Patents by Inventor Dean Thornton

Dean Thornton 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: 11424612
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an overvoltage response for an electric machine includes opening a first switching element and a second switching element in response to an overvoltage condition. In the instance that the overvoltage condition persists, the method and apparatus can further open a third switchable element to cease the overvoltage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Hao Huang, David Dimitri Karipides, Roger Dean Thornton
  • Publication number: 20200328588
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an overvoltage response for an electric machine includes opening a first switching element and a second switching element in response to an overvoltage condition. In the instance that the overvoltage condition persists, the method and apparatus can further open a third switchable element to cease the overvoltage condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Hao Huang, David Dimitri Karipides, Roger Dean Thornton
  • Publication number: 20070179674
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Ensworth, Barbara Booth, Dean Thornton, David Fern, Randall Hern, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm Napier
  • Publication number: 20070106426
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Ensworth, Barbara Booth, Dean Thornton, David Fern, Randall Hern, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm Napier
  • Publication number: 20050192710
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for testing the installation of sensors, irrigation system components and controllers are provided. An apparatus or sensor unit is for use with an irrigation system and comprises a processor and a sensor coupled to the processor and adapted to provide a sensor response. The sensor can be a water sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a ground moisture sensor, a solar radiation sensor, a wind speed sensor, or a water flow rate sensor, among others. A communication circuit is coupled to the processor which in turn can cause the communication circuit to transmit a first signal in response to the sensor response. The processor can further cause the communication circuit to transmit a test signal having a signal strength that is less than the strength of the first signal to simulate the deteriorated conditions that can be present during a transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Inventors: Dean Thornton, George Seelman
  • Patent number: 6429020
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting the flame occurring during a flashback condition in the fuel nozzle of a lean premix combustion system is presented. The sensor comprises an electrically isolated flashback detection electrode and a guard electrode, both of which generate electrical fields extending to the walls of the combustion chamber and to the walls of the fuel nozzle. The sensor is positioned on the fuel nozzle center body at a location proximate the entrance to the combustion chamber of the gas turbine combustion system. The sensor provides 360° detection of a flashback inside the fuel nozzle, by detecting the current conducted by the flame within a time frame that will prevent damage to the gas turbine combustion system caused by the flashback condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jimmy Dean Thornton, George Alan Richards, Douglas L. Straub, Eric Arnold Liese, John Lee Trader, Jr., George Edward Fasching