Patents Examined by Nashmiya S. Fayyaz
  • Patent number: 10352906
    Abstract: A testing apparatus, inspection system, and method for through-transmission ultrasonic testing. The testing apparatus includes a yoke having a support member with a pair of hinge joints, each hinge joint located on an end of the support member; a pair of arms extending from the support member having a hinge end and a pivotable transducer end, each arm being coupled to the hinge joint at the hinge end and extending to the pivotable transducer end; a pair of transducer support members disposed on each of the pivotal transducer ends; and a tension member connected to the pair of arms for aligning the pair of transducer support members during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Barry, Edward A. Hohman
  • Patent number: 10288585
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a changing, insufficiently defined or unknown shape (e.g., a variable radius or a noncircular radius caused by the use of soft tooling) at a rate that meets production requirements. The apparatus comprises a linear ultrasonic array (i.e., sensor) incorporated in a toppler, which in turn is slidably supported by an oscillating sensor mechanism carried by a traveling trailer vehicle. As a result of this arrangement, the sensor can undergo a back-and-forth sweeping motion coupled with motion along the spar radius. The sensor is further able to displace radially relative to a sweep pivot axis and rotate (hereinafter “topple”) about a topple pivot axis. In this manner, the orientation of the sensor can adjust to the contour of the inspected surface as the sensor scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William P. Motzer, James C. Kennedy, Steven Ray Walton, James J. Troy
  • Patent number: 10274347
    Abstract: An acoustic detector provides a planar arrangement of microphones. A windshield is arranged over the microphones, with a view to reducing the impact of environmental effects. A void is therefore defined over the microphones, and the interior surface of the windshield, which defines the void, is shaped suitably to reduce the potential for acoustic waves propagating within the void to reflect back onto the microphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: THALES HOLDINGS UK PLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Neil Smith, John Savage
  • Patent number: 10261052
    Abstract: An anchor bolt diagnosing system includes a vibration sensing clip that clips an anchor bolt, and senses a vibration power of the anchor bolt, a blow sensing hammer that gives a blow to the anchor bolt clipped by the vibration sensing clip, and senses blow strength, and a diagnoser that obtains the vibration power and the blow strength output from the vibration sensing clip and the blow sensing hammer, and diagnoses soundness of the anchor bolt in accordance with whether a ratio of the vibration power to the blow strength is higher than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Miki, Osamu Hoshuyama
  • Patent number: 10241010
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the collection, transportation, and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental, and natural resource contexts is provided. An isolating container for removing a component from a fluid sample includes a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end; a first valve assembly coupled to the first end; a reactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the component; and a second valve assembly coupled to the second end, wherein the fluid sample enters the sampling chamber through the first valve assembly and exits through the second valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. Coleman, Corben C. Rice, Dennis D. Coleman
  • Patent number: 10240972
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the vibrations of a test object, such as a machine shaft or other rotating equipment. The system includes a probe sensor fitting having an ultrasonic speaker and an ultrasonic microphone. The probe sensor fitting includes a temperature and relative humidity sensor. The system further includes a probe analyzer circuit with a microcomputer that generates vibration analysis data and probe health diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Lovejoy Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Kim A. Lovejoy
  • Patent number: 7866219
    Abstract: A measuring instrument to capture a physical/chemical measured value, including a sensor unit, which is linked via a contactless interface to a transmitter unit, for passing on to a central analysis unit, wherein the sensor unit includes an at least partly internal sensor element which vibrates against a sensor housing because of operation, and which is linked, contactlessly and inside the sensor unit, for sensor signal transmission, via a first transmission/reception unit, to a complementary second transmission/reception unit, which is arranged at a fixed location relative to the sensor housing, and which is also linked, contactlessly and outside the sensor unit, to a third transmission/reception unit of the transmitter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Kassubek, Lothar Deppe, Rolf Disselnkötter, Steffen Keller, Jörg Gebhardt, René Friedrichs, Beat Kramer
  • Patent number: 7802485
    Abstract: Arrangements for withdrawing carefully controlled samples from an active flue gas source are disclosed. A testing assembly is provided for connection to downstream processing equipment to obtain a sample from a gas stream. Included is a probe, a flexible sample line and a coupler joining the probe and the flexible sample line. At least one externally controlled or self-regulating heating cable is put in heating communication with the flexible line. A receptacle engaging the coupler is also provided for positioning the probe with respect to the flue gas source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Clean Air Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Wright, Daniel J. Rybarski, Volker Schmid
  • Patent number: 7797999
    Abstract: A marker detection apparatus detects a marker attached to a target sample from samples flowing in a sample flow, wherein the sample flow carries a low ionization-tendency metal fine particle selected from a group of Au to Ag and the target sample labeled by the marker that is a particle of a unique vibration frequency, the marker detection apparatus including: an electromagnetic wave applying section that applies an electromagnetic wave to a path of the sample flow under a condition that the radius of the metal fine particle is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave; and a detection section that detects vibration of the particle attached to the target sample, the vibration arising from a quasi-electrostatic field generated on the surface of the metal fine particle when the electromagnetic wave is applied to the metal fine particle around the target sample in the sample flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoaki Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 7788970
    Abstract: A wireless sensor probe for use in environmental monitoring and control includes a separable probe body and sensor mast. The probe body includes a void configured to house the sensor mast including one or more sensor devices for sensing a soil property surrounding the probe body when the probe body is inserted partially into the ground. The probe body includes a probe top part for encapsulating the probe body and the sensor mast. The sensor mast is inserted into the probe body to form the sensor probe. In another embodiment, a wireless sensor probe includes a housing containing one or more sensor devices. The probe further includes a collar situated near a top portion of the housing being used to anchor the housing to the top of the ground and a gasket formed on the outside perimeter of the housing for securing the housing in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Digital Sun, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale K. Hitt, Kurtis G. Heaton
  • Patent number: 7757572
    Abstract: A gas sampling container (15) capable of obtaining, isolating and transporting samples of gas or other fluid under pressure form. The container (15) further exhibits a plurality of simple, reliable, inexpensive, self sealing, valves (2) which allow introduction, flow through and exit of the gas sample. The container (15) is suitable for taking discrete or serial samples from a gas or fluid flow source and is especially suited for use in automated sampling apparatus. These containers are acceptable for shipment of compressed flammable gases under the regulatory structures of many countries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Todd Coleman, Dennis Coleman
  • Patent number: 7757566
    Abstract: A testing system (100) is used to test a flip-type electronic device (80). The electronic device includes a cover (802) and a main body (801). A hinge (803) connects with the cover and the main body. The testing system includes a base (10), a plummer (20), a flipping device (30) and a control device (40). The plummer is fixed on the base for locking the electronic device. The flipping device is fixed on the base for opening and closing the cover of the electronic device. The control device includes an optical fiber sensor (42) for sensing the movement of the cover of the electronic device. The control device connects with the flipping device so as to control the flipping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Lei Li, Ping Chen, Zhi Cheng, Xue-Liang Zhai, Ming-Feng Li, Chang-Fa Sun, Dong Li, Yong-Zhi Tao
  • Patent number: 7748282
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel contaminant tester has an upper transparent chamber for viewing a first sample of aviation fuel, a lower chamber, a fuel cell drain valve actuating device for loading the upper transparent chamber. A thumb actuated valve halts flow of fuel from the upper chamber into the lower chamber until actuated by the pilot after viewing contaminated fuel in the upper transparent chamber. The larger lower chamber permits several samples of fuel to be repeatedly drained from the fuel tank and examined merely by manually actuating the valve without the undesired discarding of any fuel. When the fuel in the last batch of sampled fuel, viewed in the upper chamber, is free of contaminants, the inspection process ends and the tester is inverted, draining the sampled fuel from both chambers, usually at one time only, to eliminate the repeated discarding of the fuel from the commonly used sampler cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Hohmann
  • Patent number: 7743658
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for identifying a damaged bearing (4a, 4b) of a rotating shaft (1). According to the invention: the rotational speed (n) of the shaft (1) is determined; the alternating component (nAC) of the rotational speed (n) is determined, together with a smooth curve (h) of said alternating component (nAC) of the rotational speed (n); the smooth curve (h) is converted into the frequency range and a frequency response (B) of the value of the smooth curve (h) is determined. Said frequency response (B) of the value of the curve is monitored for the passing of a threshold value (G1, G2, G3, G4) and if said threshold value (G1, G2, G3, G4) is exceeded, a damaged bearing (4a, 4b) is identified. The invention thus provides a method and a device for identifying a damaged bearing (4a, 4b) of a rotating shaft (1) of a motor, which do not require a vibration sensor (11) to identify a damaged bearing (4a, 4b) of said shaft (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Filbry
  • Patent number: 7739925
    Abstract: Methods for controlling admission to amusement park rides include electronically measuring each child's height (and optionally weight) and comparing the measured data to a database which specifies minimum requirements for each ride in the amusement park. Upon completing the comparison, several optional steps are provided including encoding a data carrier with the child's measured data and/or a list of rides which are appropriate for the child. The data carrier may be a “swipe card” or other machine readable device which must be presented at the entrance to each ride. The entrance to each ride is provided with an electronic entry control gate which is operated by the data carrier. Optionally, a list of appropriate rides is printed for the child and/or the child's parents. Apparatus for performing the methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: GordonRides, LLC
    Inventor: Russell J. Foster
  • Patent number: 7730797
    Abstract: In a method of authenticating a package, an origin noise level of the package is determined based upon one or more identifying characteristics, where the origin noise level is a deviation from a normal condition caused by the one or more identifying characteristics. In addition, the package is authenticated based upon the origin noise level of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Vinay Deolalikar, Salil Pradhan, Alipio Caban, Lester Ortiz, Geoff Lyon
  • Patent number: 7730796
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to realize high-accuracy analysis of a flue gas in terms of a trace amount of ammonia so as to control the level of ammonia gas to be added to a flue gas NOx removal apparatus. Since the ammonia gas to be determined is a highly absorbable, the gas component is considerably adsorbed on a surface of the flue gas sampling tube during sampling of flue gas. When a conventional sampling method including heating a gas sampling tube is employed, the amount of sampled gas is reduced through adsorption during gas sampling, failing to obtain concentration values at high accuracy. Thus, a high-accuracy gas sampling method replacing a conventional, heating-based method includes completely washing out, with an absorption liquid therefor serving as a washing liquid, a target ammonia gas deposited on the inner wall of a flue gas sampling tube (2), whereby the gas component is thoroughly collected. Through analysis of the thus-obtained washing liquid, high-accuracy analysis can be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimada, Shinya Tamura, Naoyuki Tokunaga, Megumi Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 7730795
    Abstract: A device for sampling drill cuttings includes a frame, an inclined perforated member mounted on the frame, a sprayer for washing cuttings down over the perforations, and a removable open-topped cuttings collector mounted under the perforated member, the perforated member cooperating with the downstream end of a vibratory screen over which the cuttings pass before translating onto the perforated screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Willy Rieberer
  • Patent number: 7726171
    Abstract: A device (1) for calibrating geometrical measurements of surgical tools (10) as well as for orienting the same in space, including: A) a docking station (2) having two jaws (3) and a surface (21); and B) at least three marking indicators (9) firmly attached to the docking station (2) and capable of being measured, in reference to their position in space, electromagnetically or acoustically through a position detecting device (14), where C) the jaws (3) each have a lateral wall (40) so that the surface (21) and the lateral walls (21) of the two jaws (3) enclose a U-shaped passage (18), where D) the two jaws are conformed in a cylindrical or double conical manner; and E) the two lateral walls (40) or the surface (21) present a form comprising at least two additional contact points for a surgical tool (10) inserted between the jaws (3) across its longitudinal axis (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: AO Technology AG
    Inventors: Frank Langlotz, Urs Rohrer
  • Patent number: 7707867
    Abstract: A method for calibration of motion sensors included in a vehicle electronic brake control system includes measuring sensor offset errors at different points in the assembly of the system and the vehicle and then combining the offset errors to obtain net offset errors for use with an electronic brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Mike Babala, Kevin Fontenot