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).
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Publication number: 20250119150Abstract: A system an analog to digital converter (ADC) operatively connected to receive an analog input signal from an input line and to output a digital input signal. A processor is operatively connected to receive the digital input signal from the ADC and to output a digital control signal for controlling a physical system based on the digital input signal. A digital to analog converter (DAC) is operatively connected to receive a copy of the digital input signal put out from the processor, and to output an analog output signal indicative of the copy of the digital input signal put out from the processor. Comparison logic is operatively connected to receive the analog input signal from the input line, to receive the analog output signal from the DAC, and to output an error signal in response to a mismatch between the analog input signal and the analog output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: April 10, 2025Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Brennan Fox, Christopher Gillette, John A. Kleindienst, Alan E. Lubow
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Patent number: 12072822Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 27, 2024Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Michael C. Harke, William S. Heglund, Lon R. Hoegberg
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Patent number: 12055589Abstract: A low-side contactor coil drive circuit can include an input line and a first solid state switch having a first switch base, a first switch collector, and a first switch emitter. The first switch collector can be connected to the input line and the first switch emitter is connected to ground. The circuit can include a second solid state switch having a second switch base, a second switch collector, and a second switch emitter. The second switch emitter can be connected to the input line in parallel with the first switch collector. The second switch collector can be connected to the first switch base. The circuit can include a third solid state switch having a third switch gate, a third switch source, and a third switch drain. The third switch drain can be connected to the second switch base.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2023Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Thomas P. Joyce
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Publication number: 20240241176Abstract: A low-side contactor coil drive circuit can include an input line and a first solid state switch having a first switch base, a first switch collector, and a first switch emitter. The first switch collector can be connected to the input line and the first switch emitter is connected to ground. The circuit can include a second solid state switch having a second switch base, a second switch collector, and a second switch emitter. The second switch emitter can be connected to the input line in parallel with the first switch collector. The second switch collector can be connected to the first switch base. The circuit can include a third solid state switch having a third switch gate, a third switch source, and a third switch drain. The third switch drain can be connected to the second switch base.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2023Publication date: July 18, 2024Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Thomas P. Joyce
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Publication number: 20240195314Abstract: A system includes a two-switch H-bridge topology, which has a first switch with a first gate drive connected to control on and off states of the first switch. A second switch has a second gate drive connected to control on and off states of the second switch. An exciter winding is connected from a first node between the first switch and a second flyback diode to a second node between a first flyback diode and the second switch. A controller is connected to control the first gate drive and the second gate drive in a mode wherein the first switch is always on while the second cycles as a duty-cycle-controlled switch element for the exciter winding.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2022Publication date: June 13, 2024Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, John F. Defenbaugh, Barry Drager
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Patent number: 11867746Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Ashutosh Joshi
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Patent number: 11791621Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Thomas P. Joyce, Natalie Filipski
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Patent number: 11705296Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 26, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
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Publication number: 20230090583Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2021Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Ashutosh Joshi
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Publication number: 20230065688Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2021Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Michael C. Harke, William S. Heglund, Lon R. Hoegberg
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Patent number: 11488798Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
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Publication number: 20220285116Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
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Patent number: 11329539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Adrian E. Vandergrift, Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
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Patent number: 11257645Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Mike Arthur
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Patent number: 11133672Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
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Publication number: 20210296885Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2020Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Thomas P. Joyce, Natalie Filipski
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Publication number: 20210296069Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2020Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
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Publication number: 20210288567Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2020Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Adrian E. Vandergrift, Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski
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Patent number: 11121638Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas P. Joyce
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Publication number: 20210281074Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Thomas P. Joyce, Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Natalie Filipski