Patents Assigned to ENSCO
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Publication number: 20030006043Abstract: A device for use in removing and installing an inline component from a drill string that is depending downward over a deck. The device has an elongate member with a flange adapted to abut the deck and support the elongate member in a substantially upright orientation, and an engagement member on the elongate member adapted to rotably engage the inline component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Applicant: ENSCO International Incorporated.Inventors: Gilles Luca, Gary J. Faciane
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Publication number: 20020166248Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the geometry of a rail for a railroad track which includes mounting first and second cameras in back to back relationship to create a single camera axis passing through the camera lenses and to define a coordinate system with an origin centered between the cameras on the camera axis. First and second targets are placed on the rail to be measured and spaced an equal distance from the origin between first and second cameras respectively. The first and second cameras record the position of the first and second targets and provide position signals from which the mid-chord value of a chord extending between the first and second targets is computed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: ENSCO, Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Carr, Christian Diaz, Jeffrey Bloom
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Publication number: 20020166971Abstract: A topical recognition apparatus for monitoring surface condition of a bowling lane surface and a method thereof. The apparatus has a lamp that provides light on the bowling lane surface, and a sensor positioned proximate to the bowling lane surface, the sensor being adapted to sense light provided by at least one lamp after the light is scattered off the bowling lane surface, the scattered light being indicative of a surface condition of the bowling lane. The surface condition of the bowling lane monitored may be the quantity of oil on the bowling lane surface and/or the amount of wear on the bowling lane surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: ENSCO, Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Burns, Alan J. Siegel
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Patent number: 6466155Abstract: The method and apparatus for detecting a moving object through a barrier uses radar imaging and a multiplicity of spatially separated antennas to acquire full-waveform radar data that accurately represents the measurement of the propagating wavefield. The data is enhanced by subtracting an estimate of previously recorded background data, and beamforming of the enhanced data is performed to compute an image from the data provided on multiple channels.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: ENSCO, Inc.Inventors: David W. A. Taylor, William Todd Faulkner
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Publication number: 20020130806Abstract: The method and device for locating underground utilities within an area includes traversing the area with a plurality of underground utility sensors and obtaining area location data to locate the area traversed. The sensor data and area location data are used to map the location of one or more utilities within the area traversed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Applicant: ENSCO, Inc.Inventors: David W.A. Taylor, Alan G.R. Bell, John S. Roland, Matthew W. McGarvey, William H.A. McBride, Yuri Rosenberg, George R.A. Fields, William T. Faulkner
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Patent number: 6420985Abstract: A photonic, wide-band analog to digital converter and method for converting an analog electrical signal to a digital electrical signal by electrical signal processing wherein the analog electrical signal is first converted to an optical signal having a wavelength which is a function of the amplitude of said analog electrical signal. The optical signal is then filtered in a plurality of optical filter channels to create N optical bit signals forming an N bit binary word indicating the wavelength of said optical signal. These optical bit signals are then each converted to an electrical bit signal to form an electrical binary word.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: ENSCO Inc.Inventors: Edward N. Toughlian, Henry Zmuda
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Patent number: 6405141Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically measuring a railroad track condition using a railroad truck with metal track engaging wheels as a reference platform from which a line of sight reference plane spaced from the track is created. Measurements are successively taken between the track and the reference plane as the railroad truck moves along the track.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Ensco, Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Carr, Cameron D. Stuart
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Patent number: 6397130Abstract: The multi-sensor route detector system preferably consists of at least four sensors (three rail detectors and a truck angle detector), sensor power supplies, signal conditioning for the output of the sensors, and a computer performing pattern matching and logic functions to positively identify track features of interest. The system is not a stand-alone navigation system, but will interface with the rest of the vehicle navigation system and provide data over an interface. This data will include notification of passage of turnouts, whether or not the route changed through the turnout and possibly the type of turnout (i.e., number 6 left). From external sensors, the multi-sensor route detector will obtain a signal such as block distance pulse indicating distance traveled along the track. The best estimate of the vehicle position will also be sent to the multi-sensor route detector. Based on the present position, the multi-sensor route detector will access the appropriate turnout data from its internal database.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: ENSCO, Ltd.Inventors: Gary A. Carr, Brian E. Mee, J. Kevin Kesler, Boris Nejikovsky
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Patent number: 6370481Abstract: An apparatus and method for human presence detection in vehicles where a vehicle vibration sensor is provided to sense vehicle vibration. This vibration signal is processed to obtain a measure of vehicle vibration independent of vehicle damping. Also, a seismic sensor senses ground vibrations in the area of the vehicle simultaneously with the sensing of vehicle vibration, and if the ground vibration exceeds a first threshold, the measure of vehicle vibration is discarded. Similarly, an infrasonic sensor may be used to sense infrasonic wind vibrations adjacent to the vehicle simultaneously with the sensing of vehicle vibration. When the infrasonic vibration within a desired frequency range exceeds a second threshold value, the measure of vehicle vibration is discarded.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Ensco, Inc.Inventor: Thomas D. Gamble
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Patent number: 6236709Abstract: The continuous, high speed, tomographic imaging system moves a closed package containing concealed objects continuously along a conveyor belt past three spaced sensing stations. At each sensing station a plurality of X-ray sources each emit a fan beam in the same scan plane which passes through the package to a plurality of detectors opposite to the X-ray sources. One scan is a vertical perpendicular scan plane relative to the direction of travel of the package along the conveyor belt and the remaining two scan planes are horizontal scan planes at right angles and transverse to the direction of travel. One horizontal scan plane is a left to right scan plane while the remaining scan plane is a right to left scan plane. Each detector provides multiple energy outputs (5) for the same data point in a scan slice, and the detector outputs are stored until all three sensing stations have scanned the same cross sectional view of the package in three directions.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Ensco, Inc.Inventors: John L. Perry, Thomas D. Gamble
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Patent number: 6048135Abstract: A mobile offshore drilling unit includes a hull member having an opening of predetermined size for receiving a separately fabricated, interchangeable, rig block, which further includes a draw works, a drilling floor, a diesel driver, an electric generator, a derrick, and at least one each of a mud pump, mud tank, a fuel tank, and a drilling water tank. The method of constructing such a unit includes constructing the hull member at a marine shipyard and fabricating the interchangeable rig block at a remote location. The rig block is constructed with the main deck having a drilling floor and mounting a draw works thereon; constructing a machinery deck with a diesel driver, an electric generator, and at least one mud pump; and constructing a tank deck with at least one each of a fuel tank and a water tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Ensco International IncorporatedInventors: Frank B. Williford, Thomas C. Baucke
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Patent number: 5903341Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting and sorting agricultural products which includes launching each product individually from an input transport unit with substantially no change in speed or direction across a gap to an output transport unit. Fixed line scan camera and photocell units are mounted at spaced intervals around the gap to simultaneously optically line scan in the same plane the surfaces of the product. A plurality of simultaneous line scans are sequentially taken at intervals timed to the speed of the input transport unit as the product travels across the gap, and data obtained from the sequential line scans is used to determine the size, shape, weight, color and other characteristics of the product. The product is graded based upon this characteristics and is sorted based upon its grade by a mechanical sorting unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: ENSCO, Inc.Inventors: John L. Perry, Thomas D. Gamble, David D. Doda
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Patent number: 5855455Abstract: A submersible/semi-submersible dry lift carrier for transporting a jack-up drilling rig in a body of water includes a hull, a deck, at least one stability column, and a plurality of ballast compartments capable of being flooded and emptied for lowering and raising the carrier. The carrier further includes at least three leg wells, each well sized and spaced for receiving a leg from a jack-up drilling rig, and each of said wells comprising a vertical passageway having a first end opening through the deck and a second end opening through the bottom of the hull. The carrier further includes at least three pinning receptacles, each receptacle sized and spaced for receiving a spud can and leg from a jack-up drilling rig. In operation, the dry lift carrier is partially submerged by flooding the ballast compartments and then positioned beneath the floating jack-up rig. The carrier is de-ballasted thereby lifting the jack-up rig from a floating "wet" mode to a "dry" mode on the deck of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Ensco International, Inc.Inventors: Frank B. Williford, Thomas C. Baucke
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Patent number: 5791063Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for accurately locating a train or a track repair vehicle along the track, or to locate accurately a track defect. When measuring track geometry, i.e. gage, cross level, warp, the measuring device moves foot by foot along the track and senses and stores a historical profile of various track geometry parameters. The historical profile is stored in a form usable in a processor in the geometry measuring equipment on a train or repair vehicle. The vehicle is run for a set distance to generate a real time profile which is correlated with the historical profile to get a match and a starting location. Then the vehicle proceeds foot by foot correlating the real time profile with the historical one so that an exact location on a specific track can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Ensco, Inc.Inventors: John K. Kesler, Robert J. McCown, Thomas D. Gamble, Brian E. Mee
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Patent number: 5452222Abstract: An electromagnetic test system induces large current pulses in a component of a system under test. The pulse waveform may be selectively varied, and possible waveforms include square wave pulse, double exponential, and damped sinusoid waveforms. In a preferred embodiment, these waveforms are generated by simultaneously triggering a plurality of modular signal injector units having ferrite cores hinged to permit positioning of a system component under test (such as a cable or antenna) along their central axes without disturbing connections of the tested component within its system. The injector units are resonance tuned to induce a particular signal in the component under test when triggered, and the modular construction of the system permits selective connection of different injector units to provide different desired total induced signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1992Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Ensco, Inc.Inventors: Robert Gray, Leedy Ambrose, Diane C. Jentilet
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Patent number: 5233932Abstract: A shredding and feeding system for an incinerator, wherein a shredding chamber is isolated from atmosphere by means of an airlock through which material to be incinerated passes into the shredding chamber. The oxygen content of the shredding chamber is maintained below a predetermined level to minimize risk of explosions and premature incineration of material.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Ensco, Inc.Inventor: James C. Robertson
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Patent number: 5141051Abstract: A connectable and releasable wet connect for transmitting electrical signals in a well drill string includes retrievable coacting telescoping male and female electrical connectors. A check valve allows downward passage of fluid through the drill string but prevents the upward flow of fluid. A check valve includes a valve seat surrounding the male member having shoulders for holding the seat in a drill string and sealing with a drill string. The check valve includes a valve element slidably and sealingly engaging the male member and sealingly engagable with the valve seat for blocking upward flow through the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1992Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Ensco Technology CompanyInventor: Robert A. Lenhart
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Patent number: 5131464Abstract: A connectable and releasable electrical wet connect for transmitting electrical signals in a well drill string includes retrievable coacting telescoping male and female member electrical connectors. The male member includes a support shoulder for supporting the wet connect in the drill string, a passageway for the flow of fluids, an electrical contact, a tapered and insulating seal and a fishing shoulder. The female member includes a telescopically engageable electrical receptacle, and a tapered and insulating female seal. The wet connect telescopically connects and disconnects in the drill string and electrically isolates the electrical signal transmitted through the wet connect from the fluid in the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1991Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Ensco Technology CompanyInventors: Robert A. Lenhart, Allen K. Rives
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Patent number: 5107939Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a directional well by running and setting a retrievable steering tool in the drill pipe with a wireline conductor and removable supporting the upper end of the conductor from a fluid passing support seated on the shoulder inside the drill string. Telescopically inserting a single piece conductor wire into the drill pipe from the outside through a non-rotatable connection and into the drill string for raising the lowering the lower end of the single piece conductor in a telescopically and sealingly engaging connection to the wireline electrical conductor for transmitting communication from the steering tool to the well surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1991Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: Ensco Technology CompanyInventors: Robert A. Lenhart, Allen K. Rives
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Patent number: 5036594Abstract: The crosslevel measuring adapter includes a battery-powered electronic level sensor, a processor unit, a display, and data, display and power switches mounted in a housing through which an inclination measuring bar passes. The adapter unit may be mounted anywhere intermediate the ends of the bar which engage spaced railroad tracks during a measurement cycle. When the power switch is activated, the adapter initiates a zero mode to determine an automatic zero offset value to be automatically applied to subsequent crosslevel measurement values. The adapter calculates warp and crosslevel index values from a plurality of crosslevel measurements, and if the warp or crosslevel index values exceed respective threshold levels, automatic display of the value is initiated. Otherwise, measured crosslevel values are automatically displayed and calculated values are displayed by activation of the display switch.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1990Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Assignee: Ensco, Inc.Inventors: John K. Kesler, William L. Jordan