one or more extraction devices arranged between the at least two sliding contacts directly via the slip ring and intended for extracting abraded material produced at the slip ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Mark Hofel, Udo Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20080278025
    Abstract: The invention provides an improvement in a slip ring (20) adapted to provide electrical contact between a stator (21) and a rotor (22). The improvement includes: a current-carrying conductor (23) mounted on the stator; a brush tube (24) mounted on the conductor; a fiber bundle composed of a number of individual fibers (26), the upper marginal end portions of the fibers being received in said brush tube, a portion of the brush tube being crimped or swaged to hold the upper marginal end portions of said fibers therein, the lower ends of the fibers in the bundle extending beyond said brush tube and being adapted to engage said rotor; a collimator tube (25) integral with or surrounding a portion of the brush tube and extending therebeyond, the lower end of the collimator tube being adapted to limit lateral movement of the lower marginal end portions of said fibers in said bundle when the rotor rotates relative to said stator; and a fluid reservoir (28) mounted on the collimator tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Norris E. Lewis, Barry K. Witherspoon
  • Publication number: 20080272670
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Ziegert, Wallace G. Sawyer, David L. Burris
  • Publication number: 20080111440
    Abstract: A sliding contact assembly comprises: at least one contact slide track; a brush holder for holding at least one brush contact member and maintaining the at least one brush contact member in sliding contact with the at least one contact slide track during relative movement between the brush contact member and the contact slide track; and a collecting container disposed to collect particles of abraded material from the at least one brush contact member; wherein a cover is provided to surround substantially the brush holder and the at least one brush contact member, the cover having walls extending along a direction of the contact slide track laterally of the brush holder and the brush contact member and along a side of the brush holder remote from the contact slide track; the collecting container is disposed at a downstream end of the cover; and the cover is designed to channel a stream of air, generated within the cover by movement of the contact slide track, towards the collecting container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLEIFRING UND APPARATEBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Harry Schilling
  • Publication number: 20080061652
    Abstract: An alternator for a vehicle is disclosed as having front and rear frames supporting a stator having a stator winding, a rotor fixedly carried on a rotary shaft and rotatably disposed inside the stator while having a field winding, a bush unit accommodating brushes held in sliding contact with slip rings formed on the rotary shaft, and a brush-wear particle collecting section for collecting brush-wear particles resulting from sliding contact between the brushes and the slip rings. In one embodiment, the bush unit includes a bush holder holding the bushes and a sealing plate member having the brush-wear particle collecting section. In another embodiment, the rear frame carries a protective cover formed with the brush-wear particle collecting section. In a further embodiment, the rotary shaft carries thereon brush-cooling means formed adjacent to the slip rings for creating an air stream to cool the brushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yamamuro, Shigenobu Nakamura, Hiroki Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7067951
    Abstract: A copper-zinc alloy powder of which zinc content is from 10 to 50 wt % and of which mean particle diameter is from 15 ?m or under is added to a Pb-less brush body comprising graphite, copper and a metal sulfide solid lubricant of a copper-graphite brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignees: Tris Inc., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Otani, Masakiyo Shimada, Hirotada Kanagawa, Yukinobu Isoda, Kyoji Inukai, Youichi Murakami, Yasuyuki Wakahara, Masami Niimi, Ryoichi Honbo
  • Patent number: 7038351
    Abstract: A metal-graphite brush for supplying electricity to a coil wound around a core provided at a rotor of a motor is made of sintered material having porosities at a surface of, or inside, the sintered material. The metal-graphite brush is infiltrated by a liquid containing a plurality of kinds of glycol ether having varying numbers of alkylene oxide structure units. The liquid has a boiling point higher than that of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Michihiko Soutome
  • Patent number: 6724123
    Abstract: A brush replacement kit for use with a dynamo electric machine of the kind having a yoke, apertures in the yoke through which brushes of the machine are accessible, and a brush holder assembly for supporting the brushes in a predetermined alignment in relation to a commutator or slip-ring assembly of the machine, the kit comprising replacement brushes of a length exceeding the length of the conventional brushes for the machine, and a cover component comprising a cylindrical band for attachment around the exterior of the yoke to close said brush access apertures in use, said band including radially outwardly extending protrusions to be positioned over said apertures of the yoke in use and thereby to accommodate the additional length of the replacement brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A Raye, Gordon W Brunson
  • Patent number: 6707217
    Abstract: During the operation of an electrical machine, brush dust is generated as a result of a frictional wear of the brushes (5, 50), The brush dust is deposited in undesired locations of the electric machine and causes sparkovers or increased frictional resistance. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention provides for a brush dust collecting device (41) comprising a dust collecting bead (6, 13, 21, 42) mounted in direct plurality to the slip ring (1, 11, 23, 53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Günter Zwarg, Frank Beiser
  • Patent number: 6633104
    Abstract: An apparatus for estimating DC motor brush wear comprising: a wear element calculator adapted to calculate a plurality of wear elements from at least one environmental variable; a wear element multiplier adapted to multiply the wear elements by respective ones of a plurality of wear coefficients to yield a plurality of weighted wear elements; and a summer adapted to sum the weighted wear elements to yield a brush wear estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Erik Hershey, Brock Estel Osborn, Deniz Senturk, Howard Daniel Koontz, Brian Joseph McManus, Edward James Lewandowski
  • Patent number: 6552466
    Abstract: A wet-running direct-current motor for a fuel pump having a commutator (2) formed from carbon lamellas (5), and carbon brushes (3) having brush running faces (6) which are fluted in the direction of rotation. The fluting is obtained by curved, parallel ribs of triangular cross-sections whose apexes define the brush running face. The curved ribs have radii offset from the curvature of the commutator surface, the offset being achieved by offset of the center of the radius of each rib in a direction counter to the direction of relative rotation of the commutator and brushes. The motor is rendered usable for fuel pumps of diesel engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Pierburg AG
    Inventors: Frank Schwabbauer, Reinhard Thienelt, Ronald Rathke
  • Patent number: 6472791
    Abstract: An electrical current collector system (20) comprises a rotatable shaft (28) having at least one and preferably plural electrically conductive slip rings (27) mounted thereon. For each phase, a slip ring is paired with a fixed conducting ring assembly (44). The fixed conducting ring assembly forms an envelope within which slip ring-contacting members are situated. The slip ring-contacting members can take many forms, including brushes (240) or rollers (404). The fixed conducting ring assembly comprises a first conducting plate (200T) and a second conducting plate (200B) positioned parallel to one another to form a conductive ring channel (220) therebetween. The slip ring-contacting members (240, 404) are mounted in the conductive ring channel. An at least partially transparent wall (200W) extends between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate of the fixed conducting ring assembly to further define the conductive ring channel and permit visual inspection of the slip ring-contacting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Copmay
    Inventors: Robert Henry Rehder, Richard Kenneth Barton, James Harold Ferguson, Melvin George Johnson
  • Patent number: 6465926
    Abstract: An electrical current collector system (20) comprises an electrically conductive slip ring (27) mounted to a rotatable shaft (28), as well as a fixed conducting ring assembly (44) having slip ring-contacting members (240, 404) mounted thereon. The slip ring (27) and fixed conducting ring assembly (44) are mounted to have an annular gap (48) formed therebetween. A slip ring support assembly (42) comprising plural post insulators (102) spaced radially about the rotatable shaft attaches the conductive slip ring to the rotatable shaft. The slip ring and fixed conducting ring assembly are at least partially enclosed in a compartment (57), to which a source (302) applies a cooling/cleaning fluid. In accordance with the structure and method of the invention, the source directs the fluid over at least some of the post insulators for cleaning of the post insulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Henry Rehder, Melvin George Johnson, Richard Kenneth Barton
  • Patent number: 6342747
    Abstract: A wing type ultrasonic transducer is free from a reduction in the output power and has one ultrasonic generator. This ultrasonic generator has piezoelectric ceramic materials with two countermasses respectively coupled to the outside ends of the piezoelectric ceramic materials. A rod-like resonator is coaxially coupled to the outside end of each of the countermasses and is used to emit ultrasonic waves to a liquid in a radial direction. An immersible housing covers the ultrasonic generator so as to accomplish a water tightness of the ultrasonic generator. The rod-like resonator may be a solid resonator or hollow resonator. In addition, the rod-like resonator is integral times as long as a half-wavelength (&lgr;/2) at an operating resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Yang-Lae Lee, Pil-Woo Heo, Sang-Jin Park, Jae-Yun Kim, Eui-Su Lim
  • Patent number: 6068926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon brush, which is impregnated with a modified siloxane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Sperling, Harald Friedrich, Gunter Schardt
  • Patent number: 5517072
    Abstract: An improved electric motor having a commutator and brushes incorporates a fluid comprising one or more stable halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons which is liquid from ambient temperatures up to about 150.degree. F., and means for applying said fluid continuously to brushes adjacent said commutator while the apparatus is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Efficient Propulsion, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 5502343
    Abstract: A miniature motor comprising a case made of a metallic material, formed into a bottomed hollow tubular shape and having a permanent magnet fixedly fitted to the inner circumferential surface thereof, a rotor having an armature facing the permanent magnet and a commutator, and a case cap fitted to an open end of the case, and having brushes for making sliding contact with the commutator and input terminals electrically connected to the brushes; the rotor being rotatably supported by bearings provided on the bottom of the case and the case cap, in which an internal space defined by the case and the case cap is filled with an atmosphere of a polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 50-5000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Yoshimura, Kenji Hagiwara, Isao Shibuya
  • Patent number: 5361012
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a continuous bath of high dielectric liquids to the integral components of an electric motor. One such liquid for example, is methyl chloroform. Significant improvements in efficiency are achieved by the continuous injection or splashing of methyl chloroform or other liquids such as aliphatic hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof, which may include halogens, including chlorine and fluorine. A continuous flow of these fluids and various combinations thereof provide positive commutation between the moving parts of rotary machines such as the bearings, brushes and commutator surfaces in the operation of a DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: James J. Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 5357159
    Abstract: A miniature motor comprising a case made of a metallic material, formed into a bottomed hollow cylindrical shape and having permanent magnets on the inner circumferential surface thereof, a rotor consisting of an armature facing the permanent magnets and a commutator, and a case cap fitted to an open end of the case and having brushes making sliding contact with the commutator and input terminals electrically connected to the brushes; the rotor being rotatably supported by bearings provided on the bottom of the case and the case cap, in which an internal space defined by the case and the case cap is filled with an atmosphere of one or more than two types of polymethacrylate, polyacrylate, polyisobutylene, low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, and polybutene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Mabuchi-Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Hagiwara, Isao Shibuya, Kazutoshi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 4707628
    Abstract: A collector housing over the collector and brush assembly of a dynamoelectric machine is provided with a special valve called a vacuum breaker for permitting by manual operation the alleviation of negative pressure within the housing while the machine is in operation so that the collector housing may be rolled back from its normal location for inspection and maintenance of the collectors and brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Alan L. Obley
  • Patent number: 4659954
    Abstract: A sealed enclosure surrounding the brushes and metallic contact members of a dynamoelectric machine is maintained at a positive pressure with an inert gas. A predetermined vapor pressure of a silicone lubricant is maintained in the sealed enclosure. The silicone lubricant mixes with a carbon film on the surface of the metallic contact members to produce a highly lubricating, low-resistance layer which improves the wear resistance and predictability of wear of the carbon brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: George H. Gunnoe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4529899
    Abstract: Leaf brushes for small electric motors having commutator slide surfaces for making electrical contact with a motor commutator and constructed so that a multiplicity of fine ridges are densely formed on the commutator slide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaichi Mabuchi, Toru Yano
  • Patent number: 4519698
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a rotatable photosensitive drum driving mechanism for rotating the photosensitive drum; and a cleaning blade which is capable of being in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum and which removes a residual developer on the outer circumferential surface upon contact therewith.A recess is formed at part of the outer circumferential surface and holds lubricant therein; and the tip end of the cleaning blade feeds the lubricant in the recess to part of the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum which is brought into contact with the cleaning blade to form a thin film of the lubricant upon contacting with the lubricant held in the recess as said photosensitive drum is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Kohyama, Kenshi Toshimitsu