Patents by Inventor Patrick J. McCleer
Patrick J. McCleer 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).
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Patent number: 10871141Abstract: A Vernier permanent magnet linear generator employs a translator having a plurality of translator modules oriented in a vertical array. At least a portion of the plurality of translator modules has permanent magnets. Supports at lateral edges of the plurality of translator modules and a rod connected to the supports attach the translator to a driving element. The driving element reciprocating the translator in a longitudinal direction. Two stators are supported on a reaction body oppositely spaced from the vertical array of translator modules by an air gap and offset by one half slot pitch. The stators have three phase integral-slot stator windings magnetically interacting with a magnetic field induced by the permanent magnets. A slot depth of the stators is configured such that an 11th harmonic component of the magnetic field is saturated at a multiple value of a 1st harmonic component.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Dehlsen Associates, LLCInventors: Alan L. McCall, Patrick J. McCleer, Gerald R. Shannon, Jr.
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Patent number: 10865763Abstract: A wave energy converter incorporates a floating body and a reaction body engaging the floating body wherein the reaction body is static or oscillating out of phase relative to the floating body. A power take-off (PTO) has at least one direct drive linear generator, a high level controller responsive to sensors engaged to the direct drive linear generator and providing a PTO force change command (dFPTO) and a low level controller receiving the PTO force change command and providing control signals to power electronics connected to the direct drive linear generator. The direct drive linear generator is operable responsive to the control signals to achieve optimal power extraction performance with high force at low speed with operation in two physical directions and operating as both a motor and a generator for a total of four quadrants of control.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: DEHLSEN ASSOCIATES, LLCInventors: Alan L. McCall, Patrick J. McCleer
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Patent number: 10677296Abstract: An electronic, high-efficiency vehicular transmission, an overrunning, non-friction coupling and control assembly and switchable linear actuator device for use in the assembly and the transmission are provided. The device controls the operating mode of at least one non-friction coupling assembly. The device has a plurality of magnetic sources which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. The net translational force comprises a first translational force caused by energization of at least one electromagnetic source and a magnetic latching force based upon linear position of a permanent magnet source along an axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
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Publication number: 20200063707Abstract: A Vernier permanent magnet linear generator employs a translator having a plurality of translator modules oriented in a vertical array. At least a portion of the plurality of translator modules has permanent magnets. Supports at lateral edges of the plurality of translator modules and a rod connected to the supports attach the translator to a driving element. The driving element reciprocating the translator in a longitudinal direction. Two stators are supported on a reaction body oppositely spaced from the vertical array of translator modules by an air gap and offset by one half slot pitch. The stators have three phase integral-slot stator windings magnetically interacting with a magnetic field induced by the permanent magnets. A slot depth of the stators is configured such that an 11th harmonic component of the magnetic field is saturated at a multiple value of a 1st harmonic component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Alan L. McCall, Patrick J. McCleer, Gerald R. Shannon, JR.
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Publication number: 20190226444Abstract: A wave energy converter incorporates a floating body and a reaction body engaging the floating body wherein the reaction body is static or oscillating out of phase relative to the floating body. A power take-off (PTO) has at least one direct drive linear generator, a high level controller responsive to sensors engaged to the direct drive linear generator and providing a PTO force change command (dFPTO) and a low level controller receiving the PTO force change command and providing control signals to power electronics connected to the direct drive linear generator. The direct drive linear generator is operable responsive to the control signals to achieve optimal power extraction performance with high force at low speed with operation in two physical directions and operating as both a motor and a generator for a total of four quadrants of control.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventors: Alan L. McCall, Patrick J. McCleer
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Publication number: 20180106304Abstract: An electronic, high-efficiency vehicular transmission, an overrunning, non-friction coupling and control assembly and switchable linear actuator device for use in the assembly and the transmission are provided. The device controls the operating mode of at least one non-friction coupling assembly. The device has a plurality of magnetic sources which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. The net translational force comprises a first translational force caused by energization of at least one electromagnetic source and a magnetic latching force based upon linear position of a permanent magnet source along an axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
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Patent number: 9874252Abstract: An electronic, high-efficiency vehicular transmission, an overrunning, non-friction coupling and control assembly and switchable linear actuator device for use in the assembly and the transmission are provided. The device controls the operating mode of at least one non-friction coupling assembly. The device has a plurality of magnetic sources which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. The net translational force comprises a first translational force caused by energization of at least one electromagnetic source and a magnetic latching force based upon linear position of a permanent magnet source along an axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
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Patent number: 9435387Abstract: Device and apparatus for controlling the operating mode of a coupling assembly, coupling and control assembly and electric motor disconnect and pass through assemblies are provided. The device is a switchable linear actuator device to control the operating mode of a coupling assembly. A plurality of magnetic sources produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. A stator structure includes at least one electromagnetic source and a translator structure includes a permanent magnet source magnetically coupled to the stator structure across a radial air gap. The translator structure is supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure along an axis between first and second stable axial end positions which correspond to first and second operating modes of the coupling assembly and an unstable axial equilibrium position between the end positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer, Terry O. Hendrick
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Patent number: 9303699Abstract: An electromechanical assembly to control the operating mode of a coupling apparatus is provided. The assembly includes a first subassembly including a stator having at least one electromagnetically inductive coil to create a magnetic flux when the at least one coil is energized. At least one bi-directionally movable rod has a free end adapted for connection to a strut of the coupling apparatus for selective, small displacement strut movement. An actuator is operatively connected to the at least one rod for selective bi-directional shifting movement along a rotational axis between a first position of the actuator which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling apparatus and a second position of the actuator which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus. A magnetic control force is applied to the actuator when the at least one coil is energized to cause the actuator to move between positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer, Terry O. Hendrick
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Patent number: 9287819Abstract: A system and method for determining rotor shaft position of high voltage permanent magnet AC synchronous machines using auxiliary windings utilizes a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor including a stator having a main set of coils and an auxiliary set of coils. A drive controller including a digital signal processor in communication with the motor utilizes a current and voltage measurements from the main and auxiliary coils to determine the position of the rotor shaft in a sensorless mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: SKY WINDPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Patrick J. McCleer, Richard K. Mains
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Patent number: 9270150Abstract: Direct drive rotating electrical machines with axial air gaps are disclosed. In these machines, a rotor ring and stator ring define an axial air gap between them. Sets of gap-maintaining rolling supports bear between the rotor ring and the stator ring at their peripheries to maintain the axial air gap. Also disclosed are wind turbines using these generators, and structures and methods for mounting direct drive rotating electrical generators to the hubs of wind turbines. In particular, the rotor ring of the generator may be carried directly by the hub of a wind turbine to rotate relative to a shaft without being mounted directly to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Clear Path Energy, LLCInventors: William G. Sharples, Patrick J. McCleer
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Patent number: 9263970Abstract: A DC/AC converter incorporates at least one Magistor module having a first sp control switch, a second sz control switch and a third sm control switch. An AC source is connected to an input of the at least one Magistor module. A switch controller connected to the first sp control switch, second sz control switch and third sm control switch to and provides pulse width modulation (PWM) activation of the switches for controlled voltage at an output.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Magistor Technologies, L.L.C.Inventor: Patrick J. McCleer
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Patent number: 9109636Abstract: An electromechanically actuated coupling and control assembly is provided. In one embodiment, an overrunning clutch and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The clutch and control assembly includes first and second clutch members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. The first and second clutch members have respective coupling faces that oppose each other. The coupling face of one of the clutch members has a pocket. The coupling face of the other clutch member has a locking formation. The assembly further includes a strut received within the pocket in the coupling face of the one clutch member and has an end that is pivotally movable outwardly of the pocket. The assembly still further includes a biasing spring. The assembly further includes an electromechanical apparatus including an actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the pocket.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer, Terry O. Hendrick
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Publication number: 20150014116Abstract: Device and apparatus for controlling the operating mode of a coupling assembly, coupling and control assembly and electric motor disconnect and pass through assemblies are provided. The device is a switchable linear actuator device to control the operating mode of a coupling assembly. A plurality of magnetic sources produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. A stator structure includes at least one electromagnetic source and a translator structure includes a permanent magnet source magnetically coupled to the stator structure across a radial air gap. The translator structure is supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure along an axis between first and second stable axial end positions which correspond to first and second operating modes of the coupling assembly and an unstable axial equilibrium position between the end positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
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Publication number: 20150000442Abstract: An electronic, high-efficiency vehicular transmission, an overrunning, non-friction coupling and control assembly and switchable linear actuator device for use in the assembly and the transmission are provided. The device controls the operating mode of at least one non-friction coupling assembly. The device has a plurality of magnetic sources which produce corresponding magnetic fields to create a net translational force. The net translational force comprises a first translational force caused by energization of at least one electromagnetic source and a magnetic latching force based upon linear position of a permanent magnet source along an axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
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Publication number: 20140265973Abstract: A system and method for determining rotor shaft position of high voltage permanent magnet AC synchronous machines using auxiliary windings utilizes a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor including a stator having a main set of coils and an auxiliary set of coils. A drive controller including a digital signal processor in communication with the motor utilizes a current and voltage measurements from the main and auxiliary coils to determine the position of the rotor shaft in a sensorless mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: SKY WINDPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Patrick J. McCleer, Richard K. Mains
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Publication number: 20140265588Abstract: A DC/AC converter incorporates at least one Magistor module having a first sp control switch, a second sz control switch and a third sm control switch. An AC source is connected to an input of the at least one Magistor module. A switch controller connected to the first sp control switch, second sz control switch and third sm control switch to and provides pulse width modulation (PWM) activation of the switches for controlled voltage at an output.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Magistor Technologies, L.L.C.Inventor: Patrick J. McCleer
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Publication number: 20130256078Abstract: An electromechanically actuated coupling and control assembly is provided. In one embodiment, an overrunning clutch and control assembly having first and second operating modes is provided. The clutch and control assembly includes first and second clutch members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. The first and second clutch members have respective coupling faces that oppose each other. The coupling face of one of the clutch members has a pocket. The coupling face of the other clutch member has a locking formation. The assembly further includes a strut received within the pocket in the coupling face of the one clutch member and has an end that is pivotally movable outwardly of the pocket. The assembly still further includes a biasing spring. The assembly further includes an electromechanical apparatus including an actuator mounted for controlled linear reciprocating motion and in communication with the pocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
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Patent number: 8373299Abstract: Direct drive rotating electrical machines with axial air gaps are disclosed. In these machines, a rotor ring and stator ring define an axial air gap between them. Sets of gap-maintaining rolling supports bear between the rotor ring and the stator ring at their peripheries to maintain the axial air gap. Also disclosed are wind turbines using these generators, and structures and methods for mounting direct drive rotating electrical generators to the hubs of wind turbines. In particular, the rotor ring of the generator may be carried directly by the hub of a wind turbine to rotate relative to a shaft without being mounted directly to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Clear Path Energy, LLCInventors: William G. Sharples, Patrick J. McCleer
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Publication number: 20120152687Abstract: An electromechanical assembly to control the operating mode of a coupling apparatus is provided. The assembly includes a first subassembly including a stator having at least one electromagnetically inductive coil to create a magnetic flux when the at least one coil is energized. At least one bi-directionally movable rod has a free end adapted for connection to a strut of the coupling apparatus for selective, small displacement strut movement. An actuator is operatively connected to the at least one rod for selective bi-directional shifting movement along a rotational axis between a first position of the actuator which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling apparatus and a second position of the actuator which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus. A magnetic control force is applied to the actuator when the at least one coil is energized to cause the actuator to move between positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer