Patents by Inventor Benjamin M. Blandford

Benjamin M. Blandford 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).

  • Patent number: 12146859
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as an air pocket, delamination, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting foreign objects within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each object area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
  • Patent number: 12146858
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
  • Publication number: 20240342895
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to supports for robotic arms, and more specifically to portable, deployable supports for robotic arms for use in nondestructive testing. The robotic arm support of the present invention includes retractable extensions configured to collapse into a robotic arm mount. The extensions include suction cups for attachment, unattachment, and reattachment of the mount to a surface. The robotic arm mount includes a cavity into which a robotic arm is inserted and secured to conduct nondestructive testing of specimens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blandford, Gary Georgeson, Nathaniel J. Blackman
  • Publication number: 20240329008
    Abstract: A sensor array housing device includes an enclosed couplant housing section between a linear array of transducers or coils and a test object. The linear array is particularly suited for sectoral scanning of a test object. Interior surfaces of the couplant housing section include a plurality of ridges for mitigating the impact of reflected side lobes on scan data. The sensor array housing device includes a plurality of retained articulating balls, configured to allow the sensor array housing device to move omnidirectionally across a surface of the test object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blandford, David A. Jack, Irrtisum Khan, Gary Georgeson, Nathaniel J. Blackman
  • Publication number: 20240329002
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting and characterizing wrinkles within a test object utilizing ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT). The system includes a phased-array ultrasonic probe having multiple elements, wherein the elements of the phased-array are able to be manipulated to change the steering angle relative to the surface of the test object of a focused beam produced by the phrased-array ultrasonic probe. Alternatively, the system is able to include an ultrasonic transducer operable to be physically rotated with respect to the surface of the test object. By changing the steering angle of the probe, the device performs a sectorial scan providing for improved resolution of wrinkles within the test object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blandford, Gary Georgeson, Irrtisum Khan, David A. Jack
  • Publication number: 20240302328
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to nondestructive testing of objects, and more specifically to a system for nondestructive testing of an object using a robotic arm. The end effector of the robotic arm is equipped with an arrangement of paired, angled transducers and an orthogonal transducer configured to scan an object using multiple wavelengths of ultrasonic sound waves. Multiple scans of a test object are taken as the object is rotated and the scans are then wirelessly transmitted to a user device or a remote server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zach King, Paul Hill, Luke Bach, Greg Power, Jesse Georgius, Calvin Bunge, Preston Germain, Kyle Stork, Larry Culbertson, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Gary Georgeson
  • Publication number: 20240288455
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-destructive testing system including a tablet without modular, interchangeable inspection cards for performing inspections with different end effectors and/or performing different types of inspections with the same end effectors. The modular, interchangeable inspection cards are easily removable and attached to a external rear face of the tablet, or inserted into a port extending into the tablet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Gary Georgeson
  • Patent number: 12072315
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
  • Patent number: 12055519
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system is capable of producing A-scans, B-scans, and C-scans of the test object and automatically highlighting potential foreign objects within the test object based on the scan data. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of displaying a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. In one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence module capable of highlighting foreign objects in order to provide size data, shape data, and/or depth data of the foreign object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Benjamin M. Blandford
  • Patent number: 11933763
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a cylindrical part is provided. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to emit ultrasonic waves into and receive ultrasonic waves from the part, with the ultrasonic transducer connected to a translation stage to move it up and down the part and around the circumference of the part. The apparatus does not mechanically contact the cylindrical or maintains contact only with soft elements, such that the apparatus does not damage sensitive parts. The apparatus also contains no magnetic parts, nor any elements that rely on magnetic detection, such that the apparatus is capable of being used in the vicinity of a part exhibiting a strong magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Ronald Eugene Nadeau, Ian Gravagne, Pruthul Kokkada Ravindranath
  • Publication number: 20240085381
    Abstract: A phased array housing device includes a transducer housing section, including a linear phased array of transducer elements, and a couplant housing section, including one or more couplants. The linear phased array is able to translate across the length of the transducer housing section to simulate the results of a two-dimensional matrix of transducer elements. Some versions of the linear phased array attach to a pivot point after reaching an end of the transducer housing section such that the linear phased array is able to rotate and scan in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Gary Georgeson
  • Patent number: 11860131
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system with an ultrasonic transducer housing assembly that maintains an acoustic coupling path for spherically focused transducers while allowing the placement of the housing at angles relative to a vertical angle. This invention extends the use of spherically focused transducers into portable systems with significantly reduced system and operational costs for non-destructive testing. The transducer housing assembly features a lens housing with an opening that is sealed with a replaceable fluid-tight membrane defining an acoustic window with acoustic properties similar to those of fluid in the housing and therefore at least translucent to the transducer and causing minimal signal loss. The housing contains minimal fluid to be cleaned up in case of improper use or leakage. The transducer housing also includes an optional surface offset and an ability to adjust the focal point of the transducer relative to the component surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Kayla P. Garrett, Douglas E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230408453
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as an air pocket, delamination, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting foreign objects within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each object area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
  • Publication number: 20230400377
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus including a first central base attached to a second central base, connected by a bridge, with a space defined between the two central bases. The first central base and the second central base are each attached to a plurality of wheels extending into the space between the two central bases, with the plurality of wheels configured to translate the apparatus along a rotorcraft blade. The first central base and/or the second central base include a recess configured to receive a connection arm attached to a non-destructive scanning device. The apparatus is able to be used for ultrasonic, radiographic, eddy current, thermographic, acoustic, or visual non-destructive testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Gary Georgeson
  • Patent number: 11835484
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a cylindrical part is provided. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to emit ultrasonic waves into and receive ultrasonic waves from the part, with the ultrasonic transducer connected to a translation stage to move it up and down the part and around the circumference of the part. The apparatus does not mechanically contact the cylindrical or maintains contact only with soft elements, such that the apparatus does not damage sensitive parts. The apparatus also contains no magnetic parts, nor any elements that rely on magnetic detection, such that the apparatus is capable of being used in the vicinity of a part exhibiting a strong magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Pruthul Kokkada Ravindranath, Nathaniel J. Blackman, Daniel Pulipati, Ian Gravagne
  • Publication number: 20230358708
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman
  • Publication number: 20230288373
    Abstract: A system and method for determining fiber orientation within a layered composite using an eddy current probe is discussed. The eddy current probe includes an array of coils that are excited such that an effective pole of the end effector of the probe moves in a ring pattern. The eddy current probe is moved across the surface of a part such that a two-dimensional scan of the part is generated, analogous to a C-scan in ultrasonic testing. The eddy current probe is able to be used to determine the fiber orientation of a layered composite material by scanning at a single point on the material. The eddy current data is able to be fused with data from an ultrasonic transducer to produce a comprehensive view of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Gravagne, David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Matthew Newton, Gary Georgeson, Tonoy Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 11754529
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford
  • Publication number: 20230280310
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Verifi Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, William Minnie, Benjamin M. Blandford
  • Patent number: 11726065
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as an air pocket, delamination, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting foreign objects within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each object area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: VERIFI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Jack, Benjamin M. Blandford, Nathaniel J. Blackman