Patents by Inventor Bradley Ree
Bradley Ree 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: 12076787Abstract: A twin roll casting system includes a pair of counter-rotating casting rolls having an adjustable nip therebetween, a casting roll controller configured to adjust the nip between the casting rolls in response to control signals; a cast strip sensor measuring a parameter of the cast strip and generating strip measurement signals; and an iterative learning control (ILC) controller receiving the strip measurement signals and providing control signals to the casting roll controller. The ILC controller includes a fault detection algorithm receiving the control signals and the strip measurement signals and generating a fault detection signal indicating when a fault condition is detected and an iterative learning control algorithm to generate the control signals. The fault detection algorithm indicates a fault condition when it detects the control signal exceeding an upper control saturation threshold or the ILC controller operating a state that is not guaranteed as stable.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Florian Maurice Browne, III, George T. C. Chiu, Neera Jain Sundaram, Harold Bradley Rees
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Publication number: 20220379372Abstract: A twin roll casting system includes a pair of counter-rotating casting rolls having an adjustable nip therebetween, a casting roll controller configured to adjust the nip between the casting rolls in response to control signals; a cast strip sensor measuring a parameter of the cast strip and generating strip measurement signals; and an iterative learning control (ILC) controller receiving the strip measurement signals and providing control signals to the casting roll controller. The ILC controller includes a fault detection algorithm receiving the control signals and the strip measurement signals and generating a fault detection signal indicating when a fault condition is detected and an iterative learning control algorithm to generate the control signals. The fault detection algorithm indicates a fault condition when it detects the control signal exceeding an upper control saturation threshold or the ILC controller operating a state that is not guaranteed as stable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2020Publication date: December 1, 2022Inventors: Florian Maurice Browne, III, George T.C. CHIU, Neera Jain SUNDARAM, Harold Bradley REES
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Patent number: 11148193Abstract: Systems and apparatus for continuously casting thin strip where one or more expansion rings are positioned within at least one of a pair of casting rolls, and automatically measuring a thickness of the cast strip close to the first side edge of the strip using at least one sensor. If the thickness measured is too thin, automatically decreasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to contract and increase the thickness of the cast strip during casting. If the thickness measured indicates that the thickness of the cast strip is too thick, automatically increasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to expand and reduce the thickness of the cast strip during casting.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Nucor CorporationInventors: Robert Nooning, Jr., Harold Bradley Rees, Jeffery Edward Keffer
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Patent number: 11135647Abstract: A twin roll casting system where the casting rolls have a nip between the casting rolls, each roller having a circumference and a rotational period. The casting roll controller adjusts the nip between the casting rolls in response to control signals. The sensor measures at least one parameter of the cast strip. The ILC controller receives strip measurement signals from the sensor and provides control signals to the casting roll controller. The ILC controller includes an ILC control algorithm to generate the control signals based on the strip measurement signals and a time delay estimate based on circumference, rotational period, and a length of cast strip between the nip and the sensor to compensate for an elapsed time from the cast strip exiting the nip to being measured by the cast strip sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Florian Maurice Browne, III, George T. C. Chiu, Neera Jain Sundaram, Harold Bradley Rees
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Patent number: 11027330Abstract: An apparatus for continuous casting a metal strip and reducing snake eggs in the metal strip. A pair of counter rotating casting rolls through which a thin strip can be cast are provided. A metal delivery system is disposed above the nip for discharging molten metal into a casting pool supported on the rolls. A pair of side dam holders and a pair of side dams are assembled adjacent each end portion of the rolls. Each side dam holder is tapered and dovetails with an adjacent side dam to confine the casting pool of molten metal supported on casting surfaces of the rolls. An oscillation mechanism provides lateral oscillation to each side dam and side dam holder at a frequency 2-50 hertz and with an amplitude 100-2000 ?m during casting.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Nucor CorporationInventors: Mark Schlichting, Volus McKenna, Alan Deno, James M. Thomas, Philippe Maurice Fettig, Harold Bradley Rees, Nick Corea, Michael Ponder
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Publication number: 20210001396Abstract: A method and apparatus of continuously casting thin strip by controlling roll crown is provided. The apparatus for continuously casting thin strip by controlling roll crown includes at least two expansion rings positioned within and adjacent a cylindrical tube and spaced within 450 mm of edge portions of the cast strip formed on opposite end portions of casting rolls during a casting campaign. Alternatively or in addition, the apparatus includes at least one expansion ring within the cylindrical tube at a position corresponding to center portions of the cast strip formed on the casting rolls during a casting campaign. Each expansion ring has at least one heating element and an insulating coating thereon and is adapted to increase in radial dimension causing the cylindrical tube to expand changing roll crown of the casting surfaces of the casting rolls and thickness profile of the cast strip during casting.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Robert Gerard NOONING, JR., James M. THOMAS, Mike PONDER, Bradley REES
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Publication number: 20200384528Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods and apparatus for continuously casting thin strip where one or more expansion rings are positioned within at least one of a pair of casting rolls, and automatically measuring a thickness of the cast strip close to the first side edge of the strip using at least one sensor, and if the thickness measured is too thin, automatically decreasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to contract and increase the thickness of the cast strip during casting, and if the thickness measured indicates that the thickness of the cast strip is too thick, automatically increasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to expand and reduce the thickness of the cast strip during casting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Robert NOONING, Harold Bradley REES, Jeffery Edward KEFFER
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Patent number: 10722940Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuously casting thin strip where one or more expansion rings are positioned within at least one of a pair of casting rolls, and automatically measuring a thickness of the cast strip close to the first side edge of the strip using at least one sensor, and if the thickness measured is too thin, automatically decreasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to contract and increase the thickness of the cast strip during casting, and if the thickness measured indicates that the thickness of the cast strip is too thick, automatically increasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to expand and reduce the thickness of the cast strip during casting.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Robert G. Nooning, Jr., Harold Bradley Rees, Jeffery Edward Keffer
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Publication number: 20200009644Abstract: A twin roll casting system where the casting rolls have a nip between the casting rolls, each roller having a circumference and a rotational period. The casting roll controller adjusts the nip between the casting rolls in response to control signals. The sensor measures at least one parameter of the cast strip. The ILC controller receives strip measurement signals from the sensor and provides control signals to the casting roll controller. The ILC controller includes an ILC control algorithm to generate the control signals based on the strip measurement signals and a time delay estimate based on circumference, rotational period, and a length of cast strip between the nip and the sensor to compensate for an elapsed time from the cast strip exiting the nip to being measured by the cast strip sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Florian Maurice BROWNE, III, George T.C. CHIU, Neera Jain SUNDARAM, Harold Bradley REES
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Patent number: 10449603Abstract: A twin roll casting system where the casting rolls have a nip between the casting rolls, each roller having a circumference and a rotational period. The casting roll controller adjusts the nip between the casting rolls in response to control signals. The sensor measures at least one parameter of the cast strip. The ILC controller receives strip measurement signals from the sensor and provides control signals to the casting roll controller. The ILC controller includes an ILC control algorithm to generate the control signals based on the strip measurement signals and a time delay estimate based on circumference, rotational period, and a length of cast strip between the nip and the sensor to compensate for an elapsed time from the cast strip exiting the nip to being measured by the cast strip sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Florian Maurice Browne, III, George T. C. Chiu, Neera Jain Sundaram, Harold Bradley Rees
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Publication number: 20190210098Abstract: An apparatus for continuous casting metal strip reducing snake eggs comprising a pair of counter rotating casting rolls, each roll less than 800 millimeters in diameter and positioned to form a nip there between through which thin strip can be cast; a metal delivery system disposed above the nip and capable of discharging molten metal to form a casting pool supported on the rolls; a pair of side dam holders and a pair of side dams assembled adjacent each end portion of the rolls, each side dam holder tapered along edge portions to dovetail with an adjacent side dam, and each side dam adapted to confine the casting pool of molten metal supported on casting surfaces of the rolls; an oscillation mechanism adapted to cause lateral oscillation of each side dam and side dam holder at a frequency 2-50 hertz and with an amplitude 100-2000 ?m during a casting campaign.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Mark SCHLICHTING, Volus MCKENNA, Alan DENO, James M. THOMAS, Philippe Maurice FETTIG, Harold Bradley REES, Nick COREA, Michael PONDER
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Publication number: 20190091761Abstract: A twin roll casting system where the casting rolls have a nip between the casting rolls, each roller having a circumference and a rotational period. The casting roll controller adjusts the nip between the casting rolls in response to control signals. The sensor measures at least one parameter of the cast strip. The ILC controller receives strip measurement signals from the sensor and provides control signals to the casting roll controller. The ILC controller includes an ILC control algorithm to generate the control signals based on the strip measurement signals and a time delay estimate based on circumference, rotational period, and a length of cast strip between the nip and the sensor to compensate for an elapsed time from the cast strip exiting the nip to being measured by the cast strip sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Florian Maurice BROWNE, III, George T. C. CHIU, Neera Jain SUNDARAM, Harold Bradley REES
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Publication number: 20180361469Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods and apparatus for continuously casting thin strip where one or more expansion rings are positioned within at least one of a pair of casting rolls, and automatically measuring a thickness of the cast strip close to the first side edge of the strip using at least one sensor, and if the thickness measured is too thin, automatically decreasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to contract and increase the thickness of the cast strip during casting, and if the thickness measured indicates that the thickness of the cast strip is too thick, automatically increasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to expand and reduce the thickness of the cast strip during casting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Robert G. NOONING, JR., Harold Bradley REES, Jeffery Edward KEFFER
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Publication number: 20170327925Abstract: To achieve a substantially uniform microstructure across a continuously cast thin metal strip, it is beneficial to cool a width of the strip to a substantially constant temperature before further cooling the strip to reach any desired phase transformation temperature. Accordingly, methods of continuously casting a thin metal strip may include moving the thin strip to a cooling section, the cooling section having a plurality of coolant discharge ports configured to discharge a flow of coolant along the thin strip; initially sensing the temperature of the thin strip to determine a temperature distribution across the width of the thin strip, and producing a sensor signal corresponding to a sensed temperature at each of the first plurality of locations; and individually controlling the cooling across a width of the thin strip by way of the plurality coolant discharge ports in each zone of a first row using the determined temperature distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: James W. Watson, Harold Bradley Rees
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Publication number: 20170144218Abstract: A method and apparatus of continuously casting thin strip by controlling roll crown is provided. The apparatus for continuously casting thin strip by controlling roll crown includes at least two expansion rings positioned within and adjacent a cylindrical tube and spaced within 450 mm of edge portions of the cast strip formed on opposite end portions of casting rolls during a casting campaign. Alternatively or in addition, the apparatus includes at least one expansion ring within the cylindrical tube at a position corresponding to center portions of the cast strip formed on the casting rolls during a casting campaign. Each expansion ring has at least one heating element and an insulating coating thereon and is adapted to increase in radial dimension causing the cylindrical tube to expand changing roll crown of the casting surfaces of the casting rolls and thickness profile of the cast strip during casting.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Robert Gerard NOONING, JR., James M. THOMAS, Mike PONDER, Bradley REES
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Patent number: 9128889Abstract: Certain embodiments herein are directed to transferring information between devices on a network using a filing system such as the WebDAV file system. In one embodiment, a sensor device may communicate with a computer server including a WebDAV file system to obtain information for various purposes, such as for software upgrades or resolution of software bugs. The computer server may receive data from a sensor associated with a home, business, or power generation equipment, or other asset. The computer server may further prepare the data for transmission to a filing system, which may include calling one or more WebDAV functions. The data may be used to determine additional data that may be used by the computer device that sent the data, in one embodiment. The data, as well as the additional data, may be stored in a WebDAV file system and/or transmitted to a remote computing device.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Patrick Hanley, Bradley Ree
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Publication number: 20140164570Abstract: Certain embodiments herein are directed to transferring information between devices on a network using a filing system such as the WebDAV file system. In one embodiment, a sensor device may communicate with a computer server including a WebDAV file system to obtain information for various purposes, such as for software upgrades or resolution of software bugs. The computer server may receive data from a sensor associated with a home, business, or power generation equipment, or other asset. The computer server may further prepare the data for transmission to a filing system, which may include calling one or more WebDAV functions. The data may be used to determine additional data that may be used be the computer device that sent the data, in one embodiment. The data, as well as the additional data, may be stored in a WebDAV file system and/or transmitted to a remote computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: James Patrick Hanley, Bradley Ree
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Patent number: 8365562Abstract: Apparatus and method of controlling strip geometry in casting strip having a rolling mill. A target thickness profile is calculated as a function of the measured entry thickness profile of the strip while satisfying profile and flatness parameters. A differential strain feedback from longitudinal strain in the strip is calculated by a control system by comparing the exit thickness profile with the target thickness profile, and a control signal is generated to control a device capable of affecting the geometry of the strip processed by the hot rolling mill. A feed-forward control reference and/or sensitivity vector may also be calculated as a function of the target thickness profile, and used in generating the control signal sent to the control device. The control device may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of a bending controller, gap controller and coolant controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Nucor CorporationInventors: Richard Britanik, Tino Domanti, Terry L. Gerber, Jason A. Mueller, Glen Wallace, Harold Bradley Rees
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Publication number: 20120240651Abstract: Apparatus and method of controlling strip geometry in casting strip having a rolling mill. A target thickness profile is calculated as a function of the measured entry thickness profile of the strip while satisfying profile and flatness parameters. A differential strain feedback from longitudinal strain in the strip is calculated by a control system by comparing the exit thickness profile with the target thickness profile, and a control signal is generated to control a device capable of affecting the geometry of the strip processed by the hot rolling mill. A feed-forward control reference and/or sensitivity vector may also be calculated as a function of the target thickness profile, and used in generating the control signal sent to the control device. The control device may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of a bending controller, gap controller and coolant controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: NUCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Richard BRITANIK, Tino DOMANTI, Terry L. GERBER, Jason A. MUELLER, Glen WALLACE, Harold Bradley REES
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Patent number: 8205474Abstract: Apparatus and method of controlling strip geometry in casting strip having a rolling mill. A target thickness profile is calculated as a function of the measured entry thickness profile of the strip while satisfying profile and flatness parameters. A differential strain feedback from longitudinal strain in the strip is calculated by a control system by comparing the exit thickness profile with the target thickness profile, and a control signal is generated to control a device capable of affecting the geometry of the strip processed by the hot rolling mill. A feed-forward control reference and/or sensitivity vector may also be calculated as a function of the target thickness profile, and used in generating the control signal sent to the control device. The control device may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of a bending controller, gap controller and coolant controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Nucor CorporationInventors: Richard Britanik, Tino Domanti, Terry L. Gerber, Jason A. Mueller, Glen Wallace, Harold Bradley Rees