Patents by Inventor William Peil

William Peil 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: 5962984
    Abstract: To provide a high intensity lighting circuit of improved efficiency and reduced electromagnetic interference generation, a DC xenon lamp is driven by a three phase AC source through a three phase, full wave bridge rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Morris W. Mashburn, III
    Inventors: Morris W. Mashburn, III, William Peil
  • Patent number: 5428267
    Abstract: The invention relates to a DC power supply utilizing DC to AC to DC conversion with pulse to pulse current mode IC controlled PWM modulation at an above-sonic repetition rate (e.g., 30 Khz) in a degenerative feedback loop to achieve output regulation.The powder supply, which includes a step-down transformer and a choke input LC filter, is designed for energizing a short-arc, lamp and provides glow to arc transition energization, regulated run energization, and igniter controls. Output regulation may be either of current or power and is based on using a current emulating the current flowing into the filter choke or using both the emulating current and a voltage sensed in a separate secondary winding of the transformer. A novel ramp generating circuit which preserves loop sensitivity at high power loads and a novel method of powering the controlling IC are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Premier Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William Peil
  • Patent number: 4885671
    Abstract: A power supply for a Xenon lamp of a projection television includes a pulse-width-modulator that is included in a power regulating outer feedback loop and in a current-mode inner feedback loop. A current sensing transformer, responsive to a current in a chopper arrangement of the power supply, generates a signal that is coupled to a lowpass filter. The filter generates a ramping portion of each pulse of a control signal that is coupled to a current sensing terminal of the pulse-width-modulator. A switch operating synchronously with a horizontal sync signal is coupled across a capacitor of the lowpass filter to completely discharge the capacitor prior to the beginning of each ramping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William Peil
  • Patent number: 4870421
    Abstract: The invention relates to compact means for turning power on and off and regulating that power as it is supplied to a pulsed transmitting module in a phased array radar system. The arrangement comprises an operational amplifier, which compares the voltage across the module with a gated programmable digital voltage reference, and a high bandwidth power transistor serially connected with the load, the conductivity of which is controlled to adjust the load voltage to the reference value. Capacitive coupling prevents burnout of the transmitting module from a sustained "on" signal and a capacitive feedback connection at the operational amplifier limits the rise time of the voltage supplied to the load to avoid ringing. The use of a "switch" in a regulating mode reduces the amount of local storage capacity required to achieve comparable regulation, and leads to a power conditioner for an individual transmitting module, which is both compact and of high performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Peil, Donald W. Perkins
  • Patent number: 4806937
    Abstract: The invention relates to the distribution of power and control commands to a plurality of pulsed T/R modules coupled to the antenna elements of a phased array radar and arranged in rows and columns. The novel power distribution system includes a large number of small capacitors, at least one per module, a lesser number of large capacitors, at least one at each end of each row, and bus bars dimensioned for a very small r.f. impedance for supplying peak power in a timely manner to the modules from the large capacitors. Each row has four large (1KW) dc power supplies for providing the average power. The power conditioning elements within the modules are of reduced bulk while achieving "droop" free operation. The control commands are carried by lower current capacity runs on a layer laminated to the bus bar.Connectors attached to the laminated bus bar and indexed at the module positions provide high power and control commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William Peil
  • Patent number: 4560909
    Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for controlling the power applied to two remote loads energized from a common ac line. An example is a circuit for controlling fan speed and lamp brightness, both loads being installed in a common ceiling fixture, and requiring only a two conductor interconnection to a wall mounted control circuit. An exemplary control circuit employs two conventional controllers, each having a bidirectional, semiconductor switch, (e.g., a triac) having a manually adjustable conduction duty cycle for power control. The control circuit includes shunt and series diodes for mutual isolation of the controllers and for allocating one controller to one load and the other controller to the other load. The arrangement simplifies installation costs in requiring only a two conductor control connection, and is economic in its selection of components for the control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William Peil
  • Patent number: 4500821
    Abstract: In a motor speed or torque control circuit for an electronically commutated motor (ECM) used in a ceiling fan, a pulse width modulator operating at an above audible pulse repetition rate is used in combination with means to adjust the motor voltage to achieve a large (20 to 1) range of smooth fan speed adjustment. The pulse width modulator, which takes the form of a comparator, has as inputs an invariant sawtooth voltage waveform, and a smooth, adjustable control voltage dependent on the voltage supplied to the motor. A steady state or pulsed output is produced dependent on whether intersections occur at the comparator input. The active output state of the pulse width modulator is used to control the application of power to the motor. The control circuit permits speed or torque control from a wall location, or on the ceiling fixture combining the motor. The speed or torque control circuitry is designed for use in a maximally integrated ECM control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ricky F. Bitting, William Peil
  • Patent number: 4499408
    Abstract: The invention discloses a control circuit for an electronically commutated motor which performs essential internal commutation and control functions and responds to external controls, usually user operated. The invention is embodied in a ceiling fan which is subject to controls over motor speed or torque and direction of rotation. The control circuit uses a differential transconductance amplifier, which is periodically balanced, for commutation timing, and control logic, which includes a bidirectional counter, designed for uniformity in count duration, irrespective of the count, direction of counting, or changes in direction of counting, and a five rank decoding structure which selects the unenergized winding stage for sensing, selects the energized winding stages for suitably sensed energization, and responds to both direction and energy controls. The internal control includes circuit protection when power is first turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ricky F. Bitting, William Peil, Thomas A. Brown, William K. Guzek
  • Patent number: 4495446
    Abstract: An energy efficient lighting unit is described designed for functional similarity to the incandescent light used in the home. The lighting unit utilizes a metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source. The lighting unit includes means for converting 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network containing a three transistor switch. The transistor switch is used to provide dc and low frequency (120 Hz) energization to the filament, and high frequency energization for both filament and arc lamp. The high frequency energization, which starts and transitions the arc lamp, is discontinued after the arc lamp is started. In the final run state, the arc lamp, which is serially connected with the filament across the dc supply, is ballasted by the filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Brown, Marc A. Dissosway, William Peil, Spiro Vamvakas
  • Patent number: 4494055
    Abstract: In a motor control circuit for an electronically commutated reversible motor used in a ceiling fan, a control is used to reduce the voltage supplied to the motor for variable speed or torque operation. At the same time, a substantially smooth control voltage, dependent on the variable voltage supplied to the motor, is produced. This control voltage, which is used to enhance the adjustment rate, is applied to control a pulse width modulator, which produces output pulses which also control the flow of energy to the motor. When the control voltage reaches a value slightly past the desired minimum speed or torque setting, a signal is generated to change the direction of motor rotation. Means are provided to delay the actual reversal to protect the power switches in the control circuit. When power is first applied, the initial direction of motor rotation is set by a switch on the ceiling fan. The control circuit permits control of motor reversal from a wall location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ricky F. Bitting, William Peil, Thomas A. Brown
  • Patent number: 4471268
    Abstract: An energy efficient lighting unit is described designed for functional similarity to the incandescent light used in the home. The lighting unit utilizes a metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source. The lighting unit includes means for converting 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network containing a three transistor switch. The transistor switch is used to provide dc and low frequency (120 Hz) energization to the filament, and high frequency energization for both filament and arc lamp. The high frequency energization, which starts and transitions the arc lamp, is discontinued after the arc lamp is started. In the final run state, the arc lamp, which is serially connected with the filament across the dc supply, is ballasted by the filament. The transistor switch is controlled in its operation by an integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Brown, Marc A. Dissosway, James E. Harris, William Peil
  • Patent number: 4464607
    Abstract: An energy efficient lighting unit is described designed for functional similarity to the incandescent light used in the home. The light unit utilizes a metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source. The lighting unit includes means for converting 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network comprising an inverter operating at above audible frequencies (e.g. 30-40 KHz). The operating network produces a sequence for the arc lamp and the standby filamentary light source appropriate to each operating state of the arc lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Peil, Thomas A. Brown, James E. Harris
  • Patent number: 4453094
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a threshold amplifier suited to integrated circuit fabrication of a process employing CMOS technology. The threshold amplifier is designed to sense current producing a first or a second logic level as a function of a current threshold. The amplifier comprises a p-channel device and a n-channel device serially connected across the bias supply. The gate to source voltages of the two devices are respectively controlled by a diode connected p-channel device similarly serially connected across the bias supply with a diode connected n-channel device, the source of the latter being returned to ground via a current carrying resistance also in the second series path. The output level which is taken at the drain inter-connection between the devices in the first series path depends on the relative conductivity of the two devices which is in turn affected by the induced voltage drop in the source connected resistance in the second series path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Peil, Thomas A. Brown, Marc A. Dissosway
  • Patent number: 4398130
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting unit having low and high light levels and employing an efficient arc lamp as the source of light during the high level setting. The unit employs a filamentary light source for the production of light during low light level operation, the filament acting as a resistive ballast for the arc lamp during high level operation. Practical embodiments operate in a conventional three-way light socket with the sequences being off, low, high and low, and off, low, high, and high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert J. McFadyen, William Peil, John M. Davenport, Robert J. Crosby
  • Patent number: 4392081
    Abstract: A lighting unit is described utilizing an energy efficient metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source producing light when the arc lamp is being started. The lighting unit is designed as a more efficient replacement for the incandescent lamp. The lighting unit includes means for conversion of 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network, including a ferrite transformer and an intermittently operated switching transistor serially connected with a load consisting of the filament or the arc lamp, or both, to which regulated output power is provided. The operating network produces an output with minimum dissipation adapted to each operating state of the arc lamp, including the provision of a high ignition potential, adequate power for the lamp during the glow to arc transition, warm-up and ballasting. In addition, while the arc lamp is being started, the operating network provides power for lighting the standby filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Brown, William Peil
  • Patent number: 4388536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulse generator for use at a selected frequency near 100 Khz and having a predetermined duty cycle (typically 20%). The pulse generator is designed for integrated circuit fabrication using a CMOS process. The design utilizes a ring oscillator whose frequency is varied by external adjustment of a single resistance and which utilizes a gating stage responsive to electrical conditions in at least two stages of the ring oscillator to establish the desired duty cycle. The duty cycle may also be adjusted, as by the inclusion of optional stages in the ring oscillator. The design features a low power consumption, and high temperature stability of frequency and duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Peil, Thomas A. Brown, Marc A. Dissosway
  • Patent number: 4350930
    Abstract: A lighting unit is described utilizing an energy efficient metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source producing light when the arc lamp is being started, the filament thereof serving as a resistive ballast for the arc lamp under normal operation. The lighting unit is designed as a more efficient replacement for the incandescent lamp. The lighting unit includes a rectifier for conversion of 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network, including a ferrite transformer and a transistor switch. The operating network produces an output adapted to each operating state of the arc lamp, including the provision of a high ignition potential, a power boost for the lamp during the glow to arc transition, warm-up and ballasting provisions, and means for sustaining the arc during transients which reduce the line voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Peil, Robert J. McFadyen
  • Patent number: 4307334
    Abstract: A novel and economical transformer is described for use in a static inverter in association with one or two switching devices, typically transistors. The transformer produces an output for control of the associated switching device(s) which changes in sense as a function of the flux level in the transformer core. The arrangement is applicable to a figure "8" flux configuration such as is achieved from two "E" cores, and requires only a single aperture located at the base of the common branch. Control is effected by a single primary and single secondary winding wound through the aperture. With two switching devices, two apertures are normally provided. The core which supports a figure "8" flux configuration may take other more economical alternatives such as "I" core, "T" core or a single "E" core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Peil, Robert J. McFadyen
  • Patent number: 4282462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting unit utilizing an energy efficient arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary lamp, the filament serving as a resistive ballast for the arc lamp during normal operation. The lighting unit is designed for functional similarity to an incandescent lamp, the filament providing immediate illumination when the lighting unit is first energized and continuing illumination until the arc lamp itself produces light. In accordance with the invention, if the arc lamp does not start within a predetermined period, the application of starting potentials produced through operation of a solid state switch and a high frequency step-up transformer is discontinued and the lighting unit rendered inactive. Exemplary means includes a positive temperature coefficient thermistor responsive to the temperature rise of the solid state switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Peil, Robert J. McFadyen
  • Patent number: RE31840
    Abstract: A novel transformer is described for use in a static inverter in association with one or two switching semiconductor devices. The transformer produces an output for control of the associated switching device(s) which changes in sense from conduction aiding to conduction inhibiting as a function of the flux level in the transformer core. The invention is applicable to single loop cores, such as are assembled from two "U" cores. Control is effected by a primary and secondary control winding wound through an aperture pair, the aperture pair being oriented for "neutrality" of the second control winding to the main flux. The aperture pair creates a five branch magnetic path which permits optimizing the control voltage applied to the associated semiconductor devices both to enhance the switching efficiency when the switching device is initially turned on and to reduce stresses on the switching device by precluding transformer saturation when the switching device is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: James E. Harris, Robert McFadyen, William Peil, Nicholas A. Schmidtz