Patents by Inventor Michael Wheeley

Michael Wheeley 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: 5376877
    Abstract: An engine-driven generator includes an internal combustion engine, a permanent magnet alternator and an AC to AC converter. The output frequency and voltage of the permanent magnet alternator are largely dependent on engine speed and the alternator load. The AC to AC converter converts the speed-dependent alternating current developed by the alternator to another alternating current whose frequency and voltage are largely independent of engine speed. Voltage regulation is provided by varying the engine speed in accordance with the load current. Frequency regulation is provided by frequency dividing the alternator output by an integer divisor that varies in accordance with engine speed. Additional voltage regulation is provided by deleting selected cycles of the alternator output current as needed to maintain the RMS output voltage within predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Generac Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Kern, Gerald Ruehlow, Graham McLean, Michael Wheeley, Frank Wedel, Mark Kastner