Patents by Inventor Carl W. Embry
Carl W. Embry 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).
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Publication number: 20240111031Abstract: Methods and systems for improved inspection, measurements, mapping, monitoring, and trending of underwater infrastructure that contains or are located in fluids, and/or that is difficult to access. The methods and systems include a housing containing a light source, a hollow core motor, a reflector, and a pressure tolerant window. The light source is disposed to pass output light along a path that passes through an axis of rotation of the hollow core motor to the reflector. The reflector rotates about the axis of rotation of the motor and operates to reflect the light at an angle to the rotation axis. In at least some embodiments, the light is passed through a full 360 degrees about the axis of rotation. The described methods and devices utilize one or more non-touch underwater optical system (including laser systems) for underwater equipment and infrastructure inspection, measurements, mapping, monitoring, trending, and maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Jeremy D. Swedberg, Dominic M. Florin, Nelson Diaz, Neil Manning
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Publication number: 20230393271Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Ian Roberts
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Patent number: 11774586Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: 3D AT DEPTH, INC.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Ian Roberts
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Publication number: 20220128693Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring underwater structures are provided. First and second sets of point cloud data that are obtained at different times are compared to determine whether the location of the underwater structure has changed. For detecting vibration, a series of range measurements taken along a line intersecting the underwater structure are compared to one another to determine an amplitude and frequency of any vibration present in the underwater structure. For detecting temperature, the ratio of different components of return signals obtained from a point in the water surrounding the underwater structure is measured to derive the temperature of the water. Leak detection can be performed by scanning areas around the underwater structure. Monitoring systems can include a primary receiver for range measurements, and first and second temperature channel receivers for temperature measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Mark Hardy, Brett Nickerson, Neil Manning
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Publication number: 20220102018Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for improved inspection, measurements, monitoring, and tracking of equipment installed underwater. They include structures or equipment installed in a nuclear reactor and fuel storage pools. This includes, but is not limited to an entire nuclear reactor pool, an entire nuclear reactor, fuel assemblies, fuel assembly identification numbers, core barrels, core plates, lower internals, upper internals, fuel transfer systems, alignment pins, baffle walls, former baffle assemblies, vessels, instrument ports, coolant tubes, spent fuel pools, dry cask storage areas, weir gates, steam dryers, steam separators, top guides, jet pumps, inside and outside of pipes, and weld seams. The described methods and devices increase the performance and integrity of the inspection and measurements during nuclear refuel, inspection or outage activities.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Feldon M. Barlow, SR., Jonathan M. Banks, Yann Morel
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Patent number: 11249193Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring underwater structures are provided. First and second sets of point cloud data that are obtained at different times are compared to determine whether the location of the underwater structure has changed. For detecting vibration, a series of range measurements taken along a line intersecting the underwater structure are compared to one another to determine an amplitude and frequency of any vibration present in the underwater structure. For detecting temperature, the ratio of different components of return signals obtained from a point in the water surrounding the underwater structure is measured to derive the temperature of the water. Leak detection can be performed by scanning areas around the underwater structure. Monitoring systems can include a primary receiver for range measurements, and first and second temperature channel receivers for temperature measurements.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Mark Hardy, Brett Nickerson, Neil Manning
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Publication number: 20210382171Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Ian Roberts
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Patent number: 11125875Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Ian Roberts
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Publication number: 20210141085Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning objects in underwater environments are provided. The geolocation of a target for an object is determined, and a light source provided as part of a positioning system is operated to project a visible target at that location. The determination of the target location relative to the positioning system can include determining a location of the positioning system using information obtained from a laser system included in the positioning system. The light source used to project the visible target can be the same as a light source included in the laser system. A location of an object relative to the target location can be tracked by the laser system as the object is being moved towards the target location. The described methods and systems utilize one or more non-touch subsea optical systems, including but not limited to laser systems, for underwater infrastructure installation, measurements and monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Derek D. Pierce, Mark Hardy
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Patent number: 10871567Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning objects in underwater environments are provided. The geolocation of a target for an object is determined, and a light source provided as part of a positioning system is operated to project a visible target at that location. The determination of the target location relative to the positioning system can include determining a location of the positioning system using information obtained from a laser system included in the positioning system. The light source used to project the visible target can be the same as a light source included in the laser system. A location of an object relative to the target location can be tracked by the laser system as the object is being moved towards the target location. The described methods and systems utilize one or more non-touch subsea optical systems, including but not limited to laser systems, for underwater infrastructure installation, measurements and monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: 3D AT DEPTH, INC.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Derek D. Pierce, Mark Hardy
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Patent number: 10698112Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring underwater structures are provided. First and second sets of point cloud data that are obtained at different times are compared to determine whether the location of the underwater structure has changed. For detecting vibration, a series of range measurements taken along a line intersecting the underwater structure are compared to one another to determine an amplitude and frequency of any vibration present in the underwater structure. For detecting temperature, the ratio of different components of return signals obtained from a point in the water surrounding the underwater structure is measured to derive the temperature of the water. Leak detection can be performed by scanning areas around the underwater structure. Monitoring systems can include a primary receiver for range measurements, and first and second temperature channel receivers for temperature measurements.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Mark Hardy, Brett Nickerson, Neil Manning
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Publication number: 20200124722Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Ian Roberts
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Patent number: 10545233Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Derek D. Pierce, Julian Peter Rickards, Cory S. Moore
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Publication number: 20200011992Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Derek D. Pierce, Julian Peter Rickards, Cory S. Moore
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Patent number: 10502829Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Derek D. Pierce, Julian Peter Rickards, Cory S. Moore
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Publication number: 20190219701Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring underwater structures are provided. First and second sets of point cloud data that are obtained at different times are compared to determine whether the location of the underwater structure has changed. For detecting vibration, a series of range measurements taken along a line intersecting the underwater structure are compared to one another to determine an amplitude and frequency of any vibration present in the underwater structure. For detecting temperature, the ratio of different components of return signals obtained from a point in the water surrounding the underwater structure is measured to derive the temperature of the water. Leak detection can be performed by scanning areas around the underwater structure. Monitoring systems can include a primary receiver for range measurements, and first and second temperature channel receivers for temperature measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Mark Hardy, Brett Nickerson, Neil Manning
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Publication number: 20190011552Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for improved location of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by the system even in conditions that make optical metrology techniques impossible or impractical.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Derek D. Pierce, Julian Peter Rickards, Cory S. Moore
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Publication number: 20190011565Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning objects in underwater environments are provided. The geolocation of a target for an object is determined, and a light source provided as part of a positioning system is operated to project a visible target at that location. The determination of the target location relative to the positioning system can include determining a location of the positioning system using information obtained from a laser system included in the positioning system. The light source used to project the visible target can be the same as a light source included in the laser system. A location of an object relative to the target location can be tracked by the laser system as the object is being moved towards the target location. The described methods and systems utilize one or more non-touch subsea optical systems, including but not limited to laser systems, for underwater infrastructure installation, measurements and monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Derek D. Pierce, Mark Hardy
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Publication number: 20180321385Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring underwater structures are provided. First and second sets of point cloud data that are obtained at different times are compared to determine whether the location of the underwater structure has changed. For detecting vibration, a series of range measurements taken along a line intersecting the underwater structure are compared to one another to determine an amplitude and frequency of any vibration present in the underwater structure. For detecting temperature, the ratio of different components of return signals obtained from a point in the water surrounding the underwater structure is measured to derive the temperature of the water. Leak detection can be performed by scanning areas around the underwater structure. Monitoring systems can include a primary receiver for range measurements, and first and second temperature channel receivers for temperature measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Applicant: 3D at Depth, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Embry, Mark Hardy, Brett Nickerson, Neil Manning
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Patent number: 7405834Abstract: An imaging method and associated system for producing high-resolution images. The method includes illuminating an object or scene with coherent radiation such as beams from a laser and then, collecting scattered light with a plurality of subapertures rather than a single large aperture. The method continues with coherently detecting, such as with heterodyne detection, the scattered light to measure the complex amplitude incident on each subaperture and digitally reconstructing images from the coherently detected light for the subapertures. Then digital co-phasing is performed on the subapertures using an image sharpness or quality metric to form an image having the resolution of the total subaperture area. The method may also include determining an aimpoint in the formed image, calculating a phase screen, directing laser beams through the subapertures towards the aimpoint, and co-phasing the laser beams by applying the phase screen to form a single beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Joseph C. Marron, Carl W. Embry, AnnMarie Oien, Duane D. Smith, J. Alex Thomson, James Pete Tucker, Samuel G. L. Williams