Patents by Inventor Siu Chun Michael Ho
Siu Chun Michael Ho 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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Patent number: 11940418Abstract: A portable inspecting device includes PZT transducers and performs active sensing to measure the characteristics of bolted connections. The PZT transducers are mounted on opposing ends of spring-loaded rods and can be moved apart to accommodate a structure for testing. The springs cause the PZT transducers to push against opposing parts of the structure in a stable but temporary fashion. The device can be physically moved to inspect the status and health of multiple different bolted connections.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEMInventors: Gangbing Song, Jinwei Jiang, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Zheng Chen
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Patent number: 11885703Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are for monitoring the tightness of bolts. The systems and methods may be used with a mechanism to apply a percussive tap and with a recording or monitoring device for detecting and recording the acoustic signals that are generated by the percussive tap. The acoustic signals generated by percussive taps applied to bolts in various looseness states are analyzed and a machine learning model is developed that allows for determining bolt looseness based on the acoustic signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEMInventors: Gangbing Song, Qingzhao Kong, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Furui Wang
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Patent number: 11833554Abstract: Systems and methods for the ultrasonic disruption of biofilm and algae growth on underwater structures utilize an ultrasonic actuator that produces a natural frequency in the ultrasonic range. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic actuator includes one or more piezoelectric transducers.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEMInventors: Gangbing Song, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Devendra Patil
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Publication number: 20230054218Abstract: Systems and methods for the ultrasonic disruption of biofilm and algae growth on underwater structures utilize an ultrasonic actuator that produces a natural frequency in the ultrasonic range. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic actuator includes one or more piezoelectric transducers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEMInventors: Gangbing Song, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Devendra Patil
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Publication number: 20210356436Abstract: A portable inspecting device includes PZT transducers and performs active sensing to measure the characteristics of bolted connections. The PZT transducers are mounted on opposing ends of spring-loaded rods and can be moved apart to accommodate a structure for testing. The springs cause the PZT transducers to push against opposing parts of the structure in a stable but temporary fashion. The device can be physically moved to inspect the status and health of multiple different bolted connections.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2019Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: University of Houston SystemInventors: Gangbing Song, Jinwei Jiang, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Zheng Chen
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Publication number: 20210231515Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are for monitoring the tightness of bolts. The systems and methods may be used with a mechanism to apply a percussive tap and with a recording or monitoring device for detecting and recording the acoustic signals that are generated by the percussive tap. The acoustic signals generated by percussive taps applied to bolts in various looseness states are analyzed and a machine learning model is developed that allows for determining bolt looseness based on the acoustic signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2019Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: University of Houston SystemInventors: Gangbing Song, Qingzhao Kong, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Furui Wang
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Publication number: 20210078052Abstract: Systems and methods for the ultrasonic disruption of biofilm and algae growth on underwater structures utilize an ultrasonic actuator (10) that produces a natural frequency in the ultrasonic range. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic actuator (10) includes one or more piezoelectric transducers (110).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2018Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEMInventors: Gangbing Song, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Devendra Patil
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Patent number: 10830661Abstract: A scour monitoring system may provide a housing that is separated into multiple segments that are fluidically isolated from each other. The scour monitoring system may be position adjacent to a structure to be monitored for bridge scouring. Each of the segments may provide a water-swellable material positioned near or in contact with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) cable. If water penetrates a segment, the water-swellable material may expand to deform the FBG cable. The wavelength of the FBG cable may be monitored periodically for changes, thereby providing moisture detection when a change in wavelength is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEMInventors: Gangbing Song, Xuan Kong, Siu Chun Michael Ho
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Publication number: 20180120192Abstract: A scour monitoring system may provide a housing that is separated into multiple segments that are fluidically isolated from each other. The scour monitoring system may be position adjacent to a structure to be monitored for bridge scouring. Each of the segments may provide a water-swellable material positioned near or in contact with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) cable. If water penetrates a segment, the water-swellable material may expand to deform the FBG cable. The wavelength of the FBG cable may be monitored periodically for changes, thereby providing moisture detection when a change in wavelength is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2016Publication date: May 3, 2018Applicant: University of Houston SystemInventors: Gangbing Song, Xuan Kong, Siu Chun Michael Ho
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Patent number: 9301690Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a needle (e.g., hypodermic needle or trocar) and sensor (e.g., fiber Braggs grating sensor) coupled to a system to determine (e.g., in real time) stress and/or vibrations encountered by the needle. Consequently, various embodiments may (a) help identify nearby vessels, (b) determine whether the needle penetrated a hollow body structure, and (c) accurately guide needles towards a target structure (e.g., vessel). Other embodiments are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM, TEXAS HEART INSTITUTEInventors: Mehdi Razavi, Gangbing Song, Alireza Nazeri, Siu Chun Michael Ho
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Patent number: 9297691Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation method allows for high frequency dynamic measurement. The method may utilize a broad band light source connected to the sensing elements. Each sensing element may comprise two wavelength matching FBGs, a coupler, and a photodiode. The FBG closest to the light source may attenuate the central wavelength in the transmission spectrum and thus the reflection spectrum of the second FBG. Variations in intensity of the second FBG may be measured by the photodiode and can be calibrated to the desired measurands.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEMInventors: Gangbing Song, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Ren Liang, Hongnan Li
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Patent number: 9222877Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor for detecting moisture may include a sensor housing, FBG cable, water-swellable bead(s), and retaining mechanism. The housing secures the FBG cable and water-swellable bead. The retaining mechanism, such as one or more wire(s), placed adjacent to the FBG cable may be utilized to minimize lateral displacement of the water-swellable bead(s). The water-swellable bead(s) may swell as they absorb water, thereby causing the FBG to be strained to allow the detection of liquid moisture.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONInventors: Gangbing Song, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Ren Liang
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Publication number: 20140131562Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation method allows for high frequency dynamic measurement. The method may utilize a broad band light source connected to the sensing elements. Each sensing element may comprise two wavelength matching FBGs, a coupler, and a photodiode. The FBG closest to the light source may attenuate the central wavelength in the transmission spectrum and thus the reflection spectrum of the second FBG. Variations in intensity of the second FBG may be measured by the photodiode and can be calibrated to the desired measurands.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: University of HoustonInventors: Gangbing Song, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Ren Liang, Hongnan Li
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Publication number: 20140102190Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor for detecting moisture may include a sensor housing, FBG cable, water-swellable bead(s), and retaining mechanism. The housing secures the FBG cable and water-swellable bead. The retaining mechanism, such as one or more wire(s), placed adjacent to the FBG cable may be utilized to minimize lateral displacement of the water-swellable bead(s). The water-swellable bead(s) may swell as they absorb water, thereby causing the FBG to be strained to allow the detection of liquid moisture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: University of HoustonInventors: Gangbing Song, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Ren Liang
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Publication number: 20110288405Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a needle (e.g., hypodermic needle or trocar) and sensor (e.g., fiber Braggs grating sensor) coupled to a system to determine (e.g., in real time) stress and/or vibrations encountered by the needle. Consequently, various embodiments may (a) help identify nearby vessels, (b) determine whether the needle penetrated a hollow body structure, and (c) accurately guide needles towards a target structure (e.g., vessel). Other embodiments are described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: MEHDI RAZAVI, Gangbing Song, Alireza Nazeri, Siu Chun Michael Ho