Mark Lawson Shepard

US Patent:

7324360, Jan 29, 2008

Filed:

Oct 17, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/251727

Inventors:

Allen Michel Ritter - Roanoke VA, US
Richard S. Zhang - Rexford NY, US
Luis Jose Garces - Niskayuna NY, US
Rajib Datta - Niskayuna NY, US
Ravisekhar Nadimpalli Raju - Clifton Park NY, US
Mark E. Shepard - Roanoke VA, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H02M 7/00

US Classification:

363 71, 363 65, 363 37

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for converting power from a power source are described. In one example embodiment, the method includes controlling multiple transformer and switchgear units coupled to a power source, and controlling multiple converter units connected in parallel. Each converter unit is coupled to a respective one of the transformer and switchgear units to form an individual thread. The transformer and switchgear unit and power converters are controlled so that the carrier waveforms for each individual thread are interleaved between each other over a carrier cycle.

US Patent:

7680034, Mar 16, 2010

Filed:

Nov 3, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/592379

Inventors:

Dennis Brian King - Roanoke VA, US
John N. Cunningham - Roanoke VA, US
Fred Henry Boettner - Roanoke VA, US
Mark E. Shepard - Roanoke VA, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H04L 1/22

US Classification:

370228, 714 11

Abstract:

A redundant control system for controlling an electromechanical system is provided. The control system includes a first processor, a second processor, an input-output node, a first communication channel, a second communication channel, and a signal selector. The first and second processors have a control algorithm and state variables resident thereon. The first and second processors each generate an output signal based on the control algorithm, the state variables, and an input signal from the electromechanical system. The first communication channel communicates the input signal and the output signal between the first processor and the input-output node, while the second communication channel communicates the input signal and the output signal between the second processor and the input-output node. The signal selector communicates either the output signal from the first processor or the output signal from the second processor to the electromechanical system.

US Patent:

7984118, Jul 19, 2011

Filed:

Dec 14, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/011935

Inventors:

Fred Henry Boettner - Roanoke VA, US
Stephen J. Sullivan - Roanoke VA, US
Craig William Moyer - Roanoke VA, US
Gary Kraterfield - Roanoke VA, US
Robert Kirby - Roanoke VA, US
Mark E. Shepard - Roanoke VA, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

G06F 15/177

US Classification:

709220, 709221, 709222, 709223, 709249, 370254, 370270, 370228, 370384

Abstract:

A control system having a host computer and one or more control computers connected to an interface for control of a process or machinery. The control computers are capable of automatically initiated network address assignment and configuration when powered up after installation. The network address is based on a location identifier situated in the interface that corresponds to a specific connection thereof to the control computer. The control computer reads the location identifier from the interface and requests a network address. The host computer assigns the network address based on the location identifier. Configuration of the control computer then proceeds. The procedure applies to newly installed control computers, whether first time installment or a replacement for a failed control computer.

US Patent:

8259479, Sep 4, 2012

Filed:

Dec 21, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/974444

Inventors:

Robert Gregory Wagoner - Roanoke VA, US
David Smith - Daleville VA, US
Allen Michael Ritter - Roanoke VA, US
Mark E. Shepard - Roanoke VA, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H02M 7/537

US Classification:

363 97, 363131

Abstract:

A power conversion system for providing power to an electrical grid is described. The system includes a boost converter coupled to a photovoltaic (PV) array and configured to control a PV array voltage. The system also includes an inverter coupled to the boost converter by at least one conductor and configured to regulate a voltage drop across the at least one conductor. The system also includes a system controller configured to control operation of the boost converter and the inverter.

US Patent:

8423160, Apr 16, 2013

Filed:

Feb 25, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/712973

Inventors:

Jordan Brantley Casteel - Roanoke VA, US
William Robert Pearson - Roanoke CA, US
Mark Eugene Shepard - Roanoke VA, US
John Andrew Leonard - Roanoke VA, US
Douglas Gregg Fowley - Roanoke VA, US
John Robert Booth - Hardy VA, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

G05B 11/01

US Classification:

700 20, 713322, 375257, 322 59

Abstract:

Embodiments provide systems and methods for controlling electronic circuitry. A system can include at least a first controller and a second controller and at least one power electronic circuitry module. The first controller can be in electrical communication with the power electronic circuitry module via a first high-speed serial link (HSSL). The second controller can be in electrical communication with the power electronic circuitry module via a second HSSL.

US Patent:

20120206841, Aug 16, 2012

Filed:

Feb 10, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/024940

Inventors:

Cyrus David Harbourt - Roanoke VA, US
Mark Eugene Shepard - Roanoke VA, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H02H 9/02

US Classification:

361 18

Abstract:

A power converter includes a first phase leg including a first di/dt reactor and a first control section, the first di/dt reactor and the first control section being coupled between an active line and a neutral line. The power converter also includes a first current crowbar coupled between the active line and the neutral and a controller coupled to the first di/dt reactor, the control section and the first current crowbar and configured to activate the current crowbar based on a voltage across the first di/dt reactor.

US Patent:

20130050944, Feb 28, 2013

Filed:

Aug 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/214589

Inventors:

Mark Eugene Shepard - Roanoke VA, US

International Classification:

H05K 7/20
F28F 9/02

US Classification:

361703, 165173

Abstract:

A heat sink assembly includes a base plate coupled to a first side of an electronic device. A plurality of fins extend from the base plate and are positioned within a housing. The housing includes a first manifold defining a plurality of first passages and a second manifold defining a plurality of second passages in fluid communication with the plurality of first passages. At least one of the plurality of first passages extends between an adjacent pair of the plurality of second passages and is oriented to channel fluid toward at least one of the plurality of fins.

US Patent:

20130069632, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 19, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/235795

Inventors:

Robert Gregory Wagoner - Roanoke VA, US
Mark Eugene Shepard - Roanoke VA, US

Assignee:

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

G01R 1/20

US Classification:

324126

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for improved current shunt sensing in an electrical system, such as a renewable energy electrical system, is disclosed. A current shunt according to aspects of the present disclosure includes a conductive portion that is placed in series with an electrical system The current shunt includes a sensing element that is used to measure the voltage across the conductive portion of the current shunt. The sensing element has an increased width relative to the width of the conductive portion of the shunt. The increased width of the sensing element provides for improved current shunt sensing that results in more accurate voltage (and thus current) measurements across a wide range of frequencies.