Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Karl Vick, Esq.
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Patent number: 6668629Abstract: A controller for controlling and monitoring the operation of an engine-generator is disclosed. The controller includes a central processing unit, a power supply, an input/output system, a communication system, an annunciation system and mode control switches. The operational status of the engine-generator is displayed on a liquid crystal display and logged in a data storage system or communicated to an external system using a communications interface. The controller also incorporates a monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: David S. Leslie
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Patent number: 6664681Abstract: A mounting system for a motor assembly includes a plurality of fasteners for mounting a grill to a motor. The motor includes an endshield including a plurality of attachment points for attaching the endshield to the motor assembly and a plurality of openings for attaching the endshield to the grill. The grill is configured to be mounted to one of a first motor assembly and a second motor assembly. The endshield is formed with either a plurality of bosses including openings or a plurality of self-clinching nuts pressed into the plurality of openings.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lester Bruce Ashe, Jr., Timothy Wilbur Carey, Michael Andrew Cook, Son Cao Huynh, Laura Ann Leany
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Patent number: 6657338Abstract: A motor including a first compartment, a second compartment, a frame, a first end shield, a second end shield, an armature shaft, a stator winding, an armature, a cover, and a switchboard is provided. The first and second end shields are disposed adjacent opposing ends of the frame to define the first compartment. The armature shaft extends between the first and second end shields. The stator winding is supported by the frame within the first compartment. The armature is rotatably supported by the end shields and disposed within the first compartment adjacent the stator winding. The cover includes a first end, a peripheral edge, and ventilation openings. The cover peripheral edge is mounted to the motor adjacent the second end shield. The ventilation openings include a plurality of openings positioned along at least part of the cover peripheral edge and in the cover first end.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: L. Edwin Fisher, Mike A. Marks, Carlos G. Estrada
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Patent number: 6636028Abstract: An electronic electricity meter includes voltage sensors configured to generate measurements of voltage at voltage elements, current sensors configured to generate measurements of current through current elements, a microcomputer coupled to the current and voltage sensors and configured to control operation of the meter, and a memory coupled to the microcomputer including calibration constants to compensate for instrument transformer ratio and phase angle errors. The microcomputer is configured to use the calibration constants, when so instructed, to correct for measurement errors that occur based upon instrument transformer ratios and phase angles and to correct metering quantities calculated by the microcomputer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory P. Lavoie, David D. Elmore, Larry A. Schmidt, Robert Edward Lee, Jr.
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Patent number: 6633097Abstract: A stator frame for an electric motor including a substantially cylindrical shaped body section having opposed ends, a cooling passageway extending through at least a portion of the body section, and at least one spacer bar. The cooling passageway includes a cooling conduit having an inlet port and an outlet port in flow communication with the cooling passageway. The spacer bar has a notched side and at least one finger extending therefrom such that the finger mechanically couples the spacer bar to the cooling conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert A. Dunlap, James R. Crowell
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Patent number: 6631310Abstract: Using a personal digital assistant (PDA) to collect operational data for analysis on computers from systems including engine-generator controllers and the downloading of operational parameters to engine-generator controllers is described. The engine-generator controllers control at least one engine-generator set. A method for using the PDA includes the steps of configuring the controller with a communications service manager to enable communications with the PDA and configuring the PDA to display engine-generator operational data. The method of collection and downloading continues by transferring operational parameters from the computer to the PDA, downloading the operational parameters from the PDA to the controller, uploading operational data from the controller to the PDA and transferring operational parameters from the PDA to the computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: David S. Leslie
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Patent number: 6628101Abstract: A method for shorting rotor windings in a wound rotor induction machine is disclosed. The method includes the steps of monitoring rotor current for a frequency indicative of a desired steady-state operating condition and electronically shorting the rotor windings when the monitored rotor current frequency reaches a defined threshold indicative of the desired steady-state operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James H. Dymond, Raymond K. J. Ong, Dale Derr
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Patent number: 6612866Abstract: A voltage isolator connector is described for a printed circuit board. The connector includes an end wall; a first side wall extending from the end wall, and a second side wall extending from the end wall. The first and second side walls form an isolator compartment with the end wall, and the end wall and the first and second side walls are configured for attachment to the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Warren R. Germer, Patrick J. Horan
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Patent number: 6604277Abstract: A method for locking contacts in an automatic transfer switch is provided. The automatic transfer switch includes a plurality of pole units including a plurality of contact pairs. The method includes mounting an interior locking device in at least one pole unit and locking at least one contact pair individually with the interior locking device housed in that contact pair's pole unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ronald L. Schultz, Dariusz Fudala
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Patent number: 6559631Abstract: An electricity meter which, in one embodiment, includes a temperature sensing unit for determining a signal representative of the temperature within the meter is described. In the one embodiment, the meter includes a current sensor, a voltage sensor and a processing unit. The current sensor generates an signal representative of a line current and the voltage sensor generates a signal representative of a line voltage. The current and voltage sensor and temperature sensing unit outputs are coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit includes an analog to digital (A/D) converter, a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microcomputer. The digital outputs of the A/D converter are connected to the DSP. The outputs of the DSP are connected to the microcomputer. Temperature characteristics of the meter are stored within the DSP.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Richard A. Balch, David D. Elmore
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Patent number: 6558025Abstract: A method for restricting removal of a electrical lamp in a mounting bracket is provided. The mounting bracket including a first opening, a second opening and a mounting face. The method includes providing an electrical lamp including a lamp length and a plurality of lamp diameters and inserting the electrical lamp at least partly though the mounting bracket. The method further includes positioning the mounting bracket first opening adjacent a first surface such that the first surface is in close proximity to the first opening and securing the mounting face to a structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Bellig, Peter Skadahl, Steve Stenzel, Randy Wise
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Patent number: 6544079Abstract: A terminal including a connector plate having raised surfaces which provide the terminal with the required thickness is described. The terminal also includes a slot extending from the connector plate leading edge to facilitate pushing a locking type or quick connect type connector thereover.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kenneth R. Renkes, Robert W. Damerow
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Patent number: 6541957Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-contact testing of a rotating shaft includes first and second proximity sensors coupled to an automated shaft testing system. Output signals from the proximity sensors are compared to empirically determined threshold values to determine the presence or absence of a shaft coupling characteristic, the speed of the rotating shaft, and the direction of rotation of the shaft when the shaft is oriented proximally to the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Kenneth E. Zick
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Patent number: 6531863Abstract: A disk analog display for a solid state electricity meter includes a series of segments that illuminate sequentially to indicate the direction of current flowing through the meter and the rate at which energy is being consumed by the load. The sequential illumination provides notice to a technician that the meter is completing the measurement of one energy consumption unit so that the measurement by the meter of one energy consumption unit can be accurately timed. In one embodiment, there are three segments that illuminate sequentially to indicate that the meter is completing measurement of one energy consumption unit. The segments then simultaneously blank to indicate that the meter has completed the measurement of one energy consumption unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Manjunath Garalapuraiaha, Matthew D. Marple, Karl Pedersen, Eric B. Reed, Leslie Rosenau
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Patent number: 6529020Abstract: A system for measuring electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices includes an semi-anechoic chamber, a computer, an EMI receiver, and a multi-device controller. The chamber houses devices being tested and test equipment for automated emissions scanning. The computer receives emissions data from test equipment housed within and outside the chamber and operates a multi-device controller which controls the test equipment. The method includes wide-band measurements of emissions, narrow-band measurements of emissions chosen from the wide-band measurement, determining a maximum quasi-peak value for optimal cable and wiring position, and communicating results to a word-processing program to report measured values against testing limits.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc.Inventor: David L. Terrell
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Patent number: 6529032Abstract: An input/output (I/O) port designed for electrical interconnection with multiple similar ports includes an input read circuit, an output drive circuit, and a circuit to control the port for input or output mode by electrically disconnecting the output drive circuit from the port. Also included is a back drive current protection circuit placed in series in between an external I/O line and the input read and output drive circuits which blocks backdrive currents from other active processors when the processor that includes the protection circuit is in a powered down state while still allowing full input/output functionality in a powered up state.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ancil B. Cruickshank, A. Alan Tuten, Michael G. Smith, Joseph J. Cieri, Ronald E. Gareis
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Patent number: 6525641Abstract: A temperature responsive switch includes a housing, an actuator arm for movement in response to temperature conditions, a movable contact, and an adjustable contact connected to a defrost terminal for completing a defrost circuit on demand without requiring a separate switch. The movable contact engages and disengages the defrost contact to cycle a defroster on and off in response to temperature changes in an evaporator tube, and also engages a stationary contact to complete a compressor circuit and cycle a compressor on and off in response to changes in an evaporator tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: James P. Frank
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Patent number: 6494681Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a motor assembly includes a shaft and a compound fan assembly that provides axial and centrifugal air flow. The fan assembly includes a body including an outer surface, a cavity defined by the body outer surface, a plurality of first blades extending radially outwardly from the body outer surface, and a plurality of second blades disposed within the cavity. The shaft is concentric with the body and the second blades are rotatably coupled to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Andrew C. Barry, Timothy O. Williams, Ricky R. Haynie, Jon Schlemmer
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Patent number: 6496097Abstract: A temperature responsive switch includes a housing, an actuator arm for movement in response to temperature conditions, a movable contact, and an adjustable contact connected to a auxiliary terminal for completing an auxiliary circuit. The movable contact engages and disengages the auxiliary contact to cycle a first element on and off in response to exceedingly large temperature swings a specified location, and also engages a stationary contact to complete a main circuit and cycle a different electrical element on and off in response to relatively modest changes in temperature changes at the same specified location.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: James P. Frank
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Patent number: 6492626Abstract: A method for regulating a coupling formation includes sensing a temperature of a coupling with a non-contact sensor and sending the temperature to a control unit that regulates the temperature of the coupling formation. In addition, a system for regulating a temperature of a coupling formation includes a temperature control unit and a non-contact sensor in flow communication with the temperature control unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Michael Sedlak, David Michael Prough