Patents by Inventor Lamar K. Ledbetter

Lamar K. Ledbetter 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: 9550501
    Abstract: A vehicle system comprises an interface assembly and a controller both on board a first rail vehicle. The interface assembly comprises one or more mechanical couplers, fuel couplers, fluid couplers, and electrical connectors, to detachably couple the first rail vehicle to a separate, adjacent fuel tender vehicle, for the transfer of one or more of fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas) from the fuel tender vehicle to the first rail vehicle, heated fluid from the first rail vehicle to the fuel tender vehicle (e.g., for regasification of liquid natural gas stored in the fuel tender vehicle to the compressed natural gas), or electrical power and/or control signals between the first rail vehicle and the fuel tender vehicle. The controller is configured to at least partially control operations of the first rail vehicle in relation to interfacing with the fuel tender vehicle for fuel transfer, heated fluid transfer, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lamar K. Ledbetter, Kevin M. Fisher, Jared K. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9463812
    Abstract: There is provided a method of filtration for a rail vehicle or other off-highway powered system. The method includes determining a filter load of a primary filtration system to an air intake of an engine. The method also includes determining that the filter load exceeds a specified threshold. Additionally, the method includes deactivating the primary filtration system. The method further includes activating a secondary filtration system to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Suresh Rama Reddy Govindappa, Lamar K Ledbetter
  • Publication number: 20150367862
    Abstract: A vehicle system comprises an interface assembly and a controller both on board a first rail vehicle. The interface assembly comprises one or more mechanical couplers, fuel couplers, fluid couplers, and electrical connectors, to detachably couple the first rail vehicle to a separate, adjacent fuel tender vehicle, for the transfer of one or more of fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas) from the fuel tender vehicle to the first rail vehicle, heated fluid from the first rail vehicle to the fuel tender vehicle (e.g., for regasification of liquid natural gas stored in the fuel tender vehicle to the compressed natural gas), or electrical power and/or control signals between the first rail vehicle and the fuel tender vehicle. The controller is configured to at least partially control operations of the first rail vehicle in relation to interfacing with the fuel tender vehicle for fuel transfer, heated fluid transfer, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Lamar K. LEDBETTER, Kevin M. Fisher, Jared K. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20140245920
    Abstract: There is provided a method of filtration for a rail vehicle or other off-highway powered system. The method includes determining a filter load of a primary filtration system to an air intake of an engine. The method also includes determining that the filter load exceeds a specified threshold. Additionally, the method includes de-activating the primary filtration system. The method further includes activating a secondary filtration system to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Suresh Rama Reddy GOVINDAPPA, Lamar K. LEDBETTER
  • Publication number: 20130008308
    Abstract: There is provided a method of filtration for a rail vehicle or other off-highway powered system. The method includes determining a filter load of a primary filtration system to an air intake of an engine. The method also includes determining that the filter load exceeds a specified threshold. Additionally, the method includes de-activating the primary filtration system. The method further includes activating a secondary filtration system to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Suresh Rama Reddy Govindappa, Lamar K. Ledbetter
  • Patent number: 6247191
    Abstract: A sanitary system for a locomotive wherein the treatment tank is protected from freezing by the use of the heat available in the exhaust air removed from the toilet compartment. A sealed and insulated compartment is formed around the treatment tank, and a vent is connected between the toilet room and the insulated compartment. A suction line located at an opposed position in the insulated compartment is used to direct the flow of air from the toilet room, through the insulated compartment around the treatment tank, to the locomotive exterior. By eliminating the need for heat tracing of the treatment tank, this invention reduces the cost and energy usage of the locomotive sanitary system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gail L. Detar, Anne K. Eisert, Todd M. Kindel, Lamar K. Ledbetter
  • Patent number: D729897
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lamar K. Ledbetter, Kevin M. Fisher