Patents by Inventor Michael Lax
Michael Lax 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: 11651695Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to provide improved engine load models are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a model generator to generate an engine load model for an engine using flight information, weather information, and manifest information to predict a load on the engine from an engine subsystem utilization modeled for a flight. The example model generator is to incorporate the engine load model into an engine model, the engine model representing engine behavior for the flight. The example model generator is to determine a first measure of thrust from the engine and a second measure of fuel flow to the engine using the engine model with the engine load model, the engine load model to modify engine behavior by the predicted load on the engine from the engine subsystem utilization.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLCInventors: David Michael Lax, Mark Darnell
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Patent number: 11302204Abstract: A flight management system and method of updating flight calculations includes flying an aircraft along a current flight path, collecting real-time weather data from a network of aircraft operating in a nearby region, and predicting a trajectory for completion of the flight. The prediction can be based on the collected real-time weather data.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2018Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLCInventors: Joachim Karl Ulf Hochwarth, Christian Reynolds Decker, David Michael Lax
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Patent number: 11293607Abstract: A light unit used in train tunnels is readily mountable and removable from a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket allows the battery backup system and light engine to be gravity mounted in manner that allows for quick and easy mounting and removal while also resisting vibrations and wind. A quick disconnect fitting can be used with the power cord to allow the units to be removed and replaced as needed. The light unit integrates the light engine with a battery backup system so that the entire light and battery unit is removed and replaced when necessary.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Autronic Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Daniel A. Lax, Agjah I. Libohova, Timothy J. Keuning, Roy Jacob, Michael Lax
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Publication number: 20210327284Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to provide improved engine load models are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a model generator to generate an engine load model for an engine using flight information, weather information, and manifest information to predict a load on the engine from an engine subsystem utilization modeled for a flight. The example model generator is to incorporate the engine load model into an engine model, the engine model representing engine behavior for the flight. The example model generator is to determine a first measure of thrust from the engine and a second measure of fuel flow to the engine using the engine model with the engine load model, the engine load model to modify engine behavior by the predicted load on the engine from the engine subsystem utilization.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Applicant: GE Aviation Systems, LLCInventors: David Michael Lax, Mark Darnell
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Patent number: 11142337Abstract: A method and system of determining or estimating a descent profile includes receiving a final approach fix for a target destination, repeatedly back-calculating a set of subsequent models, determining a descent profile based on the repeated back-calculating the set of subsequent models, and operating the aircraft in accordance with the descent profile.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLCInventors: David Michael Lax, Reza Ghaemi, Pierino Gianni Bonanni
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Patent number: 10935984Abstract: A method and system of determining or predicting a climb profile for an aircraft, includes receiving, by a controller module, an initial climb profile defining a portion of a flight plan for the aircraft between takeoff and a cruise profile, and an altitude climb constraint defining at least one altitude limitation of the aircraft, determining, by the controller module, that the initial climb profile does not satisfy the altitude constraint, and determining an updated climb profile based on a set of subsequent climb models.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLCInventors: David Michael Lax, Reza Ghaemi, Pierino Gianni Bonanni, Nicholas Race Visser, Owen Michael O'Keefe
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Patent number: 10777085Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for generating efficient flight profiles in a variety of aircraft are disclosed. A method includes receiving required time of arrival (RTA) constraints for the aerial vehicle. The RTA constraints include a required time of arrival for a waypoint. The method also includes inputting the RTA constraints into a problem configured to generate flight plans based on the required time of arrival for the waypoint of the RTA constraints. The problem includes an altitude variable and a speed variable. The method also includes generating, as a solution to the problem, a flight plan by varying the altitude variable and the speed variable in order to reduce operating cost of the aerial vehicle based at least in part on the RTA constraints, and providing the flight plan to at least one computing system of the aerial vehicle. The flight plan includes a route traversing the waypoint.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: GE Aviation Sytems LLCInventors: David Michael Lax, Reza Ghaemi, Mark Lawrence Darnell, Nicholas Race Visser
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Patent number: 10579053Abstract: Systems and methods for determine a cost-improved set of control commands for an aircraft based at least in part on deterioration costs are provided. One example computing device is configured to iteratively: input a candidate set of control commands for the aircraft into the deterioration cost model; receive, as an output of the deterioration cost model, an estimated deterioration cost associated with the candidate set of control commands; input the estimated deterioration cost into a cost function to obtain a total estimated cost associated with the candidate set of control commands; and determine an improved set of control commands based at least in part on the total estimated cost and the cost function.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLCInventors: Albert Jeffrey Ellis, Mark Lawrence Darnell, David Michael Lax
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Publication number: 20200026307Abstract: A method and system of determining or predicting a climb profile for an aircraft, includes receiving, by a controller module, an initial climb profile defining a portion of a flight plan for the aircraft between takeoff and a cruise profile, and an altitude climb constraint defining at least one altitude limitation of the aircraft, determining, by the controller module, that the initial climb profile does not satisfy the altitude constraint, and determining an updated climb profile based on a set of subsequent climb models.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: David Michael Lax, Reza Ghaemi, Pierino Gianni Bonanni, Nicholas Race Visser, Owen Michael O'Keefe
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Publication number: 20200023994Abstract: A method and system of determining or estimating a descent profile includes receiving a final approach fix for a target destination, repeatedly back-calculating a set of subsequent models, determining a descent profile based on the repeated back-calculating the set of subsequent models, and operating the aircraft in accordance with the descent profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: David Michael Lax, Reza Ghaemi, Pierino Gianni Bonanni
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Patent number: 10521981Abstract: One example aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for scheduling a vehicle wash. The method can include receiving, at one or more computing devices, data indicative of an actual performance efficiency factor, wherein the data is collected from one or more sensors. The method can include determining, at the one or more computing devices, an expected performance efficiency factor based on a model. The method can include performing, at the one or more computing devices, a comparison of the actual performance efficiency factor with the expected performance efficiency factor. The method can include scheduling, at the one or more computing devices, the vehicle wash based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLCInventors: Jeffrey Russell Bult, Mark Lawrence Darnell, David Michael Lax
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Publication number: 20190383453Abstract: A light unit used in train tunnels is readily mountable and removable from a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket allows the battery backup system and light engine to be gravity mounted in manner that allows for quick and easy mounting and removal while also resisting vibrations and wind. A quick disconnect fitting can be used with the power cord to allow the units to be removed and replaced as needed. The light unit integrates the light engine with a battery backup system so that the entire light and battery unit is removed and replaced when necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: Daniel A. Lax, Agjah I. Libohova, Timothy J. Keuning, Roy Jacob, Michael Lax
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Publication number: 20190311634Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for generating efficient flight profiles in a variety of aircraft are disclosed. A method can include receiving required time of arrival (RTA) constraints for the aerial vehicle. The RTA constraints include a required time of arrival for a waypoint. The method also includes inputting the RTA constraints into a problem configured to generate flight plans based on the required time of arrival for the waypoint of the RTA constraints. The problem can include an altitude variable and a speed variable. The method also includes generating, as a solution to the problem, a flight plan by varying the altitude variable and the speed variable in order to reduce operating cost of the aerial vehicle based at least in part on the RTA constraints, and providing the flight plan to at least one computing system of the aerial vehicle. The flight plan includes a route traversing the waypoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2018Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: David Michael Lax, Reza Ghaemi, Mark Lawrence Darnell, Nicholas Race Visser
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Publication number: 20190304314Abstract: A flight management system and method of updating flight calculations includes flying an aircraft along a current flight path, collecting real-time weather data from a network of aircraft operating in a nearby region, and predicting a trajectory for completion of the flight. The prediction can be based on the collected real-time weather data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Inventors: Joachim Karl Ulf Hochwarth, Christian Reynolds Decker, David Michael Lax
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Patent number: 10386027Abstract: A light unit used in train tunnels is readily mountable and removable from a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket allows the battery backup system and light engine to be gravity mounted in manner that allows for quick and easy mounting and removal while also resisting vibrations and wind. A quick disconnect fitting can be used with the power cord to allow the units to be removed and replaced as needed. The light unit integrates the light engine with a battery backup system so that the entire light and battery unit is removed and replaced when necessary.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: CLEAR-VU LIGHTING LLCInventors: Daniel A. Lax, Agjah I. Libohova, Timothy J. Keuning, Roy Jacob, Michael Lax
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Publication number: 20190005826Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to provide improved engine load models are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a model generator to generate an engine load model for an engine using flight information, weather information, and manifest information to predict a load on the engine from an engine subsystem utilization modeled for a flight. The example model generator is to incorporate the engine load model into an engine model, the engine model representing engine behavior for the flight. The example model generator is to determine a first measure of thrust from the engine and a second measure of fuel flow to the engine using the engine model with the engine load model, the engine load model to modify engine behavior by the predicted load on the engine from the engine subsystem utilization.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2017Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: David Michael Lax, Mark Darnell
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Publication number: 20180350168Abstract: One example aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for scheduling a vehicle wash. The method can include receiving, at one or more computing devices, data indicative of an actual performance efficiency factor, wherein the data is collected from one or more sensors. The method can include determining, at the one or more computing devices, an expected performance efficiency factor based on a model. The method can include performing, at the one or more computing devices, a comparison of the actual performance efficiency factor with the expected performance efficiency factor. The method can include scheduling, at the one or more computing devices, the vehicle wash based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey Russell Bult, Mark Lawrence Darnell, David Michael Lax
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Patent number: 10106267Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing engine performance based on atmospheric ice particles are provided. For example, a method can include selecting one or more points along a flight path of an aircraft and receiving a reflectivity measurement for each of the one or more points obtained using a device located on the aircraft. The method can further include determining an estimate of ice water content for each of the one or more points based at least in part on the reflectivity measurements; and controlling at least one component of the aircraft engine (e.g., a variable bleed valve) based at least in part on the estimate of ice water content for at least one of the plurality of points.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLCInventors: Nicholas Visser, Sridhar Adibhatla, David Michael Lax
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Patent number: 10005561Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing an aircraft in response to a yaw movement are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a yaw movement of the aircraft. The yaw movement can cause a front portion of the aircraft to move towards a first side of the aircraft. The method can further include, in response to the yaw movement, initiating a trim process resulting in a thrust differential. The trim process can include increasing thrust in one or more engines on the first side of the aircraft and decreasing thrust in one or more engines on a second side of the aircraft. The method can include controlling the trim process based at least in part on a detected yaw movement of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLCInventors: Steven Louis Kiebles, David Michael Lax, Otto Y Darias, Mark Lawrence Darnell, Sean Sanghyun Hwang, Christopher Daniel Holbert, Harry Kirk Mathews, Jr., Sridhar Adibhatla, Jeffrey Russell Bult, Thomas Charles Swager
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Patent number: 9938017Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing engine performance based on atmospheric rain conditions are provided. For example, a method can include selecting one or more points along a flight path of an aircraft and receiving a radar reflectivity measurement for each of the one or more points obtained using a radar device located on the aircraft. The method can further include determining an estimate of liquid water content for each of the one or more points based at least in part on the radar reflectivity measurements; and controlling at least one component of the aircraft engine (e.g., a variable stator vane) based at least in part on the estimate of liquid water content for at least one of the plurality of points.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Nicholas Visser, Sridhar Adibhatla, David Michael Lax