Patents by Inventor Robert E. Lucas
Robert E. Lucas 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: 9313116Abstract: A method of re-establishing communication between a control device and an unaddressed test device connected in a network is provided. The method includes: maintaining a plurality of network addresses of nodes within the network, at the control device; resending a lost message, comprising sending a plurality of command messages, each including a command sent in the lost message and having a destination address different from a destination address of the lost message, wherein the plurality of network addresses comprises the destination addresses of the plurality of command messages; and, receiving an acknowledgement message from the unaddressed test device at the control device.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: ViaviSolutions Inc.Inventors: Canning Hsueh, J Harold Butler, Jr., Robert E. Lucas, John P. McIntire
-
Patent number: 9019364Abstract: A visual inspection system [100] includes a remote end [110] that is moved through a conduit [1] with a flexible pushrod [400]. The remote end [110] having at least one carriage assembly [130] with encoders [140] indicating a distance traveled within the conduit [1]. The visual inspection device [100] has a longitudinal camera [150] to identify view down the length of the conduit [1], but also has at least one transverse camera [160] adapted to visually inspect an inside surface [3] of the conduit [1]. Also, the transverse camera [160] may be used to inspect other conduits that connect to conduit [1].Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas, George Rowland
-
Publication number: 20140226457Abstract: A method of re-establishing communication between a control device and an unaddressed test device connected in a network is provided. The method includes: maintaining a plurality of network addresses of nodes within the network, at the control device; resending a lost message, comprising sending a plurality of command messages, each including a command sent in the lost message and having a destination address different from a destination address of the lost message, wherein the plurality of network addresses comprises the destination addresses of the plurality of command messages; and, receiving an acknowledgement message from the unaddressed test device at the control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventors: Canning HSUEH, J. Harold Butler, JR., Robert E. Lucas, John P. McIntire
-
Publication number: 20140022374Abstract: A visual inspection system [100] includes a remote end [110] that is moved through a conduit [1] with a flexible pushrod [400]. The remote end [110] having at least one carriage assembly [130] with encoders [140] indicating a distance traveled within the conduit [1]. The visual inspection device [100] has a longitudinal camera [150] to identify view down the length of the conduit [1], but also has at least one transverse camera [160] adapted to visually inspect an inside surface [3] of the conduit [1]. Also, the transverse camera [160] may be used to inspect other conduits that connect to conduit [1].Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas, George Rowland
-
Patent number: 8590383Abstract: An ultrasonic probe carrier includes a base, a first side arm having a first end thereof attached to the base and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the base on one side of a tube, and a second side arm having a first end thereof attached to the base and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the base on an opposite side of the tube, at least a portion of the first and second side arms being biased towards each other to removably secure the carrier around at least a portion of a circumference of the tube. An ultrasonic probe is attached to the base, and the carrier and ultrasonic probe are rotatable around the tube to scan at least one of: the circumference of the tube and a weld disposed around the circumference of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas
-
Patent number: 8037763Abstract: A rail section weld inspection device [1000] is described for inspecting a rail [10] for internal defects [19,21]. A central ultrasonic (US) probe [1330] transmits at least one US beam [B] through the rail [10] and receiving a reflected signal. At least one angled US probe [1310] transmits at least one US beam [A1-A5] through the rail [10] at an oblique angle at least partially covering the same region as the central probe [1330]. An encoder identifies the location of the US probes [1330] and [1310] along the rail [10] and pairs the locations of the probes with the signals received. The Calculation device [1500] receives the signals from the US probes and uses their different views to create an image of the flaws within the rail [10].Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas
-
Publication number: 20100307250Abstract: A rail section weld inspection device [1000] is described for inspecting a rail [10] for internal defects [19,21]. A central ultrasonic (US) probe [1330] transmits at least one US beam [B] through the rail [10] and receiving a reflected signal. At least one angled US probe [1310] transmits at least one US beam [A1-A5] through the rail [10] at an oblique angle at least partially covering the same region as the central probe [1330]. An encoder identifies the location of the US probes [1330] and [1310] along the rail [10] and pairs the locations of the probes with the signals received. The Calculation device [1500] receives the signals from the US probes and uses their different views to create an image of the flaws within the rail [10].Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas
-
Publication number: 20090314089Abstract: An ultrasonic probe carrier includes a base, a first side arm having a first end thereof attached to the base and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the base on one side of a tube, and a second side arm having a first end thereof attached to the base and a second end thereof extending outwardly from the base on an opposite side of the tube, at least a portion of the first and second side arms being biased towards each other to removably secure the carrier around at least a portion of a circumference of the tube. An ultrasonic probe is attached to the base, and the carrier and ultrasonic probe are rotatable around the tube to scan at least one of: the circumference of the tube and a weld disposed around the circumference of the tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTDInventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas
-
Patent number: 5837880Abstract: An ultrasonic test standard is formed by a metal block having a unique shape incorporating an arcuate surface and a series of reflectors that enable discreet instrument measurement verifications in a relatively small area. This calibration block, though relatively small and light in weight, will perform all of the functions of a standard IIW (International Institute of Welding) type block and additional functions.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Sperry Rail Service, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Shakinovsky, Robert E. Lucas