Patents by Inventor Lawrence Meyers

Lawrence Meyers 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: 11208920
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for controlling a power generation system, the method including: calculating, during operation of the power generation system, a target water level within a pressure vessel of the power generation system, the pressure vessel receiving a feedwater input and generating a steam output; calculating a flow rate change of the steam output from the pressure vessel; calibrating the target water level within the pressure vessel based on the output from mass flux through the pressure vessel, the mass flux through the pressure vessel being derived from the at least the feedwater input and the steam output; and adjusting an operating parameter of the power generation system based on the calibrated target water level within the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Lawrence Meyer, Cody Joe Bushey
  • Publication number: 20200386121
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for controlling a power generation system, the method including: calculating, during operation of the power generation system, a target water level within a pressure vessel of the power generation system, the pressure vessel receiving a feedwater input and generating a steam output; calculating a flow rate change of the steam output from the pressure vessel; calibrating the target water level within the pressure vessel based on the output from mass flux through the pressure vessel, the mass flux through the pressure vessel being derived from the at least the feedwater input and the steam output; and adjusting an operating parameter of the power generation system based on the calibrated target water level within the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: John Lawrence Meyer, Cody Joe Bushey
  • Patent number: 10100679
    Abstract: A control system for a power plant includes a sensor that measures a rotor surface temperature of a steam turbine rotor, where the temperature is a function of exhaust gasses from a heat source for heating steam to a target temperature. The control system includes a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to compute the target temperature using an inverse process model for steam turbine rotor stress dynamics, and based on a reference steam turbine rotor stress and a feedback steam turbine rotor stress, compute a measured steam turbine rotor stress based on a measured surface temperature of the steam turbine rotor, compute an estimated steam turbine rotor stress using a process model for the steam turbine rotor stress dynamics, and based on the target temperature, and compute the feedback steam turbine rotor stress based on the measured steam turbine rotor stress and the estimated steam turbine rotor stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mert Geveci, John Lawrence Meyer
  • Patent number: 9598977
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure may include systems and methods for boundary control during steam turbine acceleration. According to an example embodiment, the method can include receiving an indication the turbine is in an initial acceleration phase; receiving speed control parameter data from a plurality of sensors; receiving boundary control parameter data from a plurality of sensors; providing a control valve configured for controlling steam flow entering the turbine; determining the control valve position based on received speed control parameter data; determining the control valve position based on received boundary control parameter data; adjusting at least one boundary control parameter to the at least one boundary control parameter limit during turbine startup, wherein the value of a speed control parameter is simultaneously adjusted based on the adjusted at least one boundary control parameter; and adjusting the control valve position based at least on determined parameter data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Lawrence Meyer, Carl R. Toth, Dean Alexander Baker
  • Publication number: 20170058715
    Abstract: A control system for a power plant includes a sensor that measures a rotor surface temperature of a steam turbine rotor, where the temperature is a function of exhaust gasses from a heat source for heating steam to a target temperature. The control system includes a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to compute the target temperature using an inverse process model for steam turbine rotor stress dynamics, and based on a reference steam turbine rotor stress and a feedback steam turbine rotor stress, compute a measured steam turbine rotor stress based on a measured surface temperature of the steam turbine rotor, compute an estimated steam turbine rotor stress using a process model for the steam turbine rotor stress dynamics, and based on the target temperature, and compute the feedback steam turbine rotor stress based on the measured steam turbine rotor stress and the estimated steam turbine rotor stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Mert Geveci, John Lawrence Meyer
  • Publication number: 20150125257
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure may include systems and methods for boundary control during steam turbine acceleration. According to an example embodiment, the method can include receiving an indication the turbine is in an initial acceleration phase; receiving speed control parameter data from a plurality of sensors; receiving boundary control parameter data from a plurality of sensors; providing a control valve configured for controlling steam flow entering the turbine; determining the control valve position based on received speed control parameter data; determining the control valve position based on received boundary control parameter data; adjusting at least one boundary control parameter to the at least one boundary control parameter limit during turbine startup, wherein the value of a speed control parameter is simultaneously adjusted based on the adjusted at least one boundary control parameter; and adjusting the control valve position based at least on determined parameter data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Lawrence Meyer, Carl R. Toth, Dean Alexander Baker
  • Patent number: 8397695
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
  • Publication number: 20120150415
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
  • Patent number: 8176893
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include controlling at least one actuator to alter combustion within a selected cylinder such that the combustion burn rate determined by ion sense current signals associated with the at least two spark plugs of the selected cylinder approaches a desired combustion burn rate. A desired combustion burn rate is determined based on current engine/vehicle operating and ambient conditions with ion sense signals from each spark plug analyzed to determine combustion timing relative to corresponding ignition timing. Ignition timing and/or other actuators are controlled in response to provide a desired combustion burn rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Phil William Husak, Kelvin Lee Dobbins, Michael Damian Czekala
  • Patent number: 8132556
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
  • Patent number: 8060293
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include adjusting fuel delivered to a cylinder during a transient event by an amount indexed by number of combustion events after detecting the transient event. A base fueling parameter may be adjusted by an adaptive correction value indexed by combustion events after the transient event is detected, with the adaptive value determined using air/fuel ratio difference of previous combustion events during similar transient operating conditions associated with the same combustion event index number. Ionization sensor signal characteristics may be used to determine actual air/fuel ratios used to determine the air/fuel ratio difference and corresponding adaptive correction values. The adaptive values may be modified in response to a vehicle refueling event based on an amount of added fuel relative to existing fuel in the vehicle fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Christopher Paul Glugla, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Davorin D. Hrovat
  • Patent number: 7966992
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one actuator for controlling charge dilution of at least one cylinder and at least one spark plug per cylinder include attempting to improve combustion quality by modifying ignition energy of the at least one spark plug before modifying charge dilution of the cylinder, and modifying both ignition energy and charge dilution substantially simultaneously to establish combustion if an ionization sense signal associated with the cylinder indicates a misfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala, Garlan J Huberts, Daniel Lawrence Meyer
  • Publication number: 20100318279
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include adjusting fuel delivered to a cylinder during a transient event by an amount indexed by number of combustion events after detecting the transient event. A base fueling parameter may be adjusted by an adaptive correction value indexed by combustion events after the transient event is detected, with the adaptive value determined using air/fuel ratio difference of previous combustion events during similar transient operating conditions associated with the same combustion event index number. Ionization sensor signal characteristics may be used to determine actual air/fuel ratios used to determine the air/fuel ratio difference and corresponding adaptive correction values. The adaptive values may be modified in response to a vehicle refueling event based on an amount of added fuel relative to existing fuel in the vehicle fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Christopher Paul Glugla, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Davorin D. Hrovat
  • Publication number: 20100206267
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one actuator for controlling charge dilution of at least one cylinder and at least one spark plug per cylinder include attempting to improve combustion quality by modifying ignition energy of the at least one spark plug before modifying charge dilution of the cylinder, and modifying both ignition energy and charge dilution substantially simultaneously to establish combustion if an ionization sense signal associated with the cylinder indicates a misfire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala, Garlan J. Huberts, Daniel Lawrence Meyer
  • Patent number: 7677230
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include selectively isolating all but one spark plug associated with the cylinder at least during an ionization current sensing period to reduce or eliminate interference among ionization current signals flowing through more than one spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala, Michelle M. Hutchison, Ben Allen Strayer
  • Publication number: 20100057327
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include controlling at least one actuator to alter combustion within a selected cylinder such that the combustion burn rate determined by ion sense current signals associated with the at least two spark plugs of the selected cylinder approaches a desired combustion burn rate. A desired combustion burn rate is determined based on current engine/vehicle operating and ambient conditions with ion sense signals from each spark plug analyzed to determine combustion timing relative to corresponding ignition timing. Ignition timing and/or other actuators are controlled in response to provide a desired combustion burn rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Phil William Husak, Kelvin Lee Dobbins, Michael Damian Czekala
  • Publication number: 20100057324
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
  • Publication number: 20090107457
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include selectively isolating all but one spark plug associated with the cylinder at least during an ionization current sensing period to reduce or eliminate interference among ionization current signals flowing through more than one spark plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala, Michelle M. Hutchison, Ben Allen Strayer
  • Patent number: D900222
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventors: Grant Meyer, Lawrence Meyer, Chad Meyer
  • Patent number: D900223
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventors: Grant Meyer, Lawrence Meyer, Chad Meyer