Earl J Curran, Jr

Title: Innovations by Earl J Curran, Jr.

Introduction

Earl J Curran, Jr. is a notable inventor based in South Milwaukee, WI (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering, particularly in motor control technologies. With a total of 6 patents to his name, Curran's work has had a lasting impact on the efficiency and performance of electric motors.

Latest Patents

One of Curran's latest patents is an apparatus for controlling the firing of thyristors relative to a current. This innovation involves timing the firing of thyristors in a motor controller using a microprocessor that times the event of current reaching zero. The system includes hardware that generates firing signals in response to the voltage crossing zero. The motor controller is equipped with thyristors that connect the motor to a source of AC electrical energy. It also features motor voltage zero crossing circuitry and motor current zero crossing circuitry, which measure a lag time indicative of the time interval between the voltage applied to the motor crossing zero and the current flow to the motor reaching zero. A microprocessor generates a desired off time, which is the interval between the current flow to the motor reaching zero and the firing of the thyristors. This innovation allows for efficient operation of highly loaded motors.

Another significant patent is the up to speed detector for an electric motor. This device produces an indication that a motor has reached full speed operation by generating an up to speed signal based on the measurement of the phase angle between the voltage applied to the motor and the electric current flowing to it. The motor up to speed detector connects the electric motor to a power source and measures the time interval between the voltage and current events to obtain a measured value of current lag. It compares successive measured values of current lag at predetermined time intervals after electric power is applied to the motor, generating a signal that indicates when the motor has reached an up to speed condition.

Career Highlights

Earl J Curran, Jr. has dedicated his career to advancing motor control technologies. He works at Square D Company, where he has been able to apply his innovative ideas in practical applications. His contributions have not only improved motor efficiency but have also enhanced the overall performance of electrical systems.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Curran has collaborated with several talented individuals, including James T Libert and Jeffrey A Reichard. These collaborations