Patents by Inventor Thomas P. Joyce

Thomas P. Joyce 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: 11867746
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a failure detection system for an integrated circuit component includes an integrated circuit component configured to connect to a circuit board, a first sensor operatively connected to sense and output a signal indicative of an actual current output of the component in a first state, and a second sensor operatively connected to sense and output a signal indicative of an actual condition of the component in the first state. A logic module can be configured to output a component failed state signal based at least in part on the signal indicative of the actual current output of the component in the first state and the signal indicative of the actual condition of the component in the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Ashutosh Joshi
  • Patent number: 11791621
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a failure in a contactor economizer that is configured to provide a first current to a coil of a contactor to close the contactor, and to provide a second current lower than the first current to the coil after the contactor is closed to hold the contactor closed. The method includes at least one of: driving contactor actuation based on economizer failure status; and/or signaling failure of the economizer through built in test (BIT) indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Thomas P. Joyce, Natalie Filipski
  • Patent number: 11705296
    Abstract: A system includes a contactor operatively connected to a coil for actuating the contactor to open and close a circuit. A pass element includes a source, a drain, and a gate, wherein the drain is electrically connected to the coil, and wherein the coil is in series between the pass element and ground. A voltage source is connected to the source of the pass element to pass current into the coil when the pass element is in a pass state. A current source control circuit with economizer is operatively connected to the gate of the pass element. A delay circuit is operatively connected to the current source control circuit with economizer and to a command line to command a lower current for holding the contactor closed after a delay has expired for the contactor to transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
  • Publication number: 20230090583
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a failure detection system for an integrated circuit component includes an integrated circuit component configured to connect to a circuit board, a first sensor operatively connected to sense and output a signal indicative of an actual current output of the component in a first state, and a second sensor operatively connected to sense and output a signal indicative of an actual condition of the component in the first state. A logic module can be configured to output a component failed state signal based at least in part on the signal indicative of the actual current output of the component in the first state and the signal indicative of the actual condition of the component in the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Ashutosh Joshi
  • Publication number: 20230065688
    Abstract: A generator system can include a first generator, a first controller operatively connected to the first generator to control a first generator voltage output, a second generator, and a second controller operatively connected to the second generator to control a second generator voltage output. The first generator and the second generator can be configured in a parallel generator configuration to share load power. The first controller and the second controller can be configured to provide foldback control. The first controller and the second controller can be configured to calibrate foldback to correct for current sharing imbalance between the first generator and the second generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Michael C. Harke, William S. Heglund, Lon R. Hoegberg
  • Patent number: 11488798
    Abstract: A system includes a contactor operatively connected to a coil for actuating the contactor to open and close a circuit. A pass element includes a source, a drain, and a gate, wherein the drain is electrically connected to the coil, and wherein the coil is in series between the pass element and ground. A voltage source is connected to the source of the pass element to pass current into the coil when the pass element is in a pass state. A current source control circuit with economizer is operatively connected to the gate of the pass element. A delay circuit is operatively connected to the current source control circuit with economizer and to a command line to command a lower current for holding the contactor closed after a delay has expired for the contactor to transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
  • Publication number: 20220285116
    Abstract: A system includes a contactor operatively connected to a coil for actuating the contactor to open and close a circuit. A pass element includes a source, a drain, and a gate, wherein the drain is electrically connected to the coil, and wherein the coil is in series between the pass element and ground. A voltage source is connected to the source of the pass element to pass current into the coil when the pass element is in a pass state. A current source control circuit with economizer is operatively connected to the gate of the pass element. A delay circuit is operatively connected to the current source control circuit with economizer and to a command line to command a lower current for holding the contactor closed after a delay has expired for the contactor to transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
  • Patent number: 11329539
    Abstract: A system including a generator and a controller. The generator includes a permanent magnet generator (PMG), and an exciter. The controller manages operations of the generator. The controller includes an alternating current to direct current (AC-to-DC) converter that generates a direct current (DC) voltage, an exciter drive that provides a DC current to the exciter of the generator using the DC voltage created by the AC-to-DC converter in accordance with the control signal, and a regulator controller that drives the active AC-to-DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adrian E. Vandergrift, Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
  • Patent number: 11257645
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments for a circuit for a relay drive with a power supply economizer. The circuit includes a relay having a relay coil and a relay contact. The circuit also includes a power source to generate power for a coil drive voltage to operate the relay, and a controller configured to provide a command signal to operate the circuit in a plurality of modes. The circuit includes a first gate drive coupled to a first switch, wherein the first switch connects the relay coil to the circuit, and a second gate drive coupled to a second switch, wherein the second switch changes an effective resistance of a resistor network of the circuit to modify the coil drive voltage. Also provided are embodiments for a method for operating a circuit including relay drive with a power supply economizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Mike Arthur
  • Patent number: 11133672
    Abstract: A system for connecting first and second high voltage direct current (HVDC) sources in parallel to a bus includes one or more contactors connecting the first HVDC source to the bus. The system also includes a bus coupling circuit located between the second HVDC source and the bus that utilizes inductors to couple, in operation, couples the second HVDC source to the bus such that first and second HVDC sources are in parallel with the second positive output is connected to the positive rail and the second negative output connected to the negative rail. The inductors are first connected to the bus though auxiliary contactors and, after a predetermined time, main contactors are closed that provide a path around the inductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
  • Publication number: 20210296069
    Abstract: A system includes a contactor operatively connected to a coil for actuating the contactor to open and close a circuit. A pass element includes a source, a drain, and a gate, wherein the drain is electrically connected to the coil, and wherein the coil is in series between the pass element and ground. A voltage source is connected to the source of the pass element to pass current into the coil when the pass element is in a pass state. A current source control circuit with economizer is operatively connected to the gate of the pass element. A delay circuit is operatively connected to the current source control circuit with economizer and to a command line to command a lower current for holding the contactor closed after a delay has expired for the contactor to transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
  • Publication number: 20210296885
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a failure in a contactor economizer that is configured to provide a first current to a coil of a contactor to close the contactor, and to provide a second current lower than the first current to the coil after the contactor is closed to hold the contactor closed. The method includes at least one of: driving contactor actuation based on economizer failure status; and/or signaling failure of the economizer through built in test (BIT) indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Thomas P. Joyce, Natalie Filipski
  • Publication number: 20210288567
    Abstract: A system including a generator and a controller. The generator includes a permanent magnet generator (PMG), and an exciter. The controller manages operations of the generator. The controller includes an alternating current to direct current (AC-to-DC) converter that generates a direct current (DC) voltage, an exciter drive that provides a DC current to the exciter of the generator using the DC voltage created by the AC-to-DC converter in accordance with the control signal, and a regulator controller that drives the active AC-to-DC converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Adrian E. Vandergrift, Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
  • Patent number: 11121638
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a transistor rectifier unit are provided. Aspects include providing a first transformer output and a second transformer output, providing a plurality of rectifier circuits, wherein the plurality of rectifier circuits comprises a first rectifier coupled to the first transformer output and a second rectifier coupled to the second transformer output, and wherein the first rectifier comprises a first output voltage and the second rectifier comprises a second output voltage, operating a plurality of switches based on a plurality of operational modes, wherein the plurality of operational modes comprises a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, and wherein the plurality of switches comprises a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas P. Joyce
  • Publication number: 20210281074
    Abstract: A system for connecting first and second high voltage direct current (HVDC) sources in parallel to a bus includes one or more contactors connecting the first HVDC source to the bus. The system also includes a bus coupling circuit located between the second HVDC source and the bus that utilizes inductors to couple, in operation, couples the second HVDC source to the bus such that first and second HVDC sources are in parallel with the second positive output is connected to the positive rail and the second negative output connected to the negative rail. The inductors are first connected to the bus though auxiliary contactors and, after a predetermined time, main contactors are closed that provide a path around the inductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
  • Publication number: 20210217570
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments for a circuit for a relay drive with a power supply economizer. The circuit includes a relay having a relay coil and a relay contact. The circuit also includes a power source to generate power for a coil drive voltage to operate the relay, and a controller configured to provide a command signal to operate the circuit in a plurality of modes. The circuit includes a first gate drive coupled to a first switch, wherein the first switch connects the relay coil to the circuit, and a second gate drive coupled to a second switch, wherein the second switch changes an effective resistance of a resistor network of the circuit to modify the coil drive voltage. Also provided are embodiments for a method for operating a circuit including relay drive with a power supply economizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Mike Arthur
  • Patent number: 11018630
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments that include a circuit configured to operate in a disabled mode error reduction for high-voltage bilateral operational amplifier current source. The circuit includes an operational amplifier, and a switching circuit coupled to the operation amplifier, wherein the switching circuit is operable in a normal mode and a disabled mode, wherein the disabled mode reduces error current at the output of the operational amplifier. Also provided are embodiments for a method for operating a circuit in a disabled mode for error reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Matthew Campbell
  • Publication number: 20210036629
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a transistor rectifier unit are provided. Aspects include providing a first transformer output and a second transformer output, providing a plurality of rectifier circuits, wherein the plurality of rectifier circuits comprises a first rectifier coupled to the first transformer output and a second rectifier coupled to the second transformer output, and wherein the first rectifier comprises a first output voltage and the second rectifier comprises a second output voltage, operating a plurality of switches based on a plurality of operational modes, wherein the plurality of operational modes comprises a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, and wherein the plurality of switches comprises a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas P. Joyce
  • Publication number: 20200382073
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments that include a circuit configured to operate in a disabled mode error reduction for high-voltage bilateral operational amplifier current source. The circuit includes an operational amplifier, and a switching circuit coupled to the operation amplifier, wherein the switching circuit is operable in a normal mode and a disabled mode, wherein the disabled mode reduces error current at the output of the operational amplifier. Also provided are embodiments for a method for operating a circuit in a disabled mode for error reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Matthew Campbell
  • Patent number: 10751465
    Abstract: A multi-fluid injector system and methods of operation thereof are presented. One embodiment of such a fluid injector system includes an automatic refill procedure for a fluid injector system comprising a fluid injector and an operably engaged syringe. The procedure includes the step of determining, using an electronic control device operably controlling the fluid injector system, whether a fluid injection procedure involving the syringe is impending. If the electronic control device determines that the fluid injection procedure is not impending, such that the automatic refill will not interfere with the fluid injection procedure, an automatic refill of the syringe is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Riley, Ralph H. Schriver, William D. Barlow, Thomas P. Joyce, Andreas Maihoefer