Patents by Inventor William C. Hughes
William C. Hughes 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: 20240052724Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits such as jumpers provide the ability to alternate between cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the conduit as needed depending on the phase of operation. Adjustable insulation elements are provided on the conduits so that convective heat transfer between surrounding seawater and the conduit can be allowed or reduced. A control system can activate an alarm indicating the need to adjust the insulation depending on the temperature and/or flow rate of fluids in the conduit. Conventional conduits can be retrofitted by adding adjustable insulation elements to enable thermal management.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Sid Mebarkia, Michelle A. Wise, Yesudas J. Manimala, William C. Hughes, Steven W. Cochran, Edgar Uribe, Jason D. Garcia
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Publication number: 20240044435Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea interconnecting conduit such as jumpers that provide cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the jumpers. In a jumper circuit, parallel sections of jumper are provided having differing amounts of heat transfer between surrounding seawater and production fluids flowing within. Valving is provided to control fluid flow between the parallel sections of jumper, thus controlling the amount of heat transfer between the surrounding seawater and the jumper circuit. A control system can be used to generate an alarm based on fluid temperature and/or fluid flow rate within the jumper circuit indicating the need to adjust the valving to manage the temperature of fluids within the jumper circuit. Changes may be needed particularly depending on the phase of production, e.g., early life, normal operation, shut down and late life operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Antonio C.F CRITSINELIS, Sid MEBARKIA, Michelle A. Wise, Yesudas J. MANIMALA, William C. HUGHES, Steven W. COCHRAN, Edgar URIBE, Jason D. GARCIA
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Publication number: 20240011929Abstract: An apparatus for measuring volumetric moisture content using an affixing method for sensing probes that reduces bending and breaking stress on the probes. The volumetric moisture content sensor has sensing probes secured against compressive axial movement during insertion into a test media, while allowing limited radial movement. Radial movement is limited via the use of a compressed elastomeric sleeve surrounding the portion of the rod supported by the sensor housing. When in the uncompressed state, there is a clearance fit allowing free movement for removal and replacement of the probes. The compressed elastomeric sleeve is used in conjunction with a rod support mechanism such that the sleeve seals out moisture, dust, and other contaminants from an interior portion of the sensor. The compressed elastomeric sleeve provides a force that assures a proper electrical connection between the sensor probes and an electronic circuit of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: Innoquest, Inc.Inventor: William C. Hughes
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Patent number: 11634970Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits such as jumpers that provide the ability to alternate between cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the conduit as needed depending on the phase of operation. Adjustable insulation elements are provided on the conduits so that convective heat transfer between surrounding seawater and the conduit can be allowed or reduced. A control system can activate an alarm indicating the need to adjust the insulation depending on the temperature and/or flow rate of fluids in the conduit. Conventional conduits can be retrofitted by adding adjustable insulation elements to enable thermal management.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Sid Mebarkia, Michelle A. Wise, Yesudas J. Manimala, William C. Hughes, Steven W. Cochran, Edgar Uribe, Jason D. Garcia
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Patent number: 11313738Abstract: A handheld apparatus for measuring atmospheric temperature inversions consisting of a battery powered electronic display portion, a folding pole portion, and a temperature sensor protected from sources of heat radiation. An electronic circuit measures air temperatures at multiple heights accurately by automatically determining when readings have stabilized and reads a tilt sensor to assure temperature readings are at the proper height. Affixing said temperature sensor to the end of a pole while the opposite end is held in the user's hand facilitates waving of the temperature sensor end through the air to increase air flow, therefore, assuring quicker response and accurate air temperature readings. An electronic display indicates the presence and intensity of an atmospheric temperature inversion.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Innoquest, Inc.Inventor: William C. Hughes
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Publication number: 20220015283Abstract: An example agricultural machine comprises a material distribution system that includes a material distribution line configured to convey particulate material to a component. The agricultural machine comprises a sensing system that includes a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a measure of a flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a measure of the flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, and a correlation generation component configured to receive indications of the first and second sensor signals and to generate a correlation metric that represents a correlation between the first and second sensor signals. In one example, the correlation metric is applied to a sensor signal from a second material distribution line to determine a flow rate in the second material distribution line.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Terry L. Snipes, Robert T. Casper, William C. Hughes, Gerald E. Rains, Jason D. Walter, Elijah B. Garner, Matt D. Bartelson, Sahil C. Desai, Andrew J. Scholl
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Patent number: 11154004Abstract: An example agricultural machine comprises a material distribution system that includes a material distribution line configured to convey particulate material to a component. The agricultural machine comprises a sensing system that includes a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a measure of a flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a measure of the flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, and a correlation generation component configured to receive indications of the first and second sensor signals and to generate a correlation metric that represents a correlation between the first and second sensor signals. In one example, the correlation metric is applied to a sensor signal from a second material distribution line to determine a flow rate in the second material distribution line.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Terry L. Snipes, Robert T. Casper, William C. Hughes, Gerald E. Rains, Jason D. Walter, Elijah B. Garner, Matt D. Bartelson, Sahil C. Desai, Andrew J. Scholl
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Publication number: 20210230975Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits such as jumpers that provide the ability to alternate between cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the conduit as needed depending on the phase of operation. Adjustable insulation elements are provided on the conduits so that convective heat transfer between surrounding seawater and the conduit can be allowed or reduced. A control system can activate an alarm indicating the need to adjust the insulation depending on the temperature and/or flow rate of fluids in the conduit. Conventional conduits can be retrofitted by adding adjustable insulation elements to enable thermal management.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Antonio C.F. CRITSINELIS, Sid MEBARKIA, Michelle A. WISE, Yesudas J. MANIMALA, William C. HUGHES, Steven W. COCHRAN, Edgar URIBE, Jason D. GARCIA
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Publication number: 20210230976Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea jumpers that provide the ability to cool and/or retain heat in production fluids within the jumpers. The jumpers are provided with an annular pipe section surrounding the jumper circumferentially. The flow of a liquid cooling medium into an inlet and out an outlet of the annular pipe section can be controlled to provide cooling or heat retention as needed. A control system can be used to generate an alarm based on fluid temperature and/or fluid flow rate within the jumper indicating the need to adjust the flow of the cooling medium to manage the temperature of fluids within the jumper. Changes may be needed particularly depending on the phase of production, e.g., early life, normal operation, shut down and late life operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Antonio C.F. CRITSINELIS, Sid MEBARKIA, Michelle A. WISE, Yesudas J. MANIMALA, William C. HUGHES, Steven W. COCHRAN, Edgar URIBE, Jason D. GARCIA
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Publication number: 20210231250Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits. A jumper that carries oil and/or gas produced from a subsea well in a subsea production facility located on a seabed has a first end for connecting to a first subsea component and a second end for connecting to a second subsea component. The jumper includes a jumper segment that is sloped relative to the horizontal, such that gravity assists with drainage of fluid from the second end of the jumper independent from fluid pressure in the jumper. At least a portion of the jumper is uninsulated to allow exchange of heat with seawater surrounding the jumper as produced fluid travels through the jumper. The amount of insulation on the jumper can be varied such that heat transfer from the production fluids to seawater surrounding the jumper circuit is adjusted as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Sid MEBARKIA, Michelle A. WISE, Yesudas J. MANIMALA, William C. HUGHES, Steven W. COCHRAN, Edgar URIBE, Jason D. GARCIA
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Publication number: 20210231249Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for thermal management of subsea interconnecting conduit such as jumpers that provide cooling and heat retention of production fluids within the jumpers. In a jumper circuit, parallel sections of jumper are provided having differing amounts of heat transfer between surrounding seawater and production fluids flowing within. Valving is provided to control fluid flow between the parallel sections of jumper, thus controlling the amount of heat transfer between the surrounding seawater and the jumper circuit. A control system can be used to generate an alarm based on fluid temperature and/or fluid flow rate within the jumper circuit indicating the need to adjust the valving to manage the temperature of fluids within the jumper circuit. Changes may be needed particularly depending on the phase of production, e.g., early life, normal operation, shut down and late life operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2020Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Antonio C.F. CRITSINELIS, Sid MEBARKIA, Michelle A. WISE, Yesudas J. MANIMALA, William C. HUGHES, Steven W. COCHRAN, Edgar URIBE, Jason D. GARCIA
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Publication number: 20200337223Abstract: An example agricultural machine comprises a material distribution system that includes a material distribution line configured to convey particulate material to a component. The agricultural machine comprises a sensing system that includes a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a measure of a flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a measure of the flow of the particulate material in the material distribution line, and a correlation generation component configured to receive indications of the first and second sensor signals and to generate a correlation metric that represents a correlation between the first and second sensor signals. In one example, the correlation metric is applied to a sensor signal from a second material distribution line to determine a flow rate in the second material distribution line.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2019Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Terry L. SNIPES, Robert T. CASPER, William C. HUGHES, Gerald E. RAINS, Jason D. WALTER, Elijah B. GARNER, Matt D. BARTELSON, Sahil C. DESAI, Andrew J. SCHOLL
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Publication number: 20190242762Abstract: A handheld apparatus for measuring atmospheric temperature inversions consisting of a battery powered electronic display portion, a folding pole portion, and a temperature sensor protected from sources of heat radiation. An electronic circuit measures air temperatures at multiple heights accurately by automatically determining when readings have stabilized and reads a tilt sensor to assure temperature readings are at the proper height. Affixing said temperature sensor to the end of a pole while the opposite end is held in the user's hand facilitates waving of the temperature sensor end through the air to increase air flow, therefore, assuring quicker response and accurate air temperature readings. An electronic display indicates the presence and intensity of an atmospheric temperature inversion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: Innoquest, Inc.Inventor: William C. Hughes
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Patent number: 9114441Abstract: A handheld nozzle cleaning device includes a cylinder and piston disposed within the cylinder. The piston is movable between a latched position, in which air is compressed, and an unlatched position, in which air is drawn into the cylinder. The handheld nozzle cleaning device also includes a valve and a nozzle disposed at one end of the cylinder. Manual operation of the piston, defined by linear movement of the piston in a first direction, both releases the piston from the latched position and draws air into the cylinder. The compressed air flows out of the cylinder through the nozzle when the valve is opened. Also, manual operation of the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction both compresses air within the cylinder and secures the piston in the latched position.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Innoquest, Inc.Inventors: William C. Hughes, Jason A. Pilman
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Patent number: 8656759Abstract: A portable handheld consistometer that includes a probe having a shaft and a probe tip attached to a first end of the shaft. In an embodiment, the probe tip has a cross-sectional area greater than that of the shaft, the probe configured to be inserted into a material to measure the consistency thereof. In an embodiment, a force sensor is attached to a second end of the shaft opposite the first end. The force sensor is coupled to processing circuitry, and is configured to measure the force with which the probe tip penetrates the material. In an embodiment, a distance sensor is coupled to the processing circuitry. The distance sensor is configured to measure the distance that the probe tip penetrates into the material. Further; the handheld consistometer includes a display screen coupled to the processing circuitry and configured to display the results of consistency measurements.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Innoquest, Inc.Inventors: William C. Hughes, John D. Guy
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Publication number: 20130333157Abstract: A handheld nozzle cleaning device includes a cylinder and piston disposed within the cylinder. The piston is movable between a latched position, in which air is compressed, and an unlatched position, in which air is drawn into the cylinder. The handheld nozzle cleaning device also includes a valve and a nozzle disposed at one end of the cylinder. Manual operation of the piston, defined by linear movement of the piston in a first direction, both releases the piston from the latched position and draws air into the cylinder. The compressed air flows out of the cylinder through the nozzle when the valve is opened. Also, manual operation of the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction both compresses air within the cylinder and secures the piston in the latched position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: INNOQUEST, INC.Inventors: William C. Hughes, Jason A. Pilman
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Patent number: 8448676Abstract: A multiple sump fuel sampler with catch can that includes an upper fuel sampling and testing reservoir with integral lower catch can reservoir arranged such that a self-closing valve is placed between the upper sampling reservoir and the lower catch can. This self-closing valve can be easily opened and closed by a user to allow fuel in the upper sampling reservoir to drain down into the lower catch can reservoir. Embodiments of the invention include a means of spill-free dumping of fuel accumulated in the lower catch can reservoir via an integral no-drip pour spout.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Innoquest, Inc.Inventor: William C. Hughes
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Patent number: 8297131Abstract: A flow rate meter that includes a container of known and fixed volume. Electrodes, or sensors, are placed inside the container at several different heights. An electronic circuit uses the electrodes, or sensors, to measure the time it takes this container of known and fixed volume to fill a certain distance with water or water-based solution. The electronic circuit calculates the flow rate in engineering units from this elapsed time by knowing the volume of the container between the fixed electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Innoquest, Inc.Inventor: William C. Hughes
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Patent number: 8245412Abstract: An apparatus for counting parts in a tape and reel packaging system in which a plurality of parts are packaged on linear tape wound onto a reel. The apparatus includes a measuring device, and a meter body. The meter body includes electronic means for calculating and displaying a quantity of parts in the tape and reel packaging system. The calculation is based on inputs supplied by a user employing the measuring device. In an embodiment, the apparatus is portable and configured to be hand-held.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Innoquest, Inc.Inventor: William C. Hughes
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Patent number: D718110Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Innoquest, Inc.Inventors: William C. Hughes, Jason A. Pilman