Starting Control Patents (Class 318/778)
  • Publication number: 20090121670
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a soft-starter having a new constructive arrangement comprising SCRs and a by-pass contactor connected through busbars that also provide an external connection to the soft-starter. The SCRs (10) and the contacts (30, 31) of the by-pass contactor are positioned next to the heatsinks (201, 202, 203), which by their turn are interconnected to each other by a busbar (41) and connected to the supply network by a busbar (401) and to the motor by a busbar (402), the contacts (30, 31) of the by-pass contactor being set in motion by a coil (35) activated by an electrical current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Martin Brand
  • Patent number: 7531983
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for controlling a motor of a disk drive. The method is used to stably control the startup current of a motor by considering a voltage drop and the disk drive uses the method. The method includes managing power-on reset retry information generated during the startup of the motor and determining the startup current of the motor that corresponds to a power-on reset retry count included in the power-on reset retry information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Jeong, Kwang-jo Jung, Da-woon Chung
  • Patent number: 7518837
    Abstract: A control device for soft starting and protecting overload of a motor in a power tool is disclosed. The control device comprises a power switch, a varistor, several diodes, several resistors, several capacitors, a relay, a transistor, a triac, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller is embedded with program such that, after the power switch is turned on, the microcontroller generates a smooth soft start voltage to drive the power tool. With the characteristics of power-control device, the voltage sent to motor is increased from low to full range. When the speed of motor is increased from low to the maximum, the microcontroller turns off the power-control device and turns on a relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Uan Chung Enterprises Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tai-Yuan Tseng, Mu-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 7514897
    Abstract: A method and a circuit for controlling a triac intended to be series-connected with a resistive element of positive temperature coefficient or which is at least capacitive, and a winding for starting an asynchronous motor, for supply by an A.C. voltage, the present invention including the steps of: detecting a voltage representative of the voltage across the series connection of the element and of the triac; comparing this detected voltage with respect to a threshold; and blocking a turning back on of the triac when the threshold has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventor: Laurent Gonthier
  • Patent number: 7511446
    Abstract: A system and method for starting and regulating a wound rotor motor (320) including a phase-controlled SCR converter (350) and a drive circuit (330, 340) having a voltage source inverter (340) and a voltage source converter (330). The SCR converter (350) regulates power transmitted to the drive circuit from the rotor of the motor so that the ratings of the drive circuit are not exceeded. A shorting contactor (390) is employed in various embodiments to increase the efficiency of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: TM GE Automation Systems LLC
    Inventor: Paul S. Bixel
  • Publication number: 20090067110
    Abstract: A switching device comprising switching means for switching at least one current phase between responsive current phase input and responsive current phase output, the switching device being suitable for switching electrical current of a power circuit of an electric motor, further comprises a first communication system interface for a first communication system, a second communication system interface for a second communication system, and a selecting unit adapted to select whether the switching device is a master or slave in relation to said second communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Stefan Beyer, Peter Hauselt, Rainer Keil
  • Patent number: 7501785
    Abstract: A starting system for a single-phase induction motor, comprising: a stator having a running coil (11) and a starting coil (12); a power source (F) which supplies current to said running coil (11) and said starting coil (12); a running switch (S1) and a starting switch (S2), respectively connecting the running coil (11) and the starting coil (12) to the power source (F) when in a closed condition; and a control unit (30) which is programmed to operate the running switch (S1) so as to cause a delay in the supply of the current supplied to the running coil (11) in relation to the supplied of the to the starting coil (12), during the motor start for a determined time interval which is previously defined and considered from the zero-crossing moment of the current supplied to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventor: Marcos Guilherme Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7498762
    Abstract: A motor includes a drive circuit for driving a rotor by controlling a current applied to an armature winding of a stator, and a capacitor for smoothing a voltage supplied to the armature winding and/or a capacitor for smoothing a supply voltage from outside on a same board. The board and the stator are integrally molded in using resin. Prior to the molding, capacitors are sealed inside a cylindrical metal case with a closed top face by rubber, and a pair of lead terminals protrude outside through this sealing rubber. The capacitors are mounted upright on the board and fixed by applying adhesive at two diagonally opposite areas on a bottom end of the metal case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Takada
  • Patent number: 7498763
    Abstract: Current consumption during the starting process of a single-phase a.c. asynchronous motor is reduced by an apparatus including a thermistor which can be mounted in series with the main winding of the motor. A starting capacitor can be mounted in series with an auxiliary winding, and current and voltage peaks of the starting capacitor can be reduced by a posistor. The thermistor is mounted in series with the main winding at the beginning of the starting process, and can be bridged by a switch once the starting process is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Roland Weigel
  • Publication number: 20090021206
    Abstract: A soft start-up system for a motor that minimizes formation of surge and effectively contains its impacts upon any other source voltage in the peripheral to further promote safe power consumption is mounted on a motor source circuit and includes a power resistance and a relay; the power resistance is electrically connected in series to the motor; and the relay is connected in parallel with the motor and has a contact connected in parallel with the power resistance. Upon starting up of the motor, a drop generated at a working point to create delayed LV soft start-up for the motor under the condition of the activation point of the relay is OFF; and once the motor is started up, amperage drops and the relay is triggered off by returning to a working voltage connected in parallel to the relay, source at the working contact is conducted ON for the motor to resume its normal operation status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Kuo-Lung Kuan
  • Publication number: 20090015189
    Abstract: A motor starter whose production is improved is specified. In at least one embodiment, the motor starter includes a power semiconductor switch, an electromechanical bypass switch connected in parallel therewith, and control electronics to drive the bypass switch. In at least one embodiment, the control electronics are in the form of a printed circuit board assembly which is fixed to the bypass switch in an installed position, and the printed circuit board assembly and the bypass switch are designed such that, when being fixed, the printed board assembly makes electrical contact with the bypass switch at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Jurgen Trottmann, Johann Seitz, Markus Meier
  • Publication number: 20090015190
    Abstract: An arrangement for the control of a soft starting or stopping of a three phase current motors (1), a so-called soft starter, is furnished for starting of heavy mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic drives. In order to obtain a space savings with individual or multiple installation and to obtain a better accessibility during servicing, at least one switch cell (3) is formed in a switching cabinet (2), wherein the switch cell (3) comprises at least a three phase power block (4), and the power electronic (5) as well as contactors (6, 18) and is as a unit towards the front easily demountable or inversely incorporatable and is arranged without attachment at the rear or side wall (8) of the switch cabinet (2). In addition, it is furnished that in contrast a separating switch (9) attached at the switch cabinet wall (2) with a collection rail connection (10) by way of a pluggable contact coupling (10a) is connectable upon shifting inside and disengageable upon pulling out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Andreas Siemes
  • Patent number: 7459877
    Abstract: A solid state reversing AC motor starter that employs a DC power source and a power bridge employing insulated gate bipolar transistors that provide an ungrounded three phase AC output. The AC output is connected to the power input of the motor starter, which requires simultaneous RUN and Directional Commands to initiate valve actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co., LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Cook
  • Patent number: 7451609
    Abstract: A compressor is operable to compress refrigerant at a variable operation frequency. According to a method of controlling the compressor, the compressor starts operating, and just after that, the compressor operates at a first frequency for a first period of time. Just after that, the compressor operates at a second frequency lower than the first frequency for a second period of time longer than the first period, and after that, the compressor operates at an ordinary operation. This method does not cause the compressor to generate an abnormal noise or obstruction to lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Ikutomo Umeoka, Makoto Katayama, Junichiro Yabiki
  • Patent number: 7446500
    Abstract: In an anti-crease operation incorporated after the program sections wash and spin to loosen laundry in the drum, the user should be offered the possibility of being able to actively influence this operation. For selecting the adjustable parameters for the duration and sequence of the anti-crease program the user is supported by a display and can depart upward or downward from predetermined values dependent on type or textile and loading after checking for compatibility. The detachment of the laundry ring at the inner wall of the drum can be monitored by measuring valid variables of state as a criterion for loosened and disentangled laundry at the beginning of the anti-crease operation in the reversing phases and comparing these with desired data which were determined in a short analysis section installed before the beginning of the actual wash program. As a result, errors in identifying a laundry ring can be largely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Schulze, Martina Wöbkemeier
  • Publication number: 20080218117
    Abstract: A method for turning a three-phase alternating current motor on again, after it has been separated from a supply voltage, if a residual field voltage induced by a rotor residual field is present, and to an electrical circuit for implementing the method. The time progressions of the residual field voltage and the supply voltage are recorded, and the phase difference between the voltages is calculated in advance from the time progressions. A time point ts is determined, at which the phase difference goes below a predetermined maximum value ??max. A switching command for applying voltage is triggered at a time interval that corresponds to a predetermined switching time delay ?s, before the time point ts is reached, so that the motor is connected to the supply voltage approximately at the time point ts. The electrical circuit has a measurement value detection device, a microcontroller and a direct current setting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Ulrich Kern, Stefan Pohler, Hans Otto Seinsch
  • Patent number: 7408321
    Abstract: Apparatus for driving a three-phase compressor assembly from a single-phase electrical power supply having first and second power lines, said three-phase compressor assembly comprising a compressor having a rotatable shaft, an electrical motor having a rotatable shaft coupled to the rotatable shaft of the compressor, the electrical motor having at least first, second and third motor windings and having at least first, second and third terminals connected to the first, second and third windings, means adapted to connect the first and second power lines of the single-phase power supply to the first and second terminals and a torque augmentation circuit for injecting current into the third terminal and including a capacitor and an electrical component in series with the capacitor, said electrical component having resistive characteristics and having means for essentially interrupting the current being injected into the third terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Otto J. M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7405533
    Abstract: After a power source is turned on, the motor stars by feeding a current to the auxiliary wiring for a first predetermined period. Then, a voltage induced in the auxiliary wiring is detected. Whether or not the detected inducted voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage is judged. The detected induced voltage is judged to be lower than the predetermined voltage when the shredder cannot cut the paper and the rotation speed of the motor is decreased. In this case, since the current is fed to the auxiliary wiring for a second predetermined period, the rotation speed of the motor is increased and an output torque is also increased, which leads to the cuttable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tsubaki Emerson Co.
    Inventors: Tsuneo Nagahama, Yoshiaki Yokoi
  • Publication number: 20080174261
    Abstract: Power capacitors for AC motors are mounted diametrically on associated transmissions. The power capacitors are in one embodiment annular and in another embodiment, arcuate. By having power capacitors mounted on transmission housings diametrically, cooling of the power capacitors is facilitated for both air and liquid cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Terence G. Ward, Alex Thompson, Brian A. Welchko
  • Publication number: 20080174262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of powering a single-phase asynchronous electric motor, comprising first and second windings, in which method one of the windings is powered by AC mains while the other winding is powered by an inverter that receives a rectified voltage from the mains and that is controlled in such a manner that said second winding is powered with a voltage of waveform that is offset relative to that from the mains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: MOTEURS LEROY-SOMER
    Inventor: Ali Makki
  • Patent number: 7402976
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an operation of a compressor includes a controller for generating a control signal for selecting an operation mode of a compressor according to an operation load of the compressor; a first switching unit connected to a motor consisting of a main coil and a sub-coil and selecting the main coil or both the main coil and the sub-coil according to the control signal; first and second capacitors electrically connected with the first switching unit; and a second switching unit connected to the first capacitor and selectively connecting the first capacitor in parallel to the second capacitor according to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chel-Woong Lee, Chang-Oh Kim
  • Patent number: 7394214
    Abstract: In order to solve a problem that a motor generates a noise so as to deteriorate an environment in a vehicle if a field weakening control is executed to the motor of a electric power steering apparatus, in the case that a vehicle speed is high, the same field weakening control as the conventional one is applied to the motor because a noise generated due to a friction between a tire and a road surface and a wind noise of a vehicle body are large, and in the case that the vehicle speed is low, the field weakening control is weakly applied in comparison with the conventional one because the noise generated by the motor is felt relatively largely. Accordingly, the field weakening control can be executed in response to the vehicle speed in such a manner as to make the motor noise smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignees: NSK Ltd., NSK Steering Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Endo, Yuho Aoki
  • Publication number: 20080150471
    Abstract: A method of starting and apparatus for starting a multiphase electrical machine is disclosed. The aim is to reduce oscillatory pulsation in torque generated by the motor and inrush current that occurs shortly after start-up. The starting method comprises the steps of first connecting at least one, but less than all, of a plurality of windings to a respective phase-shifted supply voltage at a controlled point in the supply phase. Then, after a controlled delay following the connection made in step i., connecting the or each remaining winding of the machine a respective phase-shifted supply voltage. The invention has particular application to multiphase (most usually, 3-phase) motors. However, it can also be applied to other electrical machines, such as generators and transformers. The method can be performed at initial start-up or, in the case of application to a motor, at Y-delta switchover. On reconnection of a load generating a significant back-e.m.f., the 2-step process is initiated when the back-e.m.f.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Unsworth, James Joseph Kinsella
  • Patent number: 7345449
    Abstract: A polyphase AC induction motor is connected to a power supply through a soft starter having three sets of inverse parallel connected silicon controlled rectifiers with each set corresponding to one particular phase. Low speed starting and operation of the motor can be accomplished through triggering circuits controlling the phases of the triggering pulses in relation to the phases of the supply. The low motor speeds are developed by a gating sequence that generates a low frequency waveform that is less than the main supply frequency to the motor. This low frequency waveform is current and voltage controlled by the gating sequence to permit the AC motor to smoothly operate at speeds less than 100% of rated while developing net positive torque at the low controlled operating frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Benshaw, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter G. Barie, Ronald E. Vines, Harold D. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 7345439
    Abstract: [Problem] In a conventional rotating electrical machine to perform starting and power generation, an inverter and a rotating electrical machine body are constructed to be separate bodies, and a three-phase harness is provided between the rotating electrical machine and the inverter, and by a voltage drop or loss in this portion, there have been limitations in the improvement of starting and power generation output, and efficiency at the time of same operating current (determined by thermal limitation of the inverter). [Means for Resolution] Since an inverter unit 22 is integrally attached to a rear bracket 44 and is integrally mounted on the end face of a rotating electrical machine 20 in an axial direction, harnesses to be connected can be made short, and reduction in weight of the harness and improvement in resistance to outer disturbance noise can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Kuribayashi, Yoshihito Asao
  • Patent number: 7342371
    Abstract: A motor control system for detecting motor run condition comprises power switches for connection to an AC line for controlling application of AC power to the motor. An input receives a motor start command. A controller is connected to the input and controls operation of the switches responsive to a motor start command. The controller includes a counter and a timer and is operable to disable the power switches if number of starts during a select interval exceeds a first threshold and to disable the power switches if motor run time after a motor start command exceeds a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Zuzuly, Scott Mayhew
  • Publication number: 20080054840
    Abstract: A solid state reversing AC motor starter that employs a DC power source and a power bridge employing insulated gate bipolar transistors that provide an ungrounded three phase AC output. The AC output is connected to the power input of the motor starter, which requires simultaneous RUN and Directional Commands to initiate valve actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Cook
  • Publication number: 20080054831
    Abstract: A current limiting DC motor starter employing a closed loop current measurement to provide precise current control that adapts to changing motor conditions, integrated with a solid state reversing motor starter. The motor starter further includes a calibrated overcurrent indication and a control system interface that reduces the likelihood that cable faults and other single failures will cause spurious actuation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Cook
  • Publication number: 20080042613
    Abstract: A motor control unit includes a power converter unit that energize a motor based on a commutating signal, the motor having a rotor provided with a permanent magnet and a stator having a coil wound thereto; a start-up controller that outputs a commutating signal to the power converter unit during a start-up operation, the commutating signal having a predetermined conductive pattern corresponding to a command rotational speed; a voltage calculator that calculates a voltage of the motor during the start-up operation by applying a parameter for the motor, the command rotational speed, and a current flown in the coil of the motor to a voltage-current equation of the motor; and a determiner that, during the start-up operation, compares a voltage calculated by the voltage calculator and an actual voltage of the motor and that determines occurrence of rotational abnormalities when the actual voltage is lower than the calculated voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Aizawa, Tsuyoshi Hosoito
  • Patent number: 7282887
    Abstract: A solid state soft start controller system has a power supply, an electric motor, a thyristor electrically interconnected between the power supply and the electric motor so as to selectively allow current to pass from the power supply to the phases of the electric motor, a laser diode optically connected to the thyristor, and a controller connected to the laser diode for triggering the laser diode. Separate thyristors are connected to each phase of the polyphase electric motor. Separate laser diodes and associated light pipes connect the laser diode to the separate thyristors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7279855
    Abstract: A vehicle electric drive system and a hybrid engine-motor type vehicle drive system realizing simplification and miniaturization of electric parts and, moreover, reduction in cost while maintaining performances can be provided. A part 1 of wheels is driven by an engine. The wheels are driven by a motor as necessary. The motor, a generator, and an accessory battery are connected to each other via a voltage step-up/step-down device. The voltage step-up/step-down device has a function of stepping up power of the battery and supplying the stepping up power to the motor, and a function of stepped down power of the generator and supplying the stepped down power to the battery and the accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Tahara, Keisuke Nishidate, Kenichi Yoshida, Hisaya Shimizu, Toshiyuki Innami, Shinichi Fujino
  • Patent number: 7265515
    Abstract: The invention concerns a starter for a line start electric motor having at least one main winding (4) and at least one start winding (12) and which start winding is connected in series with a run capacitor (14) with which a start capacitor (17) and a PTC-thermistor (19) are connected in parallel. In order to make a simply constructed starter for a line start electric motor the start capacitor (17) and the PTC-thermistor (19) are connected in series with a switch mechanism (20). The series connected circuit made up of the start capacitor (17), the PTC-thermistor (19) and the switch mechanism (20) is connected in parallel with the run capacitor (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventor: Niels Christian Weihrauch
  • Patent number: 7218075
    Abstract: An electronic circuit for starting a single phase induction motor, of the type containing a rotor and a stator with at least one running coil (B1) and one starting coil (B2), for operating jointly with an alternating current source (F), comprising: a trigger electronic switch; a trigger circuit (TR) of said trigger electronic switch; and a blocking circuit (BL) for controlling the trigger pulses of the trigger electronic switch, said blocking circuit (BL) sustaining its blocking state while there is voltage being induced to the coils of the motor (M) by rotation of the rotor, maintaining said blocking state for a certain time after said induced voltage has been substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Empresa Brasileira De Compressores S.A. - Embraco
    Inventor: Marcos Guilherme Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7211984
    Abstract: A method of starting a permanent magnet machine. A machine stator voltage in a stationary reference frame is sensed. An initial speed of a rotor of the machine is estimated based on the sensed voltage, and state variables of control algorithms are initialized based on the estimated initial speed. This method can provide smooth startup and/or restart at any speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Nitinkumar R. Patel, Steven E. Schulz, Thomas P. O'Meara
  • Patent number: 7208909
    Abstract: A circuit for inhibiting a protection device of a motor includes first, second, and third comparators and an inhibit signal generator. The first comparator is operable to determine if a motor current signal associated with the motor exceeds a starting threshold to identify a starting state of the motor. The second comparator is operable to determine if the motor current signal exceeds an inrush threshold to identify a transition from the starting state to an inrush state of the motor. The third comparator is operable to determine if the motor current signal falls below a running threshold to identify a transition from the inrush state to a running state of the motor. The inhibit signal generator is operable to deassert an inhibit signal for inhibiting the protection device responsive to the third comparator identifying the running state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Simon
  • Patent number: 7196491
    Abstract: A motor starter system comprises solid state switches for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A voltage sensor senses AC line voltage and the motor terminal voltage. Current sensors sense motor current. A control circuit controls operation of the solid state switches. The control circuit limits switch current during a start mode and detects a stall condition responsive to sensed AC line voltage and motor terminal voltage and selectively boosts motor current during the start mode if a stall condition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mayhew, Scott Wakefield, Daniel Zuzuly
  • Patent number: 7135834
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present technique provides a reduced current field-oriented-control scheme. For example, the present technique provides a method of controlling an induction device in which a predetermined reduction factor is employed to reduce the flux-current vector of a field-oriented-control scheme. By reducing this vector, less current and less power are drawn by the induction device, in turn reducing resistive heating and stator core losses, for instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Melfi, Robert John Breitzmann
  • Patent number: 7095207
    Abstract: A circuit and method measures the voltage at the main motor winding (1) and detects the points in the electromagnetic wave cycle at which this voltage “crosses” zero. The method and circuit also measures the voltage at the auxiliary motor winding (2). The voltages measured in the main winding (1) and in the auxiliary winding (2) are compared by the circuit (13) as a means for starting and restarting the auxiliary winding (2). The circuit and method also detects the points in the electromagnetic wave cycle where the current in the auxiliary winding “crosses” zero and compares the phase of these current zero crossing points with a window pulse (11) that is generated when the main voltage crosses zero. When the zero current crossing points fall within the window pulse, the auxiliary winding (2) is up to proper operating speed and the auxiliary winding (2) is disconnected by the starting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: YKM Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Young-Kee Min
  • Patent number: 7084599
    Abstract: A motor controller is capable of swiftly driving a motor at the initial stage and driving the motor with high efficiency and low power consumption after swiftly driving the motor at the initial stage by including a first capacitor connected in series with stator coils of the motor and a PTC thermistor (Positive Temperature Coefficient thermistor) connected in parallel with the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Do Han, Hyoun-Jeong Shin
  • Patent number: 7081728
    Abstract: An induction motor system comprising an induction motor, equipped with a heat recovery and water pumping apparatus and an apparatus for controlling the electrical efficiency and resulting heat generation of the induction motor. The motor is adapted to be coupled to an AC source for supplying an AC signal. The controlling apparatus includes a switching device, user controls and optional inputs. The switching device is connected in series with the motor and is operative in either a high impedance state wherein significant current flow through the motor is prevented or a low impedance state wherein current flow through the motor is substantially undisturbed. The user controls provide motor operational input signals. The optional inputs provide setpoint and sensed water temperature input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Sequence Controls Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Kemp
  • Patent number: 7081732
    Abstract: A motor controller is capable of swiftly driving a motor at the initial stage and driving the motor with high efficiency and low power consumption after swiftly driving the motor at the initial stage by including a first capacitor connected in series with a common terminal to which the main coils and the sub-coils of the motor are connected and a PTC thermistor (Positive Temperature Coefficient thermistor) connected in parallel with the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Do Han, Hyoun-Jeong Shin
  • Patent number: 7068010
    Abstract: A motor power supply for and a method of operating a poly-phase AC motor with power provided from an AC power source through a DC-conversion circuit and an inverter. An output voltage of the DC-conversion circuit is sensed and a controller controls an inrush current limiting resistance to be selectively bypassed according to a first value of the output voltage and controls a pair of switches in an overvoltage protection circuit to return energy stored in the DC-conversion circuit to the AC power source according to second and third values of the output voltage. An operation of the switches is synchronously controlled according to a phase of the AC power source. The overvoltage protection circuit eliminates an overvoltage in the DC-conversion circuit due to energy regenerated by the motor and passed through the inverter to the DC-conversion circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jang-hyoun Youm
  • Patent number: 7045987
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method for starting a slip-ring machine, the arrangement comprising a frequency converter arranged to be connected between a supply network and a rotor of the slip-ring machine for controlling the slip-ring machine, and starting means for starting the slip-ring machine. The starting means are arranged between the frequency converter and the rotor of the slip-ring machine, whereby the frequency converter is arranged to control the magnitude of the current of the rotor of the slip-ring machine in connection with starting the slip-ring machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Jouko Niiranen
  • Patent number: 7023169
    Abstract: A method for changing the speed of a motor group, in particular for starting or stopping it, the motor group comprising a plurality of squirrel-cage induction motors or synchronous motors and network converters arranged for their control, when the nominal supply power (Pns), the acceleration power (Pacct) at the final speed (Vmax) of the motors and the losses (Ploss) of the used power are known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Ilkka Erkkilä{umlaut over ( )} , Juhani Väänänen
  • Patent number: 7023167
    Abstract: Apparatus for driving a three-phase compressor assembly from a single-phase electrical power supply having first and second power lines, said three-phase compressor assembly comprising a compressor having a rotatable shaft, an electrical motor having a rotatable shaft coupled to the rotatable shaft of the compressor, the electrical motor having at least first, second and third motor windings and having at least first, second and third terminals connected to the first, second and third windings, means adapted to connect the first and second power lines of the single-phase power supply to the first and second terminals and a torque augmentation circuit for injecting current into the third terminal and including a capacitor and an electrical component in series with the capacitor, said electrical component having resistive characteristics and having means for essentially interrupting the current being injected into the third terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Otto J. M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7015671
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for operating an electric motor is described, the circuit configuration containing a timer. As a function of a first differential signal between a setpoint signal and an actual value signal, a regulator supplies a first switch signal for feeding current to the electric motor. Simultaneously, the timer is started which limits the current feed signal to a specified maximum time. A detection system detects a change in the setpoint signal and thereupon outputs a second switch signal that also starts the timer and is able to trigger the current feed to the electric motor. The circuit configuration both protects the electric motor from a thermal overload and also makes it possible to feed current to the electric motor if a setpoint changes. The circuit configuration is suitable to be used in a variable speed drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Knab, Thomas Asal, Nikolas Haberl
  • Patent number: 6982539
    Abstract: A motor starting device employs a relay to connect and disconnect an auxiliary start capacitor in parallel with the existing start capacitor of a single-phase split-capacitor induction motor. The relay is normally closed and in the initial state connects the auxiliary start capacitor in parallel with the existing start capacitor. After a source of alternating current voltage is connected to the motor, a control circuit energizes the relay to disconnect the auxiliary start capacitor after a delay time. When the source of alternating current voltage is disconnected from the motor, a relay protection circuit maintains the relay switch open until the charge has dissipated from both the existing start capacitor and the auxiliary start capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Diversitech Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Barry Ward
  • Patent number: 6977478
    Abstract: A controller is provided for transitioning a drive signal to a single phase motor between a square wave and pulse width modulation modes, wherein the drive signal is in square wave mode at low motor frequencies and in pulse width modulation mode during normal operation. The transitioning includes using a real time motor model to effectuate transition of the drive signal between the modes, and a sampling rate for sampling the real time motor model during the transitioning. The sampling rate is automatically modified during the transitioning, wherein acceleration of the motor includes transitioning the drive signal from square wave mode to pulse width modulation mode, including periodically increasing the sampling rate during the transitioning. Conversely, when transitioning from pulse width modulation mode to square wave mode, the controller automatically deaccelerates the sampling rate during the transitioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Biamonte, Timothy M. Trifilo
  • Patent number: 6903532
    Abstract: A starting circuit for an induction motor is provided whereby a stationary rotor flux is established then a stored charge supplied to a motor winding in order to provide a starting torque. Before applying a mains power supply to the motor after the starting torque has been applied, a back EMF is sensed, directly or indirectly, to provide an indication that the rotor is turning before the mains supply is connected to the motor. This provides a reliable and simple method for ensuring that a mains supply may be safely connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Auckland Uniservices Limited
    Inventors: John T. Boys, Udaya K. Madawala
  • Patent number: 6894452
    Abstract: A configurable motor controller includes solid state switches for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A control circuit controls operation of the solid state switches. The control circuit comprises a programmed processor for commanding operation of the solid state switches. A memory is connected to the programmed processor storing configuration information relating to operation of the solid state switches. A user configuration device selects the values for the stored configuration information. The configuration information comprises adjustable values within a range. The configuration device is adapted to select any adjustable value within the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mayhew, Scott Wakefield, Daniel Zuzuly, Gregg Jonsson