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).
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Patent number: 8922203Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Samuel Thomas Walter Francis, Jesse Lewis Hanna, Sherrie Ann Clark
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Publication number: 20130181699Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Samuel Thomas Walter Francis, Jesse Lewis Hanna, Sherrie Ann Clark
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Patent number: 8220308Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Peter Damion Bellis, Ingrid M. Gilstrap, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Kyle Allan Farwell
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Publication number: 20110072879Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Peter Damion Bellis, Ingrid M. Gilstrap, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead, Kyle Allan Farwell
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Patent number: 7658000Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Steven Francis Roy, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead
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Patent number: 7530805Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead
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Patent number: 7270778Abstract: 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 undeType: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead
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Patent number: 7120994Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen James Sufka, Thane Fleming Tahti, David Ray Price, Steven Francis Roy, Kristoffer Wayne Wickstead