Patents by Inventor David August
David August 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: 20110295424Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide a system for autonomous machine management comprising a number of autonomous machines, a number of nodes, a performance estimation module, and a navigation system. The number of autonomous machines is configured to perform area coverage tasks in a worksite. The number of nodes is configured to define a number of worksite areas for the worksite. The performance estimation module is executed by a processor unit and configured to calculate a percentage of work completed in the number of worksite areas. The navigation system is configured to operate an autonomous machine to perform the area coverage tasks and move between the number of worksite areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: David August Johnson, Noel Wayne Anderson, Kirk Narum Eisenbeis
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Patent number: 8036797Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises a torque detector for detecting a first torque level and a second torque level applied to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The first torque level is associated with a lower boom position of a boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration level of the boom during or after raising of the boom. A first hydraulic cylinder is capable of raising a boom from the lower boom position to raise an available torque from the first torque level. A second hydraulic cylinder is adapted to upwardly rotate or curl a bucket associated with the vehicle if the detected acceleration level of the boom is less than a minimum level during an attempt to raise the boom.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: David August Johnson, Mark Peter Sahlin, Eric Richard Anderson, Mark John Cherney
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Publication number: 20110185743Abstract: Fuel is delivered in a gas turbine engine including a can annular combustor array that includes at least one combustor level subset within the array supplied by an independent fuel delivery system. Fuel is supplied only to one or more subsets during a first mode of operation. Fuel is supplied to the entire array of combustors during a second mode of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: David August Snider, Willy Steve Ziminsky
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Publication number: 20110179802Abstract: A system and method for startup control of a gas turbine is disclosed. The system and method includes defining a target startup time for the startup of the gas turbine and determining a remaining time to achieve the target startup time. The system and method includes monitoring at least one parameter associated with the startup and determining a first operating point for the parameter. The system and method adjusts the first operating point for the parameter to a second operating point based at least in part on the remaining time for the startup. The system and method controls an effector based on the second operating point for the parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: DAVID AUGUST SNIDER, RANDY SCOTT ROSSON
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Publication number: 20110166701Abstract: A method for scheduling mowing tasks by a robotic mower is provided. An estimated height of grass cut by the robotic mower is determined for a predetermined number of past mowing tasks. The estimated height of grass cut is compared with a predicted height of grass in an operating environment for the robotic mower. Then, a mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by decreasing a time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being greater than the predicted height of grass. Alternatively, the mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by increasing the time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being less than the predicted height of grass.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Russell Thacher, Kirk Eisenbeis, David August Johnson, Noel Wayne Anderson, Joshua D. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20110166715Abstract: A method of controlling application of a substance to vegetation using data obtained via a mobile machine is provided. A height of the vegetation is measured during a scheduled task of the mobile machine. The measured height of the vegetation is compared with a calculated height of the vegetation. Then, an amount of the substance applied by an irrigation system to an area containing the vegetation is adjusted based on a difference between the measured height of the vegetation and the calculated height of the vegetation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Joshua D. Hoffman, Noel Wayne Anderson, David August Johnson, Russell Thacher, Kirk Eisenbeis
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Patent number: 7920610Abstract: Methods of operating a frequency-converted laser source are disclosed. According to particular disclosed embodiments, a laser diode is driven in a pulsed mode to define pixel intensity values corresponding to desired gray scale values of image pixels in an image plane of the laser source. The pixel intensity values are a function of a laser control signal comprising a discontinuous pulse component, a relatively constant intensity component I, and a continuously variable intensity component I*. The pulse width w of the discontinuous pulse component is selected from a set of discrete available pulse widths according to a desired pixel gray scale value. A low-end pulse width w of the set of available pulse widths is established for a range of low-end pixel gray scale values and progressively larger pulse widths w are established for ranges of progressively higher pixel gray scale values.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: David August Sniezek Loeber, Nobutoshi Sekiguchi, Daniel Ohen Ricketts
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Publication number: 20110051762Abstract: Methods of operating a frequency-converted laser source are disclosed. According to particular disclosed embodiments, a laser diode is driven in a pulsed mode to define pixel intensity values corresponding to desired gray scale values of image pixels in an image plane of the laser source. The pixel intensity values are a function of a laser control signal comprising a discontinuous pulse component, a relatively constant intensity component I, and a continuously variable intensity component I*. The pulse width w of the discontinuous pulse component is selected from a set of discrete available pulse widths according to a desired pixel gray scale value. A low-end pulse width w of the set of available pulse widths is established for a range of low-end pixel gray scale values and progressively larger pulse widths w are established for ranges of progressively higher pixel gray scale values.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: David August Sniezek Loeber, Nobutoshi Sekiguchi, Daniel Ohen Ricketts
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Patent number: 7894962Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within the target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within a target attachment angular range associated with the ready position state in response to the command.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Mark Peter Sahlin, Jason Meredith, Jerry Anthony Samuelson, David August Johnson, Eric Richard Anderson
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Publication number: 20100322272Abstract: The present invention relates generally to semiconductor lasers and laser projection systems. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a projected laser image is generated utilizing an output beam of the semiconductor laser. A gain current control signal is generated by a gain current feedback loop to control the gain section of the semiconductor laser. Wavelength fluctuations of the semiconductor laser are narrowed by incorporating a wavelength recovery operation in a drive current of the semiconductor laser and by initiating the wavelength recovery operations as a function of the gain current control signal or an optical intensity error signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Martin Hai Hu, David August Sniezek Loeber, Dragan Pikula, Daniel Ohen Ricketts
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Patent number: 7853384Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises a torque detector for detecting a first torque level and a second torque level applied to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The first torque level is associated with a lower boom position of a boom and a second torque level is associated with an elevated boom position higher than the lower boom position. A first hydraulic cylinder is capable of raising a boom from the lower boom position to raise an available torque from the first torque level. A second hydraulic cylinder is adapted to upwardly rotate or curl a bucket associated with the vehicle when the detected second torque level meets or exceeds a second torque threshold, for example.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: David August Johnson, Mark Peter Sahlin, Eric Richard Anderson, Mark John Cherney
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Publication number: 20100296912Abstract: A rotating machine, such as a gas turbine, includes an active rotor alignment clearance control system wherein a plurality of actuators are circumferentially spaced around at least one rotor shaft bearing. The actuators are configured to eccentrically displace the bearing, and thus the rotor shaft, relative to stationary outer casing structure. A plurality of sensors are circumferentially spaced around a component of the casing structure, such as an inner shroud, and measure a parameter indicative of an eccentricity, such as blade tip clearance between the rotor blades and the structure, as the rotor rotates within the structure. A control system in communication with the sensors and actuators is configured to control the actuators to eccentrically displace the rotor by moving the shaft bearing to compensate for eccentricities detected between the rotor and casing structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Martel Alexander McCallum, Parvangada Ganapathy Bojappa, David August Snider
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Publication number: 20100287944Abstract: Maintenance operations for a hot gas path of a gas turbine require shutdown and cooled down conditions. When a gas turbine is shut down, thermal gradients in the rotor cause stresses that limit the life of the major components. As the cooling rate is increased to reduce the time, the stresses are increased, reducing rotor life. A method and equipment are provided to reduce the overall cycle time for the maintenance, yet mitigate the life penalties, thereby providing greater power production while maintaining (or potentially extending) rotor life. The method includes small hold times during the turbine shutdown and startup and slower turbine ramp rates during cooldown and startup, which more than offset thermal stresses from a forced cooldown, considerably shortening the overall operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Sam David Draper, David August Snider, Robert Thomas Thatcher
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Publication number: 20100280733Abstract: A gas turbine includes a rotor, and a controller for controlling a shutdown of the gas turbine based on a target fuel-to-air ratio profile and/or controlling a rotor speed according to a target speed schedule to attain a specified duration for the shutdown. The controller controls the rotor speed by engaging the starting system to turn the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Harold Lamar Jordan, JR., David August Snider
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Publication number: 20100275609Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject application involves a method of controlling a transition of a gas turbine. The method includes receiving a request of the gas turbine to drive an increased load. The increased load is greater than a load being driven by the gas turbine when the request is received. The method further includes determining that a temperature of a fuel to be ignited within a combustor of the gas turbine is less than a target temperature of the fuel to be introduced into the combustor for driving the increased load. Responsive to this determination, the method also includes controlling introduction of an additive into the combustor of the gas turbine when the temperature of the fuel is less than the target temperature to establish a suitable Wobbe Index of a fuel combination to promote a substantially continuous transition of the gas turbine to drive the increased load, wherein the fuel combination includes the fuel and the additive.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: David August Snider
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Publication number: 20100280731Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fuel flow to a turbine component are provided. One or more parameters associated with a fuel flow to a turbine component may be monitored. The fuel flow may be modeled based at least in part on the one or more monitored parameters. The fuel flow may be adjusted to a target flow based at least in part on the modeling of the fuel flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: David August Snider
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Publication number: 20100275608Abstract: The present application provides for a gas turbine engine system for turbine deceleration during shutdown procedures. The gas turbine engine system may include a rotor extending through a turbine, a generator engaged with the rotor, and a starting system in communication with the rotor. The starting system may reverse the operation of the generator so as to apply torque to the rotor during the shutdown procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: David August Snider, John David Memmer
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Publication number: 20100269481Abstract: Systems and methods for providing surge protection to turbine components are provided. A surge protection limit may be determined for the turbine component. One or more measurements associated with operation of the turbine component may be received and provided to a cycle model executed to predict an operating condition of the turbine component. The predicted operating condition of the turbine component may be adjusted based at least in part on the received one or more measurements. The surge protection limit may be adjusted based on the adjusted predicted operating condition of the turbine component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: David August Snider, Harold Lamar Jordan, JR., Timothy Andrew Healy, John David Stampfli
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Publication number: 20100257837Abstract: A system comprises, a first heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) having an upstream intake duct portion, a first gas turbine engine connected to a first exhaust duct operative to output exhaust from the first gas turbine engine to the upstream intake duct portion of the first HRSG, and a second gas turbine engine connected to a second exhaust duct operative to output exhaust from the second gas turbine engine to the upstream intake duct portion of the first HRSG.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Mark Stewart Schroder, Michael Joseph Alexander, Scott Francis Johnson, David August Snider
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Patent number: 7797860Abstract: A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position state in response to the command.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Dennis Eric Schoenmaker, Mark Peter Sahlin, Jason Meredith, Jerry Anthony Samuelson, David August Johnson, Eric Richard Anderson