Patents by Inventor Frederick Wilson Wheeler
Frederick Wilson Wheeler 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: 9597041Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present, a method for acquiring an image is provided. The method comprises acquiring initial image data, identifying one or more regions of interest in at least one of the initial image data or in a first image generated from the initial image data. The method further comprises automatically deriving one or more scan parameters based upon the regions of interest, and acquiring second image data using the scan parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, Kai Erik Thomenius, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
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Publication number: 20170076563Abstract: According to some embodiments, a signal processing unit may receive distributed acoustic sensing data associated with a first set of a plurality of pipeline locations. The signal processing unit may also receive collected physical data representing a physical characteristic of a second set of a plurality of pipeline locations. The signal processing unit may then utilize a pipeline model having the distributed acoustic sensing data and collected physical data as inputs to automatically generate at least one alert indicating an increased probability of damage to the pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Marco Guerriero, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Glen Peter Koste, Sachin Narahari Dekate, Peter Henry Tu
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Patent number: 9536127Abstract: A system and method for contactless handprint capture is disclosed that includes an image capture device to capture handprint images of a subject hand at each of a plurality of different focal distances, with the image capture device including an imaging camera and an electro-optics arrangement having a plurality of light modulating elements and polarization sensitive optical elements having differing optical path lengths based on polarization states. A control system is coupled to the image capture device to cause the device to capture the handprint images at each of the different focal distances, with each handprint image having a depth-of-focus that overlaps with a depth-of-focus of handprint images at adjacent focal distances such that redundant handprint image data is captured. The control system registers each handprint image with positional data and creates a composite handprint image from the handprint images captured at the different focal distances.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gil Abramovich, Kevin George Harding, Joseph Czechowski, III, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
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Publication number: 20160298537Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating when an engine event occurs is described. The system includes a controller configured to receive a first signal from at least one knock sensor coupled to a combustion engine, receive a second signal from at least one engine crankshaft sensor coupled to the combustion engine, transform the first and second signals into a plurality of feature vectors using a multivariate transformation algorithm, determine an expected window of an engine event with a statistical model, center a segment of the plurality of feature vectors around the expected window, estimate, using the statistical algorithm, a time in the expected window corresponding to when the engine event occurred, and adjust operation of the combustion engine based on the time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2015Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Brett Alexander Matthews, Jeffrey Jacob Bizub, Iyad Batal, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
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Publication number: 20160253440Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method of calculating end-of-life (EOL) predictions for a physical asset is provided. A state-space model for the physical asset is obtained, the state-space model being a physics-based model describing a state of the physical asset at a particular time given measurements or observations for the physical asset. Then a current state of the physical asset is inferred. Then a long-term prediction is derived for the physical asset based on the inferred current state of the physical asset and the state-space model for the physical asset. Then an EOL probability distribution function is generated for the physical asset based on the long-term prediction, the EOL probability distribution function describing a range of estimates of EOL for the physical asset and their corresponding confidence intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2015Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: Satish Giridhar Iyengar, John Anderson Fergus Ross, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Naresh Sundaram Iyer, Paulo Ricardo dos Santos Mendonca, Ashok Sundaresan, Yujiao Zheng
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Publication number: 20160194012Abstract: Systems for examining a route inject one or more electrical examination signals into a conductive route from onboard a vehicle system traveling along the route, detect one or more electrical characteristics of the route based on the one or more electrical examination signals, and detect a break in conductivity of the route responsive to the one or more electrical characteristics decreasing by more than a designated drop threshold for a time period within a designated drop time period. Feature vectors may be determined for the electrical characteristics and compared to one or more patterns in order to distinguish between breaks in the conductivity of the route and other causes for changes in the electrical characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2016Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Brett Alexander Matthews, Gregory Boverman, Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Majid Nayeri, Jeffrey Michael Fries
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Publication number: 20160169410Abstract: A system receives a plurality of data samples associated with a control valve with each of the plurality of data samples associated with a setpoint and a position. A first subset of the data samples that are in a control zone associated with normal operation of the control valve is determined. In a case that a second subset of the data samples are determined to be (i) not in the first subset and (ii) close to a minimum position of the plurality of data samples and (iii) have setpoints less than their associated positions, an alert associated with a low obstruction is indicated. In a case that a second subset of the data samples are determined to be (i) not in the first subset and (ii) close to the maximum position of the plurality of data samples and (iii) have setpoint greater than their associated position, an alert is indicated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Justin Scott Shriver, Larry Gene Schoonover, Brett Alexander Matthews
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Patent number: 9304053Abstract: Embodiments of a system that can detect leaks that occur in seals, and in one example, to seals found in a valve. In one embodiment, the system utilizes sensors that measure fluid properties of a sample volume proximate to the seal. The system can compare data from these measurements with data from a sample of a reference fluid (e.g., ambient air) to indicate the presence of working fluid in the sample volume. This result may indicate problems with the seal, e.g., degradation of the seal that is meant to prohibit the working fluid from migrating out of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Harold Randall Smart, Edward James Nieters, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
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Publication number: 20150367872Abstract: Systems and methods for examining a route inject one or more electrical examination signals into a conductive route from onboard a vehicle system traveling along the route, detect one or more electrical characteristics of the route based on the one or more electrical examination signals, apply a filter to the one or more electrical characteristics, and detect a break in conductivity of the route responsive to the one or more electrical characteristics decreasing by more than a designated drop threshold for a time period within a designated drop time period. Feature vectors may be determined for the electrical characteristics and compared to one or more patterns in order to distinguish between breaks in the conductivity of the route and other causes for changes in the electrical characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Brett Alexander Matthews, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Jeffrey Michael Fries, Joseph Forrest Noffsinger, Samhitha Palanganda Poonacha, Tannous Frangieh, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Brian Lee Staton, Timothy Robert Brown, Gregory Boverman, Majid Nayeri
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Patent number: 9194965Abstract: An imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source. The imaging system also includes a source controller coupled to the X-ray radiation source and configured to modulate an exposure pattern from the X-ray radiation source to enable a coded exposure sequence. The imaging system further includes a digital X-ray detector configured to acquire image data that includes at least one coded motion blur.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yi Xu, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus
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Publication number: 20150285397Abstract: A method to detect cycling of components that result from use of a tight shut-off mode on a valve assembly. Embodiments of the method use operating data from the valve assembly. This operating data includes data that reflects a position for the closure member relative to the seat. This position often corresponds with a measured position of one or more components (e.g., the valve stem) on the valve assembly. In one embodiment, the method includes steps for comparing the measured position to a boundary criteria that defines one or more boundary values proximate, and often equal to, the threshold levels of the tight shut-off mode. The method can also includes steps for identifying patterns in the data that indicate that the closure member is cycling from its closed position to a second position due to tight shut-off mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2014Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Robert Claude Prescott, Justin Scott Shriver, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
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Publication number: 20150277445Abstract: A method of performing online diagnostics for a valve includes receiving valve information while the valve is in operation. The valve information includes setpoint data and position data associated with the valve. The method further includes processing the setpoint data and the position data at a plurality of time intervals, and detecting an occurrence of a stick-slip based on the processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Robert Claude Prescott, Justin Shriver, Larry Schoonover
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Publication number: 20150277427Abstract: A computer-implemented method for monitoring characteristic data includes selecting a first operable system device and receiving a first plurality of data from the first operable system device. The first plurality of data represents at least one characteristic of the first operable system device at a first plurality of points in time. The method also includes determining whether the first plurality of data is useful. If the data is useful, the method also includes receiving a second plurality of data from the first operable system device, the second plurality of data represents at least one characteristic of the first operable system device at a second plurality of points in time, wherein the second plurality of points in time is substantially larger than the first plurality of points in time. If the data is not useful, the method further includes selecting a second operable system device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brett Alexander Matthews, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Robert Claude Prescott, Justin Shriver
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Publication number: 20150276086Abstract: A method for performing diagnostics for a valve assembly includes obtaining valve assembly information including a set of data points where each data point of the set of data points includes a position of an actuator stem. The method includes classifying each data point of the set of data points as at least one of a plurality of data point types where the plurality of data point types includes a first data point type and a second data point type. The method also includes determining at least one valve assembly characteristic based on the classification of each data point of the set of data points where determining the at least one valve assembly characteristic includes measuring the position of the actuator stem at a specific point in time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Justin Shriver
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Publication number: 20150234070Abstract: The approaches presently disclosed provide for fault-interpretation in a seismic volume with computer assistance, allowing automatic or semi-automatic determination of a fault surface and associated displacement across the fault. The present fault interpretation approach uses pattern matching algorithms and does not require prior interpretation of the stratigraphic horizons. In certain implementations the fault interpretation approach estimates the 3D fault surface as part of a joint fault surface location and displacement optimization process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2014Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicants: EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY, GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Yi Xu, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Ali Can
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Publication number: 20150178546Abstract: A system and method for contactless handprint capture is disclosed that includes an image capture device to capture handprint images of a subject hand at each of a plurality of different focal distances, with the image capture device including an imaging camera and an electro-optics arrangement having a plurality of light modulating elements and polarization sensitive optical elements having differing optical path lengths based on polarization states. A control system is coupled to the image capture device to cause the device to capture the handprint images at each of the different focal distances, with each handprint image having a depth-of-focus that overlaps with a depth-of-focus of handprint images at adjacent focal distances such that redundant handprint image data is captured. The control system registers each handprint image with positional data and creates a composite handprint image from the handprint images captured at the different focal distances.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2015Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: Gil Abramovich, Kevin George Harding, Joseph Czechowski, III, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
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Patent number: 9025067Abstract: An image capture device includes an electro-optics arrangement having an arrangement of polarizers, polarization sensitive optical elements, and polarization modulating elements. First and second polarization sensitive optical elements are provided having an edge displaced relative to a plane normal to an optical axis of the electro-optics arrangement. A control system coupled to the electro-optics arrangement controls the application of voltages to the polarization modulating elements to control the polarization rotation of the light input to the polarization sensitive optical elements, such that the optical path length of the polarization sensitive optical elements is changed to provide for capture of the object images at each of the different focal planes. The first and second polarization sensitive optical elements generate lateral image shifts between respective object images captured at the different focal planes responsive to the polarization rotation of the light input thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Daniel Curtis Gray, Kevin George Harding, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Gil Abramovich
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Publication number: 20150098013Abstract: An image capture device includes an electro-optics arrangement having an arrangement of polarizers, polarization sensitive optical elements, and polarization modulating elements. First and second polarization sensitive optical elements are provided having an edge displaced relative to a plane normal to an optical axis of the electro-optics arrangement. A control system coupled to the electro-optics arrangement controls the application of voltages to the polarization modulating elements to control the polarization rotation of the light input to the polarization sensitive optical elements, such that the optical path length of the polarization sensitive optical elements is changed to provide for capture of the object images at each of the different focal planes. The first and second polarization sensitive optical elements generate lateral image shifts between respective object images captured at the different focal planes responsive to the polarization rotation of the light input thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Daniel Curtis Gray, Kevin George Harding, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Gil Abramovich
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Patent number: 8971588Abstract: A system and method for contactless handprint capture is disclosed that includes an image capture device to capture whole handprint images of a subject hand at each of a plurality of different focal distances, with the image capture device including an imaging camera and an electro-optics arrangement having a plurality of light modulating elements and polarization sensitive optical elements having differing optical path lengths based on polarization states. A control system is coupled to the image capture device to cause the device to capture the handprint images at each of the different focal distances, with each handprint image having a depth-of-focus that overlaps with a depth-of-focus of handprint images at adjacent focal distances such that redundant handprint image data is captured. The control system registers each handprint image with positional data and creates a composite handprint image from the handprint images captured at the different focal distances.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gil Abramovich, Kevin George Harding, Joseph Czechowski, III, Frederick Wilson Wheeler
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Publication number: 20150041000Abstract: Embodiments of a system that can detect leaks that occur in seals, and in one example, to seals found in a valve. In one embodiment, the system utilizes sensors that measure fluid properties of a sample volume proximate to the seal. The system can compare data from these measurements with data from a sample of a reference fluid (e.g., ambient air) to indicate the presence of working fluid in the sample volume. This result may indicate problems with the seal, e.g., degradation of the seal that is meant to prohibit the working fluid from migrating out of the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Harold Randall Smart, Edward James Nieters, Frederick Wilson Wheeler