Patents by Inventor James Merrill

James Merrill 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: 8963615
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes an input node configured to receive a signal indicative of sensor data. The system also includes a first transistor configured to route the signal to a positive channel when a polarity of the signal is positive. Moreover, the system includes a second transistor configured to route the signal to a negative channel when a polarity of the signal is negative. Additionally, the system includes the positive channel coupled to the first transistor configured to route the signal to an analysis component. Furthermore, the system includes the negative channel coupled to the second transistor and configured to route the signal to the analysis component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Zahi Abawi, James Merrill Roylance
  • Patent number: 8836322
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a magnetic sensor interface capable of adjusting signal conditioning dynamically using a speed signal of a target such that the true positive and negative peaks of the input signal are maintained for the given target across its entire speed range (0-Max rpm), therefore increasing the signal to noise ratio at low speeds and avoiding clipping or distortion at high speeds. In one aspect, a method comprises receiving an alternating differential voltage signal from a sensor. The differential voltage signal has an amplitude that changes relative to a change in speed of a target. The alternating differential voltage signal is converted to an attenuated single-ended voltage signal that can be dynamically scaled. The attenuated single-ended voltage signal can be scaled by multiplying the attenuated single-ended voltage signal by a scaling factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Merrill Roylance, Daniel Zahi Abawi, Biplab Deb
  • Patent number: 8710825
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a magnetic sensor interface capable of adjusting signal conditioning dynamically such that the true positive and negative peaks of the input signal are maintained for a given target across its entire speed range (0-Max rpm), therefore increasing the signal to noise ratio at low speeds and avoiding clipping or distortion at high speeds. In one aspect, a method comprises receiving an alternating differential voltage signal from a sensor. The alternating differential voltage signal has an amplitude that changes over time. The alternating differential voltage signal is converted to an attenuated single-ended voltage signal that can be dynamically scaled. The attenuated single-ended voltage signal can be scaled by multiplying the attenuated single-ended voltage signal by a scaling factor. The scaling factor is selected relative to a signal-to-noise ratio of the scaled attenuated single-ended voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Merrill Roylance, Daniel Zahi Abawi, Biplab Deb
  • Publication number: 20140081593
    Abstract: A monitoring system for use in monitoring operation of a rotating device includes a first monitor including a first processor. The first monitor is configured to receive a phase reference signal from a rotation sensor, wherein the phase reference signal is indicative of a phase of rotation of the rotating device, generate a timestamp indicative of a time at which the phase reference signal was received, and generate a synchronization message including the timestamp and an indication that the phase reference signal was received. The monitoring system also includes a second monitor operatively coupled to the first monitor and comprising a second processor. The second monitor is configured to receive the synchronization message from the first monitor and synchronously sample at least one measurement based on the synchronization message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Dustin Delany Hess, Joseph Donald Robert, James Merrill Roylance, Paul Foster Richetta, Michael Lee Kidd
  • Publication number: 20130048656
    Abstract: An ice cream container cover having at least one interiorly positioned gripping member for preventing rotation of a cylindrical ice cream container. The cap also has an inner opening to permit access to the interior of the ice cream container and a square peripheral edge for engaging the inner walls of the ice cream cooler and any adjacent caps. When a cap is positioned snugly on the upper portion of an ice cream container, the cap will prevent rotation of the container when ice cream is scooped therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MOHAWK CABINET COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: James Merrill Law
  • Publication number: 20120212214
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a magnetic sensor interface capable of adjusting signal conditioning dynamically such that the true positive and negative peaks of the input signal are maintained for a given target across its entire speed range (0-Max rpm), therefore increasing the signal to noise ratio at low speeds and avoiding clipping or distortion at high speeds. In one aspect, a method comprises receiving an alternating differential voltage signal from a sensor. The alternating differential voltage signal has an amplitude that changes over time. The alternating differential voltage signal is converted to an attenuated single-ended voltage signal that can be dynamically scaled. The attenuated single-ended voltage signal can be scaled by multiplying the attenuated single-ended voltage signal by a scaling factor. The scaling factor is selected relative to a signal-to-noise ratio of the scaled attenuated single-ended voltage signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: James Merrill Roylance, Daniel Zahi Abawi, Biplab Deb
  • Publication number: 20120212277
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a magnetic sensor interface capable of adjusting signal conditioning dynamically using a speed signal of a target such that the true positive and negative peaks of the input signal are maintained for the given target across its entire speed range (0-Max rpm), therefore increasing the signal to noise ratio at low speeds and avoiding clipping or distortion at high speeds. In one aspect, a method comprises receiving an alternating differential voltage signal from a sensor. The differential voltage signal has an amplitude that changes relative to a change in speed of a target. The alternating differential voltage signal is converted to an attenuated single-ended voltage signal that can be dynamically scaled. The attenuated single-ended voltage signal can be scaled by multiplying the attenuated single-ended voltage signal by a scaling factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: James Merrill Roylance, Daniel Zahi Abawi, Biplab Deb
  • Publication number: 20120107199
    Abstract: Alkylation systems and methods of minimizing alkylation catalyst regeneration are discussed herein. The alkylation systems generally include a preliminary alkylation system adapted to receive an input stream including an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon and contact the input stream with a first preliminary alkylation catalyst disposed therein to form a first output stream. The first preliminary alkylation catalyst generally includes a Y zeolite. The systems further include a first alkylation system adapted to receive the first output stream and contact the first output stream with a first alkylation catalyst disposed therein and an alkylating agent to form a second output stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James Merrill, Marcus Ledoux
  • Publication number: 20110245561
    Abstract: Dehydrogenation of a reactor system of one or more vertically oriented flow reactors equipped with a system for introducing a catalyst extender into the inlet of the reactor. A vertically oriented radial flow reactor comprises inner and outer reactor tubes having perforated wall members extending longitudily of the reactor and defining an annulus containing a dehydrogenation catalyst. A supply line to the reactor is equipped with a rotation vane. An injection nozzle comprising a coaxial flow tube extends into the supply line downstream of the vane. The coaxial flow tube has an interior chamber and an annular chamber surrounding the interior chamber and extending into the supply line along with the interior chamber. The interior chamber is connected to a catalyst extender source and the annular chamber is connected to a source of a carrier gas which is effective to disperse the extender within feedstock flowing into the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Merrill, Thomas Parenteau, Marcus Ledoux, Mark Gremillion
  • Patent number: 7981377
    Abstract: Dehydrogenation of a reactor system of one or more vertically oriented flow reactors equipped with a system for introducing a catalyst extender into the inlet of the reactor. A vertically oriented radial flow reactor comprises inner and outer reactor tubes having perforated wall members extending longitudily of the reactor and defining an annulus containing a dehydrogenation catalyst. A supply line to the reactor is equipped with a rotation vane. An injection nozzle comprising a coaxial flow tube extends into the supply line downstream of the vane. The coaxial flow tube has an interior chamber and an annular chamber surrounding the interior chamber and extending into the supply line along with the interior chamber. The interior chamber is connected to a catalyst extender source and the annular chamber is connected to a source of a carrier gas which is effective to disperse the extender within feedstock flowing into the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Merrill, Thomas Parenteau, Marcus Ledoux, Mark Gremillion
  • Publication number: 20090118557
    Abstract: Dehydrogenation of a reactor system of one or more vertically oriented flow reactors equipped with a system for introducing a catalyst extender into the inlet of the reactor. A vertically oriented radial flow reactor comprises inner and outer reactor tubes having perforated wall members extending longitudily of the reactor and defining an annulus containing a dehydrogenation catalyst. A supply line to the reactor is equipped with a rotation vane. An injection nozzle comprising a coaxial flow tube extends into the supply line downstream of the vane. The coaxial flow tube has an interior chamber and an annular chamber surrounding the interior chamber and extending into the supply line along with the interior chamber. The interior chamber is connected to a catalyst extender source and the annular chamber is connected to a source of a carrier gas which is effective to disperse the extender within feedstock flowing into the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: James Merrill, Thomas Parenteau, Marcus Ledoux, Mark Gremillion
  • Publication number: 20090064014
    Abstract: One method of the present invention includes displaying an interactive map to a consumer and recording interactions with the consumer, recording the interactions, analyzing the recordings, and acting on the analysis. The interactive map is provided at a tourist attraction or other location, and includes maps, images, cameras, and other information about the area surrounding the attraction, as well as information about other attractions, that is useful and/or interesting to a consumer. The interactive media include remote-controlled cameras, touch screen monitors, joysticks, and various other controls. Recording the interactions of the consumers includes recording touches, page views, clicks, session lengths, itineraries selected, and other interactions. Analyzing includes analyzing to find consumer preferences among locations presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Dean Francis Nelson, Mary Bacarella, James Merrill Irwin, Amir Farzeen Mohazzabfar
  • Publication number: 20080058568
    Abstract: Alkylation systems and methods of minimizing alkylation catalyst regeneration are discussed herein. The alkylation systems generally include a preliminary alkylation system adapted to receive an input stream including an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon and contact the input stream with a first preliminary alkylation catalyst disposed therein to form a first output stream. The first preliminary alkylation catalyst generally includes a Y zeolite. The systems further include a first alkylation system adapted to receive the first output stream and contact the first output stream with a first alkylation catalyst disposed therein and an alkylating agent to form a second output stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Merrill, Marcus Ledoux
  • Publication number: 20070270623
    Abstract: Alkylation systems and methods of forming alkyl aromatic compounds are described herein. The alkylation systems generally include a reaction vessel including a first reaction zone adapted to receive an input stream having a first aromatic compound, wherein the first reaction zone includes an alkylation catalyst. The reaction vessel further includes a second reaction zone in communication with the first reaction zone, wherein the second reaction zone is adapted to receive an alkylating agent and pass the alkylating agent therethrough to the first reaction zone to contact the input stream in the presence of the alkylation catalyst to form an output stream including a second aromatic compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James Merrill
  • Publication number: 20070038008
    Abstract: A process for the reduction of a phenylacetylene contaminant in the presence of a styrene monomer. A styrene monomer stream containing a minor amount of phenylacetylene is supplied to a hydrogenation reactor. A hydrogenation gas comprising hydrogen is also supplied to the hydrogenation reactor. The styrene monomer stream and the hydrogen are bought into contact with a catalyst bed containing a catalyst comprising a reduced copper compound on a theta alumina support. The hydrogenation reactor is operated at a temperature of at least 60° C. and a pressure of at least 30 psig to hydrogenate phenylacetylene to styrene. A product is recovered from the hydrogenation reactor having a substantially reduced phenylacetylene content and an enhanced styrene content. The hydrogenation gas comprises a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James Merrill
  • Publication number: 20070003764
    Abstract: A nonblocking coated elastomeric film comprises an elastomeric polymer film layer and a nonblocking solvent-based coating layer. The coating layer comprises a nonblocking coating component. The coating layer may be applied to one or both surfaces of the elastomeric polymer film layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Iyad Muslet, Robert Tomany, James Merrill, Max Hufferd, David Bland, John Ledford, Arrigo Jezzi
  • Publication number: 20060194993
    Abstract: Methods and systems for petrochemical feedstream purification are described herein. The methods generally include providing a petrochemical feedstock, wherein the petrochemical feedstock includes a concentration of polar impurities, contacting the petrochemical feedstock with a washing agent to remove at least a portion of the polar impurities therefrom, separating the washing agent from the petrochemical feedstock to form a purified feedstock and passing the purified feedstock to a petrochemical process. In one embodiment, the petrochemical feedstock includes benzene and the washing agent includes water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Butler, James Merrill
  • Publication number: 20060020089
    Abstract: Disclosed is the observation that 7-aryl-quinone methides and 4-tert-butylcatechol, when used in combination in a vinyl aromatic monomer to inhibit polymerization, do not inhibit polymerization to the same extent as each would if used separately. Stated another way, a phenomenon has been observed that when these two compounds are used together, they can, to a large extent, render each other unable to inhibit polymerization in a vinyl aromatic monomer. Also disclosed are methods of preventing adverse results of this interaction when undesired and a method of using this interaction to prepare a reactive vinyl aromatic monomer having a concentration of 4-tert-butylcatechol that would otherwise inhibit polymerization. The invention is disclosed to be useful with the production and storage of any vinyl aromatic monomer and is disclosed to be particularly useful with the production and storage of styrene monomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James Merrill
  • Publication number: 20050263969
    Abstract: A load leveler is disclosed that is used with a nesting type cart having a basket with a tapered front to provide a level surface for safely carrying loads that are longer than the length of the cart basket and must sit on top of the cart basket in order to be transported. The load leveler comprises spaced vertical pieces on top of the larger rear of the tapered basket to restrain a long load from sliding to the side and off the cart basket, and also comprises a pivoting member that is attached to the top of the front of the tapered basket. The pivoting member provides a raised surface for supporting a long load in a horizontal orientation with the top rear of the basket, and also has vertical members for helping restraining a long load from sliding to the side and off the cart. The pivoting member is lowered and rests against the inside of the front wall of the basket to permit nesting of the carts in a known manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Maurice Cote, James Merrill
  • Publication number: 20050085677
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a process of preparing cyclohexenyl and alkenyl aromatic compounds, such as styrene, that enables economical and convenient removal of nitrogen compounds. The nitrogen compounds can be stabilizers or neutralizers or derived from stabilizers or neutralizers added to prevent styrene homopolymerization. The nitrogen compounds are removed from, in the case of styrene production, the benzene fraction that results from dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. Because of the preferential solubility of nitrogen compounds in water, a majority of such compounds can be removed by intimately contacting the benzene fraction with sufficient water, at an appropriate point in the process, and then removing most or all of the water with the entrained nitrogen compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Butler, James Merrill