Patents by Inventor Kevin Allan

Kevin Allan 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).

  • ELECTRIC MACHINE ASSEMBLY WITH FAIL-SAFE ARRANGEMENT
    Publication number: 20120275069
    Abstract: An electric machine assembly with fail-safe arrangement is described. The assembly comprises a stator including a plurality of windings and a cooperating rotor including at least one permanent magnet; a detector configured to detect DC current in at least one of the windings of the stator; and a bypass circuit configured to be activated upon detection of the DC current by the detector and to prevent at least some of the DC current from flowing into the at least one of the windings of the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Local intercept methods, such as applications for providing customer assistance for training, information calls and diagnostics
    Patent number: 8301123
    Abstract: A method of displaying a tutorial to a user of a mobile device is disclosed. In some examples, the mobile device receives an input associated with one or more user functions of the mobile device and launches a locally based application in response to the received input. The locally based application may output instructions to the user explaining to the user how to implement the one or more user functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Roundtree, Kevin Allan, Tom Trinneer
  • Call intercept methods, such as for customer self-support on a mobile device
    Patent number: 8285263
    Abstract: A method for intercepting calls from a remote or mobile device for customer self-support detects when users or subscribers dial one or more predetermined numbers. If the number corresponds to one of the predetermined numbers (such as a customer support number), the phone may intercept the call and display a list of potential solutions to the subscriber's problems. Various other features and embodiments art disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Roundtree, Kevin Allan, Linda Beinikis, Keldon Rush
  • POSITION SENSING CIRCUIT FOR BRUSHLESS MOTORS
    Publication number: 20120249034
    Abstract: A position sensing circuit (14) for a brushless electric motor (10) is described. The position sensing circuit (14) comprises an input (16) adapted to receive a voltage induced by a rotor (1) in at least one winding (L1, L2 and L3) of the stator (2) when that winding is not driven; and a detection device (18) inductively coupled to the input (16) and configured to generate a signal representative of a position of the rotor (1) in relation to the stator (2) based on the induced voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Power inverter and method
    Patent number: 8279648
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting an input signal to an output AC signal in which the input voltage signal is inverted and modulated to provide an intermediate AC signal having twice the desired output frequency. The intermediate signal is then full-wave rectified and then the polarity of the rectified signal is switched every second cycle to produce the output AC signal of a desired frequency and voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • LOW INDUCTANCE CAPACITOR ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20120134069
    Abstract: A low-inductance capacitor assembly (12) is provided. The capacitor assembly (12) includes a positive terminal plate (16), a negative terminal plate (18) and an array (20) of capacitors (22) disposed between and electrically coupled to the positive terminal plate (16) and the negative terminal plate (18). A passage (30) extends through the positive terminal plate (16), the negative terminal plate (18) and through a void (35) formed within the array (20) of capacitors (22). The passage (30) may allow routing of a conductor (14) through the capacitor assembly (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Joshua Bell
  • COMBINATION LOW SPOOL GENERATOR AND RAM AIR TURBINE GENERATOR
    Publication number: 20120133150
    Abstract: A power generating apparatus for use with an aircraft gas turbine engine has a low pressure spool assembly which includes an electrical generator. The electrical generator includes a generator stator supported on a stationary structure of the engine and a generator rotor rotatable around the generator stator and mounted to the low pressure spool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan DOOLEY, Audrey CHENG, Jerzy MAKUSZEWSKI
  • DC MOTOR ASSEMBLY WITH SOFT STARTING CAPABILITY
    Publication number: 20120126547
    Abstract: A DC motor assembly (10) with soft starting capability is provided. The assembly (10) comprises a DC motor (12) including an armature (14) and a field winding (16) adapted to be excited separately from the armature; and circuitry configured to controllably increase current flow through the field winding of the DC motor as a function of time during starting of the DC motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • NON-CONTACT STRESS MEASURING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20120126833
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for measuring stress or strain in a conductive material without physical contact with the material are provided. The device comprises an inductor circuit configured to induce an alternating current into the material along a first path; and a detector configured to detect a signal representative of the stress in the material along the first path when current is induced in the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Torque transmission for an aircraft engine
    Patent number: 8169100
    Abstract: The torque transmission system for an aircraft engine permits a starter-generator to drive the engine on starting at a speed reducing ratio. Once the engine is running, the engine then drives the starter-generator also at a speed reducing ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • CALL INTERCEPT METHODS, SUCH AS FOR CUSTOMER SELF-SUPPORT ON A MOBILE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20120028620
    Abstract: A method for intercepting calls from a remote or mobile device for customer self-support detects when users or subscribers dial one or more predetermined numbers. If the number corresponds to one of the predetermined numbers (such as a customer support number), the phone may intercept the call and display a list of potential solutions to the subscriber's problems. Various other features and embodiments art disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Roundtree, Kevin Allan, Linda Beinikis, Keldon Rush
  • Inductance augmenter for an electric machine
    Patent number: 8072113
    Abstract: The electric machine comprises a rotor and stator, the rotor and stator having generally equal axial lengths. The stator has at least one primary and at least one control winding disposed around the stator. The electric machine comprises a stator extension of a magnetic material. The stator extension is disposed coaxially with the stator and has only the at least one control winding wrapped therearound. The stator extension extends axially adjacent the stator beyond an axial terminus of the rotor and defines a magnetic circuit around the at least one control winding. The stator extension is configured such that in use, the magnetic circuit remains unsaturated thereby increasing inductance of at least one control winding in an electric alternator/motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Joshua David Bell
  • Call intercept methods, such as for customer self-support on a mobile device
    Patent number: 8036645
    Abstract: A method for intercepting calls from a remote or mobile device for customer self-support detects when users or subscribers dial one or more predetermined numbers. If the number corresponds to one of the predetermined numbers (such as a customer support number), the phone may intercept the call and display a list of potential solutions to the subscriber's problems. Various other features and embodiments art disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Roundtree, Kevin Allan, Linda Beinikis, Keldon Rush
  • Electronic Shaft Shear Detection Conditioning Circuit
    Publication number: 20110213537
    Abstract: An electrical control system for distinguishing between an electrical fault and a shaft shear condition in a gas turbine engine, the control system including, in one aspect, a detection circuit including: two or more probes, each probe including an associated resistor having a predetermined range of resistance, and each probe being disposed in the engine adjacent a rotary mounted shaft component, where mechanical interference between one or more of the probes and the shaft component renders the associated resistor substantially non-conductive; sensor processor(s) in communication with each probe, determining a probe operational status based on a measured resistance to current conducted through each probe, and generating a fault code when the measured resistance of at least one of the plurality of probes is not within the predetermined range of resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Antwan Shenouda
  • HYBRID CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110213507
    Abstract: A hybrid control system for controlling an electric machine coupled to a gas turbine engine is provided. The control system comprises: a primary analog control loop including an analog controller for controlling the electric machine based on a set point and a measured output of the electric machine; and a digital controller of the turbine engine operationally connected to the primary analog control loop to adjust at least one control parameter associated with the analog controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • HOUSING ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE
    Publication number: 20110212677
    Abstract: A housing assembly for an electrical device for use on an aircraft is provided. The assembly comprises a housing configured for containing at least one electrical component in a portion of the aircraft vented to atmosphere; and a pressure communication line for communicating between an interior of the housing and a source of pressurized gas available on the aircraft for other primary purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • CONTROL OF BRUSHLESS MOTOR
    Publication number: 20110210688
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a signal useful in the commutation of current through windings of brushless direct current electric motors are provided. Such methods comprises detecting a kickback pulse in a non-driven winding of a motor; detecting a rotor-induced zero crossing in the non-driven winding following the detection of the kickback pulse; and using the detection of the rotor-induced zero crossing to generate a signal useful in commutation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Antwan Shenouda, Donglin Ma
  • Pump and method
    Patent number: 8007253
    Abstract: A pump for moving a liquid including a rotor rotatable within a housing and slidable relative to the housing between a first axial rotor position during normal pump operation and a second axial rotor position during a pump inoperative condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Saturation control of electric machine
    Patent number: 7999431
    Abstract: The invention includes an electric alternator/motor having a rotor, stator and at least one winding in the stator adapted to conduct a current, the machine also having and first and second magnetic circuits, one of which includes a saturable portion in which saturation may be controlled to permit control of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Joshua David Bell
  • Airborne electronics housing assembly
    Patent number: 8000846
    Abstract: An aircraft electronics housing assembly maintains the electronics unit at given ambient conditions despite changes in conditions outside the housing during the aircraft flight cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley