Patents by Inventor W. Thor Zollingger

W. Thor Zollingger 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: 5398560
    Abstract: An inspection rabbit for inspecting piping systems having severe bends therein. The rabbit consists of a flexible, modular body containing a miniaturized eddy current inspection probe, a self-contained power supply for proper operation of the rabbit, an outer surface that allows ease of movement through piping systems and means for transmitting data generated by the inspection device. The body is preferably made of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing or, alternatively, silicone rubber with a shrink wrapping of polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.RTM.). The body is formed to contain the power supply, preferably a plurality of batteries, and a spool of communication wire that connects to a data processing computer external to the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: W. Thor Zollingger, D. Keith Appel, Larry R. Park