Patents Assigned to ULC Robotics, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9714852
    Abstract: A gas flow test apparatus and method include a flow monitor that is selectively connectable to a gas pipeline. An air motor driven regenerative blower is used to increase the flow of gas through the around a blockage in the pipeline to simulate an increased gas loading condition on the intake side of the apparatus. The gas drawn from the intake side is not vented to the atmosphere, but rather, is discharged to the exhaust side of the apparatus back into the pipeline. Pipeline pressure is measured on the intake side of the apparatus to ensure that gas supply is adequate for blocking off the pipeline for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: ULC Robotics, Inc., National Grid USA Service Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Moore, Mike McGrade, Serafino Catapano, Robert Kodadek, III, G. Gregory Penza, Hermann Herrlich, Griffin Reames, Joseph M. Vitelli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599571
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Patent number: 9328858
    Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a pipeline includes a flexible elongate member having a first end and including a conduit having an intake port proximate the first end for receiving the liquid. The system also includes a camera arrangement attached to the first end of the flexible elongate member, and a connection arrangement disposed between the camera arrangement and the first end of the flexible elongate member. The connection arrangement including at least one opening in fluid communication with the intake port such that the liquid can pass through the opening and into the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr
  • Patent number: 9261426
    Abstract: A testing system and method for performing integrity testing in a gas piping system include using a motorized pump to pressurize the piping system. A pressure sensor is used for measuring the pressure in the piping system, and an input device receives inputs from an operator related to a test to be performed. An output device is provided for communicating information to the operator. A control system includes at least one controller and is configured to: control the pump to pressurize the piping system to a predetermined pressure, receive inputs from the pressure sensor, and output data related to the pressure of the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Ryan McGowan, Robert E. Kodadek, III
  • Publication number: 20140218501
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Publication number: 20140090481
    Abstract: A gas flow test apparatus and method include a flow monitor that is selectively connectable to a gas pipeline. An air motor driven regenerative blower is used to increase the flow of gas through the around a blockage in the pipeline to simulate an increased gas loading condition on the intake side of the apparatus. The gas drawn from the intake side is not vented to the atmosphere, but rather, is discharged to the exhaust side of the apparatus back into the pipeline. Pipeline pressure is measured on the intake side of the apparatus to ensure that gas supply is adequate for blocking off the pipeline for maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: National Grid USA Service Company, Inc., ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Moore, Mike McGrade, Serafino Catapano, Robert Kodadek, III, G. Gregory Penza, Hermann Herrlich, Griffin Reames, Joseph M. Vitelli, JR.
  • Patent number: 7940297
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Publication number: 20090244276
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Patent number: 7551197
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Patent number: 7235961
    Abstract: A method for managing corrosion of an underground structure includes placing an anode in the ground and electrically connecting it to the underground structure. Access to the ground is obtained through a container at least partially buried in the ground, such that the surface of the ground proximate the container does not need to be penetrated in order to position the anode. A hole is bored through a wall of the container to access the ground proximate the container. Material is removed from the ground to provide a location for the anode. The anode is placed in the ground and backfilled with an electrically conductive backfill. A wire leading from the anode is then terminated inside the container at an electrical connection with another electrical conductor connected to the underground structure. The lid is replaced on the container, and the entire process is performed without penetrating the surface of the ground proximate the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignees: ULC Robotics, Inc., Consolidated Edison Company of New York
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Joseph T. Mandara, Philip J. Fowles
  • Publication number: 20070051192
    Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition-for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: ULC Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich
  • Publication number: 20060239810
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a handheld tool to a bucket of a prime mover includes a first plate having an aperture therethrough. The aperture is configured to receive a fastener for attaching the first plate to the bucket. A second plate is disposed opposite the first plate, and includes a second aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener for attaching the second plate to the bucket. A support structure is attached to the first and second plates, and is configured to support the handheld tool. A first clamp is attached to the support structure, and sized to receive a portion of the handheld tool, thereby at least partially securing the handheld tool to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Applicants: ULC Robotics, Inc., Keyspan Corporation
    Inventors: G. Penza, George Lohr, Hermann Herrlich, Robert Chomicki, Anthony DeStefano