Patents by Inventor Paul Pirner
Paul Pirner 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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Publication number: 20230279984Abstract: A pipeline inspection gauge includes a cleaning module for a pipeline. The cleaning module includes a body portion, a suspension assembly, a plurality of brushes, and an anti-rotation device. The body portion includes a front cup and a rear cup, and the suspension assembly is coupled to the body portion between the front cup and the rear cup. The plurality of brushes include at least one forward brush that is axially aligned with at least one rear brush. The suspension assembly is configured to bias the at least one forward brush and the at least one rear brush radially outward and into engagement with an arc defined along the inner surface of the pipeline when the pipeline inspection gauge is in the pipeline. The anti-rotation device is coupled to the body portion and prevents rotation of the cleaning module when the cleaning module is used in a pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventor: Paul Pirner
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Publication number: 20210404592Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an inline pipeline inspection tool includes a body configured to be moved by a compressible product moving through a pipeline and a speed control mechanism supported by the body. The speed control mechanism includes a contact member that is positionable against an inner surface of the pipeline and an actuator configured to act on the contact member to adjust a speed of the body when the speed deviates from a predetermined speed. The speed control apparatus forms a drive system that provides forward propulsion to prevent the tool from slowing or stopping due to a problematic feature in the pipeline. The speed control apparatus also forms a brake system that minimizes overspeed conditions that can occur when built-up pressure initially dislodges the tool from the problematic feature in the pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventor: Paul Pirner
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Patent number: 11204300Abstract: An in-line inspection tool for a pipeline comprises a body defining an axis, a sensor module coupled to the body, and a drive cup coupled to the body. The drive cup includes an outer surface with a plurality of axial channels, each of the axial channels including at least one bridge positioned therein that extends circumferentially across the channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: ENTEGRA LLPInventor: Paul Pirner
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Patent number: 11118718Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an inline pipeline inspection tool includes a body configured to be moved by a compressible product moving through a pipeline and a speed control mechanism supported by the body. The speed control mechanism includes a contact member that is positionable against an inner surface of the pipeline and an actuator configured to act on the contact member to adjust a speed of the body when the speed deviates from a predetermined speed. The speed control apparatus forms a drive system that provides forward propulsion to prevent the tool from slowing or stopping due to a problematic feature in the pipeline. The speed control apparatus also forms a brake system that minimizes overspeed conditions that can occur when built-up pressure initially dislodges the tool from the problematic feature in the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Entegra LLPInventor: Paul Pirner
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Publication number: 20210172821Abstract: An in-line inspection tool for a pipeline comprises a body defining an axis, a sensor module coupled to the body, and a drive cup coupled to the body. The drive cup includes an outer surface with a plurality of axial channels, each of the axial channels including at least one bridge positioned therein that extends circumferentially across the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2019Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventor: Paul Pirner
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Patent number: 10458822Abstract: An in-line inspection tool for a pipeline includes a body that is propelled through the pipeline and a plurality of sensor assemblies mounted to the body. The sensor assemblies are distributed circumferentially about a central axis of the body with each sensor assembly configured to move through a range of radial positions in a respective radial direction. A first sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes a first elongate arm, a first sensor carried by the first arm, and a first spacer that extends from the first arm. A second sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes a second elongate arm and a second sensor carried by the second arm. The first spacer contacts the second arm and maintains an expected circumferential spacing between the first arm and the second arm over the range of radial positions as the body is propelled through the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Entegra LLPInventor: Paul Pirner
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Publication number: 20190078721Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an inline pipeline inspection tool includes a body configured to be moved by a compressible product moving through a pipeline and a speed control mechanism supported by the body. The speed control mechanism includes a contact member that is positionable against an inner surface of the pipeline and an actuator configured to act on the contact member to adjust a speed of the body when the speed deviates from a predetermined speed. The speed control apparatus forms a drive system that provides forward propulsion to prevent the tool from slowing or stopping due to a problematic feature in the pipeline. The speed control apparatus also forms a brake system that minimizes overspeed conditions that can occur when built-up pressure initially dislodges the tool from the problematic feature in the pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventor: Paul Pirner
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Patent number: 10060568Abstract: The apparatus comprises a pipe PIG and a gauge. The PIG is for use with a pipeline and is of the type including: a body defining a longitudinal axis; and a pair of seals connected to the body and axially spaced apart from one another by the body. The gauge: has a longitudinal axis; has an outer periphery through which the longitudinal axis of the gauge passes centrally; has a central position relative to the body wherein the longitudinal axis of the body and the longitudinal axis of the gauge are at least substantially coincident; and is mounted to the body for generally radial movement relative to the central position.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Inventor: Paul Pirner
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Publication number: 20180010934Abstract: An in-line inspection tool for a pipeline includes a body that is propelled through the pipeline and a plurality of sensor assemblies mounted to the body. The sensor assemblies are distributed circumferentially about a central axis of the body with each sensor assembly configured to move through a range of radial positions in a respective radial direction. A first sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes a first elongate arm, a first sensor carried by the first arm, and a first spacer that extends from the first arm. A second sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes a second elongate arm and a second sensor carried by the second arm. The first spacer contacts the second arm and maintains an expected circumferential spacing between the first arm and the second arm over the range of radial positions as the body is propelled through the pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventor: Paul Pirner
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Publication number: 20160334297Abstract: The apparatus comprises a pipe PIG and a gauge. The PIG is for use with a pipeline and is of the type including: a body defining a longitudinal axis; and a pair of seals connected to the body and axially spaced apart from one another by the body. The gauge: has a longitudinal axis; has an outer periphery through which the longitudinal axis of the gauge passes centrally; has a central position relative to the body wherein the longitudinal axis of the body and the longitudinal axis of the gauge are at least substantially coincident; and is mounted to the body for generally radial movement relative to the central position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventor: PAUL PIRNER
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Patent number: 8336406Abstract: A conduit interrogation tool is provided that includes a pair of spaced apart contact elements that deform as the tool moves in the conduit. A deformation control member positioned proximate the contact element reduces or limits deformation of the contact element to a desired extent.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paul Pirner, Vyacheslav Akulshyn
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Publication number: 20080224465Abstract: A conduit interrogation tool is provided that includes a pair of spaced apart contact elements that deform as the tool moves in the conduit. A deformation control member positioned proximate the contact element reduces or limits deformation of the contact element to a desired extent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Paul Pirner, Vyacheslav Akulshyn
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Patent number: 4346359Abstract: The relay contains an excitation coil, a U-shaped yoke with one of its legs serving as the core of the coil, and an armature to operate at least one switching contact of a contact carrier unit. This unit contains a supporting bridge which extends essentially perpendicularly to the axis of the coil and which carries the contact finger(s) of the switching contact(s). The contact carrier unit is fastened to the free leg of the yoke. One edge of the face end of the free yoke leg serves as knife-edge bearing for the armature. The armature is fastened to the free yoke leg by a holding element. In order to make the relay compact and easy to assemble, the armature is angularly formed, thus having a magnetically active leg and a free leg. The free leg which does interact with the core of the coil extends essentially parallel to the free yoke leg. The contact fingers are positioned essentially parallel to the axis of the coil. The supporting bridge is provided with a fastening piece.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1981Date of Patent: August 24, 1982Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Paul Pirner, Alois Muehling
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Patent number: 4264835Abstract: A slot closure for the semi-closed slots of the stator of an electric machine is disclosed. The slot closure comprises slot closing bars interconnected in a ladder-like arrangement by flexible strips. Flexing of the strips by about 90.degree. correspondingly rotates individual bars and permits them to be successively inserted edge-wise through the slot openings. Advantageously, the ladder-like arrangement of bars and strips is made of a moldable or stampable material.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1978Date of Patent: April 28, 1981Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gerhard Viewegh, Hermann Schmidt, Paul Pirner