Patents by Inventor Larry Gene Schoonover
Larry Gene Schoonover 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: 10935160Abstract: A method for processing operating data (e.g., position, setpoint, and pressure) for a valve assembly. The method is configured to associate characteristics of operation for the valve assembly with a root cause and/or a contributing factor. In one embodiment, the method can assign a first amplitude with a value that quantifies movement or “jump” of the valve stem that results from stick-slip on the valve assembly. The method can also assign a second amplitude with a value that quantifies a change in the data for the setpoint. The method can further ascertain the relationship or “position” of the first amplitude relative to the second amplitude, or vice versa. The method can use the relationship between the first amplitude and the second amplitude to indicate the root cause of the operation of the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Dresser, LLCInventor: Larry Gene Schoonover
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Patent number: 10883899Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods that can facilitate data collection for valve diagnostics. The systems can include a valve assembly with a valve and a sampling device that is configured to access a repository with a first buffer and a second buffer. During operation, the valve assembly is configured to read data representing operating variables for the valve into the first buffer. The valve assembly is also configure to determine a quality measure for a first sample set of data from the first buffer, the quality measure indicating the usefulness of the first sample set of data for predicting performance of the valve relative to a second sample set of data from the second buffer. In one embodiment, the valve assembly is further configured to read data from the first buffer into the second buffer in response to the quality measure indicating that the first sample set of data is relatively more useful than the second sample set of data.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Dresser, LLCInventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Robert Claude Prescott
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Patent number: 10371285Abstract: A system and method for predicting failure conditions on a valve assembly. The method can include stages for comparing a maintenance variable to a threshold criteria, each related to an operating feature that uses operating data to quantify operation of a valve assembly, the threshold criteria associating an operating pattern found in the operating data with a failure mode on the valve assembly. The method can also include stages for selecting a maintenance task according to a relationship between the maintenance variable and the threshold criteria, the maintenance task related to the failure mode. The method can further include stages for generating an output conveying the maintenance task.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Dresser, LLCInventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Justin Scott Shriver
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Patent number: 10337647Abstract: A system receives a plurality of data samples associated with a control valve with each of the plurality of data samples associated with a setpoint and a position. A first subset of the data samples that are in a control zone associated with normal operation of the control valve is determined. In a case that a second subset of the data samples are determined to be (i) not in the first subset and (ii) close to a minimum position of the plurality of data samples and (iii) have setpoints less than their associated positions, an alert associated with a low obstruction is indicated. In a case that a second subset of the data samples are determined to be (i) not in the first subset and (ii) close to the maximum position of the plurality of data samples and (iii) have setpoint greater than their associated position, an alert is indicated.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Justin Scott Shriver, Larry Gene Schoonover, Brett Alexander Matthews
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Publication number: 20180142807Abstract: A method for processing operating data (e.g., position, setpoint, and pressure) for a valve assembly. The method is configured to associate characteristics of operation for the valve assembly with a root cause and/or a contributing factor. In one embodiment, the method can assign a first amplitude with a value that quantifies movement or “jump” of the valve stem that results from stick-slip on the valve assembly. The method can also assign a second amplitude with a value that quantifies a change in the data for the setpoint. The method can further ascertain the relationship or “position” of the first amplitude relative to the second amplitude, or vice versa. The method can use the relationship between the first amplitude and the second amplitude to indicate the root cause of the operation of the valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2018Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventor: Larry Gene Schoonover
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Patent number: 9920856Abstract: A method for processing operating data (e.g., position, setpoint, and pressure) for a valve assembly. The method is configured to associate characteristics of operation for the valve assembly with a root cause and/or a contributing factor. In one embodiment, the method can assign a first amplitude with a value that quantifies movement or “jump” of the valve stem that results from stick-slip on the valve assembly. The method can also assign a second amplitude with a value that quantifies a change in the data for the setpoint. The method can further ascertain the relationship or “position” of the first amplitude relative to the second amplitude, or vice versa. The method can use the relationship between the first amplitude and the second amplitude to indicate the root cause of the operation of the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventor: Larry Gene Schoonover
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Publication number: 20180010985Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods that can facilitate data collection for valve diagnostics. The systems can include a valve assembly with a valve and a sampling device that is configured to access a repository with a first buffer and a second buffer. During operation, the valve assembly is configured to read data representing operating variables for the valve into the first buffer. The valve assembly is also configure to determine a quality measure for a first sample set of data from the first buffer, the quality measure indicating the usefulness of the first sample set of data for predicting performance of the valve relative to a second sample set of data from the second buffer. In one embodiment, the valve assembly is further configured to read data from the first buffer into the second buffer in response to the quality measure indicating that the first sample set of data is relatively more useful than the second sample set of data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Robert Claude Prescott
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Patent number: 9797811Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods that can facilitate data collection for valve diagnostics. The systems can include a valve assembly with a valve and a sampling device that is configured to access a repository with a first buffer and a second buffer. During operation, the valve assembly is configured to read data representing operating variables for the valve into the first buffer. The valve assembly is also configure to determine a quality measure for a first sample set of data from the first buffer, the quality measure indicating the usefulness of the first sample set of data for predicting performance of the valve relative to a second sample set of data from the second buffer. In one embodiment, the valve assembly is further configured to read data from the first buffer into the second buffer in response to the quality measure indicating that the first sample set of data is relatively more useful than the second sample set of data.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Robert Claude Prescott
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Patent number: 9739682Abstract: A method for correcting calibration of a closure member on a valve assembly. The method can include comparing a calculated value to an expected value, each relating to a position of a closure member of the valve assembly relative to a seat of the valve assembly, the calculated value being calculated using a calibration variable and an input value corresponding to a measured position of the closure member. The method can also include identifying a deviation between the calculated value and the expected value. The method can further include changing the calibration variable from a first value to a second value in response to the deviation, the second value equating the calculated value at the input value with the expected value for the position.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Justin Scott Shriver
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Publication number: 20170114927Abstract: A system and method for predicting failure conditions on a valve assembly. The method can include stages for comparing a maintenance variable to a threshold criteria, each related to an operating feature that uses operating data to quantify operation of a valve assembly, the threshold criteria associating an operating pattern found in the operating data with a failure mode on the valve assembly. The method can also include stages for selecting a maintenance task according to a relationship between the maintenance variable and the threshold criteria, the maintenance task related to the failure mode. The method can further include stages for generating an output conveying the maintenance task.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Justin Scott Shriver
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Patent number: 9568390Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods that can filter acoustic energy from sources remote from the valve. These embodiments utilize signals from sensors that manifest acoustic energy from various locations on and/or about the valves. In one embodiment, the system includes sensors at locations proximate the valve and locations spaced apart from the valve. The system can further process the signals from these locations and, in one example, combines samples of data to form an energy signature of the valve that is effectively free of noise that emanates from upstream and/or downstream of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventor: Larry Gene Schoonover
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Publication number: 20160327181Abstract: A method for correcting calibration of a closure member on a valve assembly. The method can include comparing a calculated value to an expected value, each relating to a position of a closure member of the valve assembly relative to a seat of the valve assembly, the calculated value being calculated using a calibration variable and an input value corresponding to a measured position of the closure member. The method can also include identifying a deviation between the calculated value and the expected value. The method can further include changing the calibration variable from a first value to a second value in response to the deviation, the second value equating the calculated value at the input value with the expected value for the position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Justin Scott Shriver
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Patent number: 9411574Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method to update firmware across multiple devices in a process facility using a single domain of a FOUNDATION Fieldbus protocol. In one embodiment, the system has a receiving device that couples with a pair of target devices, e.g., a first target device and a second target device. The receiving device includes operating instructions that can process an input and generate an output. The input comprises data comprising a first firmware component and a second firmware component for, respectively, the first target device and the second target device. The receiving device can direct the firmware component to the appropriate target device; generating a first output and a second output that distribute the firmware components to complete the upgrade process.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Dimitrov Kostadinov, Larry Gene Schoonover, Anatoly Podpaly
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Patent number: 9377993Abstract: Embodiments of methods that are useful to avoid overflow in fixed-length buffers. In one embodiment, the methods dynamically adjust parameters (e.g., sample time) and reconfigure data in the buffer to allow new data samples to fit in the buffer. These embodiments allow data collection to automatically adapt, e.g., by adjusting the sample rate to allow the data to fit in the limited buffer size. These embodiments can configure hardware and/or software on a valve positioner of a valve assembly to improve data collection for use in on-line valve diagnostics and other data processing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Arkady Khasin, Vladimir Dimitrov Kostadinov, Justin Scott Shriver
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Publication number: 20160169410Abstract: A system receives a plurality of data samples associated with a control valve with each of the plurality of data samples associated with a setpoint and a position. A first subset of the data samples that are in a control zone associated with normal operation of the control valve is determined. In a case that a second subset of the data samples are determined to be (i) not in the first subset and (ii) close to a minimum position of the plurality of data samples and (iii) have setpoints less than their associated positions, an alert associated with a low obstruction is indicated. In a case that a second subset of the data samples are determined to be (i) not in the first subset and (ii) close to the maximum position of the plurality of data samples and (iii) have setpoint greater than their associated position, an alert is indicated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Justin Scott Shriver, Larry Gene Schoonover, Brett Alexander Matthews
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Publication number: 20150276087Abstract: A method for processing operating data (e.g., position, setpoint, and pressure) for a valve assembly. The method is configured to associate characteristics of operation for the valve assembly with a root cause and/or a contributing factor. In one embodiment, the method can assign a first amplitude with a value that quantifies movement or “jump” of the valve stem that results from stick-slip on the valve assembly. The method can also assign a second amplitude with a value that quantifies a change in the data for the setpoint. The method can further ascertain the relationship or “position” of the first amplitude relative to the second amplitude, or vice versa. The method can use the relationship between the first amplitude and the second amplitude to indicate the root cause of the operation of the valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventor: Larry Gene Schoonover
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Publication number: 20150176721Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods that can facilitate data collection for valve diagnostics. The systems can include a valve assembly with a valve and a sampling device that is configured to access a repository with a first buffer and a second buffer. During operation, the valve assembly is configured to read data representing operating variables for the valve into the first buffer. The valve assembly is also configure to determine a quality measure for a first sample set of data from the first buffer, the quality measure indicating the usefulness of the first sample set of data for predicting performance of the valve relative to a second sample set of data from the second buffer. In one embodiment, the valve assembly is further configured to read data from the first buffer into the second buffer in response to the quality measure indicating that the first sample set of data is relatively more useful than the second sample set of data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Robert Claude Prescott
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Publication number: 20150052269Abstract: Embodiments of methods that are useful to avoid overflow in fixed-length buffers. In one embodiment, the methods dynamically adjust parameters (e.g., sample time) and reconfigure data in the buffer to allow new data samples to fit in the buffer. These embodiments allow data collection to automatically adapt, e.g., by adjusting the sample rate to allow the data to fit in the limited buffer size. These embodiments can configure hardware and/or software on a valve positioner of a valve assembly to improve data collection for use in on-line valve diagnostics and other data processing techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Larry Gene Schoonover, Arkady Khasin, Vladimir Dimitrov Kostadinov, Justin Scott Shriver
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Publication number: 20150052512Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method to update firmware across multiple devices in a process facility using a single domain of a FOUNDATION Fieldbus protocol. In one embodiment, the system has a receiving device that couples with a pair of target devices, e.g., a first target device and a second target device. The receiving device includes operating instructions that can process an input and generate an output. The input comprises data comprising a first firmware component and a second firmware component for, respectively, the first target device and the second target device. The receiving device can direct the firmware component to the appropriate target device; generating a first output and a second output that distribute the firmware components to complete the upgrade process.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Dimitrov Kostadinov, Larry Gene Schoonover, Anatoly Podpaly
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Publication number: 20150006091Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods that can filter acoustic energy from sources remote from the valve. These embodiments utilize signals from sensors that manifest acoustic energy from various locations on and/or about the valves. In one embodiment, the system includes sensors at locations proximate the valve and locations spaced apart from the valve. The system can further process the signals from these locations and, in one example, combines samples of data to form an energy signature of the valve that is effectively free of noise that emanates from upstream and/or downstream of the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Larry Gene Schoonover