Patents by Inventor Thomas West
Thomas West 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: 10101070Abstract: Systems and methods are used to control operation of a rotary compressor of a refrigeration system to limit or prevent movement of rotors due to axial thrust loading resulting from rapid changes in speed of the rotors of the compressor. The operational profile of the motor is controlled to maintain acceleration torque and deceleration torque within predefined limits. The acceleration torque and deceleration torque are maintained within the predefined limits by controlling the speed of the motor, or by controlling the torque applied by the motor to the rotors during acceleration or deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Dennis Myron Beekman, David Marshall Foye, Korwin Jay Anderson, Benjamin James Sykora
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Patent number: 10041840Abstract: Temperature value determination of at least one variable frequency drive component is provided. In one form, a method includes providing a variable frequency drive that includes a first component in thermal communication with a second component in thermal communication with a switching device. A temperature value of the second component is determined using a temperature value of the first component, a power loss characteristic of the drive, and a first characteristic of heat transfer between the first and second components. The method further includes sensing a temperature value of the second component and determining a temperature value for the switching device using the power loss characteristic, a second characteristic of heat transfer between the second component and the switching device, and the greater of the sensed and determined temperature values of the second component. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects shall become apparent from the description and drawings.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Benjamin James Sykora
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Patent number: 10022842Abstract: A method and systems for controlling optical transmissivity of a polish pad material are provided. The method and systems may include adjusting control parameters to determine the optical transmissivity of a polish pad material. The control parameters may also include pre-processing controls, casting controls, and/or curing controls. Methods and systems also provided for assembling a polish pad that controls the optical transmissivity of the polish pad. Additionally, a polish pad with a controlled optical transmissivity is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Thomas West, Inc.Inventors: Thomas West, Gary Quigley, Pepito Galvez, Peter McKeever, Suli Holani
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Patent number: 10003287Abstract: Techniques for motor magnet degradation controls and diagnostics are disclosed. An exemplary technique determines q-axis current, d-axis current, q-axis voltage, and/or d-axis voltage of a permanent magnet motor based upon sensed current and voltage information of the motor. This information is utilized to determine flux information. The flux information is utilized in evaluating collective state conditions of a plurality of motor magnets and evaluating localized state conditions of a subset of the plurality of motor magnets. The evaluations can be used to identify degradation or damage to one or more of the magnets which may occur as a result of elevated temperature conditions, physical degradation, or chemical degradation.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, David Marshall Foye
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Patent number: 9939795Abstract: A controller is configured to generate control signals to control a variable frequency drive coupled with a load. A simulator receives the control signals and processes the control signals. The simulator simulates a variable frequency drive and a load by generating feedback signals based on a model and the control signals. The controller receives the feedback signals from the simulator.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Korwin Jay Anderson, Nathan Thomas West
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Publication number: 20180042806Abstract: The present invention is a muscle roller. It has interchangeable foam rollers connected to an alternate hand grip which is connected to a removable hand grip. The rollers are interchangeable with different levels of firmness. The tension of the roller is adjustable to meet the preference of the user of the roller. In the preferred embodiment, the muscle roller body can fit into a regular backpack, gym bag or even in a carrying bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2016Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventor: Nicholas Thomas West
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Patent number: 9733482Abstract: A wearable display apparatus includes a display for providing viewable images. A display support assembly can support the display. The display support assembly can be self centering and telescoping for adjusting the position of the display for viewing by a user. The display support assembly can include right side and left side arm members spaced apart from each other, and a flexibly resilient support member to which the display is mounted between the arm members. The support member can be telescopically mounted to the arm members. The support member can have flexibly resilient right and left side portions secured to the display. Each side portion can be slidably mounted to a respective arm member for telescoping.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Kopin CorporationInventors: Adrian Mark Thomas West, Zachary Jarrod Traina, Junggeun Tak, Thomas Gerard Parent
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Publication number: 20170227273Abstract: Unique apparatuses, methods, and systems of opposing, limiting, and/or preventing undesired or un-commanded compressor rotation are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is an HVACR system comprising a variable frequency drive configured to drive an electric motor to rotate a screw compressor or scroll compressor. A controller is configured to monitor various aspects of the system and to control the drive. When a condition indicative of potential undesired or un-commanded compressor rotation is identified, the controller commands the variable frequency drive to control the motor to limit and preferably prevent compressor rotation. One technique comprises shorting switches of the drive to a DC bus rail to allow back EMF induced current in the motor windings to be dissipated through winding resistance thus providing a damping force. Another technique comprises controlling the inverter to insert a DC current into the motor to cause the motor to align to and hold a particular position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: NATHAN THOMAS WEST, Benjamin James Sykora, David Marshall Foye, Dennis Myron Beekman, Korwin Jay Anderson, Robert Bakkestuen
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Publication number: 20170203411Abstract: A method and systems for controlling optical transmissivity of a polish pad material are provided. The method and systems may include adjusting control parameters to determine the optical transmissivity of a polish pad material. The control parameters may also include pre-processing controls, casting controls, and/or curing controls. Methods and systems also provided for assembling a polish pad that controls the optical transmissivity of the polish pad. Additionally, a polish pad with a controlled optical transmissivity is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2015Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Thomas West, Gary Quigley, Pepito Galvez, Peter McKeever, Suli Holani
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Publication number: 20170179859Abstract: Techniques for motor magnet degradation controls and diagnostics are disclosed. An exemplary technique determines q-axis current, d-axis current, q-axis voltage, and/or d-axis voltage of a permanent magnet motor based upon sensed current and voltage information of the motor. This information is utilized to determine flux information. The flux information is utilized in evaluating collective state conditions of a plurality of motor magnets and evaluating localized state conditions of a subset of the plurality of motor magnets. The evaluations can be used to identify degradation or damage to one or more of the magnets which may occur as a result of elevated temperature conditions, physical degradation, or chemical degradation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, David Marshall Foye
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Publication number: 20170167769Abstract: Systems and methods are used to control operation of a rotary compressor of a refrigeration system to limit or prevent movement of rotors due to axial thrust loading resulting from rapid changes in speed of the rotors of the compressor. The operational profile of the motor is controlled to maintain acceleration torque and deceleration torque within predefined limits. The acceleration torque and deceleration torque are maintained within the predefined limits by controlling the speed of the motor, or by controlling the torque applied by the motor to the rotors during acceleration or deceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2017Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: NATHAN THOMAS WEST, Dennis Myron Beekman, David Marshall Foye, Korwin Jay Anderson, Benjamin James Sykora
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Patent number: 9654048Abstract: Diagnostic and/or control methods, systems and apparatuses for variable frequency drives are disclosed. The variable frequency drive may be controlled by a controller that may conduct one or more tests or evaluations. The tests or evaluations may include determining whether a switching device in the variable frequency drive is open-circuited, short-circuited, or operating normally. The tests may include determining whether current provided at an inverter output of the variable frequency drive is within a predetermined range. An exemplary embodiment evaluates the drive for a short circuit condition, an open circuit condition, and a sensor error or failure condition, controls operation of the drive based upon these one or more evaluations, may abort operation of the drive based upon one or more evaluations, and may set a fault code indicative of the type of error encountered.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Benjamin James Sykora, Korwin Jay Anderson, Matthew August Shepeck, David Marshall Foye
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Patent number: 9654049Abstract: Variable frequency drive active harmonic mitigation controls and diagnostics are disclosed. Exemplary controls and diagnostics include operating a variable frequency drive including converting an AC input line voltage to a DC voltage, generating a motor drive signal using the DC voltage, and driving an electric motor with the motor drive signal. A harmonic mitigation signal is provided to the drive configured to at least partially mitigate harmonics during the operation of the drive. The harmonic mitigation signal is inhibited based upon presence of an error condition associated with the drive input. The inhibiting is terminated based upon the absence of the error condition. A diagnostic fault condition based upon a number of occurrences of the error condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Trane International, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Benjamin James Sykora, David Marshall Foye, Korwin Jay Anderson, William James Walters
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Patent number: 9647591Abstract: Techniques for motor magnet degradation controls and diagnostics are disclosed. An exemplary technique determines q-axis current, d-axis current, q-axis voltage, and/or d-axis voltage of a permanent magnet motor based upon sensed current and voltage information of the motor. This information is utilized to determine flux information. The flux information is utilized in evaluating collective state conditions of a plurality of motor magnets and evaluating localized state conditions of a subset of the plurality of motor magnets. The evaluations can be used to identify degradation or damage to one or more of the magnets which may occur as a result of elevated temperature conditions, physical degradation, or chemical degradation.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, David Marshall Foye
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Patent number: 9605886Abstract: Systems and methods are used to control operation of a rotary compressor of a refrigeration system to limit or prevent movement of rotors due to axial thrust loading resulting from rapid changes in speed of the rotors of the compressor. The operational profile of the motor is controlled to maintain acceleration torque and deceleration torque within predefined limits. The acceleration torque and deceleration torque are maintained within the predefined limits by controlling the speed of the motor, or by controlling the torque applied by the motor to the rotors during acceleration or deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Dennis Myron Beekman, David Marshall Foye, Korwin Jay Anderson, Benjamin James Sykora
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Refrigerant compressor drives offering enhanced robustness, efficiency and rated voltage operability
Patent number: 9595905Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems offering enhanced robustness, efficiency and rated voltage operability for refrigerant compressor drives are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment is a method of operating a variable frequency drive. The method includes operating the drive over a first operating range to provide at least a desired operating speed and minimize d-axis current, operating the drive over a second operating range including injecting d-axis current to provide at least the desired operating speed, operating the drive over a third operating range at a de-rated speed less than the desired operating speed. In the first operating range the drive input voltage is greater than a first value. In the second operating range the drive input voltage is lower than the first value and greater than a second value. In the third operating range the drive input voltage is lower than the second value.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Dennis Myron Beekman, David Marshall Foye -
Patent number: 9568208Abstract: Embodiments of a HVAC electrical system power supply packaging system within an ultimate enclosure are provided. The HVAC electrical system power supply packaging system provides serviceability, safety, manufacturability, and system management failure diagnostic reporting enhancements over conventional packaging systems while conforming to agency safety requirements. The embodiments disclosed herein also reduce equipment and service costs for HVAC electrical system power supply components provided within the HVAC electrical system power supply packaging system by reducing delays in servicing these components. Thus, customer uptime of the HVAC system can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, David Marshall Foye, William James Walters
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Publication number: 20160329854Abstract: Diagnostic and/or control methods, systems and apparatuses for variable frequency drives are disclosed. The variable frequency drive may be controlled by a controller that may conduct one or more tests or evaluations. The tests or evaluations may include determining whether a switching device in the variable frequency drive is open-circuited, short-circuited, or operating normally. The tests may include determining whether current provided at an inverter output of the variable frequency drive is within a predetermined range. An exemplary embodiment evaluates the drive for a short circuit condition, an open circuit condition, and a sensor error or failure condition, controls operation of the drive based upon these one or more evaluations, may abort operation of the drive based upon one or more evaluations, and may set a fault code indicative of the type of error encountered.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Benjamin James Sykora, Korwin Jay Anderson, Matthew August Shepeck, David Marshall Foye
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Publication number: 20160056750Abstract: Diagnostic and/or control methods, systems and apparatuses for variable frequency drives are disclosed. The variable frequency drive may be controlled by a controller that may conduct one or more tests or evaluations. The tests or evaluations may include determining whether a switching device in the variable frequency drive is open-circuited, short-circuited, or operating normally. The tests may include determining whether current provided at an inverter output of the variable frequency drive is within a predetermined range. An exemplary embodiment evaluates the drive for a short circuit condition, an open circuit condition, and a sensor error or failure condition, controls operation of the drive based upon these one or more evaluations, may abort operation of the drive based upon one or more evaluations, and may set a fault code indicative of the type of error encountered.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2015Publication date: February 25, 2016Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Benjamin James Sykora, Korwin Jay Anderson, Matthew August Shepeck, David Marshall Foye
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Publication number: 20150377537Abstract: An exemplary system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator fluidly coupled to form a vapor-compression circuit, and an electric motor configured to drive the compressor. An inverter having a plurality of switching elements is configured to provide an output voltage to the electric motor through operation of the switching elements. A waste heat recovery circuit is configured to transfer waste heat from the inverter to a load. A controller is configured provide switching commands to the switching elements of the inverter. The controller is further configured to sense a condition of the system, determine a heat production requirement based at least in part upon the system condition, and to vary the number of switching commands per unit time based at least in part upon the heat production requirement.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, Benjamin James Sykora, Pavak Mehta