Patents by Inventor Corey D. Wills
Corey D. Wills 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: 20240135524Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a roadway by comparing captured images to image inconsistencies caused by lost or unnecessary motion and for minimizing lost or unnecessary motion of an axle of a vehicle and filtering erroneous pulses of an electrical signal to generate a trigger signal to capture images is presented. The system enables the minimization of image artifacts causing distortion in an image. The system can take images of a target, compute an object pixel size of the image to ensure calibration of longitudinal measurements, and calibrate the rotary encoder with the camera of the machine vision system. The system can enable calibration of the locomotive components in the field to compensate for the misalignment of the machine vision system and provide safe travels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell R. Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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Publication number: 20240112320Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a roadway by comparing captured images to image inconsistencies caused by lost or unnecessary motion and for minimizing lost or unnecessary motion of an axle of a vehicle and filtering erroneous pulses of an electrical signal to generate a trigger signal to capture images is presented. The system enables the minimization of image artifacts causing distortion in an image. The system can take images of a target, compute an object pixel size of the image to ensure calibration of longitudinal measurements, and calibrate the rotary encoder with the camera of the machine vision system. The system can enable calibration of the locomotive components in the field to compensate for the misalignment of the machine vision system and provide safe travels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell R. Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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Publication number: 20240061007Abstract: In one embodiment, a probe includes a first facet associated with a first pressure port operable to measure a first wind pressure, a second facet associated with a second pressure port operable to measure a second wind pressure, and a third facet associated with a third pressure port operable to measure a third wind pressure. The second facet is adjacent to the first facet and the third facet adjacent to the second facet. The probe further includes a fourth facet adjacent to the third facet and a fifth facet adjacent to the fourth facet and to the first facet. The first facet, the second facet, the third facet, the fourth facet, and the fifth facet are located between a first end portion and a second end portion of the probe.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Applicants: BNSF Railway Company, AIRFLOW SCIENCES CORPORATIONInventors: Brian J. Dumont, James Paul, Matthew Fleming, Paul Harris, Corey D. Wills, Corey T. Pasta, Paul K. Gabler, Dennis W. Morgart
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Patent number: 11906343Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a truck having wheels for engaging a railroad track, a bolster supported by the truck, and a tank supported by the bolster for storing a lading. A measurement system measures the level of the lading within the tank and includes gauges and a controller. The gauges are disposed at selected points on the bolster for sensing at least one of lateral and longitudinal localized displacement experienced by the bolster during motion of the rail vehicle. The controller calculates the level of the lading within the tank and compensates for changes in the level of the lading during motion of the rail vehicle in response to signals generated by the gauges.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell Robert Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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Patent number: 11842476Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a roadway by comparing captured images to image inconsistencies caused by lost or unnecessary motion and for minimizing lost or unnecessary motion of an axle of a vehicle and filtering erroneous pulses of an electrical signal to generate a trigger signal to capture images is presented. The system enables the minimization of image artifacts causing distortion in an image. The system can take images of a target, compute an object pixel size of the image to ensure calibration of longitudinal measurements, and calibrate the rotary encoder with the camera of the machine vision system. The system can enable calibration of the locomotive components in the field to compensate for the misalignment of the machine vision system and provide safe travels.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell R. Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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Patent number: 11802887Abstract: In one embodiment, a probe includes a first facet associated with a first pressure port operable to measure a first wind pressure, a second facet associated with a second pressure port operable to measure a second wind pressure, and a third facet associated with a third pressure port operable to measure a third wind pressure. The second facet is adjacent to the first facet and the third facet adjacent to the second facet. The probe further includes a fourth facet adjacent to the third facet and a fifth facet adjacent to the fourth facet and to the first facet. The first facet, the second facet, the third facet, the fourth facet, and the fifth facet are located between a first end portion and a second end portion of the probe.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Brian J. Dumont, James Paul, Matthew Fleming, Paul Harris, Corey D. Wills, Corey T. Pasta, Paul K. Gabler, Dennis W. Morgart
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Patent number: 11680959Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a vehicle, one or more probes coupled to the vehicle, and a controller. The vehicle is operable to traverse a distance. The one or more probes are operable to measure wind pressure and generate one or more wind pressure measurements. The controller is operable to receive the one or more wind pressure measurements from the one or more probes, determine a wind angle relative to the vehicle using the one or more wind pressure measurements, and determine a wind speed relative to the vehicle using the one or more wind pressure measurements and the wind angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Brian J. Dumont, James Paul, Matthew Fleming, Paul Harris, Corey D. Wills, Corey T. Pasta, Paul K. Gabler, Dennis W. Morgart
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Publication number: 20230096667Abstract: Methods and systems for filtering a trigger signal from an encoder for triggering an image capturing device. In embodiments, a trigger signal may be received as an input signal from an encoder including a sequence of pulses for triggering the image capturing device. In embodiments, an average pulse frequency of the trigger signal over a period of time may be determined based on sampling a number of pulses in the trigger signal over the period of time, and frequency restrictions may be applied to the average pulse frequency to generate a trigger frequency. In embodiments, an output frequency may be determined based on the trigger frequency, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal having a frequency based on the output frequency may be determined for triggering the image capturing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventor: Corey D. Wills
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Patent number: 11541921Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining, by a controller, a first wind direction relative to a first vehicle and determining, by the controller, a first wind speed relative to the first vehicle. The method also includes calculating, by the controller, an absolute wind direction relative to ground using the first wind direction relative to the first vehicle and calculating, by the controller, an absolute wind speed relative to the ground using the first wind speed relative to the first vehicle. The method further includes calculating, by the controller, a second wind direction relative to a second vehicle using the absolute wind direction and calculating, by the controller, a second wind speed relative to the second vehicle using the absolute wind speed. A front end of the first vehicle and a front end of the second vehicle face different directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Inventors: Brian J. Dumont, James Paul, Matthew Fleming, Paul Harris, Corey D. Wills, Corey T. Pasta, Paul K. Gabler, Dennis W. Morgart
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Patent number: 11543426Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a controller, one or more signals from the one or more pressure transducers. The one or more pressure transducers are coupled to one or more pressure lines, the one or more pressure lines are coupled to one or more probes, and the one or more probes coupled to a vehicle. The method also includes converting, by the controller, the one or more signals to one or more digital signals. The method further includes calculating, by the controller, a wind velocity relative to the vehicle using the one or more digital signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Brian J. Dumont, James Paul, Matthew Fleming, Paul Harris, Corey D. Wills, Corey T. Pasta, Paul K. Gabler, Dennis W. Morgart
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Patent number: 11513136Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining, by a controller, a first wind pressure associated with a first port of a first probe, determining, by the controller, a second wind pressure associated with a second port of the first probe, and determining, by the controller, a reference wind pressure associated with an end portion of the first probe. The method also includes calculating, by the controller, a first reference differential using the first wind pressure and the reference wind pressure, calculating, by the controller, a first rotational differential using the first wind pressure and the second wind pressure, and calculating, by the controller, an angular coefficient using the first reference differential and the first rotational differential. The method further includes calculating, by the controller, a wind velocity using the first reference differential and the angular coefficient. The wind velocity represents a wind velocity relative to a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Brian J. Dumont, James Paul, Matthew Fleming, Paul Harris, Corey D. Wills, Corey T. Pasta, Paul K. Gabler, Dennis W. Morgart
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Publication number: 20220343491Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a roadway by comparing captured images to image inconsistencies caused by lost or unnecessary motion and for minimizing lost or unnecessary motion of an axle of a vehicle and filtering erroneous pulses of an electrical signal to generate a trigger signal to capture images is presented. The system enables the minimization of image artifacts causing distortion in an image. The system can take images of a target, compute an object pixel size of the image to ensure calibration of longitudinal measurements, and calibrate the rotary encoder with the camera of the machine vision system. The system can enable calibration of the locomotive components in the field to compensate for the misalignment of the machine vision system and provide safe travels.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell R. Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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Publication number: 20220333968Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a truck having wheels for engaging a railroad track, a bolster supported by the truck, and a tank supported by the bolster for storing a lading. A measurement system measures the level of the lading within the tank and includes gauges and a controller. The gauges are disposed at selected points on the bolster for sensing at least one of lateral and longitudinal localized displacement experienced by the bolster during motion of the rail vehicle. The controller calculates the level of the lading within the tank and compensates for changes in the level of the lading during motion of the rail vehicle in response to signals generated by the gauges.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2022Publication date: October 20, 2022Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell Robert Krueger, Corey D, Wills
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Patent number: 11422020Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a truck having wheels for engaging a railroad track, a bolster supported by the truck, and a tank supported by the bolster for storing a lading. A measurement system measures the level of the lading within the tank and includes gauges and a controller. The gauges are disposed at selected points on the bolster for sensing at least one of lateral and longitudinal localized displacement experienced by the bolster during motion of the rail vehicle. The controller calculates the level of the lading within the tank and compensates for changes in the level of the lading during motion of the rail vehicle in response to signals generated by the gauges.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell Robert Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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System and method for minimizing lost vehicle axel motion and filtering erroneous electrical signals
Patent number: 11423527Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a roadway by comparing captured images to image inconsistencies caused by lost or unnecessary motion and for minimizing lost or unnecessary motion of an axle of a vehicle and filtering erroneous pulses of an electrical signal to generate a trigger signal to capture images is presented. The system enables the minimization of image artifacts causing distortion in an image. The system can take images of a target, compute an object pixel size of the image to ensure calibration of longitudinal measurements, and calibrate the rotary encoder with the camera of the machine vision system. The system can enable calibration of the locomotive components in the field to compensate for the misalignment of the machine vision system and provide safe travels.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2022Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell R. Krueger, Corey D. Wills -
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING LOST VEHICLE AXEL MOTION AND FILTERING ERRONEOUS ELECTRICAL SIGNALS
Publication number: 20220237772Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a roadway by comparing captured images to image inconsistencies caused by lost or unnecessary motion and for minimizing lost or unnecessary motion of an axel of a vehicle and filtering erroneous pulses of an electrical signal to generate a trigger signal to capture images is presented. The system enables the minimization of image artifacts causing distortion in an image. The system can take images of a target, compute an object pixel size of the image to ensure calibration of longitudinal measurements, and calibrate the rotary encoder with the camera of the machine vision system. The system can enable calibration of the locomotive components in the field to compensate for the misalignment of the machine vision system and provide safe travels.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell R. Krueger, Corey D. Wills -
Patent number: 11385091Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a truck having wheels for engaging a railroad track, a bolster supported by the truck, and a tank supported by the bolster for storing a lading. A measurement system measures the level of the lading within the tank and includes gauges and a controller. The gauges are disposed at selected points on the bolster for sensing at least one of lateral and longitudinal localized displacement experienced by the bolster during motion of the rail vehicle. The controller calculates the level of the lading within the tank and compensates for changes in the level of the lading during motion of the rail vehicle in response to signals generated by the gauges.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell Robert Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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Publication number: 20210318158Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a truck having wheels for engaging a railroad track, a bolster supported by the truck, and a tank supported by the bolster for storing a lading. A measurement system measures the level of the lading within the tank and includes gauges and a controller. The gauges are disposed at selected points on the bolster for sensing at least one of lateral and longitudinal localized displacement experienced by the bolster during motion of the rail vehicle. The controller calculates the level of the lading within the tank and compensates for changes in the level of the lading during motion of the rail vehicle in response to signals generated by the gauges.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell Robert Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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Publication number: 20210318157Abstract: A rail vehicle includes a truck having wheels for engaging a railroad track, a bolster supported by the truck, and a tank supported by the bolster for storing a lading. A measurement system measures the level of the lading within the tank and includes gauges and a controller. The gauges are disposed at selected points on the bolster for sensing at least one of lateral and longitudinal localized displacement experienced by the bolster during motion of the rail vehicle. The controller calculates the level of the lading within the tank and compensates for changes in the level of the lading during motion of the rail vehicle in response to signals generated by the gauges.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Applicant: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Darrell Robert Krueger, Corey D. Wills
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Publication number: 20210302461Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a controller, one or more signals from the one or more pressure transducers. The one or more pressure transducers are coupled to one or more pressure lines, the one or more pressure lines are coupled to one or more probes, and the one or more probes coupled to a vehicle. The method also includes converting, by the controller, the one or more signals to one or more digital signals. The method further includes calculating, by the controller, a wind velocity relative to the vehicle using the one or more digital signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Brian J. Dumont, James Paul, Matthew Fleming, Paul Harris, Corey D. Wills, Corey T. Pasta, Paul K. Gabler, Dennis W. Morgart