Patents by Inventor Andrew Kellner
Andrew Kellner 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: 20160264120Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method determine one or more characteristics of a conduit in a first air brake system of a first vehicle system, compare the one or more characteristics of the first air brake system with one or more designated waveform signatures, and distinguish between communication of a brake application signal that is propagated along the vehicle system through the conduit as a decrease in pressure in the conduit and a change in the pressure in the conduit that is not representative of the communication of the brake application signal based on comparing the one or more characteristics with the one or more designated waveform signatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2015Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, David Michael Peltz, Eugene Smith
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Publication number: 20160253077Abstract: A synchronizing system and method receive event log data from different monitoring systems. The event log data represents operational events of a powered system recorded by the monitoring systems and corresponding times of the operational events. The monitoring systems record the event log data at different time bases and/or sampling rates. The event log data from the monitoring systems are temporally correlated with each other by changing the time bases of the event log data to a common time base and/or by changing a visual presentation of the event log data such that the event log data are visually presented with a common time scale responsive to the sampling rates differing from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2015Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventor: Steven Andrew Kellner
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Patent number: 9426224Abstract: A method and system for converting protocols of messages receive a first wireless message onboard a first vehicle in a vehicle consist that includes the first vehicle and one or more additional vehicles. The method and system also determine a first protocol of the first wireless message, determine a different, second protocol used by a control system disposed onboard the first vehicle, change the first wireless message to a different, second message by modifying the first protocol of the first wireless message to the different, second protocol, and communicate the second message to the control system.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, Eugene Smith, Glen Paul Peltonen
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Publication number: 20160234313Abstract: A method and system for converting protocols of messages receive a first wireless message onboard a first vehicle in a vehicle consist that includes the first vehicle and one or more additional vehicles. The method and system also determine a first protocol of the first wireless message, determine a different, second protocol used by a control system disposed onboard the first vehicle, change the first wireless message to a different, second message by modifying the first protocol of the first wireless message to the different, second protocol, and communicate the second message to the control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2015Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, Eugene Smith, Glen Paul Peltonen
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Publication number: 20160229432Abstract: In a communication system and method, a vehicle identifier is determined for a first remote vehicle that is included in a vehicle consist formed from a lead vehicle and at least the first remote vehicle. The system and method communicate a wireless linking message addressed to the vehicle identifier from the lead vehicle to the first remote vehicle, and establish a communication link between the lead vehicle and the first remote vehicle responsive to receipt of the wireless linking message at the first remote vehicle. The communication link is established such that movement of the first remote vehicle is remotely controlled from the lead vehicle via the communication link. The communication link is established without an operator entering the first remote vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2015Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, Robert James Foy, David Michael Peltz, Eugene Smith, James Glen Corry, Joseph Mario Nazareth, Brian William Schroeck
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Publication number: 20160229422Abstract: A communication system and method receive, at an energy management system disposed onboard a vehicle system formed from a lead vehicle and one or more remote vehicles, trip data that represents one or more characteristics of an upcoming trip of the vehicle system along a route. A selected portion of the trip data is communicated from the energy management system to a distributed power system also disposed onboard the vehicle system. The selected portion includes identifying information and one or more orientations of the one or more remote vehicles. Using the distributed power system, communication links between the lead vehicle and the one or more remote vehicles are established using the identifying information and the one or more orientations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Scott Alan Schoenly, Steven Andrew Kellner, Robert James Foy, David Michael Peltz, Eugene Smith, James Glen Corry, Joseph Mario Nazareth, Brian William Schroeck
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Publication number: 20160134994Abstract: Communication methods and systems wirelessly communicate onboard messages between communication devices onboard the same vehicle. The communication devices can wirelessly communicate with other communication devices onboard other vehicles in a vehicle system for remote control of the vehicles. Receipt of the onboard messages at the communication devices is determined, and operative states of the communication devices are determined based at least in part on the receipt of the onboard messages at the communication devices. Determining these operative states in this manner can allow for an operator to identify communication faults with the communication devices prior to departing the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, Robert James Foy, Robert Carmen Palanti, Brian William Schroeck, Paul Aaron Connolly
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Publication number: 20160090112Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle system control movement of the vehicle system along a route. The vehicle system includes one or more propulsion-generating vehicles. A propulsion-generating helper vehicle is temporarily added to the vehicle system such that the helper vehicle increases one or more of an amount of tractive force or an amount of braking effort generated by the vehicle system. The helper vehicle may be added during movement of the vehicle system. The system and method may add the helper vehicle without de-linking the propulsion-generating vehicles in the vehicle system from each other. The system and method optionally may control movement of the propulsion-generating vehicles and the helper vehicle according to a trip plan that designates operational settings as a function of at least one of time or distance along the route.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Eugene Smith, Steven Andrew Kellner, Robert Carmen Palanti, Jay Milton Evans, Kristopher Ryan Smith, Frank Wawrzyniak, Thomas Cyr, Thomas Woodbridge, David Allen Eldredge, William Cherrick Schoonmaker, Jared Klineman Cooper, David Kirchner
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Publication number: 20160075355Abstract: Systems and methods for communicatively linking vehicles in a vehicle consist are provided. In one aspect, a lead vehicle can communicate a link command message to several remote vehicles. The link command message includes vehicle identifiers and/or a consist identifier. At the remote vehicles, if a vehicle identifier or a consist identifier stored onboard a remote vehicle matches the vehicle identifiers and/or consist identifier received in the link command message, the remote vehicle is communicatively linked with the lead vehicle to permit control of the remote vehicle by the lead vehicle. In another aspect, a vehicle identifier of the lead vehicle is stored onboard the remote vehicles. If the vehicle identifier stored on the remote vehicle matches a vehicle identifier received in the link command message, the remote vehicle is communicatively linked with the lead vehicle to permit control of the remote vehicle by the lead vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: STEVEN ANDREW KELLNER, ROBERT JAMES FOY, ROBERT CARMEN PALANTI, JARED KLINEMAN COOPER, BRIAN WILLIAM SCHROECK, PAUL AARON CONNOLLY, ROBERT REPOLA
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Patent number: 8924048Abstract: A method for automatically controlling braking of a powered system or consist includes automatically applying a first degree of braking to a consist during a first time period when a powered unit of the consist is being locally or remotely controlled via an onboard control system in an absence of control inputs from an onboard operator. The first degree of braking is based on a first deceleration force selected so that the consist is slowed in a manner effective to limit a peak deceleration rate experienced by the consist sufficient for reducing unintended movement of at least one of one or more riders or cargo onboard the consist. The method also includes automatically applying a second degree of braking to the consist during a second time period following the first time period.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eugene A. Smith, Steven Andrew Kellner, Glen Paul Peltonen, Brian Lee Staton
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Publication number: 20140188307Abstract: A communication system includes a first wireless communication device disposed onboard a vehicle system having two or more propulsion-generating vehicles that are mechanically interconnected with each other. The communication system also includes a controller configured to be disposed onboard the vehicle system and operatively connected with the first wireless communication device in order to control operations of the device. The controller is configured to direct the first wireless communication device to switch between operating in an off-board communication mode and an onboard communication mode. When the first wireless communication device is operating in the off-board communication mode, the device is configured to receive remote data signals from a location that is disposed off-board of the vehicle system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Robert James Foy, David Michael Peltz, Eugene A. Smith, Steven Andrew Kellner, Brian William Schroeck, Keith Gilbertson
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Publication number: 20140180499Abstract: A communication system includes a first wireless communication device disposed onboard a vehicle system having two or more propulsion-generating vehicles that are mechanically interconnected with each other. The communication system also includes a controller configured to be disposed onboard the vehicle system and operatively connected with the first wireless communication device in order to control operations of the device. The controller is configured to direct the first wireless communication device to switch between operating in an off-board communication mode and an onboard communication mode. When the first wireless communication device is operating in the off-board communication mode, the device is configured to receive remote data signals from a location that is disposed off-board of the vehicle system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Robert James Foy, David Michael Peltz, Eugene Smith, Steven Andrew Kellner, Brian William Schroeck, Keith Gilbertson, Joseph Forrest Noffsinger, Wolfgang Daum
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Patent number: 8310070Abstract: A method for generating electricity along a roadway is provided. The method includes actuating an energy transfer assembly coupled to the roadway, wherein the energy transfer assembly is actuated by a force acting upon the roadway. The method also includes generating electricity at a generator coupled to the energy transfer assembly, the generator being driven by actuation of the energy transfer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John William Brand, Daniel Joseph Rush, Mark Bradshaw Kraeling, Steven Andrew Kellner, Christopher Louis Rekucki, Armin H. Pfoh, Brian William Schroeck
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Publication number: 20120197476Abstract: A method for automatically controlling braking of a powered system or consist includes automatically applying a first degree of braking to a consist during a first time period when a powered unit of the consist is being locally or remotely controlled via an onboard control system in an absence of control inputs from an onboard operator. The first degree of braking is based on a first deceleration force selected so that the consist is slowed in a manner effective to limit a peak deceleration rate experienced by the consist sufficient for reducing unintended movement of at least one of one or more riders or cargo onboard the consist. The method also includes automatically applying a second degree of braking to the consist during a second time period following the first time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Eugene A. Smith, Steven Andrew Kellner, Glen Paul Peltonen, Brian Lee Station
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Patent number: 8162409Abstract: A system (10) and method for automatically controlling braking of a train (38). The method includes applying a first degree of braking to the train during a first period of time, and then applying a second degree of braking to the train during a second time period following the first time period so that the train is slowed in a manner effective to limit a peak deceleration rate experienced by the train. The system includes a sensor (36) providing a signal indicative of an operating condition of a locomotive of the train requiring braking of the train, a memory (22) storing a braking schedule, and a processor (18) comprising logic executable for accessing the braking schedule stored in the memory responsive to the signal to automatically control braking of the locomotive according to the schedule.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eugene A. Smith, Steven Andrew Kellner, Glen Paul Peltonen, Brian Lee Staton
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System and method for establishing a wireless-based communication link between a pair of locomotives
Patent number: 8073582Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a wireless-based communication link between a lead locomotive and a remote locomotive. A user on the lead locomotive is prompted to input a railroad and number identifier of the remote locomotive. A link command signal is transmitted from the lead locomotive, based on a predetermined number identifier of the lead locomotive, and the inputted railroad and number identifier. A second processor on the remote locomotive respectively compares the predetermined number identifier of the lead locomotive, the inputted railroad and number identifier of the lead locomotive, with an inputted number identifier of the lead locomotive, a predetermined railroad and a predetermined number identifier of the remote locomotive. A link reply signal, is transmitted from the remote locomotive, based on the comparison performed by the second processor, to establish the communication link. Additionally, a method is provided for establishing the wireless-based communication link.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, Eugene A. Smith, James Glen Corry, Robert Palanti, Robert L. Moffitt, Brian Staton, Brian Joseph McManus, Frank Richard Wawrzyniak, Stephen Shelton, Carlos Paulino -
Patent number: 7949441Abstract: Method for controlling the level of tractive efforts in a train having a first locomotive at a head end of the train, constituting a lead locomotive, and a second locomotive positioned in the train behind the lead locomotive, constituting a remote locomotive, with the remote locomotive being configured to selectively operate in either of two modes of operation, such as a first mode in which the locomotive operates at a full tractive effort level of operation and a second mode in which the locomotive operates in a partial tractive effort level of operation producing a tractive effort which is less than the full tractive effort of the locomotive. The method allows selecting (e.g., at the lead locomotive) one of the two modes of operation for producing a level of tractive effort appropriate for conditions as the train moves along a length of track. The method further allows transmitting a signal indicative of the selected mode of operation from the lead locomotive to the remote locomotive.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mirza Aref Ahmed Baig, Richard L. Evans, Scott Sexauer, Christopher E. Pallo, Ning Zhang, Steven Andrew Kellner, Leonard Hill, Bruce M. Sweeley, James Glen Corry
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Publication number: 20090309370Abstract: A method for generating electricity along a roadway is provided. The method includes actuating an energy transfer assembly coupled to the roadway, wherein the energy transfer assembly is actuated by a force acting upon the roadway. The method also includes generating electricity at a generator coupled to the energy transfer assembly, the generator being driven by actuation of the energy transfer assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: John William Brand, Daniel Joseph Rush, Mark Bradshaw Kraeling, Steven Andrew Kellner, Christopher Louis Rekucki, Armin H. Pfoh, Brian William Schroeck
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Publication number: 20090248226Abstract: A communication system for a distributed power control system of a train is used to transmit signals between the lead locomotive and remote locomotive relative to the direction of movement of the lead and remote units. In addition, data relative to the direction the remote unit is facing relative to the lead locomotive is also sent via the communication system. A controller is programmed to analyze or compare the data to determine if the remote locomotive is traveling in a direction that is consistent with the setup data input by an operator. If the information is not consistent, the operator of the train is warned via an alarm or the train is stopped.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, Bret Dwayne Worden, Scott Zarella
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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A WIRELESS-BASED COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN A PAIR OF LOCOMOTIVES
Publication number: 20090204278Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a wireless-based communication link between a lead locomotive and a remote locomotive. A user on the lead locomotive is prompted to input a railroad and number identifier of the remote locomotive. A link command signal is transmitted from the lead locomotive, based on a predetermined number identifier of the lead locomotive, and the inputted railroad and number identifier. A second processor on the remote locomotive respectively compares the predetermined number identifier of the lead locomotive, the inputted railroad and number identifier of the lead locomotive, with an inputted number identifier of the lead locomotive, a predetermined railroad and a predetermined number identifier of the remote locomotive. A link reply signal, is transmitted from the remote locomotive, based on the comparison performed by the second processor, to establish the communication link. Additionally, a method is provided for establishing the wireless-based communication link.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, Eugene A. Smith, James Glen Corry, Robert Palanti, Robert L. Moffitt, Brian Staton, Brian Joseph McManus, Frank Richard Wawrzyniak, Stephen Shelton, Carlos Paulino