US Patent 7345397 Segmented stator with improved handling and winding characteristics

A stator segment for a stator assembly includes a stack of substantially identical laminations and a containment structure receiving a portion of the stacked laminations. The containment structure includes a flexible hinge element. The containment structure can include a first containment structure member having a first pocket for receiving a portion of the stack of substantially identical laminations and a second containment structure member having a second pocket for receiving a different portion of the stack of substantially identical laminations than the first pocket. In some embodiments, the stack of substantially identical laminations includes two ends and a middle portion extending between the ends. The containment structure can include a first containment structure member for capping one end of the stack of substantially identical laminations and a second containment structure member for capping the other end of the stack of substantially identical laminations.