Patents by Inventor Carl Stephen Lester
Carl Stephen Lester 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).
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Patent number: 11199494Abstract: An inspection system includes one or more processors and an infrared (IR) camera operably coupled to the one or more processors. The one or more processors control a microwave transmitter to sequentially emit microwaves having different frequencies within a designated frequency range into an object during a first sweep. The IR camera generates thermal image data of the object after the object is heated by each of the different frequencies of microwaves. The one or more processors analyze the thermal image data and determine a selected frequency within the designated frequency range that provides greater heating of the object than one or more other frequencies in the designated frequency range. The one or more processors also analyze select thermal image data of the object, responsive to heating of the object by the selected frequency of microwaves, to detect an element in the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Venkata Vijayaraghava Nalladega, Carl Stephen Lester, Michael Mahony
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Publication number: 20210096065Abstract: An inspection system includes one or more processors and an infrared (IR) camera operably coupled to the one or more processors. The one or more processors control a microwave transmitter to sequentially emit microwaves having different frequencies within a designated frequency range into an object during a first sweep. The IR camera generates thermal image data of the object after the object is heated by each of the different frequencies of microwaves. The one or more processors analyze the thermal image data and determine a selected frequency within the designated frequency range that provides greater heating of the object than one or more other frequencies in the designated frequency range. The one or more processors also analyze select thermal image data of the object, responsive to heating of the object by the selected frequency of microwaves, to detect an element in the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Venkata Vijayaraghava Nalladega, Carl Stephen Lester, Michael Mahony
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Publication number: 20080238338Abstract: A modular, scalable and configurable incoherent light source is provided. The light source includes an array of lighting modules supported on a frame that focuses emitted radiation from the modules at a region of interest. The geometry and physical configuration of the support structures, including the frame, may accommodate various energy intensities at various distances. The modules may be made up of multiple LEDs or other individual light sources, may be of different or the same wavelength, and may be individually controllable for the ultimate lighting application. The light source may be used in medical imaging applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Stephen Andrew Latham, Robert William Tait, Stephen Johnson Lomnes, Duncan Spalding Pratt, Carl Stephen Lester
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Patent number: 7039362Abstract: A wireless transceiver for performing ultrasonic measurements includes an uplink transmitter configured to transmit at least one modulated timing pulse signal. Each modulated timing pulse signal is transmitted over a respective uplink wireless channel. The transceiver further includes at least one uplink receiver, which is adapted to receive a respective one of the modulated timing pulse signals from the uplink transmitter and configured to supply an unmodulated timing pulse signal to a respective transducer. The transceiver further includes at least one downlink transmitter, which is adapted to receive an echo signal from the respective transducer, and is configured to extract envelope information from the echo signal and to transmit a modulated echo signal over a respective downlink wireless channel. The transceiver also includes a downlink receiver adapted to receive the modulated echo signals from the respective downlink transmitters.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert John Filkins, Carl Stephen Lester
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Patent number: 6927686Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring at least one sensor and a measurement system. The method includes making a first measurement using a first sensor of the at least one sensor. The method also includes converting the first measurement into a first data signal; and transmitting the first data signal via a wireless connection to a first processor. The measurement system includes at least one sensor unit having at least one sensor for making a first measurement; and a first wireless transceiver coupled to the at least one sensor for transmitting a data signal based on the first measurement. The measurement system includes a second wireless transceiver arranged for receiving the data signal from the first wireless transceiver, and a first processor coupled to the second wireless transceiver arranged for receiving the data signal from the second wireless transceiver.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Edward James Nieters, Robert John Filkins, Carl Stephen Lester
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Patent number: 6911826Abstract: A pulsed eddy current sensor probe includes a sensor array board. A number of sensors are arranged on the sensor array board and are operable to sense and generate output signals from the transient electromagnetic flux in a part being inspected. Each of the sensors has a differential output with a positive and a negative output. At least one drive coil is disposed adjacent to the sensors and is operable to transmit transient electromagnetic flux into the part. A first and a second multiplexer are arranged on the sensor array board and are operable to switch between the sensors. The first and second multiplexers are connected to the positive and negative outputs of the sensors, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Thomas James Batzinger, Shridhar Champaknath Nath, Sandeep Kumar Dewangan, Carl Stephen Lester, Kenneth Gordon Herd, Curtis Wayne Rose
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Publication number: 20040245997Abstract: A pulsed eddy current sensor probe includes a sensor array board. A number of sensors are arranged on the sensor array board and are operable to sense and generate output signals from the transient electromagnetic flux in a part being inspected. Each of the sensors has a differential output with a positive and a negative output. At least one drive coil is disposed adjacent to the sensors and is operable to transmit transient electromagnetic flux into the part. A first and a second multiplexer are arranged on the sensor array board and are operable to switch between the sensors. The first and second multiplexers are connected to the positive and negative outputs of the sensors, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Thomas James Batzinger, Shridhar Champaknath Nath, Sandeep Kumar Dewangan, Carl Stephen Lester, Kenneth Gordon Herd, Curtis Wayne Rose
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Publication number: 20040113773Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring at least one sensor and a measurement system. The method includes making a first measurement using a first sensor of the at least one sensor. The method also includes converting the first measurement into a first data signal; and transmitting the first data signal via a wireless connection to a first processor. The measurement system includes at least one sensor unit having at least one sensor for making a first measurement; and a first wireless transceiver coupled to the at least one sensor for transmitting a data signal based on the first measurement. The measurement system includes a second wireless transceiver arranged for receiving the data signal from the first wireless transceiver, and a first processor coupled to the second wireless transceiver arranged for receiving the data signal from the second wireless transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Edward James Nieters, Robert John Filkins, Carl Stephen Lester
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Patent number: 6670808Abstract: A self referencing eddy current probe for determining conductive coating thickness includes a housing having a reference sample area, for accommodating a reference sample, and a testing edge, for positioning on a component during a coating thickness measurement. The eddy current probe further includes a reference eddy current coil situated in the housing adjacent to the reference sample area and a test eddy current coil, which is located at the testing edge. A self referencing eddy current measurement system, for measuring a thickness of a conductive coating on a component, includes the self referencing eddy current probe. The system further includes a signal generator for energizing the test and reference coils and a comparison module for comparing a test signal received from the test coil and a reference signal received from the reference coil and outputting a compared signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Shridhar Champaknath Nath, Curtis Wayne Rose, Carl Stephen Lester, Thomas James Batzinger
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Publication number: 20030060163Abstract: A wireless transceiver for performing ultrasonic measurements includes an uplink transmitter configured to transmit at least one modulated timing pulse signal. Each modulated timing pulse signal is transmitted over a respective uplink wireless channel. The transceiver further includes at least one uplink receiver, which is adapted to receive a respective one of the modulated timing pulse signals from the uplink transmitter and configured to supply an unmodulated timing pulse signal to a respective transducer. The transceiver further includes at least one downlink transmitter, which is adapted to receive an echo signal from the respective transducer, and is configured to extract envelope information from the echo signal and to transmit a modulated echo signal over a respective downlink wireless channel. The transceiver also includes a downlink receiver adapted to receive the modulated echo signals from the respective downlink transmitters.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Robert John Filkins, Carl Stephen Lester
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Publication number: 20030038628Abstract: A self referencing eddy current probe for determining conductive coating thickness includes a housing having a reference sample area, for accommodating a reference sample, and a testing edge, for positioning on a component during a coating thickness measurement. The eddy current probe further includes a reference eddy current coil situated in the housing adjacent to the reference sample area and a test eddy current coil, which is located at the testing edge. A self referencing eddy current measurement system, for measuring a thickness of a conductive coating on a component, includes the self referencing eddy current probe. The system further includes a signal generator for energizing the test and reference coils and a comparison module for comparing a test signal received from the test coil and a reference signal received from the reference coil and outputting a compared signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventors: Shridhar Champaknath Nath, Curtis Wayne Rose, Carl Stephen Lester, Thomas James Batzinger