Patents by Inventor Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead

Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead 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: 8922203
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a system that includes a turbomachine blade monitoring system having an eddy current proximity probe assembly. The eddy current proximity probe assembly includes an eddy current proximity probe having a probe tip and a probe tip shroud disposed about the probe tip, wherein the probe tip shroud comprises a non-metallic material. The eddy current proximity probe is configured to provide a signal indicative of a presence of a turbomachine blade, wherein the eddy current proximity probe assembly is configured to be disposed within a turbomachine casing. The turbomachine blade monitoring system also includes a monitor coupled to the eddy current proximity probe assembly, wherein the monitor is configured to monitor a parameter of the turbomachine blade based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Samuel Thomas Walter Francis, Jesse Lewis Hanna, Sherrie Ann Clark
  • Publication number: 20130181699
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a system that includes a turbomachine blade monitoring system having an eddy current proximity probe assembly. The eddy current proximity probe assembly includes an eddy current proximity probe having a probe tip and a probe tip shroud disposed about the probe tip, wherein the probe tip shroud comprises a non-metallic material. The eddy current proximity probe is configured to provide a signal indicative of a presence of a turbomachine blade, wherein the eddy current proximity probe assembly is configured to be disposed within a turbomachine casing. The turbomachine blade monitoring system also includes a monitor coupled to the eddy current proximity probe assembly, wherein the monitor is configured to monitor a parameter of the turbomachine blade based on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Samuel Thomas Walter Francis, Jesse Lewis Hanna, Sherrie Ann Clark
  • Patent number: 8220308
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a sensor that includes determining a baseline condition of a sensor by channeling a fluid to a remote calibrator assembly coupled to the gas sensor, wherein the remote calibrator assembly includes a calibrator slide. The calibration of the sensor is determined by channeling a calibration fluid to the remote calibrator assembly, wherein during the calibration process, the calibrator slide moves to a calibration position. The calibrator slide moving to an operational position is verified, which is indicative of the sensor being in normal operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter Damion Bellis, Ingrid M. Gilstrap, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Kyle Allan Farwell
  • Publication number: 20110072879
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a sensor that includes determining a baseline condition of a sensor by channeling a fluid to a remote calibrator assembly coupled to the gas sensor, wherein the remote calibrator assembly includes a calibrator slide. The calibration of the sensor is determined by channeling a calibration fluid to the remote calibrator assembly, wherein during the calibration process, the calibrator slide moves to a calibration position. The calibrator slide moving to an operational position is verified, which is indicative of the sensor being in normal operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Damion Bellis, Ingrid M. Gilstrap, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Kyle Allan Farwell
  • Patent number: 7658000
    Abstract: A method for attaching a proximity probe offset to an axis defining an extension cable. The method includes a sensing element; a cylindrical part molded with a moldable material; a recess configured in one of two opposing ends defining the cylindrical part to receive the sensing element; a first and a second ferrule each extending from opposing surfaces defining an exterior of the cylindrical part, a first axis defining the first and second ferrules being offset from a second axis defining the cylindrical part; and an extension cable operably attached to the sensing element via the first and second ferrules, the sensing element being disposed offset relative to the extension cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Steven Francis Roy, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead
  • Patent number: 7530805
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an encapsulated transducer to an interface cup for attachment with a machine includes an interface cup configured substantially as a cylinder defined by a cylinder wall and a bottom wall closing a bottom of the cylinder, the cylinder including a first bore corresponding to an inner diameter defined by the cylinder wall, the first bore corresponding to an outside diameter of the plastic encapsulated transducer; a second bore extending through opposing sides defining an exterior of the cylinder wall transverse to the first bore; an undercut in the first bore intersecting the second bore; a cylindrical overmold surrounding the interface cup having the plastic encapsulated transducer disposed in the first bore, wherein injection of plastic flows axially of the overmold toward the interface cup and circumferentially into the undercut via the second bore, forming a solid interference therebetween upon solidification restricting axial movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead
  • Patent number: 7270778
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixedly securing a plastic encapsulated transducer to a metal interface cup for attachment with a machine includes a metal interface cup configured substantially as a cylinder defined by a cylinder wall and a bottom wall closing a bottom of the cylinder, the cylinder including a first bore corresponding to an inner diameter defined by the cylinder wall, the first bore corresponding to an outside diameter of the plastic encapsulated transducer; a second bore extending through opposing sides defining an exterior of the cylinder wall and substantially transverse to the first bore; an undercut configured in the first bore intersecting the second bore, the undercut defining a circumferential groove in the cylinder wall; a cylindrical overmold surrounding the metal interface cup having the plastic encapsulated transducer disposed in the first bore, wherein injection of plastic flows in an axial length defining the overmold toward the metal interface cup and circumferentially into the unde
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead
  • Patent number: 7120994
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a proximity probe offset to an axis defining an extension cable. The method and apparatus include a sensing element; a cylindrical part molded with a moldable material; a recess configured in one of two opposing ends defining the cylindrical part to receive the sensing element; a first and a second ferrule each extending from opposing surfaces defining an exterior of the cylindrical part, a first axis defining the first and second ferrules being offset from a second axis defining the cylindrical part; and an extension cable operably attached to the sensing element via the first and second ferrules, the sensing element being disposed offset relative to the extension cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Steven Francis Roy, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead