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Worden, US

Brent E. Worden, White Bear Lake, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110276694INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Methods and systems are disclosed to facilitate holistic management of different types of IT resources within and work associated with an IT infrastructure. In one example, a method includes defining a number of parameters related to IT resources, associating an IT resource with at least one of the parameters, and aggregating a number of IT resources as an IT infrastructure. Each of the IT resources of the IT infrastructure is associated with at least one of the parameters. In another example, a method includes defining a number of parameters related to a number of different types of IT resources, associating two or more of the parameters with one another, and aggregating the parameters in an IT resource definitional structure by which any one of the types of IT resources can be defined by associating the IT resource with at least one of the parameters.11-10-2011

Bret Worden, Lawrence Park, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110283915WHEEL IMPACT FORCE REDUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RAIL VEHICLE - A wheel impact reduction system for a rail vehicle includes a sensor, a control module, and a force reduction assembly. The sensor detects a discontinuity in a rail that is located upstream of a wheel of the rail vehicle in a direction of travel. The control module is communicatively coupled with the sensor. The control module determines whether to apply a correction force to the wheel based on the discontinuity detected by the sensor. The force reduction assembly is joined to the wheel of the rail vehicle and is communicatively coupled with the control module. The force reduction assembly reduces a wheel impact force imparted on the rail by the wheel by applying the correction force to the wheel.11-24-2011
20110307113CONTROL ASSEMBLY AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SUPPLYING POWER TO ELECTRIFIED RAIL VEHICLES - A control assembly includes a monitoring module and a switching module. The monitoring module determines a load demand of a first rail vehicle traveling along a track, wherein the first rail vehicle is supplied with electric current from a plurality of power sources over a conductive pathway extending along the track. The switching module is communicatively coupled with the monitoring module and is joined with a switch controller disposed between the power sources and the conductive pathway. The switching module directs the switch controller to change which of the power sources supply the electric current to the first rail vehicle over the conductive pathway based on the load demand.12-15-2011

Bret Worden, Union City, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090293760Variable-Speed-Drive System for a Grid Blower - A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device.12-03-2009
20100175580ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE SUSPENSION - Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate.07-15-2010
20100175581VEHICLE AND TRUCK ASSEMBLY - Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. An example truck assembly may include a truck frame element, and a carrier coupled with the truck frame element. A bias may be configured to bias the carrier away from the truck frame element. An actuatable linkage arrangement may include a compliant linkage coupled with the carrier. The compliant linkage may pull the carrier against the bias in a first direction.07-15-2010
20110221159ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE SUSPENSION - Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate.09-15-2011
20120061367SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING ADHESION - A system is provided for use with a rail vehicle having a wheel that travels on a rail. The system includes an air source for supplying compressed air and a heating unit fluidly coupled to the air source and configured to produce heated compressed air by heating the compressed air or heating air prior to the air being compressed by the air source, and to direct the heated compressed air onto a contact surface of the rail.03-15-2012
20120199039Variable-Speed-Drive System for a Grid Blower - A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device.08-09-2012

Patent applications by Bret Worden, Union City, PA US

Bret Worden, Erie, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110079168VEHICLE SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle having a plurality of axles and a lift mechanism configured to dynamically transfer weight from one axle to another. In one example, the method comprises, responding to an operating condition by adjusting the lift mechanism to provide a determined amount of lift, and in response to vehicle braking, a vehicle stall risk, poor infrastructure conditions, and/or a high vehicle penalty, reducing the determined amount of lift.04-07-2011
20110082606VEHICLE SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle having a first truck with a first lift mechanism and a second truck with a second lift mechanism, each of the first and second trucks further configured with a plurality of axles, each of the first and second lift mechanisms configured to dynamically transfer weight from one axle to another. In one embodiment, the method comprises, responding to an operating condition by adjusting the first lift mechanism different from the second lift mechanism.04-07-2011
20120167797DYNAMIC WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE VIA HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS - Methods and system are provided for a vehicle truck assembly which includes a spring coupling an axle carrier to a truck frame. In one example, the system comprises a substantially vertically-mounted hydraulic actuator which generates hydraulic forces between the axle carrier and the truck frame. The actuator includes a cylinder, a piston, and a piston rod. Further, the actuator is coupled between the axle carrier and the truck frame with longitudinal and lateral play so that the axle carrier can move laterally and longitudinally with respect to the truck frame while the actuator applies hydraulic force.07-05-2012
20120169050SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ENGINE CRANKING - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine, the engine coupled to a traction alternator for vehicle travelling. In one example, the method includes, in an off-highway vehicle running mode of operation, supplying current from the traction alternator to a traction motor via a traction inverter to propel the vehicle, and, in a starting mode of operation, supplying stored energy from a first energy source and a secondary energy source to the traction alternator to start the engine.07-05-2012
20120253565VEHICLE SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle having a plurality of axles and a lift mechanism configured to dynamically transfer weight from one axle to another. In one example, the method comprises, responding to an operating condition by adjusting the lift mechanism to provide a determined amount of lift, and in response to vehicle braking, a vehicle stall risk, poor infrastructure conditions, and/or a high vehicle penalty, reducing the determined amount of lift.10-04-2012

Bret D. Worden, Erie, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120303237METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THROTTLE CONTROL AND COUPLING CONTROL FOR VEHICLES - A multi-mode control system for a locomotive includes a throttle control device having notch settings corresponding to, for a first, long haul mode, control signals for providing respective tractive effort or power from the locomotive, a master controller in communication with the throttle control device and adapted to receive said control signals from the throttle control device and to transmit respective command signals to power-train components of the locomotive to achieve the respective tractive effort or power, the master controller also adapted for sending alternative command signals when a user-operable mode selector is set to one of one or more alternative modes. The user-operable mode selector includes one or more user interface devices in communication with the master controller for selecting one alternative mode of the one or more alternative modes.11-29-2012

Bret Dwayne Worden, Lawrence Park, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130073174SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AN ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a crankcase. A condition of the engine may be diagnosed based on frequency content of crankcase pressure. Different types of degradation may be distinguished based on a frequency content of multiple frequencies of the crankcase pressure. Thus, a degraded engine component may be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay.03-21-2013

Bret Dwayne Worden, Erie, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100148581POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRIVING AN ELECTROMOTIVE TRACTION SYSTEM AND AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT THROUGH A COMMON POWER BUS - Power system and method for providing electrical power are provided. The system includes a traction system and auxiliary equipment coupled to a power bus. The traction system includes one or more electromotive machines having a first type of stator winding that provides protection relative to voltage spikes expected at the traction stator under a first voltage level appropriate for the traction system. The auxiliary equipment includes one or more electromotive machines having a second type of stator winding that provides protection relative to spikes expected at the auxiliary stator under a second voltage level lower than the first voltage level. Inverter circuitry is coupled to drive the auxiliary equipment, and signal-conditioning circuitry is provided to attenuate voltage spikes produced by the inverter circuitry. The power bus is operated at the first voltage level, and the voltage spike attenuation is sufficient to protect the auxiliary stator.06-17-2010
20100170413Locomotive Truck and Method for Distributing Weight Asymmetrically To Axles of the Truck - A locomotive (or other rail vehicle) truck and method for distributing weight asymmetrically to axles of the truck includes a first axle of a truck uncoupled from a traction system of the locomotive and a first suspension assembly coupling the first axle to the truck for applying to the first axle a first portion of a locomotive weight. The truck also includes a second axle coupled to the traction system and a second suspension assembly coupling the second axle to the truck for applying to the second axle a second portion of the locomotive weight greater than the first portion so that weight is asymmetrically distributed to the first axle and the second axle so as to transmit a corresponding incremental amount of tractive effort for a given amount of a driving torque applied to the second axle via the traction system of the locomotive. The axle weight distribution involves relatively slight weight distribution compared to the nominal weights normally carried by the axles.07-08-2010
20110315496POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A contactless power transfer system for a mobile asset is presented. The system includes a primary loop disposed adjacent to a location that is coupled to a power source. A secondary receiving coil is disposed on the mobile asset and coupled to a traction motor for receiving power from the primary loop. The power transfer system further includes a field-focusing element that can focus a magnetic field from the primary loop onto the secondary receiving coil, the field-focusing element having a non-linear current distribution.12-29-2011
20130067911SHAFT IMBALANCE DETECTION SYSTEM - A shaft imbalance detector system (03-21-2013
20130067914METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIAGNOSING A TURBOCHARGER - Various methods and systems are provided for a turbocharger. In one example, a method includes determining a first pressure at a first location within a turbocharger and determining a second pressure at a second location within the turbocharger. The method further includes indicating degradation of the turbocharger based on the first pressure and the second pressure.03-21-2013
20130067915METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIAGNOSING A TURBOCHARGER - Various methods and systems are provided for a turbocharger. In one example, a method includes receiving a signal indicative of a monitored pressure of a pressurized oil supply of a turbocharger or other turbomachine. The method further includes determining whether a high frequency component of the signal meets one or more designated criteria, and, if the high frequency component of the pressure meets the one or more designated criteria, generating a first control signal.03-21-2013
20130067994SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING AN ENGINE - Presently disclosed are methods and systems for diagnosing a coolant leak of an engine. A method may include diagnosing a coolant leak of an engine based on identified fill signatures of a measured engine coolant pressure. A vehicle system is also disclosed, including an engine, a coolant system operatively connected to the engine, a coolant pressure sensor configured to measure engine coolant pressure during operation of the engine, and a controller, including instructions configured to create a coolant pressure profile corresponding to a given engine speed, and diagnose a condition of the engine based on the coolant pressure profile.03-21-2013
20130071260SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR - Methods and systems are provided for a compressor including a crankcase. A condition of the compressor may be diagnosed based on a valve leak condition of the compressor based on piston motion within the crankcase. Once a diagnosis is made, appropriate remedial action can be taken to minimize severity.03-21-2013
20130073172DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A detector (03-21-2013

Patent applications by Bret Dwayne Worden, Erie, PA US

Daniel John Worden, Mason City, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090114734Heating control system using a fluid level sensor and a heating control element - A heating control system for controlling heating of a fluid contained in a fluid vessel using a fluid level sensor as a heating control element. The system includes a control circuit coupled with an electrical power system of a heating unit. The control circuit includes switching elements that are selectively activated or deactivated responsive to a low fluid level in a corresponding fluid vessel such that heating of the fluid is terminated as the level of fluid becomes less than a predetermined value.05-07-2009
20120160923HEATING CONTROL SYSTEM USING A FLUID LEVEL SENSOR AND A HEATING CONTROL ELEMENT - A heating control system for controlling heating of a fluid within an associated fluid vessel includes a first sensor responsive to a low fluid level in the fluid vessel and a second sensor responsive to a temperature of the fluid within the fluid vessel. The heating control system also includes a control circuit electrically connected with the first sensor and the second sensor to control electrical power to a heating unit for heating the fluid within the fluid vessel. The control circuit allows electrical power to be connected to the heating unit upon a first predetermined condition of the first sensor and a first predetermined condition of the second sensor. The control circuit disconnects power to the heating unit upon either a second predetermined condition of the first sensor or a second predetermined condition of the second sensor.06-28-2012

Eric W. Worden, Orlando, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100114806Condition-Based Monitoring System For Machinery And Associated Methods - Real-time condition-based analysis is performed on a machine for providing diagnostic and prognostic outputs indicative of machine status includes a signal processor for receiving signals from sensors adapted for measuring machine performance parameters. The signal processor conditions and shapes at least some of the received signals into an input form for a neural network. A fuzzy adaptive resonance theory neural network receives at least some of the conditioned and shaped signals, and detects and classifies a state of the machine based upon the received conditioned and shaped signals, and upon a predetermined ontology of machine states, diagnostics, and prognostics. The neural network can also determine from the machine state a health status thereof, which can comprise an anomaly, and output a signal representative of the determined health status. A Bayesian intelligence network receives the machine state from the neural network and determines a fault probability at a future time.05-06-2010
20110313955REAL-TIME INTELLIGENT VIRTUAL CHARACTERS WITH LEARNING CAPABILITIES - A system, method, and computer-readable instructions for real-time characters with learning capabilities. A plurality of rules are defined in a rules-based system, each of the rules defining a condition that determines a behavior of a virtual agent when the rule is triggered by the condition being satisfied so that upon triggering of multiple rules at the same time, each of the behaviors of the multiple rules whose conditions were satisfied are combined into a resultant behavior for the virtual agent. This resultant behavior is compared with a desired behavior to providing feedback in the form of rewards or punishments to each of the multiple rules based on their corresponding contribution to the resultant behavior as compared to the desired behavior.12-22-2011

James G. Worden, Fargo, ND US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110294995Functionalized nanoparticles and other particles and methods for making and using same - Disclosed are nanoparticles which include a nanoparticle core having a core diameter of greater than 5 nm and a single functional moiety bonded to the nanoparticle core. Also disclosed are nanoparticles which include a nanoparticle core having a core diameter of greater than 1.4 nm and a single functional moiety bonded to the nanoparticle core, wherein the single functional moiety does not contain a nucleic acid molecule that includes 100 or more nucleotides. A method for preparing a functionalized nanoparticle is also disclosed. The method includes providing a nanoparticle core and providing a functionalizing moiety that includes a functional group and a reactive group. The functional group is attached to a substrate surface, and the reactive group is capable of bonding to the nanoparticle core's surface. The method further includes contacting the nanoparticle core's surface with the functionalizing moiety under conditions effective to bind the functionalizing moiety's reactive group and the nanoparticle core's surface together.12-01-2011

Joseph Alan Worden, Clifton Park, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090245717SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING STATOR WEDGE TIGHTNESS - Disclosed is a system for measuring stator wedge tightness in a stator core of an electric machine. The system includes at least one sensor located along at least one component disposed in a stator slot of the stator core. The at least one sensor is located and configured to measure strain in the component. The system further includes a data acquisition system operably coupled to the at least one sensor. A method for measuring stator wedge tightness in a stator core of an electric machine includes arranging at least one sensor along at least one component of the stator core, the at least one sensor being located and configured to measure strain in the component, and interrogating the at least one sensor utilizing a data acquisition system.10-01-2009

Michael Worden, San Antonio, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080296242MERCHANDISE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A merchandise display system including a hanger having retention elements configured to operatively connect to paired merchandise items. The retention elements may include tabs configured to retain the merchandise items in a desired position. The hanger will typically include a number of holes to facilitate placement in a retail display area. Various elements may be utilized in conjunction with the hanger to maintain desired orientation and position of the paired merchandise items, including securing devices and fasteners. The merchandise display system advantageously permits the wearing of paired merchandise items while maintaining security and pair integrity. 12-04-2008

Peter Worden, Chatham, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120228894Vehicle Cargo Space Liner - A removable, drapable liner intended for protecting a cargo space of a vehicle. The liner has a base and four sides, all being made of a flexible, tear resistant, water resistant fabric, and is transformable between a stored state, in which it may fold flat or be rolled up, and a drapable, open-topped, box-shaped state. The liner is neither rigid nor self standing, but does have supportive draping strips that provide sufficient support to easily conform the liner to the shape of the cargo space, effectively draping it against the sides and base of the cargo container. The four supportive draping strips each form part of a join between two sides of the liner. The draping strips extending along the length of the joins. Draped against the cargo space, the liner is easy to fill and maximizes the use of the cargo space, while protecting the vehicle.09-13-2012

Robert M. Worden, Holt, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090130698CUSTOMIZABLE AND RENEWABLE NANOSTRUCTURED INTERFACE FOR BIOELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS - A chemical composite useful for preparing a bioelectronic device includes a biologically active compound, such as an enzyme, that is bound directly or indirectly to a polyelectrolye, which can be reversibly coupled to a chemically treated electrically conductive substrate by electrostatic forces to provide biomimetic sensors, catalyst systems, and other devices having an electrode that can be regenerated and reused. Required or desired cofactors, mediators or the like may be incorporated into the devices, typically by bonding them to the treated substrate and/or the polyelectrolyte.05-21-2009
20100314248RENEWABLE BIOELECTRONIC INTERFACE FOR ELECTROBIOCATALYTIC REACTOR - An inexpensive, easily renewable bioelectronic device useful for bioreactors, biosensors, and biofuel cells includes an electrically conductive carbon electrode and a bioelectronic interface bonded to a surface of the electrically conductive carbon electrode, wherein the bioelectronic interface includes catalytically active material that is electrostatically bound directly or indirectly to the electrically conductive carbon electrode to facilitate easy removal upon a change in pH, thereby allowing easy regeneration of the bioelectronic interface.12-16-2010
20120160708Nanostructured Biosensor Containing Neuropathy Target Esterase Activity - The present invention provides compositions, devices and methods for detecting esterase activity. The present invention also provides devices and methods of detecting esterase inhibitors, for example, organophosphates. In particular, the present invention provides a biosensor comprising Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE) polypeptides. Further, the present invention relates to medicine, industrial chemistry, agriculture, and homeland security.06-28-2012

Patent applications by Robert M. Worden, Holt, MI US

Ross Worden, Findlay, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120139227BOUND EDGE TABS FOR NOTEBOOK - A tab is provided for notebooks and binders. The tab is placed within the space otherwise occupied by a binding, and thus is protected from wear and does not appreciably increase the overall size of the notebook or binder. The tab may be located at a corner of the binding or at an intermediate point along the binding.06-07-2012

Sarah E. Worden, Indianapolis, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100199389Targeted integration into the Zp15 locus - Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for targeted integration of an exogenous sequence into a plant Zp15 locus, for example, for expression of a polypeptide of interest.08-05-2010

Sarah E. Worden, Fillmore, IN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090111188Optimized non-canonical zinc finger proteins - Disclosed herein are zinc fingers comprising CCHC zinc coordinating residues. Also described are zinc finger proteins and fusion proteins comprising these CCHC zinc fingers as well as polynucleotides encoding these proteins. Methods of using these proteins for gene editing and gene regulation are also described.04-30-2009