Patents by Inventor Jerome B. Tankersley

Jerome B. Tankersley 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).

  • Patent number: 5403244
    Abstract: An electric vehicle drive train includes an electric motor and an associated speed sensor, a transmission operable in a speed reduction mode or a direct coupled mode, and a controller responsive to the speed sensor for operating the transmission in the speed reduction mode when the motor is below a predetermined value, and for operating the motor in the direct coupled mode when the motor speed is above a predetermined value. The controller reduces the speed of the motor, such as by regeneratively braking the motor, when changing from the speed reduction mode to the direct coupled mode. The motor speed may be increased when changing from the direct coupled mode to the speed reduction mode. The transmission is preferably a single stage planetary gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jerome B. Tankersley, Richard W. Boothe, Charles E. Konrad
  • Patent number: 5193666
    Abstract: A remote actuator for an enclosed molded case circuit breaker or disconnect switch utilizes an actuator cable connection with the circuit breaker operating handle in a "pull-pull" arrangement. The cable is arranged in an endless loop between the actuator handle and the circuit breaker operating handle. Moving the actuator handle in a first direction pulls the circuit breaker operating handle to its ON position while moving the actuator handle in an opposite direction pulls the circuit breaker operating handle to its OFF positoin. A retractable handle extender on the actuator handle increases the torquing force applied to the actuator handle and the circuit breaker operating handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Markowski, Dean A. Robarge, Jerome B. Tankersley, III
  • Patent number: 4902864
    Abstract: A fast operating disconnect switch minimizes the arc that occurs when the switch contacts are opened or closed by operation of a rotor assembly while the switch is electrically energized. A powerful operating spring within the operating mechanism under the control of a handle operator assembly overcenters upon the ON-OFF as well as OFF-ON movement of the handle operator. The handle operator assembly is adapted for either left-hand or right-hand mounting to a common rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Markowski, Dean A. Robarge, Robert L. Owens, Jerome B. Tankersley, III