Patents by Inventor Fred R. Burkhardt, Jr.

Fred R. Burkhardt, Jr. 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: 5634378
    Abstract: A portable scanning frame having a readily disassembled and transportable rectangular frame with a scanner head carried by a rail that traverses the frame to provide a rapid scan of large surfaces. The frame includes a cable management system that organizes the cable extending from the scanner head and further includes a chain drive that rides inside the structural members used for the sides and rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Virginia Corporation of Richmond, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred R. Burkhardt, Jr., Yener Merey
  • Patent number: 5329230
    Abstract: An eddy current probe for detecting material flaws by inducing and measuring eddy currents in the surface of a material. The probe is held at a constant lift-off distance from the surface by a probe carriage that slides across the surface in a straight scan line. The carriage moves relative to a motorized bracket that slides the carriage across the surface. This relative movement allows the carriage to move across an uneven surface without deflecting the probe from a straight scan line. The probe has a split core so that an adjacent pair of coils project and detect electromagnetic fields on the surface being measured. Both coils have opposing flat sides that allow the coils to be closely packed together within the probe body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John R. M. Viertl, Fred R. Burkhardt, Jr.