Patents by Inventor Thomas James Gallagher

Thomas James Gallagher 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).

  • Publication number: 20070268003
    Abstract: Systems and method for mixing the output of a vehicle alternator throughout any operating temperature range include a first temperature sensor for measuring a first temperature and a second temperature sensor for measuring a first temperature. A first temperature module compares the first temperature with a first temperature reference to determine a first temperature error, and to calculate a first duty cycle reference based on the first temperature error. A second temperature module compares the second temperature with a second temperature reference based on the second temperature error, and to calculate a second duty cycle reference based on the second temperature error. A duty cycle selection module selects the lesser of the first duty cycle reference or the second duty cycle reference as a maximum system duty cycle. A duty cycle control module regulates a field current of the vehicle alternator based on the maximum system duty cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Sergei F. Kolomeitsev, Thomas James Gallagher
  • Patent number: 7276873
    Abstract: A fault-handling system for a 2-phase motor. When an electric motor is used for power assist in a steering system in a vehicle, malfunctions can cause loss of assist, and detectable vibration. The invention utilizes a 2-phase motor in such an application, and implements alternate modes of operation when certain malfunctions occur, thereby maintaining the assist function in situations wherein the function would otherwise be lost or reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas James Gallagher, Hong Jiang, Sergei Kolomeitsev, John R. Suriano, Joseph P. Whinnery
  • Patent number: 7116075
    Abstract: A control system for an electric motor. Field Oriented Control, FOC, uses a digital control system, and attempts to maintain the rotating stator magnetic field ninety degrees ahead of the rotor field, in order to maximize torque. However, if a three-phase motor is used, which is very common, large amounts of computation are required, to convert from a three-phase coordinate system to an orthogonal coordinate system. The invention replaces the three-phase motor with a two-phase motor, which has been found to impose certain additional costs, but also provides benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas James Gallagher, Hong Jiang, Sergei Kolomeitsev, John R. Suriano, Joseph P. Whinnery