Patents by Inventor David A. Crane

David A. Crane 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: 20130200691
    Abstract: In a marine power distribution and propulsion system with a medium voltage distribution busbar (MVAC1) and a low voltage distribution busbar (LVAC1) then a rectifier (SC) is controlled, optionally to provide active filtering and static compensation benefits. A common power supply system incorporating ac generators (G1-G4) supplies power to the medium and low voltage distribution busbars. The rectifier (SC) is connected to the medium voltage distribution busbar (MVAC1). A controller (Co) uses feedback signals indicative of electrical quantities of the distribution voltages carried by both the medium voltage and low voltage distribution busbars (MVAC1, LVAC1) to control the rectifier (SC) to regulate electrical quantities at the ac terminals of the rectifier (SC) in order to achieve desired electrical quantities of the distribution voltage carried by the low voltage distribution busbar (LVAC1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Allan David Crane, Nicholas Simon Smith, Ralph Edwin Maltby
  • Publication number: 20130185159
    Abstract: A system for integrating customer databases, the system including a merchant database received from a first merchant, the merchant database including a plurality of individual customer entries, a database provided by a promoter, an integration engine for integrating the merchant database with the promoter database, a promotion engine configured to obtain additional information relating to each of the plurality of individual customer entries and an extraction engine configured to extract an extraction database from the promoter database. The integration engine is configured to maintain a differentiation between the merchant database and the promoter database. The extraction database includes the merchant database and the additional information related to each of the plurality of individual customer entries obtained by the promotion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: David CRANE
  • Patent number: 8487566
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic commutator circuit for use with a stator winding of an electrical machine. The stator winding of the electrical machine includes a number of coils linked by the same number of points of common coupling. The electronic commutator circuit comprising the same number of switching stages, each switching stage being connected between a respective one of the points of common coupling and first and second dc terminals. Each switching stage further includes a first reverse blocking semiconductor power device (such as a Reverse Blocking Gate Turn Off Thyristor (RB-GTO 1) capable of being turned on and off by gate control having its anode connected to the first dc terminal, and a second reverse blocking semiconductor power device (RB-GTO 2) capable of being turned on and off by gate control having its cathode connected to the second dc terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Converteam UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Allan David Crane
  • Publication number: 20120267955
    Abstract: A power transmission and distribution system suitable for subsea electrical loads includes a primary dc transmission cable connected to an onshore AC/DC converter module that connects the onshore end of the cable to an ac supply network. The subsea end of the cable is connected to a primary subsea power distribution unit and includes a DC/DC converter module having a modular topology with a series of interconnected DC/DC converter units. The DC/DC converter module is connected between the cable and a primary dc distribution network. Secondary dc transmission cables and associated circuit breakers connect the primary subsea power distribution unit to secondary subsea power distribution units that are located near the subsea loads. Each secondary subsea power distribution unit includes a DC/DC converter module having a modular topology with a series of interconnected DC/DC converter units. Respective secondary dc distribution networks supply power to one or more subsea loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Changjiang Zhan, Allan David Crane, Andrew James Bullock
  • Patent number: 8258760
    Abstract: An exciter assembly for supplying a field current to the rotor windings of a superconducting synchronous machine includes a pulse transformer having a stationary primary winding, a secondary winding and a tertiary winding. A switched mode power supply supplies a pulsed voltage to the primary winding of the pulse transformer. The pulsed voltage developed at the secondary winding of the pulse transformer is supplied to the rotor windings through a pair of transfer leads. A controller controls synchronous rectification of the pulsed voltage supplied to the rotor windings based on a signal from the tertiary winding of the pulse transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Converteam UK LTD
    Inventor: Allan David Crane
  • Publication number: 20120221889
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a replicated duplex computer system. The system includes a triplet of network elements, which each maintain a clock signal, and a monitor at each network element for monitoring incoming clock signals. Each network element interfaces with a fault containment region (FCR). The system provides the ability to transition to a duplex system if one of the fault containment regions fails. The three network elements are able to send their clock signals to the other network elements and receive their own clock signal and clock signals from the other elements. The monitors are configured to detect discrepancies in the clock signals of the network elements. If a monitor determines that an FCR has failed, each network element is reconfigured so that the FTPP system operates in a duplex mode without the faulty FCR by replacing the clock signal from the faulty element with its own clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Beilin, David Crane, M. Jay Prizant, Eric T. Antelman, Jeffrey Zinchuk, Roger Racine, Neil Brock, Adam J. Elbirt
  • Publication number: 20120175962
    Abstract: A power collection and transmission system can be used with a plurality of energy devices such as off-shore wind turbines. The energy devices are grouped into two or more clusters. The system includes a dc collection network for each cluster. A primary DC/DC converter is located at each energy device and is connected to the dc collection network. First and second dc transmission lines are used to transmit any power generated by the energy devices to an on-shore converter station. A secondary DC/DC converter assembly is connected between the dc collection networks and the first and second dc transmission lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: CONVERTEAM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Changjiang Zhan, Andrew James Bullock, Christopher Smith, Allan David Crane
  • Patent number: 8212646
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuse assembly for rapid interruption of a prospective fault current. The fuse assembly includes a plurality of splitter plates. A plurality of foil elements extend between a pair of terminals and are physically supported by the splitter plates. A pair of parallel busbars are in series with the foil elements and generate a magnetic field that is substantially perpendicular to the current flowing in the foil elements. In the presence of a prospective fault current, the foil elements will melt and at arcing inception an electromagnetic force developed as a result of interaction between the magnetic field and the arc current will push the molten foil elements into the splitter plates. This increases the arc length and hence the arc voltage. At least the foil elements and the splitter plates are preferably located in flowing liquid dielectric such as MIDEL 7131, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Allan David Crane, Christopher John Dunne
  • Publication number: 20120130739
    Abstract: Methods and systems creating Telemedical offices to remotely &/or automatically perform patient identification & intake, vitals measuring & recording, symptom reporting, live & delayed consultation by medical professionals, various and unlimited outpatient medical testing, live &/or automated diagnostic, referral, prescribing, treatment, billing, payment processing and record keeping services remotely by live & time-shifted medical professionals, medical and non-medical sensors, robotics (the robotics are not patented, but are used as a tool in the invention to help deliver the the services), autonomous systems and automated systems. The positive identification and teleconferencing capabilities also enable uses beyond the scope of medicine that also require positive identification prior to or during videoconferencing. The invention results in improved quality in medical service delivery, broad distribution of medical services and efficiencies in financial and time resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: David Crane
  • Patent number: 8058763
    Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor arrangement that is particularly suitable for low-speed large-diameter electrical generators includes a rotor 2 having a radially outer rim 4. A circumferential array of magnet carriers 12 is non-releasably affixed to the outer rim 4 of the rotor and have a radially outer surface. An inverted U-shaped pole piece retainer 18 made of non-magnetic material such as stainless steel is affixed to each magnet carrier 12 and is formed with an axially extending channel. At least one pole piece 16 made of a magnetic material such as steel is located adjacent to the radially outer surface of each magnet carrier 12 and in the channel formed in its associated pole piece retainer 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Converteam UK Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Eaton Clark, Andrew James Bullock, Allan David Crane
  • Patent number: 8049358
    Abstract: A power distribution system that can be used in naval ships and submarines includes a first propulsion drive system including a propulsion motor having superconducting (preferably high temperature superconducting (HTS)) rotor windings and a power converter. A first propulsion power generation system supplies power to the first propulsion drive system and includes a generator having superconducting (preferably HTS) rotor windings and a power converter. A first power generation system includes a power source for supplying power to a first service distribution system that includes a dc distribution busbar (optionally implemented using HTS cabling or busbar) for carrying a distribution voltage and a distribution current, and a switchboard that includes protective switchgear with contacts. A power converter is used to connect the power source to the switchboard. The power converters are regulated according to a power source foldback and stabilizing characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Allan David Crane, Clive Lewis
  • Patent number: 8040001
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for mounting to, or forming part of, the stator assembly of a rotating electrical machine. A plurality of component modules are provided at angularly spaced-apart locations around the assembly and contain power electronics components. Electrically conductive toroidal inlet and outlet manifolds are provided to convey coolant fluid (preferably a liquid dielectric such as MIDEL) to and from the component modules. The inlet and outlet manifolds provide a dual function as a coolant circuit for conveying coolant fluid and as busbars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Allan David Crane
  • Patent number: 8040094
    Abstract: A circuit for use with a stator winding of a rotating or linear electrical machine, the stator winding having a number of coils linked by the same number of points of common coupling, includes an electronic commutator circuit having the same number of switching stages, each connected between a respective one of the points of common coupling and first and second main dc lines. Each switching stage includes first and second reverse blocking semiconductor power devices. A voltage clamping circuit includes the same number of clamping stages, each connected between a respective one of the points of common coupling and first and second auxiliary dc lines. Each clamping stage includes first and second diodes and first and second capacitors common to the various clamping stages. A dc to dc converter selectively discharges the first and second capacitors to the first and second main dc lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Allan David Crane, David Nicholas Lee
  • Publication number: 20110227544
    Abstract: An exciter assembly for supplying a field current to the rotor windings of a superconducting synchronous machine includes a pulse transformer having a stationary primary winding, a secondary winding and a tertiary winding. A switched mode power supply supplies a pulsed voltage to the primary winding of the pulse transformer. The pulsed voltage developed at the secondary winding of the pulse transformer is supplied to the rotor windings through a pair of transfer leads. A controller controls synchronous rectification of the pulsed voltage supplied to the rotor windings based on a signal from the tertiary winding of the pulse transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Converteam UK Ltd
    Inventor: Allan David CRANE
  • Patent number: 7989977
    Abstract: A power distribution system that can be used in naval ships and submarines includes a first power generation system including at least one power source for supplying power to a first service distribution system that includes at least one dc distribution busbar for carrying a distribution voltage and a distribution current and at least one switchboard that includes protective switchgear with contacts. A zonal power distribution sub-system includes a zonal power supply unit for supplying power to at least one electrical load and a zonal energy store connected to the at least one switchboard of the first service distribution system for supplying power to the zonal power supply unit. The at least one power source is regulated according to a power source foldback and stabilizing characteristic and a power source starting characteristic. The at least one electrical load is regulated according to a load shedding and stabilizing characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Converteam UK Ltd
    Inventor: Allan David Crane
  • Patent number: 7969123
    Abstract: An exciter assembly for supplying a field current to the rotor windings of a superconducting synchronous machine includes a pulse transformer having a stationary primary winding and a secondary winding that is mounted to the rotor of the superconducting synchronous machine for rotation therewith. A switched mode power supply supplies a pulsed voltage to the primary winding of the pulse transformer. The pulsed voltage developed at the secondary winding of the pulse transformer is supplied to the rotor windings through a rectifier semiconductor device and a pair of transfer leads. The rotor windings and a flywheel semiconductor device are located inside a cryogenic chamber or cryostat. The flywheel semiconductor device is connected in parallel with the rotor windings and operates in unison with the rectifier semiconductor device in order to provide synchronous rectification of the switched mode power supply output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Converteam UK Ltd
    Inventor: Allan David Crane
  • Publication number: 20110140561
    Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor arrangement that is particularly suitable for low-speed large-diameter electrical generators includes a rotor 2 having a radially outer rim 4. A circumferential array of magnet carriers 12 is non-releasably affixed to the outer rim 4 of the rotor and have a radially outer surface. An inverted U-shaped pole piece retainer 18 made of non-magnetic material such as stainless steel is affixed to each magnet carrier 12 and is formed with an axially extending channel. At least one pole piece 16 made of a magnetic material such as steel is located adjacent to the radially outer surface of each magnet carrier 12 and in the channel formed in its associated pole piece retainer 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Converteam UK Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Eaton CLARK, Andrew James BULLOCK, Allan David CRANE
  • Patent number: 7950573
    Abstract: A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. Based on user data read by a card reader from a user card, a banking system machine can be used to carry out a transaction. Data read by the card reader is compared by a computer to data stored in an authorized machine user database. The banking system machine is operative to capture images of machine users. The captured user images can be stored in correlation with user transaction data in data bearing records. The banking system machine can produce markup language documents which include the data bearing records. The markup language documents can be communicated to a remote authorized analysis terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffery M. Enright, Kevin F. Martin, Brad L. Stephenson, Roy Hathaway, Tom Kehner, Christopher J. Knouff, Kenneth C. Varn, Jeffrey R. Thomas, Jay Paul Drummond, John Kortis, David A. Crane, Evan F. Goldring, Robert Novitskey, Michael Russell, Michael Mott, Chris DiVita, Doug Williams
  • Patent number: 7944723
    Abstract: A matrix converter that can be used as part of a two-stage power converter has three ac three ac voltage lines AC1, AC2 and AC3 and two dc voltage lines DC1 and DC2. An array of six semiconductor switches 10a to 10f are arranged such that each of the three ac voltage lines AC1, AC2 an AC3 can be connected to one of the two dc voltage lines DC1 and DC2 when the associated switch is closed. A freewheel path is provided between the two dc voltage lines DC1 and DC2, which provides a fifth state of operation when all the switches 10a to 10f are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Converteam UK Ltd
    Inventor: Allan David Crane
  • Publication number: 20110084670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to power distribution systems (e.g. a marine power distribution and propulsion system) that include first and second ac distribution busbars. The first ac distribution busbar will typically be a medium voltage busbar for the propulsion drive systems and the second ac distribution busbar will typically be a low voltage for ships services. A 12-pulse rectifier has its ac terminals electrically connected to the first ac distribution busbar. A multiple output generator has first and second galvanically-isolated stator windings. The first stator winding provides a six-phase ac output and is connected to the first ac distribution busbar. The second stator winding provides a three-phase ac output and is connected to the second ac distribution busbar. The six-phase ac output is phase shifted relative to the three-phase ac output to reduce the problematic coupling of harmonic distortion between the first and second ac distribution busbars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: CONVERTEAM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Jonathan Childs, Allan David Crane