Patents by Inventor James E. Smith

James E. Smith 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).

  • Patent number: 10467110
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing cable failover in multiple cable Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) IO interconnections to an external IO enclosure. System firmware is provided for implementing health check functions for the PCIE IO interconnections to identify a faulted low byte cable. A cable failover mechanism recovers a PCI link to the external IO enclosure. A multiplexer logic is provided between the PCIE host bridge (PHB) and the cable connected to the IO enclosure to perform a full lane reversal of the PCIE lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse P. Arroyo, Christopher J. Engel, Kaveh Naderi, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186743
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a jet engine, one or more radio-frequency power sources, a plurality of resonators, and a fuel conduit. The plurality of resonators can be electromagnetically coupled to the one or more radio-frequency power sources and each have a respective resonant wavelength. Further, each resonator can include (i) a respective first conductor, (ii) a respective second conductor, and (iii) a respective dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor, and can be configured to provide at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The fuel conduit can be configured to couple to a fuel source and have a fuel outlet for expelling fuel into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. A portion of the fuel conduit is disposed within the first conductor of a given resonator of the plurality of resonators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186371
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a power-generation gas turbine, a radio-frequency power source, a direct-current power source, a resonator, and a fuel conduit. The resonator can be electromagnetically coupled to the radio-frequency power source and have a resonant wavelength. Further, the resonator can include (i) a first conductor, (ii), a second conductor, and (iii) a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor. The resonator can be configured to provide at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The fuel conduit can be configured to couple to a fuel source and have a fuel outlet for expelling fuel into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. A portion of the fuel conduit is disposed within the first conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186435
    Abstract: An example system can include a radio-frequency power source and a resonator. The resonator can be configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the radio-frequency power source and can have a resonant wavelength. The resonator can include: a first conductor, a second conductor, and a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor. The resonator can also be configured such that, when the resonator is excited by the radio-frequency power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of the resonant wavelength, the resonator provides at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The system can also include a fuel conduit configured to couple to a fuel source and having one or more outlets for expelling fuel, where at least a portion of the fuel conduit is arranged proximate to the dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186375
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustor of a jet turbine engine, a radio-frequency power source, a plasma-distributing structure, and a resonator having a first concentrator. The combustor can include one or more fins protruding into a combustion zone and can be configured to guide combustion of fuel along a flame path defined by the fin(s). The resonator can be configured to provide a plasma corona when excited by the power source. The plasma-distributing structure can be arranged within the combustor and proximate to the plasma corona, and can include a second concentrator. When the resonator is excited, the plasma corona can be provided proximate to the first concentrator. Further, when the plasma corona is provided proximate to the first concentrator and the plasma-distributing structure is at a predetermined voltage, an additional plasma corona can be established proximate to the second concentrator and at least partly within the flame path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith, Wayne M. Serra
  • Publication number: 20190186366
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a jet engine, a radio-frequency power source, a resonator, and a fuel conduit. The resonator can be electromagnetically coupled to the radio-frequency power source and have a resonant wavelength. Further, the resonator can include (i) a first conductor, (ii), a second conductor, and (iii) a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor. The resonator can be configured such that, when the resonator is excited by the radio-frequency power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of the resonant wavelength, the resonator provides at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The fuel conduit can be configured to couple to a fuel source and have a fuel outlet for expelling fuel into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. A portion of the fuel conduit is arranged proximate to the dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186438
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to electromagnetic wave modification of fuel in a power-generation turbine. An example implementation includes a power-generation turbine. The power-generation turbine includes a combustion chamber, a radio-frequency power source, and a fuel conduit configured to provide a fuel to the combustion chamber. In addition, the power-generation turbine includes a resonator configured to electromagnetically couple to the radio-frequency power source and having a resonant wavelength. The resonator includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186377
    Abstract: An example system and corresponding method includes a jet engine combustor and a resonator. The combustor includes (i) a combustion zone, (ii) one or more fuel inlets for introducing fuel into the combustion zone for combustion, and (iii) one or more fins protruding into the combustion zone and configured to guide combustion of the fuel along a flame path. The resonator can have a resonant wavelength and can provide a plasma corona in the combustion zone when excited with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter (¼) of the resonant wavelength. A radio-frequency power source can excite the resonator with the signal so as to provide the plasma corona in the combustion zone and cause combustion of the fuel along the flame path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith, Wayne M. Serra
  • Publication number: 20190186745
    Abstract: A system includes a radio-frequency power source, a resonator, and an afterburner including a duct that defines a channel. The afterburner receives input gas from a turbine of a jet engine into the channel and outputs an exhaust gas resulting from combustion of fuel within the channel. The resonator, having a resonant wavelength, is electromagnetically coupled to the power source. The resonator includes first and second conductors, a dielectric between the conductors, an electrode coupled to the first conductor and disposed within the afterburner, and a fuel conduit having a fuel outlet that is configured to output fuel for mixing with the input gas from the turbine of the jet engine. The resonator, when excited by the power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of the resonant wavelength, provides electromagnetic waves and/or a plasma corona proximate to a concentrator of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186286
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to jet engines that include resonator-based diagnostics. An example implementation includes a jet engine. The jet engine includes a combustion chamber configured to house a combustion event of a fuel mixture. The jet engine also includes a resonator having a characteristic impedance and a resonant wavelength. The resonator includes a first conductor and a second conductor separated from one another by an interstitial space that is exposed to an environment of the combustion chamber. Further, the jet engine includes a controller communicatively coupled to the resonator and configured to perform operations. The operations include determining a characteristic of the resonator selected from the group consisting of the characteristic impedance and the resonant wavelength. The operations also include, based on the determined characteristic, determining a parameter of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186369
    Abstract: An example system and corresponding method can include a combustion chamber of jet engine, a radio-frequency power source, and a resonator. The combustion chamber can include a liner defining a combustion zone, and include a fuel inlet configured to introduce fuel into the combustion zone. The resonator can have a resonant wavelength and include: a first conductor, a second conductor, a dielectric, and an electrode coupled to the first conductor. The resonator can be configured such that, when the resonator is excited by the radio-frequency power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter (¼) of the resonant wavelength, the resonator provides a plasma corona in the combustion zone. The controller can be configured to cause the radio-frequency power source to excite the resonator with the signal so as to provide the plasma corona.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186370
    Abstract: An example system and corresponding method can include a combustion chamber of a power-generation gas turbine, a radio-frequency power source, and a resonator. The combustion chamber can include a liner defining a combustion zone, and include a fuel inlet configured to introduce fuel into the combustion zone. The resonator can have a resonant wavelength and include: a first conductor, a second conductor, a dielectric, and an electrode coupled to the first conductor. The resonator can be configured such that, when the resonator is excited by the radio-frequency power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of the resonant wavelength, the resonator provides a plasma corona in the combustion zone. The controller can be configured to cause the radio-frequency power source to excite the resonator with the signal so as to provide the plasma corona.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186374
    Abstract: A system includes a radio-frequency power source, a resonator, a fuel outlet, and an afterburner. The afterburner includes a duct that defines a channel, and can receive gas from a turbine of a jet engine into the channel and output a gas resulting from combusting fuel within the channel. The resonator can be configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the power source and has a resonant wavelength. The resonator includes first and second conductors, a dielectric between the first and second conductors, and an electrode coupled to the first conductor and disposed within the afterburner. The fuel outlet outputs fuel into the channel for mixing with the gas from the turbine. The resonator, when excited by the power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of the resonant wavelength, provides electromagnetic waves and/or a plasma corona proximate to a concentrator of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186746
    Abstract: A system includes an afterburner including an afterburner duct that defines an afterburner channel. The afterburner is configured to receive input gas from a jet engine turbine into the channel and to output an exhaust gas resulting from combustion of fuel. The system includes a plurality of resonators electromagnetically coupled to at least one radio-frequency power source. Each resonator has a resonant wavelength, first and second conductors, and a dielectric between those conductors. Each resonator is configured such that, when that resonator is excited by the power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of the resonant wavelength of that resonator, that resonator provides within the afterburner at least one of electromagnetic waves or a plasma corona proximate to that resonator. A first resonator further includes a fuel conduit having a fuel outlet configured to output fuel for mixing with the input gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186373
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a power-generation gas turbine, one or more radio-frequency power sources, a plurality of resonators, and a fuel conduit. The plurality of resonators can be electromagnetically coupled to the one or more radio-frequency power sources and each have a respective resonant wavelength. Further, each resonator can include (i) a respective first conductor, (ii) a respective second conductor, and (iii) a respective dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor, and can be configured to provide at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The fuel conduit can be configured to couple to a fuel source and have a fuel outlet for expelling fuel into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. A portion of the fuel conduit is disposed within the first conductor of a given resonator of the plurality of resonators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186372
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a power-generation gas turbine, a radio-frequency power source, a resonator, and a fuel conduit. The resonator can be electromagnetically coupled to the radio-frequency power source and have a resonant wavelength. Further, the resonator can include (i) a first conductor, (ii), a second conductor, and (iii) a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor. The resonator can be configured such that, when the resonator is excited by the radio-frequency power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of the resonant wavelength, the resonator provides at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The fuel conduit can be configured to couple to a fuel source and have a fuel outlet for expelling fuel into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. A portion of the fuel conduit is arranged proximate to the dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186365
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a jet engine, a radio-frequency power source, a direct-current power source, a resonator, and a fuel conduit. The resonator can be electromagnetically coupled to the radio-frequency power source and have a resonant wavelength. Further, the resonator can include (i) a first conductor, (ii), a second conductor, and (iii) a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor. The resonator can be configured to provide at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The fuel conduit can be configured to couple to a fuel source and have a fuel outlet for expelling fuel into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. A portion of the fuel conduit is disposed within the first conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186455
    Abstract: An example system can include a radio-frequency power source, a resonator, and a plasma-distributing structure. The resonator can include an electrode having a first concentrator. The resonator can be configured to provide a plasma corona when excited by the power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of a resonant wavelength of the resonator. The plasma-distributing structure can be arranged proximate to the plasma corona provided by the resonator and include a second concentrator. When the power source excites the resonator with the signal, an electric field can be concentrated at the first concentrator and the plasma corona can be provided proximate to the first concentrator. Further, when the plasma corona is provided proximate to the first concentrator and the plasma-distributing structure is at a predetermined voltage, an additional plasma corona can be established proximate to the second concentrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186287
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to power-generation turbines that include resonator-based diagnostics. An example implementation includes a power-generation turbine. The power-generation turbine includes a combustion chamber configured to house a combustion event of a fuel mixture. The power-generation turbine also includes a resonator having a characteristic impedance and a resonant wavelength. The resonator includes a first conductor and a second conductor separated from one another by an interstitial space that is exposed to an environment of the combustion chamber. Further, the power-generation turbine includes a controller communicatively coupled to the resonator and configured to perform operations. The operations include determining a characteristic of the resonator selected from the group consisting of the characteristic impedance and the resonant wavelength. The operations also include, based on the determined characteristic, determining a parameter of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186456
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to magnetic direction of a plasma corona provided proximate to a resonator. An example implementation includes a system. The system includes a radio-frequency power source. The system also includes a resonator configured to electromagnetically couple to the radio-frequency power source. The resonator includes a dielectric between a first conductor and a second conductor. The resonator also includes an electrode configured to electromagnetically couple to the first conductor and including a concentrator. The resonator is configured to provide a plasma corona proximate to the concentrator when excited by the radio-frequency power source. Still further, the system includes a magnetic-field source configured to provide a magnetic field proximate to the concentrator so as to modify at least one feature of the plasma corona.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith