Sonoma State University
September 21, 2017

The Humble Electric Motor, Enabling Science and Technology

Richard Halstead

Mr. Richard Halstead
Founder, President, and Chairman Empire Magnetics Inc.

Cerent Engineering Science Complex, Salazar Hall 2009A
4:00 PM

Abstract - The nether world between the electrical and mechanical is seldom seen. But bridging that gap is necessary to enable new technology. Consider: Motorized CATS scanner hatch covers exterior to the International Space station, Gas Sampling the Moon Titan, deep sea robotics, Oil well motors 15,000 FT deep, +150 C, 20,000 PSI pressure, Valve actuators for liquid oxygen and liquid methane for the new Mars vehicle, Beam lines with both vacuum and radiation requirements, Jet engine test stands aboard aircraft carriers. In addition to mechanical and electrical issues, the magic of magnets, material considerations, thermal issues, bearing designs, lubrication science, wire insulations and more must be addressed, all within some cost constraints. This talk will cover a range of projects that have been completed, with an overview of the application challenges, and insight as to how they were met.

Mr. Richard Halstead is the Founder, President, and Chairman of Empire Magnetics Inc., providing electric motors for challenging environments since 1987. He comes with many achievements including Head of Wind-Sail Vertical Axis Wind Turbines designed by Scientists at the Russian State Rocket Center funded by US DOE, LBNL to prevent WMD scientists from working for Al Qaeda, CTO of Power Tree Corporation, a flywheel energy storage company, CTO of Biomass2bioenergy, Director of North Bay World Trade Association, Parker Hannifin Compumotor Division, Western Regional Sales Manager, Linear motor product manager, Manager of Special projects department, Applications Engineer. He was a Programmer, Test Equipment engineer for early hard drives at IBM, and Technical Operations Officer for CIA, (Cold war spy), USAF Radio Communications repair, including hot war duties in Viet Nam. Rick holds B.S. in Industrial Technology, Fresno State University, and holds multiple patents.