Patents by Inventor Alberto Franco

Alberto Franco has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20060255679
    Abstract: An embodiment generally relates to a permanent magnet rotor arrangement. The arrangement includes a rotor having a plurality of apertures, a plurality of pole pieces, a plurality of wedges, and a plurality of permanent magnets. Each magnet is held substantially secure against the rotor by a two pole pieces of the plurality of pole pieces and an associated wedge from the plurality of wedges. Each pole piece is connected to the rotor by a fastener pulled through an associated aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Inventors: Pieter Dine, Spyro Pappas, Mihai Georghiu, Daniel Kane, Vladimir Odessky, Michael Salata, Robert Forney, Alberto Franco, Michael Quadrini
  • Patent number: 6847145
    Abstract: Encapsulation of a permanent magnet rotor is achieved by applying a glass roving material to spaces in the rotor structure, applying a veil cloth around the outer surface of the rotor, mounting a vacuum bag with vacuum ports around the outer surface of the rotor, removing vent plugs from the end walls of the rotor and screws from an inner ring of the rotor and replacing them with vacuum ports and applying a vacuum to the vacuum ports. After air has been removed from the rotor, an encapsulating resin is applied to some of the ports to introduce resin into the interior of the rotor. After curing of the resin the vacuum bag is removed and the outer surface of the rotor is machined to the desired outer dimension of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, Spyro Pappas, Mervin Laparre
  • Patent number: 6837757
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a rim-driven propulsion pod arrangement has a cylindrical housing with a duct providing a flow path for water and a rotor assembly supported from a central shaft and containing a rotating blade row and driven by a rim drive permanent magnet motor recessed in the housing. An array of vanes downstream from the rotating blade row is arranged to straighten the flow of water emerging from the rotating blade row. Radial bearing members on the rotor have a hardness less than that of the shaft on which the rotor is supported and relatively soft protrusions are provided in the space between the rotor and the housing to limit excursion of the rotor. A thrust bearing has wedges arranged to form a water wedge between facing surfaces of the rotor and the rotor support during rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, R. Scott Forney, III, John H. Chapman, Michael A. Quadrini
  • Patent number: 6750628
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a permanent magnet machine includes a stator having windings which intercept flux received from peripheral pole pieces in a rotor generated by permanent magnets disposed between the pole pieces. In order to control the flux passing through the stator windings, flux shunts are provided between the pole pieces and a winding on the core of each flux shunt generates flux in the shunt in proportion to current supplied to the winding so as to decrease the flux from the magnets which can be diverted from the pole pieces through the shunt. Current is supplied to the flux shunt windings in accordance with the instantaneous difference between the wave shape of the output from the machine and a desired wave shape stored in a control unit. An encoder supplies a signal to the control unit indicating the instantaneous position of the rotor with respect to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Alberto Franco, John McGarvey, Daniel Kane, Michael Salata
  • Publication number: 20030222514
    Abstract: Encapsulation of a permanent magnet rotor is achieved by applying a glass roving material to spaces in the rotor structure, applying a veil cloth around the outer surface of the rotor, mounting a vacuum bag with vacuum ports around the outer surface of the rotor, removing vent plugs from the end walls of the rotor and screws from an inner ring of the rotor and replacing them with vacuum ports and applying a vacuum to the vacuum ports. After air has been removed from the rotor, an encapsulating resin is applied to some of the ports to introduce resin into the interior of the rotor. After curing of the resin the vacuum bag is removed and the outer surface of the rotor is machined to the desired outer dimension of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, Spyro Pappas, Mervin Laparre
  • Publication number: 20030194922
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a rim-driven propulsion pod arrangement has a cylindrical housing with a duct providing a flow path for water and a rotor assembly supported from a central shaft and containing a rotating blade row and driven by a rim drive permanent magnet motor recessed in the housing. An array of vanes downstream from the rotating blade row is arranged to straighten the flow of water emerging from the rotating blade row. Radial bearing members on the rotor have a hardness less than that of the shaft on which the rotor is supported and relatively soft protrusions are provided in the space between the rotor and the housing to limit excursion of the rotor. A thrust bearing has wedges arranged to form a water wedge between facing surfaces of the rotor and the rotor support during rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, R. Scott Forney, John H. Chapman, Michael A. Quadrini
  • Patent number: 6603232
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, permanent magnets are retained on a permanent magnet rotor rim by inverted U-shaped retainers and in one embodiment the outer surfaces of the retainers converge inwardly in the radially outward direction and engage corresponding surfaces of adjacent pole pieces which converge inwardly in the radially outward direction. In another embodiment the U-shaped retainers are affixed to the rotor rim by screws accessible through openings in the radially outer wall of the retainers and a further embodiment each retainer has outwardly projecting flanges which are affixed to the rotor rim by screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, Spyro Pappas, Michael Gheorghiu
  • Publication number: 20030127924
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, an electric motor has a stator with an inner cylindrical composite can member affixed to the stator housing by screws and the rotor has an outer cylindrical can member affixed to the rotor by screws, each of the composite can members being sealed to the component to which it is affixed by O-rings. In one embodiment ridges are formed in the surface of one of the composite can members facing the space between the stator and the rotor to control the flow of liquid through the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, Spyro Pappas, Michael Gheorghiu
  • Publication number: 20030102840
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a permanent magnet machine includes a stator having windings which intercept flux received from peripheral pole pieces in a rotor generated by permanent magnets disposed between the pole pieces. In order to control the flux passing through the stator windings, flux shunts are provided between the pole pieces and a winding on the core of each flux shunt generates flux in the shunt in proportion to current supplied to the winding so as to decrease the flux from the magnets which can be diverted from the pole pieces through the shunt. Current is supplied to the flux shunt windings in accordance with the instantaneous difference between the wave shape of the output from the machine and a desired wave shape stored in a control unit. An encoder supplies a signal to the control unit indicating the instantaneous position of the rotor with respect to the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Alberto Franco, John McGarvey, Daniel Kane, Michael Salata
  • Publication number: 20030085629
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, permanent magnets are retained on a permanent magnet rotor rim by inverted U-shaped retainers and in one embodiment the outer surfaces of the retainers converge inwardly in the radially outward direction and engage corresponding surfaces of adjacent pole pieces which converge inwardly in the radially outward direction. In another embodiment the U-shaped retainers are affixed to the rotor rim by screws accessible through openings in the radially outer wall of the retainers and a further embodiment each retainer has outwardly projecting flanges which are affixed to the rotor rim by screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, Spyro Pappas, Michael Gheorghiu
  • Patent number: 6481090
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a permanent magnet machine has a stator assembly containing a circular array of stator windings and a rotor assembly containing passages for permanent magnets and supported for rotation within the stator windings. The rotor assembly contains dummy magnet blocks in each passage during assembly of the rotor assembly in the stator assembly and a loading fixture containing energized permanent magnets is aligned with each passage in succession into which it supplies a row of permanent magnets while the dummy magnet blocks are removed by a retrieving fixture at the opposite end of the passage. After the permanent magnets have been inserted an end cover is mounted at each end of the passage to hold the energized permanent magnets in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Alberto Franco, Spyro Pappas, Michael Gheorghiu, Michael J. Lubas
  • Patent number: 6452301
    Abstract: In the rotor arrangement disclosed in the specification a rotor has a central shaft with a surrounding rim to which a circumferential array of pole pieces is mechanically affixed by screws. An array of permanent magnets each mounted between an adjacent pair of pole pieces is radially retained in position by a slot wedge having edges shaped to interlock with the outer side portions of the adjacent pole pieces. The outer surfaces of the pole pieces and slot wedges form a uniform cylindrical outer surface which is covered by an outer wrap of fiber reinforced polymer material to assure that the magnets are retained radially in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, Spyro Pappas, Michael Gheorghiu
  • Patent number: 5879375
    Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Carl O. Larson, Jr., James S. Smith, John H. Chapman, Scot A. Slimon, John D. Trahan, Robert J. Brozek, Alberto Franco, John J. McGarvey, Marvin E. Rosen, Michael K. Pasque
  • Patent number: 5843129
    Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Carl O. Larson, Jr., James S. Smith, John H. Chapman, Scot A. Slimon, John D. Trahan, Robert J. Brozek, Alberto Franco, John J. McGarvey, Marvin E. Rosen, Michael K. Pasque
  • Patent number: 5758666
    Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Carl O. Larson, Jr., James S. Smith, John H. Chapman, Scot A. Slimon, John D. Trahan, Robert J. Brozek, Alberto Franco, John J. McGarvey, Marvin E. Rosen, Michael K. Pasque
  • Patent number: 5722429
    Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Carl O. Larson, Jr., James S. Smith, John H. Chapman, Scot A. Slimon, John D. Trahan, Robert J. Brozek, Alberto Franco, John J. McGarvey, Marvin E. Rosen, Michael K. Pasque
  • Patent number: 5722930
    Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Carl O. Larson, Jr., James S. Smith, John H. Chapman, Scot A. Slimon, Trahan D. John, Marvin E. Rosen, Robert J. Brozek, Alberto Franco, John J. McGarvey, Michael K. Pasque
  • Patent number: 5702430
    Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Carl O. Larson, Jr., James S. Smith, John H. Chapman, Scot A. Slimon, Trahan D. John, J. Brozek Robert, Alberto Franco, John J. McGarvey, Marvin E. Rosen, Michael K. Pasque
  • Patent number: 5693091
    Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Carl O. Larson, Jr., James S. Smith, John H. Chapman, Scot A. Slimon, John D. Trahan, Robert J. Brozek, Alberto Franco, John J. McGarvey, Marvin E. Rosen, Michael K. Pasque
  • Patent number: 5676162
    Abstract: In one embodiment described in the specification, a surgically implantable reciprocating pump employs a check valve as the piston, which is driven by a permanent magnet linear electric motor to assist either side of the natural heart. The pump is implanted in the aorta or pulmonary artery using vascular attachment cuffs such as flexible cuffs for suturing at each end with the pump output directly in line with the artery. The pump is powered by surgically implanted rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, pairs of pumps are provided to replace or assist the natural heart or to provide temporary blood flow throughout the body, for example, during operations to correct problems with the natural heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Carl O. Larson, Jr., James S. Smith, John H. Chapman, Scot A. Slimon, John D. Trahan, Robert J. Brozek, Alberto Franco, John J. McGarvey, Marvin E. Rosen, Michael K. Pasque