Patents by Inventor Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair 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).
-
Patent number: 11904471Abstract: The disclosed systems for suspending cable (e.g., fiber optic cable) from an overhead powerline may include a payload subsystem for housing and dispensing a cable, a rotation subsystem for winding the cable around the powerline, an extension subsystem for raising at least a portion of the payload subsystem vertically upward from the powerline, a stabilization subsystem for stabilizing the system at least when the payload system is extended away from the powerline by the extension subsystem, and a drive subsystem for driving the system along the powerline. Various other related systems, devices, mechanisms, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Meta Platforms, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Blake Elandt, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Jonathan M. Kuriloff
-
Patent number: 11774025Abstract: A fitting for connecting a branch conduit to a liner installed in a main pipe is configured to mechanically connect to the branch conduit as it is inserted into the branch conduit from inside the main pipe. The mechanical connection is established without rotating the fitting. The fitting can include a body having an outer shaft section for being received in the branch conduit and an inner flange section for opposing the liner within the main pipe. The fastener include one or more teeth that extend radially from the exterior of the shaft section. The teeth can be secured to the shaft section by deforming portions of the fitting body against the teeth. The flange section supports a gasket for sealing against the liner when the fitting is installed. The flange section can include a rim that maintains the gasket in the proper position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.Inventors: George Bontus, Rick Baxter, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, George Lohr, David Antanavige, Dennis Semet, Steven McKeefrey
-
Publication number: 20230246427Abstract: The disclosed robotic system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates the robotic system along a powerline conductor and (2) a rotation subsystem coupled to the drive subsystem, where (a) the rotation subsystem is coupled to a container that defines an arcuate volume about an axis such that the container partially surrounds the powerline conductor when the axis aligns with the powerline conductor, (b) the container carries a segment of fiber optic cable coupled to the powerline conductor, and (c) the rotation subsystem, while the drive subsystem translates the robotic system along the powerline conductor, rotates the container about the powerline conductor while the axis is aligned with the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: Jonathan M. Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Alex Edwin Symington, John J. Webster, Wayne Michael Kachmar
-
Patent number: 11668891Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates along a powerline conductor, (2) a rotation subsystem that rotates a segment of fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor while the drive subsystem translates along the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor, and (3) an extension subsystem that (a) mechanically couples the rotation subsystem to the drive subsystem, and (b) selectively extends the rotation subsystem away from the drive subsystem and the powerline conductor to avoid obstacles along the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Meta Platforms, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, G. Gregory Penza
-
Patent number: 11652337Abstract: The disclosed robotic system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates the robotic system along a powerline conductor and (2) a rotation subsystem coupled to the drive subsystem, where (a) the rotation subsystem is coupled to a container that defines an arcuate volume about an axis such that the container partially surrounds the powerline conductor when the axis aligns with the powerline conductor, (b) the container carries a segment of fiber optic cable coupled to the powerline conductor, and (c) the rotation subsystem, while the drive subsystem translates the robotic system along the powerline conductor, rotates the container about the powerline conductor while the axis is aligned with the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Meta Platforms, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Alex Edwin Symington, John J. Webster, Wayne Michael Kachmar
-
Publication number: 20230087375Abstract: Stabilization mechanisms may include at least one gripper mounted to a powerline-crawling robot, which may be configured to grasp a powerline supporting the powerline-crawling robot. At least one controller may be configured to control a lateral position of the at least one gripper. At least one inertial measurement unit may be configured to sense at least one of lateral movement and axial rotation of the powerline-crawling robot. The controller may control the lateral position of the gripper based on data from the inertial measurement unit. Various other related systems, devices, mechanisms, and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventors: Jonathan M. Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
-
Patent number: 11169351Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates along a powerline conductor, (2) a rotation subsystem that rotates a segment of fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor while the drive subsystem translates along the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor, and (3) an extension subsystem that (a) mechanically couples the rotation subsystem to the drive subsystem, and (b) selectively extends the rotation subsystem away from the drive subsystem and the powerline conductor to avoid obstacles along the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, G. Gregory Penza
-
Patent number: 11079055Abstract: A fitting for connecting a branch conduit to a liner installed in a main pipe is configured to mechanically connect to the branch conduit as it is inserted into the branch conduit from inside the main pipe. The mechanical connection is established without rotating the fitting. The fitting can include a body having an outer shaft section for being received in the branch conduit and an inner flange section for opposing the liner within the main pipe. The fastener include one or more teeth that extend radially from the exterior of the shaft section. The teeth can be secured to the shaft section by deforming portions of the fitting body against the teeth. The flange section supports a gasket for sealing against the liner when the fitting is installed. The flange section can include a rim that maintains the gasket in the proper position.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.Inventors: George Bontus, Rick Baxter, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, George Lohr, David Antanavige, Dennis Semet, Steven McKeefrey
-
Publication number: 20200358268Abstract: The disclosed robotic system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates the robotic system along a powerline conductor and (2) a rotation subsystem coupled to the drive subsystem, where (a) the rotation subsystem is coupled to a container that defines an arcuate volume about an axis such that the container partially surrounds the powerline conductor when the axis aligns with the powerline conductor, (b) the container carries a segment of fiber optic cable coupled to the powerline conductor, and (c) the rotation subsystem, while the drive subsystem translates the robotic system along the powerline conductor, rotates the container about the powerline conductor while the axis is aligned with the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Jonathan M. Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Alex Edwin Symington, John J. Webster, Wayne Michael Kachmar
-
Publication number: 20200271884Abstract: The disclosed system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates along a powerline conductor, (2) a rotation subsystem that rotates a segment of fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor while the drive subsystem translates along the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor, and (3) an extension subsystem that (a) mechanically couples the rotation subsystem to the drive subsystem, and (b) selectively extends the rotation subsystem away from the drive subsystem and the powerline conductor to avoid obstacles along the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Jonathan M. Kuriloff, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, G. Gregory Penza
-
Publication number: 20200248857Abstract: A fitting for connecting a branch conduit to a liner installed in a main pipe is configured to mechanically connect to the branch conduit as it is inserted into the branch conduit from inside the main pipe. The mechanical connection is established without rotating the fitting. The fitting can include a body having an outer shaft section for being received in the branch conduit and an inner flange section for opposing the liner within the main pipe. The fastener include one or more teeth that extend radially from the exterior of the shaft section. The teeth can be secured to the shaft section by deforming portions of the fitting body against the teeth. The flange section supports a gasket for sealing against the liner when the fitting is installed. The flange section can include a rim that maintains the gasket in the proper position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: George Bontus, Rick Baxter, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, George Lohr, David Antanavige, Dennis Semet, Steven McKeefrey
-
Patent number: 10378992Abstract: A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
-
Patent number: 10309576Abstract: A system and method for pipe insertion in live gas mains includes isolating a section of the gas main and taking measurements of service line connection points. This data is then used to prepare a pipe to be inserted into the gas main by drilling holes and applying fittings at the appropriate locations. The prepared pipe is then inserted into the gas main and the service lines are connected to it without the need to excavate the street over each service connection. The inserted pipe is then fluidly connected to the cut ends of the gas main and gas flow is routed through the newly inserted pipe and the attached service lines, while gas continues to flow through the original portions of the gas main that still remain in service.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Michael Passaretti, Jamie Sternlicht, Eric S. Feldman
-
Patent number: 10302240Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, David Antanavige, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
-
Patent number: 10302239Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, David Antanavige, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
-
Patent number: 10295106Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, David Antanavige, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
-
Patent number: 10132440Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, David Antanavige, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
-
Publication number: 20180106697Abstract: A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: G. Gregory PENZA, Robert E. KODADEK, Michael PASSARETTI, Eric S. FELDMAN, Benjamin LAGOSZ-SINCLAIR
-
Patent number: 9927059Abstract: A system and method for pipe insertion in live gas mains includes isolating a section of the gas main and taking measurements of service line connection points. This data is then used to prepare a pipe to be inserted into the gas main by drilling holes and applying fittings at the appropriate locations. The prepared pipe is then inserted into the gas main and the service lines are connected to it without the need to excavate the street over each service connection. The inserted pipe is then fluidly connected to the cut ends of the gas main and gas flow is routed through the newly inserted pipe and the attached service lines, while gas continues to flow through the original portions of the gas main that still remain in service.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair, Michael Passaretti, Jamie Sternlicht, Eric S. Feldman
-
Patent number: 9869420Abstract: A system and method for pipeline maintenance may include a payload and a transport module having the payload attached thereto. The transport module may include a plurality of movable arms each having at least one respective wheel. At least some of the wheels may be drive wheels which are operable in a first orientation to drive the transport module linearly along a length of a pipeline, and are further operable in a second orientation to drive the transport module circumferentially around an inner surface of the pipeline. At least some of the arms are operable to move the payload in a generally radial direction toward and away from an interior surface of the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Michael Hauser, Eric S. Feldman, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair