Patents Assigned to GE Aviation Systems Limited
  • Method and system for determining degradation in performance of an electronic device connected to a communication network
    Patent number: 10826752
    Abstract: A method for determining degradation in performance of an electronic device connected to a communication network for an aerial vehicle includes monitoring, by one or more computing device(s), communications on the communication network during a validation period. The method further includes generating, by the computing device(s), a baseline operating profile of the electronic device based, at least in part, on the communications monitored during the validation period. In addition, the method includes monitoring, by the computing device(s), communications on the communication network during a post-validation period. The method further includes determining, by the computing device(s), a present operating profile of the electronic device based, at least in part, on the communications monitored during the post-validation period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Stefan Alexander Schwindt, Barry Foye
  • Method and apparatus for initializing a controller module
    Patent number: 10826782
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of initializing a set of controllable units in an electrical system. The method comprises: A) obtaining, by a controllable unit controller module in a sequence of the controllable units, a discovery message on a non-addressable data pathway; B) broadcasting on an addressable data bus, by the controllable unit controller module, an identity of the functional unit; C) transmitting the discovery message to another controllable unit controller module in the sequence of the controllable units by way of the non-addressable data pathway; and D) recording, by the system controller module, the broadcasted identity of the controllable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: David Alan Elliott, James Angelo Elder, Peter James Handy, Denis Vaughan Weale
  • Power source for an aircraft
    Patent number: 10814992
    Abstract: A power source for an aircraft including a solid oxide fuel cell and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell along with a solid oxide fuel cell multi-power source. At least one battery is electrically coupled to the solid oxide fuel cell, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and an aircraft distribution network to supply electricity to the aircraft and also for becoming recharged by the solid oxide fuel cell and the proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Colin John Halsey, Michael David Bailey
  • Method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system
    Patent number: 10814999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system includes a power converter adapted to receive a power supply and convert the power supply to a power output, a set of solid state switching elements connected with the power output, a set of sensors adapted to sense a power demand at the set of solid state switching elements, and a controller module communicatively connected with the set of sensors and the set of solid state switching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventor: David Alan Elliott
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FUSING DISPARATE INDUSTRIAL ASSET EVENT INFORMATION
    Publication number: 20200310402
    Abstract: There is provided a method and system for monitoring an asset. For example, there is provided a method that includes executing, by a system configured to monitor the asset, a series of operations that can include fetching, from a database communicatively coupled to the system, a data structure including information relative to one or more sources containing event data relative to the asset. The method may include generating, from the data structure, a first table including a list of sources. The method may include generating, from the data structure, a second table including a list of unique consolidated events. The method may include generating, based on a set of predetermined rules, a mapping table configured to relate the first table and the second table. The method may include associating, based on the mapping table, an event in the second table to the one or more sources in the first table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Peter R. Knight, Paul Butterley
  • Power distribution rack assembly
    Patent number: 10784656
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing power from a power source to a set of power outputs using a power distribution rack includes a manifold having a set of bus bars in a wall and coupling a power source to a set of electronic cards, wherein the electronic cards route the power from the power source to the power outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: David K. Roberts, Christopher Andrew Leivers, John Oliver Collins
  • Landing system for an aerial vehicle
    Patent number: 10783795
    Abstract: A landing system for controlling operation of an aerial vehicle flying a final approach to a runway includes a computing device and a LIDAR scanner. The device obtains a first data set indicative of a reference flight path for the final approach. The first data set includes a time-of-flight measurement for each light beam of a first plurality of light beams emitted prior to the aerial vehicle flying the final approach. The device determines an actual flight path for the final approach based, at least in part, on a second data set comprising a time-of-flight measurement for each light beam of a second plurality of light beams emitted from the light source of the LIDAR scanner. Based on the first and second data sets, the device determines the actual flight path deviates from the reference flight path and generates a control action to adjust operation of the aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Smith
  • Processor performance monitor
    Patent number: 10776237
    Abstract: One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for monitoring performance of a plurality of processors, wherein the plurality of processors are arranged in a daisy-chained ring configuration. The method includes receiving, by a first processor from the plurality of processors, a first signal from a second processor of the plurality of processors. The method includes determining, by the first processor, a status of the second processor based at least in part on whether the first received signal was received at a first expected interval. The method includes transmitting, by the first processor, a second signal to a third processor of the plurality of processors, wherein the third processor determines a status of the first processor based at least in part on whether the second signal was received at the third processor at a second expected interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Michael Glenny, James Angelo Elder, Peter James Handy
  • Battery pack
    Patent number: 10777861
    Abstract: A battery pack for carrying one or more battery cells in the battery pack can include a chassis defining a body for holding the battery cells. The chassis can include a set of vertical battery cell holders adapted to hold the battery cells. A set of horizontal passages can be provided in the chassis between the set of vertical battery cell holders. A cap assembly can be provided at one end of the battery cells and within the body providing venting for the battery cells through the battery cell holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Colin John Halsey, Michael James Smith
  • Aircraft high current switch module
    Patent number: 10771058
    Abstract: A switch module includes a first single-throw switch having a first input terminal 20 switchable to a common terminal. A second single-throw switch has a second input terminal switchable to the common terminal. A first control is coupled to the first single-throw switch and a second control is coupled to the second single-throw switch. The first and second controls are configured to independently control, respectively, the first and second single-throw switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: David Killin Roberts, Keval Mehta, Julian Peter Mayes
  • Modular power distribution assembly
    Patent number: 10742031
    Abstract: A modular power distribution assembly includes a first power module having a power input, a first aperture extending therethrough, and a first bus bar connector at the first aperture and a set of second power modules having a respective power switch, a second aperture extending therethrough, and a second bus bar connector at the aperture, wherein the first power module and the set of second power modules have an attachment interface adapted to physically secure the first power module to the set of second power modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Alexander James Rainbow, Christopher Andrew Leivers, Michael James Smith
  • Method and apparatus for modular power distribution
    Patent number: 10721834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modular power distribution includes an end module and at least one switching module having a switching module electrical power interface configured to electrically connect to at least one of the end module electrical power interface or another switching module electrical power interface, and having at least one of a switching element, an input/output connector, a switching module communication interface, or a bus bar connector, wherein the modules are physically secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: John Oliver Collins, Peter James Handy, Julian Peter Mayes
  • Power distribution system with snubber plate
    Patent number: 10707040
    Abstract: An apparatus and method managing a circuit breaker in a power distribution system unit. The power distribution system unit can include a housing with an internal bus structure, a door assembly which includes at least one plug received in a socket. A snubber plate is positioned at the socket and includes an aperture through which the plug can be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Lewis Hughes, Adrian John Hughes, John Michael Brett
  • Systems and apparatuses for power electronics with high current carrying conductors
    Patent number: 10701798
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for electrically switching current include a first conductor formed of an electrically conductive material and having a first longitudinal axis; a second conductor formed of the electrically conductive material and having a second longitudinal axis; a set of switching components, each component selectively configured to electrically couple the first conductor to the second conductor; and a printed circuit board on which the first and second conductors are disposed. The width of the first conductor along the first longitudinal axis varies such that the current density in the first conductor is substantially constant along the first longitudinal axis and the width of the second conductor along the second longitudinal axis varies such that the current density in the second conductor is substantially constant along the second longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Julian Peter Mayes, John Oliver Collins, Peter James Handy
  • Electric distribution architecture
    Patent number: 10693314
    Abstract: An electric distribution architecture may comprise a main bus delivering current from a main source to a set of distributed loads at a first voltage wherein a subset of the set requires a second voltage lower than the first voltage. A distribution unit may be connected between the main bus and each load of the subset and may include a voltage converter converting the first voltage to the second voltage. A battery bus may deliver current to the subset at the second voltage from a battery when the main bus is not operating. The battery bus may operate at a third voltage higher than the second voltage on the battery bus. The voltage converter may convert the third voltage to the second voltage for the subset when the main bus is not operating, wherein the battery bus has a weight adequate to accommodate a current at the third voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: John Oliver Collins, Russell Mark Compton
  • Power distribution node
    Patent number: 10644512
    Abstract: A method and device for operating a power distribution node can include a controllable switching element configured to switch between supplying a power supply to an electrical load and not supplying the power supply to the electrical load, an electrical sensor connected in series to the controllable switching element and configured to generate a monitoring signal representative of an actual switching pattern of the controllable switching element, and a monitoring controller module receiving the monitoring signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventor: David Killin Roberts
  • Power control system with improved thermal performance
    Patent number: 10637216
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system is provided. The electrical power distribution system includes one or more power distribution cards comprising a first portion and a second portion. The electrical power distribution system further includes one or more power switching components coupled to the first portion of one of the one or more power distribution cards. The electrical power distribution system further includes one or more control devices configured to control operation of at least one of the one or more power switching components. Each control device is coupled to the second portion of one of the one or more power distribution cards. The first portion of each power distribution card is separated from the second portion, such that, during operation of the power distribution card, the control devices operate at a lower average temperature than the power switching components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventor: David Alan Elliott
  • Tactile gain control
    Patent number: 10606301
    Abstract: One example aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for receiving input. The method can include receiving, by one or more processors, data indicative of finger placement on a three dimensional knob that is associated with a parameter. The method can include determining, by the one or more processors, a height associated with the data indicative of finger placement. The method can include determining, by the one or more processors, a gain associated with the parameter based on the height. The method can include receiving, by the one or more processors, a signal indicative of an adjustment to the parameter. The method can include causing, by the one or more processors, an adjustment to the parameter based on the determined gain and the signal indicative of an adjustment to the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: George R. Henderson, Keval Mehta
  • Power distribution system including a commutation device
    Patent number: 10594316
    Abstract: There is provided a power distribution system for power delivery to a load. The power distribution system includes a commutation device disposed between the load and a power source. The commutation device includes a solid state power controller (SSPC) disposed in series with a contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: David Alan Elliott
  • Plastic cable management design for retaining wire bundles in aerospace applications
    Patent number: 10578231
    Abstract: A beneficial cable retaining assembly provides for size adjustment to accommodate cable bundles of various diameters for avionics wiring, and allows for a set of cables to be secured without the use of a cable tie. The cable retaining assembly comprises a bracket having channels and a clip configured to slide within the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventor: Lewis Hughes