Energy Conversion Systems Holdings, LLC

Pimol Ballard Vonkchalee

Shepard Lynn Hockaday

Otway Archer Southall

Timothy Glenn King

Alvin Leon Farthing

John David Reece, Jr

George Dane Goodson

Michael Walter Nedriga

Ray John Matthews

Winford Lee Stephens

Danny Earl Thornton

Robert Eugene Jenkins, Jr

Candace Stephenson Barefoot

Jeffrey Shaw Smith

Systems and methods for electrical component, e.g., brush, manufacture are provided that control grain orientation. The systems and methods utilize hot pressing techniques to enhance the properties and functionalities of the electrical components/brushes. An intermediate work product characterized by a grain orientation is initially formed through a conventional pressing technique. The conventionally-pressed intermediates are positioned within a cavity/die with the grain orientation in a predetermined orientation relative to the hot press force to be applied thereto. The hot pressed final product exhibits superior resistivity, strength and apparent density/durability. Surface features may be formed on the face(s) of the final work product during the hot pressing step that cannot be achieved in conventional processing techniques. Advantageous articles of manufacture, e.g., brushes and brush assemblies, are also disclosed.

Grain orientation control through hot pressing techniques

Detailed are brush assemblies for electric motors. The assemblies may include retention springs or other mechanisms designed to bias brushes away from surfaces of commutators during assembly of the motors. Such retention mechanisms additionally may be fitted into cavities in associated cover plates following motor assembly. The cover plates further may include tabs which, in use of the motor, assist in supporting side surfaces of the brushes and in orienting the plate relative to a corresponding brush card.

Brush assemblies

Rotary switches, and in particular riser-style commutators, are detailed together with featured strips from which they are made. Segments formed from the strips may include anchor notches and slots for receiving reinforcing rings. The structure of the strip additionally permits electrical isolation of adjacent riser segments to occur through its coining rather than through slotting.

Riser commutators

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Apex, NC, United States of America

Pimol Ballard Vonkchalee