Patents Assigned to Smart Structures, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8596136
    Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes an embeddable antenna assembly as well as a sensor package that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna provides wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided, and life cycle monitoring is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Richard Hecht
  • Publication number: 20120107056
    Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes an embeddable antenna assembly as well as a sensor package that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna provides wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided, and life cycle monitoring is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SMART STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Richard Hecht
  • Patent number: 8091432
    Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes one or more embeddable antenna assemblies as well as sensor packages that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna(s) provide wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Smart Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Richard Hecht
  • Patent number: 8061037
    Abstract: A method for casting monitored pilings and a pour diverter used in connection with the method is provided. The method includes positioning a plurality of pile strands in a form, and then connecting a suspension assembly having at least one sensor to at least one of the pile strands so that the at least one sensor is located in a piling core area. A pour diverter, having a generally V-shaped configuration, is positioned over the suspension assembly. Concrete is poured into the form over the pour diverter so that a flow of the concrete into the form is split and flows down on either side of the suspension assembly until the at least one sensor is covered. The pour diverter is then removed to finish the casting. Preferably, provisions are provided on the pour diverter for holding or covering an antenna assembly during the pour, prior to it being placed into the concrete forming the piling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Smart Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Hecht
  • Publication number: 20110115639
    Abstract: A pile having first and second strain gauges installed in the piling core near and at the piling tip is provided. The second strain gauge is placed co-linear and at a known and controlled distance up the pile from the first strain gauge. Independent strain gauge measurements are made and transmitted to a controller, which receives signals from the strain gauges and compares them to static pre-stress levels that are initially established after casting and prior to pile installation. The dynamic force measurements are checked against expected ranges to assess pile tip integrity as well as other parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: SMART STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventor: Kurt Hecht
  • Publication number: 20100092247
    Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes one or more embeddable antenna assemblies as well as sensor packages that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna(s) provide wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: SMART STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Richard Hecht
  • Patent number: 7637166
    Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes one or more embeddable antenna assemblies as well as sensor packages that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna(s) provide wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Smart Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Richard Hecht
  • Publication number: 20070151103
    Abstract: A method for casting monitored pilings and a pour diverter used in connection with the method is provided. The method includes positioning a plurality of pile strands in a form, and then connecting a suspension assembly having at least one sensor to at least one of the pile strands so that the at least one sensor is located in a piling core area. A pour diverter, having a generally V-shaped configuration, is positioned over the suspension assembly. Concrete is poured into the form over the pour diverter so that a flow of the concrete into the form is split and flows down on either side of the suspension assembly until the at least one sensor is covered. The pour diverter is then removed to finish the casting. Preferably, provisions are provided on the pour diverter for holding or covering an antenna assembly during the pour, prior to it being placed into the concrete forming the piling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: SMART STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventor: Kurt Hecht
  • Publication number: 20060021447
    Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring data related to the manufacture, installation and/or life cycle of concrete structures, such as pilings, as well as related system components and methods for tracking, storing and accessing such data is provided. The system utilizes one or more embeddable antenna assemblies as well as sensor packages that are installed in the concrete structure form before casting. The antenna(s) provide wireless communication of the data from the structure. On board memory is also provided to store structure related data with the structure. A system for tracking a pile during driving is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Smart Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Richard Hecht