Patents by Inventor Afshin Sadri
Afshin Sadri 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: 10705196Abstract: A method for determining a length parameter of an electrode during operation of an electric arc furnace. An internal duct extends through the length of the electrode and is open at its lower end. A waveguide having a solid core is received in the internal duct and comprises a material having a low dielectric constant and high temperature resistance. The solid core of the waveguide includes at least one target. An electromagnetic radiation signal is emitted from a source and transmitted through the waveguide and the signal is diffracted and/or reflected from at least one target to produce at least one return signal which is transmitted back through the waveguide. A time or frequency difference between the emitted signal and the return signal is measured and the length parameter is calculated based on this difference.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventors: Matthew H. Cramer, Afshin Sadri, Jennifer Erskine, David Chataway, Bert O. Wasmund, Terry Gerritsen
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Publication number: 20180067201Abstract: A method for determining a length parameter of an electrode during operation of an electric arc furnace. An internal duct extends through the length of the electrode and is open at its lower end. A waveguide having a solid core is received in the internal duct and comprises a material having a low dielectric constant and high temperature resistance. The solid core of the waveguide includes at least one target. An electromagnetic radiation signal is emitted from a source and transmitted through the waveguide and the signal is diffracted and/or reflected from at least one target to produce at least one return signal which is transmitted back through the waveguide. A time or frequency difference between the emitted signal and the return signal is measured and the length parameter is calculated based on this difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Matthew H. CRAMER, Afshin SADRI, Jennifer ERSKINE, David CHATAWAY, Bert O. WASMUND, Terry GERRITSEN
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Patent number: 9791416Abstract: Various systems and method for acoustic monitoring of smelting furnaces and similar devices are disclosed. Acoustic sensors (and optionally other sensors) are mounted to the furnace. Acoustic emission events generated in the furnace are analyzed to identify conditions that exceed one or more thresholds. The location of acoustic emissions may be identified and reported. Output signals may be generated in response to acoustic emissions. The location of acoustic emissions may be used to identify the location of potential failures in the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventors: Pawel Boleslaw Gebski, Afshin Sadri, Wai-Lai Ying
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Patent number: 9417321Abstract: Various systems and methods for monitoring the level of a feed material layer in a metallurgical furnace are described. At least one non-contact sensor is used to sense a distance between the feed layer and a reference position. A process controller linked to the sensor provides a control signal based upon the sensed distance. The control signal may be used to control various factors in the operation of the metallurgical furnace.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Ehsan Shameli, Roberto Venditti, Andrei Kepes, Terry Gerritsen, Sean Southall, Bruce Uyeda
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Patent number: 9417322Abstract: Various systems and methods for monitoring the level of a feed material layer in a metallurgical furnace are described. At least one non-contact sensor is used to sense a distance between the feed layer and a reference position. A process controller linked to the sensor provides a control signal based upon the sensed distance. The control signal may be used to control various factors in the operation of the metallurgical furnace.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Ehsan Shameli, Roberto Venditti, Andrei Kepes, Terry Gerritsen, Sean Southall, Bruce Uyeda
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Publication number: 20140123758Abstract: Various systems and method for acoustic monitoring of smelting furnaces and similar devices are disclosed. Acoustic sensors (and optionally other sensors) are mounted to the furnace. Acoustic emission events generated in the furnace are analyzed to identify conditions that exceed one or more thresholds. The location of acoustic emissions may be identified and reported. Output signals may be generated in response to acoustic emissions. The location of acoustic emissions may be used to identify the location of potential failures in the furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Pawel Boleslaw Gebski, Afshin Sadri, Wai-Lai Ying
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Patent number: 8482295Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the level of a plurality of phases of a conductive or semi-conductive mixture in a vessel. The systems and method include a vessel configured to hold the mixture, a plurality of antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals into the mixture to impinge upon the plurality of phases and to receive corresponding signals reflected from the plurality of phases, a transmitter module configured to generate electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a receiver module configured to receive electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a control module in communication with the transmitter module and the receiver module configured to control their operation, and a signal analysis module in communication with the receiver module configured to process the reflected signals to determine the levels of the plurality of phases within the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Ehsan Shameli, Bert O. Wasmund, Nils W. Voermann
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Publication number: 20110272865Abstract: Various systems and methods for monitoring the level of a feed material layer in a metallurgical furnace are described. At least one non-contact sensor is used to sense a distance between the feed layer and a reference position. A process controller linked to the sensor provides a control signal based upon the sensed distance. The control signal may be used to control various factors in the operation of the metallurgical furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Ehsan Shameli, Afshin Sadri, Roberto Venditti, Andrei Kepes, Terry Gerritsen, Sean Southall, Bruce Uyeda
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Publication number: 20110272866Abstract: Various systems and methods for monitoring the level of a feed material layer in a metallurgical furnace are described. At least one non-contact sensor is used to sense a distance between the feed layer and a reference position. A process controller linked to the sensor provides a control signal based upon the sensed distance. The control signal may be used to control various factors in the operation of the metallurgical furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Ehsan Shameli, Afshin Sadri, Roberto Venditti, Andrei Kepes, Terry Gerritsen, Sean Southall, Bruce Uyeda
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Publication number: 20100213922Abstract: In a first aspect, some embodiments of the invention provide a system for measuring the level of a plurality of phases of a conductive or semi-conductive mixture in a vessel, the system comprising: a vessel configured to hold a conductive or semi-conductive mixture including a plurality of phases, the vessel comprising a sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface, a plurality of antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals into the sidewall of the vessel to impinge upon the plurality of phases in the conductive or semi-conductive mixture and to receive corresponding signals reflected from the plurality of phases in the conductive or semi-conductive mixture, the antennas situated at a plurality of different levels along the exterior surface of the vessel sidewall, wherein reflected signals are received, a transmitter module configured to generate electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a receiver module configureType: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Ehsan Shameli, Bert O. Wasmund, Nils W. Voermann
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Patent number: 7783436Abstract: Some metallurgical furnaces have a tapblock that is blocked during operation of the furnace. The tapblock may be opened by lancing, drilling, tapping or by other methods to release metal from the furnace. By monitoring acoustic emissions during the opening process, feedback may be provided to improve the opening process and to avoid excessive damage to the tapblock, the cooling elements, a refractory lining of the tapblock or other elements of the metallurgical furnace.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Pawel B. Gebski, Bert O. Wasmund, Nils W. Voermann
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Patent number: 7665362Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for more accurately determining the thickness of a refractory lining included in an operating metallurgical furnace. Specifically, in some embodiments a transient propagated stress wave is used to determine the condition of a refractory lining, and additionally, provide a systematic way to include the affect that temperature has on the velocity of a compressive wave through a heated refractory material and/or accretions. As identified in aspects of the present invention, and contrary to the common understanding in the art, the velocity of a stress wave, at each frequency and in a refractory material, is not necessarily constant over a temperature range. In accordance with aspects of some specific embodiments of the invention, a scaling factor ? can be calculated for each refractory material to adjust for the presumed velocity of the stress wave through each refractory material.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Hatch Ltd.Inventor: Afshin Sadri
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Publication number: 20090093978Abstract: The described embodiments relate to systems and methods for acoustic monitoring of metallurgical furnace cooling elements. Some metallurgical furnaces have a tapblock that is blocked during operation of the furnace. The tapblock may be opened by lancing, drilling, tapping or by other means to release metal from the furnace. By monitoring acoustic emissions during the opening process, feedback may be provided to improve the opening process and to avoid excessive damage to the tapblock, the cooling elements, a refractory lining of the tapblock or other elements of the metallurgical furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Pawel B. Gebski, Bert O. Wasmund, Nils W. Voermann
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Publication number: 20080092658Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for more accurately determining the thickness of a refractory lining included in an operating metallurgical furnace. Specifically, in some embodiments a transient propagated stress wave is used to determine the condition of a refractory lining, and additionally, provide a systematic way to include the affect that temperature has on the velocity of a compressive wave through a heated refractory material and/or accretions. As identified in aspects of the present invention, and contrary to the common understanding in the art, the velocity of a stress wave, at each frequency and in a refractory material, is not necessarily constant over a temperature range. In accordance with aspects of some specific embodiments of the invention, a scaling factor ? can be calculated for each refractory material to adjust for the presumed velocity of the stress wave through each refractory material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: HATCH LTD.Inventor: Afshin Sadri
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Patent number: 7174787Abstract: A system for inspecting a refractory furnace having an outer shell and an inner refractory brick lining includes a stress wave generator for generating stress waves that propagate through the outer shell and the refractory brick lining. A stress wave sensor senses reflected stress waves returning to the outer shell. A processing unit in communication with the stress wave sensor processes output generated by the stress wave sensor to generate data representing the condition of the refractory brick lining. In this manner, the location and geometry of anomalies within the refractory brick lining can be determined without requiring the refractory furnace to be shut down.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Andec Manufacturing Ltd.Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Richard deWalle
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Publication number: 20060186585Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for more accurately determining the thickness of a refractory lining included in an operating metallurgical furnace. Specifically, in some embodiments a transient propagated stress wave is used to determine the condition of a refractory lining, and additionally, provide a systematic way to include the affect that temperature has on the velocity of a compressive wave through a heated refractory material and/or accretions. As identified in aspects of the present invention, and contrary to the common understanding in the art, the velocity of a stress wave, at each frequency and in a refractory material, is not necessarily constant over a temperature range. In accordance with aspects of some specific embodiments of the invention, a scaling factor a can be calculated for each refractory material to adjust for the presumed velocity of the stress wave through each refractory material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2005Publication date: August 24, 2006Inventor: Afshin Sadri
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Publication number: 20040177692Abstract: A system for inspecting a refractory furnace having an outer shell and an inner refractory brick lining includes a stress wave generator for generating stress waves that propagate through the outer shell and the refractory brick lining. A stress wave sensor senses reflected stress waves returning to the outer shell. A processing unit in communication with the stress wave sensor processes output generated by the stress wave sensor to generate data representing the condition of the refractory brick lining. In this manner, the location and geometry of anomalies within the refractory brick lining can be determined without requiring the refractory furnace to be shut down.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Andec Manufacturing Ltd.Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Richard deWalle
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Patent number: 6356204Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for detecting impending earthquakes includes at least one sensor, and preferably multiple sensors, for mounting on a building or other like structure, and include a transducer for converting vibration signals to electronic impulses. The signals are transmitted to a solid state detection circuit, which distinguishes between extraneous signals and signals indicative of the P-waves which signal an impending earthquake. Discrimination between relevant and non-relevant may be achieved by selecting a minimum amplitude and duration of signals within a selected frequency range, and triggering an alarm when the selected minimums are exceeded. Where multiple sensors are deployed, temporal overlap between selected signals can be assessed for further discrimination.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Tectonics Research Group, Inc.Inventors: Sami Guindi, Robert Heidt, Afshin Sadri
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Patent number: 5983701Abstract: A portable system for non-destructive evaluation of geological material structures comprises an impact device which impacts a spherical surfaced member against the surface of the structure. A vertical displacement transducer and a horizontal displacement transducer detect reflected signals from an interface of the structure, the signals being processed to give a indication of the depth of the interface from the surface of the interface and also provide an evaluation of the physical properties of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of LearningInventors: Ferri P. Hassani, Afshin Sadri, Moe Momayez
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Patent number: 5760696Abstract: An apparatus and method for discriminating between conventional earth tremors and those which are precursors to an earthquake are provided. The method involves detecting vibration signals indicative of an earthquake. The method provides a structural vibration detecting means for detecting vibration signals in a structure responsive to vibration of a substrate upon which the structure is mounted. The detecting means is mounted to a structure. The vibration signal of the structure, e.g. the vibrations received by the wall, is determined. Any extraneous vibration signal different from the vibration signal of the structure are compared. If the extraneous signal is within a predetermined alarm signal level, the apparatus is actuated to indicate that an earthquake is imminent. The apparatus involves the use of a detector, an amplifier for amplifying the received signal, and a comparator for determining whether a received amplified signal is an earthquake signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Tectonics Research Group Inc.Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Sami Guindi, Robert Heidt