Patents by Inventor Robert W. McConnell

Robert W. McConnell 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).

  • Robust power distribution systems and methods
    Patent number: 7262520
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that allow for individual power sources to be disconnected and reconnected without interrupting the power supply from the other power sources and that allow for these power sources to provide power at substantially the same electrical parameters such as frequency, phase, and voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cuong V. Nguyen, Daniel W. Trimble, Robert W. McConnell
  • Automatic mode transitions for microturbine generating systems
    Patent number: 6727603
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microturbine generator system comprising: providing a computer control unit; providing a utility power grid sensor input line to the computer control unit; and providing a utility power grid disconnect command output line from the computer control unit; and causing, via the computer control unit, automatic transitions of the microturbine generator system between at least four states, the at least four states comprising a generator standby backup mode, a generator standalone mode, a transfer to standby backup mode, and a generator startup battery charging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hybrid Power Generation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. McConnell, Daniel W. Trimble, David C. Lewis
  • Systems and methods for managing a battery source associated with a microturbine power generating system
    Patent number: 6703719
    Abstract: A microturbine power generating system and associated method for managing a battery source associated with a microturbine power generating system is disclosed. The system and methods enable charging the battery source from the utility grid when the turbine is not running and providing load support when the microturbine engine is unable to support a transient load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert W. McConnell
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING A BATTERY SOURCE ASSOCIATED WITH A MICROTURBINE POWER GENERATING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20040041404
    Abstract: A microturbine power generating system and associated method for managing a battery source associated with a microturbine power generating system is disclosed. The system and methods enable charging the battery source from the utility grid when the turbine is not running and providing load support when the microturbine engine is unable to support a transient load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. McConnell