Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Currier
Thomas F. Currier 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: 10780850Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
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Patent number: 10784701Abstract: An electrical power system for regenerative loads may include a DC bus and an electrical actuator load, where back-driving the electrical actuator load generates regenerative electrical energy, and where the electrical actuator load is configured to transmit the regenerative electrical energy to the DC bus. The system may also include at least one additional load, where at least a portion of the regenerative electrical energy is transmitted to the at least one additional load.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Eugene V. Solodovnik, Thomas F. Currier, Mark E. Liffring, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Patent number: 10737802Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David S. Krug, Kamiar J. Karimi, Thomas F. Currier, Andrew J. Bayliss, George M. Roe, Mark E. Liffring, Mark W. Lesyna, Christopher M. Severns, Andrew Johnson
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Patent number: 10493930Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene V. Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
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Publication number: 20190181669Abstract: An electrical power system for regenerative loads may include a DC bus and an electrical actuator load, where back-driving the electrical actuator load generates regenerative electrical energy, and where the electrical actuator load is configured to transmit the regenerative electrical energy to the DC bus. The system may also include at least one additional load, where at least a portion of the regenerative electrical energy is transmitted to the at least one additional load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2017Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Eugene V. Solodovnik, Thomas F. Currier, Mark E. Liffring, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Publication number: 20190023412Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: David S. Krug, Kamiar J. Karimi, Thomas F. Currier, Andrew J. Bayliss, George M. Roe, Mark E. Liffring, Mark W. Lesyna, Christopher M. Severns, Andrew Johnson
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Publication number: 20190016280Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
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Patent number: 10093250Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
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Patent number: 10050548Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring power to a load. An AC-to-DC converter output for an AC-to-DC converter is connected to a filter circuit input in a DC-to-DC converter via a connector such that a no-break power transfer occurs when transferring between providing power for the load by the AC-to-DC converter and providing power for the load by the DC-to-DC converter. The topology of the AC-to-DC converter needs only 21 windings for achieving a 24-pulse transformer rectifier unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jian Huang, Thomas F. Currier, Alan Thomas Bernier, Ernest H. Kanning
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Patent number: 9815564Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David S. Krug, Kamiar J. Karimi, Thomas F. Currier, Andrew J. Bayliss, George M. Roe, Mark E. Liffring, Mark W. Lesyna, Christopher M. Severns, Andrew Johnson
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Publication number: 20170274847Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Mark S. SHANDER, N. Evan LURTON, Thomas F. CURRIER, Todd B. BROUWER, Mark E. LIFFRING, Jon J. DHONDT, Carolyn KERR, Robert D. HOLLEY, Lowell W. SCHAFFNER, Eugene V. SOLODOVNIK, Terrance L. THOMAS
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Patent number: 9676351Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas
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Patent number: 9561761Abstract: A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) spatially distributed throughout a vehicle servicing equipment loads. Each MEC independently provides localized power and communication to service the equipment loads. A zone of electrical loads is assigned to and serviced by the nearest MEC. Power and communication data are synchronized in that each equipment load receives power and data from the same MEC. In one embodiment, if a MEC experiences an operational inconsistency, one or more other MECs are assigned the equipment loads of the operationally inconsistent MEC.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Steven M. Walstrom, Todd B. Brouwer, Thomas F. Currier, Thomas R. Hasenoehrl, Carolyn Kerr, Mark E. Liffring, Lowell W. Schaffner, Mark S. Shander
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Patent number: 9413162Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Jon J. Dhondt, Robert D. Holley, Terrance L. Thomas, Vikram D. Immanuel, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas F. Currier, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Patent number: 9407083Abstract: A system and method for suppressing a subtransient current and an overvoltage in a power system. A subtransient current is identified at a location in the power system. The subtransient current at the location in the power system is directed to ground for a time delay in response to identifying the subtransient current at the location in the power system. Directing the subtransient current at the location in the power system to ground is ceased in response to identifying an end of the time delay. An overvoltage is identified at the location in the power system. The overvoltage at the location in the power system is suppressed in response to identifying the overvoltage at the location in the power system.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Robert D. Holley, Thomas F. Currier, Eugene V. Solodovnik, Farhad Nozari
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Publication number: 20160107588Abstract: Supplemental power systems for aircraft are described. One example is a power conversion system for an electrical power system in a twin engine aircraft having a first generator and a second generator is described. The power conversion system includes a first branch, a second branch, and a selector. The first branch has a first input, a first power converter, and a first output configured for coupling to an aircraft electrical distribution system. The second branch includes a second input, a second power converter, and a second output configured for coupling to the aircraft electrical distribution system. The selector is coupled between the first branch and the second branch. The selector is configured to selectively connect the first generator to the first branch or to the first and second branches. The selector is also configured to selectively connect the second generator to the second branch or the first and second branches.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2014Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph White, Thomas F. Currier
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Publication number: 20160094143Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring power to a load. An AC-to-DC converter output for an AC-to-DC converter is connected to a filter circuit input in a DC-to-DC converter via a connector such that a no-break power transfer occurs when transferring between providing power for the load by the AC-to-DC converter and providing power for the load by the DC-to-DC converter. The topology of the AC-to-DC converter needs only 21 windings for achieving a 24-pulse transformer rectifier unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Jian Huang, Thomas F. Currier, Alan Thomas Bernier, Ernest H. Kanning
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Publication number: 20150151847Abstract: An aircraft may include at least one secondary power system requiring secondary power, at least two main engines, and at least three non-propulsive utility power (NPUP) generation systems. The NPUP generation systems may each be configured to provide full-time secondary power during operation of the aircraft. The NPUP generation systems may be configured to provide at least a portion of the secondary power required by the secondary power system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David S. Krug, Kamiar J. Karimi, Thomas F. Currier, Andrew J. Bayliss, George M. Roe, Mark E. Liffring, Mark W. Lesyna, Christopher M. Severns, Andrew Johnson
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Publication number: 20150103447Abstract: Distributed electronic protections and control architecture enabling simultaneous fault clearance without conflicting fault isolation logic. A plurality of modular equipment centers (MECs) is spatially distributed throughout a vehicle to service equipment loads with power and data. In one embodiment, protective functions are embedded on integrated protection chipsets (IPCs) within the distributed architecture of the vehicle. The IPCs implement a plurality of protective functions where coordinated or independent fault assessments are performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Todd B. Brouwer, Jon J. Dhondt, Robert D. Holley, Terrance L. Thomas, Vikram D. Immanuel, Christopher M. Severns, Thomas F. Currier, Kamiar J. Karimi
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Publication number: 20150103457Abstract: A solid state primary power switching network for modular equipment centers (MECs) distributing primary power throughout a vehicle. The solid state primary power switching network includes multiple primary power switch network devices (PPSNDs) of a MEC for controlling and distributing primary power to other MECs spatially distribute throughout a vehicle. In one or more configurations, the PPSNDs have a universal structure in that each includes a common power input source and a plurality of common power outputs. In one or more configurations, primary power sources to the vehicle are switched without a perceivably visible break in power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark S. Shander, N. Evan Lurton, Thomas F. Currier, Todd B. Brouwer, Mark E. Liffring, Jon J. Dhondt, Carolyn Kerr, Robert D. Holley, Lowell W. Schaffner, Eugene Solodovnik, Terrance L. Thomas