Patents Assigned to State of Florida, Department of Transportation
  • Publication number: 20160025680
    Abstract: A system and method for acquiring three-dimensional images of a magnetic flux leakage present in steel tendons, which are embedded in concrete and/or grout. The inventive method preferably magnetizes the steel tendon. Transducers detect the intensity of the magnetic field along the steel tendon. Using this magnetic intensity, three dimensional images of the magnetic flux leakage are generated using a data acquisition and computing device. Based on these images, a user can determine whether there is a fault, and what type of fault, in the steel tendon at that location, and therefore whether it should be investigated via a more intrusive procedure. The magnetic imaging device is capable of traversing the length of the tendon. As the invention moves along the tendon, images are generated. This allows the user to determine the location and source of a defect in real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: The State of Florida Department of Transportation
    Inventor: Steven A. Schein, JR.
  • Patent number: 8104723
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mounting pedestal for a device, such as a laser scanner. The mount is generally comprised of a base, a triangle bracket and an attachment screw. The base has a base plate and a support attached to the top of the base plate. The support is hollow, preferably cylindrical in shape, has an access opening on the side and a central opening on top. A triangle bracket is bolted onto the top of the support, covering the central opening on the support. The triangle bracket houses a pivot bracket. The attachment screw fits through and is engaged by the pivot bracket on the triangle bracket. A device, such as a laser scanner, is supported by the triangle bracket and is fixed in place by the threads on the attachment screw. The attachment screw is accessed and can be tightened or loosened through the access opening on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: State of Florida, Department of Transportation
    Inventor: Kevin Parham
  • Patent number: 7814706
    Abstract: A safety system for use with a boom gate. The boom gate includes a boom and a boom operator for moving the boom between a down position and an up position. The safety system also has a boom deflection detector for detecting deflection of the boom, such as deflection caused by collision of the boom with a vehicle. A control system is provided for actuating the boom operator to move the boom to the up position whenever deflection is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: State of Florida, Department of Transportation
    Inventor: Louis A. Gamache
  • Patent number: 7373802
    Abstract: A method and testing fixture for toughness-testing corrugated high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The method includes the steps of preparing a test sample, attaching the test sample in the testing fixture, and providing an impact load to the test sample. The test sample is cut from a section of corrugated HDPE pipe so as to have a clamped portion and a loading member extending outwardly therefrom. The clamped portion includes two sidewalls with a trough therebetween. A hole is bored in the loading member near the end of the loading member. The testing fixture includes a vertical clamp which is configured to grip the clamped portion of the test sample so as to retain the clamped portion in a stationary position when the test sample is loaded. The loading member of the test sample projects outwardly from the vertical clamp. A guide rod is attached to the loading member through the bore in the loading member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The State of Florida, Department of Transportation
    Inventors: Rodney G. Powers, Robert M. Langley
  • Patent number: 6964207
    Abstract: A mechanical inspection sled which can be pushed through a pipeline using a series of connecting rigid rods. Mechanical measuring devices are mounted on the sled. These devices deflect when the pipe's internal diameter decreases. The deflection is visually observable by the user through a series of reflective indicators. The measuring devices are sufficiently pliable to allow the sled to pass beyond distorted areas and complete a full inspection of the pipeline. The measurement devices are adjustable to allow the sled to be used in many different pipe sizes. Because the device is purely mechanical, it is quite rugged and able to withstand harsh environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: The State of Florida, Department of Transportation
    Inventors: Rodney G. Powers, Robert M. Langley