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).

  • Patent number: 10871141
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Dehlsen Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. McCall, Patrick J. McCleer, Gerald R. Shannon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10865763
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: DEHLSEN ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. McCall, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Patent number: 10677296
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Publication number: 20200063707
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Alan L. McCall, Patrick J. McCleer, Gerald R. Shannon, JR.
  • Publication number: 20190226444
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Alan L. McCall, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Publication number: 20180106304
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Patent number: 9874252
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Patent number: 9435387
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Patent number: 9303699
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Patent number: 9287819
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SKY WINDPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick J. McCleer, Richard K. Mains
  • Patent number: 9270150
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Clear Path Energy, LLC
    Inventors: William G. Sharples, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Patent number: 9263970
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Magistor Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Patrick J. McCleer
  • Patent number: 9109636
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer, Terry O. Hendrick
  • Publication number: 20150014116
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Publication number: 20150000442
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Publication number: 20140265973
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SKY WINDPOWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick J. McCleer, Richard K. Mains
  • Publication number: 20140265588
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Magistor Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Patrick J. McCleer
  • Publication number: 20130256078
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Patent number: 8373299
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Clear Path Energy, LLC
    Inventors: William G. Sharples, Patrick J. McCleer
  • Publication number: 20120152687
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Patrick J. McCleer