Slip Rings Patents (Class 310/232)
  • Publication number: 20020101127
    Abstract: An electric machine having a rotor carrying a field coil has a fan and slip ring assembly. The slip ring assembly is axially remote from the fan portion, the slip ring assembly being electrically connected to the field coil. The point of connection between the slip ring assembly and the field coil is secured to the fan by a thermoplastic retaining member that is ultrasonically welded to the surface of the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Jorge Esteban Silva, Randy G. Parker, Vern H. George
  • Publication number: 20020070625
    Abstract: A rotary electric machine includes a stacked brush, where low-resistance and high-resistance brush layers are disposed at the front and rear end sides in the rotational direction of a commutator, respectively. When the insulation gap between the neighboring segments of a commutator is “a” and the width of the high-resistance brush layer is “b”, “a” and “b” are determined to satisfy a<b and b/a<4 to reduce sparks and improve commutation property. In order to reduce spark generation at the brush front end, especially, when the circumferential width of the segment is “c” and the width of the low-resistance brush layer is “d”, “a” to “d” are determined to satisfy b+d>2×a+c, d>b, a<b and d<a+c.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Katoh, Yasuyuki Wakahara, Masami Niimi
  • Publication number: 20020070624
    Abstract: An electrical current collector system includes a rotatable shaft (28); an electrically conductive slip ring (27); and a slip ring support assembly (42). The slip ring support assembly (42) comprises plural post insulators (102) spaced radially about the rotatable shaft for attaching the conductive slip ring to the rotatable shaft. The post insulators facilitate adjusting of the position of the slip ring relative to the rotatable shaft, e.g., to provide concentric positioning. The post insulators comprise an attachment/adjustment assembly (106) for connecting to the slip ring. In one embodiment, the attachment/adjustment assembly comprises a spring plate (134) which is adjustably biased to provide a preloading displacement that absorbs differential movement due to temperature changes of the slip ring an the rotatable shaft. In one example deployment, the current collector system is provided as part of a rotary transformer system (20) which, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Henry Rehder, Wayne Jerome Martin
  • Publication number: 20020070623
    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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Henry Rehder, Melvin George Johnson, Richard Kenneth Barton
  • Patent number: 6400057
    Abstract: A slip-ring configuration for electric motors and generators is provided, in which brushes made of carbon materials and slip rings of a slip-ring body are electrically conductively connected to each other. The slip rings include metallic rings of standard construction as a slip-ring base and an electrically conductive sliding layer made of a graphite material. The sliding layer has a thickness which amounts to a maximum of 11% of a radius of the slip ring and is electrically conductively fastened to the periphery of the metallic slip-ring base by gluing. A method for retooling slip-ring bodies having metallic slip rings includes machining the metallic slip rings and gluing on a sliding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignees: SGL Carbon AG, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Vesper, Klaus Stadie, Ingolf Hahn, Aloysius Meyer
  • Patent number: 6356002
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a slip ring printed circuit board which includes forming a plurality of concentric spaced electrical contacts on one side of a non-conductive base and forming interconnecting electrical paths on an opposite side of the non-conductive base. The method of manufacturing a slip ring printed circuit board also includes electrically connecting the electrical contacts and the interconnecting electrical paths, depositing copper on the electrical contacts to form electrical rings and etching a groove into each of the electrical rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Kent Witherspoon, Larry Dean Vaught
  • Patent number: 6331743
    Abstract: A magnetic fan clutch having a magnetic field coupling which uses a light weight, strong plastic driving member and driven member to rotate fan blades which are also made of plastic. The fan clutch also uses a plastic mounting member for attaching to a vehicle. Plastic may be used for a vehicle or truck fan clutch because the magnetic coupling between the series of coils on the driving member and the magnetic elements on the driven member may be modulated to provide a slower torque transfer from zero to a full torque transfer over a longer controlled period of time such as over six seconds to eliminate the relatively sharp impact torque transfer pulse heretofore found in fan clutches. This slower and modulated torque transfer with slippage between the driving member and driven member during the torque transfer period reduces the fast acceleration and the resistant high inertia and torque loads of conventional fan clutches as typically found in vehicles or other heavy duty applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: American Cooling Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Larry Ray Link
  • Publication number: 20010033117
    Abstract: A slip-ring configuration for electric motors and generators is provided, in which brushes made of carbon materials and slip rings of a slip-ring body are electrically conductively connected to each other. The slip rings include metallic rings of standard construction as a slip-ring base and an electrically conductive sliding layer made of a graphite material. The sliding layer has a thickness which amounts to a maximum of 11% of a radius of the slip ring and is electrically conductively fastened to the periphery of the metallic slip-ring base by gluing. A method for retooling slip-ring bodies having metallic slip rings includes machining the metallic slip rings and gluing on a sliding layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Wolfgang Vesper, Klaus Stadie, Ingolf Hahn, Aloysius Meyer
  • Publication number: 20010024073
    Abstract: An assembly for transferring current comprises at least one electrically conductive slip ring; at least one electrically conductive brush for supplying current to the at least one slip ring; and an electric or pressure actuator driven vibration source for changing the position of the brush with respect to the slip ring. If desired, brush current can shared by using inductance variations or by selective coupling of rotor windings to the slip rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Gerald Burt Kliman, Lembit Salasoo, Manoj Ramprasad Shah, Konrad Roman Weeber, Melvin George Johnson
  • Patent number: 6294856
    Abstract: A feeder arrangement of an AC generator includes slip rings, brushes, a brush holder in which an air chamber is formed, and a slip-ring cover. A partition member is disposed in the air chamber to divide the air chamber to form a U-shaped air passage having an air passage connecting to the outside of the slip-ring cover and an air outlet passage connecting to the inside of the slip-ring cover, so that air flows through the U-shaped air passage to remove worn powder of the brushes from the slip rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishida, Tsutomu Shiga, Mamoru Toda
  • Patent number: 6283638
    Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by inserting electrically conductive rings and a bearing into a mold before a slip ring body is injection molded. During the injection molding process, the rings and the bearing are partially encapsulated by the injected plastic and retained. Plastic is prevented from entering the race of the bearing by using a pair of additional plastic inserts which prevent plastic from entering the bearing race. When the injected plastic cools, the plastic shrinks and compresses the bearing thereby preventing axial movement. Wires attached to the rings are also encapsulated by the plastic material during the injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry O. Feuer, Jr., Donald L. Grissom, Thomas H. Beeken
  • Patent number: 6259182
    Abstract: To prevent water entering a labyrinth from flowing into contact portions between slip rings and brushes, the labyrinth is formed as a stepped structure by an annular slinger-side stepped portion projecting toward a generator shaft from the inner peripheral surface of a slinger unit and a slip ring-side stepped portion projecting toward the slinger unit from the outer peripheral surface of a slip ring support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuatsu Yoshioka, Shigeru Onoue, Junichiro Otsuka
  • Patent number: 6259166
    Abstract: A generator with double driving machinery. On one side of the generator, a gas turbine is coupled directly with a generator shaft. On the other side of the generator, opposite from the gas turbine, a steam turbine is connected via a transmission gear with the generator shaft. The transmission gear is situated between the generator shaft and a slip ring shaft of a slip ring unit. During operation, the slip ring shaft is not influenced by a torque stress formed by the steam turbine. The generator shaft and the slip ring shaft, as well as a first gear shaft, situated between the generator shaft and the slip ring shaft, are constructed at least partially as hollow shafts. The first gear shaft may also be constructed completely as a hollow shaft. The bores of the generator shaft, the slip ring shaft, and the first gear shaft hold an excitation conductor for transmitting an excitation current from the slip ring unit to the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventor: Josef Tommer
  • Publication number: 20010004176
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a cost effective flat rotor for a pancake type slip ring. A flat copper coil sheet is stamped into a corrugated shape having concentric V-ring grooves. The corrugated stamped copper foil sheet is bonded using a bonding agent to a dielectric layer. Multiple concentric V-grooves are formed by separating the grooves, for example, by machining the grooves at an apex thereof in order to form separate electrical circuits. A corresponding plurality of holes extend through each concentric ring and through the dielectric layer from the first side through the second side. A conductive material is placed in each of the plurality of holes to electrically connect each concentric ring to the second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Thomas Perdue
  • Patent number: 6222297
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a cost effective flat rotor for a pancake type slip ring. A flat copper coil sheet is stamped into a corrugated shape having concentric V-ring grooves. The corrugated stamped copper foil sheet is bonded using a bonding agent to a dielectric layer. Multiple concentric V-grooves are formed by separating the grooves, for example, by machining the grooves at an apex thereof in order to form separate electrical circuits. A corresponding plurality of holes extend through each concentric ring and through the dielectric layer from the first side through the second side. A conductive material is placed in each of the plurality of holes to electrically connect each concentric ring to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Thomas Perdue
  • Patent number: 6175179
    Abstract: A motorized reduction gear includes a slip-ring housing having a pivot and a ramp to guide a spring slidably fitted on the pivot as far as its base. The ramp is preferably formed on a boss of the slip-ring housing which extends on each side of the associated pivot and partially surrounds it. In a final position, one branch forces a brush against the slip ring and the other branch bears against a slit at the foot of the ramp to provide an improved assembly that avoids soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems France
    Inventor: Laurandel Herv{acute over (e)}
  • Patent number: 6049967
    Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by inserting electrically conductive rings and a bearing into a mold before a slip ring body is injection molded. During the injection molding process, the rings and the bearing are partially encapsulated by the injected plastic and retained. Plastic is prevented from entering the race of the bearing by using a pair of additional plastic inserts which prevent plastic from entering the bearing race. When the injected plastic cools, the plastic shrinks and compresses the bearing thereby preventing axial movement. Wires attached to the rings are also encapsulated by the plastic material during the injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry O. Feuer, Jr., Donald L. Grissom, Thomas H. Beeken
  • Patent number: 6012563
    Abstract: In order to reduce its size of a coil-rotation type electromagnetic clutch in an axial direction and to prolong the life of its brush, a sliding current supply mechanism, which has slip rings and slidable brushes which contact the slip rings, is located inside an inner circumference of a housing boss of a compressor. The current is supplied to an electromagnetic coil via the sliding current supply mechanism. Since the sliding current supply mechanism is located in the boss, a current supply passage is formed without increasing the size of the clutch in axial direction. Thus the installation of the electromagnetic clutch in the engine room is facilitated. Furthermore, since the sliding current supply mechanism is located near the rotational center of the clutch, the life of the brush is prolonged due to the small peripheral velocity of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuuichi Aoki, Hiroyasu Sakamoto, Shinichi Fujiyama, Junichi Ohguchi
  • Patent number: 5965966
    Abstract: An improved spindle motor design of a type especially for use in a disc drive is disclosed, which provides a simplified design for installation of the stator over the shaft, and should especially locate the stack both radially and axially in a specific location relative to the shaft so that its location relative to the surrounding, rotating parts of the motor is fixed. In addition, the improved spindle motor design fixes the stack on the shaft through radial interference, eliminating the need for adhesive to fix the stator to the shaft. Also, the design minimizes the cost of assembling the stack on the shaft, isolates the stack and shaft from conveying vibration one to the other, and electrically grounds the stack to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Aiello, Alan Lyndon Grantz
  • Patent number: 5952762
    Abstract: A slip ring amplifier has a rotor fixedly mountable on a rotatable tubular member and carrying an amplifier mounted in a recess connected to a sensor fixedly mountable on the rotatable member. A stationarily mounted stator is coupled to the rotor by bearings. A slip ring brush block with leaf contacts is mounted in a cavity between the rotor and the stator. End caps are mounted on opposite ends of the rotor and the stator and fixed to one of the rotor and stator. Labyrinth seals are disposed between each end cap and the stator. In one embodiment, an electrolytic fluid fills the cavity between the rotor and stator and surrounds the brush block and leaf contacts. In another embodiment, a dielectric coating is provided on the leaf contacts. Conductors extend from the leaf contacts through the stator to a connector fixedly mounted on the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Michigan Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh W. Larsen, Jeffrey A. Menosky
  • Patent number: 5923114
    Abstract: A brushless slip ring includes a housing, a plurality of annular spaces disposed in the housing and spaced apart along a common longitudinal axis, and a cageless assembly of electrically conductive spherical balls freely rotatably disposed in each of the spaces. Each of the spaces is formed between radially inner and outer electrically conductive surfaces of a rotor and stator, respectively, and a pair of axially spaced retainer rings. The spherical balls conduct electrical current between the outer and inner surfaces. The balls are rigid and harder than the inner and outer surfaces and are arranged in an annular row. The balls occupy substantially the entire circumference of the space and are freely circumferentially movable relative to one another within the space for making contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Alfred R. Senni
  • Patent number: 5923113
    Abstract: An arrangement for the transfer of electric current, a liquid medium and a gaseous medium between fixed and rotatable sections. A protective casing surrounds sliding brushes pressing against sliding surfaces. A passage for each medium is parallel with rotation and arranged at a boundary surface between the fixed and rotating sections. Passage transfer pipes in both sections communicate with the passages. A collector chamber arranged in the fixed section and an outlet pipe lead the gaseous medium out of the tubular rotating section. The arrangement for the transfer of a liquid medium is coaxially arranged inside the arrangement for the transfer of electric current. The protective casing provides a collector chamber for the gaseous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Azipod Oy
    Inventors: Tommi Lassila, Timo Leppanen
  • Patent number: 5886447
    Abstract: A rotor for an electrical machine according to one embodiment of the present invention includes first and second individual slip rings mounted on a rotor shaft. A first end of the coil wire for the rotor passes through a first axial passage in the first slip ring and is terminated to conductive material on an axial end of that slip ring. The other end of the coil wire passes through a second axial passage in the first slip ring and through an axial passage in the second slip ring and is terminated to conductive material on an axial end of the second slip ring. The second axial passage of the first slip ring is electrically insulated from the conductive material of that slip ring, so the second wire end does not inadvertently short-circuit to the first conductive material. Also, the first and second slip rings are each designed to cooperate in providing a gap therebetween which provides space to accommodate the termination of the first wire end onto the axial end of the first slip ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael John Hatsios, Richard Kenneth Harris, Michael Timothy York
  • Patent number: 5886451
    Abstract: A rotor for an electrical machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a shaft defining an axis of rotation of the rotor, and first and second pole pieces affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith and together defining an interior cavity. The rotor additionally includes a slip ring affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. Further, the rotor comprises a field-generating coil disposed within the interior cavity, the coil comprising a plurality of turns of electrical wire, the electrical wire further having a section extending to and electrically coupled to the slip ring. Also, the rotor has a retainer disposed exterior to the cavity and adjacent the first pole piece, the retainer comprising a radially-extending channel containing a portion of the section of electrical wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael John Hatsios, Richard Kenneth Harris, Steven John Yockey, Michael Timothy York
  • Patent number: 5866967
    Abstract: Magnetic fluid is inserted between slip rings of a rotor and brushes of a stator. The magnetic fluid is held by magnetic force generated by permanent magnets and yokes mounted on the stator, so as to be sidable relative to the slip rings. In this state, in accordance with rotation of the rotor, the brushes and the slip rings are rotated without direct contact with each other via the magnetic fluid. Thus, the brushes and the slip rings are electrically connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Akira Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5789832
    Abstract: An improved rotor shaft for an alternator reduces the number of corresponding parts thereof. The rotor shaft includes a reinforced insert embedded within a shaft for preventing buckling, the shaft being molded using an engineering plastic; a threaded portion formed at one end of the shaft; a pulley engaging portion formed at the other end of the shaft; a rear bearing engaging portion inwardly formed from the pulley engaging portion; a spline inwardly formed from the rear bearing engaging portion for tightening the rotor; and a small diameter portion outwardly formed from the threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Mando Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Sam-Dong Hwang
  • Patent number: 5773906
    Abstract: A slip ring is made of a carbonaceous material and a brush is made of a metal. A metal connection bar has an insert member held in the carbonaceous slip ring to make a mechanical and electrical connection without the necessity of an additional member. The slip ring and the connection bar are insert-molded in a slip-ring-support made of a resinous material. The slip-ring-support is press-fitted to a rear portion of the rotor so that the slip ring and the connection bar are fixed to the shaft at the same time. Further, the fan unit having a plurality of fan blades and a fan-supporting-portion is molded integrally with the slip-ring-support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuzou Mukai, Kenzo Mitani
  • Patent number: 5767605
    Abstract: An improved brush assembly is provided for conducting electrical power from a fixed power system to a rotating ice protection system. The invention is especially adapted for use with an aircraft propeller ice protection system. According to an aspect of the invention, the brush assembly has a housing with a brush enclosure, the enclosure having slots provided therein for slidably receiving a plurality of brushes. A plurality of wear inserts are disposed in the slots adjacent the brushes in order to provide a wearing surface to prevent excessive wear of the brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: The B.F. Goodrich Company
    Inventor: Michael John Giamati
  • Patent number: 5744892
    Abstract: A slip ring unit which comprises self-lubricated carbonaceous rings and a wear resistive brush made of laminated-elastic-copper-alloy-sheets are used to supply a field current to a field coil which is carried by a rotor of an alternator. Therefore, the space for accommodating the brush and slip ring unit of the alternator is made compact and the alternator size can be made small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuzou Mukai, Kenzo Mitani
  • Patent number: 5739618
    Abstract: In the case of thermal power installations in which a gas turbine and a steam turbine jointly drive a turbo generator, the slip rings (8, 9) are arranged on a separate slip ring shaft (14) which is connected to the actual shaft or machine shaft (10) of the electric machine by means of a first detachable coupling (11). The slip ring shaft is provided on its end averted from the electric machine with a coupling flange (15) which is not connected to the slip ring shaft (14) by welding until after the slip rings (8, 9) have been pushed on.The use of an expensive shrink-on coupling between the turbo generator and steam turbine is avoided in this way without increasing the overall length of the turbo generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Johann Kleinburger, Hans Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 5734218
    Abstract: A slip ring base assembly utilizing a novel construction and manufacturing technique uses a molded or extruded base profile that can be manufactured in various shapes and configurations and is flexible enough to conform to many diameters. A rigid backing is provided, as may be a suitable hub, for stiffening and reinforcing the base profile. Strip or round conducting rings whose surface may be flat, grooved or channeled, are inserted on the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell L. Crockett, Don Grissom, Wayne McCoy, Glenn Lawson
  • Patent number: 5729807
    Abstract: A non-interactive or scavengeless development system for use in color imaging. To control the developability of lines and the degree of interaction between the toner and receiver, an AC voltage is applied between a donor roll and two sets of interdigitated electrodes embedded in the surface of the donor roll to enable efficient detachment of toner from the donor to form a toner cloud. An optical switching arrangement effects an electrical connection between a slip ring and one set of interdigitated electrodes. The optical switch uses photoconductor elements, each having a geometry that results in an optical switching device having a larger capacitance and therefore capable of effecting switching at lower current densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Delmer G. Parker
  • Patent number: 5634800
    Abstract: An improved sliding contact for use with a propeller ice protection system is provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a silver graphite brush forms a sliding contact with a hardened copper alloy slip ring. A sliding contact according to the invention demonstrates improved performance in an oil contaminated environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Giamati
  • Patent number: 5625244
    Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine having a rotor carrying a field coil has a fan and slip ring assembly formed from a thermoplastic material into a unitary structure. A slip ring portion is axially remote from the fan portion, the two portions being connected by thermoplastic material which is formed to cooperate with the rotor shaft to provide channels for capturing coil leads of the field coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Bradfield
  • Patent number: 5612584
    Abstract: The present invention is a slip ring assembly for an automotive alternator, or other appropriate rotary electric machine, which includes at least one slip ring, a plastic body mounting the slip ring, at least one electrical terminal connected to the slip ring and supported by the body and at least one reinforcement ring. The reinforcement ring is operatively disposed on the plastic body and operatively adapted so as to strengthen the slip ring assembly against catastrophic failure resulting from loads applied to the slip ring assembly while it is under severe operating conditions. By employing such a reinforcement ring, the present slip ring assembly can be produced inexpensively with plastic bodies made from polyester and like plastics and yet still be able to withstand operating loads applied under high rotational speeds, elevated temperatures and other adverse conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael T. York, Richard K. Harris
  • Patent number: 5589917
    Abstract: A donor roll for transporting marking particles to an electrostatic latent image recorded on a surface is provided. The donor roll includes a rotatably mounted body and an electrode member mounted on the body. The donor roll further includes a magnetically permeable core external to the body. The core rotates with the body. The donor roll further includes an electrically conductive material positioned on the core. The material is electrically connected to the electrode member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Hart, Delmer G. Parker
  • Patent number: 5570169
    Abstract: A donor roll for transporting marking particles to an electrostatic latent image recorded on a surface is provided. The donor roll is adaptable for use with a commutator for applying an electrical field to the roll to assist in transporting the marking particles. The donor roll includes a rotatably mounted body and an electrode member mounted on the body. The donor roll further includes a connector operably associated with the body, electrically connected to the electrode member, and rotatable with the body. The connector is adapted to be removably connectable to the commutator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Hart
  • Patent number: 5561336
    Abstract: A good electric contact device is provided for carrying electrical current to a rotating cylindrical part; it comprisesat least one conducting plate mounted around the rotating cylinder to be supplied with current, rotating together with it, while establishing a gold, almost frictionless,electrical contact,at least one electrical contact which is stationary during the rotation of the cylinder and provided with at least one housing in which means are set which are supplied with electricity from a generator, said contact having at least one side intended to be applied against one of the sides of the conducting guide so as to transmit to it very efficiently, almost without friction and overheating, the electrical current,andmeans to apply the stationary contact against the rotating guide.These contacts are advantageously used for feeding the electroerosive current to a rotating spindle in an E D Milling machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Charmilles Technologies, S.A.
    Inventor: Roger Girardin
  • Patent number: 5550418
    Abstract: An alternator for use in an automobile comprises a first frame, a second frame, a stator, a shaft, a rotor, a current supply system and fans. The shaft is rotatably coupled to the first frame and the second frame, and extends outwardly beyond the first frame. The current supply system has a pair of slip rings, a pair of brushes and a brush holder. The slip rings are fixed to the shaft, and are electrically connected to a coil of the rotor. The brushes are urged against and in slidable contact with the slip rings, respectively. The brush holder is fixed to the first frame for retaining the brushes; and has a slip ring shield portion for covering and protecting the slip rings. The slip ring shield portion has openings which allow dust produced by the wearing of the brushes to be blown by the action of fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Mando Machinery Corp. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Won Chung
  • Patent number: 5523638
    Abstract: An electric variable speed drive includes a hub member, a driven member, a magnetic coupler, and a rotary electrical connector. The hub member is mounted for rotating with the shaft of a prime mover. The driven member is rotatably supported on the hub member by bearings, and includes a mechanical output portion such as a pulley. The magnetic coupler includes an electric coil and magnetic poles which are mounted for rotating with one of the hub and the driven members. An armature is mounted to the other of the hub and driven members. An electric current is passed through the electric coil to magnetically couple the hub member to the driven member. The extent of the magnetic coupling between the hub and driven members is determined by the electric current passing through the electric coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventors: James W. Albrecht, James R. Boone, Larry D. Best
  • Patent number: 5521478
    Abstract: An actuator for heating, cooling and climatic valves in vehicles includes a gear housing, an electric motor placed therein, a reduction gear acted on by the turning moment of the electric motor, a drive shaft and a position determining device connected thereto. A slide carrier with teeth on its perimeter allows use of an adjusting tool to make adjustments to the position determining device. Other fixing areas are provided on the slide carrier and in the driven gear which make it possible to form lock the slide carrier to the driven gear by means of a rapidly hardening substance without damaging the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Gebr. Buhler Nachfolger GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Bernreuther, Gerhard Bopp
  • Patent number: 5521450
    Abstract: A separate slip ring unit for fitting to an alternator, especially a motor vehicle alternator, has a body of insulating material moulded over electrically conductive elements of the unit. It comprises a first cylindrical body portion with slip rings, a second body portion having elements for electrical connection to the alternator winding, and an intermediate body portion joining the first and second body portions together. The intermediate portion has two branches, including a conductive linking portion embedded in the insulating material. The second body portion comprises a ring of insulating material, made integrally by moulding to a diameter substantially greater than that of the first body portion, and each branch of the intermediate portion comprises a first portion which extends the first body portion, together with a second portion which is divergent radially up to the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventor: Patrick Rondier
  • Patent number: 5486732
    Abstract: A connecting element for a wire end, especially where the wire is a motor vehicle alternator winding, the connector then connecting the wire to slip rings, is formed with a channel for receiving the wire end, this channel being defined between two lugs in facing relationship with each other and joined together through a connecting portion which constitutes the base of the channel. The lugs are bent towards each other so as to grip the wire end. At least one of the lugs has a slot arranged at the level of at least one lateral edge and close to the connecting portion. A portion of the wire end which is bent through about 180.degree. is received in the slot, this bent portion of the wire joining a first portion of the wire end, which extends into the channel, to a second portion of the wire end which extends outside the channel. A separate slip ring unit having such connecting elements, for fitting on an alternator shaft, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventor: Patrick Rondier
  • Patent number: 5481149
    Abstract: A homopolar dynamoelectric machine comprises a solenoid coil for generating a magnetic field, having a cavity formed around an axis thereof. A rotating shaft, which constitutes a rotor, is rotatably provided in the cavity about the axis. A circular plate, which also constitutes the rotor, is integrally fixed on the shaft. A rotating body is rotatably supported by the plate about an axis of the shaft. A first electric current path, through which an electric current can pass from a proximal portion to a distal portion of the rotor, is integrally provided in, for example, the plate. A second electric current path, through which an electric current can pass from a distal portion to a proximal portion of the rotor, is integrally provided in the rotating body. The first and second paths are electrically connected in series, and are adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply in order to supply a direct current to these paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kambe, Tamio Shinozawa
  • Patent number: 5479060
    Abstract: An improved brush assembly is provided for conducting electrical power from a fixed power system to a rotating ice protection system. The invention is especially adapted for use with an aircraft propeller ice protection system. According to an aspect of the invention, the brush assembly has a housing with a brush enclosure and an attachment leg that attaches the brush assembly to a mounting bracket with the brush enclosure spaced to one side of the mounting bracket. According to another aspect of the invention, an internally mounted transient voltage suppressor is provided with minimized impedance between the transient voltage suppressor and the power system connection thereby providing improved lightning protection. These and other features are provided which are described in detail and represent further improvements over prior brush assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Giamati, Tommy M. Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5459364
    Abstract: A slip ring unit arranged to be force-fitted on to an alternator shaft, especially a motor vehicle alternator shaft, is made by moulding insulating material over electrically conductive elements so as to encapsulate the latter. It has a generally cylindrical body which includes two slip rings at its outer surface, the slip rings being connected to two electrical connecting elements for connecting the slip ring unit to the ends of winding wires of the alternator. The body of the unit has a bore for accommodating the alternator shaft. The insulating material is extended beyond one of the two slip rings, to define a collar at that end of the unit on which the fitting force is to be applied. At least one notch is formed in the extension constituted by the collar, these notches extending through the whole axial thickness of the latter so as to leave one side of the adjacent slip ring exposed. The applied fitting force can then be exerted directly on the slip ring, through the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Valeo Equipments Electriques Moteur
    Inventor: Patrick Rondier
  • Patent number: 5437540
    Abstract: A new and improved illuminated blade, ceiling fan apparatus includes a circular planar electrical contact assembly which includes a first circular planar conductor and a second circular planar conductor spaced from the first planar conductor such that the first planar conductor and the second planar conductor are not in electrical contact with each other. A brush contact assembly includes brushes for providing sliding electrical contact with the first planar conductor and the second planar conductor when there is relative rotation between the circular planar electrical contact assembly and the brush contact assembly. Respective sources of illumination, e. g. neon lamps, supported by the fan blade assemblies are in circuit with the circular planar electrical contact assembly and the brush contact assembly, such that the sources of illumination are energized when the brush contact assembly is in electrical contact with the first circular planar conductor and the second circular planar conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventors: Blane T. Blocker, Eva B. Blocker
  • Patent number: 5411662
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane fluid separation assembly having an integral purge control valve or a purge fluid reflux system, which provides a sweep fluid port internal to the assembly. This assembly is useful for, among other things, separating water vapor from a gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick S. Nicolas, Jr., Benjamin Bikson, Salvatore Giglia, David R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5345132
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to, in a vehicular alternating current (AC) dynamo, reduce an influence of vibration on a brush during operation, thereby preventing the brush from wobbling, cracking or causing other damages, also to make the brush sufficiently exposed to cooling air during operation, thereby preventing the brush temperature from rising excessively. In the vehicular AC dynamo, by virtue of a pressing force produced upon a tubular cover integral with a fan guide being fixed to a rear bracket through a seal member, an abutting end surface of a projection of the tubular cover is axially abutted with an inner abutting surface of a recess of the brush holder for pressing and fixing said brush holder against and to the rear bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignees: Hitachi Automotive Engineering, Hitachi, Ltd. and Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Sasaki, Hisashi Wada, Takashi Oguri, Susumu Terumoto, Akihiro Saito
  • Patent number: 5327037
    Abstract: A slip ring assembly (36) adapted to mount on a rotor shaft (38) and to sealingly mount between respective seal surfaces (136,70) on a mold (134) and on a pole piece (24) during molding of a molded rotor assembly (20) is disclosed. The slip ring assembly (36) has a hub (94) supporting a pair of slip rings (102,104), a pair of terminals (96,98) and a mold shutoff ring (100) connected to the terminals (96,98). Seal surfaces (118,120) on the mold shutoff ring are adapted to sealingly mate with the respective seal surfaces on the pole piece (24) and on the mold (134) and to withstand large compressive loads being applied across the mold shutoff ring (100). The mold shutoff ring (100) prevents molten mold material from passing from the mold (134) to the slip rings (102,104) during molding of the molded rotor assembly (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Duane Rasmussen