Inspecting Patents (Class 73/865.8)
  • Patent number: 10495564
    Abstract: A method and apparatuses to make an in-service measurement of the thickness and corrosion rate of the floor an aboveground or bulk underground storage tank. The preferred method is to use an off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensor that is placed on the end of a staff and inserted into an opening at the top of the tank to make one or more local measurements of the thickness and corrosion rate of the tank floor. When combined with the results of a previous out-of service internal inspection of the floor or an acoustic emission (AE) corrosion activity test performed with a vertical and horizontal array of three or more AE sensors placed on a staff and inserted into the liquid or on the external wall of the tank and show almost no corrosion activity, these local measurements can be used to determine the thickness and corrosion rate for the entire tank floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: VISTA PRECISION SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Maresca, Jr., Brian E. Humann, Wendell G. Faultersack, Wilhelmina C. Leuschen
  • Patent number: 10494915
    Abstract: A wellbore leakage detection tool and method for assembling such tool includes a longitudinal tool element, including a through bore perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal tool element, an acoustic insulator or damper arranged in the through bore, and an acoustic sensor assembly arranged suspended in the acoustic insulator or damper inside the through bore. The acoustic insulator or damper has an acoustic impedance different from an acoustic impedance of the tool element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: BERGEN TECHNOLOGY CENTER AS
    Inventor: Morten Ivar Andersen
  • Patent number: 10463298
    Abstract: A physical area network described herein enables significantly improved health monitoring and treatment by utilizing internal (in-body) mechanisms and information and external mechanisms and information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Lucas J. Myslinski
  • Patent number: 10451209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a segment of pipe-in-pipe pipeline comprising an annulus under reduced pressure sealed and delimited by a metallic internal pipe inserted into a metallic external pipe and provided with a measurement system to determine in a non-intrusive manner the state of the annulus, the measurement system being composed of a first internal emitter/receiver assembly placed inside the annulus and cooperating with means to measure a first physical quantity such as pressure, hygrometry or temperature inside the reduced pressure annulus and a second external emitter/receiver assembly arranged to the exterior of the segment and facing said first assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: ITP SA
    Inventors: Jean-Aurélien Damour, Christian Geertsen, Pierre Ollier
  • Patent number: 10451521
    Abstract: A scanner for inspecting a component is disclosed. The scanner may include a main body having a clamp attachable to the component, a first arm moveably attached to the main body, a first probe attached to the first arm, a first axial actuator in mechanical communication with the first arm, a second arm moveably attached to the main body, a second probe attached to the second arm, a second axial actuator in mechanical communication with the second arm, and a radial actuator in mechanical communication with the first arm and the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Elena Otero, Thomas Morris, Christoph Hurzeler
  • Patent number: 10437641
    Abstract: Aspects of the technology provide systems and methods for interleaving a processing task in a network monitoring appliance. A process of the technology could include steps for identifying operators in the network monitoring appliance, wherein the operators are sequentially arranged to form a processing pipeline, determining an epoch for the processing pipeline, wherein the epoch corresponds with a time duration required for a processing task to traverse the pipeline, and determining a time window in which a supplemental processing task can be interleaved into the processing pipeline, wherein the time window is based on the epoch. Machine-readable media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Chetan Narsude, Gaurav Gupta, Azeem Suleman, Shadab Nazar, Pavan Mamillapalli, Sundar Iyer
  • Patent number: 10378992
    Abstract: A system and method for pipeline inspection may include a transport module having a sensor arrangement configured to carry one or more sensors, and it may be movable longitudinally through the pipeline and circumferentially around an interior of the pipeline. The sensor arrangement may include a sensor and a sensor cover selectively disposable over the sensor for isolating the sensor from contact with the inside surface of a wall of the pipeline. The sensor cover may include a cleaning arrangement disposed proximate the sensor for removing debris from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Robert E. Kodadek, Michael Passaretti, Eric S. Feldman, Benjamin Lagosz-Sinclair
  • Patent number: 10377509
    Abstract: A fully automated method for testing functionality of a spacecraft or aircraft unit under testing (UUT) includes selecting a test station at which to conduct a first functionality test on the UUT. The method also includes coupling a program specific module (PSM) to the UUT. Each PSM is configured to couple to a specific type of UUT to provide power and telemetry to the specific type of UUT. The method further includes a robot arm moving the UUT to the selected test station. The method still further includes conducting the first functionality test on the UUT at the selected test station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Rigel Quinn Woida-O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10370830
    Abstract: A method of in-line inspection of integrity of a pipeline includes identifying a first prospective cluster related to at least a first feature of the pipeline and a second prospective cluster related to at least a second feature of the pipeline. The method includes calculating an effective area using Length Adaptive Pressure Assessment (LAPA) techniques. The effective area corresponds to a lower calculated burst pressure than surrounding areas of the pipeline. LAPA techniques are used to determine if the first prospective cluster interacts with the second prospective cluster. The method includes combining the first and the second prospective cluster when the effective area includes the first and the second prospective cluster to form a resultant cluster. The method further includes generating an indication of an attribute of the resultant cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Steven Farnie
  • Patent number: 10315237
    Abstract: A pig, in particular an inspection or cleaning pig, for passing through an elongate pipe having a pipe wall, preferably a gas pipeline, said pig comprising at least one functional unit for cleaning the pipe and/or for gathering pipe information and comprising a plurality of magnets, and said pig having an eddy current-braking unit formed by the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Rosen Swiss AG
    Inventors: Andrey Danilov, Thomas Beuker
  • Patent number: 10260985
    Abstract: A method for monitoring and detecting leaks in a pipeline is disclosed. The method is particularly useful in pipelines that are transporting hydrocarbons. Gas enabled photo sensitive particles are fed into the pipeline and when they encounter a leak, change their condition. This change is captured by a detector which transmits the data to an operator that a leak condition exists as well as its location and intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Naveed Aslam
  • Patent number: 10210556
    Abstract: A computer-based system and method of universal sizing and selling of apparel is provided. A central computer has a database of universal size indicators for articles of apparel, each corresponding to a range of physical measurements. The central computer receives from at least one remote computer at least one physical measurement corresponding to a consumer and provides to the consumer at least one of the universal size indicators corresponding to the received physical measurement. At least one consumer profile includes the universal size indicators corresponding to the physical measurements of the consumer. The consumer profile is shareable with others. Software is loadable onto the remote computer and is adapted to measure a person's foot placed upon a touch screen of the remote computer. The universal size indicators do not vary amongst different brands of the articles of apparel and include at least one of a character or a shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Future Shoe Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Cagner, Sarah Caplan
  • Patent number: 10119390
    Abstract: A system is described that is positionable downhole in wellbore for determining a parameter of a downhole tool. The system includes a tubing subassembly and a signal generator positioned in the tubing subassembly for outputting, in response to being covered or uncovered by a detectable portion of a downhole tool, a detectable signal for determining a parameter of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Max Hornsby
  • Patent number: 10102471
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus adapted to be connected to a component that is part of a pump system or a manifold trailer includes a block defining opposing first and second exterior surfaces. In one aspect, the block includes a recess formed in the first exterior surface and extending towards the second exterior surface, and an opening formed in the second exterior surface. In another aspect, the apparatus also includes an electronic identifying device at least partially accommodated within the recess, the device including a first portion having data stored thereon that provides identification of the component. In one aspect, the electronic identifying device further includes a second portion having data stored thereon that provides one of: information associated with certification of the component; and identification of the pump system or the manifold trailer of which the component is a part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: S.P.M. FLOW CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Ben Ward, Jeff Myers, Connor Landrum, Preston Smith
  • Patent number: 10073062
    Abstract: A system includes a probe assembly configured to inspect components of an assembled flange connection when the probe assembly is disposed within a bore of the components. The probe assembly includes a shaft configured to be aligned with an axis of the assembled flange connection, one or more ultrasound probes coupled to the shaft, and one or more encoders. The one or more ultrasound probes are configured to interface with an interior surface of the bore of the components, to emit ultrasound signals into the components, and to receive ultrasound signals from the components. The one or more encoders are coupled to the shaft and are configured to determine a position of the one or more ultrasound probes relative to a reference point of the assembled flange connection during an inspection of components of the assembled flange connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Manuel Kenneth Bueno, Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Willis James Perry, Robert Charles Shaffer, Richard Michael Hatley
  • Patent number: 10005555
    Abstract: An aerial imaging system and method of aerially capturing an image including a first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a second UAV. The first UAV includes a camera and may be configured to receive input from an operator. The second UAV may be configured to dock with and deploy from the first UAV. The second UAV includes a light configured to provide remote illumination for the camera. The light on the second UAV may be activated to illuminate a target of photography by the camera while the second UAV is flown separate from the first UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Lalan Jee Mishra, Jose G. Corleto Mena
  • Patent number: 10002376
    Abstract: A computer-based system and method of universal sizing and selling of apparel is provided. A central computer has a database of universal size indicators for articles of apparel, each corresponding to a range of physical measurements. The central computer receives from at least one remote computer at least one physical measurement corresponding to a consumer and provides to the consumer at least one of the universal size indicators corresponding to the received physical measurement. At least one consumer profile includes the universal size indicators corresponding to the physical measurements of the consumer. The consumer profile is shareable with others. Software is loadable onto the remote computer and is adapted to measure a person's foot placed upon a touch screen of the remote computer. The universal size indicators do not vary amongst different brands of the articles of apparel and include at least one of a character or a shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Future Shoe Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Cagner, Sarah Caplan
  • Patent number: 9976704
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve including a housing having an inlet and a relief outlet connected by a fluid flow passageway, the inlet fluidly connectable to a work string. The pressure relief valve includes a head sealingly disposed within the passageway between the inlet and relief outlet closing the fluid flow passageway between the inlet and relief outlet. An elongate buckling rod supports the head and is bucklable at a predetermined load thereby permitting sliding of the head from between the inlet and a relief outlet and opening the fluid flow passageway. A projection within the housing is extendible to an extended configuration, wherein in the extended configuration the projection applies a lateral force perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the buckling rod bending the rod from its axial center thereby decreasing the load at which the buckling rod collapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Herndon
  • Patent number: 9952593
    Abstract: A device for visually inspecting the external surfaces of an aircraft includes an inspection area to receive an aircraft, at least one visual inspection robot, and a control center. A movable platform of the robot supports a turret having an observation unit. The robot includes a processing unit which guides the movable platform and process the data received from the observation unit. The processing unit of the robot are configured to autonomously control the robot during the visual inspection of the external surfaces of the aircraft parked in the inspection area; to interrupt a visual inspection in the event of a detection of an anomaly on the external surface of the aircraft; to transmit a visual inspection data to the control center; and to receive instructions from the control center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS
    Inventors: Nicolas Colin, Frank Guibert
  • Patent number: 9927409
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for inspecting objects fed in a continuous flow, in particular packages or components, wherein an inspecting body is guided along an inspection segment together with an object and a response to an inspection of the object is detected by means of a sensor in order to determine if the object meets a quality criterion, in particular is tight or leaky or true to size or functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Eckhard Polman
  • Patent number: 9863042
    Abstract: A method for coating a substrate surface such as a syringe part by PECVD is provided, the method comprising generating a plasma from a gaseous reactant comprising an organosilicon precursor and optionally an oxidizing gas by providing plasma-forming energy adjacent to the substrate, thus forming a coating on the substrate surface by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The plasma-forming energy is applied in a first phase as a first pulse at a first energy level followed by further treatment in a second phase at a second energy level lower than the first energy level. The lubricity, hydrophobicity and/or barrier properties of the coating are set by setting the ratio of the O2 to the organosilicon precursor in the gaseous reactant, and/or by setting the electric power used for generating the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SiO2 Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Jones, John T. Felts, James Troy Gresham, Brian Russell Lilly, Thomas E. Fisk
  • Patent number: 9863919
    Abstract: A modular inspection vehicle having at least first and second motion modules is provided. The first and second motion modules are connected to a chassis. The first motion module includes a first wheel mounted to the chassis. The second motion module includes second wheel mounted to the chassis, the second wheel being at an angle to the first wheel. The vehicle further includes a navigation module configured to collect position data related to the position of the vehicle, an inspection module configured to collect inspection data related to the vehicle's environment, and a communication module configured to transmit and receive data. The vehicle can also include a control module configured to receive the inspection data and associate the inspection data with received position data that corresponds to the inspection data collect at a corresponding position for transmission via the communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Pablo Carrasco Zanini, Fadl Abdellatif, Brian Parrott, Hassane Trigui, Sahejad Patel, Ayman Amer, Ali Outa
  • Patent number: 9811900
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically collecting and processing nondestructive test (NDT) data to determine the presence, type, location, size, and strength of defects in composite, honeycomb, and grid structures like those found in aircraft, wind blades, boats, cars, building structures. The preferred embodiment is comprised of an uncooled IR mounted on a frame, a conductive heating mat, an IR Ruler with fiducials in a recognizable pattern, a computer, a processor, and output displays. The data collection, processing, and display output can be controlled or reviewed remotely via the internet. The processing, location, and output displays can be applied to any NDT system that collects and processes a two dimensional amplitude image (e.g., x-ray systems).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: KURION, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Maresca, Jr., Wilhelmina C. Leuschen, Marissa L. Ammer
  • Patent number: 9804132
    Abstract: An in-line pipeline inspection tool includes a plurality of sensors assemblies distributed about a central body. Each sensor assembly includes a sensor body coupled at the ends thereof to the central body by first and second linkage assemblies. The linkage assemblies include first and second links, the first link coupled by a first pivot to the central body and by a second pivot to the second link. The second link is coupled to the sensor body by a third pivot. As the tool is moved in one direction, the sensor body is urged away from the first linkage assembly, which engages a block that prevents further rotation of about one of the pivots. As the tool is moved in another direction, the block disengages, thereby permitting rotation about all three pivots. The second linkage assembly functions in an identical fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Philip M. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 9766175
    Abstract: A method and apparatuses to make an in-service measurement of the thickness and corrosion rate of the floor an aboveground or bulk underground storage tank. The preferred method is to use an off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensor that is placed on the end of a staff and inserted into an opening at the top of the tank to make one or more local measurements of the thickness and corrosion rate of the tank floor. When combined with the results of a previous out-of service internal inspection of the floor or an acoustic emission (AE) corrosion activity test performed with a vertical and horizontal array of three or more AE sensors placed on a staff and inserted into the liquid or on the external wall of the tank and show almost no corrosion activity, these local measurements can be used to determine the thickness and corrosion rate for the entire tank floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Vista Precision Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Maresca, Jr., Brian E. Humann, Wendell G. Faultersack, Wilhelmina C. Leuschen
  • Patent number: 9756231
    Abstract: A wastewater monitoring system uses a camera in a fixed location in a wastewater pipe that takes a still photograph of a location of interest at defined intervals, such as five minutes. The photographs are retrieved from the camera, and are then analyzed on a computer system that aggregates the still photographs into a video stream, allows a user to define an area of interest on one of the still photographs, then uses suitable algorithms or heuristics to detect changes between the photographs in the video stream. Video clips of interest are then generated using the detected changes, and are identified to a user so the user can review the video clips of interest to determine flows in the wastewater pipe that was monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: I&Eye Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Casey Freeman
  • Patent number: 9734397
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assessment and reporting system may utilize one or more scanning techniques to provide useful assessments and/or reports for structures and other objects. The scanning techniques may be performed in sequence and optionally used to further fine tune each subsequent scan. The system may include shadow elimination, annotation, and/or reduction for the UAV itself and/or other objects. A UAV may be used to determine a pitch of roof of a structure. The pitch of the roof may be used to fine tune subsequent scanning and data capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Loveland Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Leif Larson, Jim Loveland, Dan Christiansen, Tad Christiansen, Cam Christiansen
  • Patent number: 9721448
    Abstract: Wireless communication system for underground pipeline inspection. The system includes a plurality of sensor nodes moved by robots within the pipeline and each sensor node includes a radio transceiver. A plurality of spaced apart, above ground relay nodes are deployed along the pipeline, each relay node including a radio transceiver for communication with the sensor nodes. A remote monitoring center is provided in communication with the relay nodes, whereby a leak detected by a sensor node is communicated to the remote monitoring center. Each sensor node may further include a microcontroller, an accelerometer and a timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Dalei Wu, Kamal Youcef-Toumi, Samir Mekid, Rached Ben-Mansour
  • Patent number: 9683437
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical indicator system for signaling when a droppable object (such as, for example, a dart, plug or ball) is released during well cementing operations. A body section has first and second chambers divided by a fluid and pressure sealing barrier. A mechanical trigger mechanism is situated in the first chamber, which is exposed to elevated pressures and harsh wellbore fluids. Less robust components, such as sensor(s), power source(s), and signal device(s) located in the second chamber, remain isolated from the wellbore environment and elevated pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Blackhawk Specialty Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Flanigan, James F. Giebeler, Juan Carlos E. Mondelli, Ron D. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 9487960
    Abstract: Suspended deck systems, kits, methods of installing a suspended deck system, and methods of inspecting and/or repairing a suspended deck system are described herein. An example embodiment of a suspended deck system comprises a plurality of bosses, a plurality of links, and a deck. Each boss of the plurality of bosses is attached to a tower section between the tower section first flange and the tower section second flange. Each link of the plurality of links has a link first end that is attached to a boss of the plurality of bosses and a link second end. The deck is attached to the link second end of each link of the plurality of links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: ONE ENERGY ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Jereme Kent, John Everett
  • Patent number: 9488592
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically collecting and processing nondestructive test (NDT) data to determine the presence, type, location, size, and strength of defects in composite, honeycomb, and grid structures like those found in aircraft, wind blades, boats, cars, building structures. The preferred embodiment is comprised of an uncooled IR mounted on a frame, a conductive heating mat, an IR Ruler with fiducials in a recognizable pattern, a computer, a processor, and output displays. The data collection, processing, and display output can be controlled or reviewed remotely via the internet. The processing, location, and output displays can be applied to any NDT system that collects and processes a two-dimensional amplitude image (e.g., x-ray systems).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Kurion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Maresca, Wilhelmina C. Leuschen, Marissa L. Ammer
  • Patent number: 9465020
    Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a temperature of a layer of snow as the sensing unit is being driven into the layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including resistance to penetration, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer temperature according to depth based on the sensed temperature. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: AvaTech, Inc.
    Inventors: James Loren Christian, Samuel Tileston Whittemore, Brinton J. W. Markle
  • Patent number: 9458512
    Abstract: A kit and method for the detection of bed bugs is discussed. The kit comprises at least one pair of polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) amplification primers capable of forming a Cimicidae-DNA-amplification-product for a family of organisms of a Cimicidae. Additionally, the kit provides a specimen collection device for collecting a DNA sample from an area suspected of harboring one or more members of the Cimicidae family. The kit also provides a DNA probe having fluorescent primer chemistry. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid amplification detection kit utilized a pair of PCR primers. The probe utilizes fluorescent primer chemistry and contains chemistry similar to Taqman Probes, Molecular Beacons, Hybridization Probes; or Eclipse Probes. Additionally, the kit contains a positive-control-Cimicidae DNA template for confirming Cimicidae-DNA-amplification-product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Ernest Colaizzi, Ryan Smith Westberry
  • Patent number: 9352851
    Abstract: The nonintrusive control method consists in using a tugging device attached to the aircraft's landing gear which is towing the aircraft over a detector line, detector line fixed onto the runway under a penetrating radiation source held by a telescopic boom fixed on a mobile scanning unit. The aircraft is towed with constant speed and electronically controlled in a secured and delimited perimeter. The system consists of a mobile scanning unit (MSU), controlled remotely by a towable mobile control center positioned outside an exclusion area. The MSU consists of a telescopic boom holding on its extremity a penetrating radiation source and a detector line fixed onto the runway and a tugging device, which attaches to the aircraft's undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventors: Mircea Tudor, Adrian Bîzgan, Constantin Sima, Ionel Chirita, Andrei Iacobita, Emilian Mieilica, Adrian Osvat, Cristian Prioteasa, Ovidiu Popovici, Anda Dobrescu, Doru Munteanu, Emil Studineanu, Nicusor Birsan
  • Patent number: 9328857
    Abstract: Real-time location systems and methods use small, battery operated sensors and radios. The radios conform to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The radios are attached to objects to form mobile nodes. Fixed nodes are positioned to define a wired or wireless mesh network representing an area in which the objects can be monitored and tracked. The real-time location systems/methods provide robust, flexible and highly scalable systems/methods for remotely, accurately, efficiently, and/or readily tracking and securing objects (e.g., equipment, inventory, people) at a relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Zia Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Giacomo Conte, Larry J. Rapp, Gary L. Rapp
  • Patent number: 9304093
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring dynamic thermal conductivity of micro-structure fluid. The device includes an upper fixing plate (110a) and a lower fixing plate (110b) which are vertically spaced apart from each other, a lower body (150b) which defines a side surface of a separation space formed between the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate, a rotating plate (120) which is disposed in the separation space in such a way that gaps are respectively formed among the rotating plate and the upper and lower fixing plates, a shaft (140) which passes through the upper fixing plate and is coupled to the rotating plate, a heater which installed on an upper portion of the upper fixing plate, and thermocouples (118a) and (118b) which are respectively installed in the upper and lower fixing plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Wook-Hyun Lee, Seong-Ryong Park, Chong-Youp Kim, Seok-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 9290019
    Abstract: A recording paper supply mechanism 20 of a roll paper printer 1 has a roll paper holder 26 that holds the sides of a paper roll 12 on the transverse axis X at a position above Z1 the roll paper receiver 25. A delivery roller 22 is disposed above Z1 the paper roll 12 on the roll paper receiver 25. A detection unit 24 has a emitter 24A and photodetector 24B position so a detection beam L travels diagonally below the delivery roller 22, and the detection beam L intersects the path A of paper roll 12 movement when rising toward the delivery roller 22. A near-end state can therefore be detected based on output of the detection unit 24 even when the paper roll 12 is raised by force pulling in the delivery direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9255860
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods, adapted to immersively test/inspect machine components (e.g., tubes, conduits, etc.) in an in-situ manner are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a first seal member configured to sealingly engage a first portion of a machine component; a base system connected to the first seal member and configured to extend within the machine component, the base system including: a housing; and a inspection device disposed within the housing and configured to inspect the machine component; and a second seal member connected to the base system and configured to sealingly engage a second portion of the machine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary Austin Lamberton, Curtis Wayne Rose
  • Patent number: 9217691
    Abstract: A device for investigating a test body, wherein the device comprises a mounting unit for fixedly mounting the test body during the entire investigation, an electric drive unit adapted for mechanically driving the mounting unit and the test body mounted thereon, and a control unit adapted for controlling the electric drive unit to accelerate the test body mounted on the mounting unit, wherein the device is adapted so that the mounting unit and the test body mounted thereon are mechanically driven exclusively by the electric drive unit, wherein the electric drive unit comprises an electric linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: FronTone GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Matlschweiger
  • Patent number: 9212651
    Abstract: A robot to bolt down a series of nut bolts in a joint circular flange connection of a wind turbine, which robot comprises at least two wheels and a drive to transport the robot along the series of nut bolts and a tool to bolt down a nut bolt with a predefined torque and a position sensor to position the tool above the nut bolt to be bolted down and a robot control system to control the tightening process and document parameters relevant for the stability of each bolted down nut bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth Johst, Lars Jagd, Jonas Bovin, Gerald Marinitsch
  • Patent number: 9206937
    Abstract: A friction pig 2 and system for monitoring one or more physical properties upstream and/or downstream of the friction pig 2 when in use in a pipe 1 is disclosed. The friction pig comprises at least one sensor 7 connected to the friction pig 2 for sensing and acquiring data related to one or more physical properties concerning the friction pig 2 or fluid upstream and/or downstream of the friction pig 2; means for receiving instructions from a remote control unit 12; means for carrying out instructions; and means for transmitting the acquired data to the remote control unit 12, thus enabling monitoring of one or more physical properties. Friction pigs preferably comprise friction plugs, for example high-friction plugs, for use in pipeline isolation. The invention is also described by a system comprising at least two friction pigs 2, 4 for measuring one or more physical properties when used in a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: TDW Offshore Services SA
    Inventor: Paul J. H. Christie
  • Patent number: 9200361
    Abstract: A deposition apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a sensor head located in the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of deposition rate measuring sensors, a sensor extractor coupled to the vacuum chamber and including a first vacuum maintaining valve, the sensor extractor being configured to extract one of the deposition rate measuring sensors to outside the vacuum chamber, and a sensor inserter coupled to the vacuum chamber and including a second vacuum maintaining valve, the sensor inserter being configured to insert one of the deposition rate measuring sensors into the sensor head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun-Sun Choi
  • Patent number: 9188270
    Abstract: Monitoring and analysis method of the conditions of a pipeline, comprising: providing an inspection device (1) in expanded polymeric or elastomeric material comprising at least one measurement instrument (2, 3), said measurement instrument including at least one casing and at least one sensor; introducing said inspection device into the pipeline (5); recovering said inspection device; wherein said casing is made of polymeric or elastomeric material, having a density, measured according to the regulation ASTM D3574, higher than or equal to 30 kg/m3, preferably ranging from 700 to 2,000 kg/m3. Said method allows the continuous registration and storage of useful parameters for revealing defects and/or anomalies inside the pipeline (5) that transports gas and/or liquids, as well as possible variations in the internal diameter of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Giulio Di Lullo, Alessia Poggio, Eliana De Marchi
  • Patent number: 9188515
    Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated measurement apparatus that may perform measurement of various material characteristics (e.g., thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, magnetic inductivity, etc.) and defects of a composite material in a non-destructive manner. The apparatus may include: a jig chamber having a door; a first jig device for measuring electrical characteristics, a second jig device for measuring magnetic characteristics, and a third jig device for measuring magnetic characteristics, the three jig devices interchangeably mounted in the jig chamber so that either the first, second, or third jig device may be used to measure a composite material sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: You Sung Moon, Kyong Hwa Song, Jin Woo Kwak, Gi Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9158393
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to control devices, such as human interface devices, configured for use with a touch-screen containing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and various apparatus that are used to actively control the interaction of a handheld device, such as a stylus pen, with a touch-screen containing device. Embodiments of the invention provide a universal handheld device that is able to provide input to any type of capacitive sensing touch-screen containing device, regardless of the manufacturer or, in some embodiments, without knowledge of the touch-screen containing device manufacturer's specific capacitive touch-sensing detection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: LOGITECH EUROPE S.A.
    Inventor: Maxim Vlasov
  • Publication number: 20150128733
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for an energy harvesting sensor are disclosed. A sensor device may include an energy harvesting element configured to harvest energy from a source of energy that is to be measured by the sensor device, and an energy storage element configured to store energy generated by the energy harvesting element. The sensor device may further include a transmitter circuit coupled to the energy storage element and configured to transmit a wireless signal when the energy stored in the energy storage element is sufficient to power a transmission of the wireless signal. The time between transmissions by the transmitter may be used by a receiver of those transmissions to calculate a measure of the quantity being used for energy harvesting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kirk Steven Taylor, Kenneth Kaskoun
  • Publication number: 20150122056
    Abstract: The present invention conveniently and practically addresses a significant need. The invention provides pens that are clearly labeled with a phrase to indicate that the pens contain GMP-compliant indelible ink. In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for writing, comprising: (i) indelible ink; (ii) a construction suitable for containing the indelible ink; and (iii) a text-based label on an outer surface of the construction, wherein the label comprises a word or phrase intended to validate the apparatus for GMP compliance, FDA compliance, and/or EMEA compliance. In another aspect, a method is disclosed for providing a writing procedure that is GMP-compliant, FDA-compliant, and/or EMEA-compliant. In yet another aspect, the invention describes a method for labeling a pen containing indelible ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen M. PERRY, Milan DRAGIC
  • Publication number: 20150122055
    Abstract: Disclosed non-destructive inspection methods comprise non-contact determination of the location of a non-destructive inspection probe and identification of the location on a test structure where test data is acquired by the probe. Determination may include capturing the positions of the probe and the test structure with one or more electronic cameras. Identification may include associating the acquired test data with the location of the probe relative to the test structure. Further, methods may comprise visualization of the test data relative to the identified location. Disclosed non-destructive inspection systems comprise a probe, one or more electronic cameras, a computer, and a display, together configured to determine the location of the probe, to acquire test data with the probe, to identify a location on a test structure associated with the test data, and to visualize the test data in relation to the test structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Puckett, Andrej M. Savol
  • Patent number: 9021900
    Abstract: Provided is an in-pipe inspection robot which moves along a path in a pipe to inspect suspected areas such as cracks in the pipe. An in-pipe inspection robot in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which two or more operating units having a plurality of arms, which move forward and backward in a radial direction of a pipe, are connected to each other to move in a straight direction or to be bent relative to each other by means of a flexible link mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation Yonsei University
    Inventors: Hyun Seok Yang, Woong Sun Jeon
  • Publication number: 20150114145
    Abstract: Quick-change system for wheels of an inspection crawler, in particular, of a pipe inspection and/or a sewage cleaning system comprising an adapter support and a wheel support (32), wherein the adapter support essentially is formed cylindrically, the wheel support has an essentially cylindrical and axial recess wherein the adapter support is arranged rotatably around a longitudinal axis of the quick-change system relative to the wheel support within the recess of the wheel support, and a locking means is arranged in the recess of the wheel support which cooperates with the wheel support and with the adapter support, and which locks the adapter support in a locked state against rotation around the longitudinal axis of the quick-change system relative to the wheel support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Dominik POMP