Patents by Inventor Gary L. Miles

Gary L. Miles 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: 11881664
    Abstract: A power feeder device can include a base having a mounting portion and a plurality of connector structures extending from the mounting portion and spaced apart relative to each other to form a respective gap therebetween. Each connector structure can be configured to receive a respective pair of terminals to electrically connect the respective pair of terminals within connector structures and to block a line of sight between an adjacent pair of terminals. The device can also include a cover configured to mate with the base to enclose each of the plurality of connector structures and to increase a length of a creepage path between each pair of terminals by at least partially inserting into each gap between the connector structures. The base and the cover can be configured to form a terminal opening on each lateral side when assembled to allow pass-through of a conductor and/or portion of each terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Francis C. Belisle, Gary L. Miles, Robert C. Cooney, Debabrata Pal, Mark Hamilton Severson, Nhia Yang
  • Patent number: 11401041
    Abstract: A power system of an aircraft includes a hybrid energy storage system with at least two energy storage subsystems each having a different power-energy density, power draw characteristics and/or dissimilar configuration. A primary power unit includes an aircraft engine coupled to an electric motor and a first generator. A secondary power unit is coupled to a second generator. A bidirectional power converter is coupled to the hybrid energy storage system and one or more controllers of the electric motor, the first generator, and the second generator. A power management controller is configured to interface with the hybrid energy storage system and the one or more controllers of the electric motor, the first generator, and the second generator and perform a model predictive control to dynamically adjust one or more electric power flows through the bidirectional power converter based on an engine propulsion power demand of the aircraft engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zubair Ahmed Baig, Sorin Bengea, Gary L. Miles
  • Patent number: 11387765
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a DC midpoint terminal voltage of a three level inverter is provided. The method includes receiving an input power signal at a three level motor control system that includes a three level inverter, the three level inverter powering an electric motor, determining, in the three level motor control system, a speed value of the electric motor, and adjusting a zero-sequence inverter output voltage to adjust a midpoint voltage at the DC midpoint based on the determined speed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Curtis J. Plude, Gary L. Miles
  • Patent number: 11370556
    Abstract: A power system of an aircraft includes a hybrid energy storage system with at least two energy storage subsystems each having a different power-energy density, power draw characteristics and/or dissimilar configuration. A primary power unit includes an aircraft engine coupled to an electric motor and a first generator. A secondary power unit is coupled to a second generator. A bidirectional power converter is coupled to the hybrid energy storage system and one or more controllers of the electric motor, the first generator, and the second generator. A power management controller is configured to interface with the hybrid energy storage system and the one or more controllers of the electric motor, the first generator, and the second generator and perform a model predictive control to dynamically adjust one or more electric power flows through the bidirectional power converter based on an engine propulsion power demand of the aircraft engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zubair Ahmed Baig, Sorin Bengea, Gary L. Miles
  • Publication number: 20220200219
    Abstract: A power feeder device can include a base having a mounting portion and a plurality of connector structures extending from the mounting portion and spaced apart relative to each other to form a respective gap therebetween. Each connector structure can be configured to receive a respective pair of terminals to electrically connect the respective pair of terminals within connector structures and to block a line of sight between an adjacent pair of terminals. The device can also include a cover configured to mate with the base to enclose each of the plurality of connector structures and to increase a length of a creepage path between each pair of terminals by at least partially inserting into each gap between the connector structures. The base and the cover can be configured to form a terminal opening on each lateral side when assembled to allow pass-through of a conductor and/or portion of each terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Francis C. Belisle, Gary L. Miles, Robert C. Cooney, Debabrata Pal, Mark Hamilton Severson, Nhia Yang
  • Publication number: 20210394916
    Abstract: A power system of an aircraft includes a hybrid energy storage system with at least two energy storage subsystems each having a different power-energy density, power draw characteristics and/or dissimilar configuration. A primary power unit includes an aircraft engine coupled to an electric motor and a first generator. A secondary power unit is coupled to a second generator. A bidirectional power converter is coupled to the hybrid energy storage system and one or more controllers of the electric motor, the first generator, and the second generator. A power management controller is configured to interface with the hybrid energy storage system and the one or more controllers of the electric motor, the first generator, and the second generator and perform a model predictive control to dynamically adjust one or more electric power flows through the bidirectional power converter based on an engine propulsion power demand of the aircraft engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Zubair Ahmed Baig, Sorin Bengea, Gary L. Miles
  • Publication number: 20210320554
    Abstract: An electronics assembly including a motor controller electronics arrangement includes a housing enclosing a solid-state switch array, a cold plate arranged within the housing and in thermal communication with the solid-state switch array, and a feeder cable. The feeder cable is electrically connected to the solid-state switch array, has a coolant jacket extending thereabout, is separated from the switch arrangement by the housing, and is in liquid communication with the cold plate to limit heat communicated by the feeder cable into the housing. Electrical systems and methods of cooling feeder cables are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Hailing Wu, Gary L. Miles, Mark Hamilton Severson, Aritra Sur, Xin Wu
  • Publication number: 20210288605
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a DC midpoint terminal voltage of a three level inverter is provided. The method includes receiving an input power signal at a three level motor control system that includes a three level inverter, the three level inverter powering an electric motor, determining, in the three level motor control system, a speed value of the electric motor, and adjusting a zero-sequence inverter output voltage to adjust a midpoint voltage at the DC midpoint based on the determined speed value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Curtis J. Plude, Gary L. Miles
  • Patent number: 11121773
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments of a system for split power-control electronics with fiber-optic multiplexing. The system includes one or more power electronics modules configured to provide power to a load, and a control card configured to control the one or more power electronics modules. The system also includes a control module configured to receive and process the control card, and one or more connections, the one or more connections configured to connect a control module to the one or more power electronics modules. Also provided are embodiments of a method for operating power electronics modules in a redundant mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary L. Miles, Christopher J. Courtney, Michael C. Harke, Mustansir Kheraluwala
  • Publication number: 20210258073
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments of a system for split power-control electronics with fiber-optic multiplexing. The system includes one or more power electronics modules configured to provide power to a load, and a control card configured to control the one or more power electronics modules. The system also includes a control module configured to receive and process the control card, and one or more connections, the one or more connections configured to connect a control module to the one or more power electronics modules. Also provided are embodiments of a method for operating power electronics modules in a redundant mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Gary L. Miles, Christopher J. Courtney, Michael C. Harke, Mustansir Kheraluwala
  • Patent number: 10979041
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a semi-conductor device and a gate drive board. The gate drive board provides a voltage to the semi-conductor device. The system also includes a controller and a monitoring circuit. The controller drives the voltage provided by the gate drive board. The monitoring circuit is coupled to the gate drive board to monitor operations of the controller and the semi-conductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Courtney, Gary L. Miles
  • Publication number: 20210102517
    Abstract: A fuel system for an engine including a first flow line, an electrically driven startup pump in fluid communication with the first flow line to provide a startup flow, a main flow line, a main pump in fluid communication with the main flow line to provide a main flow, and a switching valve connected to the first flow line and the main flow line, the switching valve configured to select between the first flow line and the main flow line to output either the startup flow or the main flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan Susca, Charles E. Reuter, Naison E. Mastrocola, Jesse C. Peters, Gary L. Miles, Robert A. Bayles, Adrian L. Stoicescu
  • Patent number: 10778135
    Abstract: An electric motor control system, including an electric motor having a first winding set including first and second parallel windings, the first and second windings operable to each current based on the combined phase current, and a differential current sensor operably coupled to the first winding and the second winding. The differential current sensor measuring a differential current flowing through the first winding and the second winding and operable to transmit a signal indicative of the differential current based on the measuring. The system also includes a motor controller connected to the electric motor, the motor controller operable to direct the combined phase current through the phase lead, receive the differential current signal, determine if the differential current flowing through the winding set exceeds a selected threshold, and identify a health status of the motor winding set as degraded if the differential current exceeds the selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andreas C. Koenig, Joseph Kenneth Coldwate, Michael J. Menke, Gary L. Miles
  • Publication number: 20200136550
    Abstract: An electric motor control system, including an electric motor having a first winding set including first and second parallel windings, the first and second windings operable to each current based on the combined phase current, and a differential current sensor operably coupled to the first winding and the second winding. The differential current sensor measuring a differential current flowing through the first winding and the second winding and operable to transmit a signal indicative of the differential current based on the measuring. The system also includes a motor controller connected to the electric motor, the motor controller operable to direct the combined phase current through the phase lead, receive the differential current signal, determine if the differential current flowing through the winding set exceeds a selected threshold, and identify a health status of the motor winding set as degraded if the differential current exceeds the selected threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Andreas C. Koenig, Joseph Kenneth Coldwate, Michael J. Menke, Gary L. Miles
  • Patent number: 10060982
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for determining faults in motors and drives. The system includes a motor drive that has a DC-link coupled to a power source. A controller system is configured to measure power applied to the DC-link, integrate the power over time to yield energy consumed, and to determine energy that accumulates in operation over time. The controller is further configured to detect a fault condition when the energy that accumulates in operation is less than expected based on the energy consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gary L. Miles
  • Publication number: 20140300307
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for determining faults in motors and drives. The system includes a motor drive that has a DC-link coupled to a power source. A controller system is configured to measure power applied to the DC-link, integrate the power over time to yield energy consumed, and to determine energy that accumulates in operation over time. The controller is further configured to detect a fault condition when the energy that accumulates in operation is less than expected based on the energy consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Miles
  • Patent number: 8536811
    Abstract: A mechanism for a motor controller for engaging a spinning motor is provided. A power section is configured to provide power to the motor. A control is configured to control the power section. The control is configured to search for a motor frequency of the motor by applying a small excitation voltage to the motor, and the excitation voltage is initially applied at a voltage frequency which is a maximum frequency. The control is configured to track the motor frequency until the motor frequency is below an equivalent speed command and engage the motor by applying a higher voltage to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Wrobel, Gary L. Miles
  • Publication number: 20120098472
    Abstract: A mechanism for a motor controller for engaging a spinning motor is provided. A power section is configured to provide power to the motor. A control is configured to control the power section. The control is configured to search for a motor frequency of the motor by applying a small excitation voltage to the motor, and the excitation voltage is initially applied at a voltage frequency which is a maximum frequency. The control is configured to track the motor frequency until the motor frequency is below an equivalent speed command and engage the motor by applying a higher voltage to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Wrobel, Gary L. Miles
  • Patent number: 7810337
    Abstract: A method of starting a gas turbine engine with a synchronous multiphase alternating current (AC) dynamoelectric machine with a rotor and a stator that allows re-engagement of a starting operation at non-zero rotor speeds comprises the steps of: applying electrical excitation to the rotor; measuring electromotive force (EMF) generated in the stator; determining rotor speed, acceleration and position from the measured EMF by sensorless means; initiating closed-loop sensorless position controlled power to the stator if the determined rotor speed is at least a pre-determined minimum closed-loop sensorless re-engagement speed; initiating open-loop position controlled power to the stator if the determined rotor speed is less than the pre-determined minimum closed-loop sensorless re-engagement speed but at least a predetermined minimum open-loop re-engagement speed and the determined rotor acceleration is no more than a pre-determined maximum open-loop re-engagement acceleration; and initiating open-loop zero-speed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundtrand Corporation
    Inventors: Donal E Baker, Gary L. Miles, Raymond J. Beckmann
  • Publication number: 20090091133
    Abstract: A method of starting a gas turbine engine with a synchronous multiphase alternating current (AC) dynamoelectric machine with a rotor and a stator that allows re-engagement of a starting operation at non-zero rotor speeds comprises the steps of: applying electrical excitation to the rotor; measuring electromotive force (EMF) generated in the stator; determining rotor speed, acceleration and position from the measured EMF by sensorless means; initiating closed-loop sensorless position controlled power to the stator if the determined rotor speed is at least a pre-determined minimum closed-loop sensorless re-engagement speed; initiating open-loop position controlled power to the stator if the determined rotor speed is less than the pre-determined minimum closed-loop sensorless re-engagement speed but at least a predetermined minimum open-loop re-engagement speed and the determined rotor acceleration is no more than a pre-determined maximum open-loop re-engagement acceleration; and initiating open-loop zero-speed
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donal E. Baker, Gary L. Miles, Raymond J. Beckmann, JR.