Patents by Inventor Bret D. Worden

Bret D. Worden 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).

  • Method and apparatus for controlling engine overspeed due to lube oil ingestion
    Publication number: 20020175521
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting diesel engine overspeed conditions (and thereby prevent engine damage) caused by the ingestion of lubricating oil from the turbocharger, or other source, into the diesel engine cylinders. In response to the development of an overspeed condition, the dynamic brake grids are coupled to the output of the main alternator to absorb the excess energy caused by the overspeed condition. Alternatively, non-combustible gases can be injected into the combustion system to limit the overspeed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vincent F. Dunsworth, Brian E. Celidonia, Bret D. Worden
  • Method and apparatus for controlling engine overspeed due to lube oil ingestion
    Patent number: 6429540
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting diesel engine overspeed conditions (and thereby prevent engine damage) caused by the ingestion of lubricating oil from the turbocharger, or other source, into the diesel engine cylinders. In response to the development of an overspeed condition, the dynamic brake grids are coupled to the output of the main alternator to absorb the excess energy caused by the overspeed condition. Alternatively, non-combustible gases can be injected into the combustion system to limit the overspeed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vincent F. Dunsworth, Brian E. Celidonia, Bret D. Worden
  • Method and system for detecting incipient failures in a power inverter
    Patent number: 6291987
    Abstract: A method and system for predicting malfunctions in a power inverter having one or more legs connected between first and second voltage buses is provided. Each leg has respective first and second controllable switches coupled in series to one another. The method allows for applying predetermined respective voltages at the first and second buses. The method further allows for selectively actuating the first and second switches between respective conductive or non-conductive states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason A. Dean, Ajith K. Kumar, Kristopher L. Redinger, Bret D. Worden