Patents by Inventor Brian J. Sullivan

Brian J. Sullivan 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).

  • Publication number: 20150318751
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes a machine segment that includes multiple coils. Each coil is electrically isolated from the other coils in the machine segment, and each coil is electrically coupled to at least one electrical terminal to provide electrical access to the coil. Each electrical terminal provides electrical access to the coil to which it is electrically coupled such that the coil can be removably electrically coupled to an electrical circuit. The machine segment is also configured to be removably mechanically coupled to a second machine segment to form at least a portion of a stator or a portion of a rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: BOULDER WIND POWER, INC.
    Inventors: James S. Smith, Marc W. Eichinger, Stephane A. Eisen, James D. Jore, Michael A. Kvam, Brian J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20150311756
    Abstract: A rotor element configured for movement relative to a stator includes a backing member formed, at least in part, from a ferromagnetic material; a first magnetic pole having a first polarity; and a second magnetic pole having a second polarity, opposite the first polarity. The first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are coupled to a first surface of the backing member such that the second magnetic pole is disposed, relative to the first magnetic pole, at a distance defined in a direction of a width of the backing member. A thickness of the backing member is varied along the width of the backing member to form a plurality of alternating first portions and second portions. The first portions include protrusions extending from a second surface of the backing member, opposite the first surface, such that the first portions are thicker than the second portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Boulder Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20150188375
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes three conductors, each conductor being on a separate layer such that the layers are parallel to one another and stacked. Each conductor has a winding portion and a terminal portion. The conductors are configured such that at least one electrical interconnect electrically couples two adjacent conductors within the winding portion but the third conductor is electrically isolated from the other two conductors within the winding portion. Within the terminal portion all three conductors are electrically coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Boulder Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Sullivan, Stephane Eisen, Jessica L. Colton
  • Patent number: 8941961
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes multiple coils of a multi-phase machine in which the coils are each associated with a different phase. Associated with each coil is a protective element such that each protective element is associated with a different coil. When its associated protective element is in a first configuration, a coil is part of an electrical circuit, and its associated protective element allows a first amount of current to flow through the coil. Its associated protective element allows a second amount of current to flow through the coil when its associated protective element is in a second configuration. When in the second configuration, the coil's associated protective element does not obstruct current flow through other coils that are not associated with the protective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Boulder Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Swarnab Banerjee, Brian J. Sullivan, James S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140268460
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes multiple coils of a multi-phase machine in which the coils are each associated with a different phase. Associated with each coil is a protective element such that each protective element is associated with a different coil. When its associated protective element is in a first configuration, a coil is part of an electrical circuit, and its associated protective element allows a first amount of current to flow through the coil. Its associated protective element allows a second amount of current to flow through the coil when its associated protective element is in a second configuration. When in the second configuration, the coil's associated protective element does not obstruct current flow through other coils that are not associated with the protective element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Boulder Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Swarnab Banerjee, Brian J. Sullivan, James S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140152136
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electromagnetic machine includes a rotor element configured for movement relative to a stator. The rotor element includes a magnetic support, a magnetic pole assembly, and a retainer. The magnetic support is formed, at least in part, from a ferromagnetic material and is configured to be coupled to the magnetic support. The retainer is coupled to both the magnetic support and the magnetic pole assembly. The retainer is further configured to be in a first state during a first time period and a second state during a second time period, after the first time period, such that during the second time period, the coupling of the magnetic pole assembly to the magnetic support is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: BOULDER WIND POWER, INC.
    Inventors: James David Duford, Marc Eichinger, Stephane Eisen, Michael A. Kvam, Derek Petch, David Samsel, James S. Smith, Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8736133
    Abstract: A first winding portion from a set of winding portions has a set of coils. Each coil of the first winding portion is associated with a different electrical phase from a set of electrical phases. Each coil of the first winding portion circumscribes a different area from a set of areas circumscribed by the set of coils of the first winding portion. A second winding portion has a set of coils associated with the set of electrical phases and a third winding portion has a set of coils associated with the set of electrical phases. The first winding portion at least partially overlaps the second winding portion and the third winding portion such that each area from the set of area is substantially circumscribed by a coil associated with each electrical phase from the set of electrical phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Boulder Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Smith, James D. Duford, James D. Jore, Lincoln M. Jore, Matthew B. Jore, Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8716913
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electromagnetic machine includes a rotor element configured for movement relative to a stator. The rotor element includes a support member, a backing member, and a magnetic pole assembly. The support member includes a first coupling portion. The backing member is formed, at least in part, from a ferromagnetic material and the magnetic pole assembly is configured to be coupled to the backing member. The magnetic pole assembly and/or the backing member include a second coupling portion configured to removably couple the backing member and the magnetic pole assembly collectively to the first coupling portion of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Boulder Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Kvam, Brian J. Sullivan, James David Duford, James D. Jore, Matthew B. Jore, David Samsel, James S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140042868
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electromagnetic machine includes a rotor element configured for movement relative to a stator. The rotor element includes a support member, a backing member, and a magnetic pole assembly. The support member includes a first coupling portion. The backing member is formed, at least in part, from a ferromagnetic material and the magnetic pole assembly is configured to be coupled to the backing member. The magnetic pole assembly and/or the backing member include a second coupling portion configured to removably couple the backing member and the magnetic pole assembly collectively to the first coupling portion of the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: BOULDER WIND POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Sullivan, James David Duford, James D. Jore, Matthew B. Jore, Michael A. KVAM, David Samsel, James S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8362731
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first member that supports a magnetic flux carrying member and a second member that supports a magnetic flux generating member disposed for movement relative to the first member. An air gap control system is coupled to at least one of the first member or the second member and includes an air gap control device that is separate from a primary magnetic flux circuit formed between the first member and the second member. The air gap control device is configured to exert a force on one of the first and second members in response to movement of the other of the first and second members in a direction that reduces a distance between the first and second members to maintain a minimum distance between the first and second members and/or substantially center the one of the first and second members within the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Boulder Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Smith, Matthew B. Jore, Michael A. Kvam, David Samsel, Charles Perry Butterfield, Jr., Brian J. Sullivan, James David Duford
  • Publication number: 20120262095
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first member that supports a magnetic flux carrying member and a second member that supports a magnetic flux generating member disposed for movement relative to the first member. An air gap control system is coupled to at least one of the first member or the second member and includes an air gap control device that is separate from a primary magnetic flux circuit formed between the first member and the second member. The air gap control device is configured to exert a force on one of the first and second members in response to movement of the other of the first and second members in a direction that reduces a distance between the first and second members to maintain a minimum distance between the first and second members and/or substantially center the one of the first and second members within the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: James S. Smith, Matthew B. Jore, Michael A. Kvam, David Samsel, Charles Perry Butterfield, JR., Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8250914
    Abstract: The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brian J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090277261
    Abstract: The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7578216
    Abstract: The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6453464
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for translating computer programs from a language having the attributes of computer programming language COBOL to a language having the attributes of the computer programming language Java. In particular, source language primitive functions are represented by archetypal templates having code that is selectable based upon the applicable case. In one implementation, the source language is translated to target language code which is, in turn, compiled by a target language compiler, thereby providing a two-step source language compiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: LegacyJ. Corp., Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5777053
    Abstract: An in-mold coating composition for a fiber reinforced plastic comprises an aliphatic resin such as a saturated aliphatic ester intermediate polyurethane having terminal acrylate end groups, a saturated (cyclo)aliphatic (meth)acrylate such as isobornyl acrylate, a hydroxyl alkyl (meth)acrylate, a polyacrylate ester of an alkylene polyol, and a vinyl substituted aromatic. The in-mold coating compositions have good end use weather-resistant properties so that there is no need for a subsequent paint coat thereon which heretofore has been required. The paint-free coating compositions can be either clear or pigmented and can contain various additives such as lubricants, adhesion aids, hardeners, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. McBain, David S. Cobbledick, Henry Shanoski, Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5132052
    Abstract: The cure rate or time of an in-mold coating composition is greatly enhanced by the use of a minor component by weight of a catalyst or initiator in the in-mold composition comprising essentially t-butyl peroxyisobutyrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Cobbledick, Donald F. Reichenbach, Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4912887
    Abstract: A portable stage apparatus which utilizes a plurality of open frame assemblies, each of which is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected side panels. Each open frame assembly is mounted on wheels to facilitate movement from a collapsed position to an extended position. When in the extended position, a plurality of floor panels are to be mounted on the open frame assemblies with the floor panels being contiguous and the upper surface of the floor panels being in alignment. Adjoining floor panels are interlocked together with these floor panels also being locked to the open frame assemblies. For purposes of stowage and transportability, the open frame assemblies are connectable together in the collapsed position and readily movable onto a transporting vehicle. Also, a group of the floor panels are capable of being stowed together into a small space and mounted onto a storage dolly which is readily movable onto and off of a transporting vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventor: Brian J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4637725
    Abstract: An interferometer in Mach-Zehnder configuration comprises beamsplitters (10, 12) and mirrors (11, 13), which divide an optical beam whose wavefront is to be monitored into an information component and a reference component, and which recombine the information and reference components to form an interference pattern that changes dynamically at a spatial light modulator (14) in response to dynamic variations in the atmosphere through which the beam passes. A spatial light filter (15) comprising a plate with a pin-hole aperture is positioned to transmit the reference component of the beam, but with second-order aberrations being removed from the reference component prior to recombination of the information and reference components. The wavefront of the reference component that recombines with the information component is a substantially unaberrated version of the wavefront of the beam whose wavefront is to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Stefanov, Brian J. Sullivan, Anthony J. Ticknor