Patents by Inventor Timothy Warren Brown
Timothy Warren Brown 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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Publication number: 20240109424Abstract: A method for operating a collector assembly of a vehicle that receives electric current from a conductive pathway extending along a route being traversed by the vehicle to power loads of the vehicle. The method includes moving the collector assembly relative to the conductive pathway to examine one or more mechanical components of the collector assembly and sensing one or more electrical characteristics of the electric current conducted to the vehicle from the conductive pathway and through the collector assembly to test electrical components of the collector assembly or the vehicle. The method may implement responsive actions to control operation of the vehicle based on outcomes of one or more of an examination of the mechanical components or the test of the electrical components.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Jennifer Sobierajski, Timothy Warren Brown, James Ghofulpo, Jeffrey John Wolff, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
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Publication number: 20240092178Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling operation of a vehicle system are provided. This vehicle system can be at least partially powered by electric current conducted to a collector device of the vehicle system from a conductive pathway extending along a route traveled by the vehicle system. A voltage level of the conductive pathway may be monitored, and a conduction impaired location of the conductive pathway may be identified based at least in part on the voltage level of the conductive pathway that is monitored. The collector device or a removal device may be controlled to remove a contaminant from the conductive pathway at the conduction impaired location, the vehicle system may be controlled to compensate for the conduction impaired location, and/or an off-board facility and/or another vehicle system may be notified of the conduction impaired location responsive to identifying the conduction impaired location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Jennifer Sobierajski, Jeffrey John Wolff, Timothy Warren Brown, Henry Todd Young, Ibrahim Kacar
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Publication number: 20240092179Abstract: A method including detecting that a vehicle that may be propelled by an electric drive system having one or more motors disconnects or begins disconnecting from an off-board source of power while the one or more motors are being powered by the off-board source of power. The method may include supplanting a decreasing amount of a first electric energy supplied by the off-board source of power to the electric drive system with an amount of a second electric energy supplied by an onboard source of power to the electric drive system responsive to the detection of the disconnect from the off-board source of power.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Jennifer Sobierajski, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Haris Memic, Henry Todd Young, Ibrahim Kacar, James Ghofulpo, Jeffrey John Wolff, Timothy Warren Brown, Daniel Robert Wallace
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Patent number: 11260749Abstract: Cooling control systems described herein detect decreased operation of a cooling system of a vehicle, restrict movement of the vehicle without stopping movement responsive to decreased operation of the cooling system, and restrict movement of the vehicle by preventing the vehicle from traveling at a speed and/or power output for a non-zero designated period of time. This can allow for the vehicle to continue moving for a temporary period of time to avoid blocking traffic. Other control systems determine predicted distances and/or times that the vehicle can continue moving before coolant in the cooling system decreases below a designated threshold. Movement of the vehicle can be changed responsive to an upcoming distance and/or time that the vehicle is to travel exceeding the predicted distance and/or time. Other control systems modify a coolant flow rate based on differences between designated and ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Transportation IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Edward Thomas Petrak, Jason Strode, Henry Todd Young, Timothy Warren Brown, Jason Daniel Kuttenkuler, Robert John Zill, Jr., Kenneth Paul Nedley, Jeffrey John Wolff, Pritamkumar Gangwal, Janaki Gadiyaram, Maryam Abdollahi, Joseph Audu Ishaku, Christian Roland Tollefson, Lindsey Dodis, Shivakumar Katukam
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Patent number: 9931943Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an electric drive system, a drive system control unit, and a friction brake system. The electric drive system is associated with a first set of wheels of the vehicle. The drive system control unit is configured to control the electric drive system to selectively provide electric motive power to the first set of wheels to propel the vehicle and electric retarding to slow the vehicle. The friction brake system includes first and second friction brake units associated with the first and second sets of wheels, respectively. The drive system control unit is further configured to determine a functionality of the second friction brake unit, for a friction brake application to the second set of wheels, independent of operation of the first friction brake unit, and to control at least one vehicle system based on the determined functionality of the second friction brake unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Todd Young, Timothy Warren Brown, Jeffrey John Wolff
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Publication number: 20180086292Abstract: Cooling control systems described herein detect decreased operation of a cooling system of a vehicle, restrict movement of the vehicle without stopping movement responsive to decreased operation of the cooling system, and restrict movement of the vehicle by preventing the vehicle from traveling at a speed and/or power output for a non-zero designated period of time. This can allow for the vehicle to continue moving for a temporary period of time to avoid blocking traffic. Other control systems determine predicted distances and/or times that the vehicle can continue moving before coolant in the cooling system decreases below a designated threshold. Movement of the vehicle can be changed responsive to an upcoming distance and/or time that the vehicle is to travel exceeding the predicted distance and/or time. Other control systems modify a coolant flow rate based on differences between designated and ambient conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2016Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Edward Thomas Petrak, Jason Strode, Henry Todd Young, Timothy Warren Brown, Jason Daniel Kuttenkuler, Robert John Zill, JR., Kenneth Paul Nedley, Jeffrey John Wolff, Pritamkumar Gangwal, Janaki Gadiyaram, Maryam Abdollahi, Joseph Audu Ishaku, Christian Roland Tollefson, Lindsey Dodis, Shivakumar Katukam
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Publication number: 20160325627Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an electric drive system, a drive system control unit, and a friction brake system. The electric drive system is associated with a first set of wheels of the vehicle. The drive system control unit is configured to control the electric drive system to selectively provide electric motive power to the first set of wheels to propel the vehicle and electric retarding to slow the vehicle. The friction brake system includes first and second friction brake units associated with the first and second sets of wheels, respectively. The drive system control unit is further configured to determine a functionality of the second friction brake unit, for a friction brake application to the second set of wheels, independent of operation of the fir friction brake unit, and to control at least one system based on the determined functionality of the second friction brake unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Henry Todd YOUNG, Timothy Warren BROWN, Jeffrey John WOLFF
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Patent number: 9352748Abstract: A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Todd Young, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Bertrand Bastien, Timothy Warren Brown
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Patent number: 9234471Abstract: A driver alert and de-rate control system for a vehicle includes a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition, and a control unit in communication with the sensor. The control unit is configured to estimate a time until automatic de-rate of the engine based on the engine operating condition and to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence upon the estimated time until automatic de-rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Todd Young, Kenneth Paul Nedley, Sean Cillessen, Timothy Warren Brown
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Publication number: 20150210283Abstract: A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Henry Todd Young, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Bertrand Bastien, Timothy Warren Brown
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Patent number: 9026349Abstract: A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Todd Young, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Bertrand Bastien, Timothy Warren Brown
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Patent number: 8768593Abstract: A method of testing a braking device in a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes at least one tractive element coupled to a traction motor. The method includes: (a) applying the braking device to a tractive element of the vehicle; (b) using an electronic controller, causing the traction motor to apply a predetermined force to the tractive element; and (c) using the controller, monitoring the tractive element for movement while the force is being applied. A dynamic braking or “retarder” function may also be tested. A system for carrying out the method is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventors: Timothy Warren Brown, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Henry Todd Young
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Publication number: 20140156175Abstract: A driver alert and de-rate control system for a vehicle includes a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition, and a control unit in communication with the sensor. The control unit is configured to estimate a time until automatic de-rate of the engine based on the engine operating condition and to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence upon the estimated time until automatic de-rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Henry Todd Young, Kenneth Paul Nedley, Sean Cillessen, Timothy Warren Brown
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Publication number: 20140148973Abstract: A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Todd Young, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Bertrand Bastien, Timothy Warren Brown
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Patent number: 8649963Abstract: A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Todd Young, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Bertrand Bastien, Timothy Warren Brown
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Patent number: 8311699Abstract: A method of testing a braking device in a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes at least one tractive element coupled to a traction motor. The method includes: (a) applying the braking device to a tractive element of the vehicle; (b) using an electronic controller, causing the traction motor to apply a predetermined force to the tractive element; and (c) using the controller, monitoring the tractive element for movement while the force is being applied. A dynamic braking or “retarder” function may also be tested. A system for carrying out the method is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Timothy Warren Brown, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Henry Todd Young
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Publication number: 20100318439Abstract: I have developed an improvement to the process of online automated auctions that allows them to replicate the dynamics of live auctions with minimal complexity. This is done by changing the current auction cut-off time to a bid submittal cut-off and then continuing to run the auction (past the cut-off time) in the absence of external inputs. The auction will continue until the bidder who entered the highest maximum bid outbids the second highest bidder's maximum bid. In the current practice, the auction clock controls the auction dynamics and bidding strategy with bidders waiting till the last moment to bid hoping to win the item at a low price. In my method, the amount the bidders are willing to pay controls the auction just like in a live one.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: Timothy Warren Brown
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Publication number: 20090198406Abstract: A method of testing a braking device in a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes at least one tractive element coupled to a traction motor. The method includes: (a) applying the braking device to a tractive element of the vehicle; (b) using an electronic controller, causing the traction motor to apply a predetermined force to the tractive element; and (c) using the controller, monitoring the tractive element for movement while the force is being applied. A dynamic braking or “retarder” function may also be tested. A system for carrying out the method is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Timothy Warren Brown, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Henry Todd Young
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Publication number: 20090177335Abstract: A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Henry Todd Young, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Bertrand Bastien, Timothy Warren Brown