Patents by Inventor G. Gregory Penza

G. Gregory Penza 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: 7551197
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Patent number: 7345757
    Abstract: An inspection system is provided that includes a camera and a laser distance measuring device. The camera has high magnification capabilities and can be panned and tilted as needed. The laser distance measuring device provides information regarding the distance from the camera to the object being imaged. The camera and laser distance measuring device are carried by a frame, which has an elongated member attached thereto for resting the frame on a surface. This configuration makes the inspection system well suited to inspect horizontal pipelines without feeding the camera along the length of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 7235961
    Abstract: A method for managing corrosion of an underground structure includes placing an anode in the ground and electrically connecting it to the underground structure. Access to the ground is obtained through a container at least partially buried in the ground, such that the surface of the ground proximate the container does not need to be penetrated in order to position the anode. A hole is bored through a wall of the container to access the ground proximate the container. Material is removed from the ground to provide a location for the anode. The anode is placed in the ground and backfilled with an electrically conductive backfill. A wire leading from the anode is then terminated inside the container at an electrical connection with another electrical conductor connected to the underground structure. The lid is replaced on the container, and the entire process is performed without penetrating the surface of the ground proximate the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignees: ULC Robotics, Inc., Consolidated Edison Company of New York
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Joseph T. Mandara, Philip J. Fowles
  • Patent number: 7004681
    Abstract: Supports for routing cables in existing pipelines are flexible cable supports containing minimally one hollow passage to receive a cable, and are installed between an existing pipeline inner wall and a structural liner. The cable supports have an elongate cross-section transverse to their length and are of sufficient flexibility to conform to the interior wall of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Publication number: 20040146362
    Abstract: Carriers and support means for routing cable structures in existing pipelines are disclosed, the carriers comprising coiled or folded cylinders or section thereof bearing or adapted to bear a cable support means are disclosed, as well as a method of fixing such carriers to the interior of pipelines, and routing cable structures by means of such devices and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 6712556
    Abstract: Carriers and support means for routing cable structures in existing pipelines are disclosed, the carriers comprising coiled or folded cylinders or sections thereof bearing or adapted to bear a cable support means are disclosed, as well as a method of fixing such carriers to the interior of pipelines, and routing cable structures by means of such devices and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Publication number: 20040006448
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting the interior of a live gas pipeline includes an entry tube for attaching the apparatus to a valve in the pipeline. A guide pole is sealingly attached to the entry tube, and linearly and rotatably articulates within the tube. Attached to an end of the guide pole is a camera module, mounted to an articulation mechanism. The end of the guide pole is moved into position within the interior of the pipeline, and the camera module sends video image signals to a remote output device, such as a monitor or recorder. A high intensity, adjustable light source is provided to illuminate the interior of the pipeline. An electronic control unit allows an inspector to remotely manipulate the camera module and light source to provide image data from various locations within the interior of the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Publication number: 20020170612
    Abstract: Carriers and support means for routing cable structures in existing pipelines are disclosed, the carriers comprising coiled or folded cylinders or sections thereof bearing or adapted to bear a cable support means are disclosed, as well as a method of fixing such carriers to the interior of pipelines, and routing cable structures by means of such devices and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 6311730
    Abstract: Flexible liners for relining fluid transport pipelines contain at least one integral conduit which has no fluid communication with either the interior of the lining of the relined pipeline, or with the inside wall of the pipeline itself. The integral but substantially fluid-isolated conduit may serve to carry telecommunications or other cables, thus providing an economical means of introducing telecommunications through existing pipeline infrastructure without necessitating abandonment of the fluid transport capabilities of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Publication number: 20010017163
    Abstract: Flexible liners for relining fluid transport pipelines contain at least one integral conduit which has no fluid communication with either the interior of the lining of the relined pipeline, or with the inside wall of the pipeline itself. The integral but substantially fluid-isolated conduit may serve to carry telecommuncations or other cables, thus providing an economical means of introducing telecommuncations through existing pipeline infrastructure without necessitating abandonment of the fluid transport capabilities of the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 6264537
    Abstract: A pipeline and tubular structure renovation apparatus facilitates rapid and economical removal of protrusions into the interior of pipelines and other tubular structures, particularly gas pipelines having excess weld or devices such as nipples, etc. The apparatus consists of a generally cylindrical carriage mounted on wheels or skids which substantially center the apparatus within a pipeline; a clamping device to clamp the carriage in position; and a centrifugal tool head which may perform grinding, cleaning, polishing and other operations. Grinding may be accomplished in both radial and plunge cutting modes. The apparatus is robust and of simple and economical construction. Weld removal speed is considerably faster than that achieved by conventional precision grinding tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 5899795
    Abstract: A pipeline and tubular structure renovation apparatus facilitates rapid and economical removal of protrusions into the interior of pipelines and other tubular structures, particularly gas pipelines having excess weld or devices such as nipples, etc. The apparatus consists of a generally cylindrical carriage mounted on wheels or skids which substantially center the apparatus within a pipeline; a clamping device to clamp the carriage in position; and a centrifugal tool head which may perform grinding, cleaning, polishing and other operations. Grinding may be accomplished in both radial and plunge cutting modes. The apparatus is robust and of simple and economical construction Weld removal speed is considerably faster than that achieved by conventional precision grinding tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza