Patents Assigned to Zond Systems, Inc.
  • Non-volatile over speed control system for wind turbines
    Patent number: 6265785
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-volatile overspeed protection is described. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-volatile overspeed detection to provide turbine rotational speed safety during a power outage. In one embodiment, aerodynamic braking is used to slow rotation of a rotor of the wind turbine. If an overspeed condition continues after application of aerodynamic braking, mechanical braking is used to reduce the rotational speed of the rotor. Power is supplied by a non-volatile power source to continue overspeed detection during a power outage. A low-pressure trigger valve is used to apply a mechanical brake when hydraulic pressure in the braking system falls below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Zond Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lewis Cousineau, Craig Leonard Christenson
  • Microcontroller based control system for use in a wind turbine
    Patent number: 5422826
    Abstract: A distributed module control system for controlling a wind turbine using multiple controls and monitors comprising multiple modules that include microcontrollers, and having data input terminals and data output terminals; high level logic circuitry interconnecting the modules via selected data input and data output terminals; and certain modules also connected with the turbine monitors and controls to control operation of the wind turbines in response to monitoring of turbine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Zond Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Cousineau
  • Control systems for controlling a wind turbine
    Patent number: 5278773
    Abstract: A distributed module control system for controlling a wind turbine using multiple controls and monitors comprising multiple modules that include microcontrollers, and having data input terminals and data output terminals; high level logic circuitry interconnecting the modules via selected data input and data output terminals; and certain modules also connected with the turbine monitors and controls to control operation of the wind turbines in response to monitoring of turbine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Zond Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Cousineau
  • High-temperature, gas-burning furnace
    Patent number: 4948365
    Abstract: A novel high-temperature, gas-burning furnace has a rotating porous-ceramic bed, which serves the integral functions of wall insulator, thermal regenerator, combustion chamber, and radiant heater. The configuration permits high chamber temperatures (up to 1400.degree. C.), large temperature gradients across the bed (typically, 600.degree. C. across 2.5 cm), and low stack losses (exhaust stream on the order of 250.degree. C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Zond Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter W. Yuen