Illuminating Devices Patents (Class 310/73)
  • Patent number: 11291339
    Abstract: A modular vacuum system includes a first and second canister of different capacities that are configured to store debris. The modular vacuum system also includes first and second power heads that can be coupled to either the first or second canisters. The first and second power heads operate at different voltages that generate a first and second suction airflow. The first and second canisters store debris separated from the first and second suction airflow. The first and second canisters also store debris separated only from the first suction airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Justin D. Dorman, Jason R. Crowe
  • Patent number: 10913171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electric appliances for personal care, in particular electric shavers, comprising a magnetic linear drive unit having first and second drive components supported for linear displacement relative to each other by a first spring device and adapted to magnetically interact with each other, and a second spring device for movably linking the drive unit to a structural element of the appliance. The first spring device is made from plastics such as long-chained PPS, whereas the second spring device is made from steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Braun GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Kraus, Thomas Verstege, Uwe Schober, Frank Ziegler
  • Patent number: 10674872
    Abstract: A hand mixer has a detection mechanism for discriminating between beaters and other rotating accessories. The operation of the mixer may be altered depending on the type of accessory that is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Hoare, Garth Ryan
  • Publication number: 20150022039
    Abstract: An electric motor includes a signal device (5) for the display of at least two different operating conditions. For this, the signal device (5) includes six light diodes (A1-A6) which, with a running motor, are switched in a flashing manner synchronously to one another but shifted in time, so that they represent the rotational movement of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Morten Sofussen, Inger-Lise Volsgaard Jakobsen
  • Publication number: 20140265675
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus configured for monitoring a carbon brush of a brush holder assembly of an electrical machine. The monitoring apparatus may include a flexible sensor and a signal processing circuit for processing a signal received from the flexible sensor. The flexible sensor may have an electrical resistance that varies based on a radius of curvature of the flexible sensor, wherein the radius of curvature of the flexible sensor may be associated with a deflection of a spring providing a force to engage the carbon brush with a rotating component of the electrical machine. The signal processing circuit may be coupled to the sensor and may be configured to determine a measure of a wear state of the carbon brush using information about the variable resistance of the flexible sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CUTSFORTH, INC.
    Inventor: Robert S. Cutsforth
  • Publication number: 20140028131
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor designed for being mounted on a circuit board, the circuit board having a pointer side and a rear side. The motor can be used for rotating an illuminated pointer. The motor comprises a light conveying pointer shaft for projecting through the circuit board from the rear side of the circuit board to the pointer side of the circuit board. The pointer shaft is arranged to convey light to the pointer. The motor further comprises a light guide for conveying light from a light source mounted on the circuit board to a rear end of the pointer shaft, the rear end of the pointer shaft being on the rear side of the circuit board. Thus, the motor can be advantageously mounted on the rear side of the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: JUKEN SWISS TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Rodolfo Esposito, Nicola Gobeli, Leon Rufino
  • Publication number: 20130342050
    Abstract: An electric motor arrangement for a medical, especially dental, tool handle, which is extremely compact and resistant to sterilizing temperatures due to a plurality of advantageous embodiments. The electric motor arrangement is characterized by the following properties: the use of a light source based on SMD-LED or LED as a semiconductor chip; the shortening of the INTRAmatic coupling to between 20 mm and 25 mm; a hermetically extruded stator comprising integrated media tubes and molded connection sockets; the stator winding is embodied as a coil segment winding instead of an H winding or triangle; and the winding head has openings for media tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: KALTENBACH & VOIGT GMBH
    Inventors: Josef Duesing, Alfons Mader, Johann Stempfle
  • Publication number: 20110187214
    Abstract: An actuator assembly having an operation indication function is disclosed. The actuator assembly includes an actuator, a controller and an indication lamp set. The actuator has a motor, a screw, and an extension rod, which has limit positions connected with a limit switch set. The controller controls the motor of the actuator to rotate clockwise or anticlockwise. The indication lamp set is settled on at least one point on a circuit between the actuator and the controller and electrically communicated with the limit switch set. Thereby, when the extension rod touches any of the limit positions and thus triggers the limit switch set, the indication lamp set illuminates to indicate that the extension rod of the actuator reaches the corresponding limit position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Shie-Li Jan
  • Patent number: 7938237
    Abstract: A brake structure for a main shaft of a direct drive torque motor comprises a body, a direct drive torque motor, a main shaft and a brake assembly. The main shaft is provided for fixing the torque motor and the body, and the brake assembly is mounted between the body and the main shaft. An annular brake oil room of the brake assembly is positioned against the main shaft, and the brake seat subassembly has a thinner brake deformation wall formed between the annular brake oil room and the main shaft. The annular brake oil room utilizes its high pressure caused deformation to the brake deformation wall, thus achieving a braking effect by pressing the main shaft. Thereby, the present invention is easy to assemble, and not only can stop the main shaft quickly, but also has a greater locking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventors: Fu-Yuan Cheng, Chih-Hsien Chao
  • Patent number: 7839034
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electricity generator for a lighting tower having a plurality of discharge lamps, each lamp being of power greater than 750 W, the generator being arranged to be driven by an engine, the generator being a multiphase generator having n phases, where n is an even integer, each phase being independent in a magnetic circuit that is common to all of the phases and being configured to power one lamp, the generator comprising a rotor with permanent magnets, having 3 n poles, and a stator concentric with the rotor and subjected to the radial magnetic flux from the magnets, the stator comprising a stack of laminations of silicon iron having a silicon content greater than 0.5% and of individual thickness greater than 0.35 mm, defining 4 n magnetic circuit teeth, with every other tooth carrying a winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Moteurs Leroy-Somer
    Inventors: François Czajkowski, Jacques Saint-Michel, Philippe Manfe, Hédi Kharrat, Michel Renard, Luc Moreau
  • Patent number: 7611267
    Abstract: A system for illuminating a motor vehicle wheel assembly of a motor vehicle is provided, the system including a mount configured to be fixed to the wheel assembly, a plurality of lights fixed to the mount, a control circuit coupled to the plurality of lights to regulate a flow of electricity to the plurality of lights; and a power source coupled to the control circuit to provide said control circuit with electrical power for the lights, wherein the power source includes an electrical energy generating element as well as an electrical energy storing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: William G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7604374
    Abstract: An illuminated alternator for automotive and other motorized vehicles includes a plurality of illumination devices, such as light emitting diodes, bulbs or lasers. The illumination devices are positioned within the alternator. When the illumination devices are activated, light from the illumination devices is reflected by surfaces of the alternator frame and exits the alternator frame through one or more vents, thus providing a glowing or illumination effect that radiates from within the alternator. Different numbers and colors of illumination devices may be used, including illumination devices that emit red, yellow, green and blue light. Illumination devices can also be activated in different sequences and patterns, such as periodically, intermittently, and randomly. An alternator may have illumination devices that are the same or different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Kratz, John G. Agnitch
  • Patent number: 7605500
    Abstract: A miniature generator includes a carrier having a tubular shaft on the inside, a substantially C-shaped permanent magnet mounted on the tubular shaft inside the carrier, a match mounted on the tubular shaft inside the carrier and joined to the permanent magnet to keep the permanent magnet in a slightly unbalanced condition for allowing rotation of the permanent magnet upon movement of the carrier by an external force, and a winding holder sleeved onto the carrier and having wound thereon multiple windings for inducing an induction current upon rotation of the permanent magnet in the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventors: Chin-Lung Liao, Yi-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 7563070
    Abstract: A cooling fan (100) includes a frame (10), a circuit board (20) and a rotor (30). The frame includes a housing (12) and a plate (14) connecting with the housing. The circuit board is mounted on the plate. The rotor is received in the housing and includes a hollow hub (32) and a plurality of blades (38) extending from the hub. A plurality of light emitting diodes (40) is mounted on the circuit board. When the rotor rotates, each LED projects light towards the rotor and to the frame so that the light will be reflected and deflected by the fan whereby the whole fan glows and produces a fantastic visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Lin, Hong-Bo Xu
  • Publication number: 20090015111
    Abstract: A motor assembly for ceiling fans includes a top cover having a plurality of protrusions extending from a top thereof, a bottom cover and a ring-shaped member connected between the top cover and the bottom cover so as to form a case. A shaft rotatably extends through the top cover and the bottom cover. A stator is fixed to the shaft and located in the case, and a permanent magnet is fixed to an inner periphery of the ring-shaped member. A light detection device is connected to the frame and includes a light detection member. A circuit board is located in the light detection device. The protrusions pass through the light detection member to block a light beam emitted from the light detection member to activate the light detection member to send a signal to the circuit board to count the revolution of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Chien Hsun CHEN
  • Publication number: 20080203834
    Abstract: A motor used to drive optical elements includes a stator, a rotor revolved relative to the stator, and a feedback apparatus used to sense the position of the rotor. The feedback apparatus is an encoder. The invention utilizes such described structure so as to eliminate the system's instability caused by the drift of the conventional capacitive type transducer or an inductance type transducer. Moreover, the response of the motor used to drive optical elements has been improved greatly by utilizing multipole motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Shenzhen Han's Precision Mechatronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Feng Gao, You-Yong Liao, Guang-Neng Wang, Xiao-Hui Fu
  • Publication number: 20080203835
    Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) for a motor is mounted to a drum housing or the like in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the surface of the drum housing on which the motor is mounted. The housing for the motor includes an aperture window. Power contacts from the ECU mate with contacts from the motor through the window. Hall-effect sensors attached to the ECU can extend through the aperture to be proximate a ring magnet attached to the armature shaft of the motor. Alternatively, flux guides attached to the drum housing to transmit magnetic flux information from the motor to the Hall-effect sensors. Alternatively, optical sensors attached to the ECU can detect rotations of a reflector ring attached to the armature shaft through the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Torres, Leslie Joseph Marentette, Lian Sheng Zhang, Stephen James Caron, Christopher Michael Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20080174210
    Abstract: A bicycle electric power device includes a dynamo, an electrical device, a power source and a switch. The electrical device is electrically connected to the dynamo. The power source is electrically connected to the dynamo in parallel with the electrical device and configured to chargeably connect to the dynamo. The switch is connected in series with the power source and configured to controllably connect the power source to the dynamo with the dynamo producing no power of its own such that with the switch closed the dynamo is charged by the power source and with the switch opened the dynamo provides boosted voltage to the bicycle electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20080122302
    Abstract: A pneumatic tool includes a nonmagnetic tool housing; a cylindrical rotor inside the tool housing and rotatable in response to a flow of pressurized fluid through the tool housing; magnets mounted in the rotor; and a stator external to the tool housing. The stator is dimensioned to cooperate with the magnets to, upon rotation of the rotor, generate electrical current for supply to a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jon J. Leininger
  • Patent number: 7332841
    Abstract: Provided is a cooler mounted in computer having a transparent case comprising a frame including a coil section including windings, a conductive first bearing on an upper center of the coil section, a conductive second bearing on a lower center of the coil section, and a rectification member electrically interconnected an AC power source and the coil section; a rotating assembly including blades, a conductive shaft passed the first and the second bearings, and a magnet spaced around the coil section, the magnet being magnetized by applying DC current from the rectification member to the coil section for rotating the rotating assembly; and a load placed on the rotating assembly and including LEDs and a conductive ring put on the shaft and biased against the first bearing. Applying AC to the rectification member will rotate the rotating assembly and cause LEDs to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Sam Hsu
  • Patent number: 7275844
    Abstract: A bicycle headlamp including: a rotor having a plurality of magnet plates attached to spokes of a bicycle wheel, each magnet plate including a plurality of magnets disposed at regular circumferential spacings with alternating south and north poles; and a stator including a power-generating coil disposed in a fixed position to face the magnetic pole faces of the magnet plates. A case includes at least a headlamp electrical circuit for establishing resonance with a certain relative speed of the magnets by means of the power-generating coil and a capacitor connected in series, and for rectifying, smoothing out, and outputting electric power obtained from the power-generating coil. Also included are a light-emitting diode and a condenser lens for focusing light emitted from the light emitting diode in front of the bicycle and for illuminating the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Akidenki Kabushikigaisya
    Inventor: Masashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7121697
    Abstract: An illumination device comprises a rotating member secured to a hub of a fan of a computer having a transparent case and including LEDs, a receptacle formed above a center, the receptacle including a projected head and an internal electromagnet, control circuits each for periodically controlling an on or off of one or more of the LEDs, a coil of wire surrounded by the electromagnet, and positive and negative terminals; and a fixed member secured to the fan and including a central slot snugly coupled to the head for fastening the receptacle and the fixed member together. Turning on the computer, the fan, the rotating member, and the coil of wire will rotate so as to cut magnetic lines across a space defined by the electromagnet, induce a voltage in the terminals, and illuminate or flash the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Sam Hsu
  • Patent number: 7102258
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a manual electric generating device, which comprises an upper casing, a lower casing; a rotor, a fixed stand, a hollow cylinder, a coil for generating power supply; and a printed circuit board for processing and outputting the power supply. The power supply is outputted to a portable electronic device for charging its battery or lighting up its indicating lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Kun-Tsai Shen
  • Patent number: 7023122
    Abstract: The first magnet (9) is set free to tumble within a tumbling chamber (10). A coil (11) wound around the out surface of the tumbling chamber (10). The two ends of the coil (11) are connected to the terminals of an LED (light emitting diode) (3). There may be some arbitrary, relative motion between the first magnet (9) and the second magnet (2). The magnets depicted with dotted lines represent alternative, relative motions of the second magnet (2) with respect to the first magnet (9). As the first magnet (9) and the second magnet (2) pass close to one another, the mutual interaction of the magnetic fields is sufficient to cause the first magnet (9) to tumble in the tumbling chamber (10). As the first magnet (9) tumbles in the tumbling chamber (10), a varying magnetic filed flux is effected through the coil (11) and a corresponding electric current flows through the coil (11) thus illuminating the LED 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Qin Gang
  • Patent number: 7018071
    Abstract: A light apparatus, which produces a central motionless light beam and at least one light beam rotating around the central beam, includes a cylindrical housing, a parabolic reflector, a lamp having a light sours in reflector's focus and a rotating non-transparent disk having a central round opening and at least one non-central opening. The disk is placed in front of the lamp with the reflector. The disk rotates without use of an electromotor. For rotation, the disk is mounted in an inner mobile metallic, for example aluminum, ring of ball-bearing, wherein balls, separators and an outer fixed ring are electric insulators. The diameter of the disk is preferably close to the diameter of the inner ring and to the diameter of the reflector. The inner ring is rotated by a rotating magnetic field. The disk rotates together with the inner ring. The rotating magnetic field is created by an inductor-stator, when the inductor-stator is supplied by polyphase alternating electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Lyudmila Belousova, Julia Viseysky
  • Patent number: 6882071
    Abstract: A multiple-function pumping device includes a pump for supplying at least one jet, an electric motor with a stator and a rotor for driving the pump, and circuitry for electrically connecting the motor to a main voltage power supply line. The stator is provided with an excitation winding. The stator has electrical circuit components for powering an external lighting device with low voltage. Preferably, the low-voltage powering circuit components include an electric transformer having as a primary circuit the excitation winding of the motor and further include a secondary circuit which is also wound around the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Eden SRL
    Inventor: Samuele Lolato
  • Patent number: 6822357
    Abstract: A luminous device capable of automatically generating power includes a set of induction coils with one end connecting to a luminous element and placed inside a light conductor which is fastened onto a steel wire of a wheel via a fastening structure; one or more than one magnets are disposed inside a magnet case corresponding to the set of induction coils. Therefore, when the wheel spins, it drives the light conductor to rotate thereby generating electric current between the set of induction coils and the magnet to further drive the luminous element. In addition, the light conductor guides the light source of the luminous element outwardly so as to generate luminous and warning function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Pao Chuang Hung
  • Patent number: 6713905
    Abstract: A rotary power tool having a light source includes a housing, an electric motor provided in the housing and an elongated spindle engaged with and adapted to be rotatably driven by the motor. A rotatable holding assembly is attached to an end of the spindle and extends from a front end of the housing for holding a tool accessory. At least one magnet is adapted to be rotated by the spindle for producing a magnetic field, and a generally tubular sleeve is attached to the front end of the housing. At least one light emitting diode projects from a front end of the sleeve, generally between the inner and the outer surfaces of the sleeve. An inductive coil is also imbedded at least partially in the sleeve generally between the inner and the outer surfaces, proximate the magnet for generating an electric current from the magnetic field. Electrical conductors are also embedded and routed through the sleeve for supplying the electric current from the inductive coil to the light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: S-B Power Tool Company
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hirschburger, Allen M. Oles
  • Publication number: 20020136021
    Abstract: An automatic wheel-driven generating means mainly includes a base fixedly mounted on a wheel around an axle thereof and provided with a centered hollow column and one or more radially extended hollow pipes for each receiving a light-emitting element therein; a winding reel enclosed between left and right magnetic poles and fixedly mounted on the hollow column; and a magnet holder having a cap screwed into a center thereof and being fixedly mounted on the axle. The magnet holder carries magnets and is associated with the winding reel and the magnetic poles without contact with them. When the wheel rotates, the winding reel and the magnetic poles on the base rotate along with the wheel relative to the magnet holder that is unmovably fixed on the axle, so that an induced current is produced to drive the light-emitting elements to emit light beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Pao-Chuang Hung
  • Patent number: 6382820
    Abstract: An illuminating novelty device for a hubcap that includes a primary housing, illuminators, and a generator. The illuminators include a strip of LEDs that extends diametrically across the primary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Hyon Chol Chung
  • Patent number: 6147880
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting an electronic component to an electric motor starter comprises a mounting bracket and a locating bracket. The locating bracket releasably attaches to the mounting bracket and to the associated motor starter. The mounting bracket comprises light and switch mounting portions for releasably engaging the light and switch modules, respectively. A pair of snap-fit fasteners extend outwardly from the switch mounting portion for releasably engaging the switch module. The light mounting portion includes an aperture and pair of slots disposed therethrough for releasably receiving the socket and legs of the light module. A snap-fit fastener extends from the back side of the mounting bracket for releasably engaging the locating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Fuhr, Michael C. Guerrette
  • Patent number: 6116763
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating rotating wheels are described. The device requires no external power and relies on the rotation of the wheeled power generator located in the hub cap or other mounting area of the wheel. Construction comprises a coil having an axis of rotation, the coil being substantially on the axis of the wheel so that when the wheel rotates, the coil rotates similarly. A magnet is mounted around the coil in such a manner that it is self orienting. This is achieved by means of an asymmetric weight which is of sufficient dimensions and weight so as to counteract the rotational tendencies of the structure to which it is rotatably mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the weight is attached to the magnet by one or more elongated members incorporating compression means which absorb transitory vibrations experienced by the weight during the vehicle's movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Richard John King
  • Patent number: 5982059
    Abstract: A generator and lighting assembly is provided for use on a mechanism, e.g. a power driven tool, having a shaft that is rotated during use. The assembly includes a rotor assembly 122 including a rotor shaft 102 affixed to the mechanism shaft, and a permanent magnet 132 supported on the rotor shaft for rotation therewith. A stator assembly 124 is also provided, and includes a body presenting pair of electrically conductive arms 138 extending on opposite sides of the rotor and an electrically conductive shank 140 connecting the arms together, and a winding 136 of electrically conductive wire supported on the body and presenting a pair of opposed ends. The assembly includes a lamp assembly 128 for providing illumination to an area to be lighted, and includes a light emitting diode (LED) embedded in a solid transparent bulb formed of a synthetic resin composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Marty J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5949190
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine-driven discharge lamp lighting apparatus including an internal combustion engine and a generator driven by the internal combustion engine to generate an output voltage and capable of lighting a high-voltage discharge lamp such as a high-voltage mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp or the like without using any ballast including a leakage transformer, to thereby eliminate problems due to incorporation of the ballast therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tooru Notsu
  • Patent number: 5793130
    Abstract: A miniature electric generator and lighting apparatus is provided for use in a power-driven tool. The apparatus includes a rotor assembly 22 having a permanent magnet, and a stator assembly 24 within which the shaft and magnet are received. The stator assembly 24 includes a pair of electrically conductive arms 38 extending on opposite sides of the rotor, an electrically conductive shank 40 connecting the arms together, and a winding 36 of electrically conductive wire presenting a pair of opposed ends. A lamp 54 is connected to the ends of the winding by a circuit 52 so that it is powered upon rotation of the shaft. A housing assembly 30 supports the stator assembly 24 on the output shaft of the tool, and is secured to the tool. The housing assembly 30 and cooperating structure 42 position the stator assembly 24 relative to the magnet 32 to prevent contact between the stator element 34 and the magnet during rotation of the output shaft 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Marty J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5793142
    Abstract: An induction motor includes a stator defining stator inner and stator outer diameters extending about a longitudinal axis, the stator includes a plurality of windings extending longitudinally and circumferentially about the longitudinal axis between the stator inner diameter and the stator outer diameter, passing an electric current therethrough to create a magnetic field, a rotor extending along the longitudinal axis having a rotor length and a rotor outer diameter less than the stator inner diameter, the rotor being rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the stator in response to the magnetic field, the rotor including a hoop portion disposed adjacent the rotor outer diameter and extending radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis, the hoop portion being a solid unitary structure being fabricated of an Aermet alloy material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Richard T. Salter, II, James L. Kirtley, Jr., Gita P. Rao, Dariusz A. Bushko, Gary Colello
  • Patent number: 5739604
    Abstract: The stator of an electric motor is provided by coils 22 disposed in an interrupted-annular array about a central space such that a path A through the array is provided whereby a selected one of a plurality of rotors 21 can be moved in the plane of and through the array into and out of said central space. In the preferred embodiment each rotor 21 is a gobo freely rotatable on a wheel which can be indexed to bring it into a light path, when it will be positioned to be rotated when the coils 22 are energised. The non-annular disposition of the coils 22 results in a motor of low torque but it is is adequate to rotate a gobo disc, which is simply a perforated sheet of metal. As applied to a disco lighting unit the motor of the invention provides a much cheaper and simpler drive arrangement for gobo discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Mad Lighting Limited
    Inventor: David Thomas Summerland
  • Patent number: 5662405
    Abstract: A pedal for a bicycle including a body portion formed with a plurality of recesses on a circumference thereof, the body portion being formed with an opening at a central portion thereof, a plurality of light-emitting diodes fitted in respective recesses of the body portion, an axle fitted in the opening, a pair of solenoids installed in the body portion and located at opposite sides of the opening, and a pair of permanent magnets mounted on opposite sides of the axle and disposed between the two solenoids, whereby the pedal will emit light when the bicycle is propelled by the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Pao-Hsiu Kuo
  • Patent number: 5455485
    Abstract: A lighting system, in particular for bicycles, which operates in accordance with the principle of a wind generator. The lighting system (1) is mounted at the front of the bicycle above the front wheel. A system comprising a dynamo (2), propeller (3), electrical circuit (6), battery (4) and lighting devices (5) which are adapted to each other permits the illumination of a tail light even when stationary. A voltage monitor and an overload protector are part of the circuit (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Michael Kutter
  • Patent number: 4862581
    Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine, preferably a motor adapted for use in ceiling fan applications, has a conventional rotor assembly mounted within a bore of a stator assembly. A stationary shaft extends through the rotor assembly and provides both a cableway for electrically connecting the motor to a source of electrical energy and for permitting the attachment of additional apparatus on one end of the stationary shaft. A retainer is mounted on the stationary shaft and positions the rotor assembly with respect to the stator. The rotor assembly is attached to a hub which rotates with the rotor and provides means for attaching blades to the motor. The stator is press fit into an end shield and the resulting structure is a compact, light weight, efficient dynamoelectric machine. The end shield is provided with means for attaching a decorative enclosure about the motor, so that the asthetic appearance of the motor can be enhanced substantially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Neal B. Royer
  • Patent number: 4648610
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of causing light to be emitted from a roller skate wheel. The light is produced with energy obtained from the motion of the wheel. This invention uses a permanent magnet and an electrically conducting coil, wound around a magnetically permeable core, to produce electrical energy. The energy is used to produce an electric current through a light emitting diode, which results in light being emitted from the body of the wheel when the wheel rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: James A. Hegyi
  • Patent number: 4298910
    Abstract: A roller skate wheel has an inner body portion for securement to the axle of the roller skate and an outer body rotatable about the inner body on appropriate bearings. A permanent magnet is secured to the inner body in flux coupling relationship with electrically conducting windings carried on the outer body. When the wheel rotates, electricity is generated on the windings and used to energize light emitting diodes carried on the outer body of the wheels. The generated electricity is of the alternating type and since the light emitting diodes are essentially polarity-sensitive, they will be energized on only positive half cycles of the current to thereby provide a flashing or stroboscopic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: RJM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Price