Patents by Inventor Ciaran Patterson

Ciaran Patterson 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: 20130234678
    Abstract: A generator comprises first and second field coils whose combined magnetic flux causes stator current within one or more stator windings which, when rectified via a rectifier circuit, produces rectified output current with reduced voltage fluctuations. A filter circuit extracts the AC component of the rectified output current and delivers it to the second field coil. The magnetic flux generated by the second field coil modifies the magnetic flux of the first field coil effectively cancelling the voltage ripples associated with the rectified output current of the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Patent number: 8432069
    Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to protect the generator from catastrophic failure while providing the electrical load in the electrical system with sufficient electrical power. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. In particular, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and either limits or ceases the total electrical output current of the generator, via a generator output power controller, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value. The control device may alternatively be configured to generate an error signal without varying the generator's total electrical output current even in the event of a malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventor: Ciaran Patterson
  • Patent number: 8283810
    Abstract: An electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to control electrical current through the electrical system via a switch module. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. Specifically, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and operates to control electrical current distribution throughout the electrical system, via one or more switch modules, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: James Becker, Issam Jabaji, Ciaran Patterson
  • Publication number: 20120242296
    Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to protect the generator from catastrophic failure while providing the electrical load in the electrical system with sufficient electrical power. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. In particular, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and either limits or ceases the total electrical output current of the generator, via a generator output power controller, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value. The control device may alternatively be configured to generate an error signal without varying the generator's total electrical output current even in the event of a malfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ciaran Patterson
  • Patent number: 8227941
    Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to protect the generator from catastrophic failure while providing the electrical load in the electrical system with sufficient electrical power. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. In particular, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and either limits or ceases the total electrical output current of the generator, via a generator output power controller, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value. The control device may alternatively be configured to generate an error signal without varying the generator's total electrical output current even in the event of a malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventor: Ciaran Patterson
  • Patent number: 8072092
    Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises two generators coupled with one or more electrical subsystem, each of which includes at least one of a stored energy source and electrical load. Each generator is regulated via its associated voltage regulator at a common regulation voltage. Sequential electrical power delivery from the generators is achieved via a sequencing means. Where two or more electrical subsystems are present, electrical isolation is achieved via an isolating means. Overcharge protection is achieved by sensing and responding to the highest voltage of the two or more electrical subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventor: Ciaran Patterson
  • Publication number: 20110018504
    Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to protect the generator from catastrophic failure while providing the electrical load in the electrical system with sufficient electrical power. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. In particular, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and either limits or ceases the total electrical output current of the generator, via a generator output power controller, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value. The control device may alternatively be configured to generate an error signal without varying the generator's total electrical output current even in the event of a malfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Ciaran Patterson
  • Publication number: 20110018340
    Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises two generators coupled with one or more electrical subsystem, each of which includes at least one of a stored energy source and electrical load. Each generator is regulated via its associated voltage regulator at a common regulation voltage. Sequential electrical power delivery from the generators is achieved via a sequencing means. Where two or more electrical subsystems are present, electrical isolation is achieved via an isolating means. Overcharge protection is achieved by sensing and responding to the highest voltage of the two or more electrical subsystems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Ciaran Patterson
  • Publication number: 20100138071
    Abstract: An electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to control electrical current through the electrical system via a switch module. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. Specifically, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and operates to control electrical current distribution throughout the electrical system, via one or more switch modules, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: James Becker, Issam Jabaji, Ciaran Patterson
  • Patent number: 7688040
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: C. E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Patent number: 7688039
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: C. E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Publication number: 20100019738
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Publication number: 20090302809
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Publication number: 20090302810
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Poukermani
  • Patent number: 7615972
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Patent number: 7598713
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Patent number: 7576519
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Publication number: 20090079400
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Publication number: 20090058207
    Abstract: A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Nisvet Basic, Ciaran Patterson, Mahmood Pourkermani
  • Patent number: D624494
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: C.E. Niehoff & Co.
    Inventor: Ciaran Patterson