Patents by Inventor Eric Eggleston

Eric Eggleston 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).

  • Wind turbine blade inspection and cleaning system
    Patent number: 8281442
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a blade maintenance vehicle. The blade maintenance vehicle includes a self-contained balance configured to stabilize the blade maintenance vehicle on an upwardly facing edge of a horizontally positioned wind turbine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Eric Eggleston
  • Wind turbine aerodynamic separation control
    Patent number: 8002524
    Abstract: The present application provides a wind turbine system. The wind turbine system may include a number of blades, a number of wind speed sensors positioned on the blades, a controller in communication with the wind speed sensors, and one or more performance adjustment, mechanisms in communication with the controller. The controller activates the performance adjustment mechanisms in response to the wind speed sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric Eggleston, Christopher Wolfe, Eric John Ruggiero, Alexander Simpson, Rodrigo Rodriguez Erdmenger, Robbert Pannekeet
  • Wind energy system having an insect sensor
    Patent number: 7934905
    Abstract: The invention relates to wind energy systems. A wind energy system is provided having an insect sensor. The insect sensor is adapted for measuring the insect density in the air. Further, a method for operating a wind energy system taking into account the insect density in the air is provided. The wind energy system is curtailed during times with a high insect density. Hence, in periods following times with a high insect density, the wind energy system can be operated without the aero-dynamical performance of the rotor blades being spoiled by smashed insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Eric Eggleston
  • Wind Turbine Aerodynamic Separation Control
    Publication number: 20100143118
    Abstract: The present application provides a wind turbine system. The wind turbine system may include a number of blades, a number of wind speed sensors positioned on the blades, a controller in communication with the wind speed sensors, and one or more performance adjustment, mechanisms in communication with the controller. The controller activates the performance adjustment mechanisms in response to the wind speed sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric Eggleston, Christopher Wolfe, Eric John Ruggiero, Alexander Simpson, Rodrigo Rodriguez-Erdmenger, Robbert Pannekeet
  • WIND TURBINE NOISE CONTROLS
    Publication number: 20100135798
    Abstract: A method and system for providing noise control for a wind turbine system are disclosed. The method can include providing a wind turbine system comprising at least one blade operably mounted on the wind turbine and a controller, determining an external condition with at least one sensor, receiving a noise control signal related to the external condition, and adjusting an operating parameter in response to receiving the noise control signal related to the external condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Eric Eggleston
  • WIND TURBINE BLADE INSPECTION AND CLEANING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20100132137
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a blade maintenance vehicle. The blade maintenance vehicle includes a self-contained balance configured to stabilize the blade maintenance vehicle on an upwardly facing edge of a horizontally positioned wind turbine blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Eric Eggleston
  • WIND ENERGY SYSTEM HAVING AN INSECT SENSOR
    Publication number: 20090140862
    Abstract: The invention relates to wind energy systems. A wind energy system is provided having an insect sensor. The insect sensor is adapted for measuring the insect density in the air. Further, a method for operating a wind energy system taking into account the insect density in the air is provided. The wind energy system is curtailed during times with a high insect density. Hence, in periods following times with a high insect density, the wind energy system can be operated without the aero-dynamical performance of the rotor blades being spoiled by smashed insects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: ERIC EGGLESTON