Patents by Inventor Paul Houpt
Paul Houpt 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: 12147228Abstract: A distributed control system includes a remote control system configured to be communicatively coupled with plural separate vehicle systems. The remote control system is configured to remotely control operation of the vehicle systems and/or communicate with the local vehicle control system or operator. The remote control system also is configured to one or more of change how many of the vehicle systems are concurrently controlled by the remote control system or change how many remote operators of the remote control system concurrently control the same vehicle system of the vehicle systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Transportation IP Holdings, LLCInventors: James D Brooks, Harry Kirk Mathews, Jr., Paul Houpt
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Publication number: 20200363797Abstract: A distributed control system includes a remote control system configured to be communicatively coupled with plural separate vehicle systems. The remote control system is configured to remotely control operation of the vehicle systems and/or communicate with the local vehicle control system or operator. The remote control system also is configured to one or more of change how many of the vehicle systems are concurrently controlled by the remote control system or change how many remote operators of the remote control system concurrently control the same vehicle system of the vehicle systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: James D. Brooks, Harry Kirk Mathews, JR., Paul Houpt
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Patent number: 10705519Abstract: A distributed control system includes a remote control system configured to be communicatively coupled with plural separate vehicle systems. The remote control system is configured to remotely control operation of the vehicle systems and/or communicate with the local vehicle control system or operator. The remote control system also is configured to one or more of change how many of the vehicle systems are concurrently controlled by the remote control system or change how many remote operators of the remote control system concurrently control the same vehicle system of the vehicle systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: transportation ip holdings, llcInventors: James D Brooks, Harry Kirk Mathews, Jr., Paul Houpt
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Patent number: 9950722Abstract: A system includes a first controller, a data acquisition device, a friction modification unit, and a friction management controller. The first controller is configured to obtain an operational setting for a vehicle, and to output a first signal relating to the operational setting for controlling the vehicle. The data acquisition device is configured to obtain operational data of the vehicle as the vehicle travels, and to provide the operational data to the first controller. The first controller is configured to obtain a difference between the operational data and the operational setting, and to adjust the first signal based on the difference. The friction modification unit is configured to modify a friction characteristic of a surface of the route. The friction management controller is configured to direct the friction modification unit to modify the friction characteristic of the surface of the route based on the operational setting.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, David Eldredge, Daniel Ballesty, Jared Klineman Cooper, Christopher Roney, Paul Houpt, Stephen Mathe, Paul Julich, Jeffrey Kisak, Glenn Shaffer, Scott Nelson, Wolfgang Daum
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Publication number: 20170308080Abstract: A distributed control system includes a remote control system configured to be communicatively coupled with plural separate vehicle systems. The remote control system is configured to remotely control operation of the vehicle systems and/or communicate with the local vehicle control system or operator. The remote control system also is configured to one or more of change how many of the vehicle systems are concurrently controlled by the remote control system or change how many remote operators of the remote control system concurrently control the same vehicle system of the vehicle systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: James D. Brooks, Harry Kirk Mathews, JR., Paul Houpt
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Publication number: 20160009304Abstract: A system includes a first controller, a data acquisition device, a friction modification unit, and a friction management controller. The first controller is configured to obtain an operational setting for a vehicle, and to output a first signal relating to the operational setting for controlling the vehicle. The data acquisition device is configured to obtain operational data of the vehicle as the vehicle travels, and to provide the operational data to the first controller. The first controller is configured to obtain a difference between the operational data and the operational setting, and to adjust the first signal based on the difference. The friction modification unit is configured to modify a friction characteristic of a surface of the route. The friction management controller is configured to direct the friction modification unit to modify the friction characteristic of the surface of the route based on the operational setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, David Eldredge, Daniel Ballesty, Jared Klineman Cooper, Christopher Roney, Paul Houpt, Stephen Mathe, Paul Julich, Jeffrey Kisak, Glenn Shaffer, Scott Nelson, Wolfgang Daum
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Patent number: 9235991Abstract: A method includes forming a first schedule for a first vehicle to travel in a transportation network. The first schedule includes a first arrival time of the first vehicle at a scheduled location. The method also includes receiving a first trip plan for the first vehicle from an energy management system. The first trip plan is based on the first schedule and designates at least one of tractive efforts or braking efforts to be provided by the first vehicle to reduce at least one of an amount of energy consumed by the first vehicle or an amount of emissions generated by the first vehicle when the first vehicle travels through the transportation network to the scheduled location. The method further includes determining whether to modify the first schedule to avoid interfering with movement of one or more other vehicles by examining the trip plan for the first vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Joseph Forrest Noffsinger, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Mason Samuels, Paul Houpt, Joel Kickbusch, Mahir Telatar, David Eldredge, Mitchell Scott Wills, Ramu Chandra
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Patent number: 9162690Abstract: A method includes determining an operational parameter of a first vehicle traveling with a plurality of vehicles in a transportation network and/or a route in the transportation network, identifying a failure condition of the first vehicle and/or the route based on the operational parameter, obtaining plural different sets of remedial actions that dictate operations to be taken based on the operational parameter, simulating travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network based on implementation of the different sets of remedial actions, determining potential consequences on travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network when the different sets of remedial actions are implemented in the travel that is simulated, and based on the potential consequences, receiving a selection of at least one of the different sets of remedial actions to be implemented in actual travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: General Electronic CompanyInventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Paul Houpt, Stephen Mathe, Paul Julich, Jeffrey Kisak, Glenn Shaffer, Scott Nelson, Wolfgang Daum
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Publication number: 20150005994Abstract: A method includes determining an operational parameter of a first vehicle traveling with a plurality of vehicles in a transportation network and/or a route in the transportation network, identifying a failure condition of the first vehicle and/or the route based on the operational parameter, obtaining plural different sets of remedial actions that dictate operations to be taken based on the operational parameter, simulating travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network based on implementation of the different sets of remedial actions, determining potential consequences on travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network when the different sets of remedial actions are implemented in the travel that is simulated, and based on the potential consequences, receiving a selection of at least one of the different sets of remedial actions to be implemented in actual travel of the plurality of vehicles in the transportation network.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Paul Houpt, Stephen Mathe, Paul Julich, Jeffrey Kisak, Glenn Shaffer, Scott Nelson, Wolfgang Daum
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Publication number: 20140136025Abstract: A method includes forming a first schedule for a first vehicle to travel in a transportation network. The first schedule includes a first arrival time of the first vehicle at a scheduled location. The method also includes receiving a first trip plan for the first vehicle from an energy management system. The first trip plan is based on the first schedule and designates at least one of tractive efforts or braking efforts to be provided by the first vehicle to reduce at least one of an amount of energy consumed by the first vehicle or an amount of emissions generated by the first vehicle when the first vehicle travels through the transportation network to the scheduled location. The method further includes determining whether to modify the first schedule to avoid interfering with movement of one or more other vehicles by examining the trip plan for the first vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Joseph Forrest Noffsinger, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Mason Samuels, Paul Houpt, Joel Kickbusch, Mahir Telatar, David Eldredge, Mitchell Scott Wills, Ramu Chandra
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Patent number: 8655518Abstract: A system includes a scheduling module and a resolution module. The scheduling module determines plural initial schedules for plural different vehicles to concurrently travel in a transportation network. The initial schedules include locations and times for the vehicles to travel. The resolution module modifies at least one of the initial schedules to one or more modified schedules based on an anomaly in at least one of the vehicles or the routes that prevents one or more of the vehicles from traveling in the transportation network according to the initial schedules. The scheduling module communicates the modified schedules to the vehicles so that energy management systems disposed on the vehicles modify travel of the vehicles according to the modified schedules.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jared Cooper, Joseph Noffsinger, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Mason Samuels, Paul Houpt, Joel Kickbusch, Mahir Telatar, David Eldredge, Mitchell Scott Wills, Ramu Chandra
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Publication number: 20130144466Abstract: A system includes a scheduling module and a resolution module. The scheduling module determines plural initial schedules for plural different vehicles to concurrently travel in a transportation network. The initial schedules include locations and times for the vehicles to travel. The resolution module modifies at least one of the initial schedules to one or more modified schedules based on an anomaly in at least one of the vehicles or the routes that prevents one or more of the vehicles from traveling in the transportation network according to the initial schedules. The scheduling module communicates the modified schedules to the vehicles so that energy management systems disposed on the vehicles modify travel of the vehicles according to the modified schedules.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Jared Cooper, Joseph Noffsinger, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Mason Samuels, Paul Houpt, Joel Kickbusch, Mahir Telatar, David Eldredge, Mitchell Scott Wills, Ramu Chandra
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Publication number: 20130144467Abstract: A method includes forming a first schedule for a first vehicle to travel in a transportation network. The first schedule includes a first arrival time of the first vehicle at a scheduled location. The method also includes receiving a first trip plan for the first vehicle from an energy management system. The first trip plan is based on the first schedule and designates at least one of tractive efforts or braking efforts to be provided by the first vehicle to reduce at least one of an amount of energy consumed by the first vehicle or an amount of emissions generated by the first vehicle when the first vehicle travels through the transportation network to the scheduled location. The method further includes determining whether to modify the first schedule to avoid interfering with movement of one or more other vehicles by examining the trip plan for the first vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Joel Kickbusch, Jared Cooper, Joseph Noffsinger, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Mason Samuels, Paul Houpt, Mahir Telatar, David Eldredge, Mitchell Scott Wills, Ramu Chandra
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Publication number: 20130117054Abstract: A system includes a scheduling module and a monitoring module. The scheduling module is configured to generate schedules for vehicles to concurrently travel in a transportation network formed of interconnected routes over which the vehicles travel. The monitoring module is configured to determine financial costs of fuel at refueling locations within the transportation network that are used by one or more of the vehicles to acquire additional fuel. The scheduling module is configured to coordinate the schedules of the vehicles based on the financial costs of the fuel while maintaining a throughput parameter of the transportation network above a designated threshold. The throughput parameter represents adherence by the vehicles to the schedules as the vehicles travel through the transportation network.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Jared Cooper, Joseph Noffsinger, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Mason Samuels, Paul Houpt
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Publication number: 20120277941Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel includes a processor, a propulsion system, and a directional system. The processor is disposed onboard the marine vessel and obtains a trip plan that includes designated operational settings of the marine vessel for a trip along a waterway. The propulsion system is communicatively coupled with the processor and generates propulsion to move the marine vessel according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan. The directional system is communicatively coupled with the processor and steers the marine vessel according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan. Operating the propulsion system and the directional system according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan reduces at least one of fuel consumed or emissions generated by the marine vessel relative to the marine vessel being propelled or steered according to one or more plans other than the trip plan.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: JOSEPH FORREST NOFFSINGER, PAUL HOUPT, JARED COOPER, MASON SAMUELS
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Publication number: 20070219680Abstract: A system for operating a train having one or more locomotive consists with each locomotive consist comprising one or more locomotives, the system including a locator element to determine a location of the train, a track characterization element to provide information about a track, a sensor for measuring an operating condition of the locomotive consist, a processor operable to receive information from the locator element, the track characterizing element, and the sensor, and an algorithm embodied within the processor having access to the information to create a trip plan that optimizes performance of the locomotive consist in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2006Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: Ajith Kumar, Glenn Shaffer, Paul Houpt, Bernardo Movsichoff, David Chan, Sukru Eker
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Publication number: 20070001629Abstract: A traction control system for controlling an electric traction motor drivingly coupled to a wheel of a tractive vehicle. The traction control system includes means for determining speed of the wheel, means for determining tractive effort of the wheel and a control circuitry for controlling drive signals to the motor based upon the wheel speed and tractive effort.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Jeremy McGarry, Somakumar Ramachandra-Panicker, Ajith Kumar, Venkatarao Ryali, Bret Worden, Jeffrey Daigle, Paul Houpt
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Publication number: 20060033625Abstract: A system and method for facilitating in-home living by monitoring and analyzing in-home activities, and thereby implementing services for facilitating such living. The system includes an integrated portfolio of active and/or passive sensors for monitoring activities of an individual, and an analyzing system for synthesizing and analyzing signals from the sensors for thereby assessing a status of the individual and inferring the individual's quality of life. The system further includes a decision making system for generating an output based upon the assessment, and an activation system for activating processes to respond to the decision making.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2004Publication date: February 16, 2006Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, PAUL HOUPT, MICHAEL LABLANC, JONATHAN POTTER
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Publication number: 20050065674Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a railway consist, the apparatus comprising: a consist model adapted for computing an objective function from a set of candidate driving plans and a set of model parameters; a parameter identifier adapted for calculating the model parameters from a set of consist measurements; and a trajectory optimizer adapted for generating the candidate driving plans and for selecting an optimal driving plan to optimize the objective function subject to a set of terminal constraints and operating constraints.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2003Publication date: March 24, 2005Inventors: Paul Houpt, Harry Mathews, Sunil Shah
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Patent number: 6407465Abstract: A pressurized fluid system provides electrical power to a load and includes a fluid motor, a generator, an energy storage device and a controller. The system supplies fluid to the fluid motor, which provides a generator with power producing a voltage used to supply power to a load and provide energy to the energy storage device. The controller selects which of various sources within the system provides fluid to the fluid motor based on the operating mode of the system. When fluid supplied to the fluid motor is discontinued, the energy storage device discharges providing power to the load.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: GE Harris Railway Electronics LLCInventors: David M. Peltz, Jerome J. Tiemann, Russell S. DeMuth, Robert Steigerwald, Paul Houpt, Roy Malac, Glen Peltonen