Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Currier

Thomas F. Currier 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: 10780850
    Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
  • Patent number: 10784701
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Eugene V. Solodovnik, Thomas F. Currier, Mark E. Liffring, Kamiar J. Karimi
  • Patent number: 10737802
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10493930
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20190181669
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Eugene V. Solodovnik, Thomas F. Currier, Mark E. Liffring, Kamiar J. Karimi
  • Publication number: 20190023412
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20190016280
    Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
  • Patent number: 10093250
    Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
  • Patent number: 10050548
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring power to a load. An AC-to-DC converter output for an AC-to-DC converter is connected to a filter circuit input in a DC-to-DC converter via a connector such that a no-break power transfer occurs when transferring between providing power for the load by the AC-to-DC converter and providing power for the load by the DC-to-DC converter. The topology of the AC-to-DC converter needs only 21 windings for achieving a 24-pulse transformer rectifier unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jian Huang, Thomas F. Currier, Alan Thomas Bernier, Ernest H. Kanning
  • Patent number: 9815564
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20170274847
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 9676351
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 9561761
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
  • Patent number: 9413162
    Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Jon J. Dhondt, Robert D. Holley, Terrance L. Thomas, Vikram D. Immanuel, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas F. Currier, Kamiar J. Karimi
  • Patent number: 9407083
    Abstract: A system and method for suppressing a subtransient current and an overvoltage in a power system. A subtransient current is identified at a location in the power system. The subtransient current at the location in the power system is directed to ground for a time delay in response to identifying the subtransient current at the location in the power system. Directing the subtransient current at the location in the power system to ground is ceased in response to identifying an end of the time delay. An overvoltage is identified at the location in the power system. The overvoltage at the location in the power system is suppressed in response to identifying the overvoltage at the location in the power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert D. Holley, Thomas F. Currier, Eugene V. Solodovnik, Farhad Nozari
  • Publication number: 20160107588
    Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
  • Publication number: 20160094143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring power to a load. An AC-to-DC converter output for an AC-to-DC converter is connected to a filter circuit input in a DC-to-DC converter via a connector such that a no-break power transfer occurs when transferring between providing power for the load by the AC-to-DC converter and providing power for the load by the DC-to-DC converter. The topology of the AC-to-DC converter needs only 21 windings for achieving a 24-pulse transformer rectifier unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Jian Huang, Thomas F. Currier, Alan Thomas Bernier, Ernest H. Kanning
  • Publication number: 20150151847
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20150102662
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
  • Publication number: 20150103457
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: 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