Patents by Inventor Michael Seskin

Michael Seskin 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).

  • Publication number: 20150039375
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing a supply chain including a plurality of supply chain entities is disclosed. The method may include determining a plurality of input parameters for modeling the supply chain. Each input parameter has a plurality of input parameter values within a plausible range. The method may also include determining a plurality of candidate network structures, and determining a business goal value for each candidate network structure based on a plurality of possible input combinations of the input parameter values. The method may further include determining a statistical distribution of the business goal values for each network structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony James GRICHNIK, Thad Breton KERSH, Frank Charles SOKOL, Duane Larry FIFER, Michael SESKIN
  • Publication number: 20140324534
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for forecasting characteristics of a target item is disclosed. The method may include determining a forecast function representing characteristics of the target item. The forecast function may include one or more generic functions and one or more customer-specific functions. Each one of the generic functions may be uniform for a plurality of customers within one or more customer groups and may have one or more generic function variables. Each one of the customer-specific functions may be specifically configured for a corresponding customer group and may have one or more customer-specific function variables. The method may also include determining a data value for each one of the generic function variables and the customer-specific function variables by using a genetic algorithm. The method may further include forecasting the characteristics of the target item by using the forecast function and the determined data values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony James GRICHNIK, Thad Breton KERSH, Michael SESKIN
  • Patent number: 8478506
    Abstract: A method is provided for a virtual sensor system. The method may include obtaining data records associated with a plurality of input parameters and at least one output parameter and adjusting values of the input parameters based on autocorrelation of respective input parameters. The method may also include reconfiguring the input parameters based on cross-correlation of respective input parameters relative to the output parameter and establishing a first virtual sensor process model indicative of interrelationships between the adjusted and reconfigured input parameters and the output parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Evan E. Jacobson, Amit Jayachandran, Michael Seskin
  • Patent number: 8364610
    Abstract: A method is provided for model optimization. The method may include obtaining respective distribution descriptions of a plurality of input parameters to a model indicative of interrelationships between the input parameters and one or more output parameters. The method may also include specifying respective search ranges for the plurality of input parameters and simulating the model to determine a desired set of input parameters based on a zeta statistic of the model. Further, the method may include determining respective desired distributions of the input parameters based on the desired set of input parameters; determining significance levels of the input parameters in interacting with the output parameter based on the simulation and the desired distributions of the input parameters; and presenting the significance levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin
  • Patent number: 8086640
    Abstract: A method for modifying data coverage in a modeling system is disclosed. The method may include obtaining data records relating to a plurality of input variables and one or more output parameters and selecting a plurality of input parameters from the plurality of input variables. The method may further include evaluating a coverage of the data records in a modeling space and modifying the coverage of the data records, if a data coverage condition is detected. The method may also include generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the plurality of input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony James Grichnik, Michael Seskin, James Robert Mason
  • Patent number: 8015134
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for determining a corrective action. The method may include obtaining diagnostic data and calculating, using the diagnostic data, a prognostic. The method may also include retrieving, when the prognostic is above an alarm level, historical records and calculating a Bayesian posterior probability using the diagnostic data and the historical records. Further, the method may include calculating a prognostic prescience metric using the diagnostic data and the historical records and determining, based on the Bayesian posterior probability, the prognostic prescience metric, and an economic calculation, the corrective action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin, Brian Lee Boggs
  • Patent number: 7928393
    Abstract: A method of correlating thermal sensors data with temperature sensor data is disclosed. The method may include generating one or more temperature sensor data points and receiving the one or more temperature sensor data points at a remote location. The method may also include generating one or more thermal sensor data points or images and receiving the one or more thermal sensor data points or images at the remote location. Additionally, the method may include correlating the one or more thermal sensor data points or images based on the one or more temperature sensor data points and generating a notification when a temperature of one or more correlated thermal sensor data points or images fails to maintain a determined relationship with a preset limit in one or more locations other than the location of one or more temperature sensor data point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Brady, Michael Seskin, Anthony J. Grichnik
  • Patent number: 7877239
    Abstract: A method is provided for designing a product. The method may include obtaining data records relating to one or more input variables and one or more output parameters associated with the product and selecting one or more input parameters from the one or more input variables. The method may also include generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records and providing a set of constraints to the computational model representative of a compliance state for the product. Further the method may include using the computational model and the provided set of constraints to generate statistical distributions for the one or more input parameters based on a symmetric random scatter process and the one or more output parameters. The one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters represent a design for the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin
  • Patent number: 7831416
    Abstract: A method is provided for designing a product. The method may include obtaining data records relating to one or more input variables and one or more output parameters associated with the product; and pre-processing the data records based on characteristics of the input variables. The method may also include selecting one or more input parameters from the one or more input variables; and generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records. Further, the method may include providing a set of constraints to the computational model representative of a compliance state for the product; and using the computational model and the provided set of constraints to generate statistical distributions for the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters, wherein the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters represent a design for the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin, Amit Jayachandran
  • Patent number: 7813869
    Abstract: A prediction based engine control system is disclosed. The engine control system may have sensor configured to sense a current engine operation and generate a corresponding signal and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive the signal, compare the current engine operation to an allowable range of engine operation, predict a future engine operation based on the signal, and limit current engine operation based on the prediction, even when the current engine operation is within the allowable range of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Anthony Grichnik, Amit Jayachandran, Mary L. Kesse, Wade S. Willden, Michael Seskin
  • Publication number: 20100250202
    Abstract: A method is provided for designing a product. The method may include obtaining data records relating to one or more input variables and one or more output parameters associated with the product and selecting one or more input parameters from the one or more input variables. The method may also include generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records and providing a set of constraints to the computational model representative of a compliance state for the product. Further the method may include using the computational model and the provided set of constraints to generate statistical distributions for the one or more input parameters based on a symmetric random scatter process and the one or more output parameters. The one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters represent a design for the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin
  • Patent number: 7788070
    Abstract: A method is provided for developing a product. The method includes obtaining data records from a plurality of stages of development of the product; identifying respective objectives of the plurality of stages and corresponding objective factors of the objectives; and determining common variables associated with the objectives based on the objective factors. The method includes selecting one or more input parameters based on the common variables and one or more output parameters based on the objectives; and updating the data records to generate desired data records indicative characteristics of the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters. The method includes generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records; and providing a set of constraints to the computational model representative of a design of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Andrea Brazzale-Anderson, Amar Patel, Michael Seskin, Stephan D. Roozenboom, David M. Milam
  • Patent number: 7787969
    Abstract: A method is provide for providing sensors for a machine. The method may include obtaining data records including data from a plurality of sensors for the machine and determining a virtual sensor corresponding to one of the plurality of sensors. The method may also include establishing a virtual sensor process model of the virtual sensor indicative of interrelationships between at least one sensing parameters and a plurality of measured parameters based on the data records and obtaining a set of values corresponding to the plurality of measured parameters. Further, the method may include calculating the values of the at least one sensing parameters substantially simultaneously based upon the set of values corresponding to the plurality of measured parameters and the virtual sensor process model and providing the values of the at least one sensing parameters to a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Amit Jayachandran, Mary L. Kesse, Michael Seskin
  • Publication number: 20090300422
    Abstract: A method for analyzing operations of a plurality of machines communicating with a server computer. The method may include establishing a plurality of virtual sensors corresponding to a plurality of engine systems of the respective plurality of machines. Each virtual sensor may be indicative of interrelationships between a plurality of input parameters and a plurality of output parameters of an engine system. The method may also include determining an operational accuracy of each virtual sensor, and calculating a score of each machine based on the operational accuracy of a virtual sensor of the machine. Further, the method may include ranking the plurality of machines based upon the score of each machine, scheduling maintenance for a certain number of machines based on the ranking of the plurality of machines, and providing automatic notification of the scheduled maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin, Wade S. Willden
  • Publication number: 20090300052
    Abstract: A method for modifying data coverage in a modeling system is disclosed. The method may include obtaining data records relating to a plurality of input variables and one or more output parameters and selecting a plurality of input parameters from the plurality of input variables. The method may further include evaluating a coverage of the data records in a modeling space and modifying the coverage of the data records, if a data coverage condition is detected. The method may also include generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the plurality of input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony James Grichnik, Michael Seskin, James Robert Mason
  • Publication number: 20090256077
    Abstract: A method of correlating thermal sensors data with temperature sensor data is disclosed. The method may include generating one or more temperature sensor data points and receiving the one or more temperature sensor data points at a remote location. The method may also include generating one or more thermal sensor data points or images and receiving the one or more thermal sensor data points or images at the remote location. Additionally, the method may include correlating the one or more thermal sensor data points or images based on the one or more temperature sensor data points and generating a notification when a temperature of one or more correlated thermal sensor data points or images fails to maintain a determined relationship with a preset limit in one or more locations other than the location of one or more temperature sensor data point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin C. Brady, Michael Seskin, Anthony J. Grichnik
  • Patent number: 7565333
    Abstract: A method is provided for a control system. The method may include obtaining data records associated one or more input variables and one or more output parameters, and selecting one or more input parameters from the one or more input variables. The method may also include generating a computational model indicative of interrelationships between the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters based on the data records, and determining desired respective statistical distributions of the one or more input parameters of the computational model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin, Marco Perez, Roy T. Collins
  • Patent number: 7542879
    Abstract: A method for a virtual sensor system corresponding to a target physical sensor is provided. The method may include selecting a plurality of measured parameters provided by a set of physical sensors based on operational characteristics of the virtual sensor system. The method may also include establishing a virtual sensor process model indicative of interrelationships between one or more sensing parameter and the plurality of measured parameters. Further the method may include obtaining a set of values corresponding to the plurality of measured parameters; calculating a value of the sensing parameter based upon the set of values corresponding to the plurality of measured parameters and the virtual sensor process model; and providing the value of the sensing parameter to a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin
  • Publication number: 20090063087
    Abstract: A method for a virtual sensor system corresponding to a target physical sensor is provided. The method may include selecting a plurality of measured parameters provided by a set of physical sensors based on operational characteristics of the virtual sensor system. The method may also include establishing a virtual sensor process model indicative of interrelationships between one or more sensing parameter and the plurality of measured parameters. Further the method may include obtaining a set of values corresponding to the plurality of measured parameters; calculating a value of the sensing parameter based upon the set of values corresponding to the plurality of measured parameters and the virtual sensor process model; and providing the value of the sensing parameter to a control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin
  • Patent number: 7499777
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a system is provided. The method may include obtaining a plurality of input parameters from the system. The system may generate actual values of one or more output parameters based on the plurality of input parameters. The method may also include independently deriving values of the one or more output parameters, based on the plurality of input parameters, using a computational model, and detecting a divergence between the derived values and the actual values. Further, the method may include identifying respective desired statistic distributions of the plurality of input parameters, based on the actual values of the one or more output parameters, using the computational model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, Michael Seskin, Wade Willden