Patents by Inventor Mark E. Liffring
Mark E. Liffring 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).
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Patent number: 10784701Abstract: An electrical power system for regenerative loads may include a DC bus and an electrical actuator load, where back-driving the electrical actuator load generates regenerative electrical energy, and where the electrical actuator load is configured to transmit the regenerative electrical energy to the DC bus. The system may also include at least one additional load, where at least a portion of the regenerative electrical energy is transmitted to the at least one additional load.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Eugene V. Solodovnik, Thomas F. Currier, Mark E. Liffring, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Patent number: 10737802Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David S. Krug, Kamiar J. Karimi, Thomas F. Currier, Andrew J. Bayliss, George M. Roe, Mark E. Liffring, Mark W. Lesyna, Christopher M. Severns, Andrew Johnson
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Patent number: 10589635Abstract: A solid-state high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) bus voltage controller to provide active power flow control in a hybrid electric aircraft power supply system. The HVDC bus voltage controller includes an active voltage controller and an active rectifier unit configured to control the HVDC bus voltage using the PWM control technique. In one implementation, the active rectifier unit includes high-power and high-frequency semiconductor switches with fast turn-off capabilities. The active voltage controller sends an HVDC bus reference voltage to the active rectifier unit. The low-level controller inside the active rectifier unit is configured to control the HVDC bus voltage to match the HVDC bus reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Eugene V. Solodovnik, Mark E. Liffring, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Patent number: 10493930Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene V. Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
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Publication number: 20190181669Abstract: An electrical power system for regenerative loads may include a DC bus and an electrical actuator load, where back-driving the electrical actuator load generates regenerative electrical energy, and where the electrical actuator load is configured to transmit the regenerative electrical energy to the DC bus. The system may also include at least one additional load, where at least a portion of the regenerative electrical energy is transmitted to the at least one additional load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2017Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Eugene V. Solodovnik, Thomas F. Currier, Mark E. Liffring, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Publication number: 20190023412Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: David S. Krug, Kamiar J. Karimi, Thomas F. Currier, Andrew J. Bayliss, George M. Roe, Mark E. Liffring, Mark W. Lesyna, Christopher M. Severns, Andrew Johnson
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Patent number: 9815564Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David S. Krug, Kamiar J. Karimi, Thomas F. Currier, Andrew J. Bayliss, George M. Roe, Mark E. Liffring, Mark W. Lesyna, Christopher M. Severns, Andrew Johnson
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Publication number: 20170274847Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Mark S. SHANDER, N. Evan LURTON, Thomas F. CURRIER, Todd B. BROUWER, Mark E. LIFFRING, Jon J. DHONDT, Carolyn KERR, Robert D. HOLLEY, Lowell W. SCHAFFNER, Eugene V. SOLODOVNIK, Terrance L. THOMAS
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Patent number: 9676351Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
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Patent number: 9561867Abstract: A composite vehicle architecture without a current return network for reducing lightning threats. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) are spatially distributed throughout the vehicle. Equipment loads within the vehicle are each serviced by the nearest MEC. Twisted and shielded electrical conductor pairs provide secondary power to the equipment loads to minimize the amount of wire throughout the aircraft as well as the return currents on the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark E. Liffring, John T. Paterson, Mark S. Shander, Marvin J. Whitney, Ed Woods, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Patent number: 9561761Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
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Patent number: 9561760Abstract: A modular truss assembly configured to be placed in small or narrow spaces such as within the floor, sidewall, or crown of a vehicle for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, all or part of the modular truss assembly can be removed from the vehicle for repair or replacement.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, Ty A. Larsen, Robert T Johnson, Mark E. Liffring, Margaret Douglas, Christopher M. Severns
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Patent number: 9511728Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads and each equipment load is serviced by the nearest MEC. In at least one embodiment, only primary power is distributed across section breaks of the vehicle to minimize the number of connections between section breaks, reduce overall vehicle weight, and to increase vehicle build rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, Mark E. Liffring, Todd B. Brouwer, Robert T. Johnson, Carolyn Kerr, John T. Peters, Timothy E. Jackson, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Steven M. Walstrom, Arnold W. Nordsieck, Robert L. Springgay
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Patent number: 9183983Abstract: A modular truss assembly for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, a MEC incorporate inductive power coupling for powering a line replaceable unit (LRU) in proximity to the modular truss assembly without exposed electrical connections and such that the MEC may forgo power conversion equipment. In one or more configurations, a sensor is embedded in one or more transfer layers of the truss for measuring a power trace embedded in the modular truss assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark E. Liffring, Robert D. Holley, Ty A. Larsen, John T. Paterson, Lowell W. Schaffner, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Mark S. Shander, Seth C. Tai, Ronald C. Yabut
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Publication number: 20150151847Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David S. Krug, Kamiar J. Karimi, Thomas F. Currier, Andrew J. Bayliss, George M. Roe, Mark E. Liffring, Mark W. Lesyna, Christopher M. Severns, Andrew Johnson
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Publication number: 20150102660Abstract: A modular truss assembly configured to be placed in small or narrow spaces such as within the floor, sidewall, or crown of a vehicle for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, all or part of the modular truss assembly can be removed from the vehicle for repair or replacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark S. Shander, Ty A. Larsen, Robert T. Johnson, Mark E. Liffring, Margaret Douglas, Christopher M. Severns
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Publication number: 20150102659Abstract: A composite vehicle architecture without a current return network for reducing lightning threats. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) are spatially distributed throughout the vehicle. Equipment loads within the vehicle are each serviced by the nearest MEC. Twisted and shielded electrical conductor pairs provide secondary power to the equipment loads to minimize the amount of wire throughout the aircraft as well as the return currents on the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark E. Liffring, John T. Paterson, Mark S. Shander, Marvin J. Whitney, Ed Woods, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Publication number: 20150102662Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
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Publication number: 20150103458Abstract: A modular truss assembly for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, a MEC incorporate inductive power coupling for powering a line replaceable unit (LRU) in proximity to the modular truss assembly without exposed electrical connections and such that the MEC may forgo power conversion equipment. In one or more configurations, a sensor is embedded in one or more transfer layers of the truss for measuring a power trace embedded in the modular truss assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark E. Liffring, Robert D. Holley, Ty A. Larsen, John T. Paterson, Lowell W. Schaffner, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Mark S. Shander, Seth C. Tai, Ronald C. Yabut
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Publication number: 20150103457Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas