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: 9313116
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: ViaviSolutions Inc.
    Inventors: Canning Hsueh, J Harold Butler, Jr., Robert E. Lucas, John P. McIntire
  • Patent number: 9019364
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas, George Rowland
  • Publication number: 20140226457
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Canning HSUEH, J. Harold Butler, JR., Robert E. Lucas, John P. McIntire
  • Publication number: 20140022374
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas, George Rowland
  • Patent number: 8590383
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas
  • Patent number: 8037763
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas
  • Publication number: 20100307250
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas
  • Publication number: 20090314089
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Jacques L. Brignac, Robert E. Lucas
  • Patent number: 5837880
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sperry Rail Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Shakinovsky, Robert E. Lucas