Abstract: A method for monitoring a fan comprises measuring power usage of the fan, determining a derivative of the measured fan power usage, tracking the derivative over time, and predicting impending fan failure based on the tracked fan power usage derivative.

Abstract: This invention is a back EMF permanent electromagnetic motor generator and method using a regauging process for capturing available electromagnetic energy in the system. The device is comprised of a rotor with magnets of the same polarity; a timing wheel in apposition to a magnetic Hall Effect pickup switch semiconductor; and a stator comprised of two bars connected by a permanent magnet with magnetized pole pieces at one end of each bar. There are input and output coils created by wrapping each bar with a conducting material such as copper wire. Energy from the output coils is transferred to a recovery rectifier or diode. The magnets of the rotor, which is located on a shaft along with the timing wheel, are in apposition to the magnetized pole pieces of the two bars. The invention works through a process of regauging, that is, the flux fields created by the coils is collapsed because of a reversal of the magnetic field in the magnetized pole pieces thus allowing the capture of available back EMF energy.

Abstract: An assist drive assembly for adjusting tension in a web generated when the web is moved over a roller in a contacting relationship therewith. A plurality of north and south pole elements are disposed about the roller. A controller is coupled to a magnetic pole sensor and an magnetic coil. The magnetic pole sensor and magnetic coil are disposed adjacent the north and south pole elements such that, when, during rotation of the roller in a direction of rotation, as a result of the web moving over the roller, the magnetic pole sensor observes a south pole element a first signal is generated that actuates the controller to energize the magnetic coil to generate a north pole field that attracts an immediately adjacent south pole element thereby imparting a torque to the roller in a direction of rotation of the roller.

Abstract: A method for controlling operations of power seats for a vehicle, comprises the steps of moving a first seat toward a second seat by a first reversible motor, causing a seat cushion of the first seat to be tipped up, by a second reversible motor, relative to a seat back of the first seat which stands up, sensing loads which are applied to the first and second reversible motors, once stopping the driving of the first reversible motor, when excessive load of the first reversible motor is sensed during the movement of the first seat toward the second seat, thereafter returning the first seat to a position at which the excessive load of the first reversible motor is not sensed and stopping the movement of the first seat, once stopping the tipping-up of the seat cushion, when excessive load of the second reversible motor is sensed during the tipping-up of the seat cushion, and thereafter returning the seat cushion to an original posture thereof and stopping the movement of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A fan motor assembly with integrated redundant availability is recited. The fan motor assembly can include a fan motor subassembly with a first fan motor and a second fan motor, and a fan motor selector mechanism coupled to the fan motor subassembly, so that the fan motor selector mechanism selectively couples the first fan motor or second fan motor to a fan. The fan motor assembly can also include a control unit coupled to the fan motor selector mechanism, wherein the control unit is configured to control the fan motor selector mechanism such that either of the first fan motor and second fan motor is selectively engaged to the fan.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system has a motor in a motor housing in a canister with a receptacle. In the motor housing is a motor control circuit with a printed circuit board. The motor control circuit is mounted to the motor housing using a mounting post having a light guide. The mounting post receives light from a light source on the printed circuit board and guides the light through the mounting post to outside the motor housing. The mounting post can guide the light through structural or non-structural elements. The light provides illuminated information messages to a user. The mounting post has a low voltage connection section for receiving low voltage conductors from outside the motor housing. As the motor control circuit is within the motor housing, the motor housing is a motor control housing. The motor control housing can be separate from the motor housing.

Abstract: A holder of a vehicle blower motor device includes a holder body for holding a motor, a disk-shaped coupling member, and a cover plate. The holder body, the coupling member, and the cover plate define an air duct. Air is introduced to the interior of the holder body through the air duct form the inlet to cool the motor. A cylindrical blocking wall surrounds the inlet. The blocking wall protrudes from the lower surface of the coupling member, which faces the air duct, toward the interior of the air duct. The blocking wall prevents droplets collected on the inlet from reaching a boundary between the cover plate and the coupling member. As a result, a blower motor device having an improved water resistance.

Abstract: An alternating current (AC) electrical motor/generator electrodynamic machine and methods include, according to disclosed embodiments of the invention, providing a wound rotor having a polyphase AC winding and a damper winding. The machine can operate as a low slip induction motor or generator, and alternatively can operate as a synchronous motor or generator.

Abstract: A method of determining magnet pole geometry for controlling cogging in an electric motor includes defining the magnet pole geometry in terms of at least one design parameter, predicting cogging as a function of the design parameter, and from the predicted cogging, selecting a value for the design parameter which corresponds to desired level of cogging in the electric motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an A. C. electrical machine comprising: a plurality of disk-shaped annular stator elements stacked and spaced equidistantly from each other and mounted on a frame; a plurality of disk-shaped rotor elements mounted on a rotational axis and spaced equidistantly from each other such that successive rotor elements are positioned between successive stator elements; a plurality of electrical windings on each of the first stator elements, which when energized with a current flow, produce a magnetic field in a direction substantially parallel to the axis; and a return path for completing a magnetic flux path in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on successive stator elements and through the rotor elements for generating a rotational force in the rotor elements.

Abstract: The brushless direct current motor comprises a housing 10, a stator 13 and a rotor 11 within the housing, windings on the stator, sensors for sensing the position of the rotor relative to the stator and electronic circuitry for switching the current in the windings in response to outputs from the sensors to cause the rotor to rotate relative to the stator. The sensors and at least a part of the electronic circuitry are encapsulated in an electrically insulating and fuel resistant material in a container within the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for calibrating an instrument pointer driven by an electric motor against a mechanical stop without using feedback control. According to the invention, the system for calibrating said instrument pointer comprises a pointer (8) engageable with the electric motor (2) including an intermediate gear (3) for driving the pointer (8). A stop means (5) is positioned at a desired reference point where, in a first powered state, the motor (2) is accelerated at a maximum torque for a first predetermined radial distance to move said pointer (8) towards a position whereat said stop means (5) is engaged. The motor (2) is then re-accelerated at a reduced torque for a second predetermined radial distance, whereby the pointer (3) is caused to be moved and held against the stop means (5).

Abstract: In the actuator device, there are provided the control means to control the rotation of the rotor axis via the driving means in the housing, the rotor axis rotation displacement detection means for detecting the rotation displacement of the rotor axis in the housing, the rotor axis supported rotation-free, the permanent magnet integrated concentrically with said rotor axis, the magnetic field generation means to generate the magnetic field that makes the permanent magnet generate the rotating power, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for modeling an electric motor. The method includes the steps of interpolating a flux density for each angular position within an air gap of the electric motor from a predetermined air gap and tooth magnetization magnetomotive force versus air gap flux density curve, decomposing the interpolated flux density into a set of harmonic components using a fast Fourier transform and determining a flux density error function from the decomposed set of harmonic components.

Abstract: A controller for a vehicle motor includes a switching unit, a capacitor unit, output terminals and wiring lines. The switching unit is provided on a substrate to control power supply to a motor. The capacitor unit is arranged in neighborhood of the switching unit, and is connected to the switching unit. The output terminals are connected to the motor. The wiring lines connect the switching unit and the output terminals in a straight line route.

Abstract: This invention is a back EMF permanent electromagnetic motor generator and method using a regauging process for capturing available electromagnetic energy in the system. The device is comprised of a rotor with magnets of the same polarity; a timing wheel in apposition to a magnetic Hall Effect pickup switch semiconductor; and a stator comprised of two bars connected by a permanent magnet with magnetized pole pieces at one end of each bar. There are input and output coils created by wrapping each bar with a conducting material such as copper wire. Energy from the output coils is transferred to a recovery rectifier or diode. The magnets of the rotor, which is located on a shaft along with the timing wheel, are in apposition to the magnetized pole pieces of the two bars. The invention works through a process of regauging, that is, the flux fields created by the coils is collapsed because of a reversal of the magnetic field in the magnetized pole pieces thus allowing the capture of available back EMP energy.

Abstract: A motor having a rotor and stator for use with a power supply. A power switching circuit connected between the windings and the power supply selectively energizes windings of the stator to generate the magnetic field applied to the rotor to cause the rotor to rotate. A microprocessor circuit including a microprocessor controls the power switching circuit. A module having a module circuit controls the operation of the microprocessor circuit. A module connector connected to the microprocessor circuit releaseably receives the module. The module connector is within a housing and receives the module and connects the module circuit to the microprocessor circuit. The microprocessor circuit is responsive to the module circuit for controlling the power switching circuit as a function of the module circuit, whereby the operation of the motor is a function of the module circuit.

Abstract: A novel low cost limited angle torque DC brushless servomotor is disclosed. The motor itself is a modified standard low cost DC brush motor which is modified by removing the brush assembly and substituting in its place an appropriately configured multiconductor flexible circuit which is coupled between a controller, the commutator and a magnetic rotor shaft angular displacement sensor. The flexible circuit has a dual function—it provides on one hand the conduit for electrical communication between the controller and the commutator and on the other hand between the sensor and the controller. Part of the circuit is supported between a bearing assembly and the commutator and flexes in consonance with the controlled limited angular rotation of the rotor without affecting performance or reliability of the motor. The rest of the circuit remains stationary during motor operation. The bearing assembly supports the sensor and is used to mount the motor in a housing for a pneumatic servovalve or the like.

Abstract: A power train assembly for delivering electrical power to a driven device such as a motor is constructed of an IMS board and a PCB. A considerably smaller and standardized IMS board is obtained by limiting the components on the IMS board to include only inverter transistors, input rectifiers and a thermistor. The only other component is a connector for effecting a simple vertical connection to the overhead printed circuit board which contains the device control and drive components. The power train assembly realizes surface board savings on the order of between 40% to 50% in the IMS. The height of the IMS is also reduced, which makes it possible to replace the usual potting compound with a thin surface coating.

Abstract: An integrated motion control device having a controller mated to a motor body with a set of rigid, electrically conductive signal pins. The motor is direct-current and preferably brushless, and has Hall sensors within the motor body and an encoder at a back end for precisely determining rotor position. Signals from the Hall sensors and encoder are fed to a microprocessor contained in the controller and including a PID filter for servo control of the motor. The controller contains an amplifier for driving the motor and a power supply for providing appropriate levels of DC power to various elements of the controller and motor. All electrical signals between the motor and controller are transmitted via the pins, eliminating wiring harnesses of the prior art and related signal noise and wiring problems. The motor body and controller are affixed with a few screws, allowing the controller to be removed from the motor while the motor remains connected to an application.

Abstract: A motor-assisted power steering apparatus includes a DC motor which is fixed to a heat conductive frame, a torque sensor for detecting steering torque and a control circuit for controlling current supplied to the motor. The control circuit includes a first unit disposed in a space defined by the frame and a commutator of the motor and a second unit disposed outside the motor. The first unit includes multiple switching elements connected to the motor, and the second unit includes a microprocessor for setting motor current, a current detecting unit for detecting current supplied to the motor, a current control unit for providing duty ratio signals and a gate driving circuit for driving the switching elements according to the duty ratio signals.

Abstract: A brushless motor having permanent magnets that can be used as a prime mover for automobiles, in place of internal combustion engines, since the motor can yield high torque during low-speed rotation, as in the case of conventional types of brushless motors and can be used at high torque and with excellent motor efficiency at rotations three times as high as that of conventional types.

Abstract: A noncontacting power transfer apparatus, a noncontacting signal transfer apparatus(to be referred to below as a power coupler and a signal coupler, respectively), and a separate machine apparatus that uses these couplers are disclosed. The power coupler is composed of a primary side and a secondary side that are fixed to a static unit and rotatable unit of the machine apparatus, respectively, such that its output does not vary with arbitrary rotation by the rotatable unit. The signal coupler is composed of receiving side portion having a electric-to-light conversion device that converts an electric signal to an optical signal of rotational symmetry relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable unit and a photoelectric conversion device that converts an optical signal to an electric signal. Accordingly, the rotatable unit can be supplied with power from the static unit even while rotating, and moreover, can communicate with the static unit.

Abstract: Electric motorized vehicular wheels with adjuncts use inside-out motors with interchangeable wire coil stators and interchangeable permanent and electromagnet rotors to roll and stop a load. A 360.degree. auto-steering wheel adjunct uses an inside-out motor with interchangeable stators and rotors attached to a wheel caster adjunct to steer a load. Shock absorption and wheel caster adjuncts regenerate KE continuously from road and tire bumps. Capacitorized hubcap adjuncts hold many kilowatts of electricity to roll, steer, and brake a load while recapturing all available KE from rolling, steering, and braking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for detecting the position and direction of movement and for detecting the dynamic characteristic values of remote-controlled displacements of an adjustable object. According to the invention a signal is detected and evaluated which is solely made up of a system-characteristic signal or the overlapping of several system-characteristic signals. The aim is to achieve a high dissolution of the aforesaid values which are to be detected without using additional sensor or transmitter elements whilst incurring only small production costs.

Abstract: An improved electric propulsion motor for marine vehicles. The motor has an axial gap design with a disk-shaped rotor and two disk-shaped stators. Within the large, open diameter of the motor a sound isolation coupling is disposed between two annular plates that connect the rotor to the propeller shaft. Circumferential thrust bearings counter and distribute electrical and mechanical forces in the motor to maintain the position of the rotor relative to the stators. A journal bearing supports the rotor. Noise reduction is greatly enhanced by the implementation of staggered stators, skewed stator slots, skewed field poles and a current control system that compensates for torque pertubations that are a repeatable function of shaft angle.

Abstract: In the case of a universal electric motor for any kind of drive, with a stator package, a rotatably mounted rotor with commutator, as well as end shields on both sides that also constitute the bearings for the rotor and a switching ring that can be rotated through predetermined angular amounts and carries the (carbon) brushes, it is proposed to insert into the end shield A a closely fitting anchor block that serves for locking together the two end shields with the intervening stator package; further, the switching ring can be mounted on an external annular end face of the end shield B that also carries the switching strips or switching rails needed for switching between clockwise and counter clockwise rotation, complete with contact areas situated in the plane of the annular end face and suitable for axial contacting, the said contact areas making contact with other axial contact areas on the switching ring to establish connections with the carbon brushes.

Abstract: A shifting-field type permanent-magnet motor includes a stator having a stator core, a shading coil and a multiple-layer coil assembly; a control unit for starting the motor and a control unit for free-running the motor for sequentially changing over the multiple-layer coils; and operating-mode changeover means for changing over from a starting operation to a free-running operation. The stator core has a generally donut-shaped main body, a plurality of protruding magnetic poles formed radially on both surfaces of the main body at a pitch of 45.degree., and radially drilled holes having a predetermined width in the circumferential direction. The shading coil has an inner ring arranged on an inner peripheral surface of the main body, an outer ring arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the main body, and connecting wires for connecting the inner ring and outer ring so as to interlink the protruding magnetic poles.

Abstract: A direct current machine construction in which the rotor includes a permanent magnet with the stator including winding energizable from a direct current source. In a first embodiment first and second stationary slip rings are connected to an external direct current source. Coupled for rotation with the shaft are to first and second brush assemblies with brushes which are spring biased and protrude radially outwardly from the rotor shaft. The commutator for the windings is stationary relative to the housing and includes a plurality of commutator segments positioned intermediate the slip rings and in a cylindrical manner facing inwardly toward, and for contact with, the commutator brushes. The windings are on the stator with the winding leads being accessible externally of the stator for enabling switching devices to be utilized for changing of the number of turns of the stator windings for thereby varying the motor characteristics, as needed.

Abstract: A variable speed controllable induction motor comprises a single rotor formed in one-piece having different sets of rotor conductive members effective respectively at different speed ranges, that is, at least a set of first conductive members specifically effective for a lower speed range and a set of second conductive members specifically effective for a higher speed ranges; a plurality of stators disposed side by side surrounding and facing respective portions of said rotor; and a phase shifting apparatus for producing phase differences on the respective portions of the rotor conductive members. The motor can achieve an overall wide range speed control due to the combined effects of the characteristics obtained respectively from the different set of the rotor conductive members.

Abstract: A squirrel-cage induction motor having a sectional stator comprising a first stator fixedly held on a frame, and a second stator circumferentially movably supported on the frame beside the first stator. The second stator is displaced relative to the first stator through a gear mechanism by a control motor through an angle meeting operating conditions of the squirrel-cage motor required by the load. Thus, the squirrel-cage induction motor has satisfactory response characteristics, and the second stator can manually be turned in case the component of the mechanism for driving the second stator, for example, the control motor, malfunctions.

Abstract: A variable speed DC motor contained within a housing having bearing openings at each end, an armature disposed in the housing and pivoted in the bearing openings, the improvement being a first cylindrical field shell surrounding the armature and having a pair of oppositely disposed field pole segments mounted the shell and facing the armature. There is a second cylindrical field shell surrounding the armature and also having a pair of oppositely disposed field pole segments mounted facing the armature. The motor also has a gear means coupled to each of the shells for angularly displacing said first and second shells opposite to each other with respect to the neutral axis of the motor.