Abstract A rotating rectifier-voltage suppressor combination for brushless generator excitation with minimized weight and axial length is provided having a heat sink mounted on the inner surface of a rectifier wheel rim; at least one diode and a voltage suppressor package are mounted on the same heat sink. The voltage suppressor package includes at least a capacitor with possible additional components including a voltage divider resistor in parallel with the capacitor and diodes and/or a resistor in series with the capacitor. Simplified mounting means are provided to permit easy removal of the heat sink, diodes and voltage suppressor package (as well as a fuse protecting against failure of a diode or capacitor) for inspection and repair.
Inventors
👤 Andrew J Spisak
👤 Thayer L Dillman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-03 16:11
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02K; H02K11/00; H02K11/04; H02K11/042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
In an excitation system for a brushless generator, the combination comprising: a rectifier wheel having an inner rim surface; a heat sink supported on said surface; at least one diode mounted in thermal and electrical contact with said heat sink; and a capacitor radially mounted in electrical contact with said heat sink.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
52 words
In an excitation system for a brushless generator, the combination comprising: a rectifier wheel having an inner rim surface; a heat sink supported on said surface; at least one diode mounted in thermal and electrical contact with said heat sink; and a capacitor radially mounted in electrical contact with said heat sink.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The subject matter of claim 1 wherein: said heat sink is electrically insulated from said surface and a fuse is electrically connected between said wheel and one side of said at least one diode and said capacitor remote from said heat sink.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
The subject matter of claim 2 wherein: a metal base plate is secured in electrical contact with said heat sink and has an opening permitting direct contact between said diode and said heat sink within said aperture; said capacitor is in electrical contact with said metal base plate; and a conductive connection strap connects together said one side of said diode and said capacitor and said fuse.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The subject matter of claim 3 wherein: a resistor is connected between said connection strap and said metal base plate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The subject matter of claim 1 also comprising: a fuse electrically connected between said wheel rim and a connection strap that connects with one side of said capacitor and said at least one diode; and means accessible on the exterior of said wheel rim for securing and permitting removal of said heat sink, diode, capacitor and fuse from said wheel rim.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The subject matter of claim 5 wherein: said means for securing and permitting removal comprises only a first bolt joining said heat sink and said wheel rim and extending inward from the radially outside surface of said rim, and a second bolt joining said fuse and said wheel rim and extending into said rim from the axial extreme thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
118 words
In an excitation system for a brushless generator, the combination comprising: a wheel supported on a shaft, said wheel having a rim; a plurality of rectifier-voltage suppressor assemblies on an inner surface of said rim; each said assembly comprising a heat sink mounted on said surface and insulated therefrom; a pair of rectifying diodes supported on said heat sink in electrically and thermally conducting relation therewith; an enclosure around said diodes including a conductive base plate with apertures therein permitting direct contact between said diodes and said heat sink; each of said diodes being located in a radially extending tube of glass laminate material; a capacitor located within said enclosure and electrically connected in parallel across said diodes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
118 words
In an excitation system for a brushless generator, the combination comprising: a wheel supported on a shaft, said wheel having a rim; a plurality of rectifier-voltage suppressor assemblies on an inner surface of said rim; each said assembly comprising a heat sink mounted on said surface and insulated therefrom; a pair of rectifying diodes supported on said heat sink in electrically and thermally conducting relation therewith; an enclosure around said diodes including a conductive base plate with apertures therein permitting direct contact between said diodes and said heat sink; each of said diodes being located in a radially extending tube of glass laminate material; a capacitor located within said enclosure and electrically connected in parallel across said diodes.